One Mindanao - April 3, 2014

Pablo sizzles a new in DavOrJeanevive D. AbanganSOUTHERN MINDANAO

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 154

Singaporean President Tony Tan leads wreath-laying rites at Rizal Park

NATIONAL

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SOUTHERN MINDANAONORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

Rellon brings Tagum to Singapore

41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program now opens

PCA: No case of “cocolisap” yet in Surigao del Sur

PAMANA Projects turned over in Lanao Month of Peace

Zambo. Norte culminates Women’s Month

Senator Trillanes hands over gym, vehicles to Tacurong City

DOST upgrades weather stations in Misamis Occidental to become satellite-ready

Community taps on livelihood potential of “Sampinit” weeds

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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WESTERN MINDANAO

Sominot town holds coconut festival

DavNor Capitol holds earthquake drill

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Gideon C. Corgue

noel baguioLorry V. Gabule

Mary May A. Abellon

Danilo E. Doguiles

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Danilo E. Doguiles

RG Alama

Salma Jayne Tamano

Pablo sizzles a new in DavOr

After the chilling gust of Typhoon Pablo in the three east-coast towns

of Davao Oriental, Hot Pablo emerges. It ignites a sizzling spirit to pursue a much better livelihood, bringing a spicy hope for a much better future for typhoon victims.

Both the local and the national governments were in quandary to determine what livelihood to provide residents in Davao Oriental towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga after vast agricultural lands mostly planted with coconut trees were whacked by Typhoon Pablo on December 4, 2012. However, in the midst of devastation, the chilli plant was found resilient. Such plant never came to mind to provide the much-

needed livelihood for typhoon victims. One day the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Oriental Provincial Office found hot chilli products hitting brisk sales during the International Food Exhibition in May 2013, five months after Typhoon Pablo. The IFEX trade exposure of that single Davao Oriental producer of powdered chilli clinched hefty orders from domestic and international institutional buyers among whom were from Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. That stirred the idea of chilli production as a potent source of livelihood among Davao Oriental typhoon victims who used to depend mostly on coconuts. Even President Benigno S. Aquino III got hot over promoting chilli products which he was first heard labelling them as “Hot Pablo” during the Mindanao Business Conference

By Jeanevive D. Abangan

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(Minbizcon) in August 2013. He revealed in the Minbizcon media briefing that DTI made a P2.4 million exports to Singapore and Brunei Darrussalam of chilli products from typhoon Pablo-hit areas. During that time, the President made the public understand that the “Hot Pablo” he was talking about was “paminta” or black pepper. Upon inquiry with DTI, the Hot Pablo turned out to be the hot chilli known in Filipino as “siling labuyo”. Siling Labuyo is popular in the east-coast towns of Davao Oriental as “Katumbaw” which when dried and powdered, is called “Dumang”. Jose Indona, DTI senior trade industry development specialist (STIDS) in-charge of chilli projects, describes Dumang as the favorite food ingredient among Dawenyos in the east-coast of Davao Oriental. For Dabawenyos, Dumang can even go well with salt mixed in rice. “The Dabawenyos have been planting chilli; they really love Dumang,” he said. They may have lost their coconut trees, but they have started to bring back the productivity of their lands through planting chilli. Maricel Perando, processor of Ayana’s Siling Kinamayo says that the typhoon victims are indeed making a living out of chilli plants, enabling them to provide the immediate needs of their families. Perando now has 25 chilli growers from whom she buys fresh ripe chilli at P80 per kilo.“They can really have something for their daily needs,” she said in Cebuano referring to her chilli growers. Aside from Ayana’s Siling Kinamayo, two other new chilli product processors emerge in the market through the assistance of DTI. These are the MAMA’s Chilli which mainly produces chilli paste and the Food Processors Association of Taytayan (in Cateel) which concentrates on powdered chilli. DTI still continues to assist the Subangon Dumang Makers in marketing its chilli powder, tying it up with institutional buyers

