Conquering Lake Holon via the Hunters’ Trail

Working her way our of poverty

Ex Davao police chiefs considered for country’s top cop post

Elections 2016, peaceful

Lanao Norte hosts ‘Rescue Team Congress’

Dipolog marks 18th P’gsalabuk Festival

Incoming cabinet to be patterned after Trudeau’s

Hataman sets ARMM priority agenda

PBOC proclaims winners in Sibugay polls

Gov’t, NGOs partner to train family on disaster preparedness

Tacurong to hold 2nd Bird Festival

DENR to LGUs: Speed up forest, land use plan review

Davao-Samal bridge to rise under Duterte’s term, says DavNor guv

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No untoward incidents during special polls – PNP

Power supply stable amid scheduled outages – DOE

DILG reminds local bets: Submit poll contributions, expenses to Comelec by June 9

Duterte: Mindanao’s hope

The May 9 elections in the Philippines offer a chance for the Filipino people to exercise their right of suffrage and elect the candidates that they would want to put in high office.

The conduct of the elections was indeed a historic one for the country because for the first time in the annals of history, a Mindanaon candidate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, now becomes the 16th president of the Philippines.

Not only the Mindanaons, but also majority of Filipinos, have high hopes for Duterte to make real and crucial change—a change that will not only advance the country’s vital economic front but foremost also, the political and domestic landscape. This, we believe catapulted him to the seat of presidency.

The Mindanaoans see Duterte’s ascension to the presidency as opportunity for him to pour in more funds to develop Mindanao, lifting it out of the quagmire of hostilities and poverty into the hearth of continued growth and development.

Mindanaoans, for decades have been whining for inequitable distribution of resources with Imperial Manila controlling the most, leaving the island region underdeveloped.Along with this is the hope that the mechanism to solve the decades-long problem of secession and rebellion in Mindanao will finally be forged.

This is not difficult though since Duterte is from Mindanao and during the campaigns he espoused the same ardor in instituting peace and development for the Bangsamoro and all other indigenous peoples in the region.

As president with a term of six years, he will have all the chance to fulfill Mindanao’s favor and, perhaps, turn its troubled history to a new dawn of

renewed faith, recovery, peace and progress.

Given his vast experience in leadership as Davao City mayor for over 20 years and knowledge of Mindanao’s history, Duterte is sure to make this happen.

But before all these can happen, now is the time not only for President-elect Duterte but also all other candidates, supporters, and leaders of this country that were divided during the campaign period to start the healing

process toward unity and solidarity for the good of the country.

OLIVIA T. SUDARIAREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA SOCCSKSARGENPHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY

SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)Baustista Bldg., Zulueta Street, Koronadal City, South CotabatoContact no. (083)520-0249

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Conquering Lake Holon via the Hunters’ Trail Dubbed the “Crown Jewel of the South,” Lake Holon has recently become a favored destination of adventure-seeking nature lovers. Lake Holon, also known by its former name, “Lake Maughan” is a 304-hectare crystal clear lake that formed at the caldera of Mt. Melibingoy (also called Mt. Parker) in Tboli, South Cotabato. Situated at 1,350 meters above sea level, Lake Holon is one of the cleanest inland waters in

the entire Philippines. The lake, which is surrounded by a pristine forest, has a narrow site for camping, which at any time of the year is a calming place to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of the urban life, to meditate, to commune with nature. Those who have gone to the place could easily describe

it as a little paradise. Climbing Lake Holon is a challenge to strength and stamina, however, as Tboli Tourism Officer Rodel Hilado puts it: “Conquering Lake Holon is an extremely rewarding obstacle especially when taking the Hunters’ Trail.” As in the Sitio Nabol Trail – good for neophytes

nature trekkers – visitors going to the lake through the Hunters’ Trail should register at the tourist reception facility at Barangay Salacafe before proceeding either on horseback or riding the famous “habal-habal” to Sitio Kule, particularly at the Tboli house reception center where the trekkers are briefed on everything about Lake Holon, the route and the adventure ahead over a plate of assorted root crops, a cup of native coffee and a sip of the Tboli wine Tifas, if available. Reminders: 1) At the tribal house, don’t forget to buy a stick, priced at Php20 a piece (Locals also offer this at buy-5-take-1 free scheme). It may seem ordinary-looking but this cane essential as support in going up and down steep slopes. 2) Hire guides and porters. Each group needs two guides, one as the lead and the other as a sweeper, for P1,200.

