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Shared Service Facilities, a boost to countryside development

Senator Legarda says “We must develop a culture of disaster preparedness”

DepEd empowers students to be disaster-ready

DSWD prepares for rainy days

Fishermen and conservation groups call on Duterte to end illegal fishing in six months

Tabak issues firearms to 200 new soldiers

Zambo barangay officials undergo capacity building

DICT launches ICT skills training, internship center in Cagayan de Oro

NEDA holds public forum on ‘AmBisyon Natin 2040’ in

4ID showcases disaster response operation readiness during Earthquake Drill

Shake drill draws many participants in the pilot area in Davao Region

City official fears ‘death’ of Chavacano language

Cannes Award-winning film premiered in Davao City

50 child laborers receive school supplies

Gensan raises dengue alert; records 389 cases since January

RTWPB-12 invites stakeholders to wage hike public hearing

PDEA DavNor urges 100% reactivation of BADAC

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MindanaoRound Up

NOEMI BERNARDINO-EDAGAREGIONAL DIRECTOR, PIA WESTERN MINDANAO

DTI’s Shared Service Facilities

The Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which is a major component of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) program, aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tzools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system.

Beneficiaries of the project are the actual and potential users of the SSF which are mostly cooperatives, associations or groups of MSMEs including MSMEs or individual entrepreneurs who may not be members of cooperatives, associations, corporations or organizations.

The SSF is expected to increase production, employment and domestic sales of recipient-cooperatives, LGUs and other groups, and is seen to boost countryside development.

However, beneficiaries are expected to take care of the equipment and be good stewards of the facilities. If they fail in this aspect, DTI will take them back and give them to other beneficiaries who need the same equipment.

These are great opportunities for economic upliftment and should be put to good use because the government has invested much. Let us be responsible enough to do our part and contribute to economic stability.

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NOEMI BERNARDINO-EDAGAREGIONAL DIRECTOR, PIA WESTERN MINDANAO

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYWestern Mindanao (Davao Region)Platon Urro Street, San Francisco District,Pagadian CityTelefax no. (062) 215-1480Email: r9_pia@yahoo.com/ mimibern17@gmail.com

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Shared Service Facilities

The Shared Service Facilities (SSF) project is a major component of the MSMED program that aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing them with machinery, equipment, tools, systems, skills and knowledge under a shared system. Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae, DTI provincial director said beneficiaries of the project are the actual and potential users of the SSF which

are mostly cooperatives, associations or groups of MSMEs including MSMEs or individual entrepreneurs who may not be members of cooperatives, associations, corporations or organizations. Lipae said very recently, five SSF projects were turned-over to the beneficiaries which was held at the Philippine Pioneer Rubber Products Corp. (PPRPC), Barangay La Paz, Naga, this province. This was attended by no less than Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain and its project cooperators.

Rubber/Abaca Quality Improvement

The projects include: In House Rubber Testing Laboratory for PPRPC; Weighing scales for LGU Naga; Rubber Quality Improvement for LGU Ipil and Timbabauan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperatice; and Abaca Quality Improvement for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative. “Total cost of the projects amounted to P4.89 million and is expected

Shared Service Facilities, a boost to countryside development Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) is a key strategy to achieve the government’s goal of inclusive growth and jobs generation. The 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) has earmarked funds under the budget of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to implement MSMED.

to increase p r o d u c t i o n , employment and domestic sales,” Lipae said positively. DTI will also monitor and make sure that the facilities are used in a proper way. If not, the agency will take them back and give them to other beneficiaries who need the same equipment. The province of Zamboanga Sibugay is considered the rubber capital of the Zamboanga Peninsula region with its farmers providing materials to rubber processors who export to India and Malaysia, among other markets.

Abaca decorticating machines

Aside from rubber, abaca is also a major product of the province. To boost abaca fiber production in Zamboanga Peninsula, the Department of Trade and Industry has facilitated the transfer of 2 units Abaca decorticating machine from Zamboanga City to DTI Zamboanga Sibugay Office. Two associations will benefit from these equipment, n a m e l y : RecudoTaruc R u b b e r

Planters Association (RETARPA) and the Peñaranda Abaca Planters Association. Prior to the delivery of the equipment to the above-mentioned associations, the DTI conducted its evaluation/site visit to RETARPA on May 26, 2016. RETARPA have started planting the “kutay kutay” variety of about 5 hectares in 2013, and expanded their plantation by another 2 hectares in 2014. The 7-hectare plantation is now harvestable, but the association have difficulty in extracting the fiber using the manual “hagutan” provided by PhilFIDA. The association can already improve their productivity by harvesting about 80 Kg/day of abaca fiber at an 8-hour

operation/day. DTI has also conducted final inspection of the Abaca Quality improvement SSF which is a drying shed at ARBEMCO, Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte. With the provision of the equipment, abaca fibers are no longer exposedto rain and the drying process will speed up, hence improved fiber quality is achieved.

