One Mindanao - April 18, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESExecutive 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

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

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Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

Tranquility by the Lake

Alma L. TingcangWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 237

page 4

Southern Mindanao

President Aquino cites Bicol University for being a proponent of microfinance 8 Surigao Norte bags award for good

governance 26ADB to review provincial LGUs engagement in KALAHI-CIDSS13

1st Mindanaonon Environment Summit set31Mayor distributes 145 computers to

public high schools in Gensan17LTO-X collects P459.52-M in revenue in 201133Kaso ng aksidente sa motorsiklo sa

So. Cotabato tumataas18Activities for labor day in Caraga region set25

PGFruylan, Central Mindanao

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Greg Tataro, Caraga Region

Maryjul E. Escalante, Caraga Region

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

DPWH 9 joins forces with PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and MGB on disaster preparedness29Western Mindanao

DOST introduces ceramics water filter at resettlement sites34Zendelyn Navarro, Northern Mindanao

7 10 12 15

20 23 28 32

4 Wednesday, April 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Zamboanga del Sur prides itself with scenic

countrysides, pristine beaches, dive sites, finest coral formations and natural wonders.

Cover StoryTranquility by the Lake

Panoramic view

An adventure to the picturesque Alindahaw Lakeview Resort in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur welcomes you to an awesome panorama which captivates and enthralls your senses. If one reaches the site shortly before the sun sets, he could get the

best glimpse of the sunset with its breathtaking beauty.

The stillness of the night is

disturbed only by the sound of frogs and crickets. Cool mountain breeze awakens you as the fogs slowly descend from the nearby mountains to the tranquility of the lake.

Hotel/Resort

Alindahaw Lakeview Resort, owned by Javaved Development Corporation (JDC) with its President Vicente Madarang Cerilles, offers a wide array of choices for accommodations and other amenities at the hotel and

by Alma L. Tingcang

Wednesday, April 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

resort . The Yucca House, Bamboo

House, and Lumbia Villas offer affordable room rates that cater to the needs of guests. Gatherings for weddings, reunions, birthdays and other activities would find the Acalypha Hall, Palmera Hall, Bamboo Open Hall and the Lakeside Café ideal for small or large groups of people. The Lakeview Garden is perfect for a dream Garden Wedding and provide a very solemn atmosphere with a breathtaking view of the lake as backdrop.

Family-oriented resort services Ms. Rubelynne J. Sungcad,

Resort Manager said check-in guests enjoy free use of

the kayak

and access to all pools. “Cottages are available at P100 which accommodates 5 persons and P250 for a maximum of 15 persons. Resort entrance is pegged at P50.Transport services are available at P1,500 for a one-way transfer and P3,000 for a two-way transfer good for 15 persons.’’ “One advantage here is that you can bring our own food. Other resorts never allow guests to bring food, but here you can bring what you want. The management encourages this so that families would be able to enjoy great bonding time together, relax and benefit from what

the resort has to offer,” says Ms. Sungcad.

Expansion program “Very soon, JDC will be implementing a 3-phase program to

6 Wednesday, April 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

u p g ra d e its amenities. One is the Quadruple

Zipline which will be added to beef up its facilities as Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles, JCI Senate National President will host the National Convention of JCI Senate Philippines sometime this year. The Quadruple Zipline, which will be the first in the country will cut across the lake with a distance of 680 meters. The Alindahaw Lakeview Adventure Park will also be established to include 36 rope courses similar to the training of soldiers, 18 for kids and 18 for adults and guaranteed to be a really exciting experience! Soon, we will be the first in Asia with the implementation of the Phase

III, the Curve Zipline patterned from Brazil enabling one to

expe r i ence t h e

“Tarzan”

adventure, with sloping and curving motions. For additional information and queries, you may log on to www.alindahawlakeview.com.


ACROSS THE NATION

On Tuesday, the Palace said ensuring a controllable inflation rate remains a top priority of the Aquino administration.

“Maintaining a manageable inflation environment remains a priority of the Aquino administration, and we are glad to see our efforts bearing fruit.

The April 4 release of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas states: “Year-on-year headline inflation continued to decelerate in March to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent in February,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda

said in a statement on Tuesday.

These figures means that the country remains below the government’s target inflation range of 3 to 5 percent for 2012 and that the March rate is the lowest since September of 2009. The February rate on the other hand is second to Malaysia’s 2.2 inflation rate in the Southeast Asian region, Lacierda said.

