One Mindanao - April 29, 2014

CDO,Davao delegates top camiguin 360 degrees ultra marathonApipa P. BagumbaranNORTHERN MINDANAO TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 168

President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on US President Obama

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

ARMM

NORTHERN MINDANAO

NEDA updates stakeholders on development plan of northern Mindanao

MisOr youth leaders mark Earth Day

Surigao Norte guv hopes Surigaonons to be disaster-resilient

DOST Caraga offers big volume calibration

Expanded poverty-reduction program targets

LGU involves SPES grantees in development program

ABOT-ALAM launched in Lanao del Sur

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Incentives to entice businessmen to invest in Tagum 17 Louie Lapat

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Danilo E. Doguiles

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Danilo E. Doguiles

SPI

CDO, Davao delegates top Camiguin 360 degrees Ultra Marathon

Rodrigo Busalia and Stephanie Pumatong of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City

claimed the top spots in the 64-kilometer round the island solo race of Camiguin 360 degrees Ultra Marathon on April 12-13.

The marathon started 10:00 p.m. of Saturday in front of Mambajao’s Land Transportation Office and

culminated Sunday, 10:00 a.m. at the Cabua-an Beach Resort in Mambajao, Camiguin. Busalia logged a time of 6 hours, 7 minutes and 25 seconds to rule the men’s division while Pumatong finished in 7 hours, 9 minutes and 45 seconds to top the women’s race.

By Zita M. Abellare

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Still in the solo category, Janito Capulac of Mandaue City finished second to Busalia, as she clocked 6 hours, 51 minutes and 34 seconds while Rumpy Berdos of CDO rounded off the top three male runners by posting a time of 6 hours, 55 minutes and 10 seconds. Gilda Velarde of CDO clocked 7 hours, 33 minutes to wind up second in the female race while Letty Booc of South Cotabato

placed third with a time of 7 hours, 39 minutes and 50 seconds. The relay category for 32 km each around the island was ruled by Jonathan Pido and Jericho Rapiz of Davao City. Pido and Rapiz clocked 6:07:25 while Sharon

Atentista and Rosalio Bustalino of CDO with time

of 7:07:34 and Mambajao Vice-Mayor Roldan Chan and his partner Jemboy Ihong of Camiguin with a time of 7:27:21 finished second and third, respectively in the relay. This is the first time that the province held a marathon 360 degrees of this kind around the island with the theme “Ultra Run, One Island, Lots of Fun,” as a prelude activity to the Panaad 2014 this Holy Week. Ninety four per cent of total 250 enlisted runners came out as finishers. Cash prizes, medals and freebies was awarded to the winners in each category. The running event was organized by Promote CMGN, a sports event organizer group based in the province in strong partnership with the local government units, business

organizations and private sector group and relevant national agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry to promote sports as an additional tourism attraction to the island province and plans to make this marathon a yearly event. Panaad is an annual Holy Week activity where people

from all walks of life from Camiguin and thousands of pilgrims from other places for a yearly show devotion to spend the Lenten Season by walking the 64 kilometer circumferential road of Camiguin and trekking Mt. Vulcan as an expression of penitence and spiritual enrichment.

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President Aquino thanks US for continuing financial assistance

President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked visiting US President Barack Obama for America’s financial assistance

to further help the Philippines economy.

Across the Nation

The President also said that he and President Obama recognized the importance of strong economic engagement for the continued growth of both the Philippines and the US.

“On this note, we expressed our

appreciation for the US’s support to our government’s programs under the Partnership for Growth framework, which enhances the policy environment for economic growth through a $145 million total planned contribution from the USAID,”

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Across the Nation

President Aquino said in a statement he read during the joint press conference with Obama in Malacanang on Monday.

“US support is also coursed through the Millennium Challenge Corp., which supports the implementation of projects on road infrastructure, poverty reduction, and good governance with a $434 million grant from 2011-2016,” he added.