DTI Negosyo Centers

Meanwhile, Negosyo Centers, which catalyzes SMEs potential to grow, compete, and excel will be launched today, June 21 in the municipalities of Imelda and Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay. Services offered at the Negosyo centers include: Business

registration assistance - facilitate processing and documentation of paper requirements necessary for the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises; Business Advisory services - provide MSMEs advisory services tailored according their needs that include product development, trade promotion, financing facilitation, investment matching and SME counselling. The center also provides Business information and advocacy such as economic, technical, market and investments related materials and conduct information campaign through trainings, seminars, dialogues and publications. (Alma L. Tingcang)

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Legarda, who is the global champion for resilience of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), made the statement following the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s

(MMDA) 2nd Metro Manila Shake Drill–a simulation of conditions that can occur if and when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits Metro Manila. “Everyone should be ready when the ‘Big

One’ occurs. Government agencies and all public institutions must be prepared. There should be an effective early warning system and massive information and education campaign to equip us

Senator Legarda says “We must developa culture of disaster preparedness”Senator Loren Legarda has renewed her call for the nation to develop a culture of safety and preparedness to prevent natural hazards, such as earthquakes, from turning into disasters.

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DepEd empowers studentsto be disaster-readyThe Department of Education (DepEd) has reminded all schools to facilitate a student-led school watching and hazard mapping activity to engage students in disaster preparedness and management.

with knowledge on what to do before, during and after such disasters,” she explained. She added that there should be regular evaluation and retrofitting of public and private infrastructure to ensure that buildings, bridges and other similar structures can withstand strong earthquakes. Local government units (LGUs), including barangay officials, must determine open spaces for safe refuge when earthquakes occur and craft evacuation plans that would help the people find out the fastest and safest way to reach open spaces and other safe areas. In the incoming 17th Congress, Legarda will file a bill that will mandate the regular conduct of fire and earthquake drills in all public establishments, especially in schools and hospitals.The drills should include

practice and instructions concerning the location, use and operation of emergency exits, fire escapes, doors and fire extinguishers and other facilities provided for such purpose in buildings as well as the proper evacuation of buildings by persons in the event of fires and earthquakes. The Senator also said that there should be an effective early warning system like the “5pm chime” of Minato City in Japan. Everyday, at 5:00 in the afternoon, the instrumental version of the Japanese folk song “Yuyaku Koyake” is heard in speakers all around Minato City. This is a way to ensure that the broadcast system and speakers are working correctly because the speaker network is used to warn people of emergency situations, especially disaster warnings. “We also need to

have this kind of early warning system in the country, so that wherever people are they are informed of important announcements especially in emergency situations, thereby reducing risks, casualties and damages,” she said. Legarda reminded that disaster risk reduction and preparedness can significantly reduce the impacts projected in the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), which revealed that without the necessary interventions, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila could destroy 40% of residential buildings, damage 35% of all public buildings, kill 34,000 people, injure 114,000 individuals, and the ensuing fires will also result in 18,000 additional fatalities. (Senate)

National News I 23-24 JUNE 2016

In a memorandum, Education Secretary Armin Luistro reiterated that all schools both in the elementary and secondary levels are required to perform the activity within the first month of the school opening of the current school year. ”This activity will raise awareness and equip learners with information and skills necessary for addressing the impact of hazards,” said Luistro, adding that the students can grasp their role in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). A School Watching

Team (SWT), comprised of at least 10 members, must be formed to identify and plot hazard factors and risk areas in the school. The hazard map, produced by the team, will then be reproduced and posted in different areas of the school. Division DRRM coordinators, on the other hand, must carry out ocular visits to observe and document the conduct of the school watching and hazard mapping. Similarly, DepEd conducted on Wednesday (June 22) a simultaneous earthquake drill in schools

nationwide to heighten the level of preparedness of the learners during an earthquake. Luistro said the drill is also meant to assess the capacity level of the school and the community in the eventuality of disasters and emergencies. The said activity is pursuant to DepEd Order No. 48, s. 2012 or the Quarterly Conduct of the National School-Based Earthquake and Fire Drills. Students are expected to share what they learn during the drill to their families and to the community. (PNA)

PHOTO COURTESY OF GMANEWS

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DSWD prepares for rainy daysThe Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) bared its preparatory efforts for the onset of the rainy season and La Niña.