The Philippines was also able to out-perform even the developed countries like Singapore which posted 4.6 percent, Lacierda said in the statement.

“ T h e g o v e r n m e n t nonetheless remains sensitive to public sentiment as regards inflation, and continues its efforts to ensure that global trends do not adversely affect our people, especially those in the margins,” he said.

The pursuit of inclusive growth will continue to be the cornerstone of the Aquino government’s economic agenda, Lacierda said, assuring the public that the administration will sustain its efforts so that no one is left behind as the country advance toward equitable progress. (AS)

Government set to sustain manageable inflation

The Aquino government renewed its commitment to create a better

economic environment in the country for the benefit of all, especially the poor.

8 Wednesday, April 18, 2012ONE MINDANAO

President Aquino cites Bicol University for being a proponent of microfinance

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited Bicol University for being a proponent of microfinance by teaching its students the rudiments of being entrepreneurs through their degree course in business administration.

The President offered his citation in his speech keynoting the conferment of a Doctor of Humanities degree, Honoris Causa by Bicol University on his late mother former President Corazon C. Aquino in Malacañang on Tuesday.

“…natutuwa akong malaman na patuloy na pinapayabong ng Bicol University ang microfinance

institutions sa bansa,” the President said.

“Mataas ang aking kompiyansang ang mga produkto ng inyong kursong Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Major in Microfinance ay magtitindig ng mas matibay pang pundasyon upang mas marami pang Pilipino ang mahikayat na mamuhunan sa ating bansa,

gamit ang ating likas na pagkamalikhain, sipag, at talino,” he added.

The President said that his mother advocated microfinance and entrepreneurship as a potent strategy to help Filipinos rise above their hardships and improve their lives.

“Si Mom na rin nga po ang nagsabi: “The Philippines takes pride in having


popularized the term people power, and it has

been my dream to harness this force to eradicate poverty in my country.” People power, mismo ang inspirasyon ng aking ina nang binuo niya ang PinoyME, na maituturing na salbabida para iligtas ang mga kababayan nating naghihikahos sa kahirapan,” the President said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng microfinance at micro-entrepreneurship, ang mga dating napag-iiwanan at nakakalimutan sa laylayan ng lipunan ay nabigyan ng oportunidad na umasenso gamit ang sarili nilang abilidad at pagsusumikap,” he added.

The Bicol University pioneered the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Microfinance as a result of public and private partnership with the PinoyME (Pinoy Micro-Enterprise) Foundation, the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation, the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, who together developed a model curriculum that would support human resource development for the sector, as well as initiate researches that would further improve policy and action.

This same curriculum is now being implemented

by selected private higher education institutions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with the graduates of the said program assured of scholarships as well as employment by the partner microfinance institution.

PinoyME was founded by former President Corazon C. Aquino to serve as a vehicle in popularizing microfinance as one of the tools to promote self-reliance.

Through this foundation, the former President pursued her dream of producing more micro-entrepreneurs in the communities that would help fuel economic activities and generate employment. (RCK)


Energy chief rallies stakeholders towards Mindanao power solutions

Department of Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras has called on the cooperation of all stakeholders in achieving winnable solutions for

the current power situation in Mindanao. In the Mindanao Power Summit held in Davao last week, he said that “plans being laid out by the government will need the utmost support of all stakeholders to make them effective.”


The DOE’s proposed number of solutions has included the transfer of power barges, proper contracting of stakeholders for power supply from power utilities, and the rehabilitation of the Agus and Pulangui hydropower complex. “Everything will rely on execution and that also requires concerted efforts from every stakeholder in order for these to produce results. The idea is that execution needs support,” Almendras opined. At the same Power Summit in Davao, Secretary Almendras

stated that preparations must be intensified as experts have made mention that rainfall patterns in Mindanao have already changed. Mindanao’s power, as the DOE has stated before, is sourced mainly from hydropower plants which is dependent on the amount of rainfall. “When power supply is intermittent or irregular, we run the risk of having a power shortage. There are too many variables when we rely too much on a single power source and those variables need to be extrapolated and contingencies must be in place for these,” Secretary

Almendras stressed. The DOE has long warned Mindanao that baseload plants in the region must be established to bridge the gap of the shortage. Baseload plants produce energy at a constant rate. Any type of plant can provide baseload power even hydropower but such plants may run low on fuel, or water, in times of drought. “Even if we consider a portion of the capacity of hydropower in Mindanao, we only have 37.31% of baseload which is really low to be able to meet the demand,” Secretary Almendras pointed out.


