One Mindanao - April 15, 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

MARY MAY A. ABELLON, 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

CONTENTS

DTI reminds establishments to constantly update price tags

PCW formulates documents for quality, fair, gender-sensitive reporting

PNP beefing up security in Zambo police stations12

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‘AgisaKugi’ Project:A showcase of students’ output in Suarez NHS launched

Philippines Makes Doing Business Easier

PH’s first Halal abattoir soon to operate

DILG, AgNor to conduct HIV/AIDS orientation

Prices of selected commodities in Bukidnon remain stable

Lanao del Norte receives 1-million worth of medical equip from Germany

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

By: Lacheln O. Rafallo

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By: Alma L. Tingcang

By: Dave Malcampo

By: Lorry V. Gabule

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Eriberto A. Taban-ud, Jr.

By: LAR & VNL

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

15ARENA-XI, Comval LGU bring government services directly to far-flung barangaysBy: Fe F. Maestre

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4 APRIL 15, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

By: Lorry V. Gabule

Rose Marie Ann M. Saavedra, SNHS school principal, said the project is focused on the outputs of the students based on the competencies of every subject

area for the Academics and the Technical-Vocational course offerings. Further, AgisaKugi

Showcasing the outputs of students of the Suarez National High School (SNHS) in Barangay Suarez, Iligan City, the Department

of Education launched this year AgisaKugi (fruits of labor) project here.

‘AgisaKugi’ Project:A showcase of students’ output in Suarez NHS launched

5APRIL 15, 2015 One Mindanao

emphasized the projects and outputs of the students for the year which are originally created by them, facilitated by the teachers, and were displayed for the community, especially the parents and stakeholders, to actually see the fruits of their labor, said Saavedra. Likewise, laboratory equipment were made available to guests interested to experience hands-on. This is in line with the preparation of the Senior High School Program implementation come School Year 2016-2017 for the Grades 11 and 12 of the Education Department’s K-12 Program. Together with the product display was an open house of the different laboratory rooms in Bread and Pastry, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Food and Beverage Service (FBS) and Carpentry. PILMICO Foods Corporation furnished the laboratory room for Bread and Pastry while the SMAW is funded by the Barangay Council of

Suarez.

Signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the school and the owner of Park and Go Chain of Bakeries also highlighted the activity.

The agreement is in preparation for the immersion (also known as On-the-job training) of students of Grades 11 and 12 as a prerequisite for


students specializing in Bread and

Pastry. Stephen Pablo Ty, owner/proprietor of the Park & Go Bakery was present in his commitment to help the school in this endeavor. During the event, Provincial Director Lamberto Jos of the Technical Education Skills and Development Administration (TESDA) Iligan City/Lanao del Norte Office along with the assessment team, witnessed the event. TESDA contributes to DepEd’s K to

12 implementation. Also present to witness the launching were school heads of other schools in the city, division supervisors, division science high school coordinator, Barangay Chairman Butch Gellica, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) president Mercy Mancao and officials,

parents of the students and other stakeholders.

This is the first school in the city to have an open viewing of the students’ outputs in regard to the K to 12 Program.


Aquino optimistic stock exchange index will hit record high points before he steps down

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III said he is hopeful that the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index would sustain its winning streak and reach the 9,000 to 10,000 levels before he steps down from office next year. “I expect to ring the bell in celebration of the index breaching the 9,000 and 10,000 levels, hopefully before I step down from

office,” the President said during the bell ringing ceremony at the PSE in Makati City on Tuesday morning.


“In almost five years, we have seen the PSE index go from record high to record high, I’m told: 119 in total, with the index breaching the 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, and 8,000 levels. The most recent all-time high was recorded just last Friday, when the index closed at 8,127.48 points, or more than double the index’s value the first time we were here together,” he added.

The President said the winning streak of the PSE index “stands as a sound reminder of the optimism that continues to surround the Philippines.”

“I am told that trading activity increased by 40 percent year on year, from P457.08 billion in the first quarter of 2014, to P641.59 billion in the same period of 2015. Within that same period, net foreign buying also grew by 182 percent, from P17.33 billion in the first quarter of 2014, to P48.87 billion in the first quarter of 2015,” he noted.