here and abroad. DTI 11 has already acquired the trade mark “Hot Pablo” to label all the chilli products of Davao Oriental but it is yet to put that mark on each chilli items as processors have yet to fully comply with the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) requirements, Indona explained. In spite this, the chilli products of Davao Oriental are already making it big in the local and international markets. The February 2014 Hot Pablo Chilli Project Status of DTI 11 showed that domestic sales of such chilli products ran more than P1.6 million; exports heaped $52,291 sales while P2 million additional investments were generated. President Aquino had seen the initial successes of Hot Pablo, prompting him to personally see the chilli plantation in an aerial viewing he made during his recent visit in Cateel, Davao Oriental. He encouraged Dabawenyos to produce more as he noted the expanding market for Hot Pablo Chilli products. “Kumbaga yong oportunidad ay nandiyan ho. Samantalahin natin para naman talagang lubusan ang pag-angat natin. (As said, the opportunity is there. Let’s take advantage of it, so we really will prosper.),” President Aquino said in his speech at the Municipal Plaza in Cateel Davao Oriental on February 24. Typhoon Pablo may have swept the coconut farms on which the Dabawenyos in the east-coast towns of Davao Oriental have long been banking on for a living. However, the lowly hot chilli plant is spicing up their lives giving them hope for a much bigger income.

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Singaporean leader arrives for 4-day state visit

Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam arrived in the Philippines Wednesday afternoon for a four-day state visit to

the country.

Across the Nation

President Tan was given arrival honors after he arrived at 5:45 pm at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I Wednesday afternoon.

Among the members of the reception party include Vice President Jejomar Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras,

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino and Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado.

President Tan is visiting the Philippines for the first time and his arrival in the country serves as a reciprocal visit to President Aquino’s state visit to

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Across the Nation

President Tan arrived at the park at about 10:30 a.m. and was joined by his wife, Mary, and his lean delegation during the ceremony.

The visiting President was received by Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras.

Following the short ceremony, President Tan proceeded to Malacañang Palace to attend a state luncheon hosted by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The two leaders are slated to discuss various issues in defense, trade and investment.

After his engagements at the Palace, President Tan will tour Fort Santiago, one of the famous historical sites in Manila.

His day will be capped off with a dinner reception with the Singaporean community at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Taguig.

Part of the President Tan’s hectic

Singapore in 2011. The two leaders are expected to discuss cooperative activities in defense, trade and investment.

On Thursday morning, President Tan will lay a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park. He will then proceed to Malacanang for a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III. President Aquino will tender a state luncheon in honor of the Singaporean leader.

Other schedule of President Tan will be a visit to Fort Santiago in Manila, a dinner with the Singapore community in the Philippines and a meeting with

Philippine-Singapore Business Council.President Tan will then visit on Saturday

typhoon-ravaged areas in Tacloban, Leyte, and Basey, Western Samar, where he will turn over medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital. The hospital is the beneficiary of the joint rehabilitation project by the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Singapore was the Philippines’ fourth largest trade partner last year, with total trade amounting to $8.22 billion.

President Tan will depart for Singapore Saturday evening. PND

Singaporean President Tony Tan leads wreath-laying rites at Rizal Park

Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam kicked off his second day in the Philippines by offering a wreath in honor of

Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park on Thursday.

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schedule in the Philippines will be his visit to Tacloban, Leyte and Basey, Western Samar on Saturday, where he will turn over medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, the beneficiary of the joint rehabilitation project between

the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This is President Tan’s first official visit to the Philippines through the invitation of President Aquino, who made a state visit to Singapore in 2011. PND

9APRIL2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

PCCI kicks off first leg of Mindanao Business Roadshow in CotabatoSenior officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(PCCI) steered here Tuesday the conduct of the Mindanao Business Roadshow, a pre-conference activity designed to consult and educate stakeholders in Mindanao on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic integration to start in 2015.

The business roadshow would be held in five other key cities in Mindanao, with its first leg initiated in

Central Mindanao and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Dr. Ramon Floresta, PCCI regional


governor for Central Mindanao, in coordination with the Mindanao Development Authority, led other business experts in arranging before traders here possible business schemes to propel economic expansion in the region.

The PCCI said that activity is also vital in the formulation of policy resolutions in relation to the ASEAN integration, which would be the basis of development of programs pursued with various government agencies.

“The good news here is that the Central Mindanao Region where Cotabato City currently belongs is not left in the business roadmap strategized by the government and PCCI for Mindanao,” Dr. Danda Juanday, Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said.

