One Mindanao - April 28, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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]

Northern Mindanao

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

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

ECC 12 helps injured laborer get back to work

DA taps media to bolster farm mechanization campaign

NGAs offer scholarship programs to 4Ps student-beneficiaries

NCDA official bats for compliance with accessibility law

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PhilHealth Run in Koronadal raises P2.47 M for grantee institutions

PH embassy in New Delhi sends crisis management team to Nepal

Davao del Norte ready to host 2015 Palarong Pambansa

DTI notes price decrease of milk products

Gingoog, DOH construct P2.4M birthing homes

NorMin out-of-school children, youth lowest in Mindanao

By: Daisy C. Cabigayan

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Jelly F. Musico

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1837

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Franklin P. Gumapon

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Buboy Pabia

By: PSA-10

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

34 DavNor responders trained for Palaro injury mgtBy: Michael Uy

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4 APRIL 28, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

It’s official. SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s PhilHealth

is giving P2.474 million worth of assistance to two institutions identified as beneficiaries for the PhilHealth Run on February 15.



PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander Padilla joined Regional Vice President Miriam Grace Pamonag in turning over to Cotabato Bahay Maria Foundation Inc. and the DSWD XII Home for Girls checks amounting P1,237,011 each.

“This is one area where PhilHealth has achieved so much, not because of the amount we were able to raise but for the beneficiaries we are able to help,” Dr. Pamonag said.

Addressing the runners and sponsors, she added: “From the bottom of our hearts , in behalf of the PhilHealth management,

5APRIL 28, 2015 One Mindanao


I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your support in this endeavor,”.

Some 7,167 runners registered in the PhilHealh Run 2015, officially named; PhilHealth: Ready, TSeKap, Go! In Koronadal City.

She emphasized that PhilHealth did not earn a single

centavo from the event. It was only allowed to spend 20 percent of the raised funds on administrative expenses.

Same events were held simultaneously in Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Subic, Lucena, LipaNaga, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Davao, and Quezon City as part of the PhilHealth’s 20th Anniversary.

Dr. Pamonag explained that the turnover held at EMR Center in Koronadal City on April 21 was a “soft awarding” as PhilHealth 12 will not be


handing the actual checks and corresponding amounts to the recipients. Instead, they will appropriate the exact amounts to purchase the materials that each institution identified in the respective “wish lists” they handed to PhilHealth when they were identified as beneficiaries of the PhilHealth Run.

“After the soft turnover, PhilHealth will use the full amount raised to buy the materials, equipment, tools and facilities that the beneficiary institutions have listed,” Dr. Pamonag said in an earlier interview with Philippine Information Agency.

DSWD 12’s Home for Girls located along Arellano St. in Koronadal City is a temporary shelter that caters to vulnerable children and victims of child abuse, neglect and exploitation.

As of last count, the facility which is being rented by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato houses 20 girls.

Officials managing the center have included in their wish list sewing machines and materials they could use in sewing as the children have been trained in dressmaking as a livelihood as well as tools they could use in pedicure-


manicure services.

They have also requested for air-conditioning units or electric fans for comfort in the children’s living area as well as musical and sports instruments that are needed to keep them busy and occupied as they recover from painful and often traumatic experiences.

DSWD 12 Regional Director Zorahayda who received the ceremonial check thanked PhilHealth for the continuous support to facilities managed by DSWD 12.

Home for the Girls is the

third DSWD 12-managed facility to benefit from the PhilHealth Run.

DSWD 12’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in nearby Tupi town was the local recipient of the Philhealth Run in 2012 while its Reception and Study Center for Children in Maibo, Tantangan was the beneficiary in 2013.

The RRCY received almost P400,000 worth of sports and musical equipment, recreational facilities and kitchen appliances and others.

In 2013, the Reception


and Study Center for Children received over P806,000 worth of aid, including a multicab that is being used to transport children to school and to health facilities in case of medical concerns.