These include the Department’s standby capacities through its stockpiling of relief commodities, human resources, logistical facilities and standby funds. The Department will also beef up its available stocks of food and non-food items. DSWD is Vice-Chair for Response of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and also the lead agency of the Food and

Non-Food Cluster, Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster, and IDP Protection Cluster under the humanitarian cluster system of the Council. As of June 10, DSWD Central Office and its 17 Field offices have a total of P956,057,439.21 standby funds which can be used to purchase emergency relief supplies. Aside from these, a total of P524,339,722.80 worth of stockpile of relief

items including 406,709 family food packs, food and non-food items are available at the 17 Field Offices which can be distributed/prepositioned to local government units (LGUs) that will be affected by typhoons or flooding. There are 67 national level Quick Response Teams (QRTs) across the regions that are ready for mobilization anytime. Another 18 QRTs, in addition to the Social Welfare and Development

PHOTO COURTESY OF PANAHON.TV

National News I 23-24 JUNE 2016 11

Teams, Provincial and Municipal Actions Teams are also on alert to render augmentation support for relief and response operations. C o m p l e m e n t i n g these DSWD teams are organized and trained private volunteers who are also on standby for mobilization and deployment to assist in disaster operations. Likewise, the parent-leaders of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program serve as standby workforce for repacking and relief distribution.

In terms of logistical facilities, DSWD manages 18 regional warehouses that maintain 30,000 family food packs as prepositioned items at the field office or LGUs. On top of these, the two disaster response center hubs of the Department – the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City in the National Capital Region and the Visayas Disaster Response Center in Cebu City – are open 24/7. These hubs boast of mechanized systems that speed up the production

of the required family food packs. The combined production of the two mechanized system hubs reaches 100,000 packs a day enough to respond to the needs of 500,000 people for three days. Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman assured the public that the Department continues to strengthen its mechanisms to ensure fast and efficient delivery of relief supplies to areas that will be affected by the rainy season. (DSWD)

The groups also called for the creation of a separate Department of Oceans and Fisheries to be able to better plan, monitor and implement reforms and contribute towards food security. “We are here to request for a dialogue and to remind incoming President Duterte of

his campaign promise to address fishers’ and marine issues, and to end very high poverty incidence among people directly relying on seas for food and for a living. His administration will play a critical role in the country’s transition to sustainable fishing. We expect nothing less than strong, resolute

implementation of the amended fisheries law against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF). Doing less is a disservice to millions of Filipinos who have been clamoring for change,” said Vince Cinches, oceans campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines. According to data

Fishermen and conservation groups call on Duterte to end illegal fishing in six monthsA week before President-elect Rodrigo Duterte assumes office, leaders of fishermen and marine conservation groups bared their recommendations toward improving the lot of fishing communities and the health of the country’s marine ecosystems by putting an end to crimes happening at sea and in coastal communities.

from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2014 [1], the poverty incidence among fisherfolk reached 39.2 in 2012, the highest among the basic sectors of society, followed by farmers at 38.3%, and children at 35.2%. “Coherent and holistic programs should especially be quickly put in place that recognize our vulnerability to climate change. We need focused and sustained efforts in combatting crimes against the oceans and to allow a better playing field for our small fishers and fishing communities. We strongly urge the incoming administration to target an end to illegal fishing within their first six months of office,” said Dennis Calvan, executive director of the NGOs for

