One Mindanao - April 2, 2014

Philippine Coast Guard South-eastern Mindanao District, upgrading its capability in responding to disasters and law enforcementJoey Sem G. DalumpinesSOUTHERN MINDANAO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 153

President Aquino cites extraordinary women of the police force

NATIONAL

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SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

ARMM

CARAGA REGION

Davao’s Spanish legacy exhibit slated in Davao Museum

BCWD now 40 years of service, continues to hold community activities

TESDA-Caraga inks partnership with Butuan City LGU for skills development training of 4Ps beneficiaries

DOLE-10 announces short-term wage employment, internship projects implementation

Full localization of Magna Carta on Women pushed

Lanao del Sur celebrates signing of comprehensive peace agreement

MisOr public schools receive IT equipment from NGCP

LGU-Tacurong pushes for zero TB deaths

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35Robert E. Roperos

Information to Empower Filipinos

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WESTERN MINDANAO

Rubber farmers told to invest in modern technology

Zambo City supports “Earth Hour”

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Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Mildred E. Dablio

Catherine T. Apelacio

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

NGCP

Danilo E. Doguiles

RG Alama

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Philippine Coast Guard South-eastern Mindanao District, upgrading its capability in responding to

disasters and law enforcement

The Philippine Coast Guard South-eastern Mindanao

District enhanced its disaster response and law enforcement capabilities with the deployment of 20 speedboats in its area of responsibility from the waters of Surigao del Sur to the seas of Sarangani and Yllana Bay.

The speedboats are powered by four-stroke-40-horse-power-outboard-motor-engine and are designed to be deployed only at

sea. Commodore George Ursabia, Jr., commander of the Philippine Coast Guard in the South-eastern Mindanao District said the speedboats will be used primarily in search and rescue, law-enforcement and oil-spill control functions. He said the six-meter- aluminum speed boats were initially acquired from the Department of Transportation and Communication for deployment in Davao Region,

By Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

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three in Davao Oriental, two in Balut, Island, Davao del Sur, three in Surigao del Sur while the rest will be deployed in Sarangani Province and General Santos City. Ursabia said the new floating assets are part of the PCG’s effort to improve its response capability. “More equipment will be coming to upgrade the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard,” he said. Ursabia assured that the new equipment is durable and not prone to corrosion. He said every boat is manned by three personnel and can carry

up to nine to 10 drowning victims during search and rescue operation. Ursabia admitted that the boats cannot be used in running after smugglers and terrorist group like the Abu Sayyaf since their boats use

high-powered engines. He assured that the government is acquiring more sea crafts for the sole purpose of running after and interdiction of smugglers and terror groups. Retired Brig. General Loreto Rirao, director of the Office of Civil Defense 11 approved the deployment of the new equipment calling it a new boost to the upgrading the capability of responders on water-based disasters. He said the new equipment is very relevant given that many communities in the Davao Region are along the sea. “We congratulate the Coast Guard for acquiring the new speed boats,” Rirao said.

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No need for UN peacekeepers in West Philippine Sea, Palace says

Malacanang said Tuesday there is no need to call on the United Nations (UN) to intervene in the ongoing

maritime territorial dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.

Across the Nation

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said it is unlikely that UN Peacekeepers will be sent to the West Philippine Sea, even with the recent incident near the disputed Ayungin Shoal.

“Titingnan natin. Tinitimbang naman natin ang sitwasyon. Pero pansinin naman natin na sa larangang ‘yan nagkakaroon

lang ng ganyang sitwasyon kapag ito ay isang bagay na inilahad na mismo sa United Nations General Assembly, saka lang nagte-take action ang UN. Sa ngayon naman ay hindi naman humahantong sa ganyang antas ‘yung conflict na pinag-uusapan natin,” said Coloma.

He also dismissed reports that the

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No need for UN peacekeepers in West Philippine Sea, Palace says

Across the Nation

In an impromptu speech delivered at the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan on Tuesday, President Aquino cited the exceptional professionalism displayed by Police Inspector Marjorie Manuta, who was presented a Medal of Merit.

Manuta, who serves as City Operations Officer of the Tacloban City Police Office, was one of 20 police officers who immediately showed up to help rescue civilians in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda.”

She walked five to six kilometers from home to reach their police station and ensured it was functioning to assist people who were reporting missing relatives. This she did, despite the devastation suffered by her own family.