President Aquino said he has been bullish on the country long before it regained prominence in the global economy because he trusts the Filipino people, whom he referred to as the country’s greatest resource.

“This is why government has made critical investments in health care, social services, and education: we want to empower our citizenry to become greater participants in growing the economy,” he said.

“Might I remind you today that the kind of success, the kind of governance we are experiencing can be a perpetual reality, and that our people will make that happen. I sincerely believe that, next year, Filipinos will choose wisely, and will choose someone who will likewise tread the straight path. Like any other sector, you have a significant role to play. As we celebrate this historic achievement, I invite you to join us in engaging all sectors, towards continuing this momentum—not only the momentum of our stock market, but also and more importantly, of our entire country,” the President concluded.

Joining the President in the bell ringing ceremony were PSE Chairman Jose Pardo, PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Hans Sicat, PSE Director Eusebio Tanco, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and top officials of listed companies. (PCOO/ PND (jm)


Philippines Makes Doing Business Easier

MANILA - The Philippines on Tuesday unveiled reforms simplifying the process of starting a business to 6 steps and 8 days, down from the existing set-up requiring 16 steps and 34 days. The government also announced e-government initiatives for accessible and convenient online transactions for payroll-related payments to Philhealth and Pag-IBIG, reducing the number of payments from 36 to 13 per year. In a press conference today, the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), the Department of the Interior

and Local Government, and 9 other institutions announced the launch of the reforms—a product of continuing work under the NCC’s Gameplan 3.0 synergizing government processes related to


easing the conduct of business in the Philippines. Gameplan 3.0 streamlines and simplifies government processes across 10 transactions related to the “Ease of Doing Business” as measured annually by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima welcomed the reforms saying, “We are proud to show how it’s clearly more fun, and way easier, to do business in the Philippines. This is a whole-of-government approach with 11 other partners—I thank all of them for their hard work in this continuous process of making the country a better place to do business in. Together, we are making the business of realizing dreams in the Philippines ever easier.”

The package of reforms involving starting a business included merging several steps together to create single-window applications powered by more interconnectivity across IT systems of different agencies, the removal of several outdated procedures, and the introduction of enhanced one-stop-shop procedures in local government units. These changes involved

coordination and partnership across numerous government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), BIR, SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and local government unit Quezon City.

The net effect is that the time it will take to incorporate new corporations, partnerships, and non-stock corporations at the Securities and Exchange Commission will be reduced from 16 steps and 34 days to 6 steps and 8 days. Initial roll-out of the reforms will begin at the SEC’s Manila office starting this month, where most companies are incorporated. Roll-outs will continue in succeeding months across all SEC offices and a full on-line system will be made available next year.

Meanwhile, payroll-related payments to Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth are being moved online for companies employing more than 10 employees. Payments to SSS have already been moved online for companies with more than 10 employees since last year. Online banking facilities at Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines which require no minimum average daily balance


for these transactions are being made available for enterprises. This will reduce the number of payments from 36 to 13 per year, representing major time and cost savings for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Trade and Industry Secretary and NCC Co-Chair Gregory L. Domingo said, “We continue to be encouraged by reforms that will make our business registration faster, simpler, more efficient, and more transparent. DTI is committed to sustaining the momentum to achieve improved competitiveness and encourage inclusive growth. This ties in nicely as well with our role to boost the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These reforms will motivate SMEs to incorporate when they see the need to do so, as they start or run their businesses.”

In discussing the simplified processes, NCC Co-Chairman Guillermo M. Luz said, “These game changers are effective beginning this month in the head offices of the partner agencies and Quezon City and will soon spread across the country. These two sets of reforms are part of a broader game plan that the

Philippines, already recognized as the most improved economy in major competitiveness reports over the last four years, will be implementing as we continue to introduce changes and improvements.”

The reforms were formalized in a series of memoranda of agreements and understanding involving the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, National Competitiveness Council, and the Quezon City government. Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras served as official witness to the signing.

