One Mindanao - April 1, 2014

When stars descend upon MatiSOUTHERN MINDANAO

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 152

Palace: Safety measures in place to protect vital installations from Chinese control

NATIONAL

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SOUTHERN MINDANAONORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

Panabo showcases industry competitiveness in skills competition

DAR AgNor spearheads program review and planning workshop

PCA: No case of “cocolisap” yet in Surigao del Sur

Iligan complies with synchronized barangay assembly day

DA primes to conduct cloud seeding in drought-affected areas

DSWD’s food for work program benefits 400 women in Ozamiz

NorthCot towns receive computer sets from prov’l gov’t

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Greg Tataro, Jr

Information to Empower Filipinos

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WESTERN MINDANAO

102nd IB, IPHO conduct free medical-dental services in Sibugay

ERC holds public hearing on ZAMSURECO II’s ESA with TSI

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Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Alma L. Tingcang

Lorry V. Gabule

Danilo E. Doguiles

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Michael Uy

Gil E. Miranda

When stars descend upon Mati

This used to be a sleepy place, indie filmmaker and real

estate marketing man Albert Egot describes his hometown Mati City.

But this small city facing the Pacificis slowly being reinvigorated by the influxof steady development. Businesses fueled by increasing commerce and its growing tourism industry.And one of the city’s new generation of entrepreneurs is taking steps to make the citymorelivelyandexciting-thisbygettingshowbiz celebrities to visit Mati. “We want our suki (loyal customers) to

experiencetheiridolsinfleshnotjustonTV.We want to make them happy. It’s indeed very fulfilling tosee themsmile, laugh,getkiligevery time their favourite artists serenades them on stage.” Says Lyn Pang marketing headofthefamily-ownedERSuperstore. Founded in 1984 by Lyn’s parents EdmundoandRosemarieasasmallmini-mart, ER Superstore is now one of thebiggest retail centers in Mati City. In 2009 Lyn decided that instead of Matinians looking at actual stars in the sky to while their time away, she would haveto get showbiz stars to descend upon their city. Star-in-a-million singing starsRachelleAnnGo,ErikSantosandChristianBautista serenaded Matinians then during theopeningof theCity’sfirstmall in2011,the Pang-owned ER Supermall Lyn gotSam Concepcion, Gloc-9, Calla Lily, AizaSeguerra among a bevy of celebrities.

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Andduringthemall’sfirstanniversaryshegotmatineeidolPauloAvelino,MelissaRicksandJayceeParker. By the following years popular stars suchasKathrynBernardo,KristineReyes,Enrique Gil, Jake Cuenca, Maui Taylor,Regine Angeles, Christian Slater for theirmall shows. “We chose them according to the Matinians’ taste of artists. We make sure that we balance them such to their market in termsof theirFans.”LynPangexplainsas to how she chooses the stars. Current favorite are ABS-CBN starsastheTVnetwork’sshowsarethecurrentstaple of the residents’ television sets. She alsogetssexystarssuchasMaui,JCParkerand Aubrey Miles for the male audience and youngheartthrobslikeEnriqueGilandKhalilRamosforfemaleteenagers. I was recently in Mati (March 8) together with Albert and a troupe of Davao City’sstand-upcomediansledbyViceGandaimpersonator Danielle Diva, comedian-singerERandBeyoncespooferBrayance. The three stand-up comedians whoalso starred in Egot’s campy comedy film“Ang Wig ni Happiness” were hosting a showcelebratingERSuperstore’s30thyearanniversary. ForthatparticulareventLyngotJessyMendiola, a rising television actress whorecently starred in the teleserye remake of Thalia’s Maria Mercedes, In the companyofJessywereteenheartthrobKhalilRamosandsexystarAubreyMiles. ForLyn,gettingthecelebritiesisalsoa way of promoting the town. She usually takes them to the fabled Dahican Beach currently the city’s main tourism attraction. Usually the starsarebilletedatKanakbai,

one of the premiere accommodations in Dahican. If the visitors will have the time Lyn says she would bring them Dahican and the otherislandssuchasPujadaandWaniban. Mati’sPacificsceniccoastlineboastsoflongstretchesofwhitesandbeaches,ithasalsobecomeapopularspotforsurfingandskimboarding and has largely contributed to the growth of tourism in the region.As for memorable visitors Lyn says she can’t forget Kathryn Bernardo. “Despite her popularity she maintains her feet on the ground, very humble, friendly andaccommodatingaswellastohermom,TitaMin she also put us on national trending inTwitter for the first timebecauseof herfans.”Lyn says she is planning to get Daniel Padilla due to very popular demand from Matinians. “We have received an overflowing ofrequestsfromourcustomersandasmuchas we wanted to bring him here his schedule isalwaysbooked.”LynexplainswhyDanielhas to set foot in Mati. She says hopefully

