One Mindanao - April 11, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

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Cover Story

Regional Coordinating Council brings services to the people

Gervacio Dauz, Jr.Caraga Region

Today’s issue...Wednesday, April 11, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 233

page 4

3rd province-wide barangay congress held in Lanao del Norte13 Northern Mindanao

OWWA-10 conducts skills training and establishes OFW help desk

16Nestor B. Flores Jr. , Northern Mindanao

DOST-12 rolls off “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Syudad”20 DEDoguiles, Central Mindanaoao

Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on Emir of Qatar 9

Davao cacao farmers target 100,000 tons of export demandFrances Mae Macapagat, Southern Mindanao

“Sisterhood tie” ng bayan ng Tantangan at Makati City, pinaplantsa na22 Ac Agad, Central Mindanaoao

Liga Ng Mga Barangay chapter assembly set in Surigao del Sur27 Greg Tataro, Caraga Region

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Multi-sectoral electrification advisory council organized in Agusan del SurWilliam U. Andres, Caraga Region

Govt. authorities intensifies pursuit vs Lim’s abductors31Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

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DSWD9 to launch IP’s billboard, orientation and awareness education in Dumingag Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao

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If the people cannot come to government, then let the government come to the people, to rephrase a Middle

Eastern proverb.

Cover StoryRegional Coordinating Council brings services to the people

This was what the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) of Caraga Region, in collaboration with Butuan, did when it ushered in the “RCC on wheels” in the service of the people on March 13 in Butuan under the slogan, “Serbisyong DOLE sa inyong

tugkaran” which is translated in English as “DOLE services right

at your doorsteps.” RCC is actually

composed of a cluster of agencies such

as the National Conc i l iat ion

a n d

Mediation Board (NCMB), Overseas Workers’ Welfare Agency (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC), Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the lead or umbrella agency. DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo pointed out to 500 attendees of the event that the rationale behind the RCC on wheels, “is to bring the services of the government, particularly the DOLE family, closer to the people, with emphasis on those who are needy. The aim of our services,” she divulged

by Gervacio Dauz, Jr.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

further, “is to actually help alleviate

poverty in convergence with the local government unit.” Ferdinand M. Amante Jr., city mayor here, was happy to note that the purposes of the RCC are in conjunction with his intent of addressing the critical and prevailing problems suffered by his constituents – which zeroed in on livelihood and employment concerns. With high hopes, he believed that the problems would gradually be untangled “in the spirit of convergence.” He shared that the

most challenging concern so far facing his administration

is, “the plan to relocate the more than 4,500

families who are still living near the

river banks.” He said

t h a t ,

“their needs can only be addressed in a holistic approach,” and not in a piecemeal manner. With this framework in mind, he called in the concerned cluster of agencies to help carry the burden via a unified, convergent manner. After his keynote message, the executives of the different agencies involved presented their respective programs, projects, and activities for the people’s information and appreciation. Regional Director Edwin C. Gatinao of TESDA Caraga hammered in his agency’s latest thrust, which is about the TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP). He announced that “TESDA has bankrolled no less than a half million pesos as scholarship package for the constituents of Mayor Amante.” In conjunction with this, he was joined by Provincial Director

6 Wednesday, April 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Florencio F. Sunico Jr. of TESDA Agusan del Norte, who detailed that TSTP “primarily addresses tech-voc graduates – particularly the 40 percent who still have to find employment – to develop an enterprise of their own. Most importantly, it is designed to be an enterprise development model for communities with the mission to help TESDA-certified graduates to get into productive undertakings to help themselves and their communities.”

As an example, he called on three TSTP groups to be recognized,

awarded with kits, and vests. The East Butuan Small

Construction Workers Association, he

explained, is a TSTP group –

composed o f

masons, plumbers, e l e c t r i c i a n s , painters, and even welders – that engages in building construction, repair, and maintenance. The second TSTP group, which is the

Butuan Body Care Services Association, engages into beauty care and wellness such as massage, pedicure, manicure, etc. The third TSTP group, which is the Caraga Appliance Repair and Maintenance Association, engages in repair and maintenance of appliances

and other electronic gadgets such as air-condition, electric fan, etc. Mayor Amante awarded them with starter kits which they can use for productive pursuits. Director Marietta Bellotindos of POEA likewise shared that present “during the RCC on wheels service caravan are the 10 accredited and legal recruitment agencies available the whole day that dangle a total of 16,282 job orders to include both domestic and international opportunities.” Winding up, Mayor Amante disclosed that “Butuan by the River” will be turned into a place to go as it will be incorporated later with the restaurants and other amusement enterprises in the area. He then wished that his constituents will become “wealthy and happy people . . . with good livelihood and a better future.”


