One Mindanao - April 24, 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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

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

MANTIGUE ISLAND NATURE PARKCamiguin’s restored paradise

Jorie C. ValcorzaNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, April 24, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 242

page 4

Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, Southern Mindanao

Aquino to formally launch K+12 Basic Education program in Malacañang Tuesday 8

Junior Chamber conducts medical-dental mission in Zamboanga town26

DavSur Guv sees serbisyo caravan as realization of PNOY’s line14

32 rescuers pass WASAR training30

Gensan hosts Google Map Maker Summit Mindanao16

FOB value of region 10’s exports in 2011 post 14.85 percent growth31

Kaligtasan sa kalsada, isinusulong ni Makilala Mayor Caogdan18New Infantry chief formally installed23

Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

Central Mindanao

Alex Cabardo, Caraga Region

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Vincent N. Labial, Northern Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

PSWDO extends P985,000 Assistance to Zanorteans in March 28Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Construction of two bigger water projects started24David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

7 10 12 15

21 2519 29

4 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Camiguin’s piece of paradise, once turned fishing village,

now offers back a fantastic island experience.

Cover Story

Camiguin’s restored paradiseMANTIGUE ISLAND NATURE PARK

The Mantigue Island Nature Park, gleaming with white beaches filled of powdery coral and surrounded by crystal clear water is more of an adventure than a sight-seeing experience- one of the best when in Camiguin. It lies only three kilometers (3km) off from barangay San Roque shore in the town of Mahinog. The 15-minute motor boat ride

gives an added thrill to the visitors and allows a great view

of the water

corals and surrounding seaweeds. Steaming array of dishes, welcomes guests who want to try the distinct richness and taste of freshly harvested sea foods. Aside from enjoying a great swim, guests may opt to take a walk around its dense tropical coast forest at the center of the nature park, filled with wild grasses, variety of trees and plants often used as shelter by migratory birds and turtles seeking refuge in the island. Mantigue is also known as

by Jorie C. Valcorza

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Magsaysay Island, expanding to about 4.4

hectares, the larger islet among the two, lying off the Coast of Camiguin Island. One part of its coast offers a pristine beach with soft white sand and shallow waters while on the opposite side is a deep drop-off suitable for diving and snorkeling. Along its underwater cracks, diving enthusiasts will be entertained by a wonderful view of sea anemones, stingrays, and variety of tropical fishes. If one gets lucky, you might come across sea turtles. They are now returning back along the island’s coast to nest and lay their eggs. Restored paradise it is, once a

turtle sanctuary teeming with very rich marine resource, but was

somehow threatened by the

increasing number of fishing families occupying the island. The emergence of the island as an eco-tourism destination is seen to bring beneficial effects on its environment. Having been long declared as forest land, the government carried out an aggressive action and policy direction to protect Mantigue. Families living in the island, mostly, related to each other where now moved to a decent relocation site lying near its town center, although, a few still resisted and remained in the island up to present. Camiguin has two islets, the other one is the C-shaped sand bar, known for its perfectly white sand and offers a picturesque view of Mt. Hibok-Hibok and Mt. Vulcan.

6 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

White Island is located two kilometers across from the beaches of Agohay ang Yumbing in Mambajao. It is also ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Unlike Mantigue Island, this one bears no trees or anything except its beautiful sand. Its shape also changes from time to time depending on the tide.


ACROSS THE NATION

The President made this call in his speech keynoting the 16th National Press forum and Annual

Membership Meeting of the Philippine Press Institute held on Monday at the Traders Hotel along Roxas

Boulevard in Pasay City.“Alalahanin po natin,

magkatambal ang ating mga tungkulin: Kami, bilang nasa

Aquino calls for fair and balanced reporting from media practitioners

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on media practitioners to internalize and advocate the practice

of fair and balanced reporting in their publications in order to achieve our “collective goals and dreams for our nation.

