One Mindanao - April 24, 2013

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

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

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

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

Cover Story

PO1 Roel O. Armecin, Bayaning PulisDani DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, April 23, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 171

page 4

President Aquino signs Republic Act No. 10515 otherwise known as ‘Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013’

8

34 ZaNorte senior high school studes hurdle 2013 DOST-SEI scholarship exams19

Caraga has 94% employment rate, says DOLE

North Cotabato to build first palm oil crushing mill in the province

NFA – North Cotabato assures readiness in buying palay 14

25Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

MILF urges followers to participate in May 13 polls Joey Dalumpines, Southernl Mindanao

Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

Zamboanga City, Piñan town bag “Local Legislative Awards”20

Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

PRO 10 condemns attack on Mayor Guingona and her convoyPRO, Northern Mindanao

2926

32

6 11 13 17 23 27

Wednesday, April 24, 20134

In fact, the incident in Barangay Sinolon in T’boli town, this province, where he singlehandedly fought off a band of attacking New Peoples’ Army rebels gained him some monikers: “PNP’s Poster Boy of Courage” and “Bayaning Pulis of Region 12.” According to an incident report released by the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, PO1 Armecin, along with PO3 German Golingay were manning the Community Police Action Center in Sinolon when at least 15 NPA rebels arrived lobbed a grenade on the outpost and opened fire on them. The rebels, later confirmed to be members of the NPA’a Front 73, forcibly destroyed cabinets and carted away PNP uniforms and other personal items owned by the two policemen as well as the caliber .45 handgun issued to Golingay. Without Golingay’s firearm, the

outpost was only left at the hand of Armecin who was only armed with a calibre .45 with 14 ammunitions who had to engage the attackers armed with AK-47 and other high-powered firearms. “One caliber .45 pistol against AK 47 assault rifles and hand grenades. I never thought about the great disparity. I just knew I had to fight back. My SCOUT Training and Handgun Marksmanship Training helped me a lot when I faced off with the NPA raiders,” Armecin said in an interview.

“I was never rattled.

PO1 Roel O. Armecin, Bayaning Pulis

Police Officer 1 (PO1)Roel Armecin is a rookie cop but the courage

he displayed on March 20 is never that of a novice.

CoVer StoRy

By Dani Doguiles

Wednesday, April 24, 2013 5

It is good that I took my PNP trainings seriously.” Prior to his entry to the police force in 2010, 28-year old, BS Education graduate Armecin was an encoder of a drug testing center in nearby Surallah town. For his exemplary bravery, PO1 Armecin have received recognitions and rewards. Early this month, PNP chief, Director General Alan Purisima recognized Armecin along with other police officers who have shown exemplary deeds in a ceremony at Camp Crame. Purisima handed him a brand new Glock 17 pistol. Moreover the PNP Chief has endorsed Armecin for “Medalya ng Kagitingan” (Medal of Valor), the highest award for courage and gallantry in combat. South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Pingoy Jr. is also set to give a cal. 45 high capacity pistol worth Php 50,000 to which members of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (RLECC)-12 will add P13,600 that could be used purchase additional magazines and other accessories. The Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association, Inc will also donate one motorcycle for the Sinolon, T’boli COMPAC. Besides these rewards and recognitions, he would also receive a scholarship to finish BS in Criminology. “It would be better if, aside from

the PNP medal, we qualify him for lateral entry as a Police Inspector. That means that he has to finish BS Criminology as a second course.” PCSupt. Charles T Calima, Jr., acting regional director of PRO 12 said. “If he gets his BS Criminology degree and passes the Criminology Boards Exams, then he can qualify for lateral entry as a police commissioned officer. He would be a very welcome addition to the PNP Corps of Officers, ” he said. For this, Calima has already approached several non-government organization to sponsor his studies. “Armecin is actually the embodiment of four of the five letters in the CODE-P of the Chief, PNP,” he said in describing the rookie policeman. “C is for his Competency in handling his weapon; D is for the strong discipline he displayed in the face of almost sure death; E is for Excellence which was manifested as he performed his job to serve and protect the community; and, P is for the strong sense of Professionalism he displayed which is worthy of his calling as a member of the Philippine National Police,” he proudly stated.