Cotabato Bahay Maria Foundation Inc., on the other hand is a home for sick and abandoned elderly. The shelter, located in Poblacion 2, Cotabato City, haS taken care of elderly

persons from Cotabato City, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Sur. At last count the Foundation takes care of 38 senior citizens.

Identified among their needs was the construction of an isolation ward for elderly suffering from lung diseases and similar conditions.

They also hoped for a


vehicle to transport the women to hospital for their medical and health needs and to ride in for their monthly field trips.

“This is the first time that Bahay Maria received a donation that amounts to more than a million,” said Fr. Benjamin Ariel Torreto, chairperson of the center’s Board of Director, when he received the ceremonial check.

“For the money we received from the PhilHealth Run, thank you very much,” he added. “No amount of word can capsulize the amount of gratitude we feel.”

The next PhilHealth Run, according to Dr. Pamonag, would happen in 2020 during the 25th Anniversary of PhilHealth.


President Aquino calls on ASEAN leaders to synchronize regional and national priorities

KUALA LUMPUR - President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday called on his fellow Southeast Asian leaders to synchronize their regional and national priorities in line with the implementation of the ‘One Community’ concept of regional integration in 2015. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. issued the statement following President Aquino’s intervention during the

here. He said President Aquino reiterated the Philippines’ call for the ASEAN to take a common


stand to protect freedom of navigation and commerce in the South China Sea, especially in light of China’s recent massive reclamation activities in disputed territories, which pose a threat to the region’s security and peace.

“He (President Aquino) said that ASEAN centrality should now be clearly demonstrated by ‘expeditiously concluding a legally binding Code of Conduct with China’ that would implement the salient provisions of the declaration made in 2012 by China and ASEAN member countries with claims to maritime entitlements in the South China Sea,” Secretary Coloma said.

According to the President, China’s reclamation activities “are direct violations of the DOC (Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea) and the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)” and “cause irreparable loss and damage to the marine environment, threatening the livelihood of people living in the coastal communities.”

President Aquino cited paragraph 5 of the DOC, which states:

“The Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.”

President Aquino also thanked various members of the international community, including the Group of Seven (G7) countries, for taking a clear stand and for their calls to action in response to these illegal reclamations.

“President Aquino also called for heightened vigilance to curb ‘the rise of religious fanaticism and extremism in the Middle East’ and reiterated the Philippines’ support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 on foreign terrorism,” Coloma added.

President Aquino said this should be implemented to prevent the spread of terror-related crimes perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and similar groups.


He said that there is also a need to assist peoples caught up in humanitarian emergencies, such as those in Yemen and Libya.

President Aquino further urged ASEAN member states to work toward the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations this year by concentrating on the core issues covering trade in goods and services, investments, and economic cooperation.

He acknowledged the support of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia in the negotiations that led to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and advocated the use of a grassroots-based,

multi-stakeholder approach to peace-building and reconciliation initiatives, Coloma said.

Noting that 2015 is also the terminal year of the pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), President Aquino called for intensified efforts to eradicate poverty and foster inclusive growth as part of a collective vision of a post-2015 ASEAN Community, Coloma added.

President Aquino also advocated the initiation of accepting Timor-Leste as the 11th member state of the ASEAN and granting formal status to Norway as a dialogue partner. (PCOO/PND (hdc)


PH embassy in New Delhi sends crisis management team to Nepal

MANILA - The Crisis Management Team (CMT) from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi has reached Kathmandu, Nepal Monday morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. DFA said the CMT is currently assessing the situation on the ground and coordinating with the Filipino community in Nepal for their needs. The Embassy encourages Filipinos in

Nepal to contact the Embassy in New Delhi to give updates of their status and current location via the following means:

As of 12:00 noon Monday, around 40 Filipinos in Nepal have contacted the Embassy to confirm that they are safe. Filipinos in Nepal are encouraged to keep tabs on one another. Kababayans in the Philippines who have not heard from their relatives in Nepal are invited to leave the name, address and contact details of the missing individuals on the Facebook Information Page of the Embassy. The Embassy will

do its utmost to contact them. Families in the Philippines may also contact the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) through 0917-5693073 or (02) 871-4503 to inquire about their relatives in Nepal or to provide information as to their relatives’ status and whereabouts. The Embassy will publish updates as developments arise. (DFA)

Hotline : +91 9910797014Email : [email protected] numbers : +91 8587030863, +91 9650927535Facebook : Philippine Embassy New Delhi Information Page


Davao del Norte ready to host 2015 Palarong Pambansa

MANILA - From security to the sports and billeting facilities, the province of Davao del Norte is ready to host the more than 10,000 delegates, including 7,000 athletes that will compete in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa slated from May 3 to 9 this year. ”If the Palarong Pambansa will be held tomorrow, we are ready to host it. Almost everything is in place,” said Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum at the Shakey’s restaurant

in Ermita.

Del Rosario said all the sports facilities, including sprawling Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, in Tagum City are ready for the annual sportsfest for

By: Jelly F. Musico


elementary and high school student athletes from the country’s 17 regions.

”Our athletes are not refurbished because they are all brand new that we started constructing three years ago,” Del Rosario said.

He said the province has spent Php350 million for the construction of the sports facilities and additional Php60 million for the soft infrastructures “just for the hosting of this Palarong Pambansa.”

Although it marked the first time it will host the national Palarong Pambansa, Davao del Norte has already hosted two regional Palaro meets -- Batang Pinoy and Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) national games.

On the security aspect, Del Rosario said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will field close to 1,800 security forces to protect the athletes and delegates in the weeklong sports event.

”This is aside from the

intelligence group and volunteers from different sectors. It’s the same security plan that we used effectively in our previous hosting of the Batang Pinoy and PRISAA and two regional Palaro meets,” he said.

To prevent heatstroke, Del Rosario said no outfield sports events will be held from 10 a.m. up to 3 p.m.

”We can hold events specially football in the evening because our sports complex is well lighted,” he said.

The province also constructed water tanks and showers room in the different elementary and high schools buildings that will be used as billeting centers for the athletes and delegates.

”We also prepared a lot of bottled waters to make sure that our athletes will not be dehydrated and since we are (known as the) banana capital, we flood them with banana(s) to make our athletes stronger,” Del Rosario said.

This year’s Palaro theme is “Breaking borders, building peace”. (PNA)


Butuan, AgNor youngsters finish skills trainingBy: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY - More constituents from the province of Agusan del Norte have finished the skills training provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). This, after series of graduation exercises and toolkits distributions were conducted recently in different municipalities of the province. A total of 667 trainees from the Butuan City Manpower Training Center (BCMTC) have received training certificate from the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority


(TESDA). During the recent graduation ceremony held at the city hall lobby here, TESDA-Agusan del Norte OIC-Provincial Dir. Emma R. de Villa has conferred upon the 15 graduates in the Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO)-Wheel Loader. Another 15 trainees were conferred graduates in the HEO-Hydraulic Excavator, 16 for Massage Therapy NC II, 54 in the Basic Plumbing, 94 in the Basic Electrical Installation and Maintenance, 8 in the Basic Auto-Electrical and 45 in the Food Processing. Under the Community-Based Training Program, a total of 56 trainees have graduated in the Siomai and Camote Making, 22 in the Burger Patties Making, 108 in the Body Massage, Soap Making – 31, Table Skirting – 52, Footwear Making – 21, Candle-making – 27, Floor wax making – 31, Nail Care Services – 48, and Chicharon Making – 24. In her speech, Dir. De Villa pointed out that being a TESDA graduate means a lot. “This simply means that the skills you have acquired are world-class and can compete with other skilled workers around the globe,” De Villa said. Meanwhile, trainees from