8 Tuesday, April 24, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Aquino formally launches K+12 Basic Education program in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III formally launched the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Kindergarten to Year 12 (K to 12) program in ceremonies to be held in Malacañang today.

gobyerno, at kayo, bilang tagapaghatid

ng katotohanan. Ang pagtupad sa tungkuling natutuhan na po nating hilingin sa gobyerno, ay siya rin sanang pagtupad sa tungkuling puwede nating asahan mula sa lahat— katapatan sa katotohanan, pantay na pagsusuri, at pagtutok sa kung ano ang makabubuti sa taumbayan,” the President said.

“Hindi ko naman po hinihiling na mag-imbento kayo ng kuwentong-kutsero upang pabanguhin

ang gobyerno. Pero kung babalansihin po natin, at iisipin na ang bawat salita ay nakakaapekto sa buhay ng kapwa natin Pilipino, tiyak ko po na mas madali nating maaabot ang kolektibo nating mithiin para sa bayan,” he stressed.

The Chief Executive said he believed that if all media practitioners, in their pursuit and honing of their craft, would adhere to the code of professionalism, integrity and credibility, the true sense of democracy would prevail amid the

jumble of dissenting voices and opinions.

“Sa inyong pagpupursigi na maabot ang pinakamataas na antas ng propesyunalismo, integridad, at kredibilidad sa larangan ng pamamahayag, naniniwala akong maiaangat ang uri ng ating demokrasya kung sa gitna ng nagtutunggaling boses at opinyon, may mahubog tayong isang Pilipinas na may mas matibay na lipunan, mas nagkakaisang tinig, at mas positibong sambayanan,” the President said. (RCK)


With its launch, the enhanced K+12 Basic

Education program will be implemented in all public elementary and secondary schools nationwide starting school year 2012-2013 when classes open this June.

The central feature of the K+12 Program is the upgrading of the basic education curriculum to ensure that learners acquire the relevant knowledge and skills they will need to become productive members of society. It seeks to introduce relevant skills development courses and special interest subjects that will suit the personality, strengths and career direction of each learner.

Education Secretary Brother Armin A. Luistro FSC said the event is another step towards achieving the President’s ten-point basic education reform agenda he laid out when he assumed his presidency.

Luistro said the formal launch is a milestone in the commitment of the government to upgrade the basic education in the country and offer better employment opportunities

for the graduates of the education reform program.

In designing the new curriculum, the K+12 Task Force considered not just local experiences and best practices but also insights from Southeast Asian neigbors. “What we have is a curriculum proudly made for Filipinos by Filipinos, and one that would enable any Filipino to compete with the best of the world,” Luistro explained.

“While we are proud of the work we have done with the curriculum, this is by no means a perfect document,” Luistro said. “We will closely monitor its implementation, and funnel learning and insights to the development and roll-out of the succeeding grade

levels. The new basic education curriculum and the broader K+12 Program should only get better with time.”

Related to this, DepEd is also retooling its teachers to give them the necessary preparation for the successful implementation of the new curriculum. “Summer training program for Grades 1 and 7 teachers began last week and will commence nationwide in May to cover more than 140,000 teachers in the public school system,” Luistro said.

He added that DepEd is also working with various private school associations to broaden the reach of the training program and serve their teachers too. (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 911 sees bike-riding Quick Response Teamby Rudolph Alama

The Davao Central 911 Com-munication and Emergency

Response Center is building up an elite unit of bike-borne emergency responders. “Its main purpose is conduct initial assessment on the field.” Says Nelson Vallejo of the Central 911. The Quick Response Team will be riding on motorcycles and are equipped with jump-kits which can be used for emergency medical situations. If the situation is severe the responders can

call in on the ambulance. Vallejo said that the team will enable 911 to cut down its response time from an average of 15 minutes. The team is patterned after those used by European countries such as the United Kingdom. The motorcycles can just beat around the traffic, hence they can reach the victim in a much shorter time. The responders are also trained in first aid. They are equipped with first aid jump kits like wound

dressings and small oxygen tanks. About six brand-new motorcycles are readied for the new group; the team are currently undergoing training on motorcycle-riding. These motorcycle units are deployed in the satellite stations of 911 in Panacan and Toril. These developments are among some of the initiatives being undertaken by the Central 911 which is currently handled by new head Emmanuel Jaldon. One such


initiative is the P3-million Mobile Tracking System which helps monitor the deployment of 911 vehicles. It was donated by the Davalo Light and Power Company last January of this year. The ETS is the brainchild of the power firm’s president Jim