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Defense, security major will be topics during Obama-Aquino meeting, says Palace

Defense and security will be a major agenda for discussion when US President Barack Obama and President Benigno S.

Aquino III meet during the American leader’s visit to the Philippines late this month, the Palace said Tuesday.

Across the Nation

“Defense and security will definitely be a topic in the talks between President Aquino and President Obama. And when you talk of this topic, the most relevant issue that can be discussed would be the West Philippine Sea. So, it is entirely within the realm of possibility,” Presidential Communications

Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

He however said other issues will be tackled during the discussion of the two leaders because what is involved is the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Meanwhile, on the country’s claim

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Across the Nation

As the dispute in the West Philippine Sea heightens, it is feared that Chinese companies or the Chinese government, which have investments in the Philippines, might be controlling and intruding in the country’s vital installations.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said a former official of the Department of Energy has assured him that the

government has already taken sufficient measures to ensure the integrity of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). The corporation has a contractual agreement with a Chinese service provider.

“At all times, Filipino managers and officials are in control of the important operations of the NGCP. So that is what we have done with respect to that. The same holds for your concern, the

in the West Philippine Sea, Coloma said the Philippines is looking at other avenues to resolve the issue peacefully.

Part of the administration’s thrust is to push for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he said.

“We continue to engage our fellow ASEAN members, both bilaterally and multilaterally, that there must be an ASEAN centric approach, considering that there are overlapping expanded economic zones in the claims of the various member countries,” Coloma said.

“So we just continue our policy of peaceful

and diplomatic engagement,” he added.On Sunday, the Philippine government

filed a memorial at the international arbitral tribunal, presenting evidence and arguments on the country’s claim in the West Philippine Sea.

The US State Department recently issued a statement, calling China’s act of blocking a Philippine supply ship in Ayungin Shoal as “provocative.”

The US government said it does not take sides on the conflicting claims among countries in the West Philippine Sea, but it is after ensuring freedom of navigation in the contested territory. PND

Palace: Safety measures in place to protect vital installations from Chinese control

PrThe Palace on Tuesday assured that the country’s telecommunications and energy sectors are free from any

form of control or intrusion by foreign countries, particularly China.

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telecommunication sector,” Coloma said.“We have a National

Telecommunications Commission that is doing the necessary steps to ensure the integrity of our telecom system.”

Issues have also been raised regarding the influx of Chinese nationals in the Philippines, with some groups asking the government to review the country’s old immigration law.

With regards to this immigration issue, Coloma said: “We have ascertained the parameters of our immigration law, and our Bureau of Immigration and

Deportation is committed to uphold this law effectively and decisively.”

Tensions have been rising in the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), particularly with China’s more aggressive stance in recent years.

Last week, China tried to block a Philippine supply ship from reaching a military position in the Ayungin Shoal.

The Philippines over the weekend filed a memorial or a written pleading to the international arbitral tribunal, supporting the country’s claim in the West Philippine Sea. PND

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Senator Aquino sees more investments in Mindanao after CAB signingSenator Bam Aquino expects Mindanao to become a magnet

for businesses and investments following the signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Now that the CAB is signed, sealed and delivered, Mindanao will be an attractive destination

for businessmen who will provide jobs and other livelihood in the region,” Aquino said on Tuesday.


Aquino, chairman of the Senate committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, said the expected flooding of investments will boost the long-awaited economic development in Mindanao.

”It’s the start of the long-awaited development of the region known for its rich natural resources. The region’s journey from decades of infamy to prosperity and economic growth now begins,” the senator said.

“The arrival of businesses and other investments in the area will give them a chance to revive lost opportunities and due to the conflict,” Aquino noted.

Aquino emphasized the importance of his “Go Negosyo Act” in helping Mindanao in development, saying it will open

opportunities for small businessmen and entrepreneurs in the region.

