one mindanao - october 26, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Adviser :

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Cover Story

Hooray for KZRG Alama and Jay Alternado

Southern Mindanao

Photo Credits:RG Alama photos KZ Tandingan Facebook page

Today’s issue... Friday, October 26, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 52

page 4

President Aquino urges Australian businessmen to ‘ride the wave of optimism’ and invest in the Philippines 9

Eldie N. David, Caraga Region

Taguibo River as water quality management area proposed19PRO 13 gears up to elevate its performance 20 PO3 Zena Menioria Panaligan, Caraga Region

Timberland folks hail convergence caravan

ZAMSURECO II energizes four more barangays in Bayog

Noel Baguio-PGO DN, Northern Mindanao

Registrants crowd Comelec offices in South Cotabato23 Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Quiz show highlights National Statistics Month in Sarangani 24 Romina Robina , Central Mindanao

CSC establishes Contact Center ng BayanApipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao27

Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan, Western Mindanao

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Oroquieta schools conduct orientation on Child Protection PolicyZeresh Anne J. Bayubay, Northern Mindanao28

Friday, October 26, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO

Hooray for KZ

Her name is KZ Tandingan ( Kristine Zhenie Lobrigas Tandingan) she is a 20-year old biology graduate of the University of Southeastern Philippines. She bagged the first ever grand prize plum of X-Factor Philippines during the grand finals held last October 7, her feat also provided a P4-million prize package plus a recording contract with Star

Records. X-Factor Philippines is a national franchise of the world-renowned X-Factor reality singing competition which began in the United Kingdom, the country is the first X-Factor in the Southeast Asian region. ABS-CBN brought the rights to the franchise and launched a massive nationwide search marked by auditions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The singing competition aims to seek individuals with an undefinable factor that constitutes star quality. In the process individuals who passed the initial auditions will undergo a boot camp where they are filtered down to test their X-Factor. The judges will then become mentors for each category eventually choosing three individuals (for each

Her victory showed the rich landscape of musical

talent which this region has. Showing to many that in this place every nook and cranny yields a singing gem which could be among the best in the county.

by RG Alama and Jay Alternado

Friday, October 26, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO

category) in the boot camp which would become the show’s Top 20 finalists. ABS-CBN handpicked concert king Martin Nievera, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, international singing sensation Charice Pempengco and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales as the judges/mentors. KC Concepcion was chosen as the show’s host. KZ auditioned in Digos City where the Mindanao auditions were held which is incidentally her hometown, she impressed the judges and was handpicked for the boot camp eventually earning her a slot in the Top 20 where she is to be mentored under Charice. She emerged as the early favourite when she wowed the crowd and the judges with her jazzy rendition “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the Wizard of Oz, her performance of Roberta Flack’s “Killing me Softly

made her a household name. In fact her performance became an internet viral video when it was uploaded on You Tube earning 1-million visits, the video was subsequently taken down because of copyright issues . Her subsequent performances earned her raves among a wider audience even stars and celebrities like Sharon Cuneta lavished praises on her particularly in the micro-blogging site twitter.

Friday, October 26, 2012 6 ONE MINDANAO

KZ is a story of triumph over adversities, when she was a child, a polyp in her throat which hindered her vocal range. With singing as her passion she redeveloped her singing style instead of the usual birit or belting style of singing which has been the usual style of many singers, KZ developed a unique jazzy style of singing which well suited her vocal impediment. In her interviews KZ said that she wanted to prove that there is a place for singers like her and that talent competitions is not just belters or biriteras.

She initially auditioned for another nationwide talent competition but was rejected, until she gave X-Factor a try eventually blowing away the judges during the Digos audition and ultimately winning the first X-Factor Philippines grand plum. As for her immediate plans, KZ plans to use part of her prize money to repair their local church, the remaining part would be used as savings for the education of her siblings. She is looking forward in her foray to showbusiness adding that aside from singing she is open to give acting a try.

Friday, October 26, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATIONGovernment aggressively investing in people, Aquino says

President Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration has aggressively invested in people so that Filipinos don’t leave their families to work abroad and instead encourage those who left to

return home.Leaving overseas should be an

option not a necessity for the people, the President said during a business forum in Australia on Thursday.

