One Mindanao - April 17, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

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

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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Davao Light’s first full service center: customer service innovationRudolph AlamaSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 166

page 4

President Aquino commits to further strengthen relations with Brunei Darussalam 8

NFA 12 exceeds 1st quarter palay procure-ment target 15

8,658 took CSC exams in Soccsksar-gen Region

DILG-10 reveals budget, projects for 2013, 2014

Youth to ‘vote for a fee’ survey alarms top Comelec official in Butuan 14

19NOEL B. NAJARRO, Northern Mindanao

DTI warns consumers anew vs butane canisters filled with LPGCarina Cayon, Southern Mindanao

Northern Mindanao

PESO Malaybalay employs 150 students this summer18

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Aida C. Agad, Central Mindanao

Francis Jane M. Lumacang, Northern Mindanao

Search is on for Pangadlaw Awards 2013 Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

312924

6 10 13 17 27 21

Wednesday, April 17, 20134

“The full service center in SM Lanang is the first time for Davao Light to open an office inside a shopping mall. This will cater payment and all customer services such as application for new connection,

requests and inquiries, and other metering concerns. We are happy that finally we have put up an office in an area most accessible to people.” said Arnold Arsolon, AVP-Customer Services Group. Moving forward, the electric utility will also open another full service center in SM City Ecoland with the same services offered. Both of these offices will open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. aside from bill payments there is a customer service area where clients can transact new service application, requests, inquiries and other

Davao Light’s first full service center: customer service innovation

Innovation its customer services have already been a company’s

landmark and last April 6, Davao Light and Power Company its first full service center in SM Lanang Premier last April 6 at the mall’s lower ground floor near basement entrance 1.

CoVer StoRy

By Rudolph Alama

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 5

metering concerns. The 35-square meter full service center will be manned by five tellers and five customer service representatives. “Davao Light always finds ways to provide the most convenient options for customers to avail of our services. And this service center is one of those as this will cater to payment and all customer services. “ says Davao Light Chief Operations Office and Executive Vice-President Art Millan during his speech at the blessing. The blessing was attended by Davao Light officers and team members, and its contractors; Davao Integrated Services Cooperative (DISC) , headed by the general manager Mark Metilla, payment service contractors; Professional Customer Service Cooperative of Davao (PROCSERV) headed by general manager Allan Chavez, for all customer service; Michael Co of

Brosco Construction and Development Corporation, and Mylene Ferrazzini and Arch. Nikki Ferrazzini of AS Ferrazzini Inc. Cherry Ann Yee Panio, a public school nurse based Compostela Valley, was the first client at the Davao Light’s full service center when she paid her electricity bill. The mall office aims to decongest the payment and customer service operations at the head office in Ponciano Street located in the city center which is getting crowded particularly vehicular traffic. DLPC has about 301,000 power consumers of which 40% are paying or transacting business at the main office in Ponciano, with an annual customer growth of 15%. The power utility firm services the areas of Davao City and the towns of Panabo, Carmen and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte

Davao Light’s first full service center: customer service innovation

6Wednesday, April 17, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino welcomes His Majesty Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam in Malacanang

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam during arrival honors in Malacañang Palace.

A 21-gun salute was rendered in honor of the Sultan of Brunei during the playing of the national anthems of both countries at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the

Malacañang grounds. After the arrival ceremonies, the

President ushered Sultan Bolkiah to Malacañang Palace for the traditional


signing of the Palace Guest Book, where visiting dignitaries affix their signatures during their visit.

The visiting Sultan of Brunei arrived in Manila on Monday for a two-day State Visit upon the invitation of President Aquino.

Earlier, Sultan Bolkiah first went to Rizal Park in Manila for the wreath-laying ceremonies at the foot of the monument of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, before proceeding to Malacanang Palace.

Joining the President in welcoming the Sultan of Brunei were Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.,

Presidential Management Staff head Secretary Julia Abad, among others.

Sultan Bolkiah’s visit to the country is his first since 2009, and the first under the Aquino administration. The visit was scheduled two weeks ahead of Brunei’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial and leaders’ summit.

During the visit, the President and Sultan Bolkiah will discuss, among others, Brunei’s chairmanship of the ASEAN as well as the strengthening of Philippines-Brunei bilateral relations. The Philippines and Brunei enjoy close relations.

Brunei Darussalam is the government’s partner to the promotion of just and lasting peace in Southern Philippines as a member of the International Monitoring Team. It is also a host to some 21,000 Filipinos working mostly as skilled workers.