“‘Nung dumating po tayo sa Tacloban, siya ang isa sa unang nag-briefing sa atin, kung saan, number one, alam niya kung ano ang sinasabi niya; number two, talaga namang ‘yung dedication, five to six kilometers nilakad dahil kailangan ng mga alagad ng batas, lalo na sa panahon

Chinese Foreign Minister has accused the Philippines of bringing media people to the Ayungin Shoal to create some media hype.

“I don’t think we have hype or have given excessive coverage to this matter. All we did was to provide an opportunity for some members of (the) media to see firsthand the situation.… And they have reported it as they have seen it,” said Coloma.

Coloma downplayed speculations that China is being aggressive as there is an

ongoing Visiting Forces Agreement between the United States and the Philippines.

“It is up for other countries to interpret the actions that we take, and the actions that we take are dictated by our own national interest and not in response to what other countries want to see or want to happen,” he said.

Other than the Ayungin Shoal, Manila and Beijing are quarreling over the Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Group of Islands. PND

President Aquino cites extraordinary women of the police force

The National Women’s Month may be over but President Benigno S. Aquino III is apparently not yet done honoring

the descendants of Eve as he commended the extraordinary women of the male-dominated police force.

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na nagkakaroon ng looting doon sa Tacloban?” President Aquino said.

He noted that out of PNP-Tacloban’s 290 officers, only 20 showed up at the police station.

“And this lady, at the risk to herself, at the risk of parang leaving her family unattended, performed her duty, which we are now acknowledging,” he said.

President Aquino also lauded the bravery shown by four policewomen who traded bullets with robbers who broke into a jewelry store inside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City last Sunday.

“They did not think twice about it … takbo kaya tayo dito o hintayin na nating tumigil ‘yung kaguluhan diyan bago lumapit? Lumapit, pinagtanggol ang ating mamamayan,” the President said, adding that the public should look up to them as role models.

“Ang ating mamamayan ‘pag tiningnan ang kapulisan sana ganoon ang makikita, parating role model. ‘Pag merong police diyan, sigurado tayong panatag ang kalooban natin,” he said. PND (hdc)

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Improve literacy, linkages in Bangsamoro to contribute in economic growth -- ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has urged the government to improve education and enhance linkages in the Bangsamoro in order

to unleash the area’s potential to contribute in the economic growth of the country.

ADB Country Specialist Joven Balbosa said in a briefing Tuesday that the Bangsamoro area can share

further to the contribution of Mindanao in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) after the signing of


the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro took place last week.

He mentioned that other parts of Mindanao like General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao region, among others, have been contributing to economic activities of the country.

”Unleashing that growth potential requires time and so you will have to know what the resources Bangsamoro has,” told Balbosa.

He mentioned the strategic location of Bangsamoro as a gateway to ASEAN countries particularly in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and Malaysia wherein the government shall develop linkages to these areas.

Investments in ports and quality roads will be the key infrastructures to enhance connectivity and beef up trade activities in the Bangsamoro, added Balbosa.

Moreover, the ADB economist stressed that the government shall bridge the literacy gap in the Muslim region.

Data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows that from the year 2000 to 2008, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or the Bangsamoro area has the lowest literacy rate among the 17 regions of the country.

ARMM had 81.5 percent literacy rate in 2008, from 2003’s literacy rate of 70.2 percent, and from 2000’s rate of 68.7 percent.

”On adult literacy, it’s really bridging the gap among about 300,000 illiterates in the area and linking them to productive livelihood training and job matching across the country,” Balbosa further cited on how the Bangsamoro can unleash its economic potentials.

Meanwhile, ADB Philippine Country Office Director Richard Bolt noted that the final signing of peace deal can attract investments in the Bangsamoro as investors appreciate the stability of an area where their investments are put in.

The ADB officials cited key investments that will strengthen the economic growth in Bangsamoro. These are in sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, and agri-products processing. (PNA)


PDEA warns against cocaine use, reward for informers stands

DAVAO CITY- (PIA) An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Davao Region warned residents on the use of cocaine.