Fisheries Reform. During the election campaign period, fishers, marine conservationists and environmental groups pushed for the 10-Point Blue Agenda [2] to be taken up by the Presidential candidates. This includes: the delineation of municipal waters; the implementation of traceability mechanisms for fishery products; sustainable fishing; and capacity-building for fisherfolk to better adapt to climate change. “To ensure the sustainability of our fishery resources and secure the livelihood of our Filipino fishers for long-term economic prosperity and food security, we strongly support the creation of a Department of Oceans and Fisheries for improved

fisheries governance and strict enforcement of Republic Act 10654,”[3] said Joann Binondo, overall project manager of the WWF – Partnership Program for Sustainable Tuna. “We call on the new administration to immediately address the crime of illegal fishing and start rehabilitating our overfished waters. We look forward to seeing political will in the new government’s campaign against crime to include its focus on prosecuting plunderers of our oceans, to protect the people’s right to healthy marine ecosystems and ensure food security for all Filipinos,” said Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines. (PIA)

PHOTO COURTESY OF SI.WSJ.NET

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Tabak issues firearms to 200 new soldiersLABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The First Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army conducted on Monday, June 20, a ceremonial entrustment of firearms to the new soldiers and send-off ceremony at the division’s parade ground, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan this municipality.

The 200 young and strong men who successfully completed the six-month training in preparation for their deployment were issued their respective firearms, which were handed to them by civilian personalities and stakeholders. In his message during the said ceremony, Brigadier General (Bgen.) Demy T. Tejares told the new soldiers that “these firearms will now be your friend, your wife, and always your companion in the operational field you will be deployed and as long as you are in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” “Your firearm is one of your essential tools in performing your mandated task of protecting the rights of the Filipino

people and securing our area of responsibility,” the commander added. “It is your intrinsic load as a soldier, it will make you lethal in action responsive in exigencies and purposive in existence, but along with that, is a lot of responsibilities to perform and the values to demonstrate to justify the essence of possessing an issued firearm,” Tejares emphasized. On the other hand, Bayog Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa Jr. said “I personally witness the entrustment of your firearm and I hope that you will use it properly. Let us remember that the firearm is a big help to perform your task, but if you will not use it as it should be, it will become a tool for a big destruction and big problem.”

It can be recalled, that here in Southeast Asia, it is only the Philippines has the longest problem of insurgency. It started in 1969, until today it is still there, it’s almost five decades or 50 years now, Babasa recalled. Babasa urged the new soldiers to help put an end to the insurgency problem. He also reminded them that the AFP is the co-manager or partner of the government in bringing the services to the people. The said ceremony was attended by the different civilian personalities and stakeholders together with the officers and enlisted personnel of the division. (Claro A. Lanipa)

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City Disease Surveillance Officer, Dr. Mely Lastimoso disclosed that the said figure is 159 percent higher than the 150 cases recorded for the year 2015. “There were 389 Dengue cases reported to CESU from January 1 to June 11, 2016 and 53 percent of these numbers or a total of 168 infected patients are children ages 1-10 years old.” Lastimoso said three deaths have also been reported this year from Barangay City Heights, Barangay Conel and Barangay Fatima compared to the zero casualty last year, prompting local health officials to intensify the city’s no let up campaign against dengue. Last week, hundreds of participants composed of barangay officials, health workers and nutrition scholars, public school teachers and principals, school nurses and nutrition teachers from the city’s 26 barangays convened at Labangal gymnasium to celebrate the 6th ASEAN Dengue Day This year’s theme

revolves on DOH battle cry: “Four O’clock Habit: Stop Look and Listen” where citizens are asked to band every 4pm in searching and destroying the possible thriving places for mosquitoes especially the Aedes aegypti which transmit the viruses that cause dengue fever. “We should not be complacent but rather we should help each other in cleaning our barangays especially that dengue is a year-round problem. We have just experienced El Nino, and we know that mosquitoes thrive in warm weather; and now rainy season is here, we should get rid of stagnant, clear waters in our areas as these are the best breeding places for mosquitoes,” said Francisco Cavan, Sr., Barangay Kagawad of Labangal. Meanwhile Lastimoso revealed that CESU, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) 12, is currently intensifying the dengue control program especially in the implementation of the Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue which

aim to reinforce cleanup drive against Dengue, and mobilize all sectors for cleanup drive (search and destroy). The standard message of the campaign, she said is also to the reinforce the 4s Strategy on dengue prevention which include: Search and destroy breeding sites; Self Protection; Seek early advise/consultation at the nearest health center; and Say YES to fogging when there is an impending outbreak (hotspots). The DOH has also identified public elementary schools in the city as recipients of the School-Based Insecticide Treated Screen (ITS) “to reduce the incidence and deaths of dengue by reducing levels of transmission through reduction of vector population.” “Dengue control is everyone’s concern. The success depends on the involvement of all levels from household, family, community, NGOs, social organizations, local & national authorities,” Lastimoso pointed out. (PGFruylan)

Gensan raises dengue alert; records 389 cases since JanuaryGeneral Santos City - The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Office (CHO) here has raised the alert level against the deadly mosquito-borne dengue fever following the surge in the number of suspected cases which record reached 389 since January.