The Act, which was passed on third reading by the Senate, calls for creation of Negosyo Centers under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in each city and municipality around the country.

Aquino said these Negosyo centers are designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to register and start their own businesses as well as gain access to sources of financing.

The Negosyo Centers will also provide courses and development programs, training, give advice on business conceptualization and feasibility, financing, management, capability building, human resources, marketing and other support services.


BIR-XI intensifies Oplan Kandado, two establishments padlocked

DAVAO CITY- Officials of the Bu-reau of Internal Revenue in coor-dination with the members of the Calinan Police Precinct and local barangay officials padlocked two business establishments in Cali-nan District, for failure to pay their

taxes in line with the Operation Plan: Kandado in accor-dance with the Na-tional Internal Rev-enue Code of 1997. Atty. Glen Geraldino, director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Davao Region observed the e s t ab l i s hmen t s closed voluntarily even before the BIR operatives arrived, an indication that somebody tipped

its owners off of the government’s coming to close their operation. He said the establishments had been under-surveillance since 2013 and because of the due process; it took the BIR six months to close the establishment.

by Joey Dalumpines


Geraldino said the two establishments owe to pay government P3.7-Million and P5.7-Million in value-added tax, respectively and under-declaration of sales in 2013. “We have to collect these taxes. These establishments will not be open until they have paid their tax obligation to the government,” he said. Geraldino said the closure of establishments will run for a period of five days, and will be open only when the owners comply with their obligation. He explained that the Oplan Kandado is a running program of

the BIR. Geraldino said that more establishments in the region will be subject for closure once proven that they haven’t complied with their tax obligations accordingly. “As businessmen, we also have obligations to our country. From the very beginning, they should know they have an obligation to pay taxes to the government,” he said. Geraldino also urged individual tax payers to pay their income-tax on or not later than April 15, 2014. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Panabo showcases industry competitiveness in skills competitionDAVAO DEL NORTE – The city gov-ernment here through the Pub-lic Employment Services Office (PESO) recently conducted skills competitions to showcase thriving industries in the city. Cherelle Espinosa, PESO Manager, declared that the skills competitions in fish deboning, and creative hairstyle and make-up exhibited the main assets of the bangus and salon industries of the city, which are the competent and skilled Panaboans. The competitions accepted only residents of the city as participants, to exhibit their proficiency in the field, which was through the years honed by experience and the skills training provided by the government and non-government agencies, Espinosa said. Espinosa said that the competition was conducted in

Grand Gaisano Mall of Panabo to expose the participants to their possible clients. Espinosa added that the city government dreams of making the competition big in the following years through inviting participants in a nationwide scope. Among the 10 contestants in the Bangus Deboning competition, Bedalia Dulla of Barangay Cagangohan bagged the first place; while Junard Balon edged out 9 other competitors in the Creative Hairstyle and Make-up. The competitions formed part of the celebration of the 13th Araw ng Panabo, which started on March 20 and to culminate on March31. (PIA 11 – Michael Uy)-


United States’ MCC funds 5-year compact grant to PH govt By Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY - The United States of America’s (USA) Millennium Challenge Corporation is funding a $434 million, five-year compact grant with the Philippines that is expected to benefit millions of Filipinos.


The partnership is focused on reducing poverty through economic growth and comprises three projects: 1) rehabilitating 222 kilometers of a key road in Samar; 2) empowering local communities to identify and implement small-scale infrastructure projects; and 3) improving the effectiveness of government revenue collection and reducing opportunities for corruption by streamlining and computerizing tax administration at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

With the intention to establish the Revenue Administration Reform Project under the compact, this will address the need to raise tax revenues and reduce tax evasion and revenue agent-related corruption. It focuses on increasing the efficiency and sustainability of revenue collection through a redesign and computerization of business processes at the BIR.

Another project is the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (KALAHI-CIDSS), which will improve the lives of people in the rural areas by targeting communities where poverty exceeds the national average through implementation of mall-scale, community-driven development projects.

Through KALAHI-CIDSS, local communities and citizens become partners in the development

process and learn how to identify, design, implement (using local labor), and sustain projects at the municipal and barangay levels. In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), it builds on and supports DSWD’s participatory planning, implementation, and evaluation methodology.

