One Mindanao - April 26, 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

Female inmates in Gensan receive legal aid, hygiene kits from Twin Star Jaycees

PGFruylanCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, April 26, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 173

page 4

Philippines confident ASEAN will achieve goal of becoming ‘One Economic Community’ by 2015 9

GSIS extends deadline for GSP applications to May 31 17

Jobs fair, turnover of SPES checks to cap 111th Labor Day celebration in ZamboSur

DPWH-ARMM hires 400 students for summer job

AFP, PNP pursues rebs after twin attacks 16

22Joey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

Veterans Association lobby for increase in old-age pension of veteransNorthern Mindanao

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Transport group to teach 4Ps beneficiaries driving skills 19

Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Danilo E. Doguiles, ARMM

XU to stage candidates’ forumNorthern Mindanao

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7 11 13 18 21 23

Friday, April 26, 20134

The activity dubbed as “Beyond Prison Walls” was part of the local organization’s 2013 JCI Week celebration which “objective is to help the correctional community (people inside the jails/ prisons) in their total human development based on the principle of a balanced and restorative justice.” Project Chairperson, Atty. Psyche Rizsavi Fontanilla-Mamadra shared to the inmates their basic legal rights to give them awareness and protection while under jail or rehabilitation custody.“One of the reasons why there are abused detainees it’s because they don’t know what their rights are and it’s always best to inform or remind them,” she said.

Fontanilla-Mamadra expressed happiness over the active participation of the inmates during the seminar especially at the portion when one has to answer a question for a prize. “I used to come here because of a client, and I can’t imagine how boring life is for them with that little space in the midst of high walls and metal bars. I am just happy because I see them differently today, how participative they are just to win a Victoria Secret


Some 128 inmates at the City Jail Female Dormitory received last

week a free basic legal education seminar and hygiene kits from the Junior Chamber International (JCI) General Santos “Twin Star” or Twin Star Jaycees.

CoVer StoRy

By PGFruylan

Friday, April 26, 2013 5

Lotion and some beauty products,” she said with a smile. Aside from the legal aid Twin Star Jaycees also distributed hygiene kits to the inmates which include shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, face towels and laundry powder among others. The detainees were also entertained as they dance and move to the latest fitness craze, Zumba. “We are so delighted that an activity like this happens here. Its fun and we love it especially that life here is lonely and emotionally degrading,“ expressed Arlina. Arlina, 43, is detained at the Female Dormitory for 14 years now for “Carnapping with Homicide” charges along with her husband who is also at the other side of the City Jail. “Most detainees here are just waiting for the final judgment while some cases are still on trial. Some are even impatient and bored because of the slow movement of their cases that’s why we encourage activities like this to keep them occupied and productive,” said JInsp. Connie Sendrijas, Warden of the Female Dormitory. Sendrijas explained that the outreach program of the Jaycees is a big help to the inmates because they feel that they are not yet neglected by the society. “Sadly, some detainees are already forgotten by their families and friends, so when activities like



t h i s happen they know they are still members of the community,” she pointed out. Moreover, Sendrijas also asked the help of concerned individuals and the business community to promote and patronize the livelihood products of these female inmates particularly the bags and other accessories that are made of beads and twines. “Most of these detainees are still financially supporting their families outside through the earnings that they get from selling these livelihood products,” she disclosed.

Meanwhile, Romeo Suobiron, Executive Vice President of the JCI General Santos “Twin Star” expressed optimism that his local chapter would continue its partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Female Dormitory. He said Twin Star Jaycees will surely come up with future projects that would help these female inmates bring back their self-esteem. “We have a female president in our chapter and she is very supportive of all projects that aim to empower women even beyond prison walls to be “economically productive and physically attractive,” he emphasized. “JCI is a membership-based nonprofit organization of young active citizens ages 18 to 40 in more than 100 countries who are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Each JCI member shares the belief that in order to create lasting positive change, we must improve ourselves and the world around us.”


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino lauds ASEAN member countries for inclusion of West Philippine sea in their discussion at ASEAN Summit in Brunei

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that the fact that the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have agreed to discuss the issue of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea)

during the 22nd ASEAN Summit being held here was something to be thankful for and clearly showed that a rules based approach towards peacefully resolving this dispute was on its way.