Local businessmen, professional practitioners, academe and representatives of various government agencies attended the activity held at the lobby of the city hall here. (PNA)


Davao City mulls new road network

DAVAO CITY- The City Government of Davao is eyeing the construc-tion of a new highway, which will connect the southern and northern parts of the city. Engineer Mario Luis Jacinto, head of the City Planning and Development Office said during a press conference last week that the city is shelving its plan of building a

flyover in a busy junction of the city in favor of a 44-kilometer bypass highway. Jacinto said that the flyover plan was aborted since it was found out that it would not help decongest the main roads. The flyover supposed to be built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is located in Ulas- Mintal junction which serves vehicles going to and from

Bukidnon-Davao (BUDA) road and the Davao-Cotabato artery. Jacinto said that based on studies the best way to solve traffic in the city is to build a new road network. The planned road network will connect Toril and Lasang cutting through Barangays Waan, Langub

by Rudolph Alama


TAGUM CITY- Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum joins the pack of experts for a conference to be held at Lee Kuan Yew University’s School of Public Policy in Singapore on March 30 to April 2, 2014. “It will be the best time to showcase Tagum as to how we es-tablish our effective governance on resiliency,” says Mayor Rellon when asked about the invitation of his Of-ficial Travel for a dialogue of Asian Development Countries on Building Resilience and Effective Governance of Emerging Cities in ASEAN Coun-tries. Forty Mayors from the Philip-pines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam were invited by the Singa-porean government to interact and share their expertise and experienc-

es with the distinguished Singapor-ean leaders and other international experts for the resiliency planning. Joining Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum City are Mayor Oscar Moreno of Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar of Zam-boanga City, Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City, Mayor Alfred Ro-mualdez of Tacloban City, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog of Iloilo City, Mayor John Bongat of Naga City, and Mayor Monico Puentevella of Bacolod City. Mayor Rellon’s official travel to Singapore will also benefit Tagum as he would invite investors to come in our city and he is determined to find other resources in line with the EA-GLE WINGS Program (CROMWELL,cio tagum).

Rellon brings Tagum to Singapore

and Magtuod which will bypass the already congested main highways. The road will have a network of tunnel roads and if the project materializes Davao City will be the only urban area in the country to have tunnel roads. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has offered a loan to the City. In an earlier interview Mayor Rodrigo

Duterte said the city might consider the loan offer saying that the city can afford the loan on soft terms of about 25 years. According to Jacinto the City Planning and Development Office is conducting a feasibility study about the road network, which they aim to complete by the middle of this year. (PIA/RG Alama)


DavNor Capitol holds earthquake drillDAVAO DEL NORTE – About a thousand government employees participated in the earthquake drill on Wednesday inside the Provin-cial Government Center in Mankil-am, Tagum City. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the exercise aims to promote awareness and to test the disaster response and preparations of government offices inside the Capitol Compound. The Governor stressed the importance of having the drill since Davao del Norte is traversed by three parallel fault lines, namely; the Central Mindanao Fault, Eastern Mindanao Fault and Davao River Fault. The province was not able to participate in the first quarter simultaneous nationwide quake drill held last March 19, since the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is deeply- engrossed in monitoring the onset of Tropical Depression Caloy, which put Davao del Norte under Signal No. 1. The storm affected some 3,353 families or 16,765 individuals in the province last month. But, no casualty was reported, courtesy of the strong disaster

preparation and mitigation program of the province. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (PDRRMD), which organized the drill, used the scenario of a magnitude 6.9 earthquake with aftershocks. During the alarm phase of the drill, the personnel followed the duck, cover and hold technique the moment they heard the siren, before hurrying to the evacuation area moments later. Aside from the provincial offices, national offices located inside the government center also joined the drill, including the offices of the COMELEC, DILG, CSC, DTI, BIR, ROD, LTO, among others. Del Rosario further revealed the province continues to hold weekly earthquake and fire drills in schools visited by the Advocacy on Disaster Awareness and Management (Oplan A.N.D.A.M.) caravan. The program teaches residents in disaster-prone barangays simple technologies that reduce their vulnerability to calamities and help them build back better.(noel baguio/davnor pio)


Surigao Norte GADCC launches MR. GAD MOVESBy Susil D. RagasSURIGAO CITY - The Gender and Development Coordinating Council (GADCC) of Surigao del Norte has launched the MR. GAD MOVES (Men Opposed to VAWC Everywhere especially in Surigao del Norte) during the Women’s Month celebration culmination program held recently at the Cultural Center for Children, Provincial Sports Complex, this city.


Surigao Norte GADCC launches MR. GAD MOVES

According to MR. GAD MOVES president Police Inspector Ceasar Gealogo the program aims to raise awareness on the responsibilities of men in gender and development and to promote advocacy of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) or Republic Act 9262.