Also, the Secondary National Roads Development Project is designed to reduce transportation costs through the rehabilitation of an existing 222 kilometer road segment in Samar. By bringing about savings in vehicle operating costs and time for both passengers and goods, and by reducing road maintenance costs, the investment will increase commerce in and between the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar, and ultimately increase incomes.

Moreover, the said project incorporates enhanced safety measures in the final road designs including paved shoulders, construction of sidewalks and curbs where pedestrian activity is higher, improved gateway treatments to indicate where lower speeds are required, and increased use of road narrowing, median islands, and traffic humps to slow traffic speeds.

The compact projects are expected to have robust and demonstrable impacts on incomes


According to Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Provincial Manager George Rasonabe, such a problem has not yet crossed over Mindanao, but their agency has already been keeping an eye on it.

It was learned from the PCA Chief that the massive case of scale insects infestation on coconut plantations has already spread out in Batangas and some neighboring provinces.

On other developments, Rasonabe

reported that the Agricultural Training Institute-Philippine Coconut Authority (ATI-PCA) Joint Undertaking Training has continued to be conducted for 2014.

In fact, he said that three trainings are set to be held this year including that of what was done on March 24-26, where 30 coconut farmers in Tandag City have undergone training.

PCA: No case of “cocolisap” yet in Surigao del SurBy Greg Tataro, Jr

TANDAG CITY -- There is no case yet of “cocolisap” or entomologically known as “scale insect” infestation in Surigao del Sur.

of Filipinos – particularly the poor – and on overall economic growth.

Meanwhile, the KALAHI-CIDSS project is expected to benefit over 5-million people by 2030; the road project is expected to directly impact nearly 300,000 people

while spurring overall economic development in Samar; and the Revenue Administration Reform Project is also expected to have broad impacts throughout the economy, thus making nearly all citizens project beneficiaries.


DAR AgNor spearheads program review and planning workshop

BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the province of Agusan del Norte conducted a one-day Program Review and Planning Workshop to ensure and move forward the implementation of Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) recently here.

By Gil E. Miranda

Some 25 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBOs) from different Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in Agusan del Norte attended the said workshop and possibly avail from the APCP program.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO II) Andre B. Atega reiterate the APCP specific guidelines and discuss more strategic approach to induce the ARBOs to accept the challenge of taking the necessary steps to avail the APCP Program.

Program Beneficiaries Development Division OIC-Chief Ester T. Cabalan, said that the workshop aimed to assist the ARBOs to comply all the desired

requirements and reviewed the proposals submitted by each ARBOs for APCP program.

“We aimed to discuss and review the project proposals submitted by different ARBOs in Agusan del Norte to come-up with possible solutions that lead the ARBOs to go through the program,” Cabalan said.

As President Aquino’s Administration convergence initiative, the DAR’s partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) whose effort is to streamline the program with P1-billion fund to support credit assistance of the agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


Zamboangueños mass up to save the Earth in ‘Hora de Planeta’ By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - “With great power comes great responsibility.”


Zamboangueños mass up to save the Earth in ‘Hora de Planeta’

Most people recognize this as a quote from the Spider-Man movie that starred Tobey Maguire. Peter Parker’s (Maguire) Uncle Ben had told him this shortly before he died, explaining that everyone who has the power to do something has to exercise that power with responsibility. This year’s Earth Hour theme is “Be a Superhero for the Planet: Use your power”, which is exactly what Uncle Ben had meant in the global environmental context. Spider-Man is Earth Hour’s superhero ambassador. In Zamboanga City last Saturday (March 29), hundreds of residents composed of government and non-government workers, police personnel, students and night-outers who regularly flock at the Paseo del Mar for a weekend night out exercised such power and joined in the forming of a giant number “60+”, signifying their support to “El Hora de Planeta”, and sending a message to do everything to save the world. As the lights were turned off at 8:30, candles were lit, illuminating the large human formation – showing the world that Zamboangueños are one with the world in its message of mitigating climate change and global warming. “We are here to show that we really care, that we want to get involved,” told Engr. Reynaldo Gonzales of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) to the mass of people gathered. “Every one of us can do something to save our planet,” he said. According to Gonzales, Zamboanga has been supporting the Earth Hour for the last seven years, since 2008, when it was first introduced by the World Wide Fund (WWF). “We have always