ACROSS THE NATION

The Emir of Qatar arrived in the country Tuesday afternoon for a two-day state visit.

The two countries sealed agreements on tourism, legal and justice,

agriculture and fishery cooperation as well as investments. A private sector agreement on the establishment of joint business council between the Philippines and Qatar

was also signed. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation is expected to create favorable conditions for long-term ties in tourism

Aquino, Emir of Qatar witness signing of four agreements

President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar witnessed the signing of four government-to-government agreements Tuesday in Malacanang.

8 Wednesday, April 11, 2012ONE MINDANAO

industry for the

mutual benefit of the Philippines

and Qatar. On the legal front, the

MOU on cooperation in the legal field will encourage sharing of experiences and best practices in the performance of the mandates of both countries in their respective ministries of justice.

An MOU on agricultural and fisheries cooperation, which will establish the general framework for cooperation in agriculture and fisheries of both countries, was also signed. The agreement is expected to foster sectoral development and enhance agri-related trade and investments between the two countries.

Among the areas included in this field are crops

technology, vegetable and fruit preservation, biotechnology, post harvest technology, livestock and fisheries, coastal and deep-sea fishing management, irrigation, water resources and halal industry.

Both countries are also enhancing tie-ups on investment cooperation the signing of an MOU that involves the Department of Trade and Industry and the Qatar Holdings Limited Liability Corporation.

This MOU would explore the investment

opportunities in the Philippines in various sectors including natural resources, commodities, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

Aside from the government-to-government agreements, a private sector tie up on the establishment of a joint business council between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatari Chamber of Commerce and Industry was also forged. (AS)


The conferment, which capped the first of the Emir’s two-day State Visit to the Philippines prior to the State Dinner held in his honor last night, was held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace before an audience composed of the Emir’s official delegation, business and political leaders and members of the press.

In return, the Emir presented to the President the Necklace of Independence.

The Order of Lakandula is an Order of political and civic merit awarded in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to leadership, courage and resolve in the

service of the people.The Order of Lakandula

is conferred upon a foreign citizen who demonstrated strong dedication for the welfare of society and whose life is worthy of emulation by the Filipino people.

The order is also being given to persons who devoted their lives for the peaceful resolution of conflict and to those who fostered mutual understanding, cultural exchange, justice and dignified relations among individuals.

The Order of Lakandula

with the rank of Grand Collar

(Supremo) is conferred upon individuals who dedicated their lives for the preservation and defense of the democracy of the country. It is also being conferred upon former or incumbent heads of state and of government.

The Necklace of Independence, on the other hand, is the highest decoration in the State of Qatar. It is worn by the Emir of the State and is awarded to present and former Kings and Heads of State.

After the conferment rites, the President, the Emir and the guests were served dinner. (RCK)

Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on Emir of Qatar

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred

on His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Supremo (Grand Collar) in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Tuesday night.


Mindanao chambers look to strengthen role in investment facilitation

Chambers of commerce

in Mindanao should take a stronger role in drawing trade and investment to their respective areas.

This was the consensus among the Mindanao chamber officials who attended a “cross-learning” seminar organized in Cebu City by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. The seminar drew executives from established chambers of commerce in Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga, as well as from

smaller, newer chambers, from the provinces of Sarangani and Surigao and the cities of Butuan, Pagadian and Kidapawan.

