One Mindanao - April 10, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

DOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTSTacurong City, Maitum shortlisted in Champions for Health Governance Awards

DILG 13 reveals Lupong Tagapamayapa 2015 regional finalists

CDA to hold regional energy power summit in Pagadian City

Zambo Norte steps up campaign vs rabies

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Facing the rough road to communicating peace

Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary tops high school graduating class

850 special games athletes set to compete in Palaro 2015

Butuan City Police groundbreaks P16M HQ buildingSigning of pledge of support highlights

tax campaign kick-off in MisOcc

NorMin Regional Census Coordinating Board gears-up for 2015 PopCen

By: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

By: Noel B. Najarro

10By: Danilo E. Doguiles

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By: Claro A. Lanipa

By: Mary May A. Abellon

By: Rene V. Carbayas

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

By: DepEd

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

23 All systems go for Palarong Pambansa 2015By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

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4 APRIL 10, 2015One Mindanao

By: Rene V. Carbayas

Throngs of negativity haunted the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and this has become widespread from the ordinary street vendor to the politicians at the halls of Congress. Giant media outfits havebenefited a lot from theskyrocketing ratings and most views, as each and every aspect and the blow by blow accounts of the gruesome fate of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who perished in that fateful incident at Tukalanipao, Mamasapano in Maguindanao has been carried on the airwaves and landed at every Filipino home.

As what a government peace negotiator has said at a forum: “What could have been a ‘private grief’ has turned into a celebrated ‘public grief’.” Just like any other disasters covered by the media such as the Zamboanga siege and Yolanda, etc., the media proved to have again triumphed in capitalizing on emotions to spread societal ills and ineptitude of institutions and human capabilities.

Cover Story


Government communications group is now facing a challenging and tough job in communicating the peace process and in generating public support for the ongoing peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

5APRIL 10, 2015 One Mindanao

Cover Story


If there is one positive effect (granting there’s a such) of the post-Mamasapano national discourse is the fact that more Filipinos are getting interested in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which was also considered by pro-peace groups as a casualty together with the 67 Filipinos. Unfortunately, the interest is marred by personal biases and prejudices, digging more holes in the already very

rocky and rough road to peace. And this has also betrayed the ignorance of most Filipinos on the peace process, which has been going on for about seventeen years. The need to communicate peace There is no doubt that every Filipino longs for peace, especially in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. We may be at different levels in understanding peace but the desire is still strong. With or without the BBL, the people must understand and cultivate a culture of peace, which is the foundation of a stronger and enlightened citizenry that respects other people’s traditions, beliefs, and aspirations.

We need to stop labeling people and isolating ourselves - such as being anti-Muslim, anti-BBL, or imperial Manila - and learn from a child who knows no boundary of color, race, and beliefs. For the child, it is the humanity that counts—the joy of friendship, of togetherness at play, and the laughter shared are cherished and loved.


Many would argue that this is easier said than done because we are only human. But, we are humans, higher than the animal kingdom. Thus, we reason and are rational beings. Maybe we have already dwelt so much in our emotional state, and, perhaps it is now time for Filipinos to be rational and to find betterunderstanding on the things that happened at Mamasapano to further appreciate the need to pursue the peace process. Many still believe that there is a ”greater good” that would come out of all the challenges that the nation is facing. It is time for every Filipino to engage, and keep an open mind to the possibilities and opportunities, including the exploration of better alternatives to attain peace. Quality information is knowledge towards decision-making In spite of the media coverage on the peace process since President Cory’s time, many still claim that they lack information about it. Since the

enactment of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and eventually the drafting of the BBL with the MILF, many remain ignorant of the peace negotiation especially the grassroots and other stakeholders for two reasons: they are not interested because they don’t care about the outcome or they have already taken an irreversible position on the matter thus they refuse to listen to any explanation. The latter poses the biggest challenge to all peace communicators. Aside from dealing with limited time and resources, both human and logistics, the government communicators are also pressured to find the rightand effective key messages that the public would appreciate and


accept through the different communication platforms. For the anti- and pro-BBL alike, quality information is still the key to arrive at an enlightened decision in life. A massive information drive, therefore, must be launched now. To dilly-dally is to drive the elusive peace away. TheOfficeofthePresidential

Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said that it would launch a massive campaign on the peace process and the BBL with the end in view of reaching out to all and sundry.

Recently, the Media ng Bayan also gathered selected personnel from the

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) together with some Manila-based PTV and Radyo ng Bayan for a planning workshop to guide the government communication pillars in a unified messagingthrough coordinated actions with respect to the BBL and the Peace Process. During the said workshop, PIA Director-General Jose Mari M. Oquiñena has challenged the communicators to be radical in its approaches and to use alternative platforms in communicating peace and the government’s vision of shared security and shared prosperity with the Bangsamoro people of the Philippines.