To meet its goal, the government

increased the budget for education and healthcare since 2011, he said. In the proposed 2013 budget, the public will see substantial

8 Friday, October 26, 2012

increases in terms of spending for education and health, he added.

The President noted that from 63 percent, the government was able to achieve 85-percent national health insurance program coverage. As the administration increased the number of people covered, it also widened the number of diseases covered by the health plan.

“We believe our greatest resource is our people therefore the investments have to enable our people to seize the opportunities that would be coming,” the President said.

“Our mantra is inclusive growth. We also believe that direct intervention to accelerate the process of their being included in the growth of the economy is as important,” he said.

The Chief Executive also acknowledged the need to shift the focus of the government’s thrust from consumer-driven economy to investment-driven one.

“We would like to move that from consumer to investment driven and that is the focus of this administration, providing more and more opportunities for our countrymen at home. We are not doing that on a passive basis,” he stressed.

Currently, the President said there

are about 10 million Filipinos scattered around the world that the government has to protect if there are uncertainties.

According to the President, if overseas Filipino workers opt to go back, there are available reintegration programs being carried out by the government that include financial assistance, loans and livelihood training. PND (as)


President Aquino urges Australian businessmen to ‘ride the wave of optimism’ and invest in the Philippines

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday encouraged businessmen here to “ride the wave of optimism” and invest in the Philippines which, he said, has reeled from its previous

tag of being the ‘Sick Man of Asia’ to ‘Asia’s Next Tiger.’Speaking before a roomful of

audience at the Philippines-Australia business forum held at the Shangri La Hotel, President Aquino took pride at the positive comments made on the Philippines by several publications and analysts as well as the actions

taken by international credit ratings agencies in recent months.

“The Philippine economy has been turned around, and it is continuing to gain speed. And I am here today to invite you all to come along, and to be part of the Philippine story,” President

10 Friday, October 26, 2012

Aquino said.President Aquino announced

several opportunities which investors can take advantage of including infrastructure projects via the public-private partnership program and other ventures in the fields of business process outsourcing (BPO), shipbuilding, and mining, among others.

“We will be putting up more projects for bidding in our Public-Private Partnership program. Right now, there are around 21 projects in the pipeline, including the water supply project of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System worth 25 billion pesos,” the President said.

“Knowing just how many infrastructure builders and investors are here in Australia, might I invite all of you to study these projects, and, if the shoe fits, to work with us for our mutual benefit,” he added.

Recognizing that the BPO sector in the country has been the “force that

has buoyed the Philippine economy” for the past decade or so, the President vowed that his administration will keep working to provide industries the talent they need to continue and even expand their operations.

“Our ambition for our BPO sector is for it to be the world’s number one --not just in Voice BPO, but in other services higher up the value chain as well. I believe our workers have the talent to do it, and I invite your companies to come over and be part of it,” he said.

There are also opportunities in shipbuilding investments in the country especially after the President’s meeting with Austal, an Australian company which already has operations in the Philippines that specializes in the design and construction of aluminum vessels, earlier in the day.

“Considering our skilled work force and the sheer amount of coastline we have, perhaps it comes as no surprise that we have the fourth


largest shipbuilding industry in the world. I know that Austal has already made some investments in Cebu, and we are hoping for even more in the future,” he said.

President Aquino, also reiterated the potential of the mining industry in the Philippines given the estimated untapped mineral wealth amounting to 951 billion dollars. He said the Philippines wishes to take advantage of this wealth in the most equitable and environmentally -friendly manner.

“The issuance of Executive Order 79 earlier this year, which laid out the legal framework under which mining can be practiced in the Philippines, is putting an end to years where mining was often seen as an environmentally harmful and socially unacceptable industry,” the President said.

“Soon, we expect a bill to be passed through Congress that will make sure that the benefits of mining will be experienced, in an equitable manner, by all stakeholders —from the investors, to the government, and

to current and future generations of Filipinos,” he said.

According to the President, mining is an industry that is worth looking into, especially for Australian mining companies, who have the size, expertise, and global best practices to take on large, long-term developmental projects in the Philippines.

