One Mindanao - April 29, 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

Butuan’s first dragon boat team gear up for its first international raceErwin MascarinasCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Monday, April 29, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 174

page 4

Aquino visits major road project in General Santos City 8

Peace and order council forms public safety plan in Surigao del Sur 16

Caraga envisions inclusive growth, begins to update its RDP 2011-2016

RDC IX holds consultation on 2011-2016 PDP

South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat named as pilot site in rice initiative for Asia 15

21Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Tangub City Council is Most Outstanding Sanggunian of Region 10Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

DOLE’s OSPC helps out Sabah deportees20

Loyd C. Composo, Caraga Region

LNida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

Comelec bans use of cellphones/cameras inside the polling places on election day Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

2926

30

6 10 12 19 25 28

Monday, April 29, 20134

A total of 48 male and female students from FSUU are training daily between 4:30 until 9 a.m. to compete in the all-male, all female and mixed categories in the international dragon boat challenge. FSUU vice president Rev. Fr. Chito Butardo expressed his optimism on the upcoming event for the school’s dragon boat team. “This is a big challenge, since it will be our first time to compete in such a competition. We will be bringing not only the name of the school but Butuan City as well. The exposure and experience will also be a chance for our paddlers to scale up their skill and learn more,” said Butardo. Butardo, who came up with the

idea of building Butuan’s first dragon boat team, pointed out how privileged they are to be invited by PDBF and the organizer in Bohol. “There are only two teams from Mindanao that will be participating in the dragon boat event in Bohol: our team and the Sarimanok Club of Lanao del Sur. We got the invitation through PDBF Secretary General Pinky Castillo who came here to coach our team a

Butuan’s first dragon boat team gear up for its first international race

Students from the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) here started

their rigid six hours daily training to prepare for the 2nd Cobra-Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) International Club Crew Challenge to be held in Dauis town, Panglao Island in Bohol on April 26 to 30, 2013. Exact race route will be along scenic Tagbilaran-Dauis Strait.

CoVer StoRy

By Erwin Mascarinas

Monday, April 29, 2013 5

few months ago, hopefully shell be back next week to share more on her knowledge on the sport,” said the school’s vice president. Archie Sumalindao, captain of the FSUU team stated that he thinks the team has a chance in getting through the competition. “As of the moment, I think we have a 50-50 chance in landing a spot in the semifinals but so much is still needed to be done. Right now several of the team members lacks the focus and determination and develop that mindset of going for it and giving out everything that they can to win the race,” said Sumalindao. Sumalindao who is an experienced competitive swimmer and a triathlete suggested that the paddlers should also study, watch videos, and do research about the sport to become more motivated in pushing themselves further during their training. FSUU women paddlers Laurice Munoz and Chrismae Tindoy shared their enthusiasm and confidence in the team garnering a place in the international competition. “It’s a huge pressure for all of us since we will be bringing not only the name of our school but we also carry the name of Butuan City on our shoulders. Our team started last June, 2012 but we have gone a long way and made several improvements in working as a team. But still so much

work still needs to be done in terms of our training,” said Munoz who is a third year economics student. Tindoy who is a first year accounting student and the youngest in the team at 17 years old said that the support from family members and friends is also a big help in boosting the confidence of the team members. Butuan City’s dragon boat scene started to take shape in June 2012 when Butardo convinced two other schools, namely, Butuan Doctors College and Agusan Colleges Incorporated to form their respective dragon boat team. By July, the three teams were training with the Philippine National Police national dragon boat team, the Patriots. The teams then competed with each other in a 200 meter race across the Agusan river last September 15, 2012. Bohol’s provincial government and the event’s organizers expect thousands of people to flock in the event area during the entire duration of the competition, one of the island province local papers reported last month.

Butuan’s first dragon boat team gear up for its first international race

6Monday, April 29, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONGovernment, public must work together to ensure credible may polls, Palace says

Close cooperation between government agencies and the public is the most effective way to thwart any plan by groups or individuals wanting to sabotage the May 13 polls, a Palace official said on Saturday.


Government, public must work together to ensure credible may polls, Palace says

Authorities warned the public this week that using signal jammers aimed at disrupting the May 13 midterm elections next month is a criminal offense and punishable by law.

In a press conference at Camp Crame on Thursday, Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the use of signal jammers near polling centers during the May election can delay the transmission of election returns.