The US Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to reinstate the Philippines to a Category 1 status will create mutual benefit for both the US and the Philippines, he said.

As more routes are opened between the US and the Philippines, it will create more business opportunities, as well as facilitate increased tourism and business travel, he said.

At the same time, President Aquino said his administration welcomes the

substantive agreement between the Philippines and the US on the terms and concessions for the US to support the Philippines’ request for the extension of special treatment of rice imports until 2017.

As they discussed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a trade agreement seen to shape the global and regional economic architecture in the 21st century, the Philippines is working on how to participate in the TPP.

The President also thanked the US’s support for the successful conclusion of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Obama arrived in Manila Monday for a two-day state visit. The Philippines is the last leg of his four-country Asian tour, stopping in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia. PND

President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on US President Obama

Pesident Benigno S. Aquino III

on Monday conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Raja or Grand Collar on US President Barack Obama, who is in Manila for a two-day state visit.

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During the state dinner in honor of the visiting US leader, President Aquino presented the Order of Sikatuna award in recognition of Obama’s “leadership and policies that assisted the Philippines in times of natural disaster.”

“As a friend and partner of the Filipino people, Mr. President, you have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth and development of our nation. It is only fitting, therefore, that your efforts be recognized with the conferment of the Order of Sikatuna,” President Aquino said in his toast.

“Since 1953, the highest recognition of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines has been the Order of Sikatuna. It is conferred on those who have fostered, and elevated, the bilateral partnership of our country with other nations,” the President added.

President Obama was also cited “for helping uphold stability and peace by means of the rule of law in Southeast Asia, and for working with us to fundamentally raise the defense capacity of our country.”

President Obama said he is deeply honored to receive the award. “I accept it in the spirit in which it has been bestowed with the commitment to continue and to deepen the bonds between our two great nations,” he said in his toast.

The Order of Sikatuna is an Order of Diplomatic Merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines. The first US leader to receive such distinction was former American President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1960.

“Then, as now, may this conferment symbolize our nation’s esteem to the American people; and may it serve as a reminder of the mutual desire to always be partners based on the highest principles of liberty, democracy, and progress,” President Aquino said.

Also in his toast during the state dinner, President Aquino noted that their discussions on Monday highlighted the onging dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.

“The world has come to realize that stability is a necessary foundation of progress and prosperity for all our peoples; alliances are deepened not only through a shared history, but also through mutual confidence and respect, which is constantly refreshed to give new relevance and purpose to our positive, longstanding relations,” he said.

“We are bound by the quest to turn our shared principles of democracy, human rights, and freedom into an inclusive reality, not just for our respective peoples, but for all nations,” he added. PND (co)

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Maguindanao govt, MILF settle “clan wars” ahead of entry of Bangsamoro govt

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders on Sunday

“settled peacefully” a long standing family feud involving big Muslim clans in four Maguindanao towns and a town in nearby Lanao del Sur.

In a Muslim thanksgiving event, leaders of feuding Iranon clans and local executives signed a “rido ceasefire” to stave off any escalation of family feuds in the towns of Parang,

Barira, Matanog, all in Maguinanao and Balabagan in Lanao del Sur.

“Rido,” refers to Muslim family feud that goes for decades.

Mangudadatu said the settling


of family misunderstanding aims to “normalize” far flung communities where long standing family feud brought about by land dispute or political rivalry ahead of the coming of a new political entity.

Under the GPH-MILF peace deal, a new political entity called Bangsamoro government will be established once a new law is enacted and approved in a plebiscite by the people in the proposed core territory.

More than 2,000 Moro Iranon tribes, representatives from the militiary’s 6th Infantry Division, the Malaysian International Monitoring Team that observes the GPH-MILF peace agreement, attended the gathering at the Parang gymnasium in Parang, Maguindanao.

Ghadzali Jaafar, vice chairman for political affairs of the MILF, in his message, has appealed to the warring families “to end clan wars once and for all” so development will come in their communities once the agreement is fully implemented.