The center will offer digital literacy skills to residents of the city through its ICTO projects such as the “Juan Konek Free Wi-fi” for connectivity and “Tech4ED” modules. According to DICT Mindanao Cluster II

Director Evamay Dela Rosa that this will be a venue where youth and adult will be trained with digital literacy and other ICT skills and assist them for employment in Business Process Outsource (BPOs) and online jobs.

Further, this is to help the unemployed, even those who have not finished college to get a job in the ICT. With the recent announcement that Cagayan de Oro City is included in the next wave

DICT launches ICT skills training, internship center in Cagayan de OroCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Previously under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the newly created Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched Thursday an ICT Skills Training and Internship Center in Cagayan de Oro City Thursday.

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cities in the country, it means that it is conducive to set up BPO companies here, Dela Rosa said. Meanwhile, there are also many jobs online such as Virtual Assistant wherein you can be the secretary and your boss will be in the U.S. Further, there are also jobs in telemarketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), as long as there is internet connection. This way, when people are equipped, they no longer need to go in faraway cities to get jobs. Meanwhile, DICT is also bringing information

c o m m u n i c a t i o n s technology in municipalities in the region. Dela Rosa said that they have already signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with different local government units to provide them with package deal of Tech4Ed and Juan Konek Free Wi-fi in public areas such as plazas and establishment of community e-center. Tech4ED aims to harness the power of ICT in society towards creating a progressive country meanwhile Juan Konek Free Wi-Fi aims to provide Internet access to people

across the country to enhance communication and stimulate socio-economic growth. Dela Rosa said that Out of School Youth (OSY) may avail of the digitized Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education. OSYs will get a high school diploma once they finish their track in ALS and pass the exam. Tech4Ed has already started in Kapatagan Lanao del Norte in partnership with the local government unit and Department of Education. (Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat)

PDEA Provincial Agent Clodito Cañada emphasized that with the pronouncements of the incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC) will assist the law enforcement agencies in the anti-drug campaign. Under a memorandum from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), each barangay must have a drug and abuse council, whose functions include planning, strategizing, implementing

and evaluating programs and projects on drug abuse prevention in the area. Cañada noted that there are still barangays in the province with inactive BADACs. To date, Davao del Norte has 223 barangays spread in three cities and eight municipalities. Cañada disclosed that 52 barangays were infested by drugs, in which 40 barangays are moderately affected and 12 barangays are slightly affected. He explained the

moderately affected barangays are those with at least one drug pusher, while slightly affected barangays are those with at least one drug user but no pusher. Meanwhile, he also bared that the PDEA arrested a total of 65 drug traffickers in the province from January 1 to June 15 and seized 305.97 grams of shabu and 51.07 grams of marijuana with a total estimated street value of P 2.76-million. (Michael Uy)

PDEA DavNor urges 100% reactivation of BADACTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) - Davao del Norte advised the Provincial Peace and Order Council in its recent meeting in Bulwagan ng Lalawigan to create or reactivate the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils up to the barangay level.

Katilingban sa Kalambuan Organization Incorporated (KKI) spearheaded the two-day activity on June 22-23, which aimed to continuously provide quality and protective environment for children where there is equality, respect and fulfilment of their right. Participants come from barangays of Zone I, Sinunuc, San Jose Gusu, Maasin and Bunguiao. Fr. Angel C. Calvo,

chairperson of the Board of Directors of KKI expressed his gratitude to the continuous support of the barangays who have been their close partners in various programs implemented by the organization. Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Zamboanga City Information Center conducted a lecture on climate change and presented a video production on “Nagbabago

na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago,” the agency’s advocacy brand on climate change adaptation and mitigation last year. KKI is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1995 to help poor and marginalized communities cope with growing socio-economic problems in Zamboanga City. (Emmanuel D. Taghoy)

Zambo barangay officials undergo capacity buildingZAMBOANGA CITY – Some barangay officials, members of the child protection mechanism, and health workers from the five selected barangays in the city underwent capacity building seminar on anti-child trafficking and disaster risk reduction.