School Category, to Ms. Ruby Fernandez, representative of the Philippine Embassy in Spain.


PH bags investments project award for Asia at AIM 2015

“Thisisastrongconfirmationthat the Philippines has been attracting the best investment projects in recent years that

contribute to the country’s remarkable and sustainable economic growth,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

MANILA - The Philippines won the Investments Project Award for Asia during the recent Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), a leading global forum for investment and strategic networking in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).


Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr. said.

This award is a significantfeature of the investment meeting, and has become a widely appreciated recognition of best investments promotion agencies (IPAs).

Headed by Manalo, the Philippine delegation was composed of 44 representatives from 20 IPAs, local government units (LGUs), private businesses, and business organizations. This mission was organized by the DTI and the Board of Investments in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in UAE.

A total of 96 ready-to-go investments projects and business proposals were offered to potential investors. These projects are in-line with the focused sectors that the delegation intends to promote in the Middle East. These sectors are manufacturing, agribusiness, industrial estate development, tourism, infrastructure, logistics and energy.

Manalo noted that about hundred business-to-business meetings were conducted on site and outside of the investment

meeting.

The AIM is a three-day event focused on foreign direct investments (FDI). It provides various platforms for key stakeholders from the government and the private sector to interact and present their investment projects, programs and opportunities.

During the country presentation attended by a hundred participants from UAE and other countries, Manalo underscored the impressive investment climate of the Philippines. He also discussed specific industry and projectopportunities in various IPAs, and the vast growth potential of Mindanao, specifically on Halalproducts, infrastructure, and industrial estate development projects.

“With our presence in this investment meeting, we expect to attract the right kind of investment projects in the Philippines given the country’s enabling business environment and supportive investment policies,” Manalo said. (DTI)


Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary tops high school graduating class

MANILA - A 16-year old Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary has proven that poverty is truly not a hindrance to success, as she bested her high school batch and graduated valedictorian.


Shaira Perez of Brgy. Laiya in San Juan, Batangas is proof that a poor man’s dream will not remain a dream if you work hard for it.

Shaira topped her high school batch of 287 graduates in Laiya National High School.

With this feat, she is positive that she is finally a step closertowards her dream of lifting her family from poverty.

Shaira is just one of the more than 9,000 high school graduateswhoarebeneficiariesof the Pantawid Pamilya in the province.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiarieswho comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). In 2013, the DSWD expanded the coverage of Pantawid Pamilya to include the

15-18 age bracket to ensure that the children-beneficiarieswill graduate from high school and have a higher rate of employability.

To ensure enrolment in college, Shaira is already busy completing her documents for possible scholarships, even one day after her graduation. She hopes to enroll at the University of the Philippines after passing its entrance examination.

Her motivations

Shaira’s motivation to go to college is fueled by her family’s current living condition.

“Kapos po ang pamilya namin, mahirap po ang buhay. Katulad po ngayon, magka-college na ako pero kahit mag-apply ako sa mga scholarships, alam kong hindi pa rin sasapat iyon para masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang pag-aaral ko (Life for ourfamilyisdifficultasweareoften financially-challenged.Even with a scholarship, there is no guarantee that I will be able to finish college),” Shairashared.

Slightly small for her age, Shaira has experienced a lot of


struggles at her young age. Her parents are both working as helpers in a beach resort in Laiya and both of them earn barely enough to support Shaira and her two other siblings. Her elder sister also has cerebral palsy which takes a lot of the family’s earnings to keep up with her medical needs.

According to Shaira’s mother Rowena, 38, becoming a beneficiaryofPantawidPamilyain 2010 is a big blessing. For a family who only earns a good income during summer season, and who has a mentally-challenged child to attend to, the cash grants became a big help especially in ensuring that Shaira’s needs in school are provided for.

“Dahil po sa Pantawid Pamilya, laging puwede na akong sumali sa mga contests at may pambayad na kami sa mga pangangailangan ko sa school (Because of Pantawid Pamilya, I can now join school contests and we can pay for my other school needs),” shared Shaira who had also seen how her parents would borrow money from neighbors whenever she needed to join activities in school.

Being able to freely join most school activities opened opportunities for her to excel in class. She balances her academic and extra-curricular performance, which produced good results in the end.

“Magka-college po ako at magtatapos para matulungan ko ang aking mga magulang. Sila ang nagpakahirap at nagpawis parasaamin(Iwillfinishcollegeto help my parents. They worked hard for us),” added Shaira, who wants to pursue a course on Accounting or Engineering.

Going forward

At the graduation ceremony, Shaira shared her success with her fellow graduates and urged them to continue to dream and work hard for it.