102nd IB, IPHO conduct free medical-dental services in SibugayBy Emmanuel D. TaghoyIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade conducted a total of six medical and dental outreach services all around Zamboanga Sibugay province from February to March in coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

This was disclosed by Captain Marcel S. Jumawan, Civil Military Operations Officer of 102nd IB, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Jumawan said the outreach program also included medical consultation, circumcision, haircut, ear piercing, shoe repair and dental services.Some 2,500 residents from the different barangays benefitted from the said services. Moreover, on Feb. 28 a total of 35 patients have availed themselves of free

been united with the whole world for the Earth Hour, and we want to send a very strong message for action to address climate change in the planet.” Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde urged residents to do their part in saving the environment by going beyond the sixty minutes. “We cannot save the world overnight, much less in one hour. As individuals, we can contribute in the global movement to fight for our future and children’s future,” he said. “The simple acts we do like saving electricity, recycling, and others go a long way.” During the Earth Hour, cities from all over the world show their support to combat climate change by switching off non-essential lights for one hour or more. It is a yearly advocacy aimed at sending a very strong message to policy-makers that it is time to make a change, and that everything we do should be contributory to saving the environment and the planet – the only home that we have. The advocacies include donations to fund environmental projects, the promotion of environment-friendly legislation, and an awareness campaign on what each of us can do to save the planet. Earth Hour, according to the WWF is the world’s biggest environmental campaign. It was first launched in Sydney, Australia in 2007, with about 2 million locals participating. It has grown to involve 7,000 cities today, with millions of individual supporters from all over the world.


102nd IB, IPHO conduct free medical-dental services in Sibugay

dental services (tooth extraction) initiated by Pastor Ricky E. Lagare, administrative pastor of the Metro Ipil Evangelical Church, in partnership with the 102nd IB Dental Team headed by Major Ester P. Austria at Barangay Tomitom, this municipality. On Feb. 21, 23, and 26, during the commemoration of the 13th Araw ng Sibugay, a total of 1,786 individuals have benefitted from the medical and dental outreach program by the IPHO and the 102nd IB. On March 7, a medical and dental outreach program was again conducted by the 102nd IB, IPHO, 44th IB and 16 Special Forces Company (SFC) in Barangay Dipala, Kabasalan, benefitting 679 individual. The 102nd IB and 44th IB also participated in the medical and dental outreach program spearheaded by IPHO in Barangay Bulawan, Payao last March 14.

Captain Jumawan said in a text message that the active participation of the army in delivering community services is in line with the army “transformation road map.” “We, the army are doing untraditional tasks, like the med-dental outreach to reach out to our less fortunate brothers in mountain barangays and offer them the basic service for free.” He also said that these activities are to expand army’s roles such as disaster response, peace keeping operations and support to the national development through multi-sectoral alliance and LGU support. “This rendering of basic services to the people in need is to make them realize that the government cares for them. The army is only a bridge in giving these services from the government to the people,” he said.


ERC holds public hearing on ZAMSURECO II’s ESA with TSIBy Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – A public hearing for the approval of the Energy Supply Agreement (ESA) between Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZAMSURECO II) and Therma South Incorporated (TSI) was conducted here on March 27 by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The hearing was presided by Atty. Carl Stephen Guzman with Atty. Nesrin Cali acting as clerk of the committee. Both are from the ERC. The activity was attended by member-consumers, Multi-Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEAC) of ZAMSURECO II and the media. Engr. Kenneth Albrecht, Technical Officer, Corporate Planning of ZAMSURECO II who stood as witness for ZAMSURECO II, explained the rationale of the agreement why TSI was chosen to address the deficit in power supply of the province. “There is no new base power plant that is expected to be operational in Mindanao until year 2015. TSI is the only earliest generation capacity available as base load plant that can be contracted by distribution utilities. With the reduction of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management

Corp. Contact for the Supply of Electric Energy (PSALM CSEE), ZAMSURECO II is experiencing 5 hours daily power interruption and TSI is the first available optimum option reducing generation rate for ZAMSURECO II customers,” he said. The ESA contract, upon approval of the ERC will be in effect for 25 years from the operations’ effective date. Its rate impact per kilowatt hour as presented in three scenarios during the public hearing is expected to reduce a difference of 0.2967, from Php5.4760 to Php5.1793 with the TSI as its power supplier. ZAMSURECO II is supplying electricity to 16 municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay province, 3 in Zamboanga del Sur, four in Zamboanga del Norte, and Vitali town of Zamboanga City.