the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Training Center were able to receive toolkits from TESDA Officials under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP). According to Dir. De Villa, the program was implemented thru the leadership of 2nd District Cong. Erlpe John M. Amante who has allocated some Php 3.5 million in 2014 to see to it that young people of Agusan del Norte will be equipped with necessary skills to be productive citizens in the community. Dir. De Villa added the good Congressman has again allocated some Php 1-million for the program to be implemented this year. Under this program, 97 trainees have graduated under the Install Wiring and Lighting Devices leading to Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II; 70 graduated in the Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC I; and 33 in the Gas Engine Tune-up leading to Automotive Servicing NC II. All graduates under this program have received toolkits from TESDA. In a related development, 42 trainees in the Las Nieves Training Center in Brgy. Mat-i,


DA taps media to bolster farm mechanization campaignBy: Daisy C. Cabigayan

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) RFO XII together with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development Mechanization (PhilMech) met the local media here to boost the campaign on Farm Mechanization held at Goat2Geder Hotel and Restaurant, this city.

Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte have finished SMAW NC I and each received portable welding machine from Dir. De Villa. In this municipality, the TWSP was implemented through

the Congressional Office of Atty. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun of the 1st District of Agusan del Norte covering Butuan City and Las Nieves.


Dr. Rodolfo P. Estigoy, Science Research Specialist and Chief of Applied Communication Division of PhilMech, said that Farm Mechanization is a new way of helping the farmers in producing higher yield with the help of newly invented technologies. “Mechanization can increase yield, lower the labor cost, reduce losses, and if it reduce losses therefore it increase rice availability and affordability,” Estigoy said. To fully brief the media, Dr. Estigoy presented videos about “Agrinovations.” “These new innovations are system’s approach invented by PhilMech and made especially for the farmers to make farm activities easier,” he added. “Agrinovations” are important tools that improve farm production especially from the time of planting their crops, during harvest and post-harvest period.

Machineries in “Agrinovations” include: Mini-Combine Harvester; Rice Transplanter; Compact Corn mill; Cassava Digger; Ten-row Onion Planter; Brown rice Huller and; Belt-Dryer for Granulated Cassava. In support to farm mechanization, DA turned-over 53 units of floating tillers to the various farmers’ associations in the different municipalities regionwide. Additional 37 hand tractors with implements were also distributed to other farmer associations who were next in line beneficiaries. The said intervention is aimed to boost and sustain the rice production in Caraga Region. DA-RFO 13 acting director III Nicandro M. Navia Jr. thanked the media for being active partners of the department in disseminating information. To promote and encourage farmers to adopt the use of mechanized farm equipments, a week-long Farm Mechanization Caravan followed after the media briefing.


DTI notes price decrease of milk products

SURIGAO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here noted a decrease in the prices of milk products as per recent monitoring conducted from April 14-15, 2015.

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

DTI Price Monitoring Officer Lourdes A. Chua said that Alaska Powdered Milk 150ml had reduced from PhP45.15 to PhP44.15, Birch Tree Full Cream Milk 150gm from PhP58.10 to PhP57.10 and Bear Brand 150gm from PhP51.00 to PhP50.00. The price reduction is equivalent to about 1.72 percent to 1.96 percent over the prices monitored the second week of March. Also, two major retail establishments namely, Absolute

Traders, Inc. and TT & Company pulled out from their shelves a number of CDO canned meat products that had exceeded the suggested retail prices (SRP).

photo credit: http://dzmm.abs-cbnnews.com/


DIPOLOG CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has recently conducted an executive forum on Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center (ZNCEC) this city.

MinDA conducts Mindanao 2020 forum in Dipolog

By Mary May A. Abellon

S e c r e t a r y Luwalhati R. Antonino, MinDA chairperson, explained the policies that impact Mindanao and talked

about the investment opportunities on renewable energy, eco-tourism, agro-forestry such as cacao and coffee.