8Friday, April 26, 2013

Di ba, parang napakaganda nga e na unang-unang gabi nating nandito, unang-unang meeting nasama na sa mga topics. So we should really be thankful that the whole of the ASEAN is willing to discuss this instead of, you know, putting it on the backburner. That, I think, is already a help,” the President told reporters in a press briefing after meeting other ASEAN members in a working dinner.

He said that after 11 years since the ASEAN and China agreed in 2002 on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to maintain peace

and stability in the contested area, a major lane for global trade and believed to be rich in mineral resources, ASEAN has agreed to make the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) issue a priority area for discussion.

“There might be a consensus reached that really pushes the matter forward to really define everybody’s entitlements and obligations. So instead of being on a very low priority, it is one of the priority areas and nobody has objected, and everybody was listening and discussing it. So that, I think, is a step in the right direction,” he added. PND (rck)


Philippines confident ASEAN will achieve goal of becoming ‘One Economic Community’ by 2015

The Philippines is confident the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is on track towards

achieving its goal to become One Economic Community by 2015 despite the numerous challenges still facing the regional bloc.

10Friday, April 26, 2013

In a press briefing here, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said these challenges include the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) which aims to enhance cooperation in services among member States in order to improve the efficiency and competitiveness, diversify production capacity and supply and distribution of services of their service suppliers within and outside ASEAN; eliminating non-tariff barriers; and enhancing customs procedures through the ASEAN Single Window.

“We’re currently between 73 to 76 percent in terms of the ASEAN accomplishments. We’re on the 9th package so the first eight packages had been completed. But there’s still a lot of work because the easier parts have been done. So now we get into the more difficult portions,” Domingo noted.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aims to achieve regional economic integration by 2015. AEC envisages the following key characteristics: (a) a single

market and production base, (b) a highly competitive economic region, (c) a region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy.

The AEC areas of cooperation include human resources development and capacity building; recognition of professional qualifications; closer consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies; trade financing measures; enhanced infrastructure and communications connectivity; development of electronic transactions through e-ASEAN; integrating industries across the region to promote regional sourcing; and enhancing private sector involvement for the building of the AEC.

In short, the AEC will transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and freer flow of capital. PND (rck)


President Aquino and ASEAN leaders express concern over Korean Peninsula developments, call for denuclearization

Pesident Benigno S. Aquino III and his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed concern over the ongoing developments in the Korean

Peninsula and have called for the denuclearization of the area “in a peaceful manner.”

The regional bloc issued this statement at the close of the 22nd ASEAN Summit that was held here

from April 24 to 25.The regional leaders called on

the Democratic Republic of Korea


to fully comply with its obligations under all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and its commitments under the September 19, 2005 Joint Statement on the Six-Party Talks which aim to find a peaceful resolution to the security concerns as a result of the North Korean nuclear weapons program.

“We reaffirm our full support for all efforts to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean

Peninsula in a peaceful manner as well as the early resumption of the Six-Party Talks,” the Statement read.

“We emphasize the importance of dialogue aimed at promoting mutual understanding and confidence among all parties concerned to ensure peace, security and stability in the Korean Peninsula,” it added. PND (rck)


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The activity was the initiative of Jamila Arasid, Center Head-

Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCDP) of the Department

32 deportees finish TESDA reflex massage trainingBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Thirty two Filipino deportees from Malaysia recently received their Certificates of Training signed by no less than Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General, Secretary Joel J. Villanueva, as they graduated from a three-day training course on reflexology massage.


of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with TESDA. “We conducted the training para naman productive and stay nila dito at para na rin magkaroon sila ng skill na pwede nilang gawing hanap buhay (We conducted the training to make their stay here productive and to provide them with livelihood and skills training that they can make use of to earn a living),” the active center head said. “Nakaka antig ng damdamin dahil some of them are first time graduates (It’s so heart warming, because some of them are first time graduates),” Arasid said. TESDA Regional Director Engr. Lorenzo Macapili during the simple graduation ceremony said “salamat sa inyong willingness to learn, at sa attention,” as he encouraged the participants to allow or open themselves to similar opportunities being offered not only by TESDA but by other service agencies of the government as well. “Pag may oportunidad, join lang ng join (If there’s opportunity, keep joining). Go for continuous skills enhancement, education and

training,” Macapili emphasized. One deportee-participant- Jocelyn Gabunday of Silang Cavite in her learning testimonial said: “Yaman itong natutunan natin, wag natin baliwalain. Dahil sa bagong kaalamang ito, maari natin itong gamitin para kumita at tumulong sa kapwa (This learning is a treasure that we should not take for granted. We can use this new acquired skill to earn a living and to help others).” She gave her sincere appreciation to DSWD and TESDA, specifically to TESDA trainer Winfred Turco, for being patient with them and for the rigid training on reflexology massage. “First time ko po na nakapag attend sa buong buhay ko ng training na napaka detalyado, talagang siniguro nila na lalabas tayong mga eksperto sa training na ito (This is the first time in my entire life to attend a training that is so detailed, they made sure that we emerged as experts from this training),” Gabunday concluded. The simple graduation rite was conducted at PCDP in Mampang.