They will accompany you until your groups will be back at Barangay Salacafe. 3) Hire porters to carry all your belongings: tents, clothes, food, etc. Especially for those who are not used to mountain climbing may find even a 5-kilogram load extremely heavy and debilitating along the way. Their standard rate is Php20 per kilogram. 4) Bring a bottle of water. Along the trail there are springs where you may refill your container.

All these set, it’s time to go ahead.

The hunter’s trail begins with a trek over rolling open hills. At summer time, this portion’s challenge is exhaustion as trekkers are exposed to heat. From Sitio Kule, this part of the trail seems short but it could take an hour or more before reaching the edges of the forest.

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Relief comes when the group enters the forest and the winding trail gradually goes down. If you need to refill your water container, ask your guide where the springs are. At the bottom of the mountain is a stream with a hot spring. Says one of our guides, “The hot spring is warning that the way ahead is difficult.” Indeed, it is demanding. A few steps ahead, the trail turns sharply upwards. What is more daunting is the site of a cliff at the left side and the fact that only a railing made of woods bound together by some vines would protect you from sliding off. One consolation though, the cliff is thick in trees, shrub, ferns and other vegetation that could surely prevent anybody from actually falling off. In here also, the real test for one’s determination begins. Every few steps could require even the expert climbers to take a rest and catch breath. At the top of the cliff the trail goes deeper into the forest where decades old trees cover the path covered by thick moss and fallen leaves. After a series of climb-rest-climb-rest, the trekkers emerge in an open area dominated by cogon grasses on both sides of the trail that leads to the Nabanghagan view deck. Stepping into the Nabanghagan view deck is priceless, an invaluable payment to everything endured in the 2 to 3 hours of climb. Nabanghagan offers the best panorama of the entire Lake Holon. It is where most of the popular photos of the lake are taken. Here, you take time. Rest. Enjoy nature. Take as much selfies as you may. Let your body release the tension from the climb because up ahead is the final stretch of the challenge: going down to the lake shore. Just a warning though, going down won’t be an easy task. It is 30 minutes to one hour of laborious trek down the trail that requires as much strength on your legs and thigh as going up the view deck. If in the first part of the trail the

ever reliable cane lends support to push one up the path, at this point, the cane is much useful as a prop that prevents one from sliding down. This portion is an unrelenting challenge until one finally reaches the lake. Because the Hunter’s trail ends at the other side of the lake, tourists taking this route are treated to a free boat ride to the camp site. At Lake Holon, a visitor is treated to a refreshing commune with nature with its verdant forest surrounding, fresh air that turns chilling cold at night. The lake itself seems like a giant bath tub of pure spring water. (Several researches have found that the lake’s water is potable.) The ever-friendly tour guides and porters even help you prepare a meal of Tilapia freshly caught from the lake. During special occasions, visitors are also treated to music, songs and dances of the Tboli people. Apart from camping, tourists may also try boating around the lake for Php50 or sit by the lake for a free, all-natural fish spa. Finally, take a sleep under the cover of the stars for a much needed rest, ready for the trek back on the next day.

How to get there?

Those taking the plane, the nearest airport is the General Santos City International Airport. Visitors should proceed to Koronadal City; travel time could reach about hour. From Koronadal they may take a bus or commuter van to the town of Surallah where they are to take a jeepney ride to the municipality of Tboli. (In Koronadal City, there are vans that convey passengers directly to Tboli. At Tboli town, register at the local government’s Tourism Office. There you may also seek information and guidance on how to proceed to Barangay Salacafe. (DEDoguiles/PIA12)

No untoward incidents during special polls – PNPPhilippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ricardo

Marquez said on Monday there were no reports of untoward incidents in the Elections Assessment on special elections.