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RTWPB -12 board secretary Jessie dela Cruz told Philippine Information Agency (PIA) the public hearing is in response to a petition for wage increase submitted by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines Association of Labor Unions (ALU-TUCP) in April. ALU-TUCP is appealing for a P143 increase on the daily wages of laborers in the private sector in SOCCSKSARGEN Region. SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos,

Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato City. Dela Cruz said, two public hearings have been set: the first at Cinco Ninas in Barangay Morales, Koronadal City at 1:00 p.m. on June 29 and the second at Sun City Suites Hotel in General Santos City at 8:00 a.m. June 30. In both hearings the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will present the price movement of basic commodities in the region while the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will discuss the socio-economic situation of SOCCSKSARGEN

Region. ALU-TUCP will also propound their petition for salary adjustment. Based on the Wage Order No. RB XII-18, which was approved on June 4, 2016, the current wages stand at Php275 per day for those working in the non-agriculture sector, Php 257 per day for those in the agriculture sector and Php255 for those employed in retail/service establishments. Those interested in joining the public hearings may contact Mr. Joper Kie Tiro for confirmation in the following numbers: (083)520-0129, 0921-534-6396. (DEDoguiles)

RTWPB-12 invites stakeholders to wage hike public hearing KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-12 is calling on interested individuals, establishments and institutions to a take part in public hearings on wage issues next week.

NEDA holds public forum on ‘AmBisyon Natin 2040’ in CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), in partnership with Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan and Knowledge for Development Community (KDC), held on June 20, a public forum on the results of the AmBisyon Natin 2040.

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AmBisyon Natin is a national survey on the aspirations of the Filipino people by 2040. The consultation was conducted at the Southeast Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), Xavier University (XU), Cagayan de Oro city. The forum aims to validate the highlights of AmBisyon Natin 2040, confirm the standard of living that Filipinos want by 2040 and see whether the same vision is relevant at the regional level. Rep r e s en t a t i v e s

from the youth, students, government agencies, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations and the private sector participated in the public forum. Also in attendance were some relocatees at the Xavier Ecoville resettlement site. There were presentations on “The Life We Want” by Assistant Regional Director Mae Ester T. Guiamadel of NEDA-X and on “Our Lives Right Now” and “Realizing the Vision” by NEDA Development Information Staff (DIS) Director Nerissa T. Esguerra.

The Panel of Reactors were: Ernesto Neri (youth leader); Father Rene Tacastacas, SJ (academic vice-president, Xavier University; Roberto Ansaldo (Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce); and Fr. Roberto Yap (president, XU). Among the points raised by the panelists were: the need to consider the inputs, participation and influence of the students and out-of-school youth; strengthen the educational system to develop good leaders; ensure inclusive growth

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where people feel the benefits of growth; specify strategies towards realizing the vision; and put premium on improving the agriculture sector and responding to the growing concern for the environment. The participants, through a workshop, validated the extent by which the vision/survey results reflect the participants’ current local situation, identified constraints in realizing the vision and strategies they think would sustain the effort across administrations. Director Esguerra also presented NEDA’s C o m m u n i c a t i o n and Advocacy Plan to disseminate

AmBisyon Natin 2040. Communication and stakeholder engagement shall ensure accurate representation of the Vision with the aspirations of Filipinos, gain widespread and sustained awareness, recognition, ownership and buy-in by stakeholders and the country’s leaders over the next two decades. Series of briefings/regional fora will be continuing with the conduct of the Youth Summit in June and a Multi-Stakeholder Assembly in July this year. There will be updates through the social media (Facebook Page), NEDA website via 2040.neda.gov.ph., billboards, information and education materials, and the tri-

media. In closing, NEDA-X Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. expressed appreciation on the support and cooperation of the participants, the XU-Knowledge Development Center, and the World Bank in the conduct of the consultation. He added that the discussions, including the workshop outputs, will find its way to the RDC agenda as AmBisyon Natin 2040 will serve as a guide in formulating the country’s development directions and as an anchor in crafting the four medium-term development plans in the next 25 years. (Peleta B. Abejo)

Cannes Award-winning film premiered in Davao CityDAVAO CITY - “Ma Rosa” a film by director Brillante Mendoza which earned acclaim in the 69th Cannes Film Festival had its Philippine premiere at SM City Davao Cinema 6 last night, June 21.