The President undertook a State Visit to Brunei on June 1-2, 2011. He visited Brunei again on September 23, 2012 to attend the Royal Wedding and Banquet of the Sultan’s daughter, Her Royal Highness Hajah Hafizah Surunul Bolkiah.

8Wednesday, April 17, 2013

President Aquino commits to further strengthen relations with Brunei Darussalam

President Benigno S. Aquino III has committed to further strengthen relations between the Philippines

and Brunei Darussalam, as well as “with all Southeast Asian states,” to improve not only economic and cultural engagements but also “through dialogue for maritime security.”


President Aquino commits to further strengthen relations with Brunei Darussalam

The President gave his commitment during the State Luncheon he hosted for Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in Malacanang on Tuesday.

“Your Majesty, the waters that separate our countries remind us that the same waves lap at our shores. As a brother nation in ASEAN, our country is committed to nurturing our relationship; we commit to enhancing cooperation with Brunei and with all Southeast Asian states, not only through economic and cultural engagements, but also through dialogue for maritime security,” the President said.

“This is our pledge: to continue working with our neighbors in implementing the commitments of ASEAN member states in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and in moving forward with negotiations for the adoption of a Code of Conduct,” he added.

The President expressed confidence that with Brunei Darussalam at the helm as chair of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit “the region will move further

along the straight path towards harmony and sustainable progress.”

“I look forward to working with Your Majesty in building a Southeast Asia that is truly an abode of peace for all peoples,” the President said.

In response, Sultan Bolkiah assured the President of his country’s assistance and support in the President’s peace keeping initiatives in Mindanao.

“I would like to commend you Mr. President for the initiatives you have taken to promote peace and reconciliation in the Southern Philippines and I wish to assure you that Brunei will continue to provide assistance in your peace keeping efforts,” Sultan Bolkiah said.

He also said that as this year’s ASEAN chair, Brunei “will continue to work closely with the Philippines towards achieving concrete outcomes and economic growth and social progress and in promoting regional peace and stability.”

“We value your continued support for our chairmanship and I look forward Mr. President to welcoming you to Brunei for the ASEAN Summit,” the Sultan said. PND


Bolkiah to bring natural gas in Mindanao to solve power shortage

President Benigno Aquino III Wednesday divulged that Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei is seriously considering bringing natural gas to Mindanao to solve the region’s power shortage.


In his speech during the ceremonial contract signing of PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority and FILINVEST Development Corporation Utilities Inc. in Malacanang, the President said the energy situation in Mindanao did not arise overnight.

He said: “Trouble began brewing when a number of legislators from the region wished to be exempted from the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).

“This divorced Mindanao from the Republic Act that allowed NAPOCOR (National Power Corporation) to sell its plants to private investors, using the proceeds to reduce its debt.

“It would allow -- and it has allowed -- our power sector to be influenced by sound business policies, and not merely by political expediency.”

Aquino said EPIRA abolished the system that once allowed politicians and other officials to simply undertake what was politically convenient -- to artificially lower electricity rates just to gear up for coming elections.

“But the system remained the same in Mindanao,” he said.

Back then, the President said, leaders from Mindanao sought to continue taking advantage of the massive hydro resources in the area, with the dangerous assumption that the cheap hydro power could last forever.

“They (Mindanao leaders) neglected the fact that the hydro power plants are machines that need to be maintained and improved, especially if they are to meet the increasing demand,” he said.

“The focus on maintaining cheap power in an unsustainable manner scared away investors, who did not have the confidence to set up alternative power resources in Mindanao. In short, temporary convenience trumped preparedness for the future, and, ultimately, the people of Mindanao lost,” he noted.

Since he assumed office, President Aquino said, “our intention has been clear -- No longer will Mindanao be known merely as the Land of Promise. It will become the Land of Promise Fulfilled.”

He said the contract being signed Wednesday “is a concrete symbol of our progress towards that goal. It is a strong statement of our administration’s belief that long standing problems can be solved not simply by choosing the easy solution, but by embarking on the right solutions -- which require a thorough understanding of the problem, and careful consideration of all factors involved.”

The contract signing also demonstrates “a new face of Philippine governance -- We are witnessing a great step in


our shared pursuit of bequeathing to succeeding generations a Philippines that meets its full potential,” he noted.

“Through the collective efforts of forward thinkers in public service, and of our partners in FILINVEST, we are showing our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth whose impact will be felt by Filipinos even decades from now,” he added.

Under his administration, President Aquino said they have begun making the structural changes that encouraged the private sector to come in and put up power plants.

He cited Aboitiz who has built two coal-fired power plants in Davao last year, which will provide a total of 300 megawatts.

