one mindanao - october 5, 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

Getting by with consumer electronics servicing; PWD fellow learns how to hope once again thru skills acquisition

Gervacio Dauz Jr.Caraga Region

Today’s issue... Friday, October 5, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 37

page 4

President Aquino receives credentials of new Korean envoy in Malacañang 7

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Seed growers undergo refresher course on seed production, seed certification 20Pigcawayan N. Cotabato has 15 new heavy equipment operators21 Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

14 Council visits senior citizen detainee

Tourism office awards individuals, firms for excellent

Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region

16

BAS conducts Q3 Region 9 Survey on Agriculture and Fisheries24 Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

DA remains bullish on banana industry 27 sherwin Maniual MDRDP, Southern Mindanao

DOST sets filing of application for college scholarship until Oct 5 Northern Mindanao30

Francis Burwell, Caraga Region

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9

11

18

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DILG-10 exhorts LGUs to join International Coastal Cleanup DayAna Celeste W. Felisilda, Northern Mindanao

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Friday, October 5, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO


During the ceremony, he learned that the skills training was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Central Butuan (RCCB), the Local Government Unit here, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (SFB), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Agusan del Norte, and the GCBTC. Initially unimpressed with such “galaxy of convergence,” he, together with 11 other participants, plodded on,

Israel A. Jamboy, 28 years of age, a certified person with disability wearing

crutches, a resident of an allegedly insurgent-plagued Barangay Roque in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, and an out of school youth who managed to finish high school, was excited than usual this 28th day of August 2012. In fact, he rose very early, flagged down the earliest public utility motorcycle in sight, and zoomed to the Global Competency-Based Training Center (GCBTC) at Alegria, Surigao del Norte in order to attend this day the opening of the five-day Consumer Electronics Servicing Skills Training under the much vaunted “Kasanayan Para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran (KKK)” which was signed barely two weeks ago under a collaborative partnership agreement.

by Gervacio Dauz Jr.

Friday, October 5, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO


sort of giving the roster of partners the benefit of the doubt for them to deliver the goods so to speak. By second day, his excitement became pronounced because Mr. Romel M. Natad, a certified and highly experienced training instructor who is likewise a Rotarian as well as a TESDA officer, enabled him to walk through the rudiments of consumer electronics world. At the fifth and concluding day of the skills training, he was able to hurdle the practical side of repairing domestic appliances – like flat iron, electric fan, blender, etc. Figuratively speaking, he was able to walk through the series of conked out or out of order domestic appliances and made them well without “crutches” or help from his trainer. Obviously, he’s still mesmerized to think that a mere five-day fleeting training would have a dent in his well-being and self-worth. Indeed, based on his account, the experience imbued

in him a new-found hope that in spite of his condition he can still be an asset to his community. Together with his co-participants who freshly finished the skills training with renewed vigor, he aspires to use his newly acquired skills in order to live decently in the community where he is in. To fuel and sustain his dreams and that of the dreams of his co-participants collectively, RCCB would be shelling out more support by giving starter kits for each of them. At the bottom line, it’s all about “a grand collaboration that aims to help the likes of them help themselves in acquiring technical skills, and in subsequently becoming relevant and contributory to the development of their respective communities, thereby unshackling themselves hopefully from the lure or clutches of insurgent indoctrination and other acts of uprisings and atrocities.”

6 Friday, October 5, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONMalacañang attributes new record high set by Philippine Stock Exchange index to ‘continuing investor confidence’

Malacañang said on Thursday said that the

new record high set by the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) was due to the continued investor confidence in the economy’s growth under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

“The stock markets recent record again reflects the continuing investor confidence in the economy,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

He expressed confidence that the economy would further bloom until the end of the year as “we expect greater infrastructure spending towards the end and the remainder of the year.”

“And also our

tourism, BPO (business process outsourcing) and growth sectors continue to improve,” Lacierda said.

The PSEi closed at a new record high on Wednesday at 5,375.52, up 26.84 points surpassing the July 5 record close at 5,369.98.

To date, the PSEi has breached new record highs by a total of 22 times. PND (rck)

Friday, October 5, 2012 7

President Aquino receives credentials of new Korean envoy in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received the credential of His Excellency Lee Hyuk as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the

Philippines in a ceremony at Malacanang Palace on Thursday.

The new Korean Ambassador and his party were welcomed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario at the Music Room of Malacanang Palace.