ERC holds public hearing on ZAMSURECO II’s ESA with TSI

Rebel returnees yield firearms to 4IDby Jasper Marie Oblina Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A total of 69 assorted firearms from 72 former rebels were yielded to army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Thursday, March 27 in its ceremony dubbed “Pagababalik-Loob II.”


These 72 former rebels were regular New People’s Army (NPA) members while others were members of the Milita Ng Bayan (MB) operating in the mountains of Caraga and Region 10. Of these returnees, 48 come from Bukidnon, 18 from Agusan del Sur, three from Surigao del Sur, one from Agusan del Norte and two from Misamis Oriental. General Emmanuel T. Bautista, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the ceremony said that he is thankful that these former rebels have left the mountains and returned to the AFP. He said that with the bigger problems faced by the country today we should not be fighting against each other but instead go hand in hand in a peaceful way to development. He cited that the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB) was one testament that understanding can be achieved in a peaceful way, without the use of any arms. He said that it’s time for peace, put end to poverty and stop the war. Major General Ricardo R. Visaya, Commander of the 4ID also said that the Bangsamoro signing was a huge change to attaining peace in the country. Meanwhile, he said that cash and livelihood assistance will be provided for these rebel returnees including that from the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Through the AFP Gun for

Peace Program (AFP GPP), a total of P2.092 million is given in exchange to the firearms these former rebels surrendered. The different local government units will also grant them financial assistance from the Social Integration and Livelihood Programs. Also, a joint effort of the 4ID, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Nestle Philippines Inc. is to give them livelihood assistance. The 4ID offers each former rebel one hectare of land in Camp Kibaritan, Kalilangan Bukidnon to be planted with coffee. The Philippine Army initially allocated a total of 200 hectares for the former rebels from its military reservation. MGen Visaya encourages comrades of these former NPA rebels to come down from the mountains for a better future for their families. In a testimony given by former rebel Aikee Guinsod Montenegro, 22 years old Manobo from Agusan that the reason he left the NPA was the extreme hardship, fear, loneliness, physical drain and hunger experienced in the mountains. He said that if he remained in the mountain, he will always be in the dark and will have no future. He asked himself, “Why will I remain to be a slave here?”


Iligan complies with synchronized barangay assembly day by Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY - A total of 44 barangays here followed the synchronized Barangay Assembly day on March 29 which they held in their barangay halls or covered courts.

City Director Emilio T. Rana of the Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) Iligan City Office said that this is pursuant to Proclamation No. 260, dated 30 September 2011, the Barangay Assembly Day for the first Semester of Calendar Year (CY) 2014 is set on March 29, this year. In his monitoring to the different barangays during the Barangay Assembly Day, Rana commended Barangay Captain Rodel Ocaña of Bagong Silang, as he witnessed the way the assembly was properly conducted, and cited the presence of the seven barangay kagawads and the barangay’s 14 Zones/Puroks having been well represented, especially the presence of Zone officials. Rana lauded the leadership of Ocaña as he saw the posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions, so with the Annual Procurement Plan, which is in Compliance to the DILG Memorandum Circular, relative and in accordance with Section 397(b) of the Local Government Code for every barangay to undertake. Ocaña being the Committee Chair on Peace and Order has also lauded

the efforts made by the barangay tanods, as force multiplier of the police, in securing and maintaining the barangay premise, particularly on activities against illegal drugs in the barangay, as well as monitoring and strict enforcement of the laws against human trafficking at the barangay level. “Issues or concerns affecting the barangay tariff/existing fees and securing barangay clearance which needs an increase already to be approved by the body would be an income for the barangay,” Ocaña explained. Also, he said as part of barangay’s income strategy is the 50-50 percent sharing of the barangay and the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) on the issuance of residence certificate or cedula. “Our barangay have been known of this issuance of cedula, thus, we religiously remit to CTO the collection we incur out of the stubs issued to us to be able to get our share,” he said. As part of the Barangay Disaster Preparedness, Ocaña announced the training workshop the barangay will be conducting on March 31. The committee chair on Solid