During a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the joint press conference on Thursday of the Comelec and the Department of the Interior and Local Government made the public aware about the effects of signal jammers on the automated election especially during the transmission of results.

“Now everybody is aware and everybody is on the lookout for these devices. Ang lahat ng kampanya, ang kakampi talaga ng pamahalaan ay ang ating mga kababayan,” Valte said.

“Ngayong alam na ng marami na merong mga ganitong device at puwede itong gamitin sa ganitong paraan, ini-encourage natin ang ating mga botante na mag-report ng mga ganitong suspicious devices to the police para maaksyunan agad ng ating kapulisan at ng Comelec.”

Brillantes said the use of signal jammers near polling centers is an act of interfering with the transmission process of votes and it is a criminal offense punishable with eight to 12 years of imprisonment.

The Comelec eyes to finish the transmission of election results at the local level in 48 hours. The use of jammers would delay the transmission and might affect the credibility of the polls, Brillantes said.

The National Telecommunications Commission said signal jammers are considered smuggled items and the agency clarified that it didn’t issue any permit for the sale of these gadgets in the country. PND (as)

8Monday, April 29, 2013

Aquino visits major road project in General Santos City

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Saturday the P1.1 billion Circumferential Road Project in General

Santos City that the government expects to complete next year.

In briefing the President about the project, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said the goal of the project is to build a major road infrastructure that will develop the SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City) area and decongest General Santos City.

Project planners also want the city to make use of its fishing port, as well as the General Santos City airport, Singson said. The major project in the decongestion plan is the Circumferential Road in General Santos that the President visited.

During the briefing, Singson said the road project has two segments: the


Northern Section and the Western Section. The circumferential road project has a total of 27.6 kilometers, according to Singson.

The total length of the northern portion is 10.5 kilometers and it includes two bridges. Singson said they hope to fully fund and complete the project by 2014. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has to complete a bridge by 2014 so that vehicles coming from Davao will no longer enter downtown General Santos City and instead use the Northern Section of the Circumferential Road.

And then next year, the DPWH aims to finish the Western Section of the project to complete the Circumferential Road that will connect the city’s airport and fishing port, Singson said. The Western Section has a total cost of P1.1 billion, the secretary said. The DPWH will be constructing a 17.1-kilometer road and three bridges.

The government was able to fund a total of more than P700-million and with some savings the government will spend less than P300 million next year instead of the original price tag of P387 million, Singson said.

Singson also reported the continuous widening of roads leading to General Santos City, converting the roads from two lanes to four lanes. The road widening project will continue as part of the high standard

highway connecting General Santos City, Davao and Tagum.

“By next year, this should all be completed all the way to the fishing port and the airport. So made-decongest din ‘yung sa loob ng GenSan. We hope to get the same support from the local government so that we can complete the acquisition of some right of ways that are in certain segments of the Circumferential Road,” Singson told the President.

“We’re confident that we will deliver the Circumferential Road by next year,” he added.

The Circumferential Road project was originally crafted 25 years ago during the time of the President’s mother, the late president Corazon Aquino, Singson said.

The project was part of the mini-Marshall Plan that included the developments of the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), Pavia in Iloilo, and the SOCSARGEN.

Also part of the project is the construction of the fishing port, which was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The city’s airport and the Fil-American Friendship Highway, on the other hand, were funded by the USAID (United States Agency for International Development), Singson said. PND


Government working hard to fill Mindanao’s energy needs, says Aquino

The government continues to work to solve the energy problems confronting Mindanao and it is hopeful that before the end of the year it could deploy diesel generators that will ease power shortage

in the region, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Saturday.In his message during his meeting

with the local leaders and the community here, the President said the law prohibits the National Power Corp. to purchase power generating sets.

The administration doesn’t want to violate the law so it is working on a process to fix Mindanao’s energy needs

by acquiring generators through legal means, he said.

“Inaayos po ang proseso para hindi na tayo maghintay ng kabuuan sa 2015. Bago pa siguro matapos ang 2013 may makukuha na tayong pandagdag na diesel generators dito sa Mindanao. Naninigurado lang tayo na sumunod sa lahat ng batas at


proseso,” he told the people of General Santos City.

Building base load plants for the long-term use in Mindanao isn’t easy and takes some time, between three to five years, the President said. Based on experts’ estimates, the investment for every megawatt generated is around $2 million, the chief executive said.