Davao City addresses issue of cuckolded husbands

The local government of Davao is the first local government

to address the issue of abused husbands. Says Rene Estorpe, barangay captain of Agdao Centro and presi-dent of the Mr. GAD (Gender and Development) Federation, a group of 15 barangays in the city where GAD for men are being piloted. Estorpe said that aside from Violence Against Women and Chil-dren, Mr GAD seeks to look into the plight of cuckolded husbands who are also victims of abuses commit-ted by their spouses. “ Pa r eho rin ang mga kaso, may physical vio-lence and ver-bal abuse.” (It has the same cases there is physical vio-lence and ver-bal abuse).Estorpe said

that in his barangay they are han-dling two cases of abuses against husbands who are asking for baran-gay protection against their wives. Estorpe added. He said that most of the abused husbands are decent, educated and working professionals. Estorpe said that there are other abuses committed which are unreported because society frowns upon cuck-olded husbands commonly derided as “Under- the-Saya.” And also that domestic violence is normally hid-den from the public. “We are used to hiding our family troubles.” Es-torpe added. He said that the current laws protecting women and children also give an added burden to these abused husbands. He cites one vic-tim of physical abuse who was also charged under the provisions of Violence Against Women and Chil-dren Act (VAWC). Barangay Agdao Centro along with densely populated barangays of Toril Poblacion, Lizada, Sasa, Panacan, Buhangin, Tibungco and San Antonio are part of Mr. GAD fed

by Rudolph Alama


eration which seeks to mainstream gender advocacy of husbands particularly promoting equal rights in the household. He said that the effort of the city is the first in the country which seeks to promote gender equality among the sexes. The federation conducts trainings, fora, symposia, advocacy activities among the constituents of the pilot barangays. Estorpe said that the men are taught to preserve the rights of their spouses while they are protecting their own. Estorpe said that the composition of Mr. GAD also includes women who

are sensitive of the rights of men and women within the marriage. In fact some of the officers of Mr. GAD are women. Estorpe adds. Davao City has been one of the first local government units to enact landmark laws that protect the welfare of women and children. It was among the first LGUs to legislate a Women’s Development Code and a Children’s Welfare Code. Its Mr. GAD program started in 2007 makes it the first LGU to mainstream gender and development or GAD which seeks to promote men’s rights and responsibilities. (PIA 11/RG ALAMA)

ADB to review provincial LGUs engagement in KALAHI-CIDSSDavao City -The Asian Develop-ment Bank is sending a mission to evaluate the engagement of the provincial government in the implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehen-sive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS). Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary and KALAHI-CIDSS Deputy National Project Director Camilo G. Gudmalin pointed out that the mission, which will visit regions 11, 5 and 8, is part of ADB’s technical assistance to the Department on “strengthening capabilities for scaled up implementation of the community driven development.”

The mission would comprise Joel Mangahas as mission leader and Yukiko Ito and Gerard Servais as mission members. The meetings between the team, officials of DSWD regional offices and identified local government units “form part of a two-week scoping mission” which “will look into current initiatives of KALAHI-CIDSS in engaging our PLGUs (provincial local government units) in implementing the project and other DSWD programs,” Gudmalin said. He added that the mission will also “consult stakeholders on the possible design elements that may be incorporated in a pilot activity which


we are requesting ADB to support in 2013.” In the Davao Region, the team will arrive on April 18 and meets up with regional officials led by Regional Director Ester A. Versoza before proceeding to Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. The province was identified for the visit as the team wants to know from its governor, Arturo T. Uy, how his administration has been helping the KALAHI-CIDSS implementation in the province. Uy has been known for emulating the principles of the project, and has modified its centerpiece principle - the community driven development - to suit the needs of the province. Aside from Uy, the team will also

meet with the department heads of the province and representatives of the Provincial Local Government Office.On the following day, the team will then meet with representatives of the regional offices of the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Interior and Local Government. KALAHI-CIDSS seeks to empower communities in targeted poor municipalities (a) to achieve improved access to sustainable basic public services, and (b) to participate in more inclusive LGU planning and budgeting. PLGU engagement in the KALAHI-CIDSS project seeks to contribute to this goal. (DSWD/Leslie Lao-Francisco)

regional gallery

Resort goers in Samal cooling down on the pool in Blue Jazz Resort. In the middle of summer, the Island Garden City of Samal and the Department of Tourism has launched the Visit Samal Island 2012 tourism campaign Aimed at making the island a key summer destination