“These will be finished by 2015, and by then, with all the projects we have lined up, we fully expect that this (power shortage) problem will be a thing of the past,” he said.

“The confidence we are enjoying is palpable even in the international community,” he noted.

In fact, President Aquino said, as mentioned by the Sultan of Brunei during the meeting Tuesday, “they (Brunei) are very serious about their intention to bring natural gas to Mindanao.”

“The memorandums of understanding

have already been signed for this project,” he said.

These power plants being put up by private sectors like Aboitiz, which will be producing, by 2016, an estimated production capacity to be almost 470 megawatts above peak demand -- “we are not just increasing Mindanao’s maximum capacity. Beyond that, we are reinforcing their entire energy supply with more reliable and stable sources,” the President stressed.

“We are making their energy infrastructure much more competitive. We should also not forget that in constructing these power plants, Filinvest will be injecting P29 billion into Mindanao’s economy, while giving jobs to 2,000 workers in the process,” he noted.

In the coming years, President Aquino said, “the economy of Mindanao is set for explosive growth”

“We can fully expect that more investors will turn to Mindanao -- in addition to those that have already found places like Davao and Cagayan de Oro to be lucrative centers of business. Consistent and fairly priced energy will be the factor that will tip the scales in Mindanao’s favor, and ensure its growth -- and the well-being of its people -- in the years to come,” he said. (PNA)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pami-lyang Pilipino Program in Soccsksargen Region have recently been provid-ed access social insurance via a collaboration between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 and the Social Security System (SSS)

Pantawid families given access to social insurance

Brendo Belmonte, accounts management section head of SSS

Koronadal Branch recently briefed over a thousand 4Ps

beneficiaries here and about 250 from nearby Banga town on SSS


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Some 8,658 individuals in Soccsksar-gen Region took the career service examination Sunday, according to a re-port from the Civil Service Commission office here.

membership, benefits, privileges and monthly contributions.

“By their membership to SSS, families are ensured of their future needs through provision of financial support and assistance in cases when poor families are in dire need of help,” Belmonte said.

“Our agency is currently helping poor families understand the need to invest in social insurance given their socio-economic condition,” he pointed out.

Teresita Guilan, South Cotabato provincial link of DSWD 12 said the partnership of DSWD with SSS is very significant especially in the implementation of the 4Ps.

“Part of our advocacy is encouraging families to be given access to social insurance for them to be economically able and sufficient and prepare them to feel secured in times when they need help financially,” Guilan said.

“Most of those who attended here are parent leaders only which comprise a minimal number of the total Pantawid households in Banga. This is why we provided additional membership forms to be filled out by those who were not able to attend the SSS program orientation activity,” Guilan explained.

“Our goal is to recruit as many families to invest in SSS because we believe that poor

families can get aid in times of extreme help during maternity, illness, disability, retirement, death and funeral,” she said.

When a family becomes officially part of SSS, it is obliged pay P312.00 monthly premium.

According to Belmonte, one of the privileges is the provision of educational loan assistance which families may need soon.

“A total of P20, 000 loan assistance for a four-year course will be provided to them whenever they become eligible for that type of loan. However, a P10, 000 loan assistance may be availed when a student is taking a vocational course,” Belmonte said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with DGDomingo-DSWD12)

8,658 took CSC exams in Soccsksargen RegionBy Danilo E. Doguiles


KORONADAL CITY, South Cota-bato -- The National Food Authority (NFA) in Region 12 has surpassed its palay procurement target for the first quarter of this year, an official said.

Lawyer Venus Ondoy, field officer of the CSC in South Cotabato said, three examination centers were established in the entire Soccsksargen, specifically for this purpose: Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, Koronadal City in South Cotabato, and Cotabato City.

Information from CSC 12 indicated that 1,920 took the examinations in Cotabato and 1,934 in Kidapawan City.

Some 4,804 hopefuls took the examination in Koronadal City, the administrative seat of Soccsksargen Region.

Examinations here were held at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School, Koronadal Central Elementary School II, and Marbel 1 Elementary School.

Ondoy said, Sunday’s examination for prospective civil servants was done in a paper-and-pencil mode.

Career service

examination is a general ability test designed to measure an individual’s preparedness to join in April government service.

It is conducted twice a year, particularly in April and October. Successful examinees who get a rating of 80 percent are conferred Career Service Eligibility, a basic requirement to get a permanent appointment in any government office. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

NFA 12 exceeds 1st quarter palay procurement targetBy Aida C. Agad

NFA 12 regional director Raul B. Chong confirmed at the Regional Management Committee Meeting (REMANCOM) held in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, that 173,564 bags of palay were

procured in all areas covered by the region for the months of January to March,


this year.Chong said this figure

almost doubled their projected target of 110,000 bags for this year’s 1st quarter.