Representatives from Naga, Iloilo, and Cebu business chambers also attended the activity. P a r t i c i p a n t s


exchanged best practices on chamber revenue generation, policy advocacy, and trade and investment facilitation, focusing on the successful experience of the Cebu Investment Promotion Center. “We are in the process of reviewing our city’s investment code, and it was particularly useful to learn more about Cebu’s highly focused approach,” said Raymund Salangsang, president of the General Santos City chamber. “GenSan has well-established fisheries, agriculture and IT sectors that bring in business, but we really should distinguish between domestic and foreign investors and their differing requirements,” Salangsang said. He also proposed a more subregional approach towards attracting investors. “Some industries cannot be contained in just one city,” Salangsang said. “GenSan is already the commercial and transport hub for surrounding provinces, so why not help businesses to locate or expand there? It works out to everyone’s benefit.” “We looked at our respective strengths rather

than try to replicate what other cities are doing,” said Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian City-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. “We are a small city in a highly agricultural area, with only a small wharf, but with established supply routes to Cebu and Cagayan de Oro,” Quisumbing pointed out. “Rather than focus on direct exports, we studied how we fit into the supply chain,” Quisumbing said. “Given our large coconut production base, for example, there are opportunities for investors in coco semi-processing.” The Mindanao chambers are currently working with local governments and national line agencies to develop investment databases for their respective areas. This would include information on available raw materials, people support, costs of doing business, investment incentives, and other economic and market information. “Some local governments are still not aware of the extent to which their chambers of commerce

can help bring in investment,” said Quisumbing. “There has to be a good working relationship between the business community and government to make sure everyone is on the same investment track.” P u b l i c - p r i v a t e collaboration is expected to be further bolstered by the recent agreement between PCCI and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to share resources and technical expertise to promote investment. This builds on an earlier partnership agreement between the two organizations to jointly formulate policy recommendations for enhancing the competitiveness of key economic sectors. For chamber executives at the Cebu seminar, however, it was clear that a supportive policy framework will best succeed in attracting business to a particular area if its local stakeholders—both government and the private sector—work together to identify and strengthen their comparative advantages. “Do the groundwork first. That’s the key to getting investors,” Quisumbing said.


National Nutrition Council accepting entries for recipe contest

To showcase every region’s traditional recipes, as well as, other innovative ways of

preparing vegetables, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) will hold a “Regional Recipe Development Contest,” as part of this year’s nutrition month celebration.

Winning entries will be compiled into a recipe book that will be printed for distribution to all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The recipe book will also be distributed to all local nutrition workers, to be utilized as a material in to aid in teaching more families on ways of improving their meals.

Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Zenaida T. Tondares is enjoining all cooking enthusiasts, chefs, student chefs, school based food technology teachers and all

interested individuals or groups to join the recipe challenge and submit all entries before April 18. Entry forms and contest mechanics can be secured at the regional NNC office. Tondares noted that all entries must use vegetables as main ingredients with no more than five


ingredients, excluding seasonings and condiments. It should be original, low-cost, easy to prepare, nutritious and made of indigenous ingredients. Qualified recipe entries will be notified on/or before April 28, and the final cook off of the chosen recipes will

be on May 2 here in Cagayan de Oro City. First regional winning entry will be awarded P10,000, second and third placers will take home P8,000 and P6,000, respectively, and three others will win the P2,000 consolation prizes. (PIA 10)

3rd province-wide barangay congress held in Lanao del NorteTUBOD, Lanao del Norte - More than 2,000 barangay officials from over 400 barangays of the province came to the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center (MCC), in the capital town of Tubod to participate in the 3rd Provincial Barangay Congress recently.

The participants came from 19 towns of Lanao del Norte and was composed of barangay captains and barangay councilors. “This is a good venue to check on how the barangays are doing. To hear their concerns and learn of some success stories. Without strong leaders in the barangay level, we cannot successfully implement national and provincial anti-poverty programs,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo expressed. With this year’s theme “Kabarangayan Una sa Tanan Alang sa Malahutayong Kalamboan,” barangay officers, who came from all over the province except for the municipalities of Magsaysay, Poona

Piagapo, and Pantao Ragat who did not have any representatives, came to the the MCC gymnasium. During the congress, Mary Jean Quibranza, representative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), also lectured on several barangay affairs topics like the DILG Memorandum Circular (MC)


No. 2010-149 (Posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions and Annual Procurement Plan) and DILG MC No. 2010-138 (Use of the 20% Component of the Annual Internal Allotment Shares).

Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards were also handed out to the 2011 winners. A turn-over ceremony for two brand-new ambulances was also held at the MCC parking area. These were given to the coastal towns of Kolambugan and Baroy. (PIO)

OWWA-10 conducts skills training and establishes OFW help deskCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Region 10 conducted two livelihood skills training courses in the provinces of Camiguin and Misamis Oriental in March 2012.