A full brief of the reforms, as well as the corresponding legal documents supporting the new policies, can be found on the websites of all partner agencies in the Ease of Doing Business initiative in the country. (DOF)


PH’s first Halal abattoir soon to operate

QUEZON CITY - The construction of country’s first Halal slaughterhouse is now nearing completion and will soon become operational, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The ₱20-M pioneer facility, located in Cotabato City will have a capacity of 15 heads for cattle, 10 heads for carabao and

40 heads for goat per hour. It is funded under the DA’s livestock development program.


The slaughterhouse is expected to supply Halal products for both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers in Cotabato, Central Mindanao and even other regions.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala visited the facility last week as part of DA-Region 12’s Ulat sa Bayan and Peace Caravan activities.

The facility is currently rated as an “AA” slaughterhouse but the Secretary said that the DA can later facilitate the acquisition of necessary equipment such as cold storage for it to have a triple “A” rating. An “AAA” slaughterhouse can be accredited to process meat for export.

“There is a potential to supply the BIMP-EAGA [Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and

the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area], so I encourage stakeholders to sit together and produce a Halal livestock roadmap,” Alcala said.

Alcala committed to send team from the undersecretary for livestock to facilitate in the crafting of roadmap so this can be integrated in the DA’s 2016 budget. He also pledged that the DA will assist the province in embarking into a silage development program, and a Halal livestock genetic improvement program, which will include an initial provision of top livestock breeds such as Anglo Nubian goat and Brahman cattle.

As the Muslim region is also a big consumer of chicken meat, Secretary Alcala also initially endorsed the request of the city veterinarian for a Halal poultry dressing plant.

“Through these interventions, we want to show to that the government is sincere in promoting lasting peace in Mindanao. . . . We want to see our brothers here no longer carrying guns, but tools in farming,” Alcala said. (DA-AFID)


Tagum hotels, inns fully booked for Palarong Pam-bansa

DAVAO DEL NORTE- All rooms in hotels, pen-sion houses and inns in Tagum City were already booked for the period of the Palarong Pambansa on May 3-9. Tagum City Tourism Council President Mar-lene Alastra said during the Tagum BizTalk at Big 8 earlier today that all the rooms in the accom-modation facilities in the city have already been reserved by the guests of the Palarong Pambansa.

“We have a total of more than 1,000 rooms in the accommodation facilities in the city rang-ing from tourists inns to hotels and they were all booked,” Alastra said. She said that the city is also accrediting home stay facilities, who are offering their apart-ment or rooms for the Palaro guests. She added that some apartment owners were now furnishing their facilities with bed and air-conditioned unit to


ARENA-XI, Comval LGU bring government services directly to far-flung barangays

MACO, COMPOSTELA VALLEY-– The Association of Regional Ex-ecutives of National Agencies in Region XI (ARENA XI) in coordina-tion with the provincial govern-ment of Compostela Valley bring various government services in far-flung areas in the province. The 13th ARENA “Serbisyo Car-avan” goes to New Leyte, Maco to bring its brand of public service on April 9-10, 2015. Services were availed by 2 geo-graphically adjacent municipalities, Maco and Maragusan. Specifically, catering 6 baran-gays in Maco, namely: New Leyte, Panoraon, Mainit, Masara, Teresa and Tagbaros and 5 barangays in Mara-

gusan with Tandik, Paloc, Parasanon, Mahayahay and New Manay. On a hot, sunny Friday of April 10, the different regional heads and their representatives of the national agencies braved the rough, long-hour drive from Davao City headed by its ARENA XI President and De-partment of Public Works and High-ways (DPWH XI) Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza. Alquiza said ARENA XI has been partnering with local govern-ment agencies to offer free services among far-flung barangays and ar-eas from the poorest of the poor. The last of which was held on November 2014 in a remote village in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. He stressed the need and im

increase its value. The city is expecting more than 20,000 individuals to converge in Tagum City during the national sporting event. Alastra also said that during the event, they will launch the scuba diving destination of the city, which is in Liboganon. “The Fish Sanctuary in Liboga-non is now a new breeding ground of fishes since the establishment of artificial coral reefs,” she said. She said that part of the pack-age is a short briefing about diving