For the procured palay the region has already disbursed a total of P147,529,400 under its Cereal Procurement Fund (CPF). The CPF is sourced out from NFA Central Office.

U n d e r NFA’s palay p rocu rement program , the agency is buying palay at the current support price of P17.00 per kilo for clean and dry palay or those with 14% moisture content and with purity A level.

P a l a y deliveries falling below this spec i f i ca t i on can also be accommodated subject to price a d j u s t m e n t computed in a c c o r d a n c e with current NFA equivalent

net weight factor (ENW) table.

Farmers are also given drying incentive of P 0.20, delivery incentive of P 0.20 and as well as cooperative development incentive fee (CDIF) of P 0.30.

The accumulated CDIF can be used by

the concerned farmers cooperative to acquire post-harvest facilities , purchase farm inputs and payment of bank’s obligations. (ACAgad PIA12 w/reports from Luisito Mangayayam NFA-South Cotabato)


DAR launches Arccessby Editha R. Salvador

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform-Region X held the blessing and ceremonial turnover of common service facilities procured under the Agrarian Reform Connectivity and Economic Support Services (Arccess) program last April 8 at its regional office in this city.


PESO Malaybalay employs 150 students this summerby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) here employed 150 students under the government’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

Herculano S. Ronolo, city administrator, said the hired students underwent an orientation urging them to follow government rules and policies, specifically on the aspect of working hours and the delivery of quality public service.

Ronolo said that of 150 student grantees, 100 of them will work for the period April 6-24, while the remaining 50 will work from April 6-30, this summer. “I urge the students to utilize the SPES to help their parents face

Arccess aims to help improve the farm and off-farm incomes of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) through their organizations. To achieve this, the program has two major components: (1) the provision of professional service providers to coach ARB organizations on different aspects of enterprise development and (2) the provision of common service facilities or farm implements, equipment and machineries to ARB organizations that are willing and ready to engage in agri-enterprises. The program responds to the mandate of RA 9700 on providing subsidy to ARBs. By giving professional services and common service facilities to ARBOs, Arccess grants strategic subsidies. In the long run, these targeted subsidies to ARBOs will result

in marked improvements in the quality of life of ARBs, other smallholders, and rural communities. Arccess is a form of public-private partnership where the DAR will tap the expertise of the private sector (non-government organizations, microfinance institutions, cooperatives, private organizations) and other public institutions (state universities/colleges and national government agencies) to provide professional services to ARB organization and link these organizations to agri-markets. In Region 10, 59 ARBOs from the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Occidental are expected to benefit from the program in Region 10.


financial challenges and learn about the value of work and money,” he said.The 150 students composethis year’s first batch of SPES beneficiaries who will receive a salary of P254.09 per day. The program is jointly undertaken by the city government and the

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) based on Republic Act 7323 also known as an Act to help poor but deserving students pursue their studies by providing them employment during vacation. The act prohibits and penalizes fraudulent filers and fictitious claimants.

DILG-10 reveals budget, projects for 2013, 2014

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government Region 10 (DILG -10) disclosed in a news conference on April 12 the budget and projects formulated to authorize the needs of communities in Northern Mindanao for 2013 and 2014 under the Local Poverty Reduction Action program of the government.

by Francis Jane M. Lumacang

Lawyer Rene K. Burdeos, regional director of DILG-10, said the DILG leads the Governance Reform Program of President Benigno Aquino through the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) wherein the public societies organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs) help in identifying needs of vulnerable informal settlers, and the grassroots per barangay, municipality and city. “BUB is an approach for preparing the budgets for national agencies taking the considerations of the needs of the basic sectors,” Burdeos said. There are seven attached agencies in the DILG particularly the Local Government Academy (LGA)

whose concern is the capability development program, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Public Safety College, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and National Police Commission (NPC). Burdeos also discussed projects such as Sagana sa Ligtas na Tubig Sa Lahat program (SALIN Tubig) and PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan). SALIN Tubig aims to provide water supply systems from 2013 to 2016 to waterless barangays,


municipalities, resettlement sites, and health centers. PAMANA moreover is the national government’s peace and development framework to answer back and strengthen peace building reconstruction and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs). BUB allotted P708M this year and P1.1B in 2014 for the Local Poverty Reduction Action Program in the region. Each municipality gets P15M for identified projects in livelihood among others while cities get P25M to P50M. There are 13 national agencies included in the Local Poverty Reduction Action program and BUB chaired by

DILG, vice-chaired by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and members including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA), National Electrification Agency (NEA), Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).