PO1 Roel O. Armecin, Bayaning Pulis

6Wednesday, April 24, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino announces opening of Laguindingan Airport in June 15; expects enhanced regional growth

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that the opening of the Laguindingan Airport in June 15 this year will further enhance the growth of tourism and trade in Northern Mindanao and nearby areas as the

new facility serves as a gateway of Mindanao to the rest of the world.


“Ang magagandang nangyayari nga po sa bayan ng Balingasag ay sumasalamin sa progresibong tagumpay ng inyong lalawigan. Nariyan ang bagong world-class airport sa Laguindingan, na bubuksan na sa Hunyo 15 nitong taon na ito,” the President said in his message during his meeting with local leaders and the community here.

“Inaasahan nating talaga namang malaki ang maitutulong sa ating ekonomiya dito po sa inyong lalawigan at sa buong Kalakhang Mindanao,” he added.

Aside from the Laguindingan Airport, the President said that the administration has also funded 27 irrigation projects, in which the government allotted more than P225 million, he said.

The project is expected to benefit the farmers of Opol, Manticao, Claveria, Sugbongcogon, Naawan, Alubihid, Hasaan, El Salvador, Hingoog and Cagayan de Oro City. According to the President, the government also funded the construction of 18 farm-to-market roads in Misamis Oriental.

While the government focuses in building major infrastructure in Misamis Oriental, it hasn’t forgotten the survivors of Typhoon Sendong in giving them new

shelter so they could start new lives.“May halos 4,500 kabahayan na

tayong naipatayo sa 8,600 housing units na target natin para sa Cagayan de Oro resettlement sites. ‘Yung natitira po ang balita ko’y kasalukuyang ginagawa at marami na pong malapit nang matapos,” the President said.

More than 1,000 families living at Isla de Oro, a danger area, have been relocated by the government and livelihood has been provided the families. Aside from the government’s thrust to relocate the affected families, the administration has also allotted P12-million for the Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran as well as P23 million for cash-for-work program.

“At hindi po tayo titigil sa pagbubuhos ng mga proyekto’t programa dito sa Misamis Oriental, dahil hangad nating ilapit ang ating mga Boss— ang taumbayan— sa katuparan ng kani-kanilang mga pangarap,” the President said.

The President urged the people of Misamis Oriental to support the leaders of the province allied with the administration to ensure the continuity of government projects. PND (as)



President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law Republic Act No. 10515 otherwise known as the

“Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013” that is aimed at protecting the cable television and cable internet industries from cable pilferage.



Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that the Chief Executive signed the law last April 17, 2013.

The law prohibits cable television and internet tapping and penalizes offenders with imprisonment of two to five years or a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 or both, at the discretion of the court.

If the offender is a corporation or association, the president, manager, managing partner or any officer of the corporation or partnership who directly participated in the violation of the Act shall be held liable.

With the President’s signing of the law, illegal tapping of any signal offered over cable television (CATV) or cable internet system and the malicious destruction or removal of existing CATV or cable internet facilities will be prohibited.

The law also prohibits recording, reproducing, distributing, importing or selling of any intercepted or received CATV system/network signals for commercial purposes without the authority of the concerned CATV or cable internet service provider.

“The State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments. Pursuant thereto, this Act aims to protect the Cable Television and Cable Internet Industries from cable pilferage,” the President said.

Within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) shall undertake an information dissemination campaign to inform the public of the existence of this Act.

“The NTC, in consultation with CATV and Cable Internet Service Providers and other affected parties, shall, within sixty (60) days after the conduct of public hearings which must commence within thirty (30) working days upon the effectivity of this Act, issue the implementing rules and regulations to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the provisions of the Act,” the Chief Executives said.

“If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provisions not otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting,” he said.

“All laws, presidential decrees or


issuances, executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulations contrary to, or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly,” he said.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in

at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

The newly-signed Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3345 and House Bill No. 709 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on January 28, 2013 and January 30, 2013, respectively. PND


Palace says local candidates must assist government in stopping of New People’s Army extortion activities

Malacanang appealed to local candidates to help the government gather information to halt the illegal operations of the New People’s Army (NPA), particularly its extortion

activities.On Monday, President Benigno

S. Aquino III instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to dismantle the road blocks being set up by the NPA particularly in areas

they control.In a press briefing in Malacanang

on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while the government’s intention is to


stop those illegal activities, the AFP has limitations and doesn’t have the resources to guard all the hot spots in the country.