“Truly, opportunities abound in the Philippines. As President, I encourage all of you to ride the wave of optimism —to get on the next flight to our country, and to discover for yourselves what the Filipino can offer,” the President said.

“The first step can start right here, right now. I look forward to the contacts to be made between yourselves and my economic team. You will find them sensible, sincere, and efficient, and I believe they will do a good job in convincing you that it is not just more fun in the Philippines, but also more profitable,” he concluded. PND (hdc)

Friday, October 26, 2012ONE MINDANAO 12

President Aquino continues to reap praises for historic signing of GPH-MILF Framework Agreement

President Benigno S. Aquino III continues to reap praises from state leaders on the recent historic signing of the

Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In their respective speeches at the state dinner held Wednesday evening here, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Senator George Brandis both commended President Aquino for having reached a deal with the MILF.

“We applaud your leadership, Mr. President, in seeking to bring peace and stability to Mindanao… We congratulate you on reaching a Framework Peace Agreement with

the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Gillard said.

“We share your hope that a peace agreement will end this decades-long conflict and we will work with you and the people of Mindanao to ensure the benefits of peace are felt as real progress for all,” she added.

Mindanao is the recipient of around half of Australia’s development assistance to the Philippines, Gillard said, adding

Friday, October 26, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 13

President Aquino continues to reap praises for historic signing of GPH-MILF Framework Agreement

that their continuing projects there especially in the areas of education and social welfare are very vital.

“The work we are doing together particularly in education, training teachers, building classrooms, developing curriculum for Islamic and indigenous children, training out-of-school youths to give them an alternative to conflict, supporting social protection programs for the poorest families is vital to this end,” she said.

Brandis, for his part, stated that friends of the Philippines have also been encouraged by the peace deal signed earlier this month which they hope will finally bring an end to the long-running rebellion in the southern Philippines.

In a press briefing held earlier with Manila-based reporters, Philippine Ambassador Belen Anota mentioned that the Australian government even said the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement “can be used as a model for other peace processes in the region.”

“I think that’s a very good sign of Australia’s very strong support for us and a strong affirmation of the accomplishments of the President,” Anota said.

In a joint press statement issued by Prime Minister Gillard and President Aquino following their bilateral meeting, the two leaders agreed that it would now be important for the agreement to be fully implemented, resulting

in significant improvements to the security and prosperity of communities across the southern Philippines.

“Prime Minister Gillard congratulated President Aquino on the signing on 15 October 2012 of a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an insurgency movement in southern Philippines that entered into negotiations with the government in the late 90s. Both leaders hoped the Agreement would provide a basis for genuine, lasting peace in Mindanao,” the statement read.

Prime Minister Gillard and President Aquino, moreover, announced a development program to contribute to building peace and stability in Mindanao, by improving access to education through the BEAM-ARMM (Basic Education Assistance to Mindanao–Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) that will support the most disadvantaged conflict-affected communities.

“The program will introduce community-based education in remote communities, integrate health and hygiene programs in schools, develop technical and vocational training for out-of-school youth, and increase access to quality early childhood and basic education,” the statement said. (PNA)


DavNor crime volume down from last year

TAGUM CITY—Comparing last year’s third quarter report to this year, total crime volume in the province is down by 4.8 percent. The number of crimes from July to September this year totaled 379 which is more than four percent lower as against the recorded number in the same months last year, according to the report of the provincial police office to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) during the 3rd quarter meeting which Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario presided held recently at the Molave Hotel, Tagum City. The report of the police office headed by Senior Supt. Edgardo Wycoco showed a decrease of index

crimes from 317 to 195. Top three cases were theft, murder and robbery. For non-index crimes, there were 95 recorded violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, 26 were illegal gambling, and the rest were illegal logging, illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms related cases. Despite the increase in the non-index crimes if compared last year,

the province “remains peaceful and emerging as among the most favoured place for business-trade, tourism, and conventions in Davao Region,” the report said. “Criminality remains manageable and under control,” it added. Meanwhile, Gov. del Rosario urged council members for a stronger PPOC. “Strengthening this institution is becoming more imperative now that election is coming,” he said. “We want to maintain the past violence-free election in Davao del Norte.” In preparation for the elections, the police office, aside from the peace and order situation report, presented