Ambassador Lee was accompanied

by Min Kyong Ho, Minister and Consul General; Colonel Kim Yi Kon, Defense Attache; Lim Jae Joon, Economic Counsellor and

8 Friday, October 5, 2012

Kweon Ki Hwan, Political Counsellor After presenting his credentials,

Ambassador Lee wished President Aquino well as he thanked him for welcoming him to the country. He reiterated his country’s commitment to enhance the foundation of friendly bilateral relations with the Philippines.

Ambassador Lee replaced Lee Hye Min who received the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) during his farewell call ceremony in Malacanang last September 3.

No less than President Benigno S. Aquino III, himself, conferred the Order of Sikatuna on Ambassador Lee Hye Min and cited him for his contribution in the field of international relations.

During his tour of duty to the Philippines, Ambassador Lee Hye Min was commended for his significant contribution in setting up the P150-M modern rice processing facility in Iloilo to help stabilize the rice supply in the country. The facility was inaugurated last March. PND (js)

Friday, October 5, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 9

Mindanao power body moves to avert impact of supply shortfall

The newly created Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) has urged the public to brace for possible outages

in some Mindanao areas as the 210MW coal-fired power plant in Misamis Oriental goes on preventive maintenance shutdown starting October 6.

In a meeting convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Department of Energy (DOE) and agencies comprising the committee, the MPMC moved to take on immediate and medium term steps to stabilize the power situation in Mindanao.

STEAG State Power Inc., which

operates the 210MW coal-fired power plant, had earlier announced the scheduled preventive maintenance shutdown for its two electric generation units, one with 105MW capacity to start on October 6 to November 4, and the other 105MW unit to go offline on October 29 until November 10.

Friday, October 5, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

According to STEAG, this will be the first time the coal plant will undergo such preventive maintenance shutdown since the start of its full commercial operations in November 2006.

Considered as the most modern and the biggest in Mindanao on a per unit capacity, STEAG coal-fired power plant has so far delivered more than 8.3 billion kWh of electricity and currently accounts for 20% of the Mindanao grid.

STEAG report added that the timing of maintenance shutdown takes into consideration the plant’s operations and maintenance guidelines as well as the projected electricity demand-supply condition of Mindanao during the period.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) puts the island-region’s system capacity at only 1045 megawatts (MW) in its latest weekly power outlook bulletin, 187 MW short of the Mindanao grid’s 1242 MW system load.

“Better coordination among agencies concerned and engaging the Mindanao stakeholders should characterize our efforts to address the power problem,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino in a statement.

Antonino stressed that making the public fully aware of the situation can strengthen power conservation measures and sustain consumer education to help ease up demand

pressure. Created under E.O. 81, the

committee is tasked to coordinate efforts of national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao. It is also mandated to regularly monitor information on Mindanao power generation and distribution, including status of efforts to add new generating capacities to the grid.

Currently, MPMC is proposing to tap imbedded generators and the operationalization of the 100MW Iligan Diesel Power Plant in the immediate term, while firming up the setting up of a one-stop-shop processing center to facilitate new applications, particularly mini hydro power.

Mindanao’s additional generating capacities mostly from coal-fired power plants are expected to add up to the grid but not until 2014-2015 when these start full commercial operations.

MPMC is composed of MinDA, DoE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and representatives from MEPA and the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO). MinDA


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Live a healthy lifestyle to prevent kidney diseases, public toldby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY --A nephrologist from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) told the public to observe and live a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent kidney diseases.


During the conduct of the Advocacy Campaign for Renal Health Care for the third quarter held at the PIA-Caraga Regional Office here, Dr. Romina Rusillon, one of the two adult nephrologists in the region said kidney diseases can be prevented if people should live a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Rusillon pointed out that with the recent record from the Department of Health (DOH) and the NKTI, the number of patients with kidney diseases significantly increases as compared to the previous quarter.