Malaysian Gen. Abdul Samad Bin Yaakob, head of mission of IMT, called on the public to support the Mindanao peace process to hasten the restoration of normalcy and economic growth in conflict-stricken areas in the south.

Mangudadatu lauded the joint efforts of the provincial government, the MILF, and the Army’s 603rd Brigade, and a local socio-economic development entity, the Iranon Development Council, for having initiated the forging of the “rido ceasefire.”

Describing it as a “domestic

normalization process,” the move was clearly in support of the CAB and the October 15, 2012 Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.

Mangudadatu and Jaafar signed the peace covenant as witnesses in the presence of warring families who now called themselves “brothers, sisters” and Brig, Gen. Romeo Gan, assistant division commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, and Col. Noli Orense, chief of the Army 603rd Brigade.

“This peaceful settlement among feuding Moro clans will surely improve the local investment climate and bolster the interest of Malaysian investors to put up viable agricultural ventures in partnership with Iranon landowners,” Mangudadatu later told reporters.

Malaysian businessmen have shown interest to invest in northern part of Maguindanao. They planned to put investment in rubber, oil palm and coffee in Matanog, Barira, Buldon, Parang complex where the former MILF main camp used to be.

Parang Mayor Ibrahim Ibay said Maguindanao’s hinterland Iranon town accounts for most number of clan wars in the province.

“Ahead of the coming of new government in Muslim Minanao, we want our communities to be peaceful so development and investment would come that would also provide local employment,” Ibay said.

Mangudadaty said more “rido-settlement activities” are already in the bag in other towns of Maguindanao. (PNA)


Balingasag milkfish remains safeby Ma. Leona Felice Echeveria

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR) officials, investors and the media convened on Tuesday, April 15, in Balingasag town and feast on freshly harvested milkfish to show to the public that it is safe for consumption amidst the presence of algal blooms both in the coasts of Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental provinces.

Balingasag town is the region’s biggest supplier of milkfish, known locally as bangus.

Alexis S. Quina, Balingasag Mayor said that the ‘red tide’ scare brought only a few damages on their fishes


NEDA updates stakeholders on development plan of northern Mindanao by Kierra Rubillos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) presented the updates on the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2011-2016 of northern Mindanao to the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MSAC) through a quarter meeting on April 15.

“The focus of this Regional Development Plan is in ensuring the attainment of inclusive growth,” said NEDA Senior Economic Development Specialist Peleta B. Abejo. According to the report, Region 10 remains as the economic leader in Mindanao with the fastest average growth in Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at 5.8 percent for 10 years. In the 4.6% decrease in unemployment rate in 2012, NEDA estimates 48,000 new jobs, but emphasizing that the underemployment rate is still big. Despite increase in economy, Region 10 still struggles in solving poverty as its rate is still high, declaring

that the region’s goal in halving the poverty incidence rate by 2016 is unattainable. Because of the Sendong and Pablo typhoon incidences, the region no longer claims itself as ‘typhoon free’ though emphasizing that it is still a strategic location with huge potentials for industrial development. Abejo also presented the Strategic Development Areas of the region showing the development aspects of the region’s provinces in industrial, tourism, agribusiness and eco-cultural aspects. According to Abejo, the development plan is prioritized in improving productivity and competitiveness, strengthening

and reiterated that fishes affected from the harmful algal bloom (HAB) are safe when eaten fresh. According to BFAR, HAB is a rapid growth of algae in an aquatic system due to increase in temperature, water

salinity as well as in movement, this however, is only toxic to fishes. But, if the algae already produce high toxins, it is only then possible that people become affected when in contact with these toxins.


NEDA updates stakeholders on development plan of northern Mindanao MisOr youth leaders mark Earth Day

by SPI

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental - Fifty youth leaders in the province of Misamis Oriental observed this year’s Earth Day commemoration by participating in a two-day Mapawa Environmental Youth Camp held at the Mapawa Nature Park in barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro.