”So far so good. I received the report that the conduct of special elections where concluded without any untoward incident,” Marquez said. The PNP Chief added that it is easier to deploy forces for a particular area during special elections as compared to the election day where the police force were thinly dispersed in many areas. “The BEIs (Board of Election Inspectors) were there, the COMELEC officers were there and as I have said, the conduct of special elections was terminated without any further hitches,” he explained. The Comelec conducted special polls on May 14 in 52 clustered

precincts which include 17,657 registered voters. Prior to this, the PNP has already issued a directive to regional directors of PRO 6,7,8 and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to ensure peaceful and fair special elections. He noted that guns which they confiscated during the gun ban will be brought to the crime laboratory for comparative test, ballistic examination to find out if it has been used in past shooting incidents. He said that concerned officials were directed to oversee the case tracking of all those cases and the firearms as a matter of procedure. (PNA)

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Photo by: marketmonitor

Power supply stable amidscheduled outages – DOEDepartment of Energy (DOE) Secretary Zenaida

Monsada expects the power supply situation will be stable for the coming months in the Luzon grid,

amid the scheduled power plant outages, due to the expected nearing end of the El Nino phenomenon. “The power demand will decrease... before El Nino, the peak demand was around 8,800 megawatts (MW),” Monsada said. She cited the Luzon grid had a record power demand of 9,726 MW, with a forecast peak demand of 9,737 MW this week. However, Monsada said the 9,737-MW forecast demand is expected to decrease due to the weakening of the El Nino phenomenon. The DOE chief explained the power-grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) scheduled the power plant outages away a week before and after the elections.

The secretary assured Luzon also has a standby capacity from the Avion and San Gabriel natural gas-fired plants, Malaya oil thermal plant and oil-based Millennium Energy. Monsada also said the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), which has a de-loading capacity of around 800 MW is also prepared to run. The ILP works with establishments and offices de-loading their consumption through the use of generator sets. She further pointed out the 382-MW Pagbilao coal fired power plant will be the largest power plant scheduled for shutdown in the coming months. (PNA)

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DILG reminds local bets: Submit poll contributions, expenses to Comelec by June 9The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

is reminding newly-elected local officials to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) to the

Commission on Elections (Comelec), before assuming office. In a memorandum addressed to all newly-elected governors, mayors, vice-mayors, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panglungsod/Bayan, and Governor of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento urged them to file their SOCE by June 9, and submit to the DILG a certification on SOCE compliance by June 17. Citing Republic Act (RA) No. 7166 otherwise known as “Synchronized National and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms Act”, he said “No person elected to any public office shall enter or assume the duties of his office until he has filed the SOCE.” Section 14 of the said law further states that: “Every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, within thirty (30) days after the day of the election, file in duplicate with the offices of the Comelec the full, true and itemized statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election.” The DILG Secretary also said the Department and the Comelec had also forged memorandum of agreement in 2012 which states that the DILG or any of its attached agencies shall require any winning candidate to present a

Certification from the COMELEC that he or she has satisfactorily complied with his or her obligation under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166 by filing his or her SOCE with the Comelec. “In the absence of this certification, the winning candidate cannot enter into the execution of his or her office pursuant to Paragraph 2 of the same provision of the law,” he said. Winning Governors, Vice Governors and Sangguniang Panlalawigan members are to submit their Comelec certifications to their DILG provincial directors; City Mayors, City Vice Mayors and Sangguniang Panlungsod members to their DILG City Directors; and Municipal Mayors, Municipal Vice Mayors and Sangguniang Bayan members to their DILG Municipal Local Government Operations Officers. For the newly-elected local government officials who will be filing their SOCE for the first time and for those who have further questions about this mandate, they can get in touch with the DILG at Telephone Numbers (02) 925 0351 or (02) 928 9181 or e-mail at blgspcmd@gmail.com. (PNA)

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Dipolog marks 18th P’gsalabuk FestivalDIPOLOG CITY – It’s more fun here in this city nowadays! Both locals and guests are regaled with an array of cultural and sports activities lined up for the 18th P’gsalabuk Festival starting April 29 until May 29. Three days ago, the 103rd National Triathlon, one of the highlights of the P’gsalabuk Festival, was held here with 339 participants aged 13 years old and above from the cities of Cebu, Dumaguete, Iligan, Malaybalay and Davao.