In building a plant, an application has to undergo many processes such as approval for an environmental compliance certificate and proponents must hold public consultations and must also comply with many other requirements, he said.

But the good thing is there are already ongoing projects and investments that will solve the energy problems of Mindanao, he noted, adding that the Aboitiz group is already building a 200-plus megawatt plant that will be operational by 2015.

“Pero ang pinakaimportante diyan, tuloy na tuloy na ‘yung mga ginagawa ngayon. Maski wala na ako sa puwesto, padagdag nang padagdag ang kuryente ng Mindanao. Ang pagkaintindi ko 2015, hindi na natin ito problema, at 2017, sobra-sobra na ang inyong kuryente,” he said.

The government is more effective in addressing this problem because of the current bureaucratic reforms, the President said, noting that money isn’t a concern to have an immediate

remedy to Mindanao’s power crisis.The President also asked the people

of the General Santos City to support pro-reform candidates this coming May polls so that his administration could continue pushing other development projects in the region. PND


PIA-Caraga personnel avails absentee voting

BUTUAN CITY -- Following the preparations for the midterm national and local elections, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga regional office’ personnel is first among other PIA regional offices nationwide to cast their votes through Absentee Voting.

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

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


In coordination with the city’s Commission on Elections (COMELEC), said agency is scheduled today, April 29 to be held at the PIA-Caraga regional office having 11 personnel.

The PIA-Caraga personnel in this case will be under the direct supervision and presence of the city election officer or his representative when voting.

According to PIA-Caraga Regional Director Abner Caga, as developmental information arm of the government and deputized agency by the COMELEC to ensure the conduct of a Secure and Fair elections, PIA’s role in disseminating relevant information especially during election day is very vital.

“Thus, we should all take advantage of the early voting so as not to hinder our operations, reporting during election day,” Caga said.

Caga added that all personnel should be ready, vigilant and seriously monitor the actual voting of the citizenry on the different precincts on May 13, 2013. “Despite our limited manpower, we should maximize our efforts and see to it that significant and factual information must be disseminated

on real time,” he said. It was also learned that April

28 started the Local Absentee Voting (LAV) for members of the Army, police, some government employees and media.

Those who will fail to vote on April 28, 29, and 30 LAV can


still vote in their precincts on election day, which is an added advantage.

For the midterm election, that only covers 12 senators and one party-list group.

Absentee Voting is a voting method that involves voting on a day earlier than the actual

election day, to which this year the national and local elections is on May 13. The Local Absentee Voting (LAV) is on manual mode, which means voters have to write by hand their votes on their ballots.


On April 4-5, 2013, Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings were conducted to orient various stakeholders on the guidelines for the said activity and to jumpstart the revalidation of the RDP Results Matrices (RMs) and Situational Analyses (SA) of the various sectors of the region.

Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño, NEDA Caraga’s Assistant Regional Director and the Regional Development Council’s Secretary said that “explicitly, the plan’s updated version shall incorporate labor and employment strategies to draw the majority into the socio-economic mainstream”—a strategy that reduces poverty.

In the said activity, members perused and revalidated indicators in the RMs. They also added information which are deemed important in

enhancing the Situational Analyses. On April 12, 16, and 17, writing

workshops by sector were likewise initiated to further enhance the situational analyses, formulate strategies, and set targets. The enhanced RMs were likewise presented during these writeshops.

In her message, Cariño said that the plan updating is “vital” as everybody dreams to improve Caraga’s socio-economic situation. She encouraged members of the sectoral committees to “further review and scrutinize” the presented enhanced RMs and SAs.

These efforts to update the RDP are in consonance with the national government’s thrust to update the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, the country’s roadmap to development.

Caraga envisions inclusive growth, begins to update its RDP 2011-2016

BUTUAN CITY -- In pursuit of inclusive growth, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recentlyhas conducted a series of activities to update and enhance the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2011-2016. Members of the different sectoral committees of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) convened and participated in the different consultative activities.

by Loyd C. Composo


Provincial Administrator Efren Rivas presided over the meeting and welcomed the participants in behalf of council chair Gov. Johnny Pimentel.

The crafting of the plan is in line with the vision of the provincial local government unit prioritizing the issues identified during the two separate situational analysis workshop conducted earlier.