Emerson Rosales, director of the PDEA- XI issued the warning after 11 bricks concealed in the ceiling in a container van in a private banana yard in Tibungco last March 22 remain accounted for. He said cocaine which is taken from a coca bush plant that grows in South America, is usually taken in form powder through oral intake; injection or sniffing and takes effect from a few minutes to a couple of hours depending on the manner it is taken. Rosales attributed the death of movie stars like

Whitney Houston, and Chris Farley to cocaine use. “As cocaine interferes with the

by Joey Dalumpines


way the brain process chemicals, one needs more and more drugs just to feel normal. People who became addicted to cocaine lose interest in other areas of life,” he said. Rosales stressed wrong dose of cocaine can cause overdose. He said that the strength or purity of the cocaine increases the risk of overdose. “It can lead to coma and death. Using this kind of drugs can also cause psychosis, paranoid delusions, hallucination, aggressiveness and can drive the user to commit suicide,” Rosales said. He urged those in possession of the remaining bricks to surrender the items to the PDEA or the nearest police station. He said possession even of more than ten grams of cocaine carries a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500, 000 to P10-Million. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said during the initial investigation by the PDEA and the police the ceiling of the container van where the cocaine bricks were recovered had a total 64 slots. He said investigators initially recovered 24 bricks while 40 bricks were unaccounted for. Duterte said this development prompted him to order the police

to close the wharf and not to allow anyone to leave until he talked to all workers. He recalled telling the workers to return the items classified as contraband since it can hurt, kill or put the holder behind bars. Duterte considered that the workers were clueless of the content of the bricks and took the items out of curiosity. “I do not really believe that they know the content of the bricks which fell from the ceiling of the container van,” Duterte said. He said that right there and then, 21 bricks more were returned. Duterte said in the span of 72 hours, seven more bricks were surrendered. He stressed that at that time, he ordered the police not to file cases against those who surrendered the bricks. Duterte however offered a reward at P100,000 for the workers who can squeal to authorities about companions who hide the bricks. “Course your information through your barangay captains or to a priest,” he said. Duterte warned that charges now await those who are in possession of the contraband. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DAVAO CITY- An exhibit highlight-ing the Spanish legacy in Davao Region will open this April 3 at the Davao Museum of History and Eth-nography. Guesting at the Art Talk Media Forum held today (April 1) at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Angely Chi, the exhibit co-writer and researcher said that exhibit will present artifacts and photos from the Spanish colonial rule in the region. The exhibit is entitled Recuerdas: Celebrating Spanish Legacy in Davao and is touted as the first Spanish heritage exhibit in Davao. Spain Honorary Consul in Davao Francisco Lon lent his services translating several Spanish passages

in the exhibit. According to Chi, there will be 10 to 12 artifacts that will be exhibited among these include Santos (sculptures of saints), Spanish lantakas, antique fashion pieces, photographs and paintings. Most of the memorabilia came from the Museum itself, while some came from antique collectors and others came from

Spanish families in the region. The exhibit will also tackle the relationship of the Spanish colonial government with the Moro sultanates that governed Davao Region, life in the settlements and the last years of the empire in the region. Spain belatedly colonized the region in the mid 19th-Century when it established Christian settlements in the area. Thus the area unlike places in Luzon and Visayas is devoid of Spanish forts, churches and colonial-era houses. The museum exhibit, which will run indefinitely, is hoped to bring to awareness to the region’s obscure Spanish heritage. (PIA/RG Alama)

Davao’s Spanish legacy exhibit slated in Davao Museum


2014 Women’s Month celebration culminates, women empowerment continuesBy Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY - Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) chairperson and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) regional director Marylin Pintor emphasized in her message during the culminating activity of Women’s Month held in this city on Friday that though the monthlong celebration has concluded, the gender and development advocacy is an all-time championing of women empowerment.


“Let’s continue to encourage strong and resilient ‘Juanas’ to bring inspiring changes here in the country and across the globe,” bared Pintor.

The culmination started with a ‘hataw’ activity participated in by government employees and other stakeholders who got settled into a comfortable pace of grooving and physical exercises.

Various agencies on lead also joined in different friendly games such as volleyball for men and women, kadang-kadang, tumbang preso, patintero, luksong tinik, and sack race.

Caraga GADCC also conducted a raffle draw, videoke singing contest, pinoy henyo, eating contest, needle

threading contest for participants aged 40 and up and more exciting activities that filled the event with much fun.

Meanwhile, winners of the 2014 Non-Traditional Skills for Women were awarded as well. Gold, silver and bronze medalists received P1,500; P1,000; and P500, respectively from Caraga Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) while RDC-GADCC gave additional P500 each.

In time also with the culmination is the launching of the 1st GADCC Open Photo Competition which deadline of registration and submission of entries is on May 2, 2014.


During the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held recently at the city hall lobby here, the city government ably represented by City Councilors Ferdinand Nalcot, Atty. Rema Burdeos and Cong. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun of the first Congressional District of Butuan City and Las Nieves signified support together with TESDA-Caraga regional director Dr. Florencio F. Sunico, Jr.