“Given the limitations of the forces that we have hindi natin pwedeng bantayan lahat ng lugar sa lahat ng oras, kaya tayo po’y humihingi rin ng kooperasyon ng mga kandidatong lokal, para bigyan naman tayo ng impormasyon na makakatulong doon sa ating mga operations,” Valte said.

Despite the limitations, Valte noted that the country’s security forces will continue to conduct operations to ensure peace and order in those areas.

The Palace official also appealed to candidates campaigning for the May 13 elections to reject the demand of

the NPA for them to pay “permit-to-campaign” fees.

“We have consistently asked local candidates not to succumb to these demands and to report any of these—for lack of a better word—’requests for payments’ to the DILG so the proper response can be made in those particular areas,” she said.

Reports said the NPA has been demanding from candidates substantial fees for permission to campaign in the areas where the rebel group operates.

The government ordered the deputation of law enforcement agencies as well as the AFP to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct of the May 13 automated national and local elections. PND (as)


Command conference for finalized security poll plans to be held in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY -- The Commission On Elections (Comelec), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) operating here in Caraga Region will hold a command conference on the finalized security plan for elections 2013 on Thursday morning.

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

by Noel B. Najarro


The activity will be attended by the top officials of the Comelec, police and the military of this region. The Butuan City Police Office, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Island Province Police Provincial Offices

will give a briefing presentation of their respective “Finalized Security Plan for Elections 2013.”

An open forum will follow with PSSupt. Pedro U. Obaldo, Jr., the Regional Chief Directorial Staff to act as the moderator.

These are the group of workers, she said who still need some additional hours of work. These are the workers she also said which may also be “unskilled” to take the work available.

She cited as example that the region has a growing economy as evidenced by its booming mining and agricultural sectors. Skills befitting agricultural works are needed, and naturally, nursing or education graduates will be a mismatch to the needed workers, she said. And the

region have the mining industry which may need metallurgical engineers and geologists and the region don’t have that much jobseekers. “We have a booming industry, but unfortunately there are no takers,” she said.

Abellana said that the “career congress” to be held on May 1 aims to fill-in the gap between the job available and the jobseekers. Looking in its entirety she said, Caraga is not in bad shape in terms of employment. (NOEL B. NAJARRO)

Caraga has 94% employment rate, says DOLE

BUTUAN CITY -- The problem in Caraga Region is not unemployment but underemployment or job mismatch, a top regional labor official said on Tuesday.


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Peace covenant signing ensures honest and orderly elections, says CSOsBy Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Stakeholders are optimistic that with the signing of the peace covenant, all candidates of this town will adhere to uphold a peaceful and safe balloting on May 13, 2013. The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and church and religious sector recently spearheaded a

covenant signing ceremony with the local candidates from the Liberal Party (LP) and Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC)at the Municipal Function Hall this municipality. DILG Provincial Director Abcede Asjali said the presence of everyone was a manifestation of support to


safe, accurate and fair election. “The presence of our stakeholders, candidates and public gave us an assurance that there will be an honest, orderly and peaceful election not only in Labangan but in the province as well,” Abcede declared. Abcede also urged the public to help monitor the compliance with the election peace pact of all candidates vying for local positions in the province. Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office’s (ZSPPO)Assistant Provincial Director for Operations Jalilul Bandahala lauded the CSO’s initiative in a bid to ensure the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections in the municipality. He also urged the candidates to observe Comelec rules and regulations governing the 2013 elections. Zamboanga del Sur Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting chairman Father Felix Tigoy said “the signing of peace covenant is a manifestation of the local candidates’ sincere cooperation with the stakeholders to have a peaceful and successful exercise of electoral process.”

“Manghinaut ako nga ang mga kandidato sa LP pinanguluhan ni incumbent mayor Wilson Nandang ug ang NPC, pinanguluhan ni incumbent Vice Mayor Ukol Talumpa magpahigayon sa piniliay nga magmalinawon (I am hoping that the candidates of LP led by re-electionist Mayor Wilson Nandang and NPC, led by incumbent Vice Mayor Ukol Talumpa to hold the election peacefully),” Tigoy said. Uma Fih Salam Executive Director Sultan Abdulmaguid Maruhom was elated with the cooperation of the two political camps in the supporting the peace covenant. “We thank the candidates for unanimously supporting the election covenant. Indeed, this is a sign of their maturity as politicians in Labangan,” Maruhom said. UCCP pastor Allan Patadlas said he was happy with the signing of peace covenant saying, “it upholds the principle of democracy.” Labangan was previously declared an “immediate area of concern” by the poll body because of some violent election-related incidents in the past.