In Camiguin, 24 former household service workers joined the training on beauty culture specifically on pedicure, manicure, and haircutting at the Catarman Central School last March 15 and 16, 2012. The partnership between OWWA and the municipality of Catarman to assist OFWs in the said municipality, through the establishment of an OFW help desk, was likewise formalized by a memorandum of agreement signed by Catarman Municipal Mayor Nestor Jacot and OWWA-10 Director Petrona Bergado. Meanwhile, in Misamis Oriental, another training course on Animal Management and Feeds Formulation was conducted by OWWA for the 32 members of the Alubijid Overseas Workers and Beneficiaries Association

( A O W B A ) last March 22-23, 2012. The AOWBA members had an opportunity to operate a feed-mixer that was left unused by the “Maria for Millennium Development Goals,” a women’s organization, which acquired it from the United Nations through the intervention of the Damayang Filipino Sa Netherlands and Job Education for Peace. The closing ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a MOA for the establishment of a OFW help desk in the municipality with Alubijid with Mayor Alvin Giovanni Labis and OWWA Region 10 Director Petrona Bergado representing their respective agencies. (Nestor B. Flores Jr. (OWWA-10)


Video draws interest in Davao’s tourism sites by Rudolph Alama

The tourism video commissioned by the Department of Tourism

Region XI posted on social media sites has drawn interest to several tourism attractions in the region. “Many are already asking and inquiring on how to go to these sites.” DOT-XI Regional Director Art Boncato describes the reception to the video when it was first posted on social

networking sites. The DOT-XI commissioned South Spot, a Davao City-based production company to make the 3-minute regional version of the It’s More Fun In the Philippines video which shows breath-taking locales situated in the region these included islands, mountains, waterfalls, caves, beaches, forests, indigenous culture,

peculiar wildlife, man-made attractions and other points of interests. Boncato said that many have been inquiring about Aliwagwag falls in Davao Oriental which is among the many sites featured prominently in the video. He also said the office got inquiries about surfing in Davao from those who have watched the video. What the video showed is that marami pa pala mapupuntahan dito sa Davao (that there many places to visit in Davao.) Boncato added.


Mark Glenn Cabrera, a college student and blogger says that the video will surely entice more tourists in coming to Davao. “It (video) captured the essence that Davao boasts of many ideal destinations for tourists to check out. “ For renowned Davao City-based travel blogger Olan Emboscado the video is a great way of promoting the many must-see, must-experience places in the whole region. “It showcases what the Region really is - a great place of great interests from Highlands to Islands. From verdant mountains to pristine white sand beaches, from exotic waterfalls to beautiful underwater world - things we enjoyed so much in our Region.” Emboscado said adding that the video further inspired him to

travel to other locales featured in the video. The blogger who writes travel stories in his popular blog the Travel Teller praised the DOT for utilizing the internet to spread the video. “People are now into Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social media networks. Photo sharing and dissemination of information could be done effectively. Also, most of the tourists these days are inspired to visit one destination because they have read and seen in it on social media networks.” Emboscado added. For his part Boncato also said that aside from attracting tourists the video also makes the stakeholders aware of these beautiful places and jumpstart the initiative in making these places more accessible to visitors.

Davao cacao farmers target 100,000 tons of export demand by Frances Mae Macapagat

DAVAO CITY-- Cacao farmers here in the region are bent to reach the 100,000 tons of cacao demand needed by the global chocolate leader, Mars.

Cacao farmer Charita Puentespina disclosed in today’s Club 888 the struggles of the local cacao producers in order to reach the target demand by its chocolate partner. “It was in 2008 that the cacao industry started to rise up as Mars Chocolate found our cacao having the exact quality that importers need.” Puentespina said. When Davao cacao farmers


started exporting to Mars, other importers and traders from Europe and the Netherlands followed suit. “The demand was so high that we felt the need to consolidate. Fortunately, a non-government agency such as ACDI-VOCA helped us organize ourselves, look for other cacao farmers to consolidate our produce.” she said. At present 10,000 hectares of land in the country are planted with cacao. Seventy percent of the national production comes from Davao Region. Data showed that cacao production reached an all-time high of 40,000 tons in the mid 80s but got lost in the coming years due to the problem on quality and shipping cost. Not until an international buyer of cacao discovered the potentials of cacao beans produced in the Davao Region. This paved the way for the start of cacao production despite the