Aboitiz. About 28 of these trackers are installed in the vehicles of the 911. It is also installed in the police mobile patrol cars attached to the city’s Public Safety Command Center. (PIA 11/RG Alama)

DavSur Guv sees serbisyo caravan as realization of PNOY’s lineSANTA CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR- Governor Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur looks at the ARENA Ser-bisyo Caravan as a realization of making government bureaucracy a servant of the people. Addressing the opening program of 4th ARENA Serbisyo Caravan recently held in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Cagas noted the caravan of services as a way of realizing the famous line of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, “Kayo ang Boss Ko.”

“President Aquino should know this. This is a perfect example that indeed the people are our boss. I think the President will be happy of this,” he said.Cagas noted the presence of regional directors of the 47 participating agencies to the 4th leg of ARENA Serbisyo Caravan which is the banner project of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region 11. “Kining gipakita sa ARENA XI, is an example kung unsa ang sulugoon

sa katawhan. (What ARENA 11 is showing is an example of what servants of the people should be),” he told about one thousand Sta. Cruz residents who came to the opening program held at the municipal gymnasium. ARENA XI with Regional Director Achilles Gerard Bravo of DBM as its president hauled last Friday to Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur the pooled the services of 47 national lines agencies through the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan .


Member agencies of ARENA XI first delivered their convergence of services to Boston in Davao Oriental in August last year and then brought the same to the nearby Davao Oriental town of Cateel. ARENA XI swung the third leg of the Serbisyo caravan to Nabunturan, Compostela Valley in November last year. After its fourth leg in Sta. Cruz, the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan will deliver pooled services to Malita, Davao del Sur on Friday (April 27) along with the surgical mission of medical and health agencies of the national government, and the conditional cash transfer of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program.

Bravo bared talks with Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario to hold ARENA Serbisyo Caravan in one of the barangays of the province in support of the Convergence for Peace and Development Program of the provincial government. Bravo was optimistic of the sustained support of government line agencies in rolling out the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan saying, it had gotten the cooperation of the Ombudsman Mindanao, and that regional executives from other regions in Mindanao had signified presence during the succeeding trips of Serbisyo caravan. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

did you know... That Davao City, the first local government unit in the country to pass a Women’s Development Code and create an Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) which is a permanent division cre-ated under the City Mayor’s Office to oversee the implementation of the Women Development Code in Davao City.

It seeks to; To increase gender responsive policies and programs in both the government and private sectors in the city; To initiate long-term mechanisms which effectively address gen-der concerns in the development process in all aspects and stages; and to develop clear concepts and strategies and “best practices” for gender equality and women empowerment that are relevant to Davao City’s unique and diverse culture


Army troops join Earth Day clean-up drive in Tacurong City

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Troops of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade based in nearby Tacurong City on Saturday joined different sectors in a clean-up drive, which was part of the city’s celebration of the Earth Day 2012.

By Dani Doguiles

Civil military operations officer Cpt. Alex Escalante, explained the Unifier

Brigade’s participation in the “Limpyo Kalog” (cleaning of canals) was to encourage

people to participate in environmental preservation and protection.

Other participants of the activity were member of the Philippine National Police, employees and officials of the local government units, academe and the transports groups.

N o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations, civil society and the private sector also joined in the activity.

Clean-up focused on cleaning of the city’s canals of wastes, debris, plastics and other


materials that could clog the drainage during heavy rains as well as clearing of the grasses along the national highway.

After the clean-up drive, participants converged at the City Hall Ground for a short program

Unifier Brigade commander, Col. Edmundo Pangilinan reminded the participants: “Earth Day is every day, so let us work together and better care for our natural environment.

Tacurong City councilor Psyche Sucaldito, Tacurong , chairperson of the committee on environment also expressed appreciation

to all participants for sharing their time and effort to care for Mother Earth.

Earth Day is an annual global celebration, spearheaded by the Earth Day Network. It is geared toward bringing awareness and

appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment.