Timberland folks hail convergence caravan TAGUM CITY- Residents of a tim-berland community in New Corella town greeted with warm reception the convergence outreach of the province that brought a torrent of government services to the area. Cecilia Cabuga, 65, was overwhelmed by the flurry of services feasted upon by throngs of people streaming to and from the one-stop caravan of services of the Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development mission in Barangay El Salvador. What baffled her more was the commanding presence of the governor, who personally oversaw the mission, bringing along with him the provincial officials and employees, together with army personnel and police officers. Cabuga has to endure the long walk from home just to have her painful inflammation of joints checked by the doctors. Tagging along with her were two of her grandchildren

who had cough and colds. Dako kaayo ang among nadaginot sa pag-anhi sa convergence (We have saved a lot of money and effort with this outreach program,” she said. Residents of this upland community have to shell hundreds of pesos just to get to the Poblacion about 30 kilometers away. Once again, about a thousand residents benefitted from the medical and social services of the 26th convergence outreach this year. As of September this year, the caravan of services has already served over 40,000 beneficiaries since its start in 2011. Aside from bridging the gap between the provincial government and its people due to physical distance, the program has also strengthened the partnership of the Capitol, the army, the police, LGUs, NGOs and other agencies, in serving far-flung and depressed areas.(Noel Baguio-PGO DN)

the deployment plan. PPOC also invited Atty. Gay Enumerables, provincial election supervisor, who discussed the election guidelines. Discussions were also made during the meeting on the anti-insurgency campaign presented by 1003rd Brigade Commander Lysander

Suerte and adoption of PAMANA projects by DILG Provincial Director Alex Roldan. Nine-million worth of projects will be soon implemented in the province under PAMANA, a program of the national government on peace and development.(Mera Grace E. Apuya/DavNor PIO)


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The bloodletting activity conducted recently at the Municipal Health Center of Siayan was a joint undertaking of the Philippine Red Cross, Zamboanga del Norte and the Local Government Unit of the said municipality. It was performed by personnel of the Municipal Health Center led

by Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Raymund Nadela and PRC Medical Technologist Gregorio Nayre Jr. Nayre said the blood collected from donors will be used by patients suffering from anemia, hemophilia, those undergoing operation, giving birth, and those affected with dengue.

PRC holds blood letting activity in SiayanBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY — More or less 25 individuals have participated in a one-day blood letting activity recently held in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte.


ByBernadine Astillero-Gabawan

BAYOG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – The Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II) formally energized on Thursday, October 18, 2012 four more barangays of Bayog, this province. It was a dream come true for the barangay folks of Matin-ao, Balukbahan, Sigacad and Deporehan to finally see the “light” after long years of darkness. The energization of these hard-to-reach barangays was made possible through the congressional funds of 2nd District Representative Hon. Aurora E. Cerilles. The switch-on ceremony was attended by Congresswoman Cerilles, Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr., Hon. Celso Matias with Neva

Jean Gorra, barangay officials and local residents, together with Engr. Renie Helar, ZAMSURECO II Power-Use Supervisor. After the ceremony, Cerilles distributed school supplies, slippers and vitamins to the day care and elementary pupils, as well as secondary students of recipient barangays to include barangays Bobuan and Canoayan. To date, out of the 28 barangays of the municipality, only barangay Dagum remains unenergized.

ZAMSURECO II energizes four more barangays in Bayog

“We need to conduct regular blood letting activity, because we really don’t know when we need it. All over the world, every two minutes one person needs blood, that’s why we need to have ready supply of it,” Nayre said. “Blood transfusion is a medication process which could not be manufactured. This could be done only if we have blood donors,” Nayre added. “Blood donors are considered modern-day heroes, because of their concern to share their blood to save other’s lives, he said. The potential blood donor should be -17-65 years old, weighing not less than 110 pounds or 50 kilograms; blood pressure should

be 110-130 systolic, 70-90 diastolic and 50-100 pulse beat per minute However, a person is temporarily barred from donating blood if he is sick with capillaria; or have already donated blood in the past 3 months; and has taken in alcoholic drinks in the past 24 hours and those who have recently undergone operation. Nayre clarified that a person cannot donate blood if he/she is suffering from cancer, cardiac arrest, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, severe long disease, chronic alcoholism, and filariasis. He cited the free examination of blood pressure; and other laboratory tests as some of the benefits that a person gets from donating his blood.