In developing Mindanao, MinDA adopts eco-system based approach. It also encouraged everyone to do cacao farming because of its high demand and being a world commodity. “In developing domestic tourism of Mindanao, Mindanawons can be tourists in our very own Mindanao,” Secretary Antonino stressed. She added that if “we compete in the world market, it must be world class, high quality and sustainable.” Meanwhile, she emphasized that MinDA is only a planning agency like NEDA, but it can facilitate the sourcing of funds for

certain projects to be ipemented in the island. The Mindanao-wide security coordination initiative was tackled during the said forum. Antonino also urged the graduates not to leave Mindanao because “there are so many opportunities now in the area.” Among the elected officials present during the event were Governor Roberto Y. Uy, Vice-Governor Senen O. Angeles, provincial board members, third representative Isagan S. Amatong as well as the mayors of Dipolog, Manukan, Sibutad, Labason, Roxas, Sindangan, Liloy, Tampilisan and La Libertad.


The agencies that came to present their scholarship programs were the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology

(DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and others. Dubbed “Pagtatapos Niyo, Tagumpay Ng Pipilino:

PAGADIAN CITY – Life is full of opportunities for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) student-beneficiaries, as the different national government agencies (NGAs) have offered them scholarship programs during the recently concluded mass graduation program for 4Ps student-beneficiaries here recently.

NGAs offer scholarship programs to 4Ps student-beneficiaries By Gideon C. Corgue


Pagdiriwang para sa Pantawid Pamilya Graduates ng 2015,” the mass graduation program was designed to recognize the Pantawid student-beneficiaries who graduated valedictorian, salutation and honorable mention from high school and to help them avail of the scholarship programs offered by government agencies concerned. The different colleges were also invited in the open house booths set up by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to apprise the new graduates of the different courses offered by their schools. Provincial Director Eualalio Lumactod of TESDA-Zamboanga del Sur informed the graduates that TESDA is offering scholarship grants for technical-vocational courses this year. “To the new graduates who are interested to pursue technical and vocational courses such as welding, electronics, electricity, tourism-related

and agriculture-related courses, TESDA offers 1,000 scholarship slots for Zamboanga del Sur this year,” Lumactod announced. Lumactod encouraged the new graduates to enroll agriculture-related courses saying that it is the national government’s top priority program and most in demand these days. DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur chief Milo Encila, on the other hand, said the agency has been implementing the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) giving opportunity to poor but deserving students to pursue their college education through the support and sponsorship of the local government units and private establishments in a 60-40 sharing scheme. Encila said for Zamboanga del Sur, a total of 12,987 slots are allotted to high school students who are interested to avail of the SPES program. “The program has 12.7-million budget for the province’s two districts,” he concluded.


NCDA official bats for compliance with accessibility law By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Compliance with the accessibility law by public and private entities in the country leaves much to be desired, Zaldy R. Sanchez, chief of the Information, Education and Communication Division (IECD), National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) said in a recent interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.

Sanchez, who served as one of the resource persons during an orientation on early detection, identification, diagnosis and intervention of disabilities among children held at the Executive Function Hall, City Mayor’s Office here, disclosed that the provisions of Batas Pambansa 344, otherwise known as the Accessibility Law, have not been fully observed in the construction of buildings and other facilities to make them accessible to disabled persons. Under the said law public and private buildings and related structures for public use must be made accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs). “How can we say that we are PWD-friendly if our buildings/structures have no ramps for disabled persons on

wheelchairs?” he asked. “Although most of the structures in the country’s big cities have complied with the standards set by the accessibility law, the structures in the rural areas are not that PWD-friendly yet,” Sanchez pointed out. It is, therefore, a continuing campaign of the NCDA to make the buildings/structures including the streets and highways as well as public utilities accessible to PWDs, the IECD chief added. He also underscored the important role played by the local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of the accessibility law, as they are the ones issuing/giving building permits prior to the construction of any building/structure in the locality.