According to Engr. Marcial R. provincial science and technology director of DOST-Zamboanga del Norte, only 34 of the 321 examinees passed the DOST-SEI scholarship examination whiuch was conducted at the Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation on Nov. 18, 2012. The successful examinees are Rhidjel Ageas, Carlo Nino Drilon and Sheka Jazzmere Galones from Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Genesis Alegata and Fillip Jan Tan of Katipunan National High School, Reynald Daluz and Irene Mae Antabo of the Zamboanga del Norte National High School in Dipolog City, Ritz Reynald Manait of Galas National High School, Dipolog City, Dinamar Tolin and Lorena Tejero of St. Mary’s College, Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, Jasmine Eve Borja and Clarence Dondoyano of Piñan National High School, Piñan,

Zamboanga del Norte, Cathleen Faye Caperig and Raymund Caesar Mendoza of Liloy National High School, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, Emely Obnimaga and Abdul Fattah Rakim of Sergio Osmeña National High School, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte, Charymar Estrada and Nieca Seranias of Sindangan National High School, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Armania Madjales and Shiiene Krishia Valdez of Siocon National High School, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, Charity Apiag and Rufo Biais of The Sisters Mary School Girlstown, Sibutad, Zamboanga del norte, Judith Eguia of Dapitan City National High School, Pearly Sapalleda of Rizal Memorial Institute, Dapitan City, Khate Cheryl Bayer of Manukan National High School, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, Tanya Rose Gonzales of St. Estanislao Kostka High School, Manukan, Zamboanga

34 ZaNorte senior high school studes hurdle 2013 DOST-SEI scholarship examsBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Thirty four senior high school students from the different secondary schools in Zamboanga del Norte have successfully passed the 2013 DOST-SEI Examination given by the Science Education Institute of the Department of the Science and Technology (DOST-SEI) last year.


del Norte, Chairmain Cham Aliawan of Jesus A. Ramos National High School, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, Junrey Sale of Mutia National High School, Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte, Eden Lou Estillore of Sebaca National High School, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Jovelyn YSA-AL- of Colegio de San Francisco Javier, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Elbert Caballero of Salug National High School, Salug, Zamboanga del Norte, April Caingles of Siayan National High School, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte, Allaine Aquino of Sirawai National High School, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte and Jay Eisma of Tampilisan National High School, Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. Dahonan advised the qualified students to report, together with their parents (father preferably) or

guardian (with notarized affidavit of guardianship or Special Power of Attorney (SPA) on April 23, 2013 at 8:00AM at D’ Hotel and Suites located at the corner of Rizal Avenue and Osmeña Streets, Dipolog City for orientation and signing of scholarship agreement. He also reminded them to bring the following documents such as Photocopy of 2 valid ID cards (back and front; 1 pc 2’ by 2’ and 2 pcs 1’ by 1’ colored ID picture (w/ white background wearing semi-formal attire); 2013 Community Tax Certificate or current passport of parent or legal guardian; Notarized Affidavit of guardianship or Special Power of Attorney (if legal guardian); Notarization Fee of P100.00 and a black ball pen.

Bagging the national awards are the city council of Zamboanga City and the municipal council of Piñan town in Zamboanga del Norte. DILG-IX Information Officer Lemuel Mejares told the Philippine

Information Agency (PIA) that Zamaboanga City had bested other highly urbanized cities while Piñan town had beaten other towns in the fourth to sixth class category. These LGUs underwent a

Zamboanga City, Piñan town bag “Local Legislative Awards”By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Two local government units (LGUs) in Zamboanga Peninsula region have emerged as national winners of the 2012 Local Legislative Award (LGA), the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-IX announced recently.


series of assessment and evaluation starting from the provincial level up to the national level by a committee chaired by the DILG with Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and civil society organizations as members. LGA is designed to give recognition to Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) and/or Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council) which exhibited exemplary performance in legislating measures that help build the foundation of a meaningful local administration geared toward the attainment of desirable socio-economic-environmental outcomes. The criteria for judging include effectiveness of the legislative agenda, effectiveness of the legislative tracking system, availability of the legislative documents, performance efficiency of the Sanggunian, and quality of office setup and staff complement. DILG-IX Regional Director Paisal o. Abutazil said: “We are proud of the fact the region 9 LGUs bagged two of the four awards in the national level which only showed that the local legislation aspect of governance has been given prime importance, without having to set aside other equally important concerns in local governance, all for the good of the constituencies.” “It is our hope that with this very positive development, the