Kids peace camp in N. Cotabato features traditional martial artBy Dani Doguiles & Rhoderick Benez

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Grade V pupils in Kabacan, North Cotabato were recently exposed to a traditional self-defense system, which was among the highlights of a peace camp sponsored by the provincial government.

photos courtesy of Moro People’s CORE


Kuntaw Silat, a traditional combat style among Maguindanaons and Tausugs, was featured in the Kabacan leg of the 2nd Gov. Lala Mendoza Summer Kids Peace Camp on April 12 – 14.

Zaynab Ampatuan, executive director of the Moro People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment, Inc. (Moro People’s CORE), said, “Kuntao Silat is one of the Chinese martial arts introduced to Indonesia and Mindanao; this has been practiced by Maguindanaons and Tausugs to defend themselves.”

“We wanted to re-introduce traditional practices to the children and one of these is Kuntaw, ” she explained, “Wala na kasing nakakikilala sa Kuntaw Silat kaya kailangang ipakita sa mga bata na sa pagkamit kapayapaan kailangan ang pag-intindi at pagrespeto sa mga sinaunang tradisyon (Kuntaw Silat is not known nowadays and we wanted the children to know that to

attain peace, one has to respect tradition).”

Aside from Kuntaw Silat, Moro People’s CORE also promoted cultural dances and songs to more than 1,400 Grade V pupils who have gathered for the peace camp.

Presentation of the martial art form was held on Friday, April 13, afternoon at the Peace Museum inside Kabacan Pilot Elementary School where cultural customs and history showing the relationship of indigenous and Islamized groups are also on display.

At the gathering, Datu Maniaga P. Mantawil retold to the children the story of the brothers

Tabunaway at Mamalo, “to show to the children that we came from the same root,” and that “there is no reason to belittle the lumads who remain strong with their beliefs and nature.”

Husband-and-wi fe tandem Datu Willie Jones Saliling and Bai Yvonne V i l l a nueva -Sa l i l i n g – both professors at the nearby state –run University of Southern Mindanao – shared how the Maguindanaons, particularly the Mantawil clan in Kabacan welcomed the Ilocanos, including the Igorots and other settlers who came to live in the area.

The couple emphasized that cultural differences


should not be a barrier to peaceful cohabitation and that peace and security can be achieved when Christians, Muslims, and Lumads unite and help each other.

The theme of the peace camp in Kabacan was, “Let the children laugh, let the children lead, let the children build their future,” which was coined by a pupil at barangay Sanggadong Elementary School.

The summer kids peace camp, which Gov.

Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza initiated last year in partnership with the Department of Education, aims to promote peace among residents of the province starting while they are still young. It is also meant to develop potential leaders among them.

The lady governor believes that gathering Christian, Muslim, and lumad children in peace camps where they are introduced to each others’ cultures, beliefs,

and tradition would result in lasting peace.

She also hopes the children would serve as the provincial g o v e r n m e n t ’ s ambassadors of peace to their families, schools and communities.

Moro People’s CORE is a nongovernment organization committed to, ”reach out, educate and train, organize and mobilize the Moro and the Lumads in creating systemic change.” (DED-PIA 12/RBeñez/DXVL-Radyo ng Bayan)

Mayor distributes 145 computers to public high schools in GensanGENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio distributed on Monday 145 new computer sets to nine public high schools here in a move to strengthen students’ competitive advantage in preparation for their do-mestic and global engagements.

The said activity was part of the SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) of the local government, designed to improve the quality of education in public schools of the city to make them at par with other private teaching institutions.

According to SHEEP-

CLP head Percival Pasuelo, the mayor handed over 20 units of computer each to Labangal National High School, New Society National High School, General Santos City National High School, Fatima National High School, Bula National School of Fisheries, and

GSC National Secondary School of Arts and Trade.

Tinagacan National High School and AG Busano National High School each received 10 units of computer while Irineo National High School of Metro Dadiangas got an additional five units for


its Computer-Speech Laboratory in addition to the 20 units that were turned over by the city mayor during Valentine’s Day, two months ago.