The nephrologist also said of these patients, youths ages 15-30 years old were observed to have kidney diseases. “This is probably because of the lifestyle that this age group is undertaking,” Rusillon added. Rusillon further said one way to obtain proper health is to have at least eight hours of sleep and avoid taking foods that are too sweet or too salty. “This may lead to kidney disease,” she added. Furthermore, Rusillon said drinking at least eight glasses of water is also a good habit to have internal body cleansing. According to studies of the NKTI, kidney diseases rank as the number 10 killer in the Philippines, causing death to about 7,000 Filipinos every year. The NKTI also said in 2010,


almost 14,000 Filipinos suffer from end-stage renal disease and are undergoing dialysis. Unfortunately, kidney disease often cannot be cured, but fortunately, it can be prevented. Early detection and prevention of kidney failure is vital, as is the need to ensure that acute cases avoid, if possible, the progression to Chronic Kidney Disease. Prevention and early management, although very extensive can achieve significant benefits for the public. With this development, Dr. Rusillon also advised the public to undergo regular urinalysis because this is the only way that it can reveal

diseases that have gone unnoticed because they do not produce striking signs or symptoms. “Among these include diabetes mellitus, various forms of glomerulonephritis, and chronic urinary tract infections,” Rusillon said. Meanwhile, chronic glomerulonephritis used to be the most common cause of end-stage renal disease in third world countries including the Philippines. It usually afflicts children, adolescents and young adults in their productive years. Children and young adults with latent glomerulonephritis can escape detection for months or years, causing the condition to progress to a chronic state. “Prevention is better than cure… So, we should live healthy lifestyle as this is the first remedy for us not to spend much money for our medical maintenance in treating kidney disease,” Rusillon said.


Council visits senior citizen detaineesby Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY -- The Regional Inter-Agency Council for Senior Citizens (RIAC-SC) conducted a jail visitation for senior citizen detainees of Butuan City Jail in line with the celebration of this year’s Elderly Filipino Week.


RIAC-SC is spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) –Caraga in coordination with the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA). Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 470, October 1-7 is declared as “Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino” (Elderly Filipino Week) which aims to promote public awareness of the rights and well-being of elderly people in the country. During the activity, personnel of Butuan City Jail paid tribute to their senior citizen detainees by offering them flowers while members of RIAC-SC also distributed goods to 17 senior citizen detainees. In his message, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Senior Inspector Felix O. Resullar expressed his gratitude to RIAC-SC by extending their hands to the senior citizen detainees. “I would like to thank the agencies who extended their support to our senior citizen detainees by giving them this opportunity to celebrate Elderly Filipino Week,” Resullar said. Meanwhile, Samuel Camantes, one of senior citizen detainees also expressed his appreciation. “I am very happy because the government has never forgotten the senior citizens detainees of Butuan City Jail and although we are in the jail we still have the opportunity to celebrate the Elderly Filipino Week,” Camantes said. With this, Wilma Geralla of DSWD-Caraga emphasized that each of the senior citizens has the right to be avail an additional benefits and privileges as stated in the Republic Act No. 9994 or known

as “An Act granting additional benefits and privileges to the senior citizens.”


For achieving the highest numbers of hotel guests from October 2011 to July 2012 among hotel accommodation establishments in the city, recognitions were given to Hotel Tavern with 20,220 guests; Aden Apartelle, 13,307; E.Y. Miner Suites, 13,164; RSY Pension, 9,602;

and Mt. Bagarabon Resort, 7,230. For the highest hotel occupancy rate recorded from October 2011 to July 2012, recognitions were given to Philippine Gateway Hotel with 53.93; Aden Apartelle 35.60; E.Y. Miner Suites with 81.75; Gunter Pension 78.14 and Miwa Beach Resort with

Tourism office awards individuals, firms for excellentby Francis Burwell

SURIGAO CITY -- The city government here through the City Tourism Office bestowed awards of excellence to individuals and firms who contributed in the promotion and enriching of the city’s tourism industry.


the rate of 72.94. XL Pension House, Le Chard Place, Bed & Breakfast, Miami City Suites, Moon Café and D’Resto Bar & Grill received awards for promoting tourism and demonstrating positive economic impact. A certificate of recognition was also awarded to Conching Apartelle for the untiring support to tourism data collection activities exemplified in the prompt submission of monthly tourist arrival data from the period of October 2011 to July 2012. Also, a certificate of acknowledgement and recognition was given to Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Officer-in-Charge Evangeline Babate and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Surigao Port Manager Isidro Butaslac

for setting the standards and providing improved airport and port facilities to all the passengers and guests that created a tourist friendly atmosphere. Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Roselyn Armida B. Merlin said that under the administration of City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas and that through the cooperation with the government sector and the private sector, soon, Surigao City will be known all over the country and eventually the whole world for its amazing and pristine tourist spots. The award was given in line with the National Tourism Week celebration in the city. (SDR/Francis Burwell, Surigao City Media Information and Communication Office.