LGUs of Zamboanga City and the municipality of Pinan will be able to inspire other local legislatures in the Zamboanga Peninsula to perform better and excel not only in the legislative process but likewise in every aspect of local governance. This does not only apply to the Local Legislative Award but with other awards and incentives programs being initiated and implemented by DILG,” Abutazil further said. The winners received cash prizes and plaques during the national awarding ceremonies held recently at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Officials of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. (DBFSDI), the leading biodynamic and organic farming organization in Mindanao region expressed desire to establish more government partnerships in advancing organic farming activities in the country.

Organic farming group seeks stronger collaboration with governmentBy Danilo E. Doguiles


Early this month, DBFSDI and the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 held a Farmers’ Field Day in Brgy New Antique, M’lang of the said province.

Highlighted in the field day was the foundation’s demonstration farm of various organic palay seeds.

These organic palay seeds are scheduled to be introduced to other regions in the country with the help of the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

“We hope that this will serve as a stepping stone for more government partnerships especially in promoting organic farming not just here in Mindanao but all throughout the Philippines,” Maria Helenita Ruizo-Gamela, DBFSDI executive director said.

Dante Fidel, BPI’s national seed coordinator said the seeds produced by Don Bosco will be distributed among organic

producers nationwide.This initiative,

according to him, is accordance with the Seed Development Act of 1992 which supports the production and distribution of high quality seeds to help attain greater yield in palay.

Assistant secretary Dante Delima, concurrently the national rice program director, congratulated the foundation in pioneering organic farming in the region.

“The foundation’s advocacies serve as big help to the agency in gradually converting 5% of the total agricultural land to organic,” Asec Delima said.

Meantime, DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, said that there is a need to push maximum utilization of upland areas, and that the foundation would be the agency’s partner in the realization of this endeavour.

During the field day,

DA also turned over a rice processing equipment to the organization.

Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. is a non-government organization which focuses in providing services and sustainable d e v e l o p m e n t initiatives among the communities.

It recently received the Ceres of Germany, a certification that is needed to prove that a product is certified organic and to further advertise it in the world market.

The foundation was a national finalist in Gawad Saka 2012’s Outstanding Organic Farming Organization category.

It has also been recognized as Best Farmers’ Organization n by the National Food Authority (NFA) and was awarded as the Outstanding Medium-scale Agri-entrepreneur in North Cotabato. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/LMSalvo-DA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The province of North Cotabato will construct the first palm oil crushing mill in the province which will be situ-ated in the palm oil factory site in Barangay Tacupan in the municipality of Carmen.

North Cotabato to build first palm oil crushing mill in the provinceBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

This project is aimed at helping palm oil farmers as well as job seekers to raise their income and to offer them job opportunities respectively.

In the groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday, North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza said that this project is a joint venture between his father, Carmen

Mayor Roger Taliño and the Univanich Palm Oil Public Company of Thailand.

She also emphasized that no single amount from the government will be spent for the project as this is his father’s dream as means of helping the people of Carmen as well as the people in the province.

Univanich Palm Oil Public Company

chairman Apirag Vanich noted that their office would like to extend its palm oil venture in different countries and Philippines is among those. He recalled that they started planting palm oil in Thailand on 1969.

Meanwhile, Gov. Mendoza said she will be encouraging investors to invest in the province as this will help generate


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - National Food Authority (NFA) North Cotabato does not reject any farmer or farmer group who would like to sell their palay produce to them, an official of the agency explained.

NFA – North Cotabato assures readiness in buying palayBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Avelino Usman, manager of NFA –North Cotabato, however, entreated farmers to make sure that the palay they deliver to NFA are dry and clean to command the best price.

NFA buys dry and clean palay at P17.00 per kilo, about P3 to P4 higher than the prevailing farm gate prices being offered by commercial traders in the area.

He said, the amount is NFA’s buying price when moisture content of the palay is at 14 percent .

When farmers

deliver their produce to their buying station, NFA adds 20 centavos per kilo as trucking fee and another 20 centavos for drying fee. Cooperatives also earn additional 30 centavos per kilo when the palay is coursed through them.