Earlier, Mayor Custodio disclosed that the goal of the program is to make

sure that public school students in GenSan will not be left out in terms of information technology.

She said the purchase of the additional 500 units for the remaining schools is already on process and set to be

delivered within the year.

Meanwhile, Pasuelo expressed optimism that with the new computer sets and the series of level-up trainings conducted by the SHEEP-CLP to public schools in the city, students and teachers will continue imparting the knowledge they have learned to move forward.

“The city government has provided them the necessary tools which they can use to bridge the gap from the traditional classroom teaching to computer-aided instructions for them to become globally competitive,” he said. ( P G F r u y l a n / P I A -Gensan)

Kaso ng aksidente sa motorsiklo sa So. Cotabato tumataasKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Naalarma ang mga opisyal sa South Cotabato sa patuloy na tumataas na bilang ng mga aksidente sa daan kung saan sangkot ang motorsiklo.

Batay kasi sa datos na nakalap ng Integrated Provincial Health Office sa 256 na kaso ng aksi-

dente ng daan sa South Cotabato at mga kara-tig na lugar mula En-ero hanggang Marso ni-

tong taon, 211 ang may sangkot na motorsiklo at 22 ang sangkot ang tricycle.


Inihayag pa ni provincial health officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., umabot sa 414 ang naging biktima, kabilang ang namatay at malubhang nasugutan; 218 sa kanila ang drayber, 109 ang pasahero at 87 ay mga bystander. Isang daan at tatlo sa kabuuang bilang ng mga aksidente sa lansangan, ayon sa datos, ay nangyari sa lungsod ng Koronadal. Ayon kay Dr. Aturdido, kalimitang dahilan ng mga aksidente sa daan ay ang walang ingat na pagmamaneho, sobrang bilis ng pagpapatakbo

ng sasakyan, paggamit ng cellphone habang nagmamaneho at pagmamaneho ng lasing o lango sa droga. Karamihan sa mga naaksidente ay mga kabataan, dagdag pa ni Aturdido. Paliwanag ni Aturdido, ginawa nila ang pagkalap ng impormasyon upang makita ang tunay sa sitwasyon hinggil sa mga aksidente sa lansangan, makatulong sa pamahalaan sa pagbuo ng mga polisiya patungkol dito at mahikayat ang mga otoridad na mas paigtingin pa ang

pagpapatupad ng mga batas trapiko. Aniya, makikipag-ugnayan sila sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na may taya sa naturang usapin. Nakipag-ugnayan na rin sila sa Regional Development Council na may kasalukuyang ipinapatupad na mga seminar sa kabataan hinggil sa tama at ligtas na pagmamaneho.Ang teen driving seminar ay regular na programa ng RDC na simulan nitong nakaraang taon. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Marawi marks 32nd anniversary as an Islamic City by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

A colourful and festive parade in the main thoroughfares

of the city was last April 15 to commemorate the 32nd anniversary when the Marawi was declared as an Islamic City.


Formerly named “Dansalan,” the city was given a charter in 1940 pursuant to Commonwealth Act No. 592. It was renamed to “Marawi” in 1956 through a congressional amendment sponsored by then Senator Domocao Alonto. On April 15, 1980, it was declared an “Islamic City” through City Council Resolution No. 19-A, giving credence and recognition that 92 percent of its population are Muslims. Anchored on the theme “Strengthening Islamic Faith: Key to Progress and Development,” a simple

program was also conducted at the city hall grounds where City Mayor Fahad Salic expressed appreciation to his constituents for their


support to the city government. Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., regional secretary of the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM), and the representative of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, urged the people of the city to join hands and show to the world that Islam is for peace, reform, truth, charity, and progress. He also appealed to them to support the reforms currently being initiated in the region stressing that these reforms are for the sake of the Muslim people who have always been victims of many atrocities and abuses from all sectors. “President Benigno S. Aquino III wanted to change ARMM, for good, and he cannot do that without our support and cooperation,” he said. “In the name of Islam, let us prove that we are one with them,” he added.

During the program, the DOH-ARMM Secretary also disclosed that the DOH central office has approved the health facility enhancement project of the city. “The project which includes the construction of a city hospital is worth P44 million,” he further disclosed.


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Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), a homegrown university of this city today launched the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) at the university’s

main building.