To be featured on May 19-20 are P’gsalabuk Dancesport competition, 2016 P’gsalabuk Football Festival, P’gsalabuk Street Dancing competition and P’gsalabuk King and Queen 2016. Other events include Concert at the Boulevard on May 21, 1st P’gsalabuk Novice Swimming Competition on May 22, BFDGI Night and Banda sa Boulevard on May 27, 3rd Gov. Riberto Y. Uy Badminton Cup on May 27-29, Music for the Youth on

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May 28, and Azul Dance Recital on May 29. P’gsalabuk Festival is a month-long celebration held yearly by the city government, showcasing the myriad interplay of culture among the Muslims and the “Lumads” as well as

the varied and diverse culture of the settlers from all over the country. P’gsalabuk is a Subanen word for “get together” or “togetherness.” Subanens are the natives of Zamboanga Peninsula. (Franklin P. Gumapon/PIA9)

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Gov’t, NGOs partner to train family on disaster preparednessISABELA CITY, Basilan – Government and non-government organizations in Isabela City partnered to train families on disaster preparedness.

A disaster-resilient family was the primary goal of the partnership between USAID-ENGAGE Project, Isabela Foundation Inc., and selected government agencies to capacitate communities to reduce the risk and impact of natural and man-made calamities in the city. In a collaboration meeting held recently, ENGAGE and IFI-Child Fund Philippines invited and presented to other government agencies and NGOs the project, “In-kind grant to strengthen the collaboration between LGU and CSO to build capacity of families in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.” Margarita Auxtero, IFI-Child Fund Project Coordinator said that the project intends to train selected families in the barangays so they

in turn train other families in the community on disaster preparedness. “One of the most effective ways to prepare and capacitate the barangay local government units (BLGUs) on disaster preparedness and response is to introduce disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and management at the family level,” Auxtero explained. IFI proposed to support the BLGUs by conducting family-based vulnerability mapping and guide the families develop a family-based disaster preparedness plan. The project will run for six months to be implemented by IFI in partnership with LGU-Isabela and the BLGU of five pilot barangays namely: La Piedad, Busay, Binuangan, Aguada, and Baluno. However, only barangay officials from La Piedad and Binuangan

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have appeared in the meeting and expressed their full commitment and support. Initially, the project will train 25 families coming from the five pilot barangays and they will be organized as Family Ready in Every Emergency Situation (FREES) Brigade. The Development Alternative Inc. (DAI) Global, LLC, through Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) Project will fund the training. Whenever

successful, the initiative will be possibly expanded to the rest of the 45 barangays of the city. IFI and ENGAGE sought the help of key agencies to successfully implement the initiative. These include the Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Information Agency, United Evangelical Church Inc., and the Claret Samal Foundation Inc., among others. (Rene V. Carbayas/PIA9)

PBOC proclaims winners in Sibugay pollsIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Provincial Board of Canvassers chaired by Atty. Jossil R. Macute of COMELEC proclaimed on Thursday, May 12 the winning candidates in the May 9 polls at the Legislative Hall, Provincial Capitol here. Proclaimed winners were Atty. Wilter Yap Palma – governor; Atty. Eldwin M. Alibutdan - vice governor; Atty. Wilter Wee Palma II – 1st District representative; board members: Eric Palma, Allan Escamillan, Leslie Joy Jore, Abdurasaid Ahiron and Editha Calonge.

Earlier, winners for the 2nd District were proclaimed by the BOC to include: Dr. Dulce Ann K. Hofer – congresswoman; board members - Richard Olegario, Eufemio Javier Jr., Mujahid Jajurie, Ma. Esperanza Corazon Rillera and George Castillo.

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Anamel Olegario won as Ipil mayor with Edward Border Jr. as vice mayor. Elected Sangguniang Bayan members were: Ramses Troy Olegario, Farida Dangpalan, Dara May Cataluña-Balisi, Alberto Alcoriza Jr., Valentino Inoferio, Juan Pablo Nuega, Wenifredo Chiong and Serafin Ramos. It can be recalled that proclamation of winners was stalled due to some technical problems with the Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) and SD card in Diplahan on May 10 prompting the COMELEC provincial office to request for a new SD card from COMELEC Manila. The SD card was transported via Zamboanga City and was picked up by COMELEC on the following day, May 11. Winners were proclaimed on May 12 at almost 10pm. “First of all let me express my gratitude to all Sibugaynons for believing and fighting for the sake of Sibugay,” Gov. Wilter Y. Palma said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency and PTV 11. “We will continue what we started. We will expand if it is necessary. We will correct if there is something wrong. At the end, we will try our best to render effective and efficient delivery of services to our people,” he added. Meanwhile, Atty. Wilter Wee Palma II, congressman-elect of Zamboanga Sibugay’s first district was awed with the overwhelming support of Sibugaynons. “Actually, one advantage that I have is the people’s support. I am so thankful to all who supported me. Despite the hardships during the campaign, you supported me. I once again would like to thank you all for the overwhelming support. For now, I am still in awe. I can’t understand the feeling. The politician I defeated has been in politics for 41 years. I am so happy about it. I can’t reach this far without the people’s support. Rest assured, I will keep my promises.” The neophyte politician’s initial plans include that of having a state university or college and improve the water system in his district. (Alma L. Tingcang/PIA9)