FSUU Policy Center reveals findings of its 3rd phase Opinion Poll Survey

BUTUAN CITY -- The Father Saturnino Urios University Policy Center (FSUUPC) revealed the results of the third phase of a four-series May 2013 Opinion Poll Survey culled last April 1-7, 2013 from the 1,833 new set of respondents taken from the 86 barangays of this city.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


According to FSUUPC Director Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty, like the two surveys conducted last January 23-30, 2013 and March 7-15, 2013, it employed the proportional sampling method to gather data from registered voters of Butuan City.

“The respondents from each barangay were purposively chosen to represent age classification: Youth (18-30 years old), Adult (31-59 years old), and Seniors (60 years old and above). The respondents represent 1% of the total registered voters in the city of Butuan with a 10% margin of error in the sample size,” Ty explained.

Based on the results of its third phase Opinion Poll Survey, the most preferred candidate for the congressional seat is Atty. Lawrence Fortun with 43.15%, followed by Roan Libarios with 21.55% while undecided voters now at 35.30%.

“The youth showed a higher preference for Fortun, while the

senior group has the highest percentage of undecided voters. The increased rating of Fortun from the previous survey to that of the current one is significant from the youth and the adult groups. The decrease in the ratings of Libarios is also significant across age levels,” said Dr. Mary Joy Miller, one of the researchers.

For the mayoralty position, incumbent Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr is on the lead with 34.92% over incumbent Cong. Jose Aquino II at 34.37% and the undecided voters at 30.44%. “It appears that the increase of Amante is taken from the undecided voters. Amante got highest preference from the adults, while Aquino had much of his share from the youth group. As of this 3rd survey, Amante and Aquino are statistically tied,” added Miller.

Miller further bared that since its first phase of a four-series opinion poll survey that started in January hitherto,


at the vice mayoralty level, Josephine Salise leads the race with 18.93%, 22.03%, and 21.71% respectively. Getting closer to her is Angelo Calo who gained the following percentages attribution of 15.31%, 17.08%, and 21.28% respectively. The adults gave much of their approval to Salise, while the youth gave theirs to Calo. Salise and Calo, as of this survey are statistically tied.

The top 10 candidates for councilor position for those respondents who have decided in this third phase opinion poll survey are the following percentages attributed for each: Erwin Dano - 49.02%, Ryan Culima - 45. 20%, Ramon Carampatana - 39.86%, Jaime Cembrano - 20.09%, Samuel Amante - 25.80%, Salvador Calo - 25.09%, Derek Plaza - 22.51%, Ferdinand Nalcot - 20.55%, Atty. Rema Burdeos - 19.31, and Audie Bernabe - 19.13%. 9 out of 10 of the candidates for councilor who made it to the top 10 in the previous survey remained to

be the preferred councilors although some of the candidates changed ranks in the order of preference.

It was also learned that the results revealed that 98% of the respondents will cast their votes in the May 2013 elections.

“With voters’ education by the different sectors of the community like the academe, Commission on Elections, and some non-governmental organizations, as well as the start of the local campaigns, there exists a significant drop of the number of undecided voters across all elective positions from January and March surveys to April survey,” Miller emphasized.

The FSUUPC withhold the details of the next schedule of its fourth and last series of survey to avoid intervention of other parties. Meanwhile, another press conference will be conducted right after the findings and analyses of the final survey will be consolidated and ready for release.


The Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) through its policy center disclosed in a press

conference on Monday afternoon the third phase of their four-series survey held on April 1-7, this year.

Youth to ‘vote for a fee’ survey alarms top Comelec official in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY -- The top official of the Commission on Elections here on Monday expressed alarm over the survey results that most of the city’s youth will exchange their vote for money.

by NOEL B. NAJARRO


The survey has 1,833 registered-voter respondents taken from all the city’s barangays.

According to the researchers, the survey asked the respondents whether they will accept money in exchange of their votes in the upcoming May 2013 elections. Accordingly, eight out of ten said “yes” and that seven out of 10 knew of others who will do the same, and most of those who answered in a positive come from the youth group, aged 18 to 30.

“This is alarming since from the beginning our advocacy is to instill changes(for the better) to the youths especially during elections. However, this must be a wake up call for us all in the various sectors to double up our efforts in voters education,” said City Comelec official Lawyer Ernie Palanan who also attended the said forum. He emphasized that if our country would need a change for a better future, we should start with the youth.

The result of the said survey also disclosed that employment, livelihood, source of income (25.75%), infrastructure such as road problems (19.42%), environmental concerns like garbage and flooding (16.31%), basic needs such as food, water

and shelter (14.29%) and peace and order (8.84%) are the important issues that the local government of Butuan needs to address.