This year, the Earth Day Network expected at least two billion people worldwide joining the Earth Day celebration and helping “Mobilize the Earth.” (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Gensan hosts Google Map Maker Summit MindanaoBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--The Tuna Capital hosted Saturday another sig-nificant gathering of internet enthusiasts, the first ever Google Map Maker Summit Mindanao designed to “improve tourism and disaster preparedness in the country.”

City Media Affairs Officer, Avelmar Manansala disclosed that more or less 150 “mappers”

composed of students, policemen, bloggers, representatives of the religious sector and the academe, local

government unit’s (LGU) tourism and planning officers, and other stakeholders actively participated in the one


day event.“Google Map Maker is

a product that enables people to add to and update the map for locations around the world,” said Aileen Apollo-de Jesus, Google Southeast Asia’s head of outreach.

Apollo-de Jesus explained that the summit is a joint project of Google and Department of Tourism (DOT) to “improve the accuracy of Google Maps in 80 provinces around the Philippines.”

Manansala said mapping Mindanao is very important since it will not only help in locating disaster-prone areas in the island to prepare for calamities, but will also “increase awareness in tourism-related spots.”

He said this will help

tourists and even local residents to locate all the establishments in a certain area at any point in time that they search for its location using their mobile phones and other search gadgets.

“The more information you have about a certain place, the more it is enticing to visit that place,” he pointed out.

In General Santos City, Manansala revealed that there are over a hundred “active mappers” who are currently updating the latest Google Earth Map of the city by adding names of streets and photos of establishments to it.

He said Google chose Gensan to be the venue of the Mindanao Summit

because it has “the most active community of mappers” in the area.

Manansala disclosed that the city government through Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio has recently intensified her administration’s computer literacy program through the conduct of trainings and seminars like Google Sketch-Up to aid in the said effort to map up the city and other areas in the region.

“We want to help map up the entire country so that nobody will be lost in the Philippines. This is also in support of the DOT’s campaign: It’s more fun in the Philippines,” he


explained.Meanwhile, Manansala

said that Google is also encouraging interested LGUs and other local organizations to conduct their own local map ups or “mapping party.”

He said Google Map Maker Team Asia pledged to provide interested local communities with technical support and other help necessary for a successful conduct of similar event.

The Google Map Maker Summit Mindanao is in partnership with Soccsksargen bloggers or “sox bloggers” with brothers, Avel and Orman Manansala as the lead conveners. (PGFruylan/PIA-Gensan)

Kaligtasan sa kalsada, isinusulong ni Makilala Mayor CaogdanLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL -- Lalo pang pinaigting ng bayan ng Makilala sa lalawigan ng Cotabato ang kampanya nito hinggil sa kaligtasan ng mga mo-torista sa kalsada.

Sa isang ulat, sinabi ni Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan na kinakailangan nitong pangunahan ang pangangalaga sa buhay ng mga motorista at mamamayang Makilaleno at ipatupad ang disiplina sa bayan alinsunod sa Republic Act 4136 ng Land Transportations Office (LTO).

Ayon pa sa ulat, umabot na sa 618 na mga nagmamaneho ng motorsiklo ang nahuli ng mga traffic enforcers ng Makilala Public Safety Division sa nakalipas na tatlong buwan, simula buwan

ng Enero nitong taon, kaugnay ng operasyon sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas trapiko sa bayan ng Makilala.

Nangunguna sa mga paglabag ang may 342 na walang helmet, 76 na walang mga OR/CR o hindi pa nakapagrenew ng kanilang mga rehisto, 61 ang nahuling nagmamaneho ng walang mga lisensiya, at 127 sa mga ito ay may mga paglabag na walang helmet, walang lisensiya at hindi nakapagrenew ng kanilang mga rehistro ng sasakyan, batay sa ulat.

Samantala may 12 ang nahuling lumabag sa

hindi pagsunod sa mga karatulang pangtrapiko.

Ang pinaigting na kampanya ay ayon sa kautusan ni Mayor Caoagdan na naglalayong pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mga motorista na dumadaan sa bayan, at alinsunod sa batas trapiko ng LTO.