“Sana bawat isa sa atin ay magpatuloy ng ating paglalakbay, sana lahat tayo ay makatuntong ng kolehiyo at magtagumpay (Let us hope that each one of us would continue with our journey, let us hope that all of us will be able to go to college and succeed),” Shaira shared a line in her valedictory speech that she ought to fulfillfor herself as well.


“Nakikita namin ang determinasyon niya pero sa ngayon, hindi talaga namin masasabi na kaya namin siyang suportahan hanggang sa huli (We see her determination, but as of the moment, we cannot guarantee that we can support her college education all throughout),” shared Rowena in tears.

However, it is Shaira’s skills

and potentials that drive Rowena and her husband to support her all the way. According to Rowena, they understand how important it is for Shaira to enroll in college because they have seen her potential at an early age. However, the little they earned from their savings for her college education was used up when their house was demolished last year. The lot where their house once stood was developed into


a resort; hence, they needed to relocate and construct a new house. Rowena was also not able to continue her hog raising business, which became a major blowintheirfinancesaswell.

“’Yung naipon namin noon, ginamit namin sa pagpapatayo ng bahay. Ayaw naman naming tumira sa tabing kalye na lang, para rin naman sa kanila iyon, lalo na sa anak kong may sakit. Wala kaming inaasahan ngayon kundi ‘yung trabaho lang namin sa resort (We had consumed all our savings for the construction of our house as we do not want to live on the street. We did that for our children, especially for our sick one. Now, we can only rely on our income as resort employees),” Rowena added.

However, this financialstruggle will not ruin Shaira’s dreams.

“Sisikapin naming mag-asawa na itaguyod siya. Habang ang bunso namin ay sinusuportahan pa ng Pantawid Pamilya, magdodoble sikap kami para mapagtapos siya (We will work hard to provide for her needs while our youngest is still being supported by Pantawid Pamilya. We will double our effort

soshecanfinishherschooling),”Rowena promised in front of a teary Shaira.

Shaira, on the other hand, never loses hope.

“Napatunayan ko na ang pagiging mahirap ay hindi hadlang para umangat ka. Kaya kong pagsumikapan ang aking pag-araal, kaya kong magtapos para maging maayos na ang aming buhay (I proved that being poor is not a hindrance in improving one’s condition. I will study hard andfinishmycoursesothatourlives would improve),” Shaira shared with conviction.

For Shaira, a college education is indeed the answer towards getting her family out of poverty.

Learning about Shaira topping her class, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman commended her as well as the other Pantawid Pamilya high school graduates, saying “I am pleased to know that Pantawid Pamilya children-beneficiarieshave excelled in their academic endeavors. This proves that with a little help from the government, the poor can become instrumental in their own success.” (DSWD)


850 special games athletes set to compete in Palaro 2015

Sports. Education. Opportunities.

These are some of the best words that describe Palarong Pambansa. One of Palaro’s highlights over the past years is the Special Games category where children with special needs (CSNs) are able to showcase their sporting talents to the community.

The Special Games are composed of Athletics (100M, 200M, 400M, 4X100M, Shot put, Running & Standing long jump), Swimming (50M Backstroke, Breastroke, Freestyle), Goal ball and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling.

Secretary of Education Armin


Luistro presents Palaro as a means to support the Department’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for all learners. “Ang Palarong Pambansa, kagaya ng edukasyon, ay inclusive o bukas sa lahat. Wala itong pinipili, wala itong itinatangi. Ito ay para sa lahat na may pusong handang magpunyagi upang sa dulo ay magwagi” he said.

Athletes with intellectual disability, visual impairment and those who are orthopedically handicapped will have a chance to be scouted to compete in international events. Among the notable Palaro Special Games athletes are Merill Jean Derama,

John Brian Menosa and Lizamel Dayon – all of whom competed in the 2011 Special Olympics held in Athens, and swimmers Jonalyn Hernando and Marco Tinamisan—both with no limbs.

Amidst the sea of 10,000 Palaro participants are the 850 Special Games athletes, set to be welcomed by the province of Davao del Norte. Palarong Pambansa has also been a gateway for CSN’s to prove that they can exceed expectations with their athletic capabilities. Their perseverance and dedication to their trainings serve as an eye-opener that breaks down barriers of marginalization. (DepEd)


Summer Escapade On

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Free summer sports clinic is on for children and teens aging 7 to 14 and below in Camiguin.

By: Cheri Lian Ansale

Dubbed as Kiddie Summer Escapade, the program offers lessons on swimming, taekwondo, soccer, tennis, and even extends further to painting, choral, piano and guitar lessons. Camiguin governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo believes that pushing for projects as this, motivates kids and teens to be productive and active during vacation. It aims not only to provide recreational activities but


Signing of pledge of support highlights tax campaign kick-off in MisOccOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Some 556 businessmen and taxpayers signed their pledge of commitment to highlight their support to the Tax Campaign of Revenue District No. 100, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), here.