In his speech, Sunico said the initiatives of the city government is an opportunity for the national government agencies to jumpstart a convergence towards the attainment of the national government’s objective to alleviate poverty in the country.

The official recalled that a month before, the national government has gathered some 10 government agencies that are involved in poverty

TESDA-Caraga inks partnership with Butuan City LGU for skills development training of 4Ps beneficiaries By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga has signified its partnership with the city government here for the socio-economic bundling program specifically skills development component intended for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).


BCWD now 40 years of service, continues to hold community activities BUTUAN CITY-- On its 40th anniversary celebration, the Butuan City Water District (BCWD) has lined-up several activities for its concessionaires from March 22 to April 5, 2014.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

To jumpstart the celebration, a motorcade will be conducted on Tuesday, April 1, 8:00 a.m. and assembly area will be at the Libertad

Sports Complex, this city.Also, a bloodletting activity will be

conducted on the same day at the BCWD Training Hall, in coordination

alleviation. During the gathering, these agencies were made to commit to come-up with a comprehensive anti-poverty measures especially in areas where there are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Sunico further said with all the scholarships that TESDA is offering, 4Ps beneficiaries are among those who were given the priority to enjoy such program to ensure that they will be trained and prepare them for job and livelihood opportunities in the future.

Though the region is not anymore included in the poorest of the regions in the country based on the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) because of its economic growth, the official said there are still Caraganons who belong to the marginalized sector. “Thus, there is a need for us in the government sector to continue and sustain developing the human resources of

the country,” Sunico said.Basing on the MOU, TESDA is

enjoined to commonly pursue the increase in employment opportunities for the unemployed 4Ps beneficiaries in the locality by training the people to be skilled workers for free in preparation for the agency’s quest to find decent jobs both here and abroad.

This objective is the agency’s support to the Human Development Cluster as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan of the present administration.

Specifically, TESDA-Caraga shall offer Skills Development Courses for free to qualified 4Ps beneficiaries of the city. The agency should also support the city government in building its TESDA Training Beneficiaries’ Profile, as well as to work in close coordination with the city government to institute smooth and in-track project implementation.


with the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC). It will start from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Those concessionaires who are interested to donate their blood for a cause can go to the training hall and we will be glad to accommodate them. The first 40 donors will receive t-shirts,” said Anselmo Sang Tian, BCWD General Manager.

Sang Tian added that aside from the bloodletting, BCWD will also be rewarding its 40th anniversary t-shirt

for the first 40 concessionaires who will pay their water bill on April 1.

Also, last activity scheduled for the anniversary as a way of sharing its blessings to the community is the distribution of grocery items to paying concessionaires on April 2 and 4, 2014 or until supplies last.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “BCWD: 40 Years of Addressing the Challenges in Providing Potable and Safe Water.”

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


Aguada women join ‘pulung-pulong sa barangay’ By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The women’s group of Aguada Barangay in this city gathered on Thursday (March 27) for the women’s forum in the community.


Some fifty women, mostly fulltime housewives and mothers participated in the forum that tackles their basic rights and protection. January Zanoria of the Inter-Faith Council of Leaders in Basilan, also an advocate for women’s rights expounded on this year’s Women’s Month theme “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.” She urged the women to recognize and rediscover themselves as this will open more opportunities and improve their lives, especially for women with disabilities and those in difficult situations. She also led the participants to understand some terms used in gender and development and other topics related to gender matters. She said that societies with greater gender equality experience faster economic growth, greater productivity and improved food security. “When women are better educated, fertility decreases, income increases and production increases,” she pointed out. She also disclosed that the Philippines ranks 5th worldwide (1st in Asia) in gender equality, outranking the US. Meanwhile, Marcelina B. Arcaya of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Isabela City discussed the Magna Carta of Women, a law that stipulates the rights and protection of women. Moreover, Cely S. Cabang of DOLE explained the livelihood programs and opportunities offered by the office to the women. Through its Kabuhayan (livelihood) Starter Kits program, the women can venture into a particular home-based business/livelihood to help augment the family’s income.

Cabang urged the women to capacitate themselves with various skills to qualify for the program. She said that “certificates are not enough proof for their skills. DOLE has a way of validating if the applicants have indeed acquired the needed skills to qualify for the livelihood assistance.” Barangay Captain Jessie James N. Ibañez thanked the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Basilan for bringing the forum on women down to the community level. “The Barangay does not have much to cater for the needs of the organization like the women’s group in our Barangay. We are very thankful that there are government offices that extend support, especially to the women’s organization,” Ibañez said. The gathering was also an opportunity for the women to ventilate some of their issues concerns in the Barangay like the need for livelihood training assistance that they hope the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) can provide.