Jobs fair, turnover of SPES checks to cap 111th Labor Day celebration in ZamboSurBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – Anchored on the theme, “Manggagawang Pilipino: Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon (Filipino workers: Ready for the challenges of the new era),” jobs fair and turnover of Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) will highlight the 111th Labor Day celebration on May 1 at the Gaizano Food Court this city.

Labor and Employment Office chief Lourdes B. Amores said the special event would start with a motorcade around the city to be participated in by the different government agencies, non-government organizations, private establishments, recruitment agencies and other stakeholders. Amores disclosed that 12 local private establishments and three recruitment agencies are joining the jobs fair.

Aside from the local employment, 776 vacant positions for overseas employment are in store for lucky jobs seekers. Meanwhile, a total of 540 SPES checks amounting to more than P 1.6 million will be distributed to the local government units of Pagadian City and Ramon Magsaysay, Blancia College in Molave, Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC) and JH Cerilles State College Molave Campus. On the same occasion, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also distribute application forms for skills assessment while the National Statistics Office (NSO) will offer extended services to facilitate the issuance of security paper (SECPA) application. The lady labor chief also urged all government offices/agencies, private establishments and other stakeholders to hang streamers/tarpaulins in their respective offices/establishments to drum up public awareness of the celebration.


GSIS extends deadline for GSP applications to May 31By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that the deadline for filing of application for the GSIS scholarship program is extended until May 31, 2013.

In a press statement, GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said the extension of the deadline would give more time to qualified GSIS members to prepare the requirements in applying for the program. Engr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS branch head here said the scholarship grant, dubbed GSIS College Scholarship Program (GSP), seeks to help GSIS members especially those with the lowest annual basic salary in the government pay scale, to send their children to colleges and universities that provide quality education. Under the GSP guidelines, children of GSIS members may be nominated to the program if they are accepted as incoming college freshmen for Academic Year 2013-2014 in schools accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. The list of schools can be accessed in the GSIS website at www.gsis.gov.ph. Active and regular GSIS members with a salary grade of 24 or below, or its equivalent job level, are qualified to join the program if

they have at least three (3) years of government service and have up-to-date premium payments for the last six (6) months. GSP application forms are available at any GSIS branch office or downloadable from the GSIS website. A member’s certificate of employment and a certification from the school that the scholar-designee has passed the entrance examination / screening / evaluation and qualified to enroll as college freshman for AY 2013-2014 must accompany the application forms. (GSIS)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Local government units should assure continuous assistance to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Program.

DSWD urges LGUs to sustain interventions for 4Ps familiesBy Danilo E. Doguiles


In a recent crafting the Municipal Transition Plan , DSWD 12 assistant regional director Gemma Rivera challenged LGUs to make sure that the current socio-economic conditions of the 4Ps families will continue to improve even beyond their inclusion in the conditional cash transfer program.

“The things that you will indicate in the plan will reflect your efforts to sustain support-interventions to your constituents when Pantawid Pamilya finally ends on December, this year for Maasim and Malapatan in Sarangani Province and on April 2014 for Lake Sebu and Tboli in South Cotabato,” Rivera said.

“We need to ensure that there is continuity in terms of support to them so that they no longer go back to their previous poor socio-economic status,” she added.

Meanwhile, in a later interview, regional convergence coordinator Florentino Fiel, said, “we identified strategic areas for interventions such as: participation and empowerment, economic opportunities, basic services and social protection.”

“From here, the municipal planning officers, municipal social welfare and

development officers, health officers and education officials as well as local government operations officers were able to identify interventions according to key action areas,” Fiel explained.

Fiel pointed out that interventions to be provided may not necessarily be new as these may be integrated into their existing programs.