Meanwhile, Usman reported that NFA- North Cotabato exceeded its first quarter target by 6,000 bags. Their target from January to March was set at 20,000 bags.

He said, this volume was brought about by the increased

production of rice farmers in the area in the last cropping season and the better price that the agency offers to the farmers.

Procurement was also boosted by the Sikat Saka loan program for rice farmers; the program requires beneficiaries to deliver their produce only to NFA.

Usman expects the volume of procurement could further increase with the coming of two mechanical dryers to the agency. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/LMSalvo-DA 12)

employment for the people and will also help raise tax which will aid the need to provide quality service for the people in the province.

On the other hand,

the governor gave emphasis on the provincial government’s effort of helping the poor by having at least 3,000 hectares of pineapple plantation

in Banisilan, Del Monte Philippines in Tulunan and the construction of the Gaisano Mall in Kidapawan City. ( S J D u e r m e - P I A 1 2 /RBeñez-DXVL)


NFA – North Cotabato assures readiness in buying palay Malanyaon assures proper rice donation

MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL- Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon assures the public that distribution of relief goods for Typhoon Pablo victims has been properly monitored. In a statement, Malanyaon said that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Food Organization (WFO)

are accounting and monitoring the distribution of relief goods to Pablo victims in hard-hit towns of Baganga, Boston and Cateel in the province of Davao Oriental. “How can I divert rice distribution?,” she raised the question in reaction to accusations hurled against her by militant protesters Barug sa Katawhan and Balsa

by Jeanevive Abangan


Mindanao. Some 300 members of such militant groups staging a protest rally in Mati City Tuesday, alleged that Malanyaon used the rice donation for Typhoon Pablo victims “to help the political campaign” of Mati City candidates whom she’s supporting. In a separate interview, DSWD Regional Director Priscilla Razon said DSWD has not been coursing any donation through the provincial government since March 27 at the start of the Election Period. She explained that DSWD no longer stores any relief goods or donated materials at any facility of the provincial government but now packs donations at the Davao City depot of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “We deliver goods directly to target areas,” she said while also revealing that DSWD lately had no rice distribution in Mati City which was not badly-hit by Typhoon Pablo. Razon also said that she has not received any formal complaint, except hearsays, regarding the alleged diversion of donated rice supplies to non-Typhoon Pablo victims. She asked Mati and Davao Oriental residents to file a complaint against any DSWD staff helping rice distribution of any political candidate. On the other hand, Malanyaon said “no one” from her province participated the protest rally led by Barug sa Katawhan, but they

reportedly were coming from from Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Davao City and Butuan City.” She revealed having received text messages from Mati City residents asking the militant groups to spare Mati City from chaos they once staged in Compostela Valley. Barug sa Katawhan organized a rally along the national highway in the Municipality of Montevista Compostela Valley early this year, barricading the intersection going to Butuan City, and to Compostela and New Bataan towns. 701st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Rey Leonardo Guerrero confirmed origin of rally participants saying most of them were coming from Compostela Valley while others were from Bukidnon and South Cotabato, confirmed through checking the plate number of vehicles used. Aside from diversion of donated rice distribution, the militants also alleged militarization had been happening in Davao Oriental, Guerrero said. He, however, brushed aside the issue saying his command made substantial accomplishments in implementing the Peace and Development Program (PDOP) in Davao Oriental which 183 barangays were recently cleared by the Eastern Mindanao Mindanao Command of New People’s Army influence. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


MILF urges followers to participate in May 13 pollsby Joey Dalumpines

DAVAO CITY- The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has ap-pealed to all its constituents to participate in the forthcoming electoral exercise on May 13. Speaking to reporters during the signing of the mutual understanding for ceasefire-related functions for the May 2013 national and local elections between the heads of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities of the government and the MILF with the International Monitoring Team of Malaysia at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Mohaqher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace-panel explained that their group normally does not issue an appeal on the people regarding elections. He said they have to issue an appeal now since the elections will have an impact on the ongoing peace talks between their group and the government. Iqbal said the MILF prefers to convey its concern for the people to vote wisely on a personal conversation and not through a large group discussion to avoid problems.