University in Butuan launches its Environmental Governance Instituteby Robert E. Roperos


Rev. Fr. John Christian U. Young, FSUU President said the IEG is aimed to empower institutions and communities for environmental protection and conservation in the region. Fr. Young also said the establishment of the IEG was made possible through the partnership of

the university with Tanggol Kalikasan (Defense of Nature), a public interest environmental law office, a non-stock, non-profit and non-governmental organization doing public interest lawyering in the Philippines. It has operated as an environmental law office for 17 years. Tanggol Kalikasan works with national and international partners and networks and has its main

office in Quezon City. It also maintains fully-staffed area offices in Alaminos City, Pangasinan (Northern Luzon Office) and Lucena City (Southern Luzon Office) and field offices in Lipa City and Baao, Camarines Sur. The university’s top official further stressed that over the years, FSUU manifested itself as a consistent advocate for, and active supporter to environmental protection and natural resources conservation initiatives and programs in the region. Beyond the university’s involvement in advocacies like saving the Taguibo Watershed and on the impacts of mining to the environment, the institution feels its needs and can do more to further the cause of sustainable environmental development.


According to Teofila Rosales, Supervising Labor Employment Officer (LEO) and Field Office Head in Surigao del Sur, these include the Pre-Employment Seminar for Local Applicant (PESLA) on April 10 to 30, Pre-Overseas Employment Seminar (PEOS), and the

Pre-Registration and Press Conference on April 23. Meanwhile, Rosales said that billed on Labor Day are mass offering, motorcade and jobs fest, which aim to facilitate about 4,000 job seekers. Also, among the highlights during the affair are the conduct of career coaching dramatology,

MOA signing between the Dept. of Education (DepEd) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on registration of graduates for Philjob.net, Bowling fest, and Market Encounter as well as the launching of Caraga’s Empowering Small & Micro Enterprises.

Activities for labor day in Caraga region set

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur-- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Regional Director Ofelia Domingo has already released the activities for the May 1 Labor Day celebration in Caraga Region.

by Greg Tataro, Jr.


The Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) is P7,000,000 which will go to development projects designed to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targets, Poverty Alleviation Framework, and the Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation. The Performance Challenge Fund is an award given to local government units which are performing well in

various components of local governance. The provincial government under the administration of Gov. Sol Matugas is working towards excellence in local governance. The programs and projects to achieve development goals and objectives are well-placed. The local special bodies are revitalized and more vibrant. The convergence approach

is successfully implemented to maximize the use of resources and to achieve participatory and transparent governance. In this connection, Surigao del Norte is embarking on O r g a n i z a t i o n a l Diagnosis study to improve the current government operations to make it more efficient, effective, transparent, and relevant.

Surigao Norte bags award for good governance by Maryjul E. Escalante

SURIGAO DEL NORTE -- Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas is happy to announce that Surigao del Norte is a recipient of an Incentive Fund from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for passing the 2011 Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) Round 2 Assessment.

Governor Sol F. Matugas


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Eleven scholars of the “Programang Agraryo Iskolar” of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have graduated from their college degrees for school year 2011-2012 at

the different campuses of the Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) in Zamboanga del Norte recently. Of the 11 graduates, six (6) come from JRMSU-Katipunan Campus, four (4) from JRMSU Tampilisan

Campus, and one (1) from JRMSU Dipolog City- Campus. Jobert Lopina, who is a native

DAR-Programang Agraryo Iskolar produces 11 graduates for SY2011-2012


of Godod, Zamboanga del Norte graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business Management degree at the JRMSU-Katipunan Campus.The other graduates also received different extra-curricular awards during their recognition day. The Programang Agraryo Skolar, which was institutionalized by DAR was formerly the President Diosdado Macapagal Agrarian Reform Program (PDMARP). The program is an innovative human resource development activity of the Department in support to the implementation of the beneficiary development program of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with Extension and Reform (CARPER). The scholarship program, which is now on its 7th year of implementation is open to all qualified dependents of ARBs residing in all municipalities of the province where the CARPER is being implemented.

Qualified dependents are children and grandchildren of the ARBs and wards of ARBs who are the legal guardians of the applicants. However, only one member of an ARB will be qualified to become a grantee of the scholarship program. It provides a 2-4 year scholarship


DPWH 9 joins forces with PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and MGB on disaster preparednessPagadian City - In an effort to provide assistance and continuously upgrade programs and skills for public service, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) IX has recently conducted an Orientation Program on Inter-Agency Relations on Disaster Preparedness primarily aimed to enhance, inform and enlighten its Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team members from different field offices.