Rubber farmers told to invest in modern technology By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Platinum Rubber Development Corp. Chief Executive Officer Engr. Alfonso Jack Fran Sandique told rubber farmers in region 9 to invest on modern farming technology to ensure a better return of their investments. Speaking during the recent Investment Opportunity Seminar on Modern Rubber Production organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Engr. Sandique said he has seen personally that rubber growers in the region still use traditional technologies for production. “This led to the very low yield per hectare and very poor quality of rubber produced. This would definitely not pass in international standards,” Sandique stressed. He also pointed out that the use of antiquated technology is the main culprit why the country has the lowest output among ASEAN countries, contributing only 3% to the global natural rubber output. According to Sandique, farmers’ gross monthly income per hectare using traditional technology is only at a measly at P5,000 while using new technology is earning over four times. “Modern rubber farms can yield an average of P20,833 monthly income

per hectare or over four times,” he stressed. Engr. Sandique’s claim is not without a proof as he heads the country’s most modern rubber plantation based in Makilala, North Cotabato. Sandique said they are producing at least 2,000 kilograms of raw rubber per hectare annually, over two times than the country’s annual average of 800 kilograms. He said it’s all about proper soil preparation and the use of good planting materials. “The heart and soul of the industry lies at the nursery. That is why the choice of appropriate planting materials is of the highest priority. If you insist of using wildings and unbudded seedlings as it is customarily practiced, then it is better that you don’t plant at all,” Sandique said. One experiment that they have, according to Sandique, yields over 3,000 kilograms per hectare a year. He also recommends the use of heavy machineries for soil preparation.

Zambo City supports “Earth Hour”By Jocelyn P. AlvarezZAMBOANGA CITY - The city participated in the worldwide observance of “Earth Hour” held Saturday night where people from various walks of life came to show their concern and willingness to do their share in the fight against global warming.


City Caretaker and Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde led the multi-sectoral groups in the observance of Earth Hour 2014, at the Paseo del Mar ground simultaneous with the over 7,000 cities and provinces all over the world. City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias said “representatives from the local and national government agencies, the education sector, police, including religious groups, cooperatives and non-government organizations trooped to Paseo del Mar Saturday night to take part in the Earth Hour, locally known as “Ora de Planeta” to show commitment to the global campaign to reduce global warming impact. “ Vice Mayor Iturralde during the earth hour program called on everyone “to make a commitment to Mother Nature, one that will go beyond the 60 minutes of Earth Hour 2014. “

“As individuals, we can contribute in the global movement to fight for our future and our children’s future,” he stressed. He said Earth Hour is not just merely switching off lights but a sincere commitment to be aware and more conscious of the choices and decisions that people make. The Earth Hour activity was made meaningful when participants made a human formation of the “60+” logo as soon as the lights were shut off at 8:30p.m. Covarrubias informed that Earth Hour originated in Sydney Australia in 2007 and Zamboanga City started joining the advocacy in 2008. She said Earth Hour is a global event which is a call to action related to energy efficiency, conservation and to address climate change.


Booth display, outreach culminate women’s month observance in Camiguinby Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - Jam-packed activities concluded women’s month culmination program here on Thursday, March 28.


The event opened early with a civic parade joined by all municipalities and Kalipunan Ng Mga Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) members around the province and highlighted with the reading of the proposed modified Gender and Development (GAD) Code for the province to curb and eradicate gender-based violence. Women medical practitioners were also invited to give talk on health related issues, emphasizing the importance to submit for regular check up like pap smear and other tests that are provided free in the public hospital. A showcase of products produced by women’s group from different towns, cooking contest, pista sa nayon (food fest), and fun games entertain participants as they converge at the capitol compound for the whole day festivity.


DOLE-10 announces short-term wage employment, internship projects implementationby Mildred E. Dablio

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao announces the implementation of the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged” workers (TUPAD) and Government Internship Program (GIP) for 2014.