According to Ernie Gultiano of DILG, the formulation of the plan was conceptualized thru collaborative efforts of the LGUs/government agencies/Civil Society Organizations

and members of the council of existing programs. It enjoined total mobilization of all available resources and simultaneous conduct of complementary programs which will involve the civilians, police and military.

The new IACPSP will be consolidated by the members of the PPOC technical working group will be presented to the PPOC members on the next full council meeting tentatively set after the synchronized national and local elections next month.

Peace and order council forms public safety plan in Surigao del Sur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in Surigao del Sur convened Thursday for a workshop-formulation of the new Integrated Area Community Public Safety Plan (IACPSP) of the province facilitated by the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here.

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Peace and order council forms public safety plan in Surigao del Sur


http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

[email protected] piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

The amount represented the second tranche of the P1 million worth water system project implemented

under the SaLinTubig program. DILG-IX Information Officer Lemuel Mejares disclosed that the

DILG-IX releases P500-T for SaLinTubig-funded projects in Rizal townBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-IX has recently released P500 thousand to Rizal town in Zamboanga del Norte for its Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (SaLinTubig)-funded project.


project, which started last year, got its first release of the same amount on Sept. 27, 2012. “Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil traveled all the way to Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte to personally hand the check to Municipal Treasurer Estrella D. Cunanan,” Mejares said. Cunanan has expressed her gratitude for the grant saying “the fund is of great help in the completion of the project.” Project Development Management Unit (PDMU) Chief Moh. Ali H. Hasan bared that the release of the second tranche would

have been done earlier this year had the municipality submitted the requirements/documents on time. “However, this must be pushed through considering that this is not covered under election ban,” he said. Hasan also requested the municipal engineer to submit updates of the project with photos from time to time. The PDMU will also be conducting ocular visits to SaLinTubig-funded projects for 2012 in other recipient-municipalities.

DOLE’s OSPC helps out Sabah deporteesBy Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The One-Stop Processing Center (OSPC for Displaced Persons from Sabah in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi has recently assisted another batch of deportees aboard M/V Mideast Express.


In an update report sent to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, Ms. Mary Jane R. Amarado, Labor Communications Officer of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA9) said Secretary Baldoz was apprised of the situation by OWWA9 Regional Director Hassan T. Jumdain on the arrival of the deportees. “The 155 deportees, who had served jail sentence for lack of proper documents are composed of 111 male adult, 41 female adult, and three kids, two boys and a girl,” Baldoz said after receiving the OWWA report. Six evacuation centers has been established by the Provincial

Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) chaired by Governor Sadikul A. Sahali, one of which is located at Tubig Tanah, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi where the deportees are being housed. This effort is in anticipation of the influx of deportees and refugees resulting from the recent Lahad Datu standoff. Amarado said the OSPC, among others, facilitates the smooth arrival of deportees, provides various services like TESDA training, POEA processing of OEC, OWWA membership and reintegration services such as entrepreneurship training, skills enhancement, livelihood assistance, capacity building and referral for local employment.

RDC IX holds consultation on 2011-2016 PDP By Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The members of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-IX have convened here recently for the regional consultation on the 2011-2016 Philippine Development Plan (PDP). The council tackled the different regional issues such as the lack of economic growth, poverty, low unemployment and under employment rates, low export, low agricultural productivity, unstable peace and order situation, untapped mineral resources, underdeveloped agricultural and urban lands, inadequate airport and seaport


equipment facilities, low funding priority for projects, less irrigated area, lack of health financing and health care programs, inadequate supply of electricity, low crime solution efficiency rate, low tax and non-tax revenues, and lack of housing projects for those incapable of building their own. RDC-IX chair Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has expressed confidence that the participating agencies/organizations from the government and private sectors, state universities and colleges, academe, non-government organizations (NGOs) could give good inputs to the workshop the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-IX would be facilitating in order to come up with appropriate solutions to the above issues and problems. NEDA-IX project monitoring staff director Roderick Planta discussed with the council members the inclusive growth framework and plan updating including the results matrix.

Moreover, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) presented the Mindanao 2020 Development Plan followed by an audio-visual presentation on the Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Development Plan for 2011 to 2016. In order to properly address these issues, the council conducted a workshop by dividing the group into four committees, namely, the Development Administration Committee headed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-IX Regional Director Nilda Cemine, Agri-Industrial Development Committee led by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-IX Regional Director Nasrullah Manzur, Social Development Committee headed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-IX Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo, and Infrastructure Development Committee chaired by Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH)-IX Regional Director Jorge Sebastian Jr.