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Surigao del Sur observes National Correctional Consciousness Weekby Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur ---The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Surigao del Sur District Jail-Tandag held a motorcade early morning today as an opening salvo for the weeklong celebration of the 18th National Correctional Consciousness Week and Prison Awareness Week. In a statement, the agency said a series of activities are set to be conducted like sports fest, Search for Talentadong Inmate, interfaith activities, legal counselling and

many more joined by the inmates during the observance of the twin celebration. A program aimed to raise public awareness for the celebration will be


held at the SDS District Jail-Tandag right after the motorcade. Likewise, the program also aims to educate the community that these prisoners are also human and have their individual rights to be respected, and encourage them to participate in the rehabilitation of

inmates. The celebration is set to culminate on October 28, the inmates’ “Family day” at the same time. The event will be highlighted with a search for “Miss Macho Gay 2012.”

Taguibo River as water quality management area proposedby Eldie N. DavidBUTUAN CITY --The Sangguniang members approved SP Resolution recommending to the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau Region 13 (EMB-13) the designation of Taguibo River as Water Quality Management Area. This is pursuant to Republic Act 9275, otherwise known as The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. Taguibo River is a potable source of water supply in the city of Butuan. As stated in the resolution, the present condition of the Taguibo River and its tributaries requires serious protection and management actions by the local government and several stakeholders located within the watershed so as to

ensure the river system’s sustainability and generate maximum benefits and welfare for the citizenry, the community, and other industries. After several meetings and consultations and with the acknowledgment of recognizing and considering the importance of the Taguibo River and its latent contributions to social and economic development and interests of its


citizens and the community as a whole, the city government of Butuan created and operationalized a Local Water Quality Task Force to achieve sustainable development. The SP unanimously approved the said resolution in its aim of protecting and preserving the Taguibo Watershed. The protection of the

Taguibo Watershed is one of the advocacies of Fortun even before he became a public servant. Recently, Fortun authored the Watershed Code of Butuan City which also aims to protect not only the Taguibo Watershed but also the other watersheds in the city.

PRO 13 gears up to elevate its performanceby PO3 Zena Menioria Panaligan

BUTUAN CITY -- Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 has launched a seminar on Integrated Transformation Program-Performance Governance System here to improve its performance in the delivery of police services. The first phase of the seminar was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion. PSupt Susan Jalla, chief of Regional Crime Laboratory 13 and secretariat of Performance Governance System, discussed the importance of the PNP individual scorecard. Scorecards are tools used to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the personnel’s job description based on the current thrusts, plans and programs of the PNP, including budgetary requirements that hold every officer accountable for his/her performance.

Jalla also said that in order to resolve organizational dysfunctions, all PNP personnel should know and understand their work. She also presented sample of scorecards as basis for making an individual scorecard of personnel assigned at Police Regional Office 13. “Police officers are encouraged to support the worthwhile advocacy of the Chief PNP as the latter has been giving emphasis on the integrated transformation program,” Jalla said. On October 23, another set of working force from PRO 13 will participate in the second phase of the seminar.


PRO 13 gears up to elevate its performance South Cotabato completes ambulance donation to PHL Red CrossBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Early this year, the provincial government of South Cotabato in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross national headquarters turned over a rescue ambulance to Philippine Red Cross – South Cotabato chapter but the initiative was not fully consummated.


At the launching of the Barangay Disaster Action Team (BDAT) and Red Cross 143 here last October 20, the donation was finally completed with the LGU paying its contribution to the project.

As a highlight to the event, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. handed a check amounting to P896,860.42 to PRC chairman and chief executive officer Richard Gordon, who was here as guest of honor of the event and the local chapter’s election of officers.

Gov. Pingoy explained the amount constituted South Cotabato government’s counterpart for the purchase of the vehicle.

The other half, he said, was charged against the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of then Sen. Gordon.

Pingoy said, the partnership began in a conversation with the senator inside a plane.

“I asked him how we could avail of an ambulance. Right there, he committed to give us one.

“A few months after, the rescue ambulance was delivered to us, even before we could pay our counterpart, which is 50 percent of the vehicle’s cost,” Pingoy recalled.

PRC-South Cotabato chapter administrator Dixie Villar confirmed the vehicle is their first rescue ambulance.

It is a Ford Ranger complete with tools and equipment to conduct rescue operations in times of calamities, accidents, and disasters.

At the event, the provincial government and PRC also distributed first aid kits -- with medical supplies, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, forceps and other tools – to 199 barangays in

the province. During his speech,

Gordon underscored volunteerism as an important factor in saving lives in time of disasters as a consequence of climate change and other life-threatening incidents.

In line with the Red Cross 143 program, he also encouraged villages to form volunteer groups of 44 members.

“You have the power over life and death and the privilege to help save the lives of your fellowmen,” he told BDAT volunteers present during the event.

He also promised to give an aluminum boat to the local Red Cross chapter for use in rescue operations and training.


Registrants crowd Comelec offices in South CotabatoBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- As expected, Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices across South Cotabato are crowded by residents trying to beat the last few days of voters’ registration.

Provincial election supervisor Atty. Jay Gerada said that based on their monitoring, Comelec offices here have been jampacked with first time voters and those asking for transfer since Monday.

“We expected more registrants to crowd Comelec offices in the coming days as the October 31 deadline nears,” he said.

Gerada also reminded those who have delayed going to Comelec that they have not yet received any order to extend voters’ listing. Without such order, he said, they are under obligation to close registration at 5 p.m. next Wednesday.

He also announced that municipal and

city Comelec offices will be open t o m o r r o w , October 26.

Malacañang has earlier d e c l a r e d October 26 as a national regular holiday in observance of the Muslim community’s Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice.

“Municipal and city Comelec office are also open on Saturday,” he added.

At the Koronadal City Comelec office, election officer Evangeline Basan confirmed that since Monday they have have been serving not less than 200 registrants.

“Some of them had

to return the next day because they were not accommodated on the day they came to our office,” she said.

Some were also advised to secure registration forms, fill these out at home and return the next day for the actual registration.

Comelec office in Koronadal has only one computer unit assigned for the registration.


Quiz show highlights National Statistics Month in SaranganiBy Romina Robina

ALABEL, Sarangani-- A statistics quiz show on Tuesday, October 23 was staged to highlight the annual celebration of the National Statistics Month in Sarangani.

T h i r t y - e i g h t participating students from different schools in the seven municipalities of the province competed for the big prize in the second Sarangani Secondary Statistics Challenge at the Capitol gym.

First placer was Dahr Tur Silao, 4th year, of Kiamba National High School; second – Lyanca Rimulca, 3rd year, of Malungon National High School; and third – Marianne Wata, 3rd year, of Glan School of Arts and Trades.

Jelyn Apura, officer-in charge of Sarangani Provincial Planning and Development Office, said the competition was one of the thrusts of the province to empower Sarangans particularly

in capacitating all of you (students) for future endeavor.

“I really appreciate the teachers and principals for supporting the students to be part of this activity,” Apura said. “From last year’s eight participants, now it was increased to 38.”

The National Statistics Office (NSO) formulated the questions for the quiz with Ruben Abaro Jr. provincial statistics officer for SocSarGen as quizmaster.

April Dream Toreno of Alabel National High School, the winner of last year’s competition, challenged the contestants to do their best for the competition.

She said determination, initiative

and persistence made her win during the first Sarangani Secondary Statistics Challenge.

The winning contestants received P5,000 for the first prize, P3,000 for the second prize and P2,000 for the third prize and medals plus trophies for the schools they were representing.

The provincial government in coordination with the NSO, the National Statistical Coordination Board and the Department of Education hosted the event.

The month of October is also cooperative month, consumer welfare month and national children’s month.


DOE grants P3.3M research fund to XUby Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Energy (DOE) has granted a P3.3 million research fund to Xavier University College of Agriculture (XUCA) for the cassava bioethanol project.

DOE’s Director for the Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Mario C. Marasigan turned over the

check to XUCA Dean Roel Ravanera. The collaborative research undertaking intends to evaluate the bioethanol potential of the different cassava varieties grown here in the region, as well as, develop a pilot scale bioethanol plant for village level production and utilization. Project leader, Engr. Fred Ceasar Ynion explained that the study specifically intends

to determine the bioethanol yield of the different cassava varieties as affected by agronomic conditions and different


enzyme activities. It likewise sets to utilize and evaluate the bioethanol production of cassava peelings and pulp. Xavier University Vice President Br. Noel B. Cantago assured DOE officials that the university will deliver what is expected from the project, adding that XU has always been exerting effort to promote clean environment and sustainable development. DOE Undersecretary Jose M. Layug, meanwhile, is hopeful that the project would further the country’s attempt to become self sufficient in

bioethanol production. “This could be a name changer for Mindanao-becoming the top bioethanol producing region,” he said pointing on maximizing the use existing cassava farms. Layug bares that the country is only producing around 100 million liters of bioethanol, when it needs 400 million liters . To bridge the gap, he added that the government is also enticing foreign investors into bioethanol production, showing potential plant sites and called on the university’s cooperation on this.


CSC establishes Contact Center ng Bayanby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has established a new avenue for lodging complaints in support of the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA).

Known as the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB), the new link was instituted to be the government’s main helpdesk where the public can

express their concerns, complaints, feedback and recommendations on the quality of government frontline service delivery.

Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, regional director of CSC in Northern Mindanao, said the CCB is made available through telephone number 1-6565 and accessible through PLDT, SMART and Digital lines nationwide from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. She said it is a ‘call facility’ with a charge of P5.00 per call plus value-added tax. For its initial i m p l e m e n t a t i o n , six agencies have interconnected their respective call centers to the CCB to provide information on the services and policies specific to each agency. These agencies are the CSC, the National Computer Center, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Philippine Health Insurance


Oroquieta schools conduct orientation on Child Protection Policyby Zeresh Anne J. Bayubay

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - An orientation on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Child Protection Policy has been conducted by the Schools Division of Oroquieta City (SDOC).

Public and private school administrators of SDOC’s five school districts participated in the activity held at Oroquieta City District-III Conference hall, in Proper Langcangan, this city. Schools Division Superintendent Agustines E. Cepe said topics discussed during the occasion were the General Provisions of the Child Protection Policy, particularly, Section 1-3, and its relevance to the New K to 12 curriculum. Also discussed were the following provisions of the said policy: Duties and Responsibilities, Section 4-7, and Section 8-10, respectively.Preventive Measures, Section 11, Protective and Remedial Measures, Section 12-14, and Rules and

Procedures, Section 15-16, and Section 17-21, respectively. Referral and Assessment, Section 22 and Miscellaneous Provisions, Section 23-26, on the implementation of the Child Protection Policy of the K to 12 Curriculum. Resource speakers included Education Program Specialists (EPS) Myrna A. Apol, Flora T. Uy, Perlinita L. Gloduve, Elvira L. Santos, Prescillano B. Gimena, Jr., Joseph T. Boniao and Maria Joy T. Agot. Participants were then asked to establish a Child Protection Committee (CPC) in their respective schools and were tasked to make action plans related to the subject, Cepe added.

Corporation, the Department of Health for non-emergency concerns only, and the Department of Trade and Industry. The CSC is also enjoining all government agencies and offices, local government units, government-owned or controlled corporations, and state colleges and universities to support the CCB by posting the CCB

1-6565 tarpaulin in a conspicuous place in their respective offices. Vidal said the design of the tarpaulin and the CCB Primer can be downloaded from the CSC website at www.csc.gov.ph. Other information about the CCB can also be accessed through the CCB website at www.contactcenterbayan.gov.ph, she added.

one mindanao - october 26, 2012

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