One Mindanao - April 4, 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

Hats off to Team Katipunan Bayani Challenge volunteers Mary May A. AbellonWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, April 4, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 158

page 4

President Aquino directs DOJ to look into Burgos case11

Caraga RefionDAR installs 2,263 farmers in Agusan del Norte18Gov’t. vows to resolve Mindanao power shortage before 2016

OWWA-12 names 5 new scholars

LGU honors women in month-long activities

132728

Oliver Ross V. Rivera , Central Mindanao

Aida C. Agad, Central Mindanao

Cops, soldiers urged to be more vigilant against rebel abductions30joey Sem G. Dalumpines, southern lMindanao

9 13 15 21 25 25

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

DOT-9 to conduct Tour Guiding Seminar –Work-shop on May 2-31 23

Thursday, April 4, 20134

On the opening day, the Katipunan gymnasium was filled with volunteers consisting of students, government officials and employees, police officers, members of Philippine Army, businessmen, people’s organizations and even ordinary folks, all raring

to respond to the call for nation-building and ending poverty. Putting in plain words his presence at the Bayani Challenge launch, Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU) President Edgar S. Balbuena said: “JRMSU is mandated to perform extension services especially to the underprivileged and we are here to

be part of the people of Zamboanga del Norte through this heroic call for ending poverty.” JRMSU is the Gawad Kalinga institute of the province and one of the major partners for the success

Hats off to Team Katipunan Bayani Challenge volunteers

The five-day test of endurance and courage of Gawad Kalinga

(GK) Bayani Challenge 2013 held on March 23-27 at the municipal in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte succeeded in drawing support from the volunteers coming from the various sectors of the society.

CoVer StoRy

By Mary May A. Abellon

Thursday, April 4, 2013 5

of GK Bayani Challenge in Katipunan town. There were games and competitions introduced to boost the morale of the volunteers and to develop the spirit of camaraderie among them. And to sustain the momentum of fun and excitement, they were entertained with music and cultural shows during the Kalinga Night. A song titled “Diwa ng Bayanihan (Spirit of volunteerism)” was constantly played to lift up the eagerness among volunteers to take the five challenges: home build, school refurbishing, paraisong pambata, climate mitigation and health mission. Every time the music was played, the volunteers could not resist wiggling their bodies with the unity dance steps. “To become a volunteer is very important, for if we won’t then who

else will be? No one will be left behind for our nation and for Pilipinas Natin,” said Pilipinas Natin Regional Coordinator Rico Juan Tiquel.

Paraisong Pambata Mr. Eddie Baron and his family of Baron Bakeshop sponsored the feeding program for about 500 children in San Antonio and 250 children in Miatan. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) also sponsored a feeding program for the five-day activity.Children also received school supplies from benevolent donors. “We didn’t feel exhausted despite the challenges because we were filled with ‘laugh trip’ especially in Paraisong Pambata. Honestly, we really wanted the activity extended because we had a feeling that those children need our attention and we


are more than willing to give it to them,” declared Ridge Balolong, a Pilipinas Natin volunteer. “I thought that I would be the one helping these children, but it was the other way around, because I was the one being taught by them. From simple things we can get simple joys and nothing is impossible if we will join forces,” he added.

Health mission and social services Lectures on family planning, immunization, maternal care,

sanitation and others were conducted by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) with housewives in attendance.The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) also gave lectures on personal hygiene and how to give first aid. Free medical and dental checkup was also conducted in the two recipient-barangays by the provincial government of Zamboanga

del Norte through the “Tabang ni Lando sa Comunidad” (TLC) project, Provincial Health Office and ZaNorte Medical Center. Moreover, the Provincial Nutrition Office (PNO) distributed fresh milk to children while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) was giving out rice to barangay. Furthermore, “Kasalan ng Bayan (mass wedding)” was conducted by the Provincial Indigenous People’s Coordinating Unit (PIPCU).“Because of Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge, 250 households have been assisted,” said Timuay Chieftain Hipolito Andig of barangay Miatan.

School refurbishing Volunteers from Department of Education (DepED) refurbished and repainted the classrooms of San Antonio Elementary School. Other volunteers also cleaned the school surroundings.