ALABEL, Sarangani --The Malapatan delegation, which emerged as Musabaqah overall cham-pion, poses with Governor Migs Dominguez and Madaris facilitators at the closing ceremony of the intramurals and OlymPeace Thursday, April 25. The Maasim contingent was 1st runner-up; Maitum group was 2nd runner-up; and 3rd runner-up was Glan delegation. The 4th Provincial Musabaqah was held April 23-25 at the Capitol grounds. (Jake T. Narte/SARANGANI INFOR-MATION OFFICE)

Musabaqah overall champion celebrates with Gov. Migs


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A group of Sri Lankan microenterprise implementers visited Sarangani province last week for a study and knowl-edge sharing on the province’s implementation of the Rural Microenterprise Promotions Programme (RuMEPP).

Sri Lankan delegation in Sarangani for microenterprise studyBy Danilo E. Doguiles

RuMEPP is an initiative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations to finance agricultural development projects primarily for food production in the developing countries.

The program aims to raise the incomes and improve the livelihoods of poor rural people by providing them with loans and other financial services for the establishment of microenterprises.

It also provides business development services such as capacity-building, market linkages and product development.

Governor Migs Dominguez said the 26-person delegation Sarangani arrived in Sarangani on Tuesday for a three-day tour and exchange of experiences on the implementation of RuMEPP.

Delegation head Prathapa Singhe said Sri Lanka has taken interest in developing their fishing industry.

Singhe said they hope to learn from the various microenterprises

implemented in the province and apply the knowledge they get here in building “very good sustainable development.”

Sri Lanka is a beneficiary of IFAD-funded rural microenterprise projects.

Its National Agribusiness Development Programme’s direction is aimed at providing small farmers with necessary financial and technological assistance, engaging them to actively participate in agricultural value chains, and eliminate poverty and improve the livelihoods in the rural sector.

Microenterprises in Sarangani formally started as a pilot project in 2009 but most of the projects were implemented in 2010.

Department of Trade and Industry provincial director Engr. Nenita Barroso reported that when RuMEPP came in, Sarangani’s poverty incidence was at 62.1 percent which was at that time included among the poorest in the country.

In 2011, Sarangani’s poverty incidence went down to 46 percent. RuMEPP projects “contributed also to the lowering of our poverty in


KORONADAL City, South Cotabato -- South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces in Soccsksargen Region has been selected as pilot sites of the “Regional Rice Initiative for Asia” that will be funded by the Food and Agri-culture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Sarangani,” she added.From the 12 priority sectors

identified for Sarangani, RuMEPP only focused its support to the vegetable industry, processed foods, crops, bamboo, banana and coconut.

MEs implemented in collaboration with both the private and public sectors

since 2010 have all been completed, according to Barroso.

She cited 2,134 micro-entrepreneur recipients for the project and a total of 2,497 jobs created in the province. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Beverly Paoyon-Sarangani PIO)

South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat named as pilot site in rice initiative for AsiaBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Ludivina Dumaya, officer -in- charge of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) of the Department of Agriculture - 12 disclosed the information in a meeting here of the integrated pest management provincial coordinators.

Besides South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 also includes North Cotabato and Sarangani provinces as well as the cities of General Santos City, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Dumaya added that each province would have two sites where the FAO project will be implemented. These sites should be within or near schools.

Besides the Philippines, FAO will also carry out the same project in

Indonesia and Vietnam.The initiative, which will be

implemented following the concept of farmers’ field school (FFS), is geared toward encouraging students to take agriculture as a college course, she explained further.

FAO, which has its main headquarters in Rome, Italy, is a UN agency whose primary efforts are geared toward achieving food security, making sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Its mandate is to “raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy.”

Meanwhile, IPM regional coordinator Diosdado Miro, reported


during that meeting that DA 12’s FFS across the region has been an effective means to teach farmers the right technology and methods of raising agricultural commodities.

Using this concept, farmer-students undergo a season-long course and hands-on training on the cultural management of specific crop, including scientific and appropriate means of controlling pests and diseases.

Miro added that they have already established 54 FFS-IPM sites for rice and 60 FFS sites for corn across the region. More FFS sites are scheduled to be put up soon in coordination with local agricultural officers and local government offices, he added.