He did not elaborate. Iqbal said the MILF will not also endorse any candidate for the national and local elections. “We will be meeting the people informally, not in ranking, big gathering. We will communicate individually in order not to create problems,” he said. Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chair of the government-peace-panel expressed confidence that the elections in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other areas will be peaceful given the commitment of the MILF not to interfere in the exercise, unlike in other areas where some groups are actively engaging in partisan politics to the point of using violence or coercion to advance their cause. “It is really good that we have this commitment from the MILF not to interfere in the elections, to observe the gun ban, to refrain from other activities and to cooperate in addressing potential disruption in the event of displacement. We agree on specific steps to address the problem,” she said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


PNoy asks Kagay-anons to choose rightful leadersby Recthie Tolinero-Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- President Aquino has appealed to Kagay-anons to opt for just and honest candidates running for local and national positions in the upcoming May elections during his visit to the city last April 22 at the Pelaez Sports Complex.


PNoy reminds Kagay-anons to foster safe Cityby Jane Francis M. Lumacang

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - President Aquino reminded Kagay-anon voters in his recent visit in the city to choose the right leader in the upcoming elections so that the safety of the people from calamities would be ensured.

President Aquino said there is a P10-billion budget intended for evacuation programs for people living

in hazardous areas within the country every year. Thus, he said there’s no excuse for local administrations not

After citing several projects such as farm-to-market roads, Laguindingan Airport and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), President Aquino said to the Kagay-anons that “kamu ang nagbuhat niining tanan ug kamu pud ang mupadayon sa kauswsagan. Kailangan natin ng mga kakampi na maging sagwan sa iisang direksyon sa halip na ililihis tayo sa landas ng katuparan ng ating mga pangarap.” (You are the ones who made this possible and you will also be the ones who will continue such development. We need a comrade who will paddle us in one direction instead of deviating us from the path of fulfilling our dreams.) Taking note of their efforts to uplift the quality of life of the Filipinos through implementing several projects and programs, President Aquino expressed that if the goals of the upcoming officials will not coincide with their agenda, “talaga pong

maaantala ang ating pag-arangkada bilang isang bansa” (our acceleration as one country will be delayed) no matter how hard the government will work. He also shared that there are politicians who threaten registered members of 4Ps that they will be delisted if they do not support a particular candidate. However, he reminded everyone that the program’s fund came from the people and if politicians continue to threaten the beneficiaries, they are not worth anyone’s vote and without this they can never have the power to do as they wish to the beneficiaries. President Aquino also added that it is in choosing the right leaders a person could make a change saying that “kayo’ng mga Kagay-anon at mga taga Misamis Oriental, kayo ang gumawa ng pagbabago.” (You Kagay-anons and those from Misamis Oriental, all of you are responsible for creating change).


to allocate budget for the people who really need it, especially the Sendong and Pablo survivors. “Huwag kayo’ng titira sa mapanganib na lugar (Do not set up houses in dangerous places),” PNoy said. He said the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) has already reminded the people not to build houses along the riverside because it was a dangerous area and lives are at risk when flood comes along. “Kaya nga po sa darating na Mayo 13 gusto natin mabasbas ang

pagbabago. Idaan po natin sa matuwid ang ating mga boto. Masusi po natin ang mga kasama natin sa tuwid na daan. Sa ating pagtutulungan, sisiguraduhin nating hindi na maulit ang kamalian ng nakaraan,” PNoy said. (That’s why for the upcoming May 13 elections, we want to pursue change. Let’s direct our votes and secure our company to the right path. As we help each other, let us all make sure that the wrongdoings in the past will not be repeated.)

PRO 10 condemns attack on Mayor Guingona and her convoy

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Police Regional Office 10 together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will pursue the investigation of the recent attack on the convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruth De Lara Guingona to hold the perpetrators responsible for their criminal act.

by PRO

Police Chief Supt. Catalino B. Rodriguez said the incident will never dampen the spirits of the Philippine National Police and AFP personnel in serving and protecting the people, but will further strengthen their resolve in performing their mandated tasks and duties. The incident which happened on April 20, 2013 at around 11:00 p.m. drew condemnation from

the government security forces, particularly the PNP and the AFP. Rodriguez extends PRO 10’s heartfelt sympathies to the members of the families of Bartolome Velasco and Nestor Velasco who were killed in the attack and to Mayor Guingona, Leo Cañete and Police Officer 3 Rolando Benemirito who were wounded.

PRO 10 condemns attack on Mayor Guingona and her convoy

One Mindanao - April 24, 2013

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 24, 2013