Sinulom Falls : a new tourist attraction in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Although nature has experienced a fair share of wreckage, Kagay-anons are still very much fortunate that there’s still a place that can still be a tourist attraction in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

By: City Information Office

In her special report at a session on April 20, councilor Candy Darimbang suggested to declare Sinulom Falls as one of the tourist attractions of the city. In line with this, Darimbang requested the City Council to allocate funds for the construction of roads that lead to Sinulom Falls. Sinulom Falls is situated at Barangay Tignapoloan. Its loveliness and beauty is


comparable to that of Pasonanca Falls in Zamboanga, Maria Cristina and Tinago Falls in Iligan City. The falls is a big help in making the tourism industry of

the city flourish, according to Darimbang. The request is now being endorsed by the City Tourism Board for further review.

Gingoog, DOH construct P2.4M birthing homes

GINGOOG CITY - As givers of life to their babies, thousands of mothers in this city must be well taken cared of and assisted by their nearby birthing centers and personnel.

Stressed Mayor Marie de Lara Guingona as her administration has been jointly implementing with the Department of Health (DOH) the two separate initial constructions of birthing homes in barangays Lunao and San Miguel respectively totaling to P2.4 million. Through the initiative of Mayor Marie Guingona, the amount is sourced out from DOH’s Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) and divided it for a P1.2 million project to the two barangays. She has signaled the Office of the City Engineer under Felipa Baranda to submit to her office the finished program of works for these birthing homes.

In an interview, City Health Officer Dr. Grace Jadol says, “our office has been fortunate for these two locations of birthing homes that will cater for maternal care package to reproductive mothers living in the said barangays. These projects will also accommodate to mothers residing nearby to Lunao and San Miguel as long as they belong to their respective districts.” Having the policy of “no more domestic maternal delivery,” Dr. Jadol has emphasized that these locally supported projects can definitely offer comfort and confidence to our pregnant women because of the birthing accessibility and of the expertise of our assigned nurses or

By: Buboy Pabia


midwives assigned in these health-related stations. Mayor Guingona has been very grateful to President Aquino and to the DOH secretary

for pouring out funds from the agency’s HFEP for the materialization of these pro-poor and family-centered projects.

NorMin out-of-school children, youth lowest in MindanaoCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Northern Mindanao posted least out-of-school rate among Mindanao regions in 2013.

According to the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), 180,908 children and youth in Northern Mindanao or 9.8 percent were out of school in 2013. Also, the proportion of out-of-school individuals in the region was higher among youth than children. Among the youth aged 15-24, 17 percent of them are out-of-school with female youth having a higher out-of-school rate. Among the children aged 6-14, 2.6 percent of them are out-of-school in 2013 with boys having a higher out-of-school rate. Results of the survey showed that the top three reasons for females not attending school were

marriage (36.2%), insufficient family income (17.0%) and housekeeping (13.7%). Meanwhile, the top three reasons for males not attending school were lack of personal interest (33.1%), insufficient family income (22.7%) and illness/disability (12.2%). The 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) covered around 36 million population aged 6 to 24 years. Out-of-school children is defined in the FLEMMS as persons aged 6 to 14 years who are not attending school while out-of-school youth as persons aged 15 to 24 years who are not attending school, have not finished any college or post-secondary course, and are not working. (PSA-10/APB/PIA-10)


Davao, Tagum cities set to implement Jobstart Phils.