Focused on the theme: “Angat Pa, Pinas (Rise More, Philippines): Do Your Share, Pay Your Correct Taxes,” the campaign kicked-off with a motorcade in Ozamiz and Oroquieta, two of the three cities in the province. “The activities, which were followed by seminars/briefingson Taxation, were held in time

to remind the public of the April 15,2015,deadlineforfilingtheincome tax returns (ITR) for the previous year, Atty. Judith G. Seno, officer-in-charge (OIC)and assistant revenue district officerofRD100,said. Meanwhile, Seno said RD 100 will continue its regular schedule of tax briefing for the new

also to develop their skills on other interests, be it in sports, music, or arts. Kiddie Summer Escapade is now on its second year, and will be expanded to cover the towns of Guinsiliban, Sagay, and Catarman or the GUIN-SA-CAT district. ProvincialinformationofficerNykolsha Mae H. Closas called on interested persons to register nowat theGovernor’s office; itstarted on Monday, April 6 and

will last until April 15. The summer clinic will be held at the provincial convention center for Mambajao and Mahinog children, while the GUIN-SA-CAT district will be at the in Langujanan ni Ta Inggoy, Sagay Gymnasium, and Sagay Municipal Hall. Closas, meanwhile, said that auditions for piano and choral will be hold separately on April 10 for Mambajao and Mahinog at the convention center.


businesses, every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., at the 3rd Floor of BIR Building in Ozamiz City. The briefing includes whatthe taxpayers are required to do upon registration, what receipts or invoices to print, how to register the manual books of accounts, how much fees to pay and which BIR forms to use. Also included are the information of which returns to

fileandwhichtaxtypetopayforwhich the taxpayer is obligated, as indicated in thecertificateofregistration, when any of the following changes occur: Transfer of place or head of office or branches, cancellationor closure of registration and change in tax type and other taxpayer details, Seno added.

The 2015 POPCEN is a complete enumeration of households in the country designed to take inventory of the population of the entire Philippines. It is the 14th census of population to be undertaken in the country since 1903. Moreover, it is the 3rd mid-decade census

following the 1995 and 2007 mid-decade censuses. The listing and enumeration for the POPCEN 2015 will last for 25 working days, including Saturdays and holidays, from August 1 to 31, 2015. Relative to this, the RCCB is created to assist the PSA in provision of transportation

NorMin Regional Census Coordinating Board gears-up for 2015 PopCen

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Regional Census Coordinating Board (RCCB 10) of Region 10 convenes today at the Grand Caprice Restaurant to assess the needs of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and discuss issues and concerns related to the conduct of 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN).

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat


and communications facilities during the census operations, provision of training venues, census headquarters and temporary lodging facilities for the census personnel, publicity and information campaign and security assistance to ensure complete coverage in the region. The RCCB 10 is chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional director Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr. and vice-chaired by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Rene K. Burdeos. It is constituted by the regional

directors of the regional line agencies. PSA 10 interim regional director Eddie Nasol shall also serveasexecutiveofficeroftheRCCB. The Board also has a local counterpart in the provinces and cities and municipalities. The Provincial CCBs are chaired by the provincial governors and the City/Municipal CCBs are chaired by the city/municipal mayors with the provincial statistics officersand district statistics officer ofthePSAastheexecutiveofficersfor the PCCBs and C/MCCBs, respectively. (PSA/APB/PIA-10)


DavSur Guv proud of out-standing rice-producing award

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – Davao del Sur Governor Claude Bau-tista expressed pride when his province was recognized as out-standing province on rice production being a three-time recipient of the Agri Pinoy Rice Achievers Award. “In the coming days, we hope to know of some success stories coming from other prov-inces like what we have

now,” the gov-ernor stated. He la-mented how-ever of the situation of most farmers plunged into debt, saying “Sad to say, most of our farmers have been indebted already from planting up to harvest due to lack of assis-tance from our local govern-

ment units.” Bautista bared that he is planning to allocate P300 million budget for the province “for agricul-tural interventions from starttofinishsothatevery component of this thrust would be appro-priately addressed” In March this year, the province successfully hosted the 1st National Rice Congress held at Crown Convention Cen-ter, Digos City.


A total of 3,438 farmers represent-ing 25 provinces from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, actively participated intheplenary,fieldtoursandfarm-ers’ forum joined in by various stake-holders,officersofnationalagenciesand private companies. Digos City Mayor Joseph Peñas has congratulated the municipality of Hagonoy headed by Mayor Franco Calida for being a top performing LGU in terms of yield in hybrid rice production which ranges from 7,000-8,000 metric tons per hectare equiv-alent to 97%. With this yield, Hagonoy earned the title as rice granary of Davao del Sur. Peñas urged the farmers to embrace the modern technology of agriculture to boost their earnings to attain economic sustainability.