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Elections 2016, peacefulCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Elections 2016 in northern Mindanao was peaceful. PCSupt Jose L. Gentiles, Police Regional Office (PRO 10) regional director, lauded the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections amidst threats. Gentiles said during the Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center (RJSCC) post-election report held at Camp Alagar that the automated system of the transmission of votes was a big contribution to the success of the national and local elections. He also said it was their mission to provide security during the conduct of the national and local elections by intensifying local enforcement, security and public operation, before, during, and after the elections. Meanwhile, Col. Jesse Alvarez, 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the peaceful conduct of the election was possible because of the close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

For his part, COMELEC Regional Director Wilfred Jay Balisado hailed the coordinative efforts of the PNP and AFP. Balisado said that through the various meetings conducted with the PNP and AFP, they were able to anticipate the threats, and the implementation of the election was a success. He also acknowledged the media for helping in informing the public of their activities that helped in “erasing the doubts of the people which was caused by social media.” This election is truly one that we should be proud of, Balisado said, as he recognized the participation of the different people who have given their full support for the conduct of the elections. RJSCC post-election report emphasized the evaluation of the performance of the government security forces in ensuring safe, fair and credible national and local elections last May 9. (Mariel B. Limboc/PIA10)

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Lanao Norte hosts ‘Rescue Team Congress’TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – More than 7,000 members of the Emergency Response Unit from 195 barangays of Lanao del Norte province converged at the Mindanao Civic Center gymnasium for the 4th ERU Congress. The event, which was organized by the provincial government through its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in coordination with the Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO) and Philippine-Red Cross-Lanao del Norte Chapter, featured simulation exercises showcasing the life-saving skills of the ERU members when responding to different disaster scenarios. Each barangay belonging to the 10 identified disaster-prone municipalities has an ERU composed of a team leader and 43 members. The ERU is designed to capacitate those qualified people in the barangays to make them an effective line of defense during calamities and disasters. “The ERU in every barangay

is also our first responders to accidents in their respective areas and assist us during relief operations,” PDRRMO Head Marlyn Trozo explained. Among the disaster-prone towns of Lanao del Norte include Kapatagan, Lala, Baroy, Tubod, Kolambugan, Maigo, Bacolod, Kausawagan, Linamon and Matungao. Members of the ERU were given several trainings like basic life support and first aid, fire suppression, and disaster preparedness. Some members of the ERU are also regular blood donors to the local Red Cross chapter. Several sacks of rice and grocery packs were also raffled off to the participants during the said congress. (Vincent N. Labial/PIA10)

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Maribel claims to have learned this over her years of experience being a community volunteer to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program and as a grantee of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or simply called Pantawid Pamilya. “Being a community volunteer taught me to be strong and creative in dealing with various types of people,” Maribel said in an interview. “While the Pantawid Pamilya is providing for my children’s need, I also get to improve our family income through its sustainable livelihood program,” she added.

Near-death encounter Maribel’s husband, who was once

a member of the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) commonly known as “Barangay Tanod in Barangay San Jose of Mahinog town,” went through a “near-death encounter” after he was stabbed five times in the different parts of his body that he must undergo a major operation for him to survive. “Isa ka bulan mi nagpuyo sa ospital tungod sa operasyon sa akong bana, ang iyang tambal kulang ang dos mil kada-adlaw, naglisud gyud ko ato unsaon pagbayad sa mga galastuhon (he was confined in the hospital for one month and we had to spend at least P2,000 for his medicines each day, I was too hard up to meet our needs),” she recounted. Having been informed of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs, she was

Working her way out of poverty

CAMIGUIN - “As the years passed, I learned that raising a family is like running a country; it needs unity and cooperation to succeed,” Maribel Vertudazo, 47, a mother of 10 children from this island province, said.

