one mindanao - october 5, 2015

DTI LDN conducts 3-day Fiesta Diskwento Caravan in Iligan City

P48.3-M credit line to 28 farmer- groups in SulKud bankrolled by DAR – LBP

AFP’s ‘Bayanihan’ outreach: A shared journey to peace

Palace says DOH is on top of dengue outbreak, notes decline of cases in 10 regions

Rural dev’t project drives planning

reforms in Mindanao LGUs

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Cover Story

National

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

By: ERedublado

By: Aida C.Agad

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CDO leads in securing DRR module for K-12 curriculum

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 31

By: Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

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DOH Caraga on close watch for possible spur of dengue cases2526

CaragaCaraga DOLE RCC celebrates family day 201521By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

DOLE, AFP distribute kabuhayan starter kits to farmers, fisherfolks, women in Guipos town 34By: Gideon Corgue

31Western

19NorthCot LGU highlights importance of rabies awarenessBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone 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]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSVICTORINAO VILLACRUZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 October 5, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

AFP’s ‘Bayanihan’ outreach: A shared journey to peaceBy: Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Dodo” is an Indigenous People (IP) resident of barangay Dalwangan, this city. In his late 30’s, he just have this great feeling that he got his hair cut by a ‘gunner’ of the

army’s 403rd Infantry Peacemaker Brigade.

“More than three decades ago, before the military rule or that Martial Law was lifted in early 80’s, we were just kids. We would scamper in various directions, take cover somewhere or dash for home and cry out in

fear when we see a soldier in camouflage uniform. But today, the memories no longer show. The fear is no longer there and I salute the military hero who did my haircut,” he happily

5October 5, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

said.

The ‘Bayanihan’ outreach

Some 2,000 villagers, mostly women and children, in Barangay Dalwangan, benefited from the army’s outreach dubbed “Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan (working together for peace).”More than 300 schoolchildren availed of feeding program and more than 1,000 residents received assorted vitamins and medicines after thorough medical examination; underwent tooth extraction; male haircut and children availed of free circumcision.

Residents also availed of free legal aid, advice and other legal services provided by Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Bukidnon Chapter.

Col. Jesse A. Alvarez, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the event aims to deliver basic services to uplift lives in the neighborhood and help address issues on poverty—which usually hampers lasting solutions to conflicts.

He said this event highlights the army’s 42nd founding


anniversary, which is in line with the armed forces’ program of change that seeks to professionalize the army, whom people can trust, admire, and depend on.

Building relationships, caring communities

“Building peace, just like ending poverty, does not happen overnight. But when villagers experience that we genuinely care for them, our connections with the community will teach us that this “Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan” is a shared journey to peace. The way to peace may be long but it is a path worth walking,” Alvarez said.

He said one of the ways to rebuild people’s confidence is by putting in place the basic needs of the community and bringing the soldiers closer to the people.

In collaboration with Bukidnon Sugar Milling Co. (BUSCO, Inc), City Health Office, Bukidnon Provincial Government, BUPHARCO, Del Monte Phils, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malaybalay City Government, Barangay Council of Dalwangan, civil society organizations, private

individuals, and key government organizations who supported us in this endeavor, the 403rd Infantry Peacemaker Brigade’s outreach has contributed in the world’s efforts of achieving lasting peace, Col. Alvarez said.

7 October 5, 2015ONE MINDANAO 7October 5, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

APEC members agree on regional plan to ensure food security

ILOILO, Oct. 5 -- Member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreed on Saturday on a food security plan contained in a declaration following the two-day meeting on food security here. The policy declarations, which will be forwarded to the APEC economic leaders in November, have four priority areas: stock-take and food security roadmap toward 2020, sustainable development of

agriculture and fishery sectors, facilitation on investment and infrastructure development, and enhancing trade and market.

“Food security has come to be one of the most urgent


and important challenges confronting the world especially APEC economies,” said Undersecretary for Fisheries Asis Perez, the chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security (PPFS) Meeting here.

The Philippines, a predominantly agricultural country, has focused on attaining food security and rice self sufficiency in the last five years under the Aquino administration.