lucrative export income from banana production.Puentespina narrated the interest of Mars Cocoa in helping out the farmers’ association to transfer knowledge to those interested of engaging into cacao production. In May, the farmers’ association will open the Cacao Information and Development Center where farmers and even those non farmers but interested to learn could avail of the technology transfer seminar as well as the knowledge upgrading about the industry. Experts will be teaching students techniques and ways for proper cacao production. The said center is also envisioned to have its processing plant where value-adding of the product will be maximized. The center is also targeted to come up with a database in which target beneficiaries could make do with it as they plan to engage into this kind of industry.

facts and figures

55,000 tons of cacao, representing global demand of which the country only makes 7,000 tons.


MinDA, ARMM to boost investments in autonomous regionKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Investments are expected to pour in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao beginning this year following the signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the Mindanao Development Authority and the regional government.


The MoA, signed during the 1st ARMM Economic Summit on March 27 aimed at boosting local and foreign direct investments in the ARMM, which, along with reforming bureaucracy and upholding peace and security, is among the three-pillar thrusts of the new ARMM government under OIC Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

As agreed, MinDA and the ARMM regional government shall establish a one-stop-shop that would facilitate business transactions faster, easier and more convenient for prospective investors.

The partnership shall also embark on a strengthened campaign to promote and facilitate investments ranging from small and medium enterprises to agro-industrial ventures.

Currently, ARMM’s Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) in coordination with MinDA is facilitating the entry of two companies which are planning to expand their banana plantations in ARMM.

“Said investments are valued at Php1.5-billion”, said Mr. Larzon Santos, ARMM-RBOI research

division chief.During the summit,

Gov. Hataman said that uplifting the social and economic conditions of ARMM following years of downturn entails aggressive measures on enterprise development, harnessing existing industries, and drawing more businessmen to invest in the region.

In a study commissioned by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), it was found out that like the rest of Mindanao, ARMM has an excellent agro-climatic conditions which is conducive to producing a wide range of high value agricultural crops.

The study also revealed that ARMM’s fertile soils yield crops like cassava, white corn and coffee that are superior to those grown elsewhere in Mindanao.

Unlike neighboring regions whose lands are now extensively farmed, there remain large tracts of land available for farming in ARMM.

The study also boasts of the region’s competitive labor cost which is 20% lower than in Davao, 26% lower compared to

Central Luzon, and about 43% lower than in Metro Manila.

“It is useful to note that there are a number of companies that have dared to invest in ARMM and have actually done well”, said Dr. Ciel Habito of the Brain Trust Incorporated, economic advisor of Hataman.

Habito said that La Frutera, a banana export venture in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao of the multinational firm Unifrutti and Agumil, a Malaysian-owned palm oil processing company in Buluan, has shown the way.

He added that Matling Industrial and Commercial Corporation has been processing cassava into flour in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, since 1928 and is the largest cassava processor in Mindanao.

“Lamsan Incorporated has been manufacturing cornstarch and other products from corn in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, for four decades now. Philippine Trade Center Incorporated is another cornstarch manufacturer


in the same municipality”, he said.

Moreover, Habito said that EA Trilink Corporation registered a P1.5 billion investment in ARMM last year to upgrade the region’s information and communications technology capabilities to world standards.

In spite of these seeming advantages, the study showed that ARMM has not only failed to attract the investments it needs to bring more jobs and incomes to its people; it has also sunk into deeper poverty.

Hataman said that the keys to achieving economic growth in ARMM are transparency in governance and the active participation of

private sector.“Kaya nating

baguhin ang takbo ng pamamahala sa ARMM (We can change the way ARMM is being governed)”, he said adding that his administration is keen on following the “tuwid na landas” (straight path), President Benigno Aquino’s platform in governance.

He emphasized that “all efforts towards pump-priming ARMM’s economy will be put into waste if its people are not cooperating”.

He said that the new ARMM government needs as much cooperation from its people as it can get.

For its part,

MinDA believes that a strengthened and empowered local government unit (LGU) and communities are the prime-movers of a bottom-up development as embodied under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), Mindanao’s peace and development blueprint for the period 2011-2030.