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able to seek medical assistance and other support to meet their needs. “Nagpasalamat gyud ko sa DSWD kay wala gyud ko gibalibaran panahon sa among kalisud (I was really thankful to DSWD because it did not fail us when we needed help),” she said. Moving forward Even if Maribel’s husband survived the incident, his vital organs were adversely affected that he was prevented from doing heavy lifting jobs or any heavy works. “Pero ang akong bana gadawat gihapon ug ginagmay nga trabaho sa basakan, pangtustos sa among pagkaon kay inadlaw man iyang abot (but my husband still accepts works as laborer in the farm to support our family needs),” Maribel maintained. Given the circumstances, Maribel has to look for other source of livelihood, as she needs to earn to support her family as well. Even though most of her children already have families of their own, she still has four minor children to attend to. Three of her children are covered with the Pantawid Pamilya program, whose education and health needs are supported by the government. “Dagko gyud ang natabang sa Pantawid Pamilya program sa among pamilya kay tungod, tanang panghinaglanon sa akong mga anak sa eskwelahan gitubag na sa programa, dili na kayo ko mamroblema (I am really grateful to the Pantawid Pamilya program because it really helped provide for my children’s needs in school. Thus, I don’t have to worry more on this),” she said. To help make both ends meet, Maribel sells “kakanin” or native Filipino delicacies to the neighborhood. Community participation Maribel continues to be active in DSWD activities, given that she is a community volunteer and a Pantawid Pamilya grantee. She keeps herself abreast with other development programs of the department. And when the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program came, Maribel thought she has to get involved. She became one of the 34 participants

from the municipality of Mahinog to complete the 15-day Food Processing Training provided by 1 and All Technical School. “Wala gyud ko nagduha-duha ug apil sa training, labi na kay ganahan ko magluto-luto (I didn’t hesitate to join the training because I really like cooking),” she expressed. The training taught the participants how to process foods, make the packaging presentable, and eventually how to earn from it. “We are more than privileged to be working hand in hand with the government particularly in investing in human capital development, a noble approach to improve the livelihood [of the marginalized sector]” Joy Co, the president of 1 and All Technical School said. “Our school’s mission is to develop a workforce of responsible and effective citizen to make a significant contribution to the manpower demand locally and globally, surpassing the requirements of the industries and the community. But beyond this, we also want to genuinely help people like Maribel, who are persistent and resilient, who use their weakness to rise and succeed,” she added. “Human sa among training, gitagaan mi nila ug starter kits, galingan, blender, kitchen tools, ug uban pang materials para sa food processing, aron makasugod gyud mi ug negosyo (after our training, the school provided us with starter kits which included grinder, blender, kitchen tools and other materials needed for food processing necessary for us to start our very own business),” Maribel disclosed. She said that apart from the technical aspects, she also learned from being a volunteer. As a wife and a mother, she now understands the importance of communication and cooperation in sustaining harmonious relationship in the family. Above all, she has developed her self-confidence. “Kitang tanang pwede mahimong instrumento alang sa kalambuan sa atong nasud (All of us can take part in developing our nation, we can be instruments of change),” Maribel concluded. (Jamila M. Taha/PIA10)

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Davao-Samal bridge to rise under Duterte’s term, says DavNor guv

“Hopefully with Digong as President palagay ko mapapabilis ang bridge natin (I think our bridge will be hastened),” del Rosario said, hoping that the incoming president will pick up the cherished project, which will connect Davao City mainland to the Island Garden City of Samal. “I expect that he will look after Davao,” the Governor replied when asked if he sees the bridge to be completed under Duterte’s six-year term as President. The Samal Bridge is subject of the pre feasibility study undertaken by a Japanese civil engineering consultancy firm, Katahira and Engineers Incorporated. The study will be up for approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), which will be forwarded to the Japan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA) for acceptance and funding. A Korean consultancy firm Korea Engineering and Construction (KEC) was commissioned by Duterte last year to conduct a feasibility study for a Samal-Davao bridge. This is a separate project from the JICA/NEDA’s initiated study and signaled his openness to the possibility of a bridge project. Based on a 2005 study, the bridge would be a two-lane suspension bridge with a length of 1,350 meters and at an estimated cost of P15.93 billion. Del Rosario said the bridge will spur development in the island particularly tourism. Samal is known for its white sand beaches and dive sites and is one of the top tourism destinations in the Davao region. (RG Alama/PIA11)

DAVAO CITY- Outgoing Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario is confident that the long-awaited Davao-Samal bridge will push through during the term of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.