The program, facilitated by the DPWH IX Administrative Division’s training staff was attended by 68 participants coming from the regional and district engineering offices who learned how to handle and respond

to unexpected and unforeseen events that adversely affect people and resources. They were also taught how to develop and implement mitigation plans to minimize the loss of lives and properties when these

to poor but deserving dependents of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who cannot afford to send their children to college for financial reason. In this respect, the program has dovetailed one major item to bring the benefit of education to as many poor families in the entire country. The scholarship benefits include tuition and miscellaneous fees in an amount not exceeding P1,500.00 per semester. A stipend of P1,000.00 for every month that he/she is in actual school attendance in the first and second semester of the school year. The program also provide an allowance of P500.00 per semester for books, school supplies and materials. As a major adjunct activity

lending support to the agrarian reform beneficiary development program of CARPER, the scholarship program encourages the scholarship grantees to take up agriculture-related courses in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to be able to make positive contribution to the modernization of agriculture in the rural countryside, in providing continuity in the pursuit of technology-laden agriculture and sustainability of the lands awarded to the farmer beneficiaries under CARP. As of 2012, there are still nine (9) undergraduate scholars of the DAR-Programang Agraryo Iskolar enrolled in the different JRMSU campuses in Zamboanga del Norte. (AVN-DAR/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)


calamities occur. DPWH invited resource speakers from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA), Philippine Institute on Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), and the Mines & Geosciences Bureau (MGB) who shared relevant information and expertise in relation to disaster preparedness. DPWH Region IX Assistant Regional Director Nenita Robles emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness due to the looming natural calamities and climate change that is being experienced by the country. “It is important that we, as government institution, take our part in knowing our duties and responsibilities to the general public with regards to disaster preparedness”, ARD Robles added. Chief Meteorologist Maribel

Hasanah Enriquez explained how weather and climate affect the lives of every individual and community in Region IX. She mentioned the importance of information dissemination in order to make the public and concerned institutions aware and prepare them in times of disasters and calamities. Ph i vo l c s -Zamboanga Officer-in-Charge Allan Rommel Labayog shared some significant knowledge on the nature of earthquakes and tsunamis posing danger and threats to the region. Since earthquakes cannot

be predicted by any means, he challenged the DPWH engineers to construct quality infrastructure to endure such calamities. Meanwhile, MGB OIC-Geosciences Division Vheina Marie Quintana and Senior Geologist Mustansir Manjoorsa explained thoroughly the relevant topographical nature of Zamboanga Peninsula such as landslide prone areas; soil & rock composition of different cities and municipalities including barangays; and other geological factors which are found to be very essential in going about existing and future projects of the DPWH. The DPWH IX extended gratitude to the resource speakers who eagerly collaborated in the advocacy of nation-building and enhancing public service in keeping up with timely events and need for quick response. (DPWH-IX/PIA9/CAL)


The three-day summit set on April 20-22 at the NCCC Mall, Davao City is in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Dept. of Agrarian Reform, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the City of Davao. Participants coming from all over the Mindanao region are expected to come and attend the environment summit which will highlight organic farming, reforestation, forestry, solid waste management, and biological-control methods for agri-pests. Ibno Turabin of EarthSoul Solutions during the recent presscon held at the DA conference room, this city said, “the summit has a big surprise for the participants,” refusing to comment further as accordingly, it will spoil the surprise. With the theme, “Nurturing Mother Earth thru Grass-root environmental protection and organic agriculture,” the summit will highlight the following: environmental issues and need for determined action; government response to climate change; environmental protection and organic agriculture; best practices of Mindanao local

government units, NGAs, private sectors and individuals. “Participants will have the chance to listen to experts on climate change and other environmental issues and organic agriculture,” Turabin explained. “The participants themselves will also formulate our Mindanao Environment Protocol to guide actions of government, business and communities on the protection of the environment,” he shared. During the duration of the summit, an organic trade fair will also be held which will showcase produce or products of organic farming. “Participants will also be entertained with a green concert where songs relating to environment will be showcased,” he said. “There will also be an on-the-spot painting contest for elementary and high school students,” Turabin informed. “We will also give awards for outstanding performance on environmental protection and organic agriculture by LGUs and individuals,” he further informed. EarthSoul Solutions is a Mindanao-based environmental advocacy non-government organization. (JPA/PIA 9, ZBST)

1st Mindanaonon Environment Summit setBy Jocelyn P. AlvarezZAMBOANGA CITY - With the intention of building strong collaboration among government agencies, private sectors, and non government organizations (NGOs), and promote the protection of the environment, EarthSoul Solutions, Inc. is set to conduct the first “Mindanaonon Environment Summit” this month.