In this regard, Dumaya added that all existing FFS should be completed before October for DA 12 management to identify other technologies that may be needed and useful to the farmers.

DA 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan also ordered project implementers to harmonize implementation of FFS sites.

Also discussed during the meeting were the projects being carrie out under the Agri-Pinoy Palayan Program, such as the community-based focus group discussion Usapang Palay and other approaches to disseminate information with the aid of trained local farmer-technicians. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/with IBaundi/LMSalvo-DA 12)


Data gathered from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in the region show that major output gains were recorded for Bukidnon with 106,013 metric tons, up at about 8.64 percent, from the 97,583 metric tons production in the same quarter of 2011, said Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, Chief Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region in a NEDA Media Forum

held recently here. He said the positive production growth in the province was largely due to the movement of harvest from the previous quarter. Lanao del Norte, likewise, showed increased production from 64,093 metric tons to 67,234 metric tons or about five percent growth. This was specifically due to sufficient water in irrigated areas and sufficient rainfall which enabled more

4Q palay production in NorMin up by 3.85%by Marie-Zil G. Malinao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The volume of palay produced in Northern Mindanao totalled 207,446 metric tons during the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 3.85 percent compared to 2012.


4Q palay production in NorMin up by 3.85%Tangub City Council is Most Outstanding Sanggunian of Region 10by Rutchie C. Aguhob

TANGUB CITY. Misamis Occidental - The City Council of Tangub was recently awarded as the Most Outstanding Sanggunian in Component Cities Category of Region 10 in fitting ceremonies in Cagayan de Oro.

With this, the Council was automatically a finalist for the national award during the End-Term Assembly of the Philippine Councilors’ League last month, at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Quezon City. The legislative award is based on the following criteria: Effectiveness of the Legislative Agenda, Effectiveness of the Legislative Documents, Efficiency of the Performance of the Sanggunian, and Quality of Office Set-up and Staff Performance. On the other hand, two (2) members of the city’s Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) were congratulated for their academic milestone in finishing their post graduate studies, this year. These SP members finished their

Master in Development Management and Governance degrees, last March, through a scholarship grant from the Philippine Councilors League- Legislative Academy, Dept of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the University of Makati (UM). Vice Mayor Edemar S. Alota finished his master’s degree with his thesis titled “Policy Review on the Management of Socialized House Project in the City of Tangub: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.” SP member Mariano P. Trompeta, also finished his master’s degree with his thesis titled “Policy Direction on Capacity Development on Risk Reduction and Management Mechanism in the City of Tangub.”

farmers to plant in rainfed, Clarete said. In terms of yield, the region posted increases in yield in both irrigated and rainfed areas at 0.91 and 7.71 percent, respectively. Clarete further said Bukidnon also posted the biggest increase in

yield during the quarter because of sufficient water supply and lesser pest infestations and diseases. On the other hand, the improved yield of Lanao del Norte in rainfed areas was the result of good quality seeds, RC 18 and RC 158, he added.


Comelec bans use of cellphones/cameras inside the polling places on election day

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has prohibited the use of cellphones and cameras by voters inside the polling place on the day of the elections on May 13, 2013.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

Implementation of such prohibition will be among the duties and functions of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9640 promulgated last Feb. 15. The BEI’s other functions are as follows: Conduct the voting in the polling place and administer the counting of votes, including the testing and sealing of the Precinct Count Optical Scanning (PCOS) machines. Print the election returns and transmit electronically the election results, through the use of the PCOS machines to the City/Board of Canvassers, Central Server and Transparency Server to the Dominant Majority Party, the Dominant Minority Party, Accredited Citizen’s Arm and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas (KBP). Act as deputies of the Comelec in the conduct of the elections and maintain order within the polling place

and its premises, keep access thereto open and unobstructed, enforce obedience to its lawful orders and prohibits the use of cellular phones and cameras by the voters. If any person refuses to obey the lawful orders of the BEI, conducts

himself in a disorderly manner in its presence or within its hearing and thereby interrupts or disturbs its proceedings, the BEI may issue an order in writing directing any peace officer to take said person into custody until the adjournment of the meeting. Such order, however, shall not be executed as to prevent the person from voting and a copy of such written order be attached to the minutes of the election proceedings. Furnish watchers with

the certificate of votes, upon request and perform such other functions prescribed by law or by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Comelec.