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Ex Davao police chiefs considered for country’s top cop postDAVAO CITY - Presumptive President-elect Duterte’s spokesperson, Peter Lavinia, has affirmed the three names of police officers considered to lead the incoming administration’s campaign against drugs and criminalities.

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Speaking at the Kapihan sa SM City, Lavinia said the names of Chief Superintendent Ramon Apolinario Jr., Chief Superintendent Rene Aspera and Chief Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa are being studied to head the Philippine National Police (PNP). Lavinia said these officers held the post as director of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) during the long stint of Duterte as mayor here. “The president-elect is considering anyone among these fine officers who served as police director of the city during his stint as mayor,” he said. Meantime, Senior Superintendent

Vicente Danao, director of the DCPO warned drug lords and criminals that the president-elect would take a whole-nation-approach in handling the campaign against crime and illegal drugs. He said all government agencies would be given a role in anti-drugs and criminality campaign. Danao warned drug lords and criminal elements that they will be dealt with accordingly by government. “They must stop their illegal activities or they must face the full force of the law,” he pointed out. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines/PIA11)

Photo courtesy of untvradio

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SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Incoming cabinet to be patterned after Trudeau’sDAVAO CITY - The incoming cabinet of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will be patterned after the cabinet of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau’s cabinet is known for having a fair number of women, migrants, indigenous peoples and from different sectors of Canadian society. According to spokesman Peter Laviña, the incoming president wanted the cabinet to represent the various sectors of the Philippine population. Laviña said “there are capable people from the private sector, who didn’t get the opportunity to be part of the cabinet. Now under the incoming administration they will get that opportunity to serve.” He said there are more than 30 cabinet and key government positions, which the transition committee is working to be filled. Aside from cabinet positions, important agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs and also positions in Malacañang. To hasten the receiving of nominees, the transition committee has been divided into six clusters.

The social development cluster will be under Leoncio Jun Evasco, peace and security under Bong Go, the cluster on economic development under Carlos Dominguez, justice system under Salvador Medialdea, government owned and controlled corporations under Loreto Ata, and infrastructure development under Laviña. The spokesman said they are looking for people who have shared vision with the first president from Mindanao, and must also have the integrity, ability and capacity to sacrifice. Also they will be putting up a team which will be vetting the list of people and will play as devil’s advocate, so that the selection will be having a side for and side against a particular prospect. “We need to select the best before we recommend him or her to the presumptive President-elect.” Laviña said. (RG Alama/PIA11)

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Tacurong to hold 2nd Bird Festival

The bird festival, a celebration of wildlife conservation, will be held at the Baras Bird Sanctuary, the most visited ecotourism site in Tacurong, the City of Goodwill. It hopes to promote awareness among locals and tourists about the importance of birds in the environment, encouraging them to take the pledge of conserving natural habitats such as the Baras Bird Sanctuary. Aside from awareness forum and guided bird tours in the Sanctuary, there will be a photo, bird costume and coloring contests. The event will also be an “Art Attack” featuring various activities such as face painting, keyholder painting, origami, bottle recycling, coloring, and ball cap making. Festival rates are Php100 for adults and Php80 for students or children. These rates are inclusive of entrance fee, bird watching with tour guide, use of kudong, and access to all Art Attack activities. Those who would only want to visit

the Sanctuary without joining the activities will only have to pay the standard entrance fee of Php20. The City Government and the Department of Tourism 12 will tap tourist policemen and women and tourist drivers in the area to make the experience more convenient. Baras Bird Sanctuary is a 1.3 hectare refuge of more than 20,000 migratory birds, mostly herons and egrets. It is situated barely 7 kilometers from the city center. The place used to be a peppercorn farm of Rey Malana, a former seaman, who has become a strong advocate of preserving the bird habitat. For inquiries about the 2nd Tacurong Bird Festival and Baras Bird Sanctuary, visit the www.facebook.com/lgutacurongcity or www.facebook.com/City-of-Tacurong-Tourism-Office. Use the hasgtags #BarasBirds, #HelloParadise, and #SOXs. (LGU Tacurong City/DEDoguiles/PIA12)

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat - Tourists, locals, bird watchers and enthusiasts as well as nature lovers are invited to take part of the “2nd Tacurong Bird Festival” on May 28-29.