“This program basically aims to promote responsible men and to campaign against VAWC cases and other gender-related issues, and in order to strengthen our campaign we are planning to organize the same group in every municipality of the province,” Gealogo said.

The officials of Surigao del Norte MR. GAD MOVES are as follows,

President- Police Inspector Ceasar E. Gealogo of PNP; Vice President- Carmelito Mantong of Provincial Health Office; Secretary-Elonier Baay of Provincial Treasurers Office; Auditor- Nicolas P. Ortiz of Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperatives (SURNECO); Treasurer- Rajiv Ivar P. Elape of Provincial Tourism and Culture Office, PIO - FO3 Rogelio D. Logronio, Jr. of Bureau of Fire Protection, and advisers are Board Member Victor Borja, Antonio Tiu of Provincial Social Services Office, Florian Tan of Women’s Training Center and Alice Euseña of SURWISE.


According to Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Provincial Manager George Rasonabe, such a problem has not yet crossed over Mindanao, but their agency has already been keeping an eye on it.

It was learned from the PCA Chief that the massive case of scale insects infestation on coconut plantations has already spread out in Batangas and some neighboring provinces.

On other developments, Rasonabe

reported that the Agricultural Training Institute-Philippine Coconut Authority (ATI-PCA) Joint Undertaking Training has continued to be conducted for 2014.

In fact, he said that three trainings are set to be held this year including that of what was done on March 24-26, where 30 coconut farmers in Tandag City have undergone training.

PCA: No case of “cocolisap” yet in Surigao del SurTANDAG CITY -- There is no case yet of “cocolisap” or entomologically known as “scale insect” infestation in Surigao del Sur.

41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program now opens BUTUAN CITY-- The National Youth Commission (NYC) announces the opening of applications to the 41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program (SSEAJYP).

By Salma Jayne Tamano

SSEAJYP is an annual cultural exchange program that started in 1974 as a joint statement between ASEAN member States and Japan. Participated by young people from these countries, the program’s objective is to promote friendship and

mutual understanding among them and the local youth in their respective countries.

Now on its 41st year, SSEAJYP has been instrumental in forging stronger relations among the youth of Southeast Asia and Japan.

For this year, there will be


PCA: No case of “cocolisap” yet in Surigao del Sur

41st Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program now opens

a selection of the following: Two Participating Youth (PY) from each region (1 male and 1 female); One National Leader (NL).

Discussion Facilitators who shall provide support for PYs in the Discussion Program

Application forms for SSEAJYP are available at www.

nyc.gov.ph. The application form with the requirements for PYs and NLs may be submitted through email to [email protected] on or before April 25, 2014. The application form with requirements for Discussion Facilitators may be submitted on or before April 30, 2014.

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


In his recent State of the Province Address (SOPA), Governor Uy reported that a total of 88.377 kilometers of provincial roads, worth a little over P146-million, had been constructed, concreted, rehabilitated and or

improved since he assumed leadership of the province on June 30, 2013. Under his watch, 67.6075 kilometers of barangay roads worth P193-million were also constructed, concreted and rehabilitated.

Zambo. Norte guv bares accomplishmentsBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Guided by his nine-point development agenda, Governor Roberto Y. Uy has gradually delivered both infrastructure and social services in just seven months in office.

Photo by Ruel Tabada


Zambo. Norte guv bares accomplishments The provincial roads that were paved include the Libertad-Dampalan road worth P16 million, Siare-Dinokot-Madalum-Sindangan road - P13.3 million, Mabunao-Nangka in Rizal town -P12 million, Potungan-Marapong-Libay road in Sibutad town -P16.2 million, Daanglungsod-Sinuyak-Sitog road in Katipunan town, P13.88 million, and theJose-Concepcion Pisawak road in Siocon municipality – P8.38 million. Road concreting and rehabilitation were also implemented in Poblacion Sibuco-Sto. Niño road with an appropriation of P7 million, Titik proper-Tinaplan farm-to-market road in Sindangan town-P16 million, and rehabilitation and improvement of Sitio Tibangao-Panubigan barangay road-P5 million. Moreover, there are also ongoing infrastructure projects in the interior parts of the province like the slope protection work along Binone-Godod

provincial road, improvement of existing spillway along Bunawan-Sianan-San Pedro road in Godod town as well as the repair and improvement of Sibalic Spillway in Gutalac municipality. Uy pointed out that the provincial government has also spent more or less P365 million for roads, roads bridges and similar projects like barangay electrification program and construction of barangay halls, health centers and multi-purpose buildings. Aside from infrastructure development, the nine-point development agenda of the Uy administration includes Health, Nutrition, and Social Welfare Development, Environmental Management, Good Governance, Agriculture, Fishery and Livestock Development, Sound Fiscal Management, Education, Peace, Security and Public Safety, and Tourism and Cultural Development.