DAVAO CITY – Some 400 youths in Davao City and Tagum City will have the chance to enhance their em-ployability through in-ternship or on-the-job training under the new-ly-launched JobStart Philippines. Davao City and Tagum City are among the second wave pilot areas in the country set to implement JobStart PH that aims to provide young adults the ap-

propriate training on technical skills and work attitude to ensure em-ployment in the business sector. The qualified ben-eficiaries are 18-24 years old, must have gradu-ated from high school, not currently working nor enrolled in a study or training, must not have more than one-year work experience, and is seek-ing work. The beneficiaries will randomly be selected through public draw after


having registered as youth candi-dates with JobStart. The local government units of said cities through their respective Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) will conduct assessment on the youth’s job readiness and pro-vide life skills training focusing on work attitudes, career guidance and labor market information. The PESOs will also undertake job matching of beneficiaries to available internships and make refer-rals with employers who registered with JobStart. The JobStart PH is a new pro-gram of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the youth sector, particularly aiming to assist young Filipinos with their ca-reer development pathways in part-nership with private establishments. The benefits of the program for the employers include the opportuni-ty to hire interns with life skills train-ing, to pay six-month internship at reduced cost which is 75 percent of the minimum wage and to be com-pensated with up to P9,000 training fee per internship. Aside from gaining technical and life skills and knowledge on job searches, the youth beneficiaries will also be paid stipends from their work experience in the companies. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Bal-doz recently headed the signing of the Memorandum of Understand-

ing between DOLE and the LGUs of Davao City and Tagum City for the implementation for the program. Each LGU is allotted 200 youth beneficiaries. Also part of the MOU, are the Canadian government that will fund the program and the Asian Develop-ment Bank which will provide the technical assistance. Baldoz urged the LGUs and the business sector to support the pro-gram. Meanwhile, Davao City First District Congressman Karlo Nograles is hoping for the passage of a pro-posed bill to institutionalize Jobstart Philippines in all cities and municipal-ities in the country, to ensure sus-tainability of the program implemen-tation. “We hope that private employ-ers will see the benefits of this part-nership under JobStart Philippines,” Nograles stated. He bared that the bill is project-ed to be approved by the Congress by August or September this year. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)


DavNor responders trained for Palaro injury mgt

DAVAO DEL NORTE- Responders from the different municipalities in this province train today at the Girls Scout of the Philippines Hall, Tagum City on handling sports in-juries for the Palarong Pambansa 2015 on May 3-9. Reden Cardinal, operations chief of the Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Center, said that the training will enhance the responders’ skills in rescuing individuals. “For this Palaro, they will in-crease their knowledge on rescuing for they will now handle sports inju-ries,” Cardinal said. He said that there are aspects of trauma responding and handling sports injuries that differ especially

in taping and bandag-ing techniques. The responders num-bering around 30 will be deployed at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex during the Palaro Pambansa. Cardinal said that the responders will cover all six sporting events in the complex, which are football, athlet-ics, tennis, badminton, swimming and ar-chery.

During the training, the partici-pants also learn the standing rules on medical assistance on each sport. Cardinal said that their team will be working hand in hand with the police, army and other health providers in the area. “We also prepare contingency plan for any untoward incident that will happen outside of the game area,” he said. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


Text messaging service, job fair to highlight Labor Day in SOCCSKSARGEN

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato Apr. 28 -- Besides the traditional job fair, Labor Day celebration in SOCCSK-SARGEN Region will also be headlined by the launching of a text messaging service.


Regional Director Ofelia Domingo said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 will roll out its Short Message Service (SMS) Feedback Blast System on May 1.

The SMS Feedback Blast System, which Di-rector Domingo described as the newest pro-active approach to reach clients is another DOLE-12 pioneering initiative.

In 2014, DOLE 12 launched internet-based systems for the Special Program for the Employment of Student, registration of work-ers’ association and processing of company construction safety and health programs

“This innovation aims to reach more clien-tele as the agency continues to be more pro-active in responding to the needs of its benefi-ciaries,” she said.

In addition, the SMS services also intends generate feedback on the effectiveness and ef-ficiency of the agency’s programs and servic-es, determine client satisfaction, and gener


ate real-time report on cli-ent’s feedback.

Clients will be charged with a minimum fee of P1.00 per text message to DOLE.

Meanwhile, over 100 local and foreign employers are set to offer more than 1,200 job opportunities in the Araw ng Manggagawa Job Fair at the KCC Mall in General Santos City.