Now on its 10th year, the annual event seeks to instill the value of environmental responsibility especially among the youth amidst

mounting concerns of environmental degradation. More than 500 young leaders in Northern Mindanao have participated in the program since 2004. Mapawa is also the site of Steag’s 1,200 hectare reforestation and carbon sink project. Jointly organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and energy-firm

STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI), the annual event is part of a continuing advocacy to help protect mother earth.

labor-intensive sectors, creating massive and decent jobs, diversifying industries & products and building a sound financial sector and promoting the strategic development areas of the region. The MSAC is the policy-

making and advisory unit of the Local Governance Resource Center (LGRC) in region 10, as an arm of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in ensuring knowledge management in the area of local governance.


Garbage killing Davao Gulf whalesDAVAO CITY- Garbage that finds itself to the sea is killing whales in Davao Gulf. This was revealed by Darrell Blatchley, a son of American missionaries who founded the Bone Collector Museum in whose repository are skeletal remains of whales and dolphins found in the Gulf. Blatchley is also an environmental advocate. Speaking during the Kapihan sa Abreeza last Friday (April 25) at Abreeza Mall in Davao City, Blatchley said that 21 whales have died in recent years. Three of these whales died due to natural causes like disease and predation, while three whales died due to fishing. However 15 of these whales were found after examining the remains to have swallowed trash like plastics. Blatchley said that Davao Gulf is one of the richest gulfs in terms of bio-diversity, of the 27 species of whales found in the country, 18 can be found in the Gulf. Among the

species found in the Gulf are sperm whales, pilot whales, dwarf sperm whales and the Blainville Beaked whale. Last April 15, a 12-foot Blainville Beaked Whale was beached in Barangay Bucana in this City. It was rescued by residents and assisted by Darrell Blatchley, where his Bone Collector Museum is just nearby. Blatchley said that biggest threat comes from the garbage that is littered unto the sea. He said people must realize that whatever they will throw to the sea will not disappear. He said plastics takes 450 years to degrade and most likely would end up in the stomach of these marine creatures. He said a plastic the size of the small ball could kill a very large whale. Blatchley recently was one of the speakers at the Mindanao Media Summit held from April 25 to 26 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel. (PIA/RG Alama)


Incentives to entice businessmen to invest in TagumTAGUM CITY—The City Govern-ment of Tagum is drumming up its goal in making the city a viable area to do business in Southern Mindanao, with the 6th City Coun-cil working closely for the passage of the Local Investment Incentives Code of 2014, which is expected to accelerate social and economic growth. The centerpiece of the landmark legislation is focused

on fiscal incentives that will be granted to registered enterprises for a certain year which includes exemption from payment of local business tax, basic property tax and fees for building permits, mayor’s permit, among others. Exemption from payment of taxes is pegged from 100% in the first year up to 25% in their sixth year of operation, depending on the types and capitalization of


registered enterprises which are classified as new, pioneering, expanding and diversifying and distressed enterprises. The Tagum City Investment Promotions Board (TCIPB) will have the sole authority to review, evaluate and act applications and grant incentives as provided in the Investment Code. The com-position of the board includes the city mayor as its chair and DTI provincial director as vice chair while its members are represen-tatives from DOLE, CPDO, Busi-ness Permit and Licensing Divi-sion, Bankers Association of the Philippines, among others. Mayor Allan L. Rellon said that the benefit of this incen-tives mechanism for Tagumeños can be equated to job opportuni-ties. Under Chapter IX of the said Code, registered enterprises are required to employ in its work-force at least 70% coming from the workforce of Tagum City. Non-fiscal incentives that will be provided by the local govern-ment are assistance on site iden-tification, and regulatory compli-ance, manpower development and pooling, offsite infrastructure development, support to labor dispute management, assurance