and about the sanctuary. Meanwhile, Alastra also said that aside from the trade fair in the capitol area, the city also holds a bazaar at the Rotary Park, which can accommodate up to 50 concession-aires. “As of today, we still have tents for occupancy in the bazaar and those who want to participate may contact the City Tourism Office for details,” she said. The City Tourism Office can be reached by landline at (084) 216-1896. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


portance of reaching out to the com-munities. “Muadto mi sa mga remote nga lugar para ipa-feel sa katawhan nga ang gobyerno andam kanunay mu-serbisyo sa inyo,” ( We go to remote areas to make the people feel that the government is ready to serve you) Alquiza said during the program. Gov. Arturo Uy along with the municipal mayors and barangay cap-tains of the target beneficiaries ex-pressed their elation and gratitude to the participating agencies. Among them are the LGUs through its Health Offices, Comval Provincial hospital, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philip-pines, DPWH, BJMP, APEX Mines for the medical and dental services. Various projects and commodi-ties were also turned-over such as tree and OPV seedlings from the DENR, DA and Comval Agricultur-ist Office, free eyeglasses from the PRC, certificates of entitlement of livelihood project from DOLE, Com-val iRice and Tubig Talino from DOST, educational kits from OPAPP, Tila-pia fingerlings from BFAR, slippers, wheelchairs, crutches and other ma-jor programs from the DSWD, rag-making and beadworks training by DEPED, and free legal services from the NCIP. Information and education cam-paign, trainings, lectures and other assistance were also given by na-tional agencies from DTI, NFA, PNP, PSA, Provincial Veterinary Office, PhilHealth, PCA, NEDA, OCD and

others. Jenebeth Barillo, a resident of barangay Panoraon, was only too happy for bringing the services closer to her home. She was able to avail of the “Operation Tuli” for her 2 boys and submit herself to a medical check-up for her aching back. “Basi mudaku na lang ni akong mga anak nga wala pa matuli ug antusun ko nalang siguro ning sakit sa akong likod. Apiki pa ko sa pama-sahe samut na sa bayad sa tambal ug chek up. Maayo nalang miabot ning Serbisyo Caravan,” (I might have the kids circumcised later and forego check up for my ailing back as I don’t have enough money for the fare, much more for medicines and check up fee. It’s a good thing, “Ser-bisyo Caravan” came), Barillo said. Indeed, this endeavor has brought along the services that are most needed by the target beneficia-ries. Another way of closely keeping in touch with the communities down to the grassroots and the govern-ment’s way of responding to their needs as pro-active public servants. (Fe F. Maestre/IDS Comval)


Crame issues 25 motorcycles to PRO 13By: Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY - The Police National Headquarters based at Camp Crame, Quezon City through its Directorate for Logistics, issued 25 motorcycles to the Police Regional Office 13 as part of the capability enhancement program of the Philippine National Police. The blessing of the said patrol vehicles was done prior to the Monday flag raising rites at the grandstand of Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, officiated by Fr. Felixberto M. Floreta, Parish Vicar of the Sto. Nino Parish (Brgy. Libertad), witnessed by Caraga PNP chief CSupt. David Y.


Ombao, PRO 13 regional police officials, the recipient city and municipal police station officials or their representatives and personnel. The symbolic distribution of the 135 CC Kawasaki Rouser Motorcycle patrol vehicles down to the recipient city and municipal police stations in the region became one of the highlights during the Monday flag-raising rites. The Butuan City Police Office received five units, which keys were received by Butuan City Police Director PSSupt. Nerio T. Bermudo from CSupt. Ombao, for the use of Butuan City Police Office, Butuan City Public Safety Company, Police Stations 3 (Libertad), 4 (Ampayon) and 5 (San Mateo). PSupt. Restituto Lacano, Jr., deputy Provincial Director for Administration of the Agusan del Norte PPO received the two keys of the two motorcycle units in behalf of the said police provincial office for the use of Buenavista Municipal Police Station and Santiago Municipal Police Station. The other motorcycle patrol vehicles will be issued to Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office (four units): Bayugan City Police Station, Esperanza Municipal Police Station, Bunawan Municipal Police Station and Loreto Municpal