MRDP helps co-ops, POs access bigger marketBy Sherwin B. Manual

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Farmers from Mindanao have hiked marketing of their produce with the assistance of the antipoverty program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).


DA’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) reported the program has assisted a total of 2,544 peoples’ organizations (POs) and cooperatives with 134,078 total of individual beneficiaries.

With a tripartite funding from the World Bank, national and local government units (LGUs), MRDP is a special project of DA in Mindanao aimed at combating poverty by providing infrastructure and livelihood opportunities to small farmers and fisherfolk in cooperation with the LGUs.

MRDP Director Lealyn Ramos in her report to agriculture secretary Proceso J. Alcala said that providing financial assistance the program has helped bring beneficiaries’ produce to the higher levels of the market’s value-chain.

“With our linkages and marketing partnership and the ardent desire of our beneficiaries, we have

some co-ops and POs who are already linked and constant suppliers of raw materials to big companies either in their locality and other domestic markets,” Ramos said.

“Co-ops and POs are essential social cluster in the rural areas that provide a favorable venue for small producers and growers to consolidate their produce and that enables them to create surplus to supply bigger demands,” Ramos added.

She further that their banding together supported with proper agricultural technology would make them a stronger competitor in the market.

In Banga, South Cotabato, the San Jose Multi-purpose Cooperative (SJMPC) has sealed agreement with San Miguel Corporation for supply of granulated cassava as raw materials for livestock feeds.

“Our co-op is

expected to deliver a total of 1500 metric tons of granulated cassava, but with the assistance provided by DA and MRDP we were able to deliver the volume as early as second quarter of the year,” said SJMPC manager Abraham Oso.

With the big volume they produced they even requested for additional purchase order for the next two quarters this year.

In Saragani Province, the abaca fiber production of the indigenous peoples who are members of the United Maligang Multi-Purpose Cooperative has dramatically increased after they have accessed funds from the Program to purchase the necessary equipment to increase production.

With the help of the Fiber Development Administration (FIDA), their fiber produce now reach the markets in Davao City, Tarlac and Cavite.


Seed growers undergo refresher course on seed production, seed certificationBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At least 35 seed growers in Region 12 have undertaken a three-day refresher course on seed production and seed certification last week.

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture 12 led the training held in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato on September 25-27.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the course aims to refresh the knowledge of different seed growers in seed production at the same time prepare them for seed certification.

She added that seed growers play very important role in advancing agricultural productivity especially in rice production.

“This training is one of the operational ways through which we can help the government achieve its Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) particularly becoming rice self-sufficient,” she added.

Regional Seed Program coordinator Tomas Muyco, said participants included six seed grower-cooperatives,namely: Lambayong Grains Seed Producers Multi-purpose Cooperative of Lambayong, SK; Palay Check Seed Growers of M’lang, North Cotabato; Carmen Agricultural Resources D e v e l o p m e n t -Producers’ Cooperative (CARD-PC) of Carmen, N. Cotabato; Sultan Kudarat State University Seednet of Tacurong City, SK; ang Cotabato Agricultural Allied Services Cooperative of Midsayap, N. Cotabato

Several individual seed growers from Malandag and Malungon towns of Sarangani also joined the training.

Muyco explained that the refresher course

on seed production and seed certification is a pre-requisite before seed grower-cooperatives could be granted certificate of accreditation.

Leonora Delicano, chief of the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS 12) of the Bureau of Plant Industry discussed the mechanics, policies and guidelines as well as the requirements for seed certification.

The participants also underwent reviews on the eight keys of Palaycheck as well as seed sampling and seed sample preparation.

BPI-NSQCS is mandated to safeguard quality assurance and control services for seed and planting material production, processing, storage and distribution, seed research and


Seed growers undergo refresher course on seed production, seed certification

seed training in seed quality control towards sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Moreover, NSQCS is also tasked to implement plans and programs on seed quality assurance and control services

to assure availability of high quality seeds and improved planting materials in the country.

Pigcawayan N. Cotabato has 15 new heavy equipment operatorsBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato- Fifteen individuals, all seeking employ-ment, from the municipality of Pigcawayan North Cotabato have completed training to become heavy equipment operators as government scholars.

All of them, according to a report from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – 12 have undergone 122 hours of training which began last July 16 and were granted National Certification II for Backhoe Loader qualification, after they took the agency required competency assessment.

Trainees were grantees of the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) the agency implements in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Also involved in

the identification and screening of the scholars as well as course implementation were the TESDA North Cotabato Provincial Office and the municipal local government unit.