DSWD’s food for work program benefits 400 women in Ozamizby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -At least 400 women from the city benefited from the Food for Work (F4W) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Waste Management also announced their schedule of garbage collection, reiterated the request from the community not to hang their garbage on their fences, until the garbage truck arrives for collection. Meanwhile, to create public awareness on, and generate participation in, the barangay assembly, some conduct medical or dental mission, tiangge, cultural presentations, among others. Barangay Bagong Silang has tapped Everest Pharma to conduct medical mission on March 30, the day after the Assembly. Services rendered were medical consultations and giving out of medicines for diabetes and hypertension. All City and Municipal Mayors are enjoined to ensure compliance and maximum participation of all barangays in the said undertaking in their respective jurisdictions, pursuant to Proclamation No. 260, Rana emphasized. He said it’s 100% for Iligan City despite one barangay, which

is Barangay Maria Cristina, under Barangay Captain Jessie Ray Balanay, who conducted an Assembly earlier this year, but was then advised by City Director Rana to conduct in the second semester and to follow the scheduled Synchronized Barangay Assembly. The success was in coordination with the president of the Association of Barangay Captains/Councils (ABC) and the memorandum issued by the city mayor to comply the conduct of the Assembly on March 29. Corresponding administrative complaint against barangay officials who failed to conduct a barangay assembly may be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, governmental or non-governmental entity before the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned pursuant to Section 61 of the Local Government Code or to the Office of the Ombudsman pursuant to Administrative Order No. 07 or the “Rules of Procedures on the Office of the Ombudsman,” dated April 10, 1990.


Called the F4W: Disaster Risk Reduction, Response, Recovery and Rehabilitation, the program is in consonance with the observance of the Women’s Month of March, Ludie Salud A. Raras, City SWD Officer said. Target of the F4W were women members of Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas (KaLiPi), whose activities involved canal and drainage cleaning, tree growing, care and maintenance and were allocated 90 sacks of rice by DSWD, region 10, thru the Provincial Government. In the urban areas, the beneficiaries were tasked to clean their respective canals and drainage system, after which they were given nine kilograms of rice/family for the work done, particularly, in the 50th Barangay, Lam-an Creek, Carangan,

San Roque, Sta. Cruz, Ba?adero and Aguada. Meanwhile, in Barangay Dalapang, a rural area, the beneficiaries were tasked to plant trees and maintain it until fully grown, after which, they were given 18 kilograms of rice/family. After six months, a CSWD representative will check if the trees are still growing. In case of withered trees, the beneficiaries must plant again and maintain to care for the trees until they are fully grown, Raras said. She said the program is jointly implemented by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Local Council for Women (LCW), Local Government Unit (LGU) and CSWD.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala expressed confidence that the Mindanao Rural Development Program sub-projects will be completed by the end of the year.

Secretary Alcala assures completion of MRDP2 projectsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


Speaking before officials of World Bank Review Mission headed by Task Team Leader Team Leader Carolina Figueroa-Geron and top DA officials from Mindanao in an event in Davao City recently, Alcala is confident that all MRDP2 projects will be finished and implemented successfully.

“This is real last two minutes,” he said, “But looking at the how the program moves forward, I am confident that we can make it. To date the program has reached 85.81% value of physical accomplishment and 77.40% in terms of financial accomplishment.”

“MRDP has introduced several reforms and innovations such as the proper identification of beneficiaries, strengthened procurement system, and geo-tagging had been mainstreamed and or replicated not only in the DA but also in other government agencies and LGUs.” He added.

In the early part of this year, MRDP particularly its geo-tagging application has scored another winning point for being awarded the Science of Delivery Award in the Global Procurement for Complex Situation Challenge.

The challenge is a collaborative initiative of various international groups including the global center on conflict security and development and the World Bank Institute.

Together with the World Bank and the local government units, the national government through DA-MRDP had poured in huge investments in physical infrastructure including livelihood projects and natural resources management to boost economic development in Mindanao rural areas

where most of the poor resides.DA-12 Regional Executive Director

Amalia Jayag-Datukan, has conveyed that the SOCCSKSARGEN region is on the right track in the implementation of MRDP2.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region includes the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos.

In terms of Rural Infrastructure, a total of P681.34 million have been implemented out of P755.70 M or an accomplishment of 90.16% of the total projects.