In response to the challenge, the Maasim municipal social welfare officer Ma. Luisa Busano, said they proposed here for a scholarship program for college education of Pantawid graduates.

“We have also included in our plan the conduct of capacity building and skills training for Pantawid families especially on income-generating skills,” she said.

“For disaster risk preparedness and reduction as part of the social protection component, we have included the capacity building on disaster management for them,” she added.

The municipal transition plans will be used as bases for the upcoming inter-agency planning as well as in the efforts to synchronize poverty reduction efforts. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Beneficiaries of the national govern-ment’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) could soon learn how to drive as a means of living.

Transport group to teach 4Ps beneficiaries driving skillsBy Danilo E. Doguiles


Koronadal City-based United Transport Operators and Drivers Servicing Cooperative (UTODCO) has recently collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 to assist recipients of the government’s conditional cash transfer in learning employable skills that could improve their socio-economic conditions.

UTODCO head Nestor Lumawig, declared during a recent orientation-advocacy for the Regional Development (RDC) 12 private sector representatives his desire to cooperate with the convergence program of DSWD, which encourages private sector participation in the campaign to curb poverty.

“Our cooperative is composed of drivers of big trucks, cars, buses, and vans,” he said, “and we can offer free training on driving for Pantawid beneficiaries who are willing to learn the skill.”

He said that they saw the need to teach the beneficiaries so that those who are currently unemployed may have the chance to be trained and be employed.

He added that the transportation industry goes with economic growth, emphasizing further that there are always needs for drivers here and abroad.

DSWD 12 assistant regional director Gemma Rivera lauded the effort of UTODCO to cooperate with DSWD.

“We need this kind of support from the private sector,” she said. “When we work together, even in simple ways, we can contribute to lessen poverty incidence in Region 12.”

DSWD 12 is currently working to include UTODCO in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding soon among potential partners joining the campaign against poverty. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with Dennis Domingo-DSWD 12)


COTABATO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Au-tonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) expressed optimism that the agency’s project implementation in the autonomous region is way above board with 56 percent of the total amount liquidated while ongoing road project implementation at 47 percent.

DAF-ARMM official assures utilization of stimulus fund way above boardBy Perlita D. Changco

DAF-ARMM is one of the agencies of government with allocation from the P810 billion Stimulus Fund for agricultural development.

Regional Secretary Marites Maguindra said, considering the high agricultural potential of the autonomous region, DAF-ARMM received the first tranche of P249 million from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) out of its total P510 million allocation.

Maguindra said, P142 million have been downloaded to local government units in January this year for farm-to-market road projects distributed in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi that would provide farmers in rural areas

the opportunity to transport their agricultural products to markets and trading centers the shortest possible time.

Given the high potential of ARMM in terms of agricultural production, Maguindra said, many land owners in the autonomous region have shown keen interest to engage in agricultural production.

“As agricultural potential of ARMM is high, many young breed of Maranaos show interest in farming, hence the agency aggressively links with the farmers and other stakeholders to ensure participation in pushing agricultural development of communities,” she said.

The agency is allocating P23 million


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has hired 400, mostly students, part-time workers for the agency’s summer job program this year.

for halal livestock development, P80 million for cassava development and P5 million for rubber industry development.

In terms of nationwide rice production, ARMM ranks within the top

five, number four in rubber industry while number five in the coconut development program, Maguindra said. (PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City)

DPWH-ARMM hires 400 students for summer jobBy Danilo E. Doguiles

The region’s DPWH secretary Emil Sadain said recruits will take part in the agency’s ‘Oplan Linis Bayan’ program, which includes the cleanup of major thoroughfares across the region.

He said the program is meant to keep roads free from distractions as well as help maintain the cleanliness of different towns in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

For this year, the agency made use of its generated savings to provide temporary job to at least 400 part-time workers that include students, out-of-school youths, unskilled workers and some of the Filipino deportees from Malaysia.

Each of the region’s eight engineering districts hired 50 part-timers to augment the equal number of regular workforce engaged in road cleanup.

Sadain said part-timers will receive daily wage of P250.

The secretary noted that the program has helped some deportees who are still affected by the ongoing conflict in Sabah, Malaysia.

Sadain said that the summer job program is another first in the DPWH’s 23-year history and was made possible through the present administration’s prudent fiscal handling.

Jam Santos, a second year college student in one of the universities in the region, said he is grateful that he was chosen to be included in the summer job program .