Climate mitigation program Volunteers from the academe, municipal officials and employees worked hand in hand for a coastal cleanup. Residents along the coastlines were also taught proper waste disposal and “hanging garden” making. Pilipinas Natin volunteers together with the youth of Barangay San Antonio, employees from Municipal Agriculturist’s Office (MAO) and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) also embarked on mangrove planting . In barangay Miatan, on the other hand, JRMSU students and other youth volunteers participated in a tree planting activity.

Farm build In barangay Miatan, volunteers

patiently cultivated and tilled the land despite the scorching heat of the sun just to make garden beds for the beneficiaries. This will be planted with root crops and vegetables for their consumption and livelihood. The Office of Provincial Agriculture of Zamboanga del Norte distributed vegetable seeds to the residents.

Home build Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Dick Romarate disclosed that 60 to 100 houses would be constructed as planned. But for the five-day activity,

two houses for barangay Miatan and another five for barangay San Antonio would be initially constructed. In barangay San Antonio, members of Katipunan Bikers Club, some police officers from Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office


(ZNPPO), municipal officials and employees, and barangay residents worked tirelessly in building houses for the beneficiaries. For Barangay Miatan, volunteers from 20th Special Forces Company of Philippine Army, PIPCU employees, JRMSU students and the locals worked together to finish the construction of houses. “I can say that Filipinos can really make a difference in this country if only we are united, compassionate, truthful to one another, and most of

all being faithful to Almighty God,” said another Pilipinas Natin volunteer Kaye Sevillaester in an interview. “There is ‘bayani’ in every individual and if we ignite the loving and sharing spirit in each one, no person will live in poverty,” said Ma. Teresa de Jesus, Project Manager of Dipolog-Dapitan-Polanco-Roxas-Manukan (DDPKaRoMa) Alliance and a member of the steering committee of GK Bayani Challenge 2013 in Katipunan.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino directs DOJ to look into Burgos case

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the Department of Justice, headed by Secretary Leila De Lima, to look into the circumstances leading to the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, Presidential Spokesperson

Edwin Lacierda said on Wednesday.In a press briefing held in Malacanang,

Lacierda said the President issued his instructions “in fulfillment of the President’s pledge that any receipt of

10Thursday, April 4, 2013

new evidence or leads will receive the scrutiny the case deserves.”

In response, De Lima immediately instructed the National Bureau of Investigation “to conduct a focused, dedicated, and exhaustive investigation on the case of Jonas Burgos,” Lacierda noted.

“Upon the direction of the President, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has instructed the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a focused, dedicated, and exhaustive

investigation on the case of Jonas Burgos,” Lacierda said.

“As chief executor of our laws and as commander-in-chief, the President is mandated to do justice to every man,” he added.

Jonas, a political activist and son of the late press freedom fighter Jose Burgos, was abducted in a restaurant at the Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on April 28, 2007. PND (rck)


Philippine-Malaysia relations remain strong despite Sabah conflict, says Palace

Close relations between the

Philippines and Malaysia remains the same despite the recent conflict in Sabah, Malacanang said on Wednesday.

“There has been no change in the relationship with Malaysia,” Presidential spokesman Edwin lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.

“There has been no strain with our relationship in Malaysia. We recognize

that this was an attempt by a few that should not affect the relationship of the whole.”

Lacierda was responding to questions whether the conflict in Sabah has affected the relations between the two countries. Malaysian forces

12Thursday, April 4, 2013

assaulted a group of Filipinos claiming Sabah as part of the Sulu Sultanate.

The violence resulted to hundreds of Filipinos living or working in Sabah going home to avoid the conflict or being rounded up by Malaysian authorities.

At the same time, Lacierda made an assurance that the Philippine government continues to help Filipinos affected by the conflict.

“If they need assistance, we will provide them; if they need employment, we will help them; if they need to go back to Sabah, we will provide legal documentation for those who would like to return to Sabah,” he told Palace reporters.

Asked if the government could provide jobs to thousands of returnees from Sabah, Lacierda said several government agencies are working together to address the problem.

While the government can’t provide jobs to displaced Filipinos in one day, agencies such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department

of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Overseas Filipinos Welfare Administration (OWWA) are doing everything to help Filipinos who lost their jobs in Sabah.