The Mindanao 2020 envisions a stable, autonomous, self-reliant and effective governance mechanism for the Bangsamoro people that is widely acceptable and finds active support from its citizenry. (DED/PIA 12/MinDA)

DOST-12 rolls off “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Syudad” By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- DOST-12’s “Agham at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” has gained ground in enhancing productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Soccsksargen Region.

A project of the Department of Science and Technology – Region 12, Agham at Teknolohiya sa Lungsod was recently

conducted separately in the cities of General Santos and Koronadal.

Under the project, consultancy services, labeling design

development and technology needs assessment were extended to MSMEs engaged in organic fertilizer, tuna, bakery,


squash turon and lumpia, and banana buchi, among others.

It was implemented under DOST’s umbrella program Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP that aims to improve the productivity of small and medium industry players.

Summit Consultancy and Research Services, which was earlier tapped by the DOST-12 for the Manufacturing Productivity Expansion Program (MPEX), presented its findings and recommendations to improve the productivity of 15 firms identified under the program.Their

r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s included acquisition or upgrading of machines, nutritional facts analysis, production lay-out improvement, and packaging or labeling design development.

They also r e c o m m e n d e d trainings on Good M a n u f a c t u r i n g Practices for ten firms.

O t h e r recommendations for MSMEs to undertake are energy audit, possible ultraviolet radiation, preventive maintenance, and materials management system, among others.

Some firms, on the other hand, have sought trainings on coconut syrup and accelerated vinegar production, bleaching and dyeing, waste management (vermi composting), and fiber extraction m e c h a n i z a t i o n .

Other companies have developed possible linkages, such as one firm offering to supply


organic fertilizers to Kablon Farms and RRR Engineering offering to fabricate stainless products for food processing companies.

Another one also offered to design and fabricate a sorter or conveyor for a coffee and a fiber processing ventures.

A technology needs

assessment was likewise conducted to Juco Yummyzo Food Products and Pascual Bakery Equipment Services in Koronadal City as a pre-requisite to the availment of SET-UP assistance.

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST-12 director, said they conducted the “Agham

at Teknolohiya sa Siyudad” to support MSMEs in the region achieve higher income, generate more employment and penetrate global markets.

She added that such activity aims to sustain economic development in the countryside.

“Sisterhood tie” ng bayan ng Tantangan at Makati City, pinaplantsa naKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Abala sa paghahanda ang ilang mga opisyal at kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan ng bayan ng Tantangan sa South Cotabato, para sa “sisterhood tie” nito sa Lungsod ng Makati.

Sa isang ulat sa Philippine Information Agency, sinabi ni Alfonso Villa, ang acting municipal planning and development coordinator ng Tantangan na malaki ang maitutulong sa bayan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga malalaking lungsod gaya ng Makati.

Umaasa din umano si Tantangan mayor Arnold B. Garingo na makakakuha ng mga mahahalagang tips ang pamahalaang lokal lalo na

sa revenue generation, pagsulong ng industriya ng turismo, pagpapalago ng ekonomiya ng bayan na kasalukuyang isang 3rd class municipality.

Kilala ang bayan ng Tantangan sa buong Rehiyon Dose sa mga produkto nitong clay pots. Malaki umano ang naiaambag ng nasabing industriya sa ekonomiya ng bayan, ayon kay Villa.

Anumang araw ngayong buwan, tutungo

umano ang mga opisyal at kawani sa Lungsod ng Makati, para sa isang harapang pakikipag-ugnayan at pagbabahagi ng mga karanasan at mga success stories, dagdag pa ni Villa.

Tutulong din umano sa mga gastusin sa billeting at accommodation ng mga bibisitang opisyal ang Lungsod ng Makati habang ang counterpart ng Tantangan LGU ay pamasahe lamang ng mga opisyal at kawani nito. (ac agad PIA12)


Stalwart troopers confiscate firearms and illegal drugs by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The Stalwart troopers found two Colt Cal. 45 pistols with one magazine each and loaded with four and six rounds of live ammunition bearing serial numbers 7790314 and 006192, but without any legal

documents, from the possession of three individuals on board a Tamaraw FX with plate number UMX 436. The troops also recovered more or less one gram of shabu

Troops from the 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion, 9th Infantry (Spear) Division under Lt. Col. Seigred J. Espina confiscated loose firearms and shabu last April 4 while conducting

checkpoint at Barangay Kitambogon.