“I am happy to be granted the opportunity to earn this vacation,” he said.

A fellow student from the same school, Nur Jihan Anton, said she would use the salary to help pay for her tuitions in the coming school year. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/ARMM Communications Group)


Labor Day job fairs bring 30,000 vacancies

DAVAO CITY – Job seekers in the region will be given opportunities for possible employment in local and overseas companies that will offer 30,893 vacancies in job fairs set on Labor Day. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-XI) will lead three simultaneous job fair events at SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall in Davao

City and at Gaisano Mall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, in celebration of Labor Day on May 1.DOLE-XI regional director Atty. Joffrey Suyao bared that about 2,980 job vacancies from 131 local firms will be opened at the two malls in Davao City, while 17,977 overseas jobs come from 51 companies. Suyao told the media in a press conference today

(April 25) that 750 jobs have been solicited from 25 companies in Tagum City, and that 19,497 vacancies from 15 firms abroad will also be offered in the city. He said the top five in-demand positions in the local participating companies are technical support representatives, customer service consultant, call center agents,

by Carina Cayon


waitress/waiter and online tutors. The other needed jobs include accounting staff, management trainees, sales associates/representatives, tellers and information technology specialists/computer programmers. For the work abroad, the top ten in-demand jobs are domestic helpers, household service workers, electricians, technicians, waitress/waiters, receptionists, engineers, masons/carpenters, babysitters and drivers. Suyao urged job seekers to pre-register on April 26-30 at 10:00 am to 6:00pm at SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall Davao. He said the Regional Coordinating Committee comprising of all attached agencies of DOLE in the region will hold a one-stop shop delivery of their respective programs and services during the job fairs. Ma. Carolina Agdamag, chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Regional Center for Mindanao, said they will put up a POEA desk not only to entertain queries but also to accept applications for the staff nurse positions being offered by the Ministry of Health-Hospital Operation Program (MOH-HOP) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Agdamag said representatives from the MOH-HOP of KSA are expected to personally administer the application and interview procedures.She added that the government of Germany will also be needing nurses. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will provide free overseas calls for the immediate

families of the Overseas Filipino Workers. Other DOLE-attached agencies such as the Professional Regulation Commission, National Labor Relations Commission, and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board will also be present during the job fairs to extend their respective services.Suyao said the job fair is one way of addressing the unemployment concern in Davao Region which hit at 6.3 percent as of January 2013, lower than the national figure of 7.1% based on the data from the National Statistics Office. The same unemployment rate was noted in the same period last year, he bared saying “this just showed that our employment facilitation efforts had no much effect.” “Maybe because, daghang nawad-an og trabaho mainly because of (Typhoon) Pablo (Maybe because many lost their jobs during Typhoon Pablo,” Suyao enlightened. The DOLE official also cited the rise of underemployment from the 15% rate last year to 21.1% of the total number of employed persons in the region. He explained that the underemployed are those with jobs but still need or desire to look for other jobs with higher pay, or who want to render extra hours of work.Suyao said as of January 2013, Davao Region has an employment rate of 93.7% or 1.855 million of the 1.979 million labor force. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)


AFP, PNP pursues rebs after twin attacksby Joey DalumpinesDAVAO CITY- A police officer as-sured that the peace and order in Mabini, Compostela Valley has gone back to normal after two armed men opened fire on the police station using a grenade launcher 7:35 pm Tuesday. Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, director of the Compostela Valley Police Office said police and military observed an alert level three since Tuesday night by putting up checkpoints and conducting pursuit operation against the perpetrators who took advantage of the power outage in launching the attack.No one was hurt in the incident.He said the investigators are trying to establish the identity of the perpetrators who fled under the cover of darkness. “Mabini was part of the rotating brownout when the incident happened that is why the perpetrators were able to sneak 30 to 35 meters away from the police station,” Cascolan said. He said the police station is located in front of the Tagum-Mati national highway. Cascolan said the fragments from the point of impact point to an M203 grenade. He said that right after the

blast, a one-kilometer radius search was launched immediately around the police station in the effort to look for the persons responsible for the explosion. “Unluckily, we did not catch the suspects. Hopefully, we can come up with cartographic sketch. Witnesses saw two persons riding on a TMX motorcycle,” Cascolan said. Meantime, the military has launched a search for a soldier who was taken allegedly by the rebels following an attack at the public market of Barangay Elizaldo, Maco, Compostela 6:45 am Wednesday. 1Lt. Vilma Mojado of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion said the rebels opened fire on three unarmed members of the peace and development team and were able to drag away one of the soldiers as the two others scampered to safety. She said residents hid the two soldiers when the rebels were about to take hold of them. Mojado identified the soldier who was taken by the rebels as PFC Jesus Tomas, a member of the 71st Infantry Battalion. Soldiers are currently pursuing the armed group (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