Ayon sa traffic records ng Makilala Philippine National Police (PNP), ilang katao na ang naaksidente sa mga pangunahing kalsada ng bayan, at ang naging sanhi ng kanilang pagkamatay ay ang hindi paggamit ng helmet habang nagmo-motosiklo. (DD/ACA-PIA12)


The regional

government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has opened its portals of open government to the public as an affirmation of its commitment to the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

ARMM launches its portals of Open Government by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The OGP is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance The launching was spearheaded by ARMM OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman, after he delivered his “Ulat sa


Bayan” for the first 100 days in office last Monday, April 16. Hataman was accompanied by Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas, Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, and Senator Teofisto Guingona II. The Open Governance Portal contains the budgets, projects and expenditures of all government agencies that can be accessed by the public. Accordingly, the ARMM kiosk is the first of its kind being used by any government entity in the country and paves the trail for open governance and public accountability. People can also access the latest reports on utilization of funds and status of implementation of on-going projects

in the region through the new ARMM website, www.armm.gov.ph. The ARMM is the first region in the country to have signified its commitment to the OGP that the country founded, along with Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States on September 20, 2011 Hataman disclosed that after the institution of the transparency and accountability portal, the regional government will now focus on the inter-connectivity of the all agencies in the region. He said negotiations with the Commission on Audit on the processing of disbursements, as well as with some IT experts are on-going to strive for zero corruption in the region.


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OIC-Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Caraga gives her support to the establishment of the Institute of

Environmental Governance at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), the premier university here and in Caraga Region.

DILG chief backs Institute of Environmental Governanceby Florian Faith P. Bayawa Jr.


In her message during the launching held at the FSUU college main building, Dir. Famacion welcomed the new partner of the department in capacitating local government officials in carrying out environmental laws and directives. Dir. Famacion added that the DILG as an enabler for service-providers like FSUU believes the partnership and teamwork of stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) like Tanggol Kalikasan, will set the paradigm of a holistic approach in addressing environmental concerns in

the region. “The establishment of the Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) will supplement our capacity development (CapDev) programs in areas where we don’t have mastery like the adjudication of environmental laws and its remedies, such as the Writ of Kalikasan and the Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP),” Famacion said. The DILG chief of the region also shared the region’s current status on the implementation of environmental interventions together with partners,

donors and other stakeholders. She vowed to highly recommend to the Local Government Academy (LGA), which is the training arm of the department, that future CapDev activities will be tied up with IEG. The ultimate goal of the IEG is to effect sustainable development and capacitate local government officials in the execution of environmental laws. This is a strategic response to

the ever-increasing demand for capacity building of local government units (LGUs). The Institute will cater to three levels: Level one shall be designed to serve the needs of barangay officials; Level two will cater to the needs of municipal, city, and provincial officials; while Level three will cater to judges, prosecutors, and selected national government agencies. At present, FSUU will host IEG Level one that will provide training and other capability building programs for barangay officials in Butuan City and nearby provinces.


In his message, Col. Patricio recounted the highlights of accomplishments of the soldiers under the 26th IB within their area of responsibility and their partnership with the local government units and residents of the area in the discharge of their functions. “We have exerted our efforts and skills in a very diplomatic and civil approach in the discharge of our duties and responsibilities in order to gain peace and development in a very peaceful way. With the help of the local government units and the local residents, we have maintained peace in our area of responsibility

while neutralizing the existence of the insurgents, while sending messages that they are welcome to go back to the folds of the law,” Col. Patricio said. During the turn over ceremony, guest of honor Major General Victor Felix, Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division also handed over to Cl. Patricio the Interim Award including the Plaque of Merit because of his high performance while serving his responsibilities as the commanding officer of the 26th IB for 26 months in his area of responsibility. Gen. Felix also made it clear that the turn over of command is one of the tradition of the army while giving honors to the leader

who is relinquishing his post for the better. Col. Gille who is replacing Col. Patricio said it is a great challenge and honor for him to lead more or less 500 soldiers under the 26th IB and to utilize the resources to the best that they can be used. Col. Gille also said he feels he is capable and comfortable to lead the 26th IB because of his experience as an army officer. The 26th IB covers the municipalities of Prosperidad, Talacogon, La Paz, Loreto, San Luis, Esperanza, Sibagat and the city of Bayugan in Agusan del Sur, including some areas in Agusan del Norte including Butuan City.