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Film director Brillante Mendoza alongside film cast members Jacklyn Jose and Andi Eigennmann graced the premiere of the film. A press conference was held for members of the media shortly during the premiere. A showcase exhibit of the film was launched this morning (June 22) at SM Lanang. It was also attended by Brillante Mendoza, Jacklyn Jose and her daughter Andi Eigenmann. Regular theatrical

screening of Ma Rosa will be on July 6 in SM Cinemas. The film revolves around a storeowner named Ma Rosa, struggling to make ends meet Ma Rosa and her husband sell shabu on the side. However, they are arrested by policemen, their four children will try anything to buy their parents’ freedom from the clutches of the corrupt policemen. The film was chosen as among the films In competition in the

prestigious international film festival held in the French city of Cannes. Jacklyn Jose won the award for best actress, the first Filipina to win such award in the festival. She is the third Filipino to be awarded in Cannes, Raymond Red won the Palme de Or award for Best Short Film in 2000, Brillante Mendoza won the Best Director award for the film Kinatay in 2009. (RG Alama)

4ID showcases disaster response operation readiness during Earthquake DrillCAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Army’s 4th Infantry Division showcased its Disaster Response Operation (DRO) preparedness and capabilities during the nationwide earthquake drill on 22 June 2016. Exactly at 9:00 a.m., a siren was sounded signaling the call for Disaster Response and eventual mustering of all personnel at the 4ID Headquarters into the open field fronting its grandstand in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City. Present during the drill are Josephine Lumacang, representative from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), Region 10;

SF02 Samson T Velarde, station commander, Fire Station in barangay Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City; and teachers and students of Diamond Evangelical School led by their school principal, Juliet I Ricamora. As part of the Immediate Action Drill, the 4ID immediately established the Operation Center that would monitor the reports on calamity-affected areas, communication

lines, medical post, and prepared all disaster response equipment such as military vehicles, ambulance, rescue boats, and fire trucks among others. BGen Paul T. Atal, 4ID assistant division commander, in his message said, “Through the years, your soldiers have proven its effectiveness in responding to emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters. We are

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doing this drill not only during the scheduled nationwide drills but also during peace time when we conduct our training for our soldiers so that we could better respond during natural calamities.” Drills should likewise be taken seriously and everybody should be

involved, says Atal. He assured that the Philippine Army, being one of the first responders when calamity hits, will always be an active partner in disaster response and urges everyone to fully cooperate with the local leaders and authorities for them to be able to mitigate

the effects of these natural catastrophes in every community Similar activity was simultaneously conducted in different Army units under 4th Infantry Division based in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions. (4ID/PA)

50 child laborers receive school suppliesGENERAL SANTOS - Some 50 child laborers in General Santos City recently received complete sets of school supplies from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The distribution of the school packages comprised of pencils, notebooks, pens, crayons and other supplies was held during the conduct of the Project Angel Tree at SM City Gensan in observance of the World Day Against Child Labor on June 15. Project Angel Tree is an initiative where DOLE in partnership with charitable patrons and supporters grants the wishes of child laborers. Among DOLE-Gensan’s partners in the latest Project Angel Tree were Gentuna, Holy Trinity College, SM City Gensan and the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council of Gensan. Through the said project, DOLE 12 promotes opportunities that would ensure that children of school

age remain in school and are protected from becoming income generators for their families. Earlier, local officials and DOLE-Gensan have profiled child laborers in Barangays Lagao, San Isidro and Fatima. This led to the recent distribution of livelihood starter kits to parents of identified child laborers in Barangay Fatima in exchange to the parent’s commitment to make sure that their children remain in school instead of allowing them to work as car washers, fish vendors, and junk scavengers, to name a few. At the Project Angel Tree event, OIC-Regional Director Albert Gutib encouraged the children to stay in school, emphasizing that good life await those

who finish education. Gutib also appealed to parents to support the desires of their children to continue their education. He vowed that the DOLE , along with the local government units, would always provide livelihood opportunities for parents in an effort to protect children from becoming child laborers. Meanwhile, Barangay Fatima Chairperson Josephine Matobato thanked DOLE for the support extended to constituents and for downloading programs and services to their barangay. This year’s World Day Against Child Labor celebration is anchored on the theme “End Child Labor in Supply Chains!” (DEDoguiles)

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CAMP PANACAN, Davao City - More or less seven hundred officers, men and women, non-uniformed personnel of the Eastern Mindanao Command, Philippine Navy, Advance command post of the 10th Infantry Division, 5th Civil-Relations Group and schoolchildren from the Felix Apolinario Elementary School participated in the shake drill held simultaneously nationwide on Wednesday at 9a.m.