on peace and order and business and market facilitation. Such action is geared to-wards making Tagum as an “in-vestment hub” in Davao Region, following Mayor Rellon’s agenda on a revitalized economy and af-fordability of taxes stipulated un-der his EAGLE WINGS Program. Under the said Code, the city government had listed its Invest-ment Priority Areas which will be eligible for fiscal incentives as follows: agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing industries, pack-aging industries, tourism and recreational facilities, health and wellness, property development, information and communication technology, transport and infra-structure and green projects. According to Jasmin Angco of the City Investments and Pro-motion Office, the said ordinance will likely be passed on third and final reading next week and will then be ready for the signature of Mayor Rellon. Meanwhile, her office is now preparing for the upcom-ing Tagum City Investment Fo-rum happening on May 7 at Mo-lave Hotel. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)


DOST brings ‘Iba na ang Panahon’ IEC campaign to Caraga By Nora L. MoldeSURIGAO CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga region launches on Tuesday its information, education and communication (IEC) campaign dubbed “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” here.


The IEC campaign is geared to help equip local governments with knowledge and know-how on disaster preparedness down to the municipal/city level.

According to Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOCS) director Renato U. Solidum, preparedness is the best way to prevent the ill-effects of disasters.

Solidum said, the “Iba na ang Panahon” will introduce Science and Technology (S&T) information and tools in designing disaster preparedness plans and to make more prepared to hazards to make our communities safer.

Since Philippines is prone to many natural hazards due to geologic and geographic setting, it is then proper and important to be more aware of the hazards that our community is prone to, said Solidum. “We need to identify disaster and the risk in our areas in

order for us to be p repa red , ready and can easily respond if it will happen,” he added.

A l s o , S o l i d u m said, “being p repa red , giving early w a r n i n g , and provide early action to people in the

communities will help you save their lives.”

The DOST, according to Solidum has also developed Hazard and Impact Assessment Software, a rapid earthquake damage assessment system that will help disseminate information to the communities about earthquakes. An Earthquake and Tsunami monitoring stations were set up in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.

Today’s Iba na ang Panahon IEC campaign was participated in by local government leaders from the five provinces of Caraga region, including disaster risk reduction officers, and national government representatives.

“Iba na ang Panahon” is a joint project of DOST, Department of the Interior and Local Government, local government units of Caraga Region and the Office of Civil Defense.


Surigao Norte guv hopes Surigaonons to be disaster-resilient

SURIGAO CITY-- “We wanted our people to gain confidence with complementing precaution as we mobilize them towards resilience, to enhance the province’s capacity to predict, prevent, prepare for and recover from any disaster.”

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

This was the direct statement of Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, during the launching of “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” campaign held on Tuesday at the Gateway Hotel, this city.

According to Matugas, the natural, climatic and geographic diversity we find in the entire country has also involved every area exposed various types of natural hazards. “For the past few years, we have noted stronger typhoons, extreme flooding, landslides,

magnified earthquakes, and even tornadoes have destroyed different areas in the country,” she recalled.

The lady governor, further emphasized that the risks that every hazard brings, combined with the existing and increasing population densities, have raised the need for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and adaptation all throughout the country.

“With all the things that have happened, we have become all the more conscious that indeed, things are never the way they are before. We


have learned our lessons… We should act as early as now. And let’s always be prepared for preparedness is the key to risk reduction,” stressed Matugas.

Also, Matugas expressed her warm thanks and gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through Sec. Mario Montejo for holding said activity that enhance the knowledge and capacity of the Caraganons in terms of dealing with eventualities or disasters.

“We are indeed honored to be given the opportunity to learn from this event, the latest information, tools and technologies that will be of much help to aid everyone of us in understanding the possible impacts of every hazard,” remarked Matugas.

The governor seen this activity very significant especially in Caraga region, which have been identified as among the 10 hazard-prone areas in the Philippines.