Police Station. Surigao del Norte PPO (seven units): San Benito Municipal Police Station, San Isidro Municipal Police Station, Socorro Municipal Police Station, Gigaquit Municipal Police Station, san Francisco Municipal Police Station, Tubod Municipal Police Station and Surigao City Police Station. Surigao del Sur PPO (four units): Carascal Municipal Police Station, Lanuza Municipal Police Station, Bislig City Police Station and Cortez Municipal Police Station and Dinagat PPO (two units): Libjo Municipal Police Station and San Jose Municipal Police Station. According to PRO 13 chief spokesperson PSupt. Martin M. Gamba that the issued 135 CC Kawasaki Rouser patrol motorcycles “will help the regional PNP achieve maximum effectiveness and will be used for various activities from the pursuit and apprehension of criminals to the rendering of first aid to the injured or to facilitate many of the programs of the police force and most importantly will be used for routine patrolling which will enhance police visibility.” Gamba also said that the effective and efficient services rendered by the police would strengthen and widen the base


DTI reminds establishments to constantly update price tags By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Surigao del Norte has reminded the local establishments here to regularly update their shelves product and price tags consistent to the prices in their computer system that is reflected in the machine-generated receipts.

DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, in a letter to some retail establishments, said that there are establishments in the city that are not regularly updating their shelves and product price tags. “Prices in receipts has to be same with that in the price tags. In case it is not, what should prevail is the price tag as basis for payment. Moreover in case where there are two different price tags reflected in a product, the lower price prevails in favour of the consumer,” Negapatan said.

He explained that reflecting price in the receipts that is not consistent of what is indicated in the price tag that is marked or placed in the product or shelves is a violation of the Price Tag Law and Consumer Act. Negapatan said that having an erroneous price tag is the same as no price tag. “Such violation has a penalty ranging from P500.00 up to P300,000.00 depending on the amount of capitalization of the business establishment,” he said. Consumers are encouraged to look into their purchase receipts if the price reflected is

of stakeholders support and would eventually facilitate the

provision of more resources for the police organization.


Data from the Philippine HIV-AIDS registry revealed that at least 60 human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases in Caraga have been recorded in 2014. This brings the total number of People Living with AIDS (PLHIV) in the region to 116 since the first reported case in 1995, it was learned.

The Philippine HIV-AIDS also revealed that over the past five years, there has been a consistent rise in the number of HIV cases. “These underscore the need for interventions that would intensify the campaign against the spread of HIV and AIDS in the region,” said Agusan del Norte governor and Provincial AIDS Council governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante M. Matba.

DILG, AgNor to conduct HIV/AIDS orientation By: Lacheln O. Rafallo

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the provincial government of Agusan del Norte will conduct an orientation on HIV and AIDS to the local officials and functionaries, non-government organizations and the private sector on Friday, April 17 at the provincial training center, this city.

consistent or not with what is reflected in the price tag of the product. The buyers should understand that the establishment cannot impose payment for the price that is not indicated in the price tag.

For more information on consumer welfare concerns, interested parties can visit the Department of Trade and Industry at the 2nd Floor, Simtoco Building., Burgos Street, this city or contact telephone number 826-6129.


LCPC seeks better protection programs for children in Isabela, BasilanBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) in Isabela City sought to create and institutionalize programs that hope to bring significant impact to the com-munities.

Every year, the Regional Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force (RITMF) in region 9 conducts monitoring on the functionality of

the City Council for the Protection of Children, one of the local special bodies mandating the local government units to sustain the local pro


tection program for children and youth. At the assessment meeting, key government agencies in the city, like the City Health Office, the Department of Education-Is-abela City Schools Division, the City Police Station, and the De-partment of Labor, among others have presented their respective programs and activities related to the protection of children. Dr. Rafael Cabug, city health officer, reported some of the ac-complishments of the health of-fice to include some cases of children who were reported to