New Infantry chief formally installedAGUSAN DEL SUR-- Lt. Col. Nhel Richard Patricio formally handed over to Lt. Col. Jose Leonard Gille the banner of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB) as gesture that he is relinquishing his post and giving the responsibility to the new commander during the turn over ceremony on April 18, 2012.

by Alex Cabardo


The TINA project is the mounting of a filter-strainer concrete water tank to allow raw water from the deep well become safe for drinking. According to TINA project manager and Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Allan Santiago, the TINA can remove iron and manganese that are present in the deep well water after filtration. Paquito Ebero and Ramel Jamoyan, of Barangay Tagbayagan, said they had to spend P35 every day to make sure that their drinking water is safe. “We used to drink water from the deep wells that are present in our place before. But every now and then,

we suffer from stomach ache, and other water-borne diseases that is why we were forced to buy bottled water in order to make sure that the water we drink is safe. But for poor people like us, spending P35.00 per day is already a burden,” Ebero said. The TINA project started during the term of then governor now Cong. Maria Valentina Plaza. Incumbent Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza adopted the project concept and expanded it with bigger concrete tanks with the capacity of about 500 gallons of deep well water. . “All I am asking from you, my dear constituents, is to take

care of your TINA. I recommend that you clean them every 20 days so that we can be sure that the water you drink is safe. This project is yours, and it is your responsibility to take care of it so that your children can enjoy safe drinking water that will make them healthy and free from diseases. We in the provincial government are now having surveys in barangays that needed the project most so that we can construct the same immediately as our people need them,” Gov. Plaza said. According to provincial engineer Pamela Yucosing, each TINA project costs P100,000.

Construction of two bigger water projects started by David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- Construction of the two “Tubig Imnonon Natong Agusanon (TINA)” started yesterday, after Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza gave the go signal in Barangay Tagbayagan, Rosario and and Sitio Managbay, Barangay 1, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.


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City releases P148-T aid to fire victimsBy Vic Larato

Mayor Celso Lobregat recently released the city government’s assistance totaling P148,000 to 36 families whose houses and other belongings went up in

smoke during fire incidents last month in different barangays, this city.


Junior Chamber conducts medical-dental mission in Zamboanga town

“This medical outreach is conducted in cooperation with the local government of Dumalinao with the support of the provincial government through Governor Antonio H. Cerilles, Congresswoman Aurora E. Cerilles, and the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center staff as well as the Philippine National Police,’’

Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles said in an interview with local media. “By next week, we will have another medical outreach for the coastal barangays of our town, and deliver basic services to our rural folks,” the young mayor said. Troy Asugas, president of Greater Pagadian Jaycees said the Medical-

By Alma L. Tingcang

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur - About 3,000 barangay folks availed of the Medical-Dental Outreach Program sponsored by the Junior Chamber International (JCI), a leading global network of young active citizens through the JCI Philippines’ Greater Pagadian Jaycees Inc. and JCI Yllana at the Dumalinao Pilot School Gymnasium on Friday, April 20.

Families, whose houses were totally damaged by fire, received P5,000 each while those, whose houses were partially destroyed, including house renters and sharers received P3,000 each. Records from the City Social Welfare and Development Office showed on March 1 a fire broke out at Solis Drive, Saavedra Extension in Sta. Maria. One house was totally damaged, while two others were partially destroyed. On March 13, another fire incident occurred, this time at Sun Street in Tumaga, razing a house to the ground and partially destroying another. Two more houses, one totally

destroyed and the other partially damaged, were hit by fire in Pasonanca on March 21. Two days later, on March 23, a fire reduced 17 houses to ashes and partially damaged 12 other houses in the coastal barangay of Rio Hondo. No one was reported injured during the fire incidents. Ironically, however, March is declared a Fire Prevention Month in the country. Assisting the mayor in the cash distribution to fire victims at City Hall conference room were City Social Welfare and Development Officer Francisco Barredo, Evelyn Las Marias of the CSWDO and staff. (JPA/VL/CIO/PIA 9-ZBST)