regional gallery

PMA cadets fire four-gun salutes during the silent drill performance of the Cadets from PMA “Gabay Laya” Class of 2016 in the Freedom Park grounds, Tagum City last April 24, 2013. (Photo by Louie Bryan Lapat of CIO Tagum)


The senator, together with former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and his sister, Marie Guingona Lamb attended the conference concerning the ambush on April 20 that wounded the senator’s mother, Gingoog City

Mayor Ruth de Lara Guingona and her staff in Misamis Oriental. “I would like to thank and commend the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for their assistance in rescuing

Senator Guingona III commends AFP and PNP for rescuing his motherby Sweet Elah A. Mahinay

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Senator Teofisto Guingona III expressed his gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) during a press conference at the Philippine Information Agency region 10 last April 22.


Veterans Association lobby for increase in old-age pension of veteransby Yvonne A. Jimenez and Marie-Zil G. Malinao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Veterans Federation of the Philippines Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. (VFP-SDAI) is lobbying for an annual increase of P1,000 in the old-age pension of war veterans across the country.

Veterans presently get P5,000 per month. If the proposal is approved, they will get an additional P1,000 per year until it becomes P6,000 for next year, P7,000 for the next, and so on. Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real, deputy regional vice president for NCR-South said compared to regular government employees who are retired, the pension received by these war heroes is not enough, considering

the present prices of commodities and medicines. As mandated by the constitution in Section 7, Article 16, VFP-SDAI advocates the increase of old-age pension for all veterans, improved medical services including easier access to affordable quality medicines and expand the educational benefits to the families of veterans and release of overdue total administrative disability

my mother,” Guingona said. “Iisa lang ang may karapatang magpatupad ng batas, yun ang President at sa ilalim ng President ay ang mga institusyon, tulad ng AFP at PNP,” he said. (There is only one who have the right to implement the law and that is the President. Under the President are the institutions like the AFP and PNP.) Guingona added that only the AFP and PNP have the right to exercise and implement the law, conduct checkpoints and use firearms. He said despite what happened, their family will continue its legacy of service in the community of Gingoog City.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Guingona said they had a lot of experiences in tragedies and they have learned a lesson in life, to take it for what it really means and act accordingly, to be able to cope with what happened. He added that he is also hoping that the rest of the days be filled with non-animosity and friendly rivalry toward a clean and honest election. Reports say an armed group attacked the convoy of Gingoog Mayor Ruth de Lara Guingona and her companions at around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, killing a bodyguard and a driver and wounding the mayor.


(TAD) benefits mandated under Republic Act 7679. In terms of getting acknowledged as a war veteran, Villa-Real said the presentation of proof of documents is important, which should include a written recommendation from his past commander, photos and other relevant evidence. Those who are enlisted in the United States must have themselves documented veterans here as well. The association is also conducting several activities to the descendants of veterans nationwide. They conduct entrepreneurship training, livelihood programs and also lend capital. Villa-Real said the Veterans Bank is also mandated by the government to set aside 20 percent of its net income

to be spent through its foundation in maintenance of medical and drug assistance to enlisted veterans. Further, they provide one full scholarship per region to identified descendants. “Education paves the way for better opportunities so we are trying to raise funds right now for the College Scholarship Program in every region for Sons and Daughters Association,” he said. There will also be a Travelling World War II exhibit at SM City Davao on May 3 which will show around 400 vintage photos and artifacts of the war and will also be shown in several parts of Mindanao, particularly Cagayan de Oro.

XU to stage candidates’ forum

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Xavier University through its Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Office will be holding a couple of candidates’ fora to assist the electorate in identifying political candidates who are suited to meet the development needs of the city.

by Vanessa M. Gorra

The congressional candidates’ forum is set on Thursday, April 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Capitol University Gym. Another forum for the city level local government unit (LGU) will be conducted on April 30, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the XU covered courts. Both fora are open to the public. XU-RSO believes that a well planned and executed candidate’s fora can be a powerful tool in helping voters maximize their right to vote.