DRRMC 10 crafts consolidated report on Sendong disasterby Jorie C. Valcorza

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation

Council-10 will come out with a post disaster needs assessment-damage loss assessment (PDNA-DALA) report in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sendong which hit the country last year.

The report will contain information on the impact of the disaster on people, infrastructure, value of the damages and losses, and long-term recovery needs and priorities. PDNA is a government-led exercise which seeks to harmonize and centralize information to come up with a single, consolidated disaster report.

It is the first in the country and will serve as a model for other

regions. Needs identified in the PDNA that goes beyond the national capacity may be used as an evidence base for the mobilization of more international resources in support to recovery. RDRRMC 10 Chairperson and Office of the Civil Defense 10 (OCD 10) Director Ana Cañeda


LTO-X collects P459.52-M in revenue in 2011by Rutchie C. Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - A total revenue of P459.52 million was collected by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Region 10 last year, higher by 15.94 percent compared to P396.35 million in 2010.

Data at LTO-10 also show an increase in the number of licenses and transactions handled, from 213,938 to 222,121, or 3.87 percent and licenses and permits issued, from 153,169 to 162,854, or 6.32 percent. Registration transactions handled also increased from 261,874 to 287,547, or 9.80 percent, while the number of apprehensions on erring motorists increased from 15,233 to 21,144 or 38.80 percent. Meanwhile, Atty. Esteban M. Baltazar, Regional Director of LTO-X said a total of 219,962 motor vehicles (MV) were registered in 2011, higher by 12.14 percent compared to 196,155 MVs in 2010. Of this figure, 40,527 MVs had new registrations while those of

179,435 others were merely renewals. Compared to the data in 2010, registration of new MVs in 2011 increased from 37,785 to 40,527 or 7.26 percent while renewals also increased, from 158,370 to 179,435 or 13.30 percent. The MVs for “private” use with new registrations also increased from 37,266 to 40,171 or 7.80 percent and renewals, from 136,541 to 157,515 , or 15.36 percent.

said that the Sendong PDNA is on its final phase and will hopefully be ready in few days. The sectoral summary tables and findings were presented to the

members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council 10, Monday, April 16, during a workshop for correction, prioritization, and finally for approval.


DOST introduces ceramics water filter at resettlement sitesby Zendelyn Navarro/Tess Superioridad Baluyos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The ceramics water filter is being introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as part of its assistance to tropical storm Sendong survivors. A demonstration/field testing was recently conducted at Calaanan Tent City and Lumbia Resettlement Area, Cagayan de Oro City. The demonstration was headed by DOST-10 assistant director Jacinto Taran, Sr. and facilitated by Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) Representatives Josefina Celorico and Edmar Casa.

The technology applies a water purification system (WPS) by using ceramic filters developed by the ITDI, an agency of the DOST. The system was first tested in Muntinlupa City last year in collaboration with the National Housing Authority and was found to be effective in preventing water-borne diseases brought by the micro-organism E.coli bacteria that causes diarrhea. The ceramic water filter is primarily developed for the people in remote areas that have problems with safe drinking water. One unit of the ceramic water filter costs P400 and lasts for about three years, which is therefore affordable for the target consumers. “It is also an easy-to-use water filter shaped like a pot and placed at the top of a water container. It is made of red clay which is covered

with nano-colloidal silver which acts as the anti-microbial agent that helps prevent water-borne diseases,” said DOST-10 regional director Alfonso Alamban. Several clay samples from the region were tested and one in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro city has been found to be appropriate for the production of the clay water filters. Interested individuals and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to adopt the technology and to mass-produce the clay water filters, Alamban stressed. “The purpose of this demonstration is to provide a safe source of drinking water to the victims of Sendong. Since there are problems in water sources, and some have high contamination, providing this type of cheap filtration system, therefore, is a big help to them,” said ARD Taran. (DOST)

One Mindanao - April 18, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 18, 2012