The results also revealed that 98% of the respondents will cast their votes in the upcoming elections. Among the results, the researchers said, is the significant drop in the number of the undecided voters across all elective positions.

Seven out of ten also said that this time said they are familiar with candidates. The respondents also said that the most effective ways for them to know the candidates are through personal encounter(52%), television (16.75%), radio (15.4%) and others such as print or by word of mouth at (15.85%).

The administration congressional candidate shows an edge at(43.15%) over the rival with (21.55%) while the mayoral and vice-mayoral candidates were “statistically and scientifically” tied at 34.92% over 34.37% and with 30.44% of undecided voters. Top ten councilor results show an even representation among both camps.


OCD eyes to strengthen disaster mgmt councils in Davao Region

COMPOSTELA VALLEY- Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director retired BGen Lorito G. Rirao eyes for a much strength-ened disaster councils in the Davao Region. Attending the series of After

Ty p h o o n Pablo Ac-tion Re-view con-ducted in the prov-inces of Compos-tela Valley and Davao O r i e n -tal, Rirao gathered inputs on how to strength-en the capacity of local gov-

ernments to carry out disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation. In an interview, he said OCD will conduct a review of the Di-saster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) plans at the regional level


“as mandated by the National Di-saster Risk Reduction Manage-ment Council” and ensure they are aligned with the national DRRM plan. He announced that there will be a disaster regional summit on July 31 at the closing of the Disaster Consciousness Month during which DRMM plan review will also be part of, to incorporate some necessary points that came out as lessons learned during the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo. Aside from the DRMM plan review, Rirao also saw the need for the activation and creation of DRRM office at the local level and the strengthening of DRRM first re-sponders. While government agencies at the regional level can serve as na-tional responders, local government units are mandated under the Re-

public Act 101211 or the Philippine Disaster Reduction and Manage-ment Act of 2010, to organize and train their own responders, Rirao said. He was also looking at prepar-ing the people to become “resilient Filipino communities,” “They must be able to cope with the negative impact of any disaster,” he said. While all aspects of improve-ment would require focus, time and effort, Rirao said they “must go hand in hand” in fulfillment of RA 101211, starting with the DRMM plan, then moving on to setting up a mechanism of implementing the plan, to organizing responders, to capacitating communities. “All tools and systems must be in place to ensure safe and adap-tive communities,” he said. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

facts and figures...350 nauticalmiles

The distance of Davao City from the Indonesian City of Bitung where a planned Ro-Ro Service is anticipated to begin this year. The medium-sized ferry can ferry 200-300 container vans and is 20% cheaper than conventional shipping, a good news for traders between the two countries.


DTI warns consumers anew vs butane canisters filled with LPGDAVAO CITY – The Depart-ment of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned consumers anew against possible hazards that may be caused by butane canisters filled with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Reports have reached DTI that there is a rampant unsafe practice of the use of butane canisters as containers for household LPG. Based on the memorandum issued by DTI-Bureau of Product Standards director Lawyer Pedro Vicente C. Mendoza, butane canisters are made of tin and tin canisters are not refillable. Furthermore, he said, canisters may be filled with products that should be properly identified to comply with Article 77 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 7394). Thus, if the canisters contain butane, they should be properly labeled as containing butane. DTI’s basis of not allowing butane canisters to be refilled with LPG is that it violates the said provision of the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Mendoza said mini-LPG cylinders that are made of stainless steel plates are now available in the market. These containers are designed to be filled and refilled with the product stated on the labels. DTI-Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said some consumers may have opted to have their butane canisters refilled rather than buying a new one because of price difference. A new butane canister costs more or less P60 while refilling it would only mean P25 out of the consumer’s pocket. “They go for the cheaper one without enough consideration that these LPG-refilled butane canisters may pose danger to their lives and properties,” she said. Loreto said these LPG-filled butane canisters may explode and may result to losing lives and properties. The official encouraged the public to report to the nearest DTI office if they have complaints against this particular hazardous practice. (DTI-11/JenMendoza)

by Carina Cayon


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Funded by national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the road project is said to connect the Cogon Eco-Tourism Park to Barangay Diwan where the alluring Sungkilaw Falls is located. Right after the groundbreaking ceremonies, the President is slated to meet with the local candidates of the Liberal Party (LP) at the Dipolog

Sports Complex in Barangay Olingan before proceeding to the cities of Dumaguete and Cebu. As President, PNoy first visited Dipolog on Feb. 5, 2013 upon invitation of the President of Andres Bonifacio College to serve as guest of honor and speaker during the inauguration of the college’s Graduate and Professional Schools Building.