On his part, Calida vowed not to import rice from other countries. “Wehavesufficientyield,wehave good irrigation system and a dam situated at a distance of 30 me-ters from the highway. There’s noth-ing to worry even if dry spell comes,’ he assured. Calida thanked the governor for his unwavering support to the ag-riculture programs extended to his municipality. Hagonoywasoneofthefieldtour sites during the National Rice Congress where participants were toured around a four-hectare demo farm in Barangay Leling that dis-played different varieties of hybrid and inbred rice. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/ Nilda S. Aniñon)

facts and figures

20,000 Estimated number of visitors for the coming Palarong Pambansa 2015 to be held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte this May 3-9.


All systems go for Palarong Pambansa 2015

DAVAO CITY- The Province of Davao del Norte assured its readiness to hold the Palarong Pambansa 2015 from May 3 to 9 where 13,000 athletes and del-egates are expected to converge in the area. Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA at the NCCC Mall Davao, Sofronio Gabunadas, Davao del Norte pro-vincial spokesperson said all gaming and billeting sites are already open to receive the participants as early as April 15, 2015 when delegations will be provided with handbooks con-taining billeting, health and security protocols for their convenient stay in the province. Heprojectedthattheinfluxof more people to Tagum City, the nearby municipalities and the prov-ince during the games will boost the local economy. Gabunadas said the opening ceremony of the Palarong Pambansa will be at 3:00 pm on May 4 since the main gaming venue will be in-stalled with screens for the Pacquiao-MayweatherfightonMay3,2015. He said the opening ceremony will feature the lights and sounds show at the park situated fronting the Provincial Capitol. “We assure you that it will be the best Palaro of the Department of Education,” he said.

Giovanni Gulanes, sports coordinator of Davao del Norte said that athletes are expected to arrive one week be-fore the games. He said delegates from the Au-tonomous Region in Muslim Mind-anao will arrive on April 15 while the delegates from Caraga Region will arrive on April 29. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Tacurong, TESDA train trike drivers, OSYs on small engine servicing

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Apr. 10 -- Some 149 tricycle drivers and out-of school youth in Koronadal City are under-going a free training in motorcycle/small engine servicing NC II.

Reynaldo Bernal, TESDA provincial di-rector, said the training was organized by the city government in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Develop-ment Authority (TESDA) and funded by the national government via the Bottom Up Budgeting (also called Grassroots Par-ticipatory Budgeting Program.)

Budget for the training was downloaded viaTESDA;eachbeneficiarywasallottedat least P5,000 for training expenses. TESDAhasidentifiedCenterpointCol-

lege of Arts and Sciences as the training center since it is the only school in the city offering small engine servicing course in the area.

Bernal added the mentioned skills train-ingcourseisthefirstBuB-fundedproj-ect in the Sultan Kudarat province.

Meanwhile, City Local Government Oper-ationsOfficerAlbertoSero,Jr.happilynot-ed that Tacurong City is one of the LGUs in SOCCSKSARGENRegionthatarefirst


in implementing BuB projects for 2015.

Upon completion of the tech-nical course, each trainee will receive stipend and a set of brand new engine servicing tools that they can use to start an enterprise.

Josephine Ubaldo, commu-nity training and employment coordinator explained the al-lowance and toolkits that the beneficiariesformascounter-part of the city government to the implementation of the proj-ect.

During the orientation pro-gram on March 31, City Mayor

LinaMontillaurgedthebenefi-ciaries to take the training seri-ously because so many other individuals have aspired to avail of the opportunity.

“With the free training and set of tools that will be given to you, there is no reason that you could not start your own income-generating projects,” MayorMontillatoldthebenefi-ciaries.Meanwhile, Sangguniang Pan-lungsod Committee on Liveli-hood Chairman Rodrigo Jamora-bon, who also is the chair of the Committee on Peace and Order, said most of the tricycle driv


Tacurong City, Maitum shortlisted in Champions for Health Governance Awards By: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 10 -- The local govern-ment units of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat and Maitum in Sarangani are among the 12 municipal and city governments that have been shortlisted for the Champions for Health Gover-nance Awards.

ers undergoing the skills train-ing were also able to attend the Target Hardening Seminar conducted by the Philippine Na-tional Police.