Shake drill draws many participants in the pilot area in Davao Region

P a r t i c i p a n t s observed the “duck, cover and hold” as the first siren sounded simulating the occurrence of a tremor. Consequently the second siren blared out and they all went out of the building towards the open field in an orderly fashion with their hands over their heads. The Eastern Mindanao Command led Brigadier General (BGen) Ronnie Evangelista immediately set an incident command center and telecommunication system. Thereafter, ambulances were dispatched to ferry the wounded to safer grounds. Liza Mazo, director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-XI, who observed the exercise, lauded the precise reaction of the participants in observing the duck, cover and hold.

She also noticed that the military leveled up its readiness by setting up telecommunications system in order to reach out to the farthest areas under the EastMinCom, make transportation ready for search and retrieval operations, and to use a generator set with the active participation of all sectors within the camp. She said foremost in the exercise is the identification of an evacuation area where people gather while waiting for further instructions from the authorities. Mazo also stressed that responders must be trained in handling medical emergencies. “I appeal for those leaving near fault lines to be wary of the possibility of an earthquake in their area and to observe proper precautions like duck,

cover and hold once the tremor occurs. They must stay away from breakables like windows and must cover under durable tables amid the shaking, and leave immediately to the open space for their safety,” she said. Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the EastMinCom explained that the setting up of an incident command center is an exercise for the command leadership to reach out to four regions in Mindanao in the event of a calamity. He said EastMinCom covers the Regions X, XI, XII and XIII. Balagtey said radio response teams in these areas make sure that radio telecommunication works in times of crisis. “All sectors within the camp participate in the exercise,” he said. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

As the city celebrates the Dia de Fundacion de Chavacano (Chavacano foundation day) on June 23, City Councilor Vincent Paul Elago shared that the local language based from Spanish and intermixed with other native dialects is slowly fading away. The fact that even Zamboangueños themselves speak more frequently in

Tagalog, English and other dialects here are contributory to the so-called “death” of Chavacano. “ M a c a t r i s t e especialmente el maga jovenes, mas bueno pa sila conversa otro lenguaje, despues aqui mismo na de aton ciudad,” said Elago. (It is very saddening, especially among our youth, they speak other

languages better than they do Chavacano, and in our city no less.) He shared that even the city councilors themselves rarely speak Chavacano anymore. “Mas quin na consejo, escaso ya quita ohi ta man debate o man discurso na Chavacano,” Elago added. (Even in the council, we now rarely debate or discuss

City official fears ‘death’ of Chavacano languageZAMBOANGA CITY – Chavacano is dying.

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issues in Chavacano.) Another factor contributing to the fading away of the language is the outflow of native Chavacanos to other towns and countries. According to Elago, for every Chavacano family moving out of the city, there are ten out-of-towner families moving in bringing with them their own language. “Apena pa lang llegada na terminal, na airport o na barco, otro lenguaje ya sila ta ohi, hinde el Chavacano,” he said. (Non-Zamboangueños are then discouraged from

learning the language, since most of the people here now speak other dialects.) Elago had authored council resolutions requesting all business establishments to mandate their staff to speak Chavacano, especially in entertaining customers. “Nohay este sosede,” he admitted. (They did not comply, and this did not happen.) Elago urged Zamboangueños to preserve their culture and heritage through the promotion of the Chavacano language. “Nesita ya gayod quita principia ahora, si no quiere

quita na porsigo perde el de aton Chabacano,” he said. (We need to start now, if we do not want Chavacano to disappear forever.) The Chavacano dialect is one of the legacies and has been part of the colorfully diverse culture of Zamboanga. It has been in existence since or even before the time of the construction of the Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del La Virgen del Pilar de Zaragoza, or the Fort Pilar in 1635, during the Spanish occupation.(Dominic I. Sanchez)

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