have contracted tuberculosis. He said these children are already receiving utmost medical atten-tion from the city government. Included in his report were the government’s continuous moni-toring of children’s nutrition and health status based on weight. He revealed that barangays Mar-ketsite, Kaumpunah Zones 1-2-3, Tabuk, Tampalan, Lumbang, Sumagdang, Carbon, and Mal-igue remain in the list of top 10 barangays with high incidence of underweight children. Dr. Cabug also revealed that the city was awarded as one of


the top ten (ninth place) nation-wide in terms of measles rubella immunization campaign accom-plishment. Among the best prac-tices that made the campaign successful was the coordination of the city health personnel with the military, police, and baran-gays in reaching out to the chil-dren at the remotest areas of the city. The city health is also imple-menting its newest program, the Adolescence Youth Reproductive Health with the support of some of its partner-agencies and non-government organizations. DepEd-Isabela, on the other hand, reported that it is imple-menting the Abot-Alam Program that aims to provide education for all children and that it also is strengthening its Alternative Learning System. The division office in coor-dination with the health depart-ment is also monitoring the nu-trition and health status of school children through immunization and medical-dental outreach programs. The city police station, mean-while, conducted a number of information and education cam-paigns to some communities and schools in the city, and has uti-

lized a lot its radio program over the local DXNO-FM radio station to promote children’s rights and welfare. DOLE-Isabela reported that it had conducted child laborers profiling of parents and provided some livelihood support to these parents. The RITMF team hailed the efforts exerted by the different government agencies in imple-menting programs for the pro-tection of children. However, it observed that the activities are all agency-initiated and they are looking forward to a LCPC-led and funded programs and activi-ties for 2015. The RITMF team has urged the LCPC in this city to initiate programs and activities that are LCPC-led with clear budget allo-cation and being carried out with partner-agencies and organiza-tions. In 2014, the LCPC only met once but its members met at several occasions with different councils, tackling the issues of children’s protection and welfare. The LCPC took note of the obser-vations and the assessment of the RITMF and vowed to improve the functionality of the LCPC in the succeeding years.


PCW formulates documents for quality, fair, gender-sensitive reporting By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay– The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and other member agencies of the Gender Equality for Media has formulated set of documents, “Towards a Gender Fair Media,” that seek to transform public perceptions and eliminate biases and stereotypes about women and men in our society. Ms. Remedios Ignacio-Rik-ken, PCW Chairperson said these key documents are: Code of Ethics for Media, Guidelines to Protect Women from Discrimination in Media and Film, and Gender Equality Guide were formu-lated to support the implementation of Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women. The core of eth-ics is to do no harm to women in the lan-guage and images that the media show. It also outlines the pivot-al role of media as an educator

and shaper of public opinion and highlights the importance of up-holding standards and ethics, ac-

cording to Rikken. PCW invites g o v e r n m e n t and private me-dia practitioners, journalism and communicat ion students, and other interested parties to use “To-wards a Gender Fair Media” as a guide to promote a better and fair-er perspective of women in media,

in support of the goals of gender equality and women empower-


PNP beefing up security in Zambo police stationsBy Dave MalcampoZAMBOANGA CITY – The local police is now beefing up security in its police stations to prevent any future attacks like the one that injured four persons on Good Friday (April 3) at the Ayala Police Station.

City Police Director Sr. Supt. Angelito Casimiro said in a press conference that he has already instructed police stations to be more proactive in securing their own areas. “We already asked all chiefs of police to sandbag their sta-tions and put barricades,” Casi-miro said. Last week, the police have a computer-generated image of the suspect. However, the iden-tity of this person who lodged the improvised explosive device (IED) towards the Navarra pick-up truck in the Ayala Police Sta-tion’s impounding area is still un-known. Casimiro added that they have already formed “Task Force Navarra” to probe the incident.

Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar earlier confirmed that the blast was “drug related”. She admitted that the drug lords operating in the city are “powerful”. Casimiro for his part said that these drug lords “have might and wealth” and can influ-ence for cases to be filed against police officers involved in going after them. Personnel of the Ayala Police Station have already been re-ceiving threats after an alleged drug operator was arrested ear-lier, Casimiro disclosed. Nonetheless, Mayor Clima-co-Salazar said that there will be no let-up in the local govern-ment and police’s fight against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the city.

ment. Citing that Filipino people de-serve to get quality and fair news reporting, radio and TV program-

ming, print ad and film content, Rikken called on everyone to do his share in making the country’s media landscape gender fair.