Dipolog readies for PNoy’s second visitBy Franklin P. GumaponDIPOLOG CITY – For the second time this year President Benigno S. Aquino III will be here tomorrow to lead the groundbreaking of a P385-million road project at Barangay Cogon this city.


In a related development, President Aquino has allotted some P200 million for the construction of Corazon C. Aquino Memorial Hospital here in the city. This health facility, which is now almost complete, aims

to improve the delivery of health services to the people in the area. Military and police top brass in the region will meet the President upon his arrival at the Dipolog airport tomorrow morning.

Search is on for Pangadlaw Awards 2013By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - In line with the city’s 100th year celebration on July 1, 1913, the centennial executive committee is now accepting nominations for Pangadlaw Awards 2013. This prestigious award, which started in 2004 during the term of former mayor Roberto Y. Uy, is given every two years to individuals who have made a big difference in the society and immensely contributed to the development of the city through their chosen fields of endeavor. The award is designed to provide inspiration and motivation to all individuals to strive hard and be successful in their chosen professions that would redound to the benefit of the entire community. As the name suggests, Pangadlaw is a type of a native orchid endemic in the area with white petals symbolizing purity in heart. It is also a symbol of strength of character owing to its survival qualities. The nomination is open to all individuals who have spent part/most of their life and practiced their professions or engaged in business in the city. Citizenship and residency are not necessary to qualify.

The categories for the said search are the following: Law and Justice, Arts and Culture, Government/Public Service, Sports, Peace Advocacy, L i terature/Media/Journa l i sm, Community/Humanitarian Service, Entrepreneurship, Science/Medicine, Engineering/Technology, and Environmental Preservation/Sustainable Development. A nominee will be judged


The historic event dubbed “Payapang Bayan, Payapang Halalan (Peaceful Nation, Peaceful Election)” campaign was convened by the

Consortium on Electoral Reform (CER), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the

according to his/her excellence in his/her chosen field of endeavor or the extent of contribution, the nature of his/her achievement or contribution, and the impact of such achievement or contribution. The decision of the board of judges, consisting of five

persons known for their integrity, independence and competence, shall be final and not appealable. Awardees will each receive a plaque and a medal during the awarding ceremony to be held on June 22, 2013.

Basilan holds compact signing for peaceful, free, fair 2013 electionsBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The civil society organizations in Basilan together with the military, police, and a number of local candidates in various elective positions have gathered on April 11 for a compact signing to ensure peaceful, free, and fair 2013 elections.


Philippines (AFP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Team Basilan. Ramon Casiple, CER Chairperson said that they have been around the country, especially in areas with history of election-related violence to hold similar compact-signing events in order to push for a peaceful election. “The good news is, in which the PNP could attest that there is a big drop in the incidence of election-related violence in the country,” he said, noting that for so many decades now, election violence had been one of the major problems that hinder peaceful and honest elections. He said that most election violence-related incidents are associated with another phenomenon—warlordism, which created situations of electoral fraud and white terror that undermine the right of suffrage among citizen-voters during the electoral exercise and eventually threatens democracy itself.

“Of course, election violence and warlordism are often the offshoot of dynastic politics and situations of close contests between or among political candidates, particularly in local areas. They are part of the triad we often referred to as the traditional ‘guns, goons, and gold’ politics in the country,” he stressed. Under a presidential order, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), established Task Force for Secured and Fair Elections (TF SAFE) to ensure the peaceful conduct of 2013 elections. It is within this context that CER proposed a convergence of efforts by government and civil society against election violence for the 2013 national and local elections. On the Civil Society Organization (CSO) side, the proposed project, named “Payapang Bayan, Payapang Halalan” Campaign (PAYAPA), aims to undertake the campaign against


warlordism and election violence on the local level, by undertaking cooperative measures between government and civil society and among stakeholders to actually minimize, or even eradicate warlordism and election violence, and to create the proper environment for free and fair elections. In his keynote speech, Atty. Ray Sumalipao, COMELEC-ARMM Regional Election Director lauded the candidates present for giving their valuable time to take part in the compact-signing as a manifestation of their commitment to achieve peaceful and fair elections. “This is a historic event because you [the candidates] took part to make Basilan province a dynamic and superlative province in the Philippines by allowing voters to choose leaders freely. Safe and honest election is possible if we allow voters to freely elect, choose their leaders according to their conscience,” he said. He reminded the candidates and Basilan stakeholders that election rules are already there and in place to attain a peaceful election, but most importantly to attain a credible and acceptable elections. For its part, he said COMELEC has been instituting reforms in the elections citing some major prosecution of cases in courts and cleansing the voters list in the ARMM of fraudulent and unscrupulous individuals. “We have one common vision, i.e. an honest and peaceful election. But we cannot achieve it without you,” Sumalipao told the candidates