DOST Caraga offers big volume calibrationBUTUAN CITY-- In response to the growing demand of gasoline stations, fuel haulers and petroleum depots in the region, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Caraga’s Metrology Laboratory formally opens its new big volume calibration facility. The facility is equipped with two units 500 liters proving tanks. It is housed in the newly established metrology building of DOST Caraga Regional Office within the campus of Caraga State University, Ampayon, this city. The Center, manned by two metrology personnel can accommodate road tankers up to 60,000 liters. Services are offered on a first-in-first-served basis with prior scheduling to facilitate calibration works.

To guarantee the delivery of accurate volume measurement and traceability to national standards, all equipment in the newly operated Center were calibrated by DOST-10 in Cagayan de Oro City. DOST Caraga regional director Dominga D. Mallonga, OIC - assistant regional director Ricardo N. Varela, Engr. Ramon Belo Jr. of Nasipit Petron Depot and Mharlo Monroid of DCMJR Corporation were present during the dry-run calibration of the 14,000 liters vehicle tank.

Twelve tankers were already

calibrated by the center. Among those served were DCMJR Corporation, Mindanao Trucking Corporation, Jay Mark Gasoline Station, A.M. Enterprises, Mardigold Corporation of Cabadbaran City and Kinglong Trucking Services from Surigao City.

The establishment of the new Metrology Center embodies DOST Caraga’s commitment to continually provide quality service to its clientele specially the small and medium industries in Caraga.

For more updates visit : https://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484?fref=ts

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato —In a bid to ensure the security of the people of Region 12, police and military authorities are strengthening their efforts particularly to areas in the region vulnerable to tension.

PNP, military intensify peace efforts in SOCCSKSARGEN regionBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme


At the recent Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting , Police Senior Supt. Florendo Quidilla, Jr., chief of the Regional Operations and Plans Division of the Police Regional Office 12 noted that among their peace initiatives are the establishment of checkpoints, strengthening of physical security of economic key points through establishment of police assistance desk and deployment and intensification of mobile and beat patrols.

“Aside from these, we are working hard on implementing the ‘Kapkap Bakal’ campaign to confiscate loose firearms which are mostly used in crimes,” Quidilla said.

In addition, the police officer stated that they have conducted massive installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas particularly in Cotabato City and the provinces of South and North Cotabato.

“We are also making sure that the conduct of our internal security operational activities such as intelligent driven combat patrols, regional-wide anti-criminality lectures and barangay visitation as well as the drug abuse resistance education (DARE) program are strengthened,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, Col. Marcos Norman Flores, Jr., Army’s 1002nd Infantry

Brigade commander, stated that their force augments strategies in monitoring threats from the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to Flores, aside from clearing areas where NPA operates, one of their missions is to establish secure, resilient and progressive communities in their areas of operation through implementation of peace and development outreach program (PDOP).

On the other hand, when it comes to the efforts of the 6th infantry division, Col. Melquiades Feliciano, commander of the 601st brigade said that they are not only monitoring the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) activities in North Cotabato but also the rido-related cases in the mentioned province.

“We continue to capacitate our manning efforts to make sure that actions from lawless elements as well as other factors that could create conflict in our area of responsibility could be controlled,” he explained.

All the peacekeeping forces assigned in Region 12, vowed to perform their responsibilities and called for further cooperation from the public to assure that peace will dominate in the region. (SJDuerme-PIA12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At least 17 municipalities in SOC-CSKSARGEN Region are set to benefit from the scaled up operations of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS)as an national strategy for poverty re-duction, a social development and welfare officials here confirmed.

Expanded poverty-reduction program targets 17 LGUs in SOCCSKSARGENBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

As scaled up (Kalahi-CIDSS) the expanded program shall be known as Kalahi-CIDSS- National Community Driven-Development Program (NCDDP), according to information from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12.

Emerita Q. Dizon, regional project coordinator, said that preparatory activities are now underway for the implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS –NCDDP in 17 towns, covering three provinces in the region.

Dizon identified the target LGUs as: Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum in Sarangani Province; Alamada, Aleosan, Banisilan, Carmen, and Pikit in North Cotabato; and Bagumbayan, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan, Palimbang, and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat.