Mindanao Para-Medical and Technical Colleges, Inc. (MPTCI) in Kabacan town provided the training of the scholars.

Pigcawayan mayor Roberto Blase said, he worked out for the implementation of such scholarship program for the town’s jobless residents based on the recommendation by the Public Employment Office (PESO) and community training

and employment coordinator.

They believe that the course would help address the u n e m p l o y m e n t problem in the locality.

DOLE’s labor market information identified heavy equipment operator as one of the most in-demand and hard-to-fill jobs not only in the local labor market but also in other countries.

Based on the PESO study in the last three years, most vacancies in construction, earth-moving, and excavation industries are for backhoe loader operators.


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ROTC cadets donate bloodBy Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY – Blood donation saves lives. And since the need for blood is great, Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets of Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC) responded to the call in a bloodletting activity which was held at the SMC Main Campus here over the weekend.

Dr. Mae Lyn Estrada, team leader of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga del Sur chapter said of the 25 cadets screened, only 22 were allowed to donate since three of them were found with low hemoglobin. Each cadet donated


450cc or a total of 9,900cc for the 22 bags collected during the bloodletting activity. Mr. Victor M. Asuelo, SMC Dean of Student Affairs and PRC Director said the program was jointly undertaken by SMC, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) International Collegiate Service Fraternity and Sorority, the Rotary Club of Pagadian West and the Interact Club. Ms. Arnella Marianeta A. Bontong, a PRC staff also donated blood because some patients come to their office without a donor, so it is one way of helping those patients. “Aside from cleansing, in my own little way, I can be of help by donating blood to those in need,” Bontong said. Meanwhile, 3 APO ROTC cadets namely: Melvin dela Calzada, Walter Cabanos and Jeric dela Cruz also donated blood as part of its “APO Cares, APO Shares” program. More bloodletting activities will be done next semester to help patients who need blood.


Engr. Belinda B. Garcia, BAS-Zamboanga City Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officer, said the survey aims to gauge the region’s agricultural and fisheries production from July to September. “We conduct this to know the performance of our agriculture and fisheries sector in a quarterly basis. We want to measure the region’s current volume of production on rice, corn, vegetables, coconut and other products” Engr. Garcia was quoted as saying. “Also part of our survey is to know the current inventory of poultry as of October 1”, she added. Garcia said they started earlier from their target date so as to come up with accurate data on time with their submission for regional collation of the findings from all provincial offices in the region. “We are supposed to start October 1 until the 15th, but we started our survey a week earlier so we can submit the right data to the regional office,” the statistics officer informed. “We really need to validate and

clean our data to avoid mistakes since our data, after evaluation from the regional and national office, will be utilized by our government’s statistics offices like the National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB), National Statistics Office, and other partner agencies to form part of the national annual economic report”, she explained. BAS-9 will conduct its regional data review by the last week of this month, Garcia added. However, Garcia said BAS cannot release data collected for the first semester of this year as of yet as they release annual data. “Unfortunately, while we have our data for 2012 first semester, we are not yet allowed to give information as it is not yet for public release. We release report annually. But once everything is final we will immediately make it available to the public”, she pointed. The 3rd Quarter Agriculture and Fisheries Survey is one of the highlights of the National Statistics Month celebration being observed every October.

BAS conducts Q3 Region 9 Survey on Agriculture and Fisheries By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – As part of evaluating the regions performance, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics-9 (BAS) has started the conduct of its 3rd Quarter agriculture and fisheries survey.


DAVAO CITY- A top official of the Department of Budget and Management in Davao Region formally bade farewell as he assumes as the new director of the DBM in Caraga Region effective on

October 5 due to the retirement of the director and assistant regional director of DBM-XIII in Butuan City. Speaking during the quarterly flag-ceremony of the Association of Regional Executive Directors of National Agencies XI held at the People’s Park, Achilles Bravo, director of the Department of Budget and Management XI and president of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies XI (ARENA XI) said he will take his new post as a good soldier as the new assignment offers huge break on public service. “I take this as a challenge since I can go out and replicate all our development initiatives in Region XI,” he said. Bravo looked at Caraga Region as a vast field of opportunities for government service with its development profile way behind

Region-XI budget director to assume Caraga officeby Joey Dalumpines


Southern Mindanao since it is the newest region in the country. He said reaching out to the farthest community in Davao Region will be the benchmark in also accomplishing the same task in Caraga Region. Bravo also thanked the regional directors and their staff, all government financial institutions, corporations, the soldiers and the police for participating in the Serbisyo Caravan where they went out of their respective offices and deliver basic services to far-flung local government units. “Truly, we have raised the bar for public service nationwide,” he said. Bravo urged the Arena members to keep innovating on the advocacy for direct and on-site public service stressing that the people need more from government.

Members of the ARENA in Davao Region gave a rousing send-off to the three regional directors for their good contribution to public service as they leave their respective offices this week, two out of mandatory retirement and one going to a new assignment in Northern Mindanao. Outgoing directors Susana Estigoy and Atty. Alberto Sipaco of the Department of Education XI and the Commission on Human Rights XI, respectively, will go on mandatory retirement on October 5. The Arena also cited Bravo for his great contribution to the holding of Serbisyo Caravan, a community-outreach program of all government agencies to various local government units in Davao Region.

regional gallery...

Spiked pepper tree (Piper aduncum), a native of South America it is an invasive tree species found in most parts of Mindanao. Locally known as Boyo-boyo, studies are being conducted to determine its uses particularly in reforestating useless cogonal lands.


DAVAO CITY --- The Department of Agriculture (DA) believes the banana industry remains a leading export income-earner for farmers. Melani Provido coordinator of high value crops in Davao Region said there are no major losses in the banana industry and that based on 2011 data there is a steady growth of 7% in production, of which there is a 1.8% growth on the Cavendish (variety). She added that in terms of areas the banana is continuously expanding by 2 percent. “There are some setbacks but no major losses. Although, profits of

exporters might have decreased,” she said over a phone interview. “China, which is just one of the banana-importing countries, has never closed its market for the Philippines but it has upgraded its quality standards. In the previous years we deliver the B and C (classification of) banana. Now they would like to import those with same banana quality which we export to Japan,” Provido said. She added that in response to the higher standards set in the market in recent past, DA frontloaded funds and the necessary infrastructure to meet the export market.“Over and above the funds

DA remains bullish on banana industryby sherwin Maniual MDRDP


by DA, we also have the P50 million Presidential Social Fund to assist us in our various infrastructure projects and technology training to meet the standards of the export market,” she said. In a recent press briefing, Provido said that DA has already allotted P100 million for the packing houses for 14 cooperatives in the region. One of these cooperatives is the indigenous farmers in Sibulan that are exporting ‘bongolan’ type of bananas to Japan. “We are establishing this packing houses for the small farmers because they are the ones who cannot cope up with the high export quality,” Provido explained. “Aside from infrastructure, we are also providing technical assistance such as observance of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to strengthen the quality control of banana produce,” she added. The Philippine bananas in the export market include the Cavendish

type for the fresh market and the Saba/Carbada for the chip-making and staple. DA is also looking at other local alternative markets to cope up with some industry setbacks. One is the agreement with the Department of Education (DepED) for the supply of banana in the school’s feeding program which is expected to require 240 million boxes of bananas in a year. Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Stattistics showed that in 2011 Davao region (XI) attained the highest production with 3,855 thousand MT followed by Northern Mindanao (X) with 1,726 thousand and SOCCSKSARGEN (XII) with 1,095 thousand MT. “After the vigorous implementation of infrastructures, the GAP training, and the continual search for other potential export markets, we are confident that we will regain from the setbacks we have had,” Provido said.

did you know... That the Tagum Agricultural Development Company pioneered the exportation of bananas to the world market starting in the mid 1960s. Formerly an abaca-growing company, the entry of much cheaper synthetic nylon ropes in the market forced the company’s founder Don Antonio Floirendo to shift into growing bananas particularly for exports to the growing Japanese market. By 1971 Tadeco started its banana export operations.


Nat’l grand teachers’ day celebration opens in Oro todayby Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Teachers representing all divisions in the region, including all teacher- delegates from Caraga, Cotabato, Davao, and Zamboanga gathered in the city today, October 5 for the national grand teachers’ day 2012 celebration at the Limketkai Mall Atrium.

Cagayan de Oro is host to the national teachers’ month culminating activity to highlight and honor heroic acts of teachers’, especially those, who have shown exceptional commitment when tropical storm

Sendong devastated several schools in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City. The celebration will kick off with an early morning motorcade, nationwide simultaneous prayer for teachers at 10 a.m. and other all fun


DOST sets filing of application for college scholarship until Oct 5CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Qualified graduating high school students in Northern Mindanao who are interested in science and technology careers have until October 5, Friday, to submit their application for scholarship.

Alfonso Alamban, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10 director, said about 4,000 slots nationwide every year are being awarded to those who pass the examination for the undergraduate scholarships, which for this year is scheduled on November 18. The undergraduate scholarships is part of the DOST scholarship program that aims to financially assist, as well as develop, young students with exceptional academic performance in science and mathematics who are interested in having a career in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering. Scholars will receive a monthly allowance of not more

than P5,000 depending on the awardee’s scholarship category; tuition fees not exceeding P6,000 per semester; allowance for prescribed textbooks and essential school fees of P500 for the first semester of the first year only; outright grant for prescribed military science/PE uniform

activities which was witnessed by head officials from the government. Department of Education (DepEd) region 10 director Dr. Gloria D. Benigno said the celebration also intends to push into the consciousness of the public to honor teachers every

5th day of October. Benigno likewise encouraged fellow teachers to strive doing what is best for the children and continue fulfilling their role in molding the students.


(first year only); free transportation for one economy-class, round-trip fare between the scholar’s permanent residence and place of study on reimbursement basis, once every school year; group health and accident insurance; and a post-graduation allowance of P1,000. Interested applicants can apply for scholarship grant either under Program A, which is designed for financially incapable but intelligent students whose family’s combined gross annual income does not exceed P156,600, or under Program B (merit scholarship) intended for deserving

students with a higher combined family income. Application forms can be secured and filed at the DOST-10 Office located at J.V. Serina St. near JR Borja Memorial City Hospital, Carmen, this city, or at the provincial technology centers nearest to the applicants. Forms may also be downloaded online at www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarships.ph For more details, log-on to www.region10.dost.gov.ph or visit the DOST Region-X office or contact the local DOST-X scholarship office at (088) 858-6790. (DOST-X)

DILG-10 exhorts LGUs to join International Coastal Cleanup Dayby Ana Celeste W. Felisilda

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Region 10 called on local governments to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day on October 6 with the theme “Bayanihan Para sa Karagatan.”

The event encourages communities to cleanup, fix and conserve the environment as the country’s contribution to the worldwide environmental preservation efforts. DILG-10 Director Rene K. Burdeos enjoined provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays to ensure the participation of the public in cleanup activities in actual coasts and inland waters, such as rivers, streams and lakes in their areas. During the cleanup, volunteers

will record marine debris information in standardized data cards provided by ICC Philippines. Local officials will help facilitate the reproduction, distribution and accomplishment of the data cards as well as providing materials and equipment for proper waste collection and disposal. The ICC is a yearly activity to help reduce impact of marine debris that contributes to climate change and further loss of biodiversity. (DILG)


Lamitan organizes gov’t employees association By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The rank and file employees of the Lamitan City Government of Lamitan was finally formed during a meeting of employees held recently at the bleacher near the City Hall.


Before the election, City Information Officer, Felipe M. Fernando gave a brief overview of the Executive Order No.180 to over a hundred employees in attendance. The law provides “guidelines for the exercise of the right to organize of government employees, creating a public sector labor-management council, and for other purposes.” He gave more emphasis on the rights of employees and members in forming an organization and cited that “government authorities shall not interfere in the establishment, functioning or administration of government employees’ organizations through acts designed to place such organizations under the control of government authority.” Fernando also explained the benefits of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA), which is a contract negotiated between an accredited employees’ organization as the negotiating unit and the employer/management on the terms and conditions of employment and its improvements that are not fixed by

law. He said the organization of the employees association is also part of the month-long celebration of 112th Civil Service Commission anniversary. Fernando disclosed that there was an attempt to organize the employees last September 24, 2012, but the group did not meet the desired attendance required by law. He cited Rule V, section 1 of EO 180, which states that at least 30% of the rank and file employees in the organizational unit shall be required for an organization to register with the Bureau of Labor Relations of the Department of Labor (DOLE). The elected officers of the newly formed Lamitan City Association of Government Employees were the following: Felipe M. Fernando (President0, Pedro D. Dumaplin (Vice President), Edna T. Ventus (Secretary), Roberto B. Torrevillas (Treasurer), Joseph U. Lim (Auditor), Anna Marie C. Torres (P.I.O), and Kingkang A. Sali (Peace Officer).

one mindanao - october 5, 2012

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