At least 2,000 job seekers are expected to try their luck at seeking employment at the job fair, which is anchored on the theme: “Disenteng Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan.”

DOLE 12 will also host the Industry Tripartite Council (ITC) Sports Festival at the South Co-tabato Sports Complex in Koro-nadal City on May 1.

Participants will include DOLE

XII employees, Regional Coordi-nating Committee (RCC) heads and Regional Tripartite Industry Peace Council (RTIPC) and ITC representatives.

Also in line with the celebra-tion of the Labor Day, DOLE 12 will host the Regional Career Advocacy Congress at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cul-tural Center on April 29.

Domingo explained the con-gress aims to address issues on job mismatch through dialogue with the industry and academic sectors as well as with parents and students to keep academ-ic programs responsive to the needs of the industries and to guide students and parents on the courses for better chances of getting employed.

At least 250 stakeholders and


ECC 12 helps injured laborer get back to workBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 28 -- A laborer of a plantation in nearby Polomolok town who was injured while at work was recently re-employed after getting help from the Em-ployees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) 12.

private and government partners are set to participate during the congress.

The ITC Sportsfest which will be participated by DOLE XII em-ployees, Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) Heads, Re-gional Tripartite Industry Peace

Council (RTIPC) and ITC rep-resentatives aims to unite the organization and work hand in hand in resolving issues affecting the industries and employment. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)

William Layuan severed two fingers in an accident while working as a maintenance per-sonnel of the Dole Philippines. The injury caused him to stop work.

Having prior knowledge about the services of the ECC, Layuan sought the help of the ECC staff in SOCCSKSARGEN Region that in turn looked into his case and assisted him un-til he was granted permanent partial disability benefit.

Christopher Gamboa, infor-

mation officer II of the ECC 12, told Philippine Information Agency 12 that the ECC 12 as-sistance also included skills training via the ECC’s Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program.

Through KaGabay, Layuan en-rolled at the Schola de San Jose where he took a course in Au-tomotive Servicing NC II, which he completed on March 23.

ECC paid for the training course as well as the trainee’s fare to and from the school


plus meal allowance.Dole Philippines immediately

rehired Layuan after the latter completed the technical course.

This time, however, Layuan was not assigned to his former job as a maintenance worker but was promoted as machine operator for a juicing machine owing to the skills he gained as a beneficiary of the ECC KaGabay Program.

Like Layuan, Marevic Mond-ing, a former field worker of AMCOOP in Surallah, South Co-tabato has also found relief through assistance she received from the KaGabay Program.

Monding seriously injured her back in a vehicular accident in-side the company site. The in-cident left her without work for months.

In addition to the disability benefits she received, Monding also availed of an all-expense paid physical therapy at the Doctors Clinic and Hospital in Koronadal City and through the KaGabay Program enrolled in Computer Servicing NC II course at South East Asian Insittute of Technology (SEAIT) nearby Tupi town where graduated on March 30 with recognition as “Out-standing Trainee of SEAIT.”

Gamboa said Monding is pre-paring to take part in the De-partment of Labor and Employ-

ment (DOLE) 12- hosted job fair in General Santos City on May 1 as she is ready to work again.

ECC is an attached agency of the DOLE “mandated to pro-vide meaningful and appropriate compensation to workers in the event of work-related contin-gencies.”

KaGabay Program, on the oth-er hand, is a special economic assistance program managed by the ECC for occupationally-dis-abled workers who lost employ-ment by reason of work-related sickness or injury.

“The KaGabay Program aims to empower the persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) to be economically independent amidst their disabilities by pro-viding them with rehabilitation services, and then giving them free skills or livelihood trainings,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis explained.

“It is our dream for the PWRDs to succeed. Their condition should not become a hindrance to achieve their goals and aspira-tions,” Banawis said. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)

One Mindanao - April 28, 2015

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