“Coordination with these local government units is now on going primarily to prepare needed documents as part of the requirements before they could avail of the program,” Dizon said.

These towns, according to Dizon, will be given at least P12 million to a maximum of P20 million grant from the agency to fund various community projects, depending on the population, poverty incidence and income classification LGU.

“This program means more pressing needs in various communities will be addressed with a much bigger grant now from the agency,” Dizon added.

Recently, DSWD 12 opened recruitment for 152 personnel (17 area coordinators, 19 technical facilitators, 19 community finance facilitators, and 97 community empowerment facilitators) who will man the implementation of the program in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Kalahi-CIDSS-NCDDP, a national expansion of the community-driven development (CDD) strategy of Kalahi-CIDSS and as support to post-disaster response and development to typhoon Yolanda-affected areas, is a P43.9 billion Program funded through the Asian Development


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- The local government of Tacurong City and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) here have brought the implementation of Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) a notch higher by involving them in development projects.

Bank (ADB) Emergency Assistance Loan, World Bank (WB) Loan and Government of the Philippines (GOP).

The program aims to empower communities to achieve improved access to services and to participate

in more inclusive local planning, budgeting, and implementation, targets to benefit 5.4 million households, 847 municipalities and 58 provinces in the Philippines. (DEDoguiles-PIA-12 with report from HTEstacion- DSWD-12)

LGU involves SPES grantees in development program By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Glyza Rea, 16, a BS education student at the Sultan Kudarat State University thought she will be doing office works for her summer job as routinely done in the past.

However, on April 21, Glyza Rea and eight other SPES student-grantees who are also currently taking up education course were deployed as reading mentors for children participating in the city LGU’s LGU’s PEACE Summer Reading and Math Camp in Barangay Grino, Tacurong City.

They were tasked to assist teachers in facilitating classroom learning discussions and in preparing materials.

Three more SPES grantees who are taking hotel and restaurant management courses have also been assigned to the reading and math camp to help prepare the

meals for the feeding component of the program.

The camp aims to improve competencies of incoming Grade III pupils to prepare them for the National Achievement Test. Most pupil-campers belong to indigent families in the barangay.

The PEACE Summer Camp is an initiative of the LGU co-funded by SEAOIL, in partnership with KAYA NATIN Movement, Ateneo School of Governance and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

SPES reading mentors and feeding support staff are required to submit daily observation reports for the documentation and monitoring the children’s progress in learning areas and nutritional status.

The 2014 PEACE Summer Reading and Math Camp, which runs from April 21 to May 12, is


serving 83 pupils.On the other hand, 40 SPES

grantees have also been assigned to serve with the Project PAGLAUM under the Millennium Development Goals-Family Based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slum (MDG-FACES).

They underwent orientation on the program on April 22 prior to their deployment.

Project PAGLAUM (Panata at Adhikain Gutom ay wakasan Lingap, edukasyon, kalusugan, Asal na mabuti ay isulong at Ugaling makamtan ay Malinis, matiwasay at maunlad na pamayanan) is a project which intends to improve the quality of lives of target families, especially the children, in line with the eight goals of MDG.t is being implemented among 40 family-partners in Purok Onse, Barangay Poblacion.

For their deployment as Project PAGLAUM staff, each SPES grantee is assigned to a family partner to conduct intake interview and gather necessary data. The grantee is also directed to maintain a journal which should contain all observations and other important information that may be useful in developing interventions for the family-partners.

With the guidance of city social workers, SPES grantees also conduct project activity planning and monitoring such as sessions on proper hygiene, clean-up and flower gardening, and group dynamics. They will also be involved

in facilitating children’s rights and gender sensitivity training for the children and their parents.

They are tasked to submit photo documentation of each family-partner’s significant tasks and activities.

Mayor Lina Montilla, the involvement of SPES grantees in development projects is a manifestation of its willingness to engage the youth in the process of nation-building.