Sominot town holds coconut festivalBy Gideon C. CorgueSOMINOT, Zamboanga del Sur – A coconut festival was held here on March 23-27 to promote coconut-based products as the municipality’s one town, one product (OTOP). Municipal Agriculturist Charito Pitogo said the maiden event was made on suggestion by Mayor Stephen Acosta to change its OTOP from cassava to coconut, as the municipality has a large coconut plantation compared to that of cassava. Pitogo said some 2,243 hectares have been planted to coconuts and “where people use coconut products in their daily living.” The festival, Pitogo said was one of the highlights of the town’s 34th founding anniversary.

“It is the first time that the Coconut Festival was held here with the full support and cooperation of local chief executive and barangay officials,” Pitogo said adding that Mayor Acosta had allotted funds for the construction of 18 beautiful coconut-designed booths and cash prizes. “It is also a chance to honor coconut tree and its products as well as the coconut farmers,” Pitogo pointed out. Aside from the agro-industrial fair contest, a coconut food display contest


Sominot town holds coconut festival

Zambo. Norte culminates Women’s MonthBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and the city government of Dipolog jointly concluded the women’s month celebration at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center last March 27.

and parlor games were also held, drawing attention from the crowd. For the agro-industrial fair contest the winners are as follows: 1st – Barangay San Migel, 2nd – Libertad, 3rd- Eastern Poblacion, 4rth- Barangay Poblacion, and 5th – Upper Sicpao. The winners received the following prizes: P10 thousand for the

first prize, P7 thousand for the second prize, P5 thousand for the third prize, P3 thousand for the fourth prize and P2 thousand for the fifth prize. Each of them also received a trophy. For the coconut food display contest, the winners are as follows: 1st- Rizal, 2nd-Picturan, and 3rd- Eastern Poblacion.

Women from the municipalities of the three districts of the province and from the two cities of Dapitan and Dipolog convened to participate

in the said celebration, highlighted by a motorcade along the city’s major thoroughfares. “This is the first time for me


to speak before all the women of Zamboanga del Norte. This year’s celebration symbolizes the unity of two LGUs, the province of Zamboanga del Norte and the city government of Dipolog,” Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said in her opening message. “The two LGUs aim for the development of the people, men or women, uplifting their living condition.” Mayor Uy added. Mayor Uy expressed her excitement over the implementation of projects for women this year and beyond, including the opening of the Galas training Center which can cater to a maximum of 50 women who would like to undergo livelihood trainings. Governor Roberto Y. Uy, on the other hand, commended third district board member, Dr. Ruth Brilliantes, for her efforts in the opening of district/municipal hospitals in Siocon and Sergio Osmeña towns as well as the improvement of the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center. Governor Uy noted that there are many women who are achievers

and holding higher positions in the government, adding ”even my heads of offices are mostly female.” “I observed that most women are more religious than men; they have the heart of compassion and love. Most men forget about God which we should not. Let us put God in our hearts so that together with our families we can live harmoniously,” Governor Uy stressed. In the same occasion, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through Chief Labor Employment Officer Henry P. Tianero turned-over a check worth P133,341.58 to Olingan Garments Sewers Association. For her part, Board Member Ruth Brilliantes said: “This is the time for us to help our husband earn a living.” Another lady board member from the province’s third district, Luzviminda E. Torrino, told the participants: “We, the women, are the strongest. We used our talents and abilities in all our undertakings. We nurture our children, we take care of our husbands and we even excel in our careers.”


CdeO public elementary schools connected with Text2Teachby Ayala Foundation Incorporated

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Thirty-nine additional public elementary schools here have now been connected to Text2Teach, a project that uses mobile technology to provide education materials.


Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) together with the Department of Education (DepEd), the local government unit, Nokia, Globe Telecom, Toshiba, Pearson Foundation held on Thursday, March 27, a community launching at N Hotel Kauswagan, to celebrate the connection of additional 39 schools in the city. Teachers even in remote areas can access educational materials to supplement their lessons using a comprehensive mobile learning package that uses Nokia mobile phones, which can download video materials on grade 5 and 6 Math, Science, English and Values Education subjects. It also comes with a Globe Telecom BridgeCom prepaid SIM card and a 32-inch LED Toshiba television. “There are today 11 countries all over the world that actually have a Text2Teach program under a mother program called Bridged IT. And the Philippines is considered a model country by UNESCO for having best practices in the use of mobile technology in education. So, if we can mainstream this and make it happen to all of our public elementary school that would be a dream come true,” Luli Heras-de Leon, AFI president said. Text2Teach makes use of a full cellular platform using 3G-enabled device such as the Nokia mobile phone equipped with an application called Nokia Education Delivery (NED). It allows teachers to download and choose educational videos on Math, Science, English and Values Education specifically developed for the project, providing a highly effective visual

aid for teachers and creating an interactive, student-focused learning environment in the classroom. Meanwhile, new videos, funded by Pearson Foundation, were produced for the Text2Teach project, which is now on its fourth phase. Students watch the videos using television sets, which are part of the Text2teach package. The lesson plans were created to meet local education guidelines and standards, and are fully integrated with the DepEd basic curriculum. The Text2Teach mobile phones are also configured with another Nokia Technology called Nokia Data Gathering (NDG). NDG enables Ayala Foundation to design, send, receive, and analyze surveys sent to the Text2Teach recipient schools’ mobile phones, to be used to gather data for monitoring and evaluation purposes. Further, Globe Telecom provides P300 monthly load allowance for one year to be used for helpdesk and technical support concerns and to download new videos on Math, Science, English and Values Education. Earlier in February, 31 public elementary schools in Cagayan de Oro City have been connected to Text2Teach project making the city now 100% connected. As of February 2014, there are 165 schools already connected to Text2Teach in Mindanao. By the end of this year, Text2teach aims to connect 335 schools in Mindanao. Nationwide, there are 959 public elementary schools with Text2Teach.


PAMANA Projects turned over in Lanao Month of Peaceby Lorry V. Gabule

BACOLOD, Lanao del Norte - The ceremonial turn-over of PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) projects to Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) returnees and communities in Bacolod highlighted the culmination activity of Lanao Month of Peace dubbed “Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw” (Convergence for Peace) in March. Projects worth P26 million include farm-to-market-road, farm equipments and livelihood program are directly turned-over to the local government unit (LGU), said DA-PAMANA focal person Ulyses Ortega. Department of Agriculture Region 10 (DA 10) Director Lealyn Ramos, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and PAMANA-LANAW Core Group officiated the turn-over. MNLF Border Commander Abedin Sanguila, of Camp Datu Tomanong, in Pagayawan, Bacolod said that with the government’s support through livelihood program, they feel the sincerity of PNoy administration. Moreover, Provincial Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q, Dimaporo expressed his support to this activity which he said is pursuant to the Provincial Ordinance No. 01-2008 declaring March as the Month of Peace for the Province of Lanao del Norte, mandating the civil society organization represented by PAKIGDAIT Inc. to spearhead the celebration and preparation of the program of activities for the celebration of the Month of Peace.

OPAPP Technical Assistant on Operations for Bangsamoro Ian Ragragio, who takes charge of the monitoring and project visitation said that we encourage those lawless elements going back to the folds of the law, and in the context of this project, developing them into a project manager from a commander, and from a MNLF camp to a farm. PAMANA is the national government’s framework and program for peace and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs), as well as communities covered by existing Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) Region X. Mayor Joselito E. Miquiabas of Bacolod, as host to this convergence activity welcomed all stakeholders/peace advocates who joined the Peace Walk which ended up at the municipal grounds. Musa Mohamad Sanguila, chairperson, Civil Society Organizations Lanao del Norte Partnership for Peace and Development (CSOLN-PPD) and Director of Pakigdait, Inc. presented the objective


DOST upgrades weather stations in Misamis Occidental to become satellite-ready by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Upgrading of weather stations in Misamis Occidental to become satellite-ready formed part of the disaster and mitigation program initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), region 10, during the first quarter, this year.