He believes the training and livelihood assistance from the government, should inspire

thebeneficiarieswouldbemoreinspired to cooperate with the government in ensuring the safety of the community. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU Tacurong City Infor-mation)

Included on the Top 12 as posted on their award’s web-site are: Cabiao, Nueva EcijaCervantes, Ilocos SurDavao City,Del Carmen Surigao del NorteIpil Zamboanga SibugayJimenez, Misamis OccidentalMaitum, SaranganiPuerto Galera, Oriental MindoroSan Fernando, La UnionTacurong City, Sultan KudaratTeresa, RizalValenzuela City

According to the awards briefer, the Champions for Health Governance (CHG) Awards is an initiative recog-nizing top performing LGUs for excellentandefficientimple-mentation of their local health programs.

These health programs should be in line with achiev-ing the Millennium Development Goals particularly in reducing child mortality rates; improving maternal health; and reducing incidences of infectious diseases


such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; as well as and the Department of Health’s Kalusugan Pangkalahatan which aims to achieve universal health care for all Filipinos.

Evaluation and screening was conducted by the Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Gov-ernance and Ethical Leadership, the Ateneo School of Govern-ment, and the Jesse Robredo Foundation, with the support of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Health.

Criteria are as follows: local leadership (15%), transparency and accountability (15%), ef-fectiveness of health programs (20%), innovativeness of health programs (20%), health resources management (15%), and community engagement in health (15%).

From April 6 to 30, evalua-tors will visit the shortlisted

LGUs for site evaluation.FromtheseLGUs,fivecity

and municipal levels with out-standing health initiatives will be honored in an awarding ceremony slated on May 29.

Top LGUs will receive P100,000 to fund their best health pro-grams and an additional P500,000 worth of medical sup-plies and equipment from DOH to continue their outstanding initiatives in health. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)


8th Siargao international game fishing tournament opens By: Mary Jul Escalante

PILAR, Surigao del Norte - The 8th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament opened on Thursday, April 9, the activity will run until April 12, 2015 at the town of Pilar, Siargao Island.

Around 40 anglers from Philippines, Japan, Dubai, Hungary, Australia, USA, England and Singapore competed for the following categories: Biggest Billfish, Biggest Talakitok,Biggest Wahoo/Tangigue and Biggest Dorado. The opening ceremony was graced by Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant


DILG 13 reveals Lupong Tagapamayapa 2015 regional finalistsBy: Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

BUTUAN CITY - After thorough deliberation of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Regional Awards Committee headed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion as chairperson, the LTIA Regional Finalists for C.Y. 2015 are finally revealed. This after having assessed last March 30, 2015 the different provincial winners who in turn were the regional level qualifiers.

secretary Arturo Boncato, 1st district representative Francisco T. Matugas, governor Sol F. Matugas, vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and mayors from different municipalities of Siargao Island.

A fifteen-minute fireworkdisplay highlighted the said event. The event is a joint undertaking between the DOT Caraga, the province of Surigao del Norte, and the local government unit of Pilar.

For the Highly Urbanized Cities Category, Brgy. Tiniwisan of Butuan City although by default is

the sole entry, was still assessed bytheRACanddeemedfitforthenational search. Brgy. Tiniwisan is


a new entry for Butuan City after Brgy. San Vicente consistently landedamongthetop3finalistsat the national search for three consecutive years and is currently vying for national champion title for the assessment last year to land it the Hall-of-Famer status in the category. For Component Cities Category, Brgy. Mabini of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte bested the other provincial winners, namely: Brgy. Taft, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; and Brgy. Telaje, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. For 1st – 3rd Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Alegria of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur won over Brgy. Macalang of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Cabungaan of Cagdinanao, Dinagat Islands; Brgy. Urbiztondo of Claver, Surigao del Norte; and Brgy. Poblacion of Barobo, Surigao del Sur. And for 4th – 6th Class Municipalities Category, Brgy. Tagmamarkay of Tubay, Agusan del Norte trumped Brgy. Sta. Cruz of San Jose, Dinagat Islands; Brgy. Poblacion, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte; and Brgy. La Purisima, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur. These regional winners also serveasqualifiers/finaliststothenational search where they will

compete against other regions for the top three spots per category. The National Winners will be awarded in December this year at the Malacañang Palace. The LTIA Regional Assessment was held at DILG Regional Office – LocalGovernance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) with the presence of the Regional Awards Committee (RAC): DILG RD Famacion; Atty. Marigel D. Hugo, LTIA RAC Vice Chairperson and OIC-Regional State Prosecutor of the Department of Justice XIII; and RAC Members Atty. Cisco Franz S. Maclang of the Branch 1, Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region; PCI Amadeo A. Meude, Jr. of the Philippine National Police XIII; Exec. Dir. Arnold L. Tapere of Propegemus Foundation, Inc. and Dir. Mary May R. Cadosales-Diaz of the Educational Discipline in Culture and Area-Based Development Services, Inc. (EDCADS). Three major criteria, to wit (1) efficiency in operations,(2) effectiveness in securing Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) objectives, and (3) creativity and resourcefulness of the Lupong Tagapamayapa were followed in the assessment. The Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) was