and P4,020 from the possession of the apprehended individuals. The said vehicle and personalities were then brought to the 65IB headquarters for further investigation and verification of the documents of the aforementioned vehicle. Meanwhile, the confiscated items were placed to the supply office of the 65IB headquarters for safekeeping and proper disposition, while the apprehended personalities were turned-over to the custody of the Marawi City Police Station for filing of appropriate charges. (65IB)

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DSWD releases P22-M to Caraga Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recently released cash

grants to some 10,619 beneficiaries of set 5 areas for the month of January and February 2012, amounting to P22,011,400.00.

by Stella Maris V. Barcelon

These areas include the municipalities and cities of Nasipit, Magallanes, Santiago, Tubay, San Jose, Alegria, Burgos, Sta. Monica, Cortes, San Agustin, Bislig City and Tandag City, all in Caraga Region. The beneficiaries received their cash grants

through over-the-counter (OTC) payments in their respective Landbank branches. During cash grant releases, the latest beneficiaries were advised to make use of money for the educational and nutritional needs of the family especially the children.

“Pinaagi sa tabang sa Pantawid Pamilya ma abag-abagan ang among panginahanglanon, labi na karon nga ting sira na sa klase makabayad na kami sa mga amutan sa eskuylahan (Through the help of Pantawid Pamilya, some of our needs can now be addressed especially


that classes are about to end, we can already pay our school dues),” Lindy M. Amoguis, 36, from Bislig City said. The program offers cash grants to the beneficiaries as long as beneficiaries comply with the conditions. These conditions include (1) children enrolled in pre-school and elementary must have at least 85 percent of the school a t t e n d a n c e , (2) monthly health check-ups of children and pregnant mothers, and (3) attendance to the monthly Family D e v e l o p m e n t Session (FDS). Each household

will receive P500 cash grant for health, and P300 for education maximum of 3 children. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in poverty reduction.


According to Mr. Tony Campos, chief of staff of Liga President Vicente Pimentel III, the four-day affair with the theme “Current Trends In Barangay Development,” aims

to update barangay leaders on how to fully develop their respective communities through the application of current trends in socio-economic development.”

Campos added, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo and Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian are expected to grace the occasion.

Liga Ng Mga Barangay chapter assembly set in Surigao del Sur by Greg Tataro

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The 11th Provincial Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-Surigao del Sur Chapter is set on April 18 – 21 at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city


Multi-sectoral electrification advisory council organized in Agusan del SurAGUSAN DEL SUR -- Responding to the call of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) convened leader-members of the cooperative to organize the multi-sectoral electrification advisory council (MSEAC). This was to give space for the member-consumers to participate in addressing the power crises that Mindanao is now facing. In order to realize the creation of the council, a one-day congress was called. It was participated by selected sector representatives from the business, local government units, association of barangay captains, women’s organization, youth, media and other stakeholder-sectors, and discussed issues and concerns that could possibly help the different sectors to improve ASELCO’s operation and services. “The National E l e c t r i f i c a t i o n Administration has lay

down its intention that every electric cooperative in the country must organize the MSEAC whose members will be coming from the different sectors of the society in order to represent their sector in formulizing policies and suggest programs that can help the cooperative in the discharge of its duties, responsibilities and services,” Dir. Benjie Peralta of NEA said. “While the services rendered by ASELCO to its member-consumers are good, it will become better this time because of the creation of the MSEAC. ASELCO can now monitor where they failed in extending their services because of this advisory council, while policies may

now be polished in order that they become relevant to the needs,” Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, who was the guest of honor and speaker said. According to Board of Directors Pres. Joel Jumonong, one of the moves of the MSEAC was the passing of a resolution creating satellite offices in the municipal level so that payment of electric bills are made easier. In time with the conduct of the congress, three new members of the Board of Directors took their oath of office. They are Dir. Cora Cullantes of District IV, Prosperidad area, Dir. Benedict Chee of District I, Sibagat and Esperanza and Dir. Narciso Cellan Sr. of District V, Rosario and Bunawan area.


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Over 300 persons donate blood to Red Cross

Three hundred thirty five (335) individuals trooped to the PPhilippine Red Cross Office to donate blood during a separate blood donation activity initiated

by the City Mayor’s Office here recently.