TUPAD is a program for the unemployed poor and workers displaced by the global financial crisis. It provides short-term wage employment as immediate source of income for the beneficiaries and their families. Eligible projects for the TUPAD include social community projects such as eco-tourism, repair, and/or improvement of common public facilities, debris clearing, de-clogging of canals, debris segregation and materials recovery, stockpiling, and clearing and basic repair of public infrastructure and community projects like schools and health centers, bridges, post-harvest facilities and public markets. It also includes agro-forestry community projects such as tree planting, seedling preparation. TUPAD projects are implemented nationwide in partnership with Local Government Units (LGU). The beneficiaries can access TUPAD through any DOLE Regional Office or nearest Provincial Field Offices, in coordination with the proponent Accredited Co-Partner (ACP)/ LGU, who shall undertake rapid

profiling of displaced workers from the informal sector, and establishments with displaced workers. The ACPs serve as the conduits of financial assistance and act as program partners particularly in building the capacities of the workers beneficiaries. They can be non–government organizations (NGOs), church-based organizations, peoples’ organizations (POs), academe, the local government units (LGUs) and other government organizations (GOs). Meanwhile, the DOLE-GIP is an improved and expanded version of the GIP under Executive Order No. 139, series of 1993. It is a three to six months internship agreement where beneficiaries, ages 18-25 years old, are to be compensated with a stipend/allowance equivalent to 75 percent of the current minimum wage of the region. DOLE will facilitate, through the LGU and school-based Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) and Network of Career Guidance Counselors and Advocates, the engagement of the interns in government agencies.


MisOr public schools receive IT equipment from NGCPby NGCP

CAGAYAN DE ORO - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) through its Computerization Program distributed set of 10 tablets, a laptop and a printer to two public schools, Lubilan Elementary School and Talacogon Elementary School on March 5 and 6 this year.

After bringing tablets, laptop computers, and printers to public schools in Luzon and Visayas, NGCP started distributing IT equipment in Mindanao. With a total of 519 students benefitting from the program, the initiative aims to modernize the teaching methods in public elementary schools which, in most cases, have not yet used computers in their computer classes. In a message during the turnover ceremony at Talacogon Elementary School, Principal Lorna M. Wahing said “Talacogon Elementary School is very lucky to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the Computerization Program. It is indeed a dream come true for the students who will soon experience actual hands-on learning of computer concepts.” The project was done in partnership with local electric cooperative Misamis Oriental-I Rural Electric Service Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO-I). Both NGCP and MORESCO-I chose the school beneficiaries which are located in

communities traversed by their transmission and distribution lines. After the turnover ceremonies, NGCP representatives talked to the students about transmission line safety to remind them of the dangers and hazards of living under and getting near their high-voltage facilities. They also gave away notebooks and activity books to the students as part of the project. Officials present in the turnover ceremonies were NGCP’s Head for Mindanao Operations and Maintenance – District 2 Engr. Avelino Q. Dawis, MORESCO-I Boards Director Joy Gil Mahinay and Zossimo A. Perez, Jr., and DepEd District Officer Nilda M. Mejos. For the first quarter of 2014, NGCP already spearheaded computer donations in eight provinces, namely Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Cavite, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental. NGCP is set to implement the computerization program in more provinces in the coming months.


MisOr public schools receive IT equipment from NGCP

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Some 181 athletes of SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region received their diplomas as graduates in a ceremony at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School organized for them by the Department of Education-12 Monday.

181 SOCCSKSARGEN athletes graduate in special commencement exercisesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


The group was comprised of 116 candidates for graduation in elementary and 65 in high school. They were part of the over 400 athletes from the four provinces and five city currently undergoing 40-day training in preparation for the 2014 Palarong Pambansa in Laguna on May 4 – 10.

DepEd 12 OIC Regional Director Allan Farnazo explained said the decision to hold a special commencement exercises for the athletes was in accordance with his earlier order for an intensive training of the students in a bid to improve the region’s standing in the national games.

In 2013 Palaro, SOCCSKSARGEN Region ranked 7th among all the regional contingents.

“Allowing athletes to return to their schools to attend graduation ceremonies would entail at least three days of delay on their training,” he said in an earlier interview. Those studying in remote barangays may be absent for much longer, he added.

Farnazo said, the special graduation for the athletes here came with several perks.

“It is very rare that division superintendents would attend graduations held in your school,” he said, “but for your graduation today all nine superintendents are present.”

Dr. Farnazo himself declared the candidates as graduates, handed their diplomas, and conferred their awards and recognition.

Graduates with honors were also

given medals and cash incentives of P3,000 for valedictorians, P2,000 for salutatorians, and P1,000 for those with honorable mention.

Among the graduates were 8 valedictorians, 2 salutatorians, and 19 with honorable mention.