The ground breaking ceremony was held at the 2,000 square meters lot donated by the Malvar family, represented by Dr. Potenciano R. Malvar, proprietor of the well-known Balanghai Hotel here in the city, at Brgy. Limaha. Attending the ground breaking rites was Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., who was the guest of honor and speaker during the

event; senior regional police officials led by Caraga PNPchief PCSupt. David Y. Ombao; ButuanCityPoliceOfficialsandpersonnel led by Butuan City Police Director PSSupt. Nerio T. Bermudo and Limaha Brgy. Capt. Raymund Caraboyna. Officiating the ceremonywas Fr. Joselito D. Borja, Police Regional Office 13, regionalchaplain.

Butuan City Police groundbreaks P16M HQ building By: Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY - The Butuan City Police Office (BPCO) held on Wednesday the groundbreaking rites of its P16 million city headquarters building, on a lot donation by one of the prominent city business scions engaged in hotel business here.

established since 1997 as a means to institutionalize a system of granting economic benefits and other incentivesto the Lupong Tagapamayapa that demonstrates exemplary performance in settling disputes at the grassroots level. These Lupons, comprising of the Punong Barangay as chair and 10-20 members, are based on the mandate of the barangays

to enforce peace and order and provide support for the effective enforcement of human rights and justice as stipulated in Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the 1991 Local Government Code. Decentralization has facilitated the recognition of the Katarungang Pambarangay or Barangay Justice System as an alternative venue for the resolution of disputes.


M a y o r A m a n t e during his message w i s h e s that more bus iness

people in the city will emulate the generosity of the Malvar family who has the good heart of sharing their possessions for the good of the community. “There are few people like the Malvar family, who have not hesitated to donate a lot as spacious as this one, located in the center of the city, knowing the city business is booming and the price of lot here is increasing,” Amante said. According to him, the donation was timely as the transfer of the city headquarters oftheButuanCityPoliceOfficenear the city’s Guingona Park is now being hastened. It was learned that the National Historical Institute is planning to develop the present officeof the BCPO into a heritage, cultural and arts site. Amante also said that the proposed police office is suitably locatedat a serene and breezy place. The Malvars started planting the vicinity with trees three years ago, which are growing up now. Amante challenged the PNP to

plant some more trees in the area and make their city police headquarters “a police station in the forest,” in line with the city’s vision to “plant a million trees.” PCSupt. Ombao thanked the Malvars for the right time has come for the city police to transfer their headquarters to a more suitable location. According to him that as a good gesture of recognizing the donors’ wish for more visible police presence, peace and orderliness, a crime-free and drug-free Butuan City as among the motivations of their family donation, he will augment possibly by next week the city’s police force. According to Ombao, a two-storey “Class A” PNP Building project will soon be constructed in two-phase, with a cost of P16 million pesos, of which the firstphase,whichmaycostP14million will be funded by the PNP. The second phase, which costs around P2 million pesos is allottedforthefinishingtouchesand to be funded by the city government and may be separate ly bid out.


Tabak chief keynotes “Araw ng Kagitingan” celebration in PagadianBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Pagadian City govern-ment joined the entire nation in commemorat-ing the 73rd founding anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at City Hall Com-plex here yesterday.

Anchored on the theme, “Ipunla ang Kagitingan, sa Ka-bataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabu-kasan,” BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr., division

commander of the 1st Tabak Division whose message was read by Lt. Col. Aude Mongao, commandingofficerofthe 1st Civil Military Operations Batallion,


said “the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan is not only a testa-ment to the bravery of Filipinos but also of our resourcefulness, perseverance and willingness to sacrificeourliveinthenameoffreedom.”“Today we join as one people to honor a debt we can never fully repay. It is a special day where we pay tribute to the heroism and profound sacrifices of our warveterans who fought and died for the country’s freedom and liber-ty,” Barrientos added.Meanwhile, Claudio F. Porio, Zam-boanga del Sur Veterans District commander narrated the story of the infamous “death march” to remind everyone of the darkest moments of the lives of Filipino and American soldiers who were held captive by the Japanese Occupation Forces during World War II. Porio said that on April 9, 1942, more than 769,000 Filipinos and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan surren-dered to the Japanese army dur-ing World War II. “They were forced to march from Bataan to Tarlac following their defeat in the battle of Bataan. More than 7,000 prisoners of war perished in the Bataan Death March.”