The activity is part of City Mayor Celso Lobregat’s birthday celebration which aims to gather as much blood for the city’s blood bank. As a show of appreciation, some 45 city government scholars volunteered to donate blood for the second part of the activity held last Mar 30. Prior to this, 290 persons from the police force, students and city government employees donated blood last March 20, the mayor’s birthday. The scholars were supposed to join the activity last March 20, but begged to be excluded due to their h e c t i c

academic requirements and exam schedules. However, they informed the City Human Resource and Management Office that they will conduct the same activity in response to the challenge to help save lives after their academic obligations are completed, thus, they conducted part 2 of the said activity. According to the city hall, this is the highest number of donors in one activity. The activity aimed to collect blood to make sure that there is sufficient stock of blood in the blood bank in case of eventualities. Last year, the city was one of the areas hit hard by dengue fever. The national government, thru the Department of Health, called for more blood-letting programs


to help those who contracted dengue fever. Red Cross-Zamboanga Chapter was declared the regional blood bank for region 9, and thus, the need for more donors is encouraged to sustain its operation especially if there is dengue outbreak.

Lobregat, for his part, made it a point to conduct such activities, starting the noble act during his birthday, as a way to help save lives. The activity was dubbed “Dia de Alcalde, A Tribute to Life.” (MVC/PIA9-ZBST/CIO)

DIPOLOG CITY - Government authorities have intensified their hot pursuit operation against the abductors of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Jeffrey Lim.

Govt. authorities intensifies pursuit vs Lim’s abductors

Lim was kidnapped at about 7 pm of April 2 at Salug Public Market and was brought to Baybay Caracol where the multi-cab get-away vehicle was left abandoned. Superintendent Kenneth Mission of the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office, the designated spokesperson of the Lim kidnapping case said the whole intelligence community is currently tracking down the whereabouts of Mayor Lim and his abductors, believed still hiding in the nearby municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte. Mission said joint elements of the military, police and other government law enforcers and force multipliers are scouring the boundaries of Salug, Leon Postigo, Godod, and Labason where Mayor Lim was believed kept by his abductors. Simultaneously, Condor 3 of the Phil. Army also intensifies its sea

patrol operations on the territorial water of the Zamboanga del Norte to ensure that the kidnappers and their captive won’t get out of the province. Earlier, 101st Infantry Brigade Executive Officer and concurrent Civilian Military Officer said, elements of the Brigade have not enjoyed the two-day Holiday Day break given to all Christian soldiers of the Philippine Army during the Lenten season after the entire Brigade was placed under red alert status following the abduction of Mayor Lim. Mission, said they are still clueless on the identity of the kidnappers nor their motive since they have not yet receive any information on whether the kidnappers have communicated with the family of the victims for any ransom demand. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

By Alfonso T. Ruda


PAGADIAN CITY - Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) regiona9 director Teodulo R.Romo said recently that the department has developed the Indigenous People’s Participation Framework (IPPF) which serves as a declaration of policies and standard procedures in developing, funding and implementing programs, projects and services for indigenous peoples (IPs) as part of the social welfare and development reform.

DSWD9 to launch IP’s billboard, orientation and awareness education in Dumingag

This is part of the DSWD’s mission of providing social protection and promoting rights and welfare of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities towards poverty alleviation and empowerment. Romo said on April 11, 2012 at 9:00am there will be a launching of IPs billboard and orientation and awareness/education which will be held at the municipal gym, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. According to Romo, the said event will be a gathering of IP leaders and Pantawid IP beneficiaries, local government units and various stakeholders from all over the province. “It aimed as a mechanism to strengthen the voices of IP leaders and to ensure that LGUs and other

entities is potential contribution to the attainment of poverty alleviation and empowerment,” Romo explained. “I hope the event will serve as a platform to identify the concerns of our IPs, help address their needs to foster awareness and sensitivity among IPs, and to enable them to intervene effectively in cases involving their rights,” Romo added. Expected to attend during the event are Governor Antonio H. Cerilles, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP9) regional director Salong M. Sunggod, Philippine Information Agency (PIA9) regional director Noemi B. Edaga, and Mayor Nacianceno M. Pacalioga, Jr. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)

By Gideon C. Corgue

One Mindanao - April 11, 2012

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