This was revealed by Engr. Ferdinand A. Soliven, Provincial Science and Technology Director of Misamis Occidental, during the recent 2014 First Quarter Joint Meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), region 10, and the Ozamiz City DRRMC held in the city. Soliven said these stations included the Sinuza Automatic Rain Gauge (ARG) in Tudela town and the Sinara Bajo Spillway Water Level Monitoring Stations (WLMS) and Seti (ARG), both in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental. By April, this year, upgrading the

weather stations to become satellite-ready will also be done in the other provinces of the region, particularly, in the ARG’s of Lurisa National High School in Samay, Gingoog City, Mintabon in Talisayan, Guinalaban in Salay and Quezon in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, and Quiboro Elem School (ES) and Bacnit ES, in Mambajao and Sagay, Camiguin, respectively. Meanwhile, Soliven said DOST will be undertaking the repair and maintenance of the ARGs of the Northwestern Mindanao State College (NMSC) in Tangub City, Libona AWS-Agromet, Lumbayao National

and rationale of the activity. Likewise, the message of Representative Imelda Q. Dimaporo of the 1st Congressional District of Lanao del Norte, was heard. Edna B. Yorong, executive director, PASAKA Inc., (CSOLN-PPD) also expressed her support to this endeavor.

“Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw” (Convergence for Peace) is an annual celebration showcasing the multi-stakeholders participation and cooperation for the preservation of peace in the Province of Lanao del Norte, commemorated every last week of March.


DOST upgrades weather stations in Misamis Occidental to become satellite-ready

Irrigation Administration (NIA) Dam WLMS, Valencia City, Bubunawan Bridge WLMS-ARG in Baungon and Dahilayan ARG, in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, Abuno Bridge WLMS in Iligan City and Pigsag-an ARG in Cagayan de Oro City. On the other hand, installation of the water monitoring systems under the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) DOST Hydromet Program will be done in Bulod Bridge WLMS and Malingao Central School ARG in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Sabangan WLMS-ARG in Dalirig, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Kabacongan Bridge-LInabo WLMS in Malaybalay City. Moreover, in response to the huge challenges in accurate and

popularized weather forecasting, DOST-10 conducted the Science for Safer Communities: “Iba na ang Panahon” Roadshow in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, last month. Participated by Region 10’s Provincial/City/Municipal chief local executives and local DRRM Officers and various partner agencies/organizations, topics discussed during the roadshow included the earthquake and earthquake-related hazards and risks and Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS), Soliven said.


Mayor Rivera opens Gensan SummerfestGENERAL SANTOS CITY - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera leads the city government and GenSan Tourism Council in launching the first Gensan Summerfest Monday, March 31, at Robinsons Place. Mayor Rivera explained that Gensan Summerfest is a youth-oriented festivity dedicated to develop holistically the young Generals or residents of GenSan as responsible constituents. The fest also aims to promote GenSan’s tourism by letting the youth showcase the reasons why GenSan is a nice place to visit. Starting this April up to May, Gensan Summerfest will hold sports and performing arts competitions, youth symposiums and seminars, and other civic ac-tivities for the youth. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)


COTABATO CITY -- Countries suffering from internal armed conflicts could look up to the Philippines, according to a global nonpartisan unarmed peacekeeping organization.

Bangsamoro deal a model for conflict-affected countries -- Nonviolent Peaceforce

Nonviolent Peaceforce said in a statement that the newly-signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government and the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a peace model worth emulation by other countries.

“This is not only a resounding triumph for Mindanao and the nation of the Philippines, but it is also a great model that can help many other countries facing similar issues. This serves as a brilliant reminder that dialogue, negotiation and dedication have the power to bring about real and lasting change. This is a real victory for peace,” Nonviolent Peaceforce said

The GPH and the MILF signed the CAB on March 27 in Malacanang Palace after long years of negotiations, marked by small and big wars that killed and displaced tens of thousands of people in conflict-affected areas in the island.

“This milestone solidifies the foundation for the Bangsamoro sub-state, which will provide the region greater political and governing

autonomy. It will also preserve the vibrant history, tradition and culture of the Moro people. Moreover, this epic achievement will bring an end to the decades of violence that have plagued Mindanao,” Nonviolent Peaceforce said.

Mindanao civil society leader Guiamel Alim, who also serves as chairman of the Nonviolent Peaceforce Philippines Advisory Council, described the CAB signing as an initial victory in the long Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.

“This political gain must be sustained to improve the socio-economic life of the Bangsamoro,” he stressed in the statement.

Nonviolent Peaceforce has been in Mindanao, actively working to support the peace process since 2007.

Nonviolent Peaceforce was initially invited by local civil society to foster efforts in improving human security. This was specifically related to civilian protection and human rights issues using proactive and nonviolent methods.

In 2010, Nonviolent Peaceforce had the privilege of joining the


Civilian Protection Component (CPC) of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) at the invitation of the MILF and GPH peace panels.