The government is assisting those who want to return to their respective provinces and also working to help those who had opted to return to Sabah.

“Most of them may mga probinsya. Alam naman nila saan sila galing, so umuuwi sila at saka dumidiretso sila sa probinsya. But they leave with us their numbers in case some of them would like to go back to Sabah,” Lacierda said.

Some estimates said around 100,000 Filipinos are expected to return to Mindanao as a result of the instability in Sabah. But Lacierda said the government has a lesser figure than the current estimates.

The Palace official also made an assurance that regardless of the figures, the government is ready to assist displaced Filipinos returning from Sabah. PND (as)


Gov’t. vows to resolve Mindanao power shortage before 2016

Administration Senator Franklin Drilon promised on Thursday that the present administration of President Benigno Aquino III will not pass the power shortage in Mindanao to the next

administration.”The power shortage in Mindanao is

a problem that we inherited, but this administration will not pass this to

the next administration,” Drilon said in a press briefing at the Team PNoy headquarters in Makati City.


”We will work on it. We will see to it that we will solve this problem during the Aquino watch,” the Team PNoy team manager added.

Drilon said the government has already allocated P4.4 billion which will be released to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the purchase of generator sets “so we can alleviate the problem while various sectors are in the process of putting up coal.”

”This is a solution that we have to do. We have to address the problem immediately. We are addressing it; we will solve it,”

Meanwhile, Team PNoy senatorial candidate Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III called for immediate and lasting solutions to the Mindanao power shortage, saying this is crucial in propelling economic growth and social progress in the region.

“We should move decisively to meet both the current and future electricity needs of Mindanao,” Pimentel, who joined Drilon in the media briefing, said.

“With peace in the horizon, it should be so much easier to propel economic growth and social progress with the construction of more power generation facilities,” Pimentel added.

As Mindanao continues to reel with up to eight-hour brownouts daily, Pimentel

offered short-, medium- and long-term solutions to address the power crisis.

Idle power plants should be brought back online to maximize their use while allowing privately-owned generators to participate, added Pimentel, who shot up to fifth place in the latest Pulse Asia survey among senatorial candidates in next month’s mid-term elections.

He also batted for the use of small, hydro-powered generators.

“Let us find a way to bring them online at the soonest possible time so at least shortage will reduce,” Pimentel said. “Definitely by next summer, it will not be as bad because I’m anticipating that offline plants now will be online by next summer.”

The medium-term thrust, according to Pimentel, should be the rehabilitation of the Angus-Pulangi hydro power complex while the long-term goal should be the construction of more base-load power plants that can handle the increased requirements of Mindanao and the exploration of alternative sources of energy like solar, bio mass, wave energy, wind and geothermal, among others.

“By end of 2014 or early 2015, the shortfall will be met by the plants being built now, which will come online at that time,” Pimentel said. (PNA)


Agusan del Norte farmer-groups receive P6M farm-implements

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform in Agusan del Norte through the implementation of Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (Arccess) has turned over P6-million worth of modern farm implements to two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) recently.

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

by Gil E. Miranda


Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes graced the said occasion. Also in the limelight were DAR Caraga Regional Director Faisar A. Mambuay, OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operation (ARDO) and Concurrent Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Andre B. Atega, CESO VI, DAR-Agusan del Norte, Governor Erlpe John M. Amante, together with Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, and some local chief executives.

Secretary Delos Reyes said “sana po ang equipment na ito ay magamit upang sa gayon mapababa nila ang production cost at tumaas ang kanilang kita para sa ikauunlad nang kanilang kabuhayan”, (Hopefully these equipment will be used to lower production cost and lead to boost farm productivity and improve farmers’ living condition.)

OIC-ARDO/PARO II Andre B. Atega, CESO VI said, “the new machines given to Tagabaca MPC and Baliguian Irrigators Association are investments for improving productivity and the future where the farmers can

be one with machines than just with carabaos.”

Hon. Mayor Glicerio M. Monton, Jr. of Jabonga, lauded DAR for its interventions that possibly bring his constituents into aN increase in farm productivity.

“I am very thankful to DAR since Baliguian Irrigators Association is one of the recipients of Arccess program. This could be a great help to our farmers of becoming economically and commercially viable.”, Mayor Monton added.