Comelec bans use of cellphones/cameras inside the polling places on election day

Veterinary Office gives out livestock to farmers in Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The provincial government of Basilan through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) has given out some 50 heads of livestock to farmers in Basilan that will boost farmers’ productivity and the local livestock industry.

By Rene V. Carbayas


The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian said that animals dispersed included 10 heads of cattle, 10 heads of carabao and 30 heads of goat to livestock farmers of Hji. Muhtamad, Akbar, Unkaya Pukan, and Lantawan municipalities and to Isabela and Lamitan cities. This was conducted last March 28, 2013 at OPV Tabuk, Isabela City, Basilan. Veterinary Dr. Surhayda T. Aguisanda of Basilan said that the aim of carabao dispersal was to support and provide farmers the main source of draft animals so as to help them in their farm activities. She added that the office also supported cattle-raisers to give them extra income and to help meet the urgent demand for high protein diet.

She said that part of the program is goat dispersal, “which aims to support development of dairy goat industry so as to have more nutritious dairy food to lessen malnutrition and increase goat production in the province.” The OPV hopes that the program would have significant impact on the farmers of Basilan especially along poverty alleviation and improved standard of living. The program also supports the local livestock industry towards economic development of Basilan Province. Aguisanda stressed that with sufficient supply of beef for local market, this will eventually lower malnutrition and at the same time generate of local employment.


DOST-9 SETUP extends fund assistance to baker of native bread, food in IsabelaISABELA CITY, Basilan – A local bakery in Isabela City that serves native Tausog pastries and other native delicacies will soon get an upgrade with more than half a million fund support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-IX.

By Rene V. Carbayas

In a press release, the science and technology department in region nine said that it recently released the innovation system support assistance amounting to P 604,500.00 to Isabela Seaport General Merchant. This local bakery was established in 2008, which has gradually taken its foothold as the native Tausug’s favorite bread and food service in town. The bakeshop offers sumptuous bread products and tasty local delicacies like junay (spicy peppered rice), waked (sticky rice), pasung and tabid-tabid (a.k.a. chikalang). The project entitled “Upgrading of Bakery Equipment and Facilities” was intended to benefit the Isabela Seaport Bakery and Restaurants through the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). In this project, DOST-IX’s interventions include system improvement, product improvement, manpower development through trainings on food safety and good manufacturing practices, and process improvement. The project assistance covers the acquisition of bakeshop equipment such as dough roller, oven with 24 plates, bread slicer, spiral mixer, cake mixer, stainless steel stove, steel racks (36 plates cap), stainless steel working

table and planza. According to the DOST, through the project, the firm is expected to increase its volume of production by 30%; create local jobs; increase income by at least 30%; develop at least two new product lines; meet customers’ demand of the products in the market; and acquire equipment and facilities needed to improve quality of bread and pastries. SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations to boost their productivity and competitiveness. DOST-IX further announced that interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, located at Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024. Also, they may visit the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City with telephone numbers (065) 212-2244; the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152; and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 333-2793.


Comelec-XI all set for May 13 polls

DAVAO CITY-The Commission on Elections in the region is all set for the May 13 mid term national and local elections, said Comelec re-gional director Atty. Jay Balisado. Comparing to the 2010

polls, Balisado said they are “practically ahead of the timeline” in preparation for the upcoming elections. He cited the schedule of the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS)

by Carina Cayon


the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines slated on May 6 at the polling precincts. In distant areas though, the FTS will be done at a later date or within three days before the elections, he told the media during Friday’s (April 26) Kapihan sa PIA-XI at Abreeza Mall. In cases where the PCOS will have to be transported by an aircraft to some far-flung areas, the FTS will be performed first before delivery “to ensure na gagana ang mga machines (to ensure that the machines are working),” Balisado bared. He said the official ballots are arriving each day, though he clarified that its distribution is on May 13 yet.However, he enlightened that a Comelec resolution allows early distribution of the official ballots, not more than 24 hours before election day in remote polling centers. Balisado assured of Comelec’s readiness for any glitch that could happen on May 13. “Rain could most likely affect the election. The PCOS machines should be free of water kasi baka masira,” he said, adding “pag may ulan, we can defer the election for a while, then we can extend voting hours to compensate for