Porio’s father, Emeterio, perished in that war and his body was nev-er found since then.Porio also expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino III, Governor Antonio Ceriless and Mayor Romeo Pulmones for the great honor and recognition giv-en to the veterans. “It warms the heart of our living war he-roes, siblings, wives, widows and children that they we are loved, recognized and fondly remem-bered.” Officials and employees of thedifferent national line agencies based in this city together with theofficialsandemployeesofthelocal government units, veterans andtheyouthofferedflowersatthe Veterans’ Memorial Marker.Also present in yesterday’s ob-servance of Araw ng Kagitingan were the officers andmembersof Boys Scouts of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bu-reau of Jail and Management and Penology, Department of Educa-tion, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Knights of Columbus, National Police Commission, Philippine National Police, Zamboanga del Sur Vet-erans Association, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, and em-ployees.


CDA to hold regional energy power summit in Pagadian CityBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY - To address the issues and problems on power supply in Mindanao, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)-IX in partnership with the Pagadian City Federation of Multi-Purpose Cooperatives (PACIFEMCO) will host a Regional Energy Power Summit today, April 10, at the Megayon Stage, Provincial Government Complex, Dao, this city.CDA-IX Regional Director Ruben Cunanan said the summit will fo-cus on the issues and problems on energy power, and the possi-bility to privatize the Agus-Pu-langi Hydro Power Complexes in the provinces Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon by 2017.

With these issues Cunanan said, “there is now a call from various sectors including cooperatives to participate in resolving the pow-er outages not only here in the region but the entire Mindanao.”He added that a possibility of cre-ating and registering a One Mind


anao Energy Cooperative where-in the members of this coop are the primary cooperatives in Min-danao will also be discussed dur-ing the summit in the hope that it will be able to participate in the bidding if plans for the privatiza-tion of the Agus-Pulangi Hydro Power Complex will materialize.Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla together with CDA Chair-man Orlando Rabanera, PSALM

chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., Congressman Reynaldo Uma-li, chairman, Committee on En-ergy, House of Representatives and other CDA dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion, Cunanan disclosed. The same summits have also been conducted in other regions of Mindanao with the full support of the CDA top management, Cu-nanan concluded.

Zambo Norte steps up campaign vs rabiesBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte through its Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Provincial Vet-erinary (PROVET) is now intesifying its campaign against rabies in the entire province.

Health Education Promotion Of-ficerWilmaR.Bulahan told thePhilippine Information Agency (PIA) that the PHO and PROVET are conducting information drive and anti-rabies vaccination to dogs in the two cities and 25 mu-nicipalities starting January this year.

It was learned that the province hadfiverecordeddeathsduetorabies last year.Early this year the PROVET has already immunized 2,055 dogs other than those immunized dur-ing Bayanihan Outreach Program conducted in the area.Rabies is a viral disease that


WEM-RIC dancers wow participants to women’s month culmination program By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Zumba dance showdown highlighting the grand culmination of women’s month celebration in the province has drawn accolade from a lawmaker and spectators.

Congressman Mark Villar of the lone district representative of Las Pinas City, who served as guest speaker in culmination program, admitted he was impressed with the performance of the women dancers in their sexy costumes

during the Zumba showdon held last Tuesday, April 7, at the Amusement and Event Center, Capitol Cmpound this city.The women dancers came from the province’s 26 towns and this city.

causes acute inflammation ofthe brain in humans and oth-er warm-blooded animals. It is spread when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human or the saliva from an infected animal can also transmit rabies if the saliva comes into contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes. Dr. Elmer M. Atienza, PROVET head, said that rabies will be eradicated through immuniza-tion of dogs and other animals.He added that this immunization

to animals by the provincial gov-ernment is free of charge with almost P1 million allocation ea-marked by the provincial govern-ment for the purpose. “Rabies is a deadly disease. Doc-tors, nurses and other medical attendants need to be quaran-tined if their patient died due to rabies,” he stressed.He also emphasized that anti-rabies vaccination to animals should be done annually to com-pletely prevent its occurrence.


Women Empowerment Move-ment- Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC), which spearhead-ed the activity, made the dance competition a main attraction in the said event. Elimination rounds were held in each municipality early in March and the municipal winners were the ones sent for the grand dance competition. Rep. Villar got amazed at the dancing prowess of both young and mature women who danced with energy and dynamism to the delight of the audience. When the dancers wiggle and waggle, the spectators erupted in cheers and guffaws. “This is my first time to watcha Zumba dance showdown and

it happened only here in your province. I hope that with this big event, Zamboanga del Sur will be a dancing capital in the country,” Villar quipped.After the eight-hour dance com-petition, the judges proclaimed the following winners: 1st prize went Margsotubig town, 2nd prize to Labangan , 3rd prize to Dumalinao, 4th prize to Dinas, and 5th prize to Midsalip. Margosatubig also received the star trophy award.It can be recalled that the offi-cers of WEM-RIC promote the aerobic exercise to its members to help them build their strength, improve motion and posture and socialize.

One Mindanao - April 10, 2015

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 10, 2015