It is also an opportunity to get public commitments from the candidates, especially on issues relating to the environment, health and sanitation, peace and order, good governance and food security. Individuals who are interested to participate and know more about the event may call 858-3116 local 3206 and look for Gail, Jojo or Ice or email [email protected].


Caraga stakeholders to convene for reg’l consultation on PDP updating

BUTUAN CITY -- More than 100 stakeholders from the regional line agencies (RLAs), Local Government Units (LGUs), private and business sectors and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) will convene for a regional consultation on the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) Midterm Updating and Revalidation of Results Matrix on April 25, 2013 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.

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

by Robert E. Roperos


This regional consultation is aimed at ensuring that regional concerns and priorities are reflected in the updated PDP. Moreover, regional consultations are done nationwide to promote wider participation and ownership of the Plan.

President Benigno S. Aquino III through Memorandum Circular 43, dated February 2013, directed the updating of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and its accompanying documents such as the Results Matrix (RM) and the Philippine Investment Program (PIP).

The PDP serves as a roadmap for the realization of inclusive growth - high growth that is

sustained and growth which generates job opportunities and reduces poverty.

As the country’s socio-economic planning agency, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will facilitate the updating of the PDP.

At the regional level, the Regional Development Council (RDC) with the NEDA as Secretariat shall spearhead the crafting of the updated Regional Development Plan (RDP).

The RDP contains specific strategies and targets to boost regional productivity and promote inclusive growth.


Bata Muna is a non political, non partisan movement endorsed by the Commission on Elections and is implemented by various organizations, most notably Save the Children and Caraga Emergency Resource Group (CERG) that will awaken both the candidates/ politicians and voters to know, and stand up for children’s rights, Dr. Rex Linao, Executive Director of ADFI.

During the launching, Dr. Linao candidates to be voted can provide children with safe place where they can

play, funds for the projects for children, can put up street lights in order to avoid accidents and criminality, programs for the rights of children especially those who are impaired, programs that children can overcome fear, stress and bad experience because of disaster and man-made calamities, free medical services like counseling and correct information on reproductive health, alternative learning and back-to-school program for children who quit schooling, chances so that children can have participation in

“BATA MUNA” encourages public to vote for candidates who have programs for children

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (ADFI) launched last Friday the “Bata Muna” campaign to influence voters to consider children when voting and to vote for candidates who stand up for children’s rights come May 13 elections.

by David M. Suyao


“BATA MUNA” encourages public to vote for candidates who have programs for children

formulating laws, program on positive discipline and child labor and work for parents so that they can address the needs of their children.

“Our aim here is to make parents and voters know the platforms of the candidate and scrutinizing their platforms. Second, they should select candidates using the criteria for determining pro-children candidates, and hold them accountable after elections, or remind them of their promises,” Dr. Linao said.

According to Dr. Linao, organized youth, parents and other stakeholders of the Bata Muna should see to it that they participate or organize public

dialogues, interact children with candidates and voters, provide political candidates and parties with policy and position papers, Bata Muna poster and campaign materials, engage political candidates through social media (e.g. twitter), document and share political promises, share relevant studies, draft policy papers, or be a spokesperson and volunteer to help the campaign.

“With this campaign, we cannot only ensure honest, orderly and peaceful election but we can also help voters to become responsible for the future,” Dr. Linao said.

Forest protection committee intensifies anti-illegal logging campaign thru checkpoints

BUTUAN CITY -- In an effort to curb illegal logging activities in this city, members of Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMFPC) has intensified the conduct of checkpoint operations in the entrance and exit points here.

by Hannah Cheen P. Osin


Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Technical Director Maritess Ocampo said the proposed establishment of checkpoint is a way to curb the transporting of illegally-cut forest products in Caraga Region.

During the RMFPC special meeting held recently here, the member-agencies were made to identify their permanent and alternate representatives in the committee in order to have smooth coordination and performance of their functions.

Earlier reports revealed that transporting of undocumented

forest product concealed in containerized vans/closed conveyances is still happening in the region.

“Though our security forces are conducting check points, there is still a need for the council to assist our police and soldiers to ensure that those violators will be apprehended,” Ocampo said.

With these developments, the council members agreed to request the Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Regional Development Council to create green prosecutors/officers to address environmental cases in the region.

One Mindanao - April 26, 2013

Documents

Transcript of One Mindanao - April 26, 2013