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Hataman sets ARMM priority agendaCOTABATO CITY – Reforms, programs and good governance will continue in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in his next term, as Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman led the unofficial count of the May 9 national and local elections. Based on the ARMM Regional Board of Canvassers (RBOC), the partial unofficial results coming from the provinces under ARMM showed that Hataman got 60% votes higher than his opponents. According to Gov. Hataman, after the formal proclamation on June 30, he guarantees the public that reforms, programs and good governance will be sustained and even further strengthened. Hataman said his three priority agenda include poverty rate reduction, strengthening health

related programs, and education. “We will find ways on how to decrease the poverty incidence in ARMM especially in the provinces of Sulu and Lanao del Sur and strengthen the services of health and education to the constituents,” Hataman emphasized. He said, he was worried when the PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) data show that the poverty incidence rate in Sulu increased as a result of conflict because of the presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group, aggravated by kidnapping and no investments

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activities due to peace and security problems in the area. “In a positive side, poverty incidence in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Maguindanao has been minimized,” Hataman pointed out. The Hataman administration will also focus on the region’s Department of Education (DepEd) to increase the completion rate and school participation rate of the students. As of now, DepEd-ARMM’s student school participation rate is 68-70%, which Hataman expects to rise by 80% and even over. On the other hand, Hataman encouraged his political opponents in the gubernatorial race to work with him for the betterment of the region and of the people.

“Tapos na ang eleksyon, tama na ang gitgitan at dapat na itong kalimutan –ipinangako natin sa taong bayan na atin silang pagsisilbihan (Election is over, stop and forget all the political bickering during the campaign period – we promised to the people that we will serve them),” Hataman said. “Kung ano man ang kalalabasan ng halalang ito, dapat lahat kami ay handang magsilbi sa ating mga kababayan – sila ang ating sandigan at dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito ngayon (Whatever the outcome of this election, we should all be willing to serve our people – they are the reason we are here in this position),” Hataman said. (IBEroy/PBChangco/PIA12)

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DENR to LGUs: Speed up forest, land use plan reviewKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in SOCCSKSARGEN Region has directed local government units in South Cotabato to fast track the completion of their Forest and Land Use Plan (FLUP). This, after South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes sought the help of the DENR 12 in reminding the LGUs to complete their FLUP. Ordered to finalize their FLUPs are the municipalities of Tupi, Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga, Polomolok and the City of Koronadal. For this purpose, DENR 12 Regional Director Datu Tungko Saikol reconstituted the Regional FLUP

Technical Working Group to review and evaluate the draft FLUPs endorsed by the local government units for legitimization. “FLUP will serve as framework in assisting local government units in the wise use and utilization of forest land resources.” Director Saikol explained. “The completion of the FLUPs,” he pointed out, “is just one of the many undertakings of the DENR to support efforts in the management of

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existing watersheds in the region. We also hope that the initiatives of the National Greening Program (NGP) will be integrated in the FLUP.” Meanwhile, Forester Benjamin Alangca, FLUP focal person, emphasized that Comprehensive Land Use Plan and FLUP are both important tools for local governments to share in the responsibility with the national government in the sustainable management of forest and forestland. It will provide the basis for policies, plans and programs to achieve balance among forest values including environmental, economic and social development, he said. “The FLUP will lead to zoning and allocation of open access forestlands, prioritization of sub-watersheds, delineation of protection and production forestlands, protection of existing natural forests, rehabilitation and development of grasslands, brushlands and cultivated forestlands, conservation and development of water production areas and

biodiversity resources, nature-based tourism development, Developing the priority sub-watershed; among others,” he elaborated. Recently, Alangca met with the concerned LGUs’ planning and development and environment and natural resources officers to address issues and concerns that prevent them from coming up with the required plan. “The LGUs through the MPDOs and MENROs have expressed their strong support and commitment to finish the formulation of FLUP before the end of December 2016. We have already lined up activities to fulfill the target,” Alangca said. Under DENR Joint Memorandum Circular 98-01, all local government units, together with the DENR and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are mandated to share in the responsibility of sustainable management and development of forest resources. (DENR12/DEDoguiles/PIA12)

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