BIR extends e-filing of “no payment” ITRs to June 15CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has given taxpayers until June 15 to file their income tax returns (ITR) electronically.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

But the extended deadline is applicable only for those who will file “no payment” ITRs. In its Revenue Memorandum Circular 18-2015, the BIR stated that “no payment” returns may be filed manually until April 15 in order for the Bureau to focus on ITRs with payments. It can be filed manually with the Revenue District Office where they are registered, thru


the use of the official printed form or the offline eBIR Forms Package. However “no payment” ITR filed manually shall be re-filed electronically on or before June 15, 2015. According to the BIR, penalties imposed under Revenue Regulation 5-2015 on filing using a mode/venue different from that prescribed shall be waived provided the ITRs have been re-submitted electronically in the BIR systems on or before June 15, 2015. Taxpayers newly enrolled in BIR’s electronic filing and payment system (eFPS) and whose registration with

Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) has not been completed, shall electronically file their returns and manually pay thru the AABs/Revenue Collection Officers not later than April 15, 2015. These taxpayers should complete their ePayment registration and must comply with eFile and ePay on all succeeding returns not later than June 15, 2015. In the event that the ePayment registration has not been completed on or before June 15, all returns filed electronically and paid over the counter from April 15, 2015 shall be subjected to penalties pursuant to Revenue Regulation 5-2015.

Prices of selected commodities in Bukidnon remain stable MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Prices of selected commodities in public markets here remained stable for the first quarter of 2015, as monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its official jurisdiction as mandated under DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Administrative Order.

By: Eriberto A. Taban-ud, Jr.


Lanao del Norte receives 1-million worth of medical equip from GermanyTUBOD, Lanao del Norte - The Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of International Health turned-over medical equipment, including medicines, to the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte in March this year.

As monitored by the Trade and Industry Development Specialist Division (TIDS) of DTI-Bukidnon, of the 20 sample products, prices of 13 of them remained constant while prices of 6 products increased and a price of only 1 product has decreased. The prices of the following items have not changed during the period: Mega sardines (155 grams); 555 sardines (155 grams); Alaska instant milk (150 gm.); Blend 45 coffee (25 & 50 grams); Surf bar (440 gm.); Tide bar (400 gm.); Argentina corned beef (155 gm.); CDO corned beef (155 gm); Argentina beef loaf (155 gm); Lucky Me noodles (55 gm); Datu Puti White vinegar (350 ml); and Datu Puti Soy Sauce (350 ml). The average price of Bear Brand Powdered Milk 150 gram

decreased at .18% from February to March while Nescafe Classic 25 gram prevailing price had decreased at 0.97% during the same period. Products with increased average prices are: Nescafe Classic, 25 gm, by 0.14%; Nescafe Classic 50 gm by 0.38%; White Sugar 1 kg by 0.89%; Brown Sugar 1 kg by 1.42%; 555 Beef Loaf 155 grams by 0.58%, Safeguard White, 60 grams, by 0.25%. With most product prices unchanged, a few product prices decreasing and also only a few product prices have increased yet still below the 10% increase rate under Section 5.2 of the Price Act (Republic Act No. 7581), the price trend within the stated period can be described as stable.


The more than a million-peso worth of donation comes from the Federal Government of Germany through Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW). Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW) is the implementing agency for this humanitarian initiative and provides assistance to poor and developing countries like the Philippines. This medical assistance could help local government unit hospitals (LGUs) operate their health facilities and provide quality health service to their constituents. As one of the local recipients,

the province received one pack of surgical drugs and medicines amounting P649,225; 10 sets of obstetric and delivery kit worth P189,100; five sets of first aid kit worth P35,075; and two packs of surgical supplies worth P235,460. Representatives from DOH and foreign donor KfW will be visiting the province within this year to assess how the medical equipment are being utilized in government hospitals and to evaluate the effectiveness of their medical intervention program. (LAR & VNL/PIO-LDN/PIA-10 LDN)

One Mindanao - April 15, 2015

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