“Although their involvement in the projects is very short, we hope that this would instill in them our advocacies,” she said.

SPES is a program of Department of Labor and Employment mandated by Republic Act 9547, which provides short-term employment to students and out-of-school youths who would like to continue their studies.

For this program, DOLE partners with local government units, colleges and universities, and private employers for the implementation of the program.

Under the scheme, the employer – in this case, the LGU Tacurong City -- pays 60 percent of the salary of the beneficiary while the remaining 40 percent will come from the national government through DOLE 12.

For the summer vacation, Tacurong LGU aims to hire at least 200 SPES beneficiaries. (DEDoguiles-12 with report from LGU Tacurong Information Office)


LGU Marawi launches drive on efficient solid waste managementby: Apipa P. BagumbaranThe city

government of Marawi

has launched a program to create massive awareness on the importance of proper solid waste management.

The city’s Integrated Solid Waste Management program, which aims to instill among stakeholders the practice of waste reduction, seeks to mobilize every sector of the society to guarantee effective implementation of the program. The program was launched at the city hall grounds on April 15, coinciding with the city’s 34th anniversary celebration when it was renamed as Islamic City of Marawi. “Every year, we celebrate April 15 with parade, Qur’an reading contest,

Kalilang and sports festivities but this year’s celebration would foster Islam and environment as an obligation of every Muslim,” said city mayor Fahad Salic. The launching was highlighted by the signing of an Executive Order (EO) to institutionalize the structure on how the city government can push forward the program. The EO organized the Ecological Solid Waste Management Board (ESWMB) and Technical Working


Group to formulate the city’s solid waste management plan including the establishment of a materials recovery facility (MRF), sourcing and allocation of funds, formulation of solid waste management activities, and coming-up of a beautification program for the city. Different Special Task Forces were further created to attain a maximum participation for the implementation of the integrated solid waste management program. The city administrator, treasurer and assessor were also directed to conduct consultation with different establishments and require them, as part of the requirements for issuance of business permits, to form an association, according to the nature of their businesses, and support the plans formulated by the ESWMB. The launching ceremony

also featured awarding of certificates of appreciation to community health teams in 29 barangays of the city. Meanwhile, the city government announced its plan to provide incentives to barangays who can effectively implement a solid waste management plan. The award for the outstanding barangay

will be given during the city’s founding anniversary come August, this year.


ABOT-ALAM launched in Lanao del Surby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - A strategy to ensure that every out-of-school youth (OSYs) in the country will be given opportunities to become productive was launched here on Tuesday, April 15.

Dubbed ABOT-ALAM project, this nationwide campaign targets all OSY and reintegrating them to the communities to achieve a zero percent OSY by 2016. Undersecretary Leon Flores III, chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC), said ABOT-ALAM is a convergence strategy of various government agencies led by the Department of Education (DepEd), as well as the private sector so that no youth will be left behind. “The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro has recently been signed and the economy continues to grow creating more job opportunities. Thus, we need to reach out to the youth sector, show them that the government cares for them and convince them to go back to school for their future,” he stressed during the launching of the project at the provincial capitol grounds. Flores said ABOT-ALAM project has two phases, registration and reintegration. “The first phase of the project involves building a database of all OSY. Once we have a listing, our next step is to

look for ways to give them opportunities to go back to school, be employed or become entrepreneurs,” he added. Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. was grateful Lanao del Sur was first province in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to launch the ABOT-ALAM project. While he commended NYC and the other agencies involved in the implementation of the project, he urged them and every stakeholder to work together as one team to champion the cause of the youth sector in the province. “Let us help the youth become mature and responsible citizens and equip them with knowledge and skills to succeed and have a bright future,” the governor said. The launching ceremony was also graced by officials of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Department of Social Welfare and Development provincial offices, as well as youth organizations who signified full support to the project.

One Mindanao - April 29, 2014

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 29, 2014