and the Basilan stakeholders. At the event, only one gubernatorial candidate, two mayoralty contenders from Lamitan and few candidates for Sangguniang Panlalawigan and councilors attended the compact signing. It was learned that the Liberal Party candidates were in Cotabato City to join in the proclamation rally of Team Pinoy with President Benigno S. Aquino III. The candidates who signed the covenant had pledged to contest in the election within the democratic rules, respect and protect the sanctity of the ballot, and to allow the will of the people to prevail. Meanwhile, the Basilan stakeholders, to include the religious sector, civil society organizations, the business and the academe have also signed and committed to actively participate in securing a peaceful, free and fair 2013 ARMM election, such as in election monitoring and voter education; coordinate and engage the security sector in providing a Secure and Fair 2013 ARMM election; conscientiously monitor and help COMELEC and LGUs in order to ensure fair and impartial elections; continually engage and monitor political groups, electoral aspirants and their supporters in their compliance with electoral laws and in respecting the right to suffrage of ARMM citizen-voters; and to responsively engage media institutions, TV, radio, print and social media for responsible reportage of the 2013 ARMM election.


Hataman says ARMM reform agenda continues to bear fruit

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The bureaucratic reforms introduced in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) yielded unprecedented savings and have put a stop on influence peddling and other anomalous practices that have come to define ARMM.


This was emphasized by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman in his presentation during the visit of President Benigno S. Aqino III to Cotabato City, Friday. The President made his first ever visit to the seat of the ARMM government to check on the reforms being instituted by his appointed caretakers in the 23-year old regional institution. He listened to a 15-minute presentation that highlighted the remarkable performance of the region’s caretaker administration in its 15 months in office. During his visit, Hataman provided a rundown of ongoing projects and the overall status of reforming the institution that has been previously dubbed as a “failed experiment” by President Aquino. The regional caretaker cited the savings generated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region from its 2012 budget, which amounts to P136.362 million, through fiscal prudence and the enforcement of open and competitive biddings. The savings were not pocketed, Hataman said, but used by the agency to procure 13 heavy equipment and 15 motor vehicles and nine survey

instruments. DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain said the acquisition was first of its kind in 22 years. “Wala ng palakasan, wala ng lagayan (No more influence peddling, no more bribery),” he said. Hataman said the regional government no longer allows the hiring and promotion of employees based on influence or reasons that do not warrant their qualification. A special screening board has been set up to oversee hiring and promotion in the regional government, he said. Hataman further said the reforms they started are primarily meant to curb corruptions in the region, but, apparently, they have also caused the optimization of government funds. “The president supported the deferment of the scheduled ARMM elections in 2011 to make way for needed reforms in the ARMM. Now, key improvements are starting to take hold a year and three months after his appointed officials took on the regional leadership,” a civil society organization (CSO) worker observed. (ARMM Comm Group)

Marawi City mayoralty bets sign peace accordby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The four mayoralty candidates here signed a peace covenant to affirm their commitment to a peaceful and clean elections this May 2013 elections.


Re-electionist Fahad Salic led incumbent vice-mayor Noryasmin Calandada and the other two mayoralty aspirants, Acmad Maruhom and Punduma Sani, in signing the covenant. As part of the agreement, each of the aspirants vowed to settle their differences in the past and not to cause anything that will affect the lives, properties, and dignity of their relatives, supporters and the general public. They also pledged to uphold the rule of

law and not to resort to any forms of violence and cheating during the elections. The signing o f the peace


covenant, held recently at Plaza Cabili in Barangay Banggolo, was initiated by Task Force Kasalimbago to ensure safe, fair, and peaceful elections. Task Force Kasalimbago is composed of the Commission on Elections, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Department of Education and civil society organizations. The covenant signing was also witnessed by some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (MILF-AHJAG), Bangsamoro Development Authority, and International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Also present were mayoralty bets in Kapai, Marantao, Saguiaran, Piagapo and Tagoloan towns who also signed a separate peace covenant. Brigadier General Daniel Lucero, commanding officer of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, meanwhile assured the public that he will not allow any soldier to be involved in election irregularities. Lucero, who also chaired the Task Force Kasalimbago, reiterated that he will not push his soldiers to harm’s way just to guard cheating during the elections.

One Mindanao - April 17, 2013

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 17, 2013