The IMT is the mechanism charged with monitoring the ceasefire and overseeing humanitarian as well

as human rights initiatives. As a member of the CPC, Nonviolent Peaceforce has focused on protecting the safety and security of non-combatants throughout the peace process. (DED-PIA 12/OPAPP)

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Senator Antonio Trillanes IV led the symbolic turn-over ceremony of the Tacurong city gymnasium to Mayor Lina O. Montilla, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechonsito, and Sangguniang Pan-lungsod members here on Monday.

Senator Trillanes hands over gym, vehicles to Tacurong CityBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

The senator also turned over vehicles to the city’s barangay officials.

In 2012, when he was invited as the guest of honor in the city’s Barangay Day, Trillanes vowed to allocate funds for the completion of the Tacurong City Gymnasium and promised to provide utility vehicles for the different barangays in the city.

Last year, he gave the city government P5 million for the implementation of the said pledge.

“We will not be tired in helping Tacurong City,” said Senator Trillanes as he spoke among the civil servants of Tacurong during the LGU’s the flag raising ceremony.

In his message, he reported that he is among the signatories of the

Salary Standardization Law 3 that endeavours to increase the benefits of the civil servants in the country.

He also told Mayor Montilla: “If there are more proposed projects from your city, my office will always be waiting,” adding that he will find means to help the city despite the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), he will find a way to extend help for the city.

The senator was here to address the graduates of the Sultan Kudarat State University

In 2011, Trillanes allocated P5 million for the construction of the Tacurong City Medical and Dental Center. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City Information)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A community of environmentalists in Dolores, Quezon Province is currently honing the potential for liveli-hood of a weed locally called “Sampinit” (Philippine Wild Raspberry).

Community taps on livelihood potential of “Sampinit” weedsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Nature advocate Dion Pullan, head of the Bangkong Kahoy Valley Nature Retreat and Field Study Center in Barangay Kinabuhayan located at the foot of the mystic Mt. Banahaw told members of the media from SOCCSKSARGEN Region that they have already produced juice, jam,

vinaigrette, and wine out of the fruits of Sampinit, which he described as an “obnoxious weed.”

“When we trim Sampinit plants to allow them to rejuvenate, we also collect the leaves for the production of Sampinit tea,” said Pullan.

Even the unprocessed fruits,


he added, command P400 to P700 per kilo, much better price for a plant that is considered by many as simply a weed.

Sampinit is a thorny shrub that grows in the wild even without the aid of fertilizers. Since this weed could easily dominate farming areas, farmers usually cut and burn the plant to give way for cultivation of more prominent crops including so-called salad and pinakbet vegetables that play more important roles in the municipality’s agricultural production.

It produces fruits that are more than half the size but distinctly more sour as compared to the commercially available raspberries.

According to the Bureau of Agricultural Research, which funded a phytochemical analysis of the fruit, Sampinit contains anti-cancer phytochemicals including leucoanthocyanins, anthraquinones, saponins, deoxysugars, free fatty acids, hydrolysable tannins (inhibitors of HIV duplication), unsaturated steroids, and benzopyrone nucleus.

Anthraquinones inhibit the formation of tau aggregates and dissolve paired helical filaments thought to be critical to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

With anthraquinones, sapinit also has an industrial use potential. Anthraquinones is a precursor to synthetic dyes, an additive in paper pulp making, and is a material for hydrogen peroxide.

On the other hand, leucoanthocyanin is a flavonoid found in many plants, including berries, which are potential modifiers of carcinogens.

Moreover, some saponins have been shown to very significantly augment the cytotoxicity of immunotoxins and other targeted toxins directed against human cancer cells.

Anniewenda Reyes, municipal agriculturist of Dolores, said they are now experimenting on commercial production of Sampinit.

“At present, sources of Sampinit are mostly those that naturally grow because our research show that these do not produce as much fruits when grown in plots than when they are allowed to thrive in the wild,” Reyes explained.

She added that over 30 cultivars of Sampinit have been found in Dolores and nearby municipalities.

“Of these only six have been found prolific and have economic viability for livelihood development,” she said.

The municipality of Dolores and the Bangkang Kahoy Valley were among the places visited by 14 members of the media from South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City who joined the Exploratory Agriculture Mission to Luzon from March 24 to 28. The activity was sponsored by the Department of Agriculture 12. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

One Mindanao - April 3, 2014

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 3, 2014