Certificates, citations and recognitions such as Best in Math, Best in English, Most Loyal, Outstanding Boy Scout, Best Girl Scout and many others were also conferred to them at the activity.

Each graduates was also accorded special award as Regional Athlete of the Year.

After the ceremony, the graduates were treated to what the regional director described as a “sumptuous lunch” that they shared with their parents and visitors.

DepEd 12 also provided for the toga they wore for the commencement exercises.

In his message, Dr. Farnazo thanked the parents for their permission to allow their children to graduate here instead of insisting for DepEd to release them for a few days to attend graduation ceremonies with their classmates.

“I know, our decision to hold a separate graduation for your children is difficult for you,” he said. “Today I take my hats off to the parents who never exempted their children. I salute all of you because I know you also desire that your children would graduate with their batch mates in the schools where they have been studying.”

He also reminded the graduates to strive to succeed, which he said


GENERAL SANTOS CITY--- The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)-AECID based in Sarangani is pushing for the full implementation of the local-ization of RA 9710 otherwise known as the Magna Carta on Women (MCW) in the province.

is possible if they have a definite goal; knowledge, patience and determination to achieve that goal; and trust on self and God.

In line with the agency’s efforts to focus on their training, graduating athletes were not allowed to leave

training sessions with their respective coaches even to practice for the graduation ceremonies. Only public school teachers who served as ushers and marshals practiced for the activity. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Full localization of Magna Carta on Women pushedBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

Juvilyn Salazar, local area coordinator for Sarangani, PCW-AECID MCW Project said that they continue to advocate and push for the law to be mainstreamed in local government units (LGUs).

She said lots of relentless works are still needed for the law to be completely localized. The law was signed in August 2009 by the then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As the women’s month winds up, the PCW-AECID has conducted various orientations, and seminar-trainings in the different towns of Sarangani highlighting the MCW and the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2013-01 issued by PCW, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Budget and Management, and the National Economic and

Development Authority.The memorandum mandates

“all provincial governors, city/municipal mayors and punong barangays, members of the local Sanggunian, DILG Regional Directors (Local Government and Interior Sectors), ARMM governor, DILG-ARMM regional secretary and all others concerned” to implement the guidelines for the localization of MCW.

Salazar admitted that despite the efforts of the PCW and other frontline agencies, organizations and advocates to mainstream the law, not all are adopting the mechanisms that are warranted to fully implement the law and attain its objectives.

According to her, as a strategy to implement the law, LGUs shall pursue gender mainstreaming in


their respective localities such as the creation, reconstitution and/or strengthening of the LGU GAD Focal Point System (GFPS).

The GFPS is tasked “to ensure and sustain the LGU’s critical consciousness in supporting gender and development, women’s empowerment and responding to gender issues.”

“GFPS shall take a lead role in direction-setting, advocacy, planning, monitoring and evaluation, and technical advisory in mainstreaming GAD perspectives in the LGU programs, projects, activities, and processes,” Salazar told PIA-General Santos City explaining the salient feature of the joint circular.

As customary, the provincial government of Sarangani has in the long time let its municipalities to take the lead in the observance of women’s month; however they make sure to provide technical and financial assistance to LGUs in their respective celebrations.

For the city government of here, they have earlier celebrated the International Women’s Day on March 8 recognizing women’s power with awards and commendations especially those outstanding women who are doing traditional men’s job.

With GenSan’s first lady on the lead, Jane Gollon-Rivera, the city tourism council’s chair, has became herself the epitome of strength and

power in that celebration. In her speech, she addressed

the various issues pertaining to women’s empowerment and their roles that they should take on as equal members of the society.

She also condemned cases of women’s abuse, trafficking, and their stereotyping as weak and only second fiddle to men, encouraging them then to all the more take a strong stance against issues concerning women’s rights.

“As a woman, we have to do more. And there is nothing wrong with it. It is natural for us to do these, because together, we can do it,” Rivera articulated.

The one-day celebration was focused on “Inspiring Change” to bolster women’s advancement instilling positive change toward women’s equality and vigilance against domestic violence and abuses.

Among the activities also included free haircut services, family counselling and free health services such as diabetes screening, pap smear, and ultrasound.

As culmination activity on April 2, the city government thru the women’s federation members said that it has in store exciting games for women.

It is also expecting the arrival of Sen. Sonny Angara, who is a stalwart supporter of the various advocacies on women’s rights and empowerment.