For Natural Resources Management, P25.17 M have been completed while a remaining P2.83 Miilion worth of sub-projects is still on-going.

For the Community Fund for Agricultural Development, a total of P237.5 Million has been completed making the region the number one implementer of the said subproject benefiting 29,136 beneficiaries. With a total of P255 M worth of CFAD projects, P12.3 M is to be implemented and P5.3 M is still on-going.

On March 6, Sec. Alcala formally launched launched Philippine Rural Development Program in Libungan, Cotabato where he turned over to recipient local government units a total of P138.6 M worth of projects signifying the start of PRDP in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

“MRDP had been improving lives in the rural communities. There are a lot of lessons learned and best practices that we can take stock from. That is


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- If necessary, the Department of Ag-riculture would conduct cloud seeding in areas affected by long dearth of rain during the summer season.

why, as the program is about end, it is paving the way for the bigger rural development program in the Department the: Philippine Rural Development Program or PRDP.”

“I am pleased to inform you that we have achieved a quantum leap for PRDP

as it is now awaiting the Issuance of the Special Authority to Negotiate from the Office of the President. After that will be the Formal Loan Negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the World Bank.” Alcala reiterated. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/DA-12)

DA primes to conduct cloud seeding in drought-affected areasBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala told members of the media from SOCCSKSARGEN Region visiting his office and Quezon Province last week that DA is ready and has enough funds to conduct cloud seeding in agriculture production areas that may be affected by drought.

“I have a standing order for BSWM (Bureau of Soils and Water Management) National Director Silvino Tejada and the regional directors of DA to closely monitor areas, especially those with standing crops, that may require cloud seeding,” Secretary Alcala said.

Cloud seeding is a form of deliberate weather modification to stimulate precipitation process and induce rain. It is done by spreading either salt or dry ice on the upper parts of clouds.

In this regard, the secretary requested farmers and members of

the media to immediately report to the nearest regional office of DA when their areas have experienced over two week without rain.

Meanwhile, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan confirmed that early this month they coordinated with BSWM through Director Tejada for the conduct of cloud seeding sorties in different parts of SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

“We have already set schedule for the deployment of aircrafts for cloud seeding but this was suspended after several rainy days,” she added.

She, however, assured the agency is closely monitoring farming zones that would likely be hit hardest by dry spell.

Moreover, Secretary Alcala clarified several factors are being considered before BSWM would deploy aircrafts for the activity. Most important among these, he said, are the availability


MLANG, North Cotabato —Different towns particularly in the third district of this province were recently given computer sets from the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) of Japan.

of clouds for inducement and the direction of wind that would bring the clouds where the rains are intended.

Last week, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the onset of dry or summer season.

PAGASA acting administrator Vicente Manalo said the shift of

wind from northeasterly to easterly would bring gradual increase of the daily air temperature.

Weather conditions will be mostly hot and sunny associated with warm and humid air with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms, particularly, over the eastern section, he added. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

NorthCot towns receive computer sets from prov’l gov’tBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Third district board member Ivy Dalumpines-Ballitoc, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Ways and Means sourced out the computers from SCB of Japan through the bank’s information technology head, Masayuki Fujimoto.

Ballitoc noted that the 75 slightly used computer sets costs about P1.5 million.

“The SCB of Japan also paid the freight cost of around P300,000 from Japan to its final destination in North Cotabato,” she added.

Of the 75 sets of computers, 32 were already distributed to the municipality of M’lang particularly to 16 barangays and four community organizations such as the 4H Club, Council of Muslim Elders, Council of Senior Citizens and B’laan Community.

Also, eight computer sets were given to Kabacan, specifically to the Kabacan

National High School and the Moro People’s Core.

Ballitoc stated that the remaining computer sets will be in no time distributed to other municipalities of the 3rd District which include Carmen, Tulunan, Matalam and Banisilan as well as to the E-Libraries of selected schools in the said district.

“The computers are expected to boost transactions in barangay halls and multi-purpose halls where the computers will be installed. Also, these will enhance the information and communication technology,” Ballitoc explained.

She also said that there is a need for the workers at the barangay level to upgrade their knowledge in computer and keep themselves updated in the field. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz&AAngeles-N. Cotabato Provincial Government

One Mindanao - April 1, 2014

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