The two organizations involved Tagabaca Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Baliguian Irrigators Association whose approved projects are Tagabaca Grains Center and Integrated Rice Production and Marketing, respectively.

Tagabaca Multi-Purpose Cooperative received machineries that includes 5 units handtractors with implement, 4 units cultivator/power tiller and 2 units threshers, while Baliguian Irrigators are 3 units hand tractor with implements, 1 unit combine harvester and 3 units threshers.

According to Raul N. Hermoso,


Arccess coordinator, for this year, another two ARBOs will each receive P3 million funding support from Arccess, namely, the Avanceña Beneficiary Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Sanghan ARC in Barangay Sanghan, Cabadbaran City, and the Palmavera Small Coconut Farmer Beneficiaries Cooperative of Mapcola ARC in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

“Aside from providing the farmers with common services facilities, DAR will also contract

service providers that can assist the beneficiaries in using the new equipment.”, Hermoso added.

The said farm implements was granted to the said ARB Organizations, who will serve as conduits of the Arccess program to encourage other agrarian reform beneficiaries to become ARBO members.

The program is in response to the mandate of Republic Act 9700 to provide subsidies to agrarian reform beneficiaries.


DAR installs 2,263 farmers in Agusan del Norte

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte installed 2,263 farmers as legal owners of agricultural landholding under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), covering a total of 3,260 hectares.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio R. Delos Reyes graced the said occasion assisted by DAR-Caraga Regional Director Faisar A. Mambuay, OIC-Assistant Regional Director for Operation and Concurrent Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Andre B. Atega of DAR- Agusan del Norte, Governor Erlpe John M. Amante, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante and some local chief executives in this province.

“This activity is part of DAR’s commitment to distribute all government and private agricultural lands to landless farmers and farmworkers,” Delos Reyes said.

“The land titles to the farmers are not only proof of ownership. It is a signal for farmers to assert its rights, to assume a productive attitude as significant contributor to development,” DAR-Caraga ARDO Andre B. Atega said. “The


CLOA dignifies the farmers.” Provincial Governor Erlpe John

M. Amante challenged the new land-owner to do their share to develop and care the land with utmost responsibility to make it productive.

City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante lauded DAR for its strategy to fully link land reform and support services that has been a key factor in contributing significant growth in his locality.

“The presence of DAR Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes is a clear manifestation that the government is sincere in implementing its programs particularly in pursuing land distribution.” Mayor Amante

said. Amelito Daarol, Agrarian

Reform Beneficiary, was delighted to accept the Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) while a large number of agrarian reform beneficiaries in attendance applauded showing an expression of gratitude to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

As of 2012, DAR in this province had already distributed 33,219 hectares or 76% over all performance out of a total provincial working scope of 43,742. The program has yet to distribute 10,523 hectares of land to the farmers for the remaining life of CARP Extension with Reforms.


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Health chief ensures social insurance for poorest of the poor By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – In his recent visit here, Health Secretary Enrique Ona urged Mayor Samuel Co to list down all poor families that were not included in the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS) survey of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) so that they will be enrolled in the government’s social insurance.


“This is what I asked so that all poor Filipinos especially here in Mindanao and even here in Zamboanga del Sur can be enrolled in PhilHealth,” Sec. Ona pointed out. Sec. Ona was the guest of honor and speaker during the 76th Founding Anniversary of the city of Pagadian last March 26. He said when he was appointed as secretary of health, the first

thing he recommended to President Benigno S. Aquino III was to make sure that we include the poorest of the poor in the social insurance, which we now call “PhilHealth.” “Indeed, during our first year of implementation President Aquino made it possible to enroll 5.2 million families/households or about 8.5 million individuals in Philhealth,” Ona said. “So, what we are doing today is improving our hospitals, rural health units, district hospitals and even our barangay health stations,” Ona reported. He added that last year including this year the national government has allocated P12.5 billion to enroll the poor families in the country in PhilHealth. “And with the passage of ‘sin tax’ we will be able to enroll almost the same number of poor families in the succeeding years,” Ona said. He reported further, that the national government has allocated for Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City for the improvement of health facilities as follows: P55 million and another P45 million through the European