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- In line with its efforts to achieve zero deaths due to tuberculosis, the local government of Tacurong City called on residents to help in advocating TB testing and treatment in the

LGU-Tacurong pushes for zero TB deathsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

locality.Through the Office for the City

Health Services (OCHS), the city LGU held a World TB Day Forum on March 28 where the officials advised participants to encourage suspected TB-infected individuals to avail of the free sputum exam at the city health center.

According to the World Health Organization TB is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs.

It is transmitted from person to person via droplets from the throat and lungs of people with the active respiratory disease.

In healthy people, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis often causes no symptoms, since the person’s immune system acts to “wall off” the bacteria.

The symptoms of active TB of

the lung are coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.

Tuberculosis is treatable with a six-month course of antibiotics.

Suspected patients in Tacurong City may go to the city’s TB-DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short Course) center which caters to child and adult patients with TB of all forms for free, whether they are PhilHealth members or not.

Once detected, TB patients must undergo treatment for two weeks to eliminate the possibility of infecting other people around them.

Right after detection, the patient will have to immediately proceed to the city’s TB-DOTS center for counseling and to get his/her medicines. From the second day to the sixth month, the patient must meet with the barangay health worker every day.

The MCW “is a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfilment and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging in the marginalized sectors of the society.”

It is a framework that conveys and accentuates the rights of women based directly on international law, said Salazar. (CT Apelacio, PIA-12 General Santos City/ With reports from Ian John Lagare, GenSan Information Office)


undergo a sputum exam at the city health center before the second month ends and before the fourth and fifth months end.

In 2013, Tacurong OCHS detected 138 TB cases, and cured 89 patients. Most patients cannot complete the free 6-month TB counseling and treatment.

“Most patients fail to meet with their rural health workers for their daily treatment, said OCSH nurse Lorelie Muyuela. “Some reasoned that they do not have money to pay for fare to go to the health centers, others said they are feeling the stigma of the diseases and still others said they do not have enough food.”

TB patients constantly feel hungry

especially if they are in high dosage medication.

“We hope to increase our TB cure rate this year by involving sectors in the community. We hope to encourage TB patients to complete their treatment to be cured,” said city health officer Dr. Giovanni Deles.

Tuberculosis remains the 6th cause of death and morbidity in the Philippines. Three out of ten Filipinos have tuberculosis. World TB Day was celebrated on March 24, 2014.

This year’s celebration revolved around the theme: “A TB Test, Treatment, and Cure for All.” (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City Information)


Thousand stakeholders express support to Bangsamoro peace agreementby:Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Thousands of Bangsamoro supporters including members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the two Lanao provinces converged Thursday, March 27, at Plaza Cabili in

Banggolo, Marawi city.


Carrying colorful placards and streamers with phrases like “Allah is Great!”, “Long live Bangsamoro!”, and “We support the peace agreement”, they expressed their all-out support to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement in the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the MILF in a thanksgiving prayer rally. Acmad Lao of the MILF Ranao Region Information Committee said they are thankful that the government and the MILF finally reached the signing of the CAB He also expressed optimism that peace and development will now take place in Mindanao with the signing of the peace agreement. Representatives from people’s organizations; civil society organizations; media, youth and women sector, including religious

leaders in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur were among those who participated in the rally. Traditional leaders and members of the 28 Ranao Royal Sultanate Legislative Assembly were also present. Sultan sa Marawi Abdul Hamidullah Atar said they are pleased and thankful of the outcomes of the peace negotiation through the signing of the CAB. He also appealed to lawmakers to support the crafting of the basic law based on the signed peace agreement in the name of peace, justice and reconciliation. Atar believes that genuine and lasting peace in the country will be achieved with the sincere support of all sectors of the society especially the Aquino administration.


Lanao del Sur celebrates signing of comprehensive peace agreementby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Employees of the provincial government of Lanao del Sur and national line agencies in the province joined the entire Bangsamoro people in the celebration for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The provincial government has set up a large TV screen inside the capitol grounds so that government

employees and other peace stakeholders in the province can witness, through live streaming, the historic signing of the CAB between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Thursday, March 27. While waiting for the ceremony in Malacanang to start, a

festivity dubbed “Kalilang sa Capitol” was held at the capitol grounds wherein cultural presentations were


performed by the Mindanao State University Sineng Pananadem. Representatives of the line agencies and Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council also expressed their pledges of support to the historic signing during the Kalilang program. After the CAB was signed, a symbolic send off of doves and balloons was also done by the various participants and spectators of the Kalilang.

One Mindanao - April 2, 2014

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