the lost time.” Along with Comelec, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police have also assured of their preparedness for keeping a Secure and Fair Election (SAFE). AFP 10th Infantry Division commander Major General Ariel Bernardo said they have enough forces from their ranks and from their multipliers such as the Cafgus and civilian groups to help secure the election.Bernardo raised the need for the Comelec to link up with volunteers and election watchdogs as early as now “so that we could prepare for the coordination.” Meanwhile, Davao del Sur assistant provincial election supervisor Edgardo Sadili said the official ballots have arrived for distribution on election day in 723 clustered precincts in the province. Instead of April 26 as earlier scheduled, the PCOS machines will be delivered to the polling centers starting May 1 to distant municipalities first such as Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani Island, Sadili bared.He said the election paraphernalia will be transported to Sarangani Island via General Santos City. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)


GPH calls on CPP-NPA-NDF to speed up peace processby Joey Dalumpines

DAVAO CITY- The Philippine Gov-ernment is mulling on a new ap-proach to pursue talks with the Communist Party of the Philip-pines, National Democratic Front and New People’s Army (CNN) to peacefully resolve the armed con-flict amid the impasse in the nego-tiations Health Undersecretary Alex Padilla, chair of the government peace panel said the government will be taking the approach called special track as proposed earlier by Jose Maria Sison, chair of the CPP. He said the special track aims to hasten the negotiations through an agreement on a draft declaration on National Unity and Just Peace which would lead to an immediate ceasefire and creation of a Committee for National Unity, Peace and Development. Padilla said the ST imposes no preconditions and would skirt the protracted process of the formal peace negotiations. He recalled that in pursuing the special track, the government peace panel and the CNN met on December 17-18, 2012 in The Netherlands where they agreed to discuss further a draft Declaration of National Unity and Just Peace prepared by Sison.Padilla said that when the parties resumed the Special Track meeting on February 25-26, 2013, the NDF

proposed three new documents that backtracked from their original position on a Draft Declaration, particularly on ceasefire, which they now subjected to preconditions, instead of discussing the Sison draft. “They also reverted to the prolonged and untenable process of the Regular Track,” he said. Padilla said that apart from the demand to free their detained consultants, the CNN also demanded that the government abolish its peace and development programs, such as the Conditional Cash Transfer, PAMANA and Oplan Bayanihan. He called these demands unbelievable. “We don’t want to engage in a negotiation where the other party is clearly fooling us,” Padilla said. He said that the CNN were the ones who initiated the special track and then they abandoned it. Padilla also said that the government no longer wants to return to the regular track (formal talks) because it has been going nowhere for the last 27 years. He also reiterated the government’s stance that it remains open to renewed talks with the CNN under a new framework. We need to see sincerity and political will on their part to seek peaceful ways to build consensus between them, the government and


the whole of society and put an end to the senseless violence they are inflicting on our people especially on

innocent civilians,” Padilla said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DOLE XI lines up 31,105 jobs on the Labor Day jobs fair

DAVAO CITY- A total of 31,105 jobs will be offered in Davao re-gion on the jobs fair set by Depart-ment of Labor and Employment XI on the 111th year- celebration of Labor Day on May 1 in the cities of Tagum and Davao. Speaking at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at the SM City, Atty. Jeoffrey Suyao, director of the DOLE XI said 3,922 local jobs and 27,183 overseas job-placements will be up for grabs with the participation of 155 local and 66 overseas firms, respectively. He said the ten in demand local jobs include technical support representative, customer service consultant, call center agent, waiter/

waitress, online tutors, accounting staff, management trainees, sales clerks, tellers and cashiers. Suyao also enumerated the ten in demand overseas occupations for domestic helpers, household service workers, general construction workers, factory workers, assistant electricians, manicurists/ pedicurists, physical therapists, assistant steel fixer, general electrician and assistant cooks. He said the jobs fair will have two venues in Davao City namely the SM City Davao in Matina, and Gaisano Mall of Davao and another venue in Gaisano Mall of Tagum. “Pre-registration of job-applicants is being conducted in SM City and Gaisano Mall of Davao, respectively from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from April 26-30,” Suyao said.He assured that one stop shops will be set up by government agencies at both jobs fair venues. Suyao said participating agencies include the Pag-ibig Fund, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Bureau of Investigation, National Statistics Office, and the Professional Regulations Commission. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

One Mindanao - April 29, 2013

Documents

Transcript of One Mindanao - April 29, 2013