Dental Outreach covered check-up, tooth extraction, Operation-Tuli, deworming, and giving of Vitamin A. This activity is part of the JCI Week Celebration on April 15-21. Medical staff from the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, Dr. Neonita B. Baylon, Dr. Edilberto Landino; and private practitioner Dr. Robert Capatoy, with dentists Dr. Vicente Baul and Dr. Pacito Ceniza, the Municipal Health Office headed by Dr. Patrick Toledo, nurses who are JC members pooled their resources together to render service to the people of Dumalinao. Mayor Ace Cerilles is very grateful for the all-out support of the Jaycees and to everyone who made the medical and dental outreach in Dumalinao possible and successful. At 6:30 p.m. of Friday, “Sigaw sa Tag-araw,” which is a concert

for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga, Hangop kabataan and indigent dialysis patients of Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center, was a sensational hit held at the Megayon Stage, Dao, Pagadian City with 12 bands participating and the special performance of the Pagadian 4 (P4) local artists. (JPA/ALT-PIA9, Zambo Sur)


The monthly report submitted by the PSWDO to the Office of the Provincial Governor revealed that the office has totaled some 600 individuals coming from the different municipalities of the province, including residents of Dipolog and Dapitan Cities who has gone to the office for various assistance. Among the assistance extended by the office include financial assistance, rice, noodles, sardines, sugar, and even supplemental commodities to under-nourished children. The PSWDO has also given financial assistance to 502 individuals

for the burial of their loved-ones and other related-activities, crutches to one person with disability and school supplies to 87 Grade V and Grade VI pupils throughout the province. It also provided support to various activities participated in by the members of the Youth Enhancement Support (YES) in the municipality of Sindangan and the tribal assembly in Jose Dalman, the Skills Training in Sergio Osmeña and the Consultative Assembly conducted in Barangay Panampalay, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte and many others.(JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY - In its continuing effort to alleviate the plight of its people, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has extended P985,000 worth of assistance to the needy residents of the province during the month of March.

PSWDO extends P985,000 Assistance to Zanorteans in March By Alfonso T. Ruda


Zero duty on capital imports extended for five yearsby Gelo UdaundoEnterprises may now enjoy the extended zero percent duty on any

importation of capital equipment, spare parts and accessories by Board of Investment (BOI) - registered new and expanding

enterprises located within the economic zones and freeports for five more years.

This is after President Aquino signed Executive Order No. 70 last March 29 following the expiry of the five-year effectivity of EO 528 that imposed zero duty on such equipment back in 2006. Importation of capital equipment was reported to be one of the major cost burdens of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their start-up operations. In EO 70, the zero percent duty is granted provided importations of machinery, equipment, spare parts and accessories shall not be used to manufacture domestically in sufficient quantity, of comparable quality and at reasonable prices. The policy

also requires that such importations should be reasonably needed and will be used exclusively by the enterprise in its registered activity, unless prior approval of the BOI is secured. The order further read that “allowing the zero percent duty importation will make the country more competitive in attracting investments in the face of an increasingly competitive Asian market for foreign direct investments.” It however prohibits BOI-registered enterprises to sell, transfer,


32 rescuers pass WASAR trainingby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – Thirty Two members of the Lanao del Norte Emergency Response Team successfully passed the grueling five-day Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training organized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on April 16 to 20, 2012.

“When tropical storm Sendong hit Iligan City, it really opened our eyes and made us realized that we need the WASAR training, that we need to have our own emergency response team, and that we need to purchase rescue equipment,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo explained. Last 2011, the provincial government started implementing its disaster preparedness program in a

bid to win the regional Gawad Kalasag award. “Last year, our main objective was to win an award, but today it is to be better prepared for any calamities that may hit Lanao del Norte. Winning an award now becomes only secondary,” Dimaporo added. The Provincial Emergency Response Team (PERT) is composed of provincial government employees, local police officers, members of

the 35th Infantry “Makamandag” Battalion, and Red Cross personnel. Under the WASAR course, participants learned of Disaster Management and Incident Command System, water rescue, and rubber boat operation. The facilitators for the training include personnel from the Office of Civil Defense, Bureau of Fire

or dispose the capital equipment, machinery, spare parts and accessories without prior BOI approval within five years from the date of importation. Otherwise,

the BOI-registered enterprise will be solidarily liable to pay twice the amount of the duty foregone or five hundred thousand pesos, whichever is higher.


Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Air Force Search and Rescue Squadron. As their final test, the rescuers were required to perform a one-mile swim without any life vest. Participants had to swim from the middle of Panguil bay with its dangerous under currents toward the safety of Tubod harbor to

compete their task. “We are very much thankful to Governor Dimaporo for allowing us to undergo this training. The skills that we learned will help us do our job more efficiently and in a safer manner,” expressed PERT President Arnel Dinglasa.(PIO)

FOB value of region 10’s exports in 2011 post 14.85 percent growthby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – A total value of US$1.064 billion in freight-on-board (FOB) was noted for the total regional exports (TRE) of region 10, last year, higher by 14.85 percent compared to US$926.91 million in FOB in 2010.

FOB is the transport cost of the export commodities was paid for by the country of destination, Director Linda O. Boniao of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), region 10 said. Boniao said on a per province performance, Misamis Oriental had the biggest contribution of US$541.40 million or 50.86 percent of the TRE, followed by Lanao del Norte with US$303.25 million or 28.49 percent. Bukidnon came next with US$114.94 or 10.80 percent, Misamis Occidental with US$104.68 million or 9.83 percent and Camiguin with US$0.24 million or 0.02 percent. In terms of growth of exports,

however, only three (3) of region 10’s five (5) provinces posted positive growths: Misamis Oriental, 9.86 percent, Lanao del Norte, 23.93 percent and Bukidnon, 97.46 percent. But the exports of Misamis Occidental posted negative or declined by 20.07 percent, and Camiguin by 4.0 percent. Meanwhile, in terms of exports by sector, coconut-based products with a US$683.48 million in FOB value


remained on top of the list of exports of the region, contributing a 64.21 percent share to the TRE, in 2011. The rest of the exports by sector and their contributions to the TRE were as follows: Processed foods, US$110.91 million or 10.42 percent, and sugar and sugar-cane products, US$75.10 million or 1,077.12 percent. Other resource-based, US$ 59.27 million or 5.57 percent, industrial manufacturing, US$44.82 million or 4.21 percent, wood-based products, US$30.29 million or 2.85 percent, and fresh fruits, US$22.9 million or 2.15 percent. Rubber products, US$16.33 million or 1.53 percent, iron and steel, US$13.87 million or 1.30 percent, special transactions, US$2.66 million or 0.25 percent, and aquamarine products, US$2.3 million or 0.22 percent. Mineral-based products, US$1.44 million or 0.14 percent, gifts, toys and house wares, US$0.95 million or 0.09 percent and consumer manufactures, US$0.19 million or 0.02 percent.

In terms of growth, sugar and sugar-cane products posted the biggest increase from US$6.38 million to US$75.1 million or 1,077.12 percent, followed by special transactions, from US$1.42 million to US$2.66 million or 87 percent. The rest of the export commodities posted the following growth: Other resource-based products, from US$31.94 million to US$59.27 million or 79.93 percent and wood-based products, from US$20.71 million to US$30.29 million or

46.26 percent. Processed products, from US$86.25 million to US$110.91 million or 28.59 percent, rubber products, from US$13.2 million to US$16.33 million or 23.71 percent, and coconut-based products, from US$630.26 million to US$683.48 million or 8.44 percent. However, negative performances were noted on the following export commodities: Mineral-based products, from US$4.49 million to US$1.44 million or down by 67.93 percent, consumer manufactures, from US$0.5 million to US$0.19 million or down by 62 percent and iron and steel, from US$25.94 million to 13.87 million or down by 46.53 percent. Aquamarine products, from US$4.11 million to US$2.3 million or down by 44.04 percent, fresh fruits, from US$36.63 million to US$22.9 million or down by 37.48 percent and industrial manufacturing, from US$62.49 million to US$44.82 million or down by 28.28 percent.

One Mindanao - April 24, 2012

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