This government goal coincides with APEC PPFS goal of attaining an institutionalized food system structure by 2020, which will ensure a sufficient food supply for the entire region.

But having a secured supply of food goes beyond increasing production, Perez said, adding that it also involves enhancing producers’ competitiveness and having fair policy regimes that promote sustainable growth and

recognize the participation of women, farmers, and fishermen in the value chain.

Among the major agenda during the meeting is the major role that the private sector will play in assisting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) production process, which is part of the PPFS 2015 work plan.

To push this regional agenda, the Philippine government has been working to bridge the gap between the public and the private sectors, especially in the agriculture and fishery sectors so that small entrepreneurs receive the necessary support as they become part of the value chain.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, under the Department of Agriculture, hosted the APEC 2015 PPFS meeting here in Iloilo City. (PCOO/PND)


Palace says DOH is on top of dengue outbreak, notes decline of cases in 10 regions

MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) continues to provide medical assistance to public hospitals attending to citizens affected by a flare-up of dengue in several parts of the country, Malacañang said on Sunday.


“Nakahanda rin po ang mga pampublikong pagamutan kung sakaling dumagsa ang (mga pasyenteng may) sakit na dengue sa mga lalawigan,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma acknowledged that dengue cases increased in seven provincial zones, but he noted

that such incidence has declined in 10 regions, according to DOH.

Among the regions with reported lower incidence of dengue in 2015 are Mimaropa (1,646 to 1,346), Bicol Region (993 to 868), Western Visayas (5,718 to 3,756), Central Visayas (3,481 to 3,326), Eastern Visayas (4,508 to 737), Zamboanga Peninsula (4,743 to 3,891),

PHOTO CREDIT TO:MB.COM


Northern Mindanao (6,298 to 5,795), Davao Region (5,849 to 2,619), SOCCSKSARGEN (5,302 to 5,109), and Caraga (6,946 to 2,598).

Reports citing the latest nationwide data from DOH said dengue cases rose by 16.5 percent from January 1 to September 5 this year with a total number of 78,808 cases against the 67,637 cases recorded during the same period in 2014.

Coloma said the DOH is zeroing in on areas with mounting reports of dengue, comparing the figures from 2014 to 2015, and continues to monitor the situation.

“Hindi naman dapat magkaroon ng pagkabahala dahil masinsin ang pagsusubaybay ng DOH sa bagay na ito,” the Palace official emphasized.

Coloma underscored the importance of keeping our

environment clean at all times to help prevent the spread of such disease. He said DOH is already coordinating with local government authorities on this matter.

“Ang pinakamahalagang aspeto ay prevention. Kinakailangang mapanatili ang kalinisan ng kapaligiran para hindi magkaroon ng pamumugaran ang mga carrier ng dengue at ito ay inaasikaso ng DOH sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga local government authority,” he said. (PCOO/PND)


Rural dev’t project drives planning reforms in Mindanao LGUs

Planning reforms in Mindanao are underway as the national government and the provincial local government units continue to partner for the implementation of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in the island region.


The PRDP, a six-year agricultural development initiative implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) with funding assistance from the World Bank, has engaged LGUs around the country, including those from Mindanao, to arrive at evidence-based decisions to develop their respective agro-fisheries sectors.

During the World Bank First Implementation Support Mission to the PRDP in Cagayan de Oro City, Brigida Tangonan, head of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Project Management and Implementing Unit (PPMIU) highlighted how their province had been able to improve their planning methodologies for agri-fishery sub-projects when they engaged in the PRDP.

Tangonan said that planners and implementers in the local government were capacitated in crafting their Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP), as well as feasibility studies, which are needed to propose sub-projects under the PRDP.

Promoting planning reforms

among LGUs

A PCIP is a strategic three-year rolling plan containing possible interventions to be undertaken by a province for priority commodities in support of the national Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) and the localized regional AFMP. Under the PCIP, these interventions shall be implemented in collaboration with the DA Regional Office, concerned government agencies and private stakeholders, including those with agribusiness interest.

According to PRDP National Project Director and DA Undersecretary Emerson Palad, an LGU should first prepare a PCIP before the PRDP management approves its sub-project proposals.

The PCIP is based on another tool utilized by the PRDP—the Value Chain Analysis (VCA) used to assess the status and the linkages and interplay of the different value chain players of a particular industry. The results of the assessment will then be used to identify appropriate upgrading strategies and interventions that


will contribute to the development and strengthening of the subject industry’s competitive advantage.

“We cannot proceed with [the] PCIP, if there is no existing VCA,” Tangonan said.

This way, the PRDP assures that all sub-projects implemented under the Project are based on the actual needs of the commodity in particular areas, and will address constraints in the value chain.

Aside from the PCIP and VCA, LGUs participating in the PRDP also utilize the Expanded-Vulnerability Assessment Tool (E-VSA), an online tool which takes into account both agro-climatic data, and socio-economic indicators such as poverty magnitude and incidence, number of farmers and fishers and size of

production area, among others as bases in targeting interventions and formulating strategies for investments.

“With the E-VSA, we were able to come up with municipalities of Tubod, Lala, and Capatagan as our priority areas for the coconut-based sub-projects proposed under the PRDP,” Tangonan explained.

As of September 17, 2015 Lanao del Norte has a project portfolio of more than P266.58 million, one of which is the Integrated Coconut-Based Enterprise in Tubod, Lanao del Norte. The World Bank consultants and DA-PRDP implementers visited the project site during the implementation support mission.

Davao del Norte PPMIU


Head Josie Jean Rabanoz shared that their province has become more competitive as skills and capacities of local planners and designers were enhanced with the use of PRDP tools.

“With the crafting of PCIP, all components engaged in the project maintained close coordination and constant communication, which is key to a streamlined implementation of [the] PRDP in the local government,” Rabanoz added.

Davao del Norte has as a total project portfolio worth P1.19 billion under the PRDP, of which four farm-to-market roads have already been approved for funding.

Holistic development through the PRDP

“Aside from helping the local governments achieve complete development in the rural areas through provision of grants, we also want to capacitate the local governments in planning and implementing agri-fishery sub-projects,” Palad said.

The PRDP covers 90% of total

project cost for infrastructure sub-projects and 80% for enterprise development sub-projects. The rest of the project cost is shouldered by the LGU and proponent groups as equities.

The Undersecretary also said that as LGUs are receptive of the PRDP, the DA recognizes that there is a need for the Department to beef up coordination mechanisms with its LGU partners so that they can adhere to the important guidelines and requirements set by Project.

“By the end of the Project, we want all our innovations and mechanisms mainstreamed both in the national government and local governments,” Palad added. The PRDP, the government’s main platform for rural development, aims to improve rural economy by operationalizing local-level convergence among agricultural stakeholders, synergizing programs and projects for modern, climate-smart and market-oriented agri-fishery sector that benefits the greater segment of farmers and fishers. (Catherine Nanta, DA-PRDP)


DA assures unrelenting support to SOCCSKSARGEN’s coffee industryBy Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 5-- SOCCSKSARGEN Re-gion’s coffee industry can rely on the Department of Agriculture for sustained support, an official of the agency vowed.


“The Department of Agricul-ture Regional Field Office 12, for its part guarantees that coffee growers, processors and traders in the region have all the support to continue the positive growth in their sector,” Regional Execu-tive Director Amalia Jayag-Datu-kan, told participants of the 2nd Regional Coffee Congress held in General Santos City early this week.

By positive growth, Director Datukan meant the current sta-tus of SOCCSKSARGEN Region, particularly the province of Sultan Kudarat, as the top producer of the commodity in the country.

“We are proud to inform you that SOCCSKSARGEN is undeni-ably Philippines’ top coffee pro-ducer. Last year, the Region con-tributed 28,000 metric tons of coffee in the national production performance,” she announced, at-tributing this achievement to the interventions coursed through lo-cal government units and coffee farmers associations.

Among these support are planting materials and facilities for value adding of coffee berry production, such as hullers, pulp-ers, dryers, roasters, and dryers.

Data provided by DA-12’s AgriPinoy High Value Crops De-velopment Program indicated that since 2011 the department has distributed Php31.74 million

worth of aid to coffee growers.These are comprised of 520,000

seedlings worth Php10.57 M, 40 pulpers (Php3.40 M), 56 hullers (Php7.28 M), and 7 roasting fa-cilities (Php10.5 M).

In the coming months DA 12 will be handing out 200,000 more free coffee seedlings to interest-ed coffee farmer organizations.

Director Datukan explained that holding of activities such as the coffee congress could help stakeholders gain additional infor-mation about technologies and marketing strategies to promote the Philippines competence in the ASEAN Integration.

According to the Philippine Sta-tistics Authority, SOCCSKSARGEN Region produced 28,000.20 met-ric tons of dried coffee berries in 2014. Of this volume, 22,613.06 metric tons were produced in Sultan Kudarat province.

SOCCSKSARGEN Coffee Al-liance led by Dr. Dante Eugenio have been pushing for the recog-nition of Sultan Kudarat prov-ince as the “Coffee Capital of the Philippines.” (DEDoguiles-PIA12)


P48.3-M credit line to 28 farmer- groups in SulKud bankrolled by DAR – LBPBy Aida C.Agad

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, Oct 5 – The Department of Agrarian Re-form (DAR) to date through Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) has approved P48,342,200 credit line to 28 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the province of Sultan Kudarat, an offi-cial said.

Rodolfo Alburo, provincial agrarian reform program officer II (PARPO), said the approved credit lines are granted under the Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) to finance rice and corn production needs of the farmers in the province.

He said, the credit program is a project of DAR in partnership with the LBP to achieve sus-tainable crop production and to increase household income of ARBs by providing them capital for farm inputs.

“The credit line for each ARBO vary according to the number of agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) members and the number of hectares applied for each or-ganization,” Alburo explained.

Among the 28 ARBOs, 19 were already released with a total amount of P25,691,766.66. The remaining nine (9) farmer or-

ganizations are awaiting the al-ready scheduled release in the coming months.

“There were five ARBOS who received financing under APCP last year amounting to P11,168,485.00. There was one cooperative in Columbio, another cooperative in President Quirino, one irrigators’ association in Lu-tayan, one farmers’ association in Bagumbayan and another one in Isulan. They are now for second release this year,” Alburo added.

DAR Sultan Kudarat started the APCP program during the first quarter of 2014, but only few ARBOs have availed of the program.

Iglecerio D. Catiil, LBP Account Officer for APCP in Sulltan Kuda-rat said that APCP implements only 8.5% per annum interest rate, with an interest


NorthCot LGU highlights importance of rabies awarenessBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

rebate of 2 percent if payment is made on time. The ARBO is given 150-180 days to pay the said loan to LBP.

“We allow ARBOs to pass on an all-in interest rate of 15 percent per annum, including service charge,” Catiil said.

He opined that if farmers bor-row money from traders, they would usually get at least 10% per month interest rate. “So imagine how APCP could actu-ally help them if they take the program seriously and pay their amortization diligently,” Catiil stressed.

He added that APCP has a built-in insurance plan for the mem-bers and their immediate family in case of accident and death and for their crops in case of damage due to typhoons or other forms of calamities.

Rodel Palmares, a member of KM 14 HVC Farmers Association,

Inc. in Bagumbayan town shared that he has been borrowing mon-ey from traders for almost 10 years now to finance his farming needs.

He said that one time his bor-rowed money reached over a hundred thousand pesos and had difficulty paying it off.

“Napilitan po akong ibenta ang isang lupa ko sa trader bilang kabayaran sa kabuuang utang ko sa kanya. (I was forced to sell a parcel of my land to a trader as payment for all my debts.),” Pal-mares recounted.

He added that with a 10% in-terest rate per month from trad-ers he can still gain income, much more can be gained if his financ-ing for farm inputs will come from APCP program. (ACAgad-PIA12 with reports from JJBDael-DAR-SK)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Oct. 5--- The provincial gov-ernment here emphasizes the significance of rabies awareness on achieving a zero-fatality incident on the said virus.


In line with this, the Depart-ment of Health in coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office, Office of the Pro-vincial Veterinarian and the Lo-cal Government Unit of Matalam conducted a rabies symposium recently.

The activity, anchored on the World Rabies Day was partici-pated by the barangay officials, health workers and other con-cerned sectors who were reori-ented of the importance of anti-rabies vaccination particularly for dogs and cats to ensure safety of pet owners and their animals.

They were also given lectures on proper care of dog and other pets and on becoming responsi-ble pet owners.

Based on the information shared in the symposium, rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system.

It is transmitted from animals to humans commonly by animal bites although there have been cases of humans becoming in-fected in bat caves after breath-ing in the air.

Rabies infection is nearly al-ways fatal (99.9% fatality rate) unless prompt treatment is ad-ministered before symptoms be-gin.

The observance of the World

Rabies Day in the province was also marked by a massive vacci-nation of anti-rabies vaccine for pet dogs in Kidapawan City.

Dr. Rufino Suropia, provincial veterinarian reported that a to-tal of 65 dogs were vaccinated, six female dogs and one cat were spayed, six male dogs were neu-tered and four dogs were treated of scabies through the ‘Alis-Galis’ medication.

He also informed that aside from the said on-site vaccina-tion, the OPVet also conducts dog vaccination for walk-in clients at their office in the Provincial Capi-tol, Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City on a regular basis and dur-ing office hours.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmy-lou Mendoza noted that the pro-vincial government supports the advocacy and activities in line with rabies awareness as well as on the virus’ prevention and con-trol.

This year’s World Rabies Day centered on the theme, “Let’s End Rabies Together”. (SJDu-erme-PIA12 wth report from the NorthCot Media Center)


Comelec AgNor convenes partners in preparation for May 2016 Elections

BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Agusan del Norte spearheaded the recently held Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) Pre-Reactivation Command Center Conference with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and other deputized agencies held at the Social Hall of Cabadbaran City.

By: Jennifer Gaitano


Said activity is aimed to discuss pre-election preparations, peace and order situation, recent Comelec Resolutions, guidelines and other security measures, issues and concerns. “Election is a very important ingredient in a democratic society and each one of us has the responsibility to ensure that the conduct of the election will be honest, reliable and peaceful. We also have to ensure that each vote that the people will cast especially come May 2016 elections shall be the true manifestation of the people’s sentiments,” stressed Cabadbaran City Mayor Dale Corvera, in his welcome message.

Atty. April Joy Balano, Agusan del Norte Provincial Election Supervisor II bared that the 2016 Elections is set on May 9. Voting will commence at 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. with the use of the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machines. “The campaign period for the local candidates will start on March 26, 2016. We are reminding our candidates to be fully aware and conscious of the prohibited acts as mandated by law in relation to the upcoming elections in May 2016, so as not to violate any of it and to be disqualified,” emphasized Balano.


The good lawyer also disclosed that the Comelec has set new qualifications for those teachers who will be applying as members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI). “We have already set a new qualifications for the Board of Election Inspectors comprising teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd). It will no longer be based on seniority but based on computer literacy and physical capacity,” she bared. Balano added that as of July 20, 2015, there are already 386,709 registered voters in the province with biometric data and is expected to increase since the Comelec offices are still

continuously doing their efforts to register those who are yet to complete their biometrics until October 31, 2015. Atty. Francisco Pobe, regional election director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Caraga recognized the efforts of the teachers in the Department of Education (DepEd) who will again serve as election inspectors in the different barangays come May 2016 elections. “We would like to reiterate that physical and mental capacity, as well as literacy on how to operate the computer are the two qualifications to be chosen as members of the board


of election inspectors and not based on seniority. Let’s ensure a safe, credible, peaceful, fair, and successful conduct of the May 2016 elections,” he said. Also, Nora CL Molde, Information Center Manager of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Agusan del Norte prompted that the agency is very active in disseminating relevant information to the public especially on updates related to the May 2016 elections. “As the information arm of the Philippine government, we believe that disseminating timely, accurate and reliable information is a public service. As we prepare for the upcoming May 2016 Elections, the Philippine Information Agency will be there to help our people get updated and we will ensure that their voices will be heard. If you would like to ask our assistance, the

agency is always ready to be of service to you,” said Molde. Atty. Aljay Go, Butuan City Prosecutor bared updates on the type of cases that they are recently working on and ensured its partners from the government that the Department of Justice (DOJ), together with the law enforcement agencies will be extending support in line with the preparations for the 2016 Elections. Meanwhile, Atty. Samuel Rollo, Butuan City election officer IV expressed his thanks to all the participating agencies for their support and cooperation. “We should all together work closely and do our respective duties and responsibilities to achieve our common goal for the May 2016 elections, and that is to have it secure, peaceful, and successful,” he said.


Reports from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit shows that a total of 2,899 cases were admitted to different disease reporting units region wide from January to September, 2015. This is 54 percent lower compared to the same time period last year cases (6,304). The report also revealed that there are about 202 cases reported for the month of September in which most cases come from Agusan del Sur (46 cases), followed

by Butuan City (43 cases) and Bayugan City (32 cases). DOH Caraga assistant regional director Cesar C. Cassion explained that although these numbers are significantly low compared to the cases recorded in 2014, the public is continuously urged to exercise preventive measures to combat dengue. There are practical tips to ensure a mosquito-free environment. The basic strategy is to search and destroy

DOH Caraga on close watch for possible spur of dengue cases

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) Caraga is continuously monitoring the possible increase of dengue cases around the region.

photo bry: news.cn


mosquito breeding sites such as emptying stagnant water. Self-protection measures such as using a mosquito net or mosquito repellant may also help. Dengue is caused by the bite of an infected female aedes aegypti mosquito. It may be fatal if not instantly managed. Incubation period is from four to ten days once bitten. The most common symptoms include High fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, swollen glands, muscle and joint pain, and skin

rash. “Our initiative is not enough unless the community cooperates with us. With the constant reminder of emptying standing water as breeding habitats, wearing of appropriate and protective clothing, scheduling of outdoor activities, allowing fogging when there is an impending outbreak, using mosquito repellants and staying in screened areas will surely advance us from this appalling bite,” Cassion concluded.

Caraga DOLE RCC celebrates family day 2015 By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga along with its attached agencies gleefully concluded the Regional Coordinating Council’s (RCC’s) Family Week at K Beach, Caasinan, Cabadbaran City on September 30, 2015. The activity was intended to uphold and enhance the Behavioral Dimension of the department and the agencies under its umbrella targeting the religious, social, skill-building, artistry and sportsmanship aspect of all its employees and staff in due accordance to their gender roles. In observance to the memorandum Circular No. 09 series of 2015 issued by the

DSWD, the 5 in 1 Strategic Approach in Enhancement of Behavioral Dimension with Gender Perspective cum Family Day gathered together some 120 employees of the DOLE RCC from all over the region including the provincial offices of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands. Fulfilling the religious dimension of the affair, participants


joined in the celebration of the Holy Mass presided by the Vicar of the Parish of Cabadbaran. Flaunting the beauty and grace of each agency, a parade of team colors led by the captains and their muses hyped up the activity. The teams were color coded with Red for the DOLE Region and its Provincial Offices, Blue for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Pink for the Offices of National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) and the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), Yellow for

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Green for National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and Orange for National Conciliation And Mediation Board (NCMB) and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). The muses and captains represented each team in the Search for Mr. and Ms. DOLE RCC 2015 that brought entertainment and excitement to the event, with team Red’s muse and Blue team’s captain hailed as the Mr. and Ms. DOLE RCC 2015.

Showcasing the talents and flair of DOLE family, the six teams energetically performed a production number. Having exceptionally displayed their feat, the NLRC were awarded as the best in presentation by the jurors. Continuing its fun-packed atmosphere, an array of games from mental to physical spawned a cheerful and youthful vibe to the event. Evidently, the bliss that surfaced during the event demonstrated the intensity of convergence of the CARAGA DOLE RCC. A joint undertaking in achieving an enhancement of oneself geared towards providing a high-quality public service.


BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi – Being residents in far-flung areas does not mean that access to government services should equally be as far. Tawi-Tawi is one example of a steadily progressing province, given its geographical location.

PNoy: Tawi-Tawi progressing through gov’t infra, dev’t projectsBy Dominic I. Sanchez

In his message to about 1,500 residents of Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost province in the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III emphasized that it is more reason for government to be closer to them.

“Hindi po ibig sabihin na maging malayo na din ang mga boss sa serbisyo ng gobyerno,” (This doesn’t mean that the bosses will also be far from the services of government) President Aquino emphasized.


“Kahit saan sa Pilipinas, sa Luzon, Visayas o Mindanao, kung ano ang kailangan ng mga boss, yun ang dapat nating tugunan,” (wherever the bosses are in the Philippines, in Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao, whatever it is they need, the government should provide) he added. President Aquino visited Tawi-Tawi on October 3 to inspect the progress of the almost-completed Sanga-Sanga-Lapid-Lapid bridge network. The bridge, when completed will link the farms in mainland Panglima Sugala to the province’s trade center in Bongao. The President shared that the three bridges are a product of the local government’s persistence to have Tawi-Tawi’s dream realized. Earlier, Governor Nurbert Sahali lobbied for this project from President Aquino. “The governor was diligent enough to provide me with a very thorough study outlining the plans for the bridges,” President Aquino said. The project costs roughly about Php450-million. “I told him then that we had to save up,” the President quipped. According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Sec. Rogelio Singson, the road and bridge access network project started in 2013, and when completed, will run for about 115 kilometers. He


added that the entire project will be “finished by 2016.” Meanwhile, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Sec. Joseph Abaya shared that the Tawi-Tawi airport will eventually expand its runway, adding that there will already be flights from Cebu to Tawi-Tawi and vice-versa. “This will boost economic activities here,” Sec. Abaya said. Meanwhile, Department of Energy (DOE) Sec. Zenaida Monsada shared that the President had committed 100% energization of all sitios in the province. “As of recent, we are already 80% energized,” Sec. Monsada said. According to former Governor Sadikul Sahali, the realization of the projects, to include the Tawi-Tawi airport had enabled the province to become the lead exporter of cassava.

On the other hand, Governor Nurbert Sahali looks forward to a more promising, more developed future for the province, once all needed projects are realized with the help of the Aquino administration. Civil society leaders have also expressed their gratitude to President Aquino. Sr. Ritaflor Servidad of a Tawi-Tawi-based non-government organization shared that people’s struggles in transportation have been uplifted after infrastructure projects have been poured in. “Our sincerest gratitude to our President to have made our dream come true,” Gov. Sahali said. President Aquino, after seeing the projects nearing completion in Tawi-Tawi said: “It now looks like you are steadily moving forward to development and progress.”


DOLE officer-in-charge Camilo Encila led the distribution ceremony assisted by 102nd brigade commander Col. Andres Aguinaldo, Jr. and 53rd Infantry battalion commander LtCol. Alvin Luzon. Out of school youth, women, elderly, farmers, fisherfolks and

other workers in the informal sector from the municipalities of Guipos, Kumalarang and San Miguel were among the beneficiaries of the starter kits. DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits is a livelihood formation strategy of the government designed to improve the socio-

GUIPOS, Zamboanga del Sur – In its desire to improve the socio-economic well-being of workers in the informal sector, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday, October 2, distributed Kabuhayan Starter Kits to 100 beneficiaries in Dalapan barangay hall here.

By Gideon C. Corgue

DOLE, AFP distribute kabuhayan starter kits to farmers, fisherfolks, women in Guipos town


economic well-being of workers in the informal economyand their families. Encila said the starter kits consist of a package of services that will enable the target beneficiaries to quickly start a livelihood undertaking and become self-employed. “The people will no longer think of working abroad because they can earn money from the starter kits,” Encila opined. “Sa inyong kalihokan sa panginabuhi gamit ang starter kits nga gihatag kaninyo sa gobyerno, makakita kamo ug kwarta. Dili na kinahanglan nga moadto pa sa abroad o sa kauluhan aron mangita ug trabaho tungod kay mao kini ang bugtong paagi nga mapalambo ang inyong pamuyo (With your livelihood undertakings utilizing the starter kits given to you by the government, you can earn money. There is no need for you to go abroad or in Manila to look for a job because this is the only way that you can improve your standard of living), ”Encila explained. He also cited the sad fate of Filipinosworking abroad saying that many of those who were employed as domestic helpers

and caregivers and other professionals were victims of sexual and physical abuse. Meanwhile, Col. Andres Aguinaldo congratulated the beneficiaries for availing the project adding that not all the people of the three municipalities have availed of the project. He encouraged them to continue supporting the programs of the government saying that there are still many programs of the government that are designed to uplift the living conditions of the poor. “I urge everyone to support the peace efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines thru the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” campaign,” Aguinaldo said, adding that the program will not be realized sans help of the stakeholders. LtCol. Alvin Luzon said he is optimistic that the DOLE project will be felt by the people as envisioned by the present administration’s “inclusive growth.”The DOLE, other national government agencies, military and local government units are working hand in hand so that services will trickle down to the grassroots.


DOH holds breastfeeding confab

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Health pooled local government units, public and private establishment operators for a 2-day Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) stakeholders meeting to convey support in the establishment of lactation stations.

By: Jorie C. Valcorza

It reiterated the provisions of RA 10028 or the “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009” which builds on RA

7600 or the “Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992.” DOH 10 IYCF Coordinator Telesfora G. Madelo noted


that while RA 10028 is well implemented in government hospitals and health centers, much are still need to be done in government offices. “We will be reactivating the task force that looks into this and jump start the needed inspections to encourage, protect and support the practice of breastfeeding,” Madelo said. Glenford Labial of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), meanwhile, said that majority of the big establishments have already complied to this, specifically in

Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte where their inspection team have reached. Labial also stressed that the law dictates establishments to allow lactating mothers not less than 40 minutes for every 8-hour period divided into 2-3 milk expressions (exclusive of meal breaks). All employees, he said, working in establishments whether operating on profit or not, are covered. Other than the lactation station requirement, regular breastfeeding information and orientation is encouraged.

There were 21 exhibitors and items sold are rice, processed foods, school supplies, dry goods, agri products, and handicrafts from local micro-small medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) from

the five barangays namely Ubaldo Laya, Suarez, Sta Elena, Sta. Filomena, including Poblacion, Iligan City. The caravan generated a total sales of P127,777.34 with 1,120 consumers benefitting

DTI LDN conducts 3-day Fiesta Diskwento Caravan in Iligan CityILIGAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Lanao del Norte Provincial Office conducted a 3-day Diskwento Caravan-Fiesta Edition, on Sept. 25-27, 2015 at the Rizal Park, this city.


from the activity, with items and products discounted at 10 to 20 percent. Top seller was National Foods Authority (NFA) disposing at least 2,500 kgs of NFA rice at P27.00 per kg which amounted to

P67,567.50. Likewise, processed foods also showed a generous amount of sales especially the ‘pater’ and ‘palapa’ which are Muslim foods.(ERedublado, DTI Iligan-LDN/ PIA-10 LDN)

Allan Porcadilla, officer-in-charge of CDRRMO, said that the said module was created by the DepEd focal persons on disaster where the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) also takes part. Porcadilla added that the project was outlined from the Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010 for the curriculum integration of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change

Adaptation (DRR CCA). He also revealed that Cagayan de Oro will be the pilot are of the Climate Change Commission project that will be implemented in 2016. Dr. John Mingo and Lovern Mercado, focal persons of DepEd, together with the CDRRMO through the leadership of Porcadilla and overseer Ret. Col. Mario Verner Monsanto spearheaded the three-day training.(CIO/PIA10)

CDO leads in securing DRR module for K-12 curriculumCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) leads in the creation of the disaster preparedness module in the whole country that will be used by the Department of Education (DepEd) in their K-12 curriculum.

one mindanao - october 5, 2015

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