one mindanao - october 29, 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

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Cover Story

NGO extends aid to Lamlahak, Lake Sebu evacuees

Dani DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, October 29, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 53

page 4

Palace welcomes Philippine ranking by Economist Intelligence Unit as one of the best places for micro-financing in the world 8

Dani Doguiles, Central MindanaoSouth Cotabato builds up frontline disaster response19Bagumbayan, SK villages get livelihood projects from DA-MRDP 21Dani Doguiles & Lito Salvo, Central Mindanao

Butuan City showcases Assembly Day in Brgy. San Vicente

All LGUs In Agusan Sur Mobilized To Protect Forests, Resources

Florian Faith jr, P. Bayawa, Caraga Region

DSWD 10 to add 7,093 beneficiaries to Pantawid Pamilya program23 Oliver Badel Inodeo, Northern Mindanao

City partners with TESDA, Coca-Cola, Smile Foundation for S3tar program24Lorebeth C. Requiroso, Northern Mindanao

Ata-Manobo town: last frontier of army’s immersion in DavNorSouthern Mindanao

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PIO-Agusan del Sur, Caraga Region

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Monetary incentives provided to Siay, Tungawan ARCs 30 Breezy C. Jimenez, Western Mindanao

Monday, October 29, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO

NGO extends aid to Lamlahak, Lake Sebu evacuees

Fanny Divino, program manager of Save the Children South Central Mindanao, led the Save the Children staff in distributing non-food items (NFIs) to 138 households who left their homes for a safer place early this month, following discovery of tension cracks along steep slopes covering at least 40 hectares across four sub-villages. Some cracks, according to

Lamlahak chairman Gabriel Untang, can easily swallow an entire coconut trunk. Divino also assured that besides the distribution of NFIs several interventions that would assure that children’s welfare is given primary importance. “In situations like this, among the most affected are the children whose health and safety are put at risk and

whose education is impeded,” Divino said. Thus, the immediate distribution of family packages intended to provide comfort to the families staying at the evacuation and prevent spread of diseases such as diarrhea, skin diseases, dengue and others. Each household was given plastic mat, mosquito net, blankets,

International children’s rights group Save the

Children on Friday extended assistance to families and their children in Lamlahak, Lake Sebu who have been displaced because of potentially hazardous occurrence in their area.

by Dani Doguiles

Monday, October 29, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO

flashlight, cooking pot and utensils, plates, tumblers, pail and dipper. They were also provided hygiene kits with detergent bars, bath soaps, nail clipper, hand towel, toothbrushes for children and parents and tubes of toothpaste. Divino added that also among their immediate concerns is to restore normalcy in the education of the children. Of the 90 households from sitio Bentung and Tokubokung, at least 67 families are occupying the day care center and the barangay’s primary school. A total of 28 families with average of five to seven children occupy a nearby T’boli house. Because of the situation, learning sessions of pre-school children and pupils of the primary school have been suspended since October 8. “Initially, we will construct a child learning space where the day care children can continue their learning sessions,” she said. “In the case the primary school, we need to consult with the barangay LGU and Department of Education. We may be able to assist in building a temporary learning space. Besides the non-food items, Save the Children has also donated materials for the construction of five toilets and a water system. Toilets will be constructed at the vicinity of the day care center and primary school, “so that these could also be used by the other villagers.”

At present, the village’s source of drinking water is a spring in a creek more than a kilometer from the barangay center. Barangay chairman Untang said, the construction of the toilets started on Saturday. “With the help of barangay tanods and army troops, these should be in use within five days.” Divino said the items they donated were purchased out of the five percent allocated for disaster operations from their sponsorship funds. As an internationally active nongovernment organization involved in the promotion of children’s rights, she explained, “Save the Children has the mandate to implement programs and interventions for children and to conduct humanitarian response even outside of our sponsorship areas.” Regularly, she added, their programs include child education, health and nutrition, and adolescent development. Divino added that they have been conducting initiatives and interventions in Lake Sebu since mid-2000.

6 Monday, October 29, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONMalacañang says Aquino government continues to carry out programs to help youth get gainful employment

The government continues to carry out programs that give young people the skill and opportunity to find gainful employment, a Palace official said on Saturday.

Reacting to a report by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) that the government must address the country’s youth unemployment problem, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson

Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over government-run radio station dzRB Rdyo ng Bayan that there are programs being implemented by the government such as the internship, skills training

Monday, October 29, 2012 7

Malacañang says Aquino government continues to carry out programs to help youth get gainful employment

and the K+12 to address the problem.One of the government’s thrusts is to

start on-the-job training for the youth so that they can work as interns at government offices, Valte said noting that the government issued a report a couple of months ago about the program.

The Palace official said that the internship programs continue to be available at least for the 15 to 18 age bracket.

At the same time, she said that there are available training programs being implemented by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the youth to get the vocational skills they need in order for them to enter the work force.

The Department of Education’s K+12 program is also geared towards giving young people get immediate employment if they opted not to continue studying in college.

“Kapag naka-graduate ng K+12 meron na silang employable skill para kung hindi tumuloy ng kolehiyo o kaya napilitan sila na hindi mag-kolehiyo ay meron na silang pinanghahawakang galing at talino para makakuha ng trabaho,” Valte said.

The NSCB said in a report covering Years 2006 to 2009, young people make

up the bulk of poor Filipinos without jobs that the government must address.

NSCB’s data show that about three in five unemployed people are aged 15 to 24. PND (as)

8 Monday, October 29, 2012

Palace welcomes Philippine ranking by Economist Intelligence Unit as one of the best places for micro-financing in the world

Malacañang welcomed the recent ranking made by the international think tank, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), naming the Philippines as one of the best places for

micro-enterprises in the world.“That’s good news for us. Ang

micro-financing kasi is very important in the way that it helps our small and medium start-ups to be able to get their business off the ground,” Deputy

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Monday, October 29, 2012 9

“That’s good na at least na me-maintain natin ‘yung ating ranking,” Valte stressed.

The country was again named one of the countries with the most favorable environment for micro enterprises, ranking 4th among 55 countries surveyed by the EIU. This is a two-notch improvement from the 6th place that the Philippines had in 2011.

In its report entitled “Global Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment 2012,” the EIU said that regulations imposed by government entities like the Central Bank helped the Philippines remain in the top 10 countries with the most micro business-friendly environments.

Regulations supportive of the development of micro enterprises in the Philippines include the increase in loan amounts extended by banks to micro enterprises and the wholesale lending of government-owned banks to benefit micro-enterprise borrowers.

The country scored 63.3 points in the

overall micro business environment. Outperforming the Philippines were Peru (79.8 points), Bolivia (71.8 points) and Pakistan (67.4 points). PND (as)

Monday, October 29, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

GPH, MILF ceasefire committees support medical mission for Maguindanao folks

With the recent signing of the

Framework Agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the ceasefire committees of both parties have been stepping up collaborative efforts and working beyond ensuring an effective truce on the ground.

Recently, the GPH-MILF Joint Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities (JCCCH) helped in the successful conduct of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division’s medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP) for residents of Barangay Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan

in Maguindanao province.In a statement, Former MILF

spokesperson and 6th ID peace consultant Eid Kabalu lauded the coordination efforts undertaken by the JCCCH, which has been instrumental in providing a peaceful atmosphere favorable for the GPH-MILF negotiations by making sure

Monday, October 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11

GPH, MILF ceasefire committees support medical mission for Maguindanao folks

that ceasefire is being observed between their forces.

“Our joint ceasefire committees played an important role in this activity by coordinating this to their respective military units,” Kabalu said. “This is a very positive indicator that everyone wants an enduring peace in this part of the region. The cooperation of everyone has significantly contributed so much in the realization of this endeavor.”

Around 733 persons availed of the free medical check-up. Twenty-one male teenagers were circumcised, 82 people received tooth extraction services, while six availed of free surgery services.

The Maguindanao Provincial Government headed by Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu handed out 300 school bags to the elementary students of Kitango and its adjacent barangays.

On the other hand, the Red Cross-Maguindanao was able to produce 15 bags of blood during its blood-letting activity, mostly participated in by soldiers and local residents of Barangyay Kitango and nearby barangays of Kitapok and Crossing Salbo of the same town.

Other agencies that participated in the medical and dental mission were the Department of Health of

the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Integrated Provincial Health Office, Provincial Mobile Medical Clinic, Catholic Association of Doctors, Nurses and Health Professionals-Asia, Office of the Civil Defense-ARMM, and other humanitarian agencies.

Barangay Chair Datu Mando Tambungalan thanked the Army’s 6th ID for its outreach program, adding that it is their first time to have been given free medical and dental services. “It is our honor to be among the recipients of these services,” he stated.

Tambungalan said that their barangay used to be a war-torn area. “Many families were displaced and the delivery of basic services had been really very hard. Now, our people can avail of these services for free. We sincerely thank all those who have made this activity possible,” he said.

The medical and dental mission was held in line with the 6th ID, Philippine Army’s 25th Founding Anniversary celebration. With this year’s theme, “Kampilan Division: Kaakibat ng Bayan sa Pagsulong ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran sa Central Mindanao,” the 6th ID hopes to undertake similar social activities in other areas affected by conflict.


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Barangay Food Terminal Project set for implementationby Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY ---A barangay based food depot and distribution system that will offer safe and quality agri fishery products at low prices to consumers will soon be established in the city.

In its regular session, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a resolution authorizing City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. to enter into and sign, for and in behalf of the City Government of Butuan, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) by and among the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit XIII and the Butuan City New Villages Cooperative for the implementation of Barangay Food Terminal Project. The Barangay Food Terminal is a project to enable farmers to establish a direct and effective means to offer said products straight to consumers but also encouraging

and empowering other barangays to engage in the same venture thereby increasing more business undertakings consequently generating economic growth and, equally important, promoting the welfare of the people of Butuan. Sharing the same aspiration of providing more livelihood projects for the people Butuan, the SP under the leadership of Vice Mayor Lawrence “Law” Fortun expressed full support to the project with the passage of the said resolution. The project is set for implementation early next year.


Barangay Food Terminal Project set for implementation

Butuan City showcases Assembly Day in Brgy. San Vicenteby Florian Faith jr, P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY --Barangay San Vicente in Butuan City was the showcase barangay for the Synchronized Assembly Day, as stated in Proclamation No. 260 dated September 30 of 2011, instructing every barangay to undertake such an assembly. In Butuan City, Brgy. San Vicente was the showcase barangay for the Synchronized Assembly Day with the presence of Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay, DILG – Butuan City Director Romeo A. Solis and representatives from the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) to grace the event. Headed by its Punong Barangay Raul P. Carampatana, all of the Barangay Officials and Purok Presidents of Brgy. San Vicente were present during the

barangay assembly. It was held at Brgy. San Vicente covered court where many barangay residents jampacked the place to witness and participate in the Open Forum. “I am so proud of you because this barangay has many achievements that gives pride to the city of Butuan”, was the opening statement of Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. during his Welcome Message as he congratulated Brgy. San Vicente being one of the top three (3) national finalists for the Outstanding Search of Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards under the highly urbanized city category.


Also, Mayor Amante acknowledged Brgy. San Vicente as one of the Most Child-friendly barangays in the city. In his State of the Barangay Address (SOBA), Punong Barangay Raul P. Carampatana presented the accomplishments during the first semester in the areas of revenue generation, social services, economic development and environmental governance. It was followed by his presentation of the Financial Report, which includes, among others, the summary of income and expenditures, collections and disbursements of the barangay. He also included updates on the on-going programs and projects of the barangay. “Ang barangay nga edukado, usa ka barangay nga asensado. Busa kinahanglan nga ang tanan tawo dinhi sa atong barangay makahuman ug skwela. Kinahanglan nga kitang tanan ana-ay grado”, emphasized PB Carampatana as the barangay allocated 1% of their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) equivalent to PhP 45,000.00 for the construction of Kolehiyo de Liga intended for incoming college students in the barangay whose parents could not afford the latter to send to college institutions. PB Carampatana also took pride in including in his SOBA that Brgy. San Vicente got an excellent rating in the Barangay Governance Performance Management System (BGPMS). In his closing statement, he encouraged

everyone in the barangay to be always participative in every programs, projects and activities undertaken by the barangay in order to arrive at positive results which will contribute to the improved services of the barangay for whose benefit will redound to the residents. One of the highlights of the Barangay Assembly was the reading of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas’s speech, which was delivered by DILG Assistant Regional Director Donald A. Seronay. In the speech, the barangay, as the basic political unit is once again reminded of its crucial role in the delivery of basic services to the people as the nation’s development starts and ends with the barangay. Part of Secretary Roxas’ speech was the result of the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey on local governance as of August of this year which shows that seventy-seven percent (77%) of the Filipinos are satisfied in the leadership of their Punong Barangays. This is a manifestation that good governance exists in the barangays. During the Open Forum, issues on street lighting, road graveling, re-screening for the 4Ps beneficiaries, lack of culvert for proper drainage and replacement of jetmatic pump were properly addressed by PB Carampatana and Mayor Amante. The assembly ended with proper adjournment followed by the distribution of Philhealth cards to indigent families in the barangay.


All LGUs In Agusan Sur Mobilized To Protect Forests, Resourcesby PIO-Agusan del sur

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur has mobilized all departments and municipalities and even non-government organizations to thoroughly implement the environment preservation and forest protection for the next generation. The local initiatives which cater to the different municipalities as beneficiary of various environmental projects is part of the province’s strategic theme on Environment Protection and Conservation now implemented by Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). To fully support the various environment programs of the

provincial government including President Aquino’s National Greening Program (NGP), Gov. Plaza allocated some Php 2.2 million from the 20% provincial development fund (PDF). Currently, the projects being implemented are the Agusan Environment Greening Project in Sto. Nino, Bayugan City amounting to Php 1.2 million, the improvement of clonal nurseries in the 13 towns and the lone city of Bayugan worth


Php 290,000, the Sustainable Watershed Management System implemented in Bayugan City, Prosperidad and San Francisco amounting to P250,000. The provincial government is also implementing the P100,000 Water Quality monitoring in Rosario town and the Php 200,000-Sustainable Agriculture through Agro-Forestry Initiatives of the People in the Upland (SAGIP Upland) within the Integrated Social Forestry area in Veruela town. Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Aquino which is known as the NGP program seeks to attain sustainable human development and economic and ecological security, Gov. Plaza also aligned this program which is his thrust of making Agusan del Sur the leading province in poverty reduction and responsive governance in Mindanao by 2017. “We have more environment programs that are in the pipeline where all sectors in this province are involved,” said Gov. Plaza. Meanwhile, the provincial government is currently closely coordinating with all concerned line agencies of the government including NGO’s in drafting long- term solutions, suggesting the eradication of siltation and pollution by stopping logging of the remaining natural forests. After stopping siltation, the provincial government also planned of dredging the Agusan river. This plan and programs came

out after an assessment report of the partnership for resilience (PfR) areas in Agusan del Sur by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Wetlands International made a recommendation as initial move to implement the special project on disaster risk reduction and management program financed by the Netherlands. The main objectives of the project assessment by the Wetlands International represented during the assessment by Marianne Rense and Merjin van Leeuwen are to learn the way PRC and CARE work and communicate with communities in the project areas; do rapid assessment to identify the root causes and drivers for disaster and the state of the ecosystem most relevant to livelihoods and disaster mitigation and; developing joint insights within the partnership in land use-ecosystem-livelihood-disaster relations through learning by doing, joint field visits, interviewing community representatives and linkages between ecosystem and livelihoods aspects and discussing root causes of disaster. Erosion and siltation are other causes of disaster, whose silt originates from the hills and mountains surrounding the river basin. The increase of silt are caused by mining, large scale logging and agriculture not suited for slopes. Because of siltation, riverbeds to fill up, causing water levels to increase. And because the rivers are shallower than before, the current increase caused fast erosion of river banks.


NKTI advances anti-renal disease driveBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) further strengthens its campaign against kidney disease which is said to be the number seven illness that causes death in the country.


During the press conference on Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) held in a Kidapawan City last week, Dr. Noel B. Camique of the Madonna General Hospital in Kidapawan City said that renal disease is irreversible that is why prevention is always the utmost concern.

“We have to discover early if we have such illness through urinalysis before it gets worse,” Dr. Camique said.

He suggested healthy lifestyle as a means to prevent kidney disorders. He added that indiscriminate use of medicine is also a factor in acquiring such disease.

Meanwhile, Ma. Estela Ilagan, DOH 12 REDCOP nurse coordinator, revealed that diabetes and hypertension are some of the reasons for acquiring renal disease.

In the Philippines, males usually acquire this kind of illness due to vices like smoking and drinking.

Last year, in Region 12, South Cotabato had the highest number of renal disease cases caused by diabetes.

“Every year, at least 10,000 persons undergo dialysis in the Philippines,” Ilagan, said.

To advance the fight against this illness, Ilagan recommended pushing

REDCOP and other activities and rograms in connection with renal disease.

“You are our partners in disseminating information to help our fellows abstain from this deadly disease,” Ilagan told the media.

Dr. Leonora A. Lozana, DOH 12, REDCOP Medical Coordinator was also present during the press conference. She gave insights on the status of the disease in the region.

The activity was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 and NKTIaimed at encouraging partnership with media in disseminating information care of kidneys.


South Cotabato builds up frontline disaster responseBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The provincial government here has launched last week the Barangay Disaster Action Team (BDAT) to prepare villages against disasters and calamities.

BDAT is a group of at least 20 volunteers per barangay trained to provide the immediate response in emergency situations such as flashfloods, landslides and other life-threatening events.

“We organized BDATs in all of the 199 barangays in the province as a means to help boost the capabilities of barangays who are in the frontline of disasters and calamities,” Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said.

This is primarily because barangays are the ones first affected by incidents brought about by climate change, he explained.

“Barangays would not need to wait for rescue teams from the


municipal and provincial DRRMOs because with BDATs they will be able to stage their own rescue and emergency operations,” he said.

John Lorca, disaster response coordinator of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), explained they started training of BDAT volunteers early this month.

“BDATs of 29 barangays have already been trained on emergency response and rescue operations, first aid methods and others needed to capacitate barangays against disastrous events.”

T w e n t y - t h r e e barangays of Polomolok were trained in

partnership with the Philippine Red Cross – South Cotabato chapter.

BDAT training was suspended last week to give way to the In te rmed i a t e /Bas i c Incident Command System (ICS) training for members of the PDRRMC by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – 12.

“BDAT training will resume in November,” Lorca added. “We should be able to complete training of BDATs of all the 199 barangays in the first part of 2013.”

To ensure that volunteers are fully capable, each BDAT training only involves six barangays.

At the launching, all BDATs were provided

with first aid kits complete supplies as well as stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, forceps and other tools.

Each BDAT that has completed training also received spine board, a device used in pre-hospital trauma care designed to give rigid support during movement of patients.

Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon was guest of honor at the


Bagumbayan, SK villages get livelihood projects from DA-MRDPBy Dani Doguiles & Lito Salvo

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Two people’s organizations (PO) in Ba-gumbayan town, Sultan Kudarat recently received livelihood projects from the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP).

Monteverde Coffee Growers’ Association (MCGA) of Barangay Monteverde and Daluga Farmers’ Association (DFA) of Barangay Daluga of the said town each received P250,000 worth of integrated farming system rubber-based livelihood projects through MRDP’s Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD).

Both POs have at least 30 members whose income comes mostly from farming.

As representatives of their groups, MCGA Chairman Arquim Egno and DFA chairman said they are thankful for the assistance that should provide them with opportunity to expand their capacity to earn a

living for their families.Both PO chairmen

committed to take full responsibility for the sustainability of the projects; their incomes from the projects would lift their current living status.

“Be assured that we will manage this project to the best that we can,” Egno vowed. “We will strive to improve what has been given to us so that we may be entrusted with more projects from the government and the LGU.”

Meanwhile, Ellevera said, “We are very thankful to the DA-MRDP for providing us with this livelihood project. This will definitely help us in the future.

Bernardo Fermocil, municipal agriculturist,

challenged the PO members to sustain the sub-project reminding them that the agriculturist’s office is ready to provide them the necessary information on rubber production.

The turn-over rite hosted by Barangay Monteverde was attended by municipal and barangay officials as well as personnel from the regional office.

MRDP is a medium-term poverty alleviation initiative that gives livelihood opportunities to rural folks in Mindanao region funded by the World Bank and the national government through the DA with the local government unit providing an equity share.


Apart from the basic theory, p a r t i c i p a n t s were likewise required to undergo the practical tour guiding demo or mock tour. The local tourism office here has been e n c o u r a g i n g all potential tourist guides to submit into this kind of training in order to professionalize the manpower involved in tour guiding.

Training fee is P800.

PTO said all interested applicants

for future training must be well acquainted with the island’s major tourist attractions, and preferably those with tour guiding experience. It likewise offers basic food service and frontline service training/

Camiguin trains new tour guidesby Jorie C. Valcorzaa

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - A new batch of tour guides recently completed the two-day local tour guiding seminar initiated by the provincial tourism office (PTO) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) region 10.

Photo Credit: http://www.thelongestwayhome.com


DSWD 10 to add 7,093 beneficiaries to Pantawid Pamilya programby Oliver Badel Inodeo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Additional households in Northern Mindanao are set to benefit under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Lawyer Araceli F. Solamillo, director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10, said that 7,093 slots will be added to the program before the month ends. She said the slots are offered to former beneficiaries who were delisted because they no longer have 0-14 years old children. These new grantees will be enrolled under the extended age coverage program of Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT).

The MCCT is an offshoot of the regular conditional cash transfer to give social assistance to those households who are covered in the regular program but are still considered to be below the poverty threshold. Unlike the regular Pantawid Pamilya program which only covers households with children aging 0-14 years old, the MCCT will cover households with children aged 15-17 years old. Moreover, MCCT only provides P500 educational grant per month to

seminars. Accredited tour guides here in the island have already formed their association and were granted projects and have become an active partner of the government in coastal and

protected areas management. Manny Palarca Daleon of the Camiguin Host Tour Guide Association said tour guiding help provides alternative source of income for the unemployed.


the beneficiaries and does not include anymore the health grant. As such, only the conditionalities on education, such as the 85 percent compliance to school days and enrollment to a school, shall be complied by the beneficiaries. Kendi Lovellen Villarin, MCCT focal person, said municipal links and social welfare assistance are now conducting validation in the five provinces of the region. Some 1,310 slots are allotted for Bukidnon, 50 in Camiguin, 2,803 in Lanao de Norte, 1,636 in Misamis

Occidental and 1,294 in Misamis Oriental. Villarin emphasized that only those children whose birthdate is within April 1, 1995 to April 1, 1997 and were previously part of a household under the Pantawid Pamilya shall be considered beneficiaries of the extended program. She said that upon enrollment of the household, only the remaining number of years that the household was not part of the Pantawid Program would be the basis of their continued stay in the MCCT Program.

City partners with TESDA, Coca-Cola, Smile Foundation for S3tar programby Lorebeth C. Requiroso

CAGAYAN DE ORO - Some 500 women sari-sari store owners in the city will undergo training in basic entrepreneurship to make their business ventures more productive.

The training will be done under the S3TAR Program (Sari-sari Store Training & Access To Resources) launched recently. The project is a joint undertaking by the city government headed by Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, through the City Council committee on social services chaired by Councilor Nadya Emano and concerned departments, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the SMILES Foundation. The program aims to develop the

skills of women micro-entrepreneurs in the country for them to succeed in their retail businesses. Under the program, beneficiaries will be provided with access to financial assistance and merchandising as well as social development interventions for three years. Assessment of the project will be done on the fourth year. The S3tar program is in line with efforts of the government to empower women, alleviate poverty and uplift the lives of its people.


DAVAO CITY- The Armed Forces will not condone any acts of viola-tions by its soldiers particularly in rules-of-engagement (ROE) this as the army has recalled its soldiers involved in the deadly October 18 clash in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. The clash killed three civilians, a woman and two of her teenage sons when soldiers under the Bravo Company of the 27th Infantry Battalion raided a village in Kiblawan Town in Davao del Sur following reports of the presence of an armed group led by Daquil Capeon. The three killed were the wife and children of the armed group leader. Colonel Leopoldo Galon group commander of the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Eastern Mindanao Command said that the soldiers involved including the battalion commander Lt. Colonel Noel Alexis Bravo had been recalled to the headquarters of their mother unit the

10th Infantry Division based in Mawab Compostela Valley. Galon said that soldiers will be undergoing preliminary investigation where the findings can be a basis for court martial and will also be submitted to proper government agencies such as the courts. The AFP also will respect the findings of the Philippine National Police who is investigating the case. “We leave it to the PNP and the other investigating agencies to pursue the case without disruptions.” Galon said. He added that they fully recognized the capabilities of the PNP’s Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) to investigate the case, the PNP findings can also be used as supporting documents in the case. He said in case they are found guilty of violating the rules-of-engagement the soldiers will have to face the laws of the military and also of the republic.

Army will not condone violations of ROEby Rudolph Alama


TAGUM CITY- Newly promoted General Lysander Suerte of the 1003rd “Raptor” Brigade of the 10th Infantry Division sees the Ata-Manobo populated town of Talaingod as the last frontier to push the Peace and Development Program (PDOP) in his area of re-sponsibility (AOR). In the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting in Davao del Norte, the commanding general bared the need to consider the number of

Peace and Development Teams (PDTs) before entering Talaingod, the farthest town in Davao del Norte that borders with the province of Bukidnon in Region 10. Suerte said his troops are still wrapping up immersion activities in some other barangays in Laak and in peripheral areas in Panabo City, Sto. Tomas and in New Corella that borders with neighboring areas outside of Davao del Norte.The 1003rd Infantry “Raptor” Brigade covers the municipality of

Ata-Manobo town: last frontier of army’s immersion in DavNor


Laak, the entire province of Davao del Norte and Paquibato of Davao City. “Very soon papasok na kami sa Talaingod. (Very soon, we will be entering Talaingod.) ,” he said referring to PDTs deployed to carry out community work in line with PDOP which is an Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP)of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division of the Philippine Army. PDTs are yet to enter Talaingod but Suerte revealed the presence of his armed troops in the area. He saw no major concern about clearing Talaingod from armed rebel groups but he looked at its terrain and the mobility of indigenous people (IP) communities as among the primary constraints in carrying out PDOP in Talaingod

“The problem in Talaingod is more inherent in IP communities,” Suerte said. Suerte is banking on the support of Ata-Manobo tribal leaders with whom he will soon be meeting through the Supreme Tribal Council for Peace and Development (STCPD) to discuss the entry of army PDTs to carry out PDOP immersion activities. He is also counting on the support of Davao del Norte Provincial Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario who has committed to support peace and development initiatives of the military as embodied in the Convergence for Peace and Development, a joint undertaking of the Raptor Brigade and the provincial government. (PIA-XI, Jeanevive D. Abangan)

did you know...

Talaingod was formerly part of the municipality of Kapalong until 1991 when it was made into a separate town under Republic Act 7180, a plebiscite was held in Nov. 24 1991. Carved out from Kapalong were the barangays of Sto Nino, Palma Gil and Dagohoy mostly populated by communities of indigenous people.


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City ensures peace and security for Nov. 1-2implements ‘Oplan Kaluluwa’ measures By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – To ensure peace and security in the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on November 1 and 2, respectively, the city government recently convened the police, military and other stakeholders for the implementation of “Oplan Kaluluwa” measures.


City ensures peace and security for Nov. 1-2implements ‘Oplan Kaluluwa’ measures

City Information Officer (IO) Sheila Covarrubias said “the meeting, held at the City Hall conference room, discussed specifically the traffic rerouting scheme, security deployment as well as deployment of health emergency response units in the major cemeteries—public and private.” Covarrubias said City Mayor Celso Lobregat “has issued two executive orders—one promulgating rules and regulations for strict compliance and the other, promulgating a traffic rerouting scheme during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The orders will take effect midnight of November 1 until 5pm of November 2.” The lady IO informed that the public is assured of a maximum deployment of police and visibility patrols in cemeteries and memorial parks on Nov. 1 and 2. Police forces will also be deployed in commercial centers and other places of convergence during the two-day holidays. Establishment of business stalls in all cemeteries should be strictly 20 meters away or more from the cemetery entrance or gate,

otherwise, face penalty or sanctions, Covarrubias informed. “A total of 35 public and private cemeteries from Vitali in the east coast to Labuan in the west coast will be the concentration of the police and military authorities. Traffic rerouting schemes have been mapped out for implementation in the said areas,” the active lady IO said. Aside from the peace and security, health measures will also be implemented as the City Health Office is all set for the deployment (November 1) of its Health Emergency Response Units (HERU) in at least 9 major cemeteries in the city. “The HERU will compose of personnel from the City Health Office, Health Emergency Response Management team from the Zamboanga City Medical Center and the Phil. Nat’l Police Health Service Unit. A total of 106 personnel to include 16 doctors, 72 district personnel and 30 ambulance personnel will be deployed,” Covarrubias was quoted as saying. She said the HERU will be deployed “to attend to possible health problems that may be encountered by people visiting their departed loved ones.”

angelfire.com


In a conference held recently at Roderic’s Resort this town, the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) Procurement Unit, headed by Romeo C. Maningas encouraged the LGUs concerned to comply with the required documents the soonest possible so as to avail of the maximum 20% of the approved rural infrastructure sub-project’s contract cost but not to exceed a certain amount depending on the LGU’s income class, to mobilize the completion of the sub-project in their respective ARCs. For Tungawan, the sub-project targeted for implementation is the concreting of Libertad farm-to-market road (FMR) with a total length of .84 km and approved budget cost of approximately P4.2 million pesos. For Siay town, the sub-project approved is the construction of flood control dike cum farm-to-market road with physical target of 7.35 kilometers and approved budget cost of approximately P25.4 million pesos.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Rizzel B. Villanueva lauded the objectives of the PBGS since this will likewise redound to ARB empowerment through social development. In addition, with the present administration of Governor Rommel A. Jalosjos and Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Jr., social development and economic progress not just in the ARCs but in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, will definitely manifest with their joint effort and active partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform and other line agencies to effect projects and programs. To date, the above-mentioned sub-projects are on the process of being published in newspapers of national and regional circulation to invite prospective bidders. Other members of the NPCO Procurement Unit who shed light on PBGS were Rene Naces, Ian Joseph Yasoña, Beth Rolusta and Eugenio Antonio Dig.

By Breezy C. Jimenez

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Tri-People Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Tungawan town and Lower Sibuguey ARC in the municipality of Siay are provided with monetary incentives to hasten the implementation of the approved rural infrastructure projects under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Agrarian Reform Communities Project II (ARCP2) and by the national government’s fiscal transfer mechanism Performance-Based Grant System (PBGS).

Monetary incentives provided to Siay, Tungawan ARCs


Monetary incentives provided to Siay, Tungawan ARCs

Basilan Tourism Council sets plans to improve province’s image for tourism

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Members of the Basilan Provincial Tourism Council recently held a planning-workshop in Lamitan City with the end view of formulating a provincial tourism master development plan.

By Rene V. Carbayas


Felipo Dave G. Malcampo, Philippine Information Agency ZAMBASULTA Infocenter Manager facilitated the workshops and led some twenty participants to plot the many potentials of Basilan and what the province could offer for tourism. During the workshops, the council members and other stakeholders coming from the selected government agencies, non-government organizations, including the military, police and the religious sectors shared their vision for Basilan’s future as a tourism destination. The participants have envisioned that by the year 2032, Basilan would be known as the eco-tourism destination of the southern Philippines with a festivity of cultural harmony in diversity. A participant remarked that “the vision is big and very challenging” as

stakeholders are confronted with the present realities of Basilan which is marred by volatile peace and order situations. “The reason for us to work hard more,” said Nida P. Dans, chairperson of the Basilan provincial tourism council, as she challenged the members of the council that “despite the odds, we still have good reasons to celebrate, so much to be thankful for, to be proud of, and so much to show off to the rest of the country and the world.” “However, there is so much to be done to be able to position ourselves as a travel destination of choice. I hope this council will able to help the provincial government by developing a comprehensive plan for tourism, programs that will guide the province for tourism development,” she added. At the end of the workshop, the council came up with an action


plan, hoping to jumpstart the revitalized tourism council which has been dormant since 2003. The council has identified some programs and activities, such as: tourism awareness with ‘Proud 2be Basileño’ as slogan, organization of local tourism councils, cultural preservation activities, tourism/cultural mapping, and work for the enactment of a local Tourism Code. In her message, Nasreena S. Baddiri, Department of Tourism-ARMM secretary has assured the council on the support that the current ARMM leadership will be extending to the activities of the local tourism council, especially in developing Basilan as a tourism destination in the Philippines. Baddiri cited President Benigno Aquino III’s remark at the signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement who said that with the signing of the framework agreement, peace will start in Muslim Mindanao

and that one indicator of this is the development of tourism in the region. “With the PTC in Basilan, we look forward to a greater development of Basilan and more peace-building activities, to include inter-cultural understanding and dialogue because we are proud of our culture and we are proud of our heritage,” she said, stressing that this is our way of promoting greater understanding of our heritage and culture to the world. Baddiri also inducted into office the members of the provincial tourism council, namely: Nida P. Dans, chairperson; Jaime J.A. Rivera, vice chairman for promotions; Michael M. Manapol, vice chairman for planning; Jessica Eisma-Flores, vice chairperson for finance; Hja. Hajija Carama-Junudi, secretary; Damona C. Sadjail, Treasurer; and Richard G. Falcatan, PIO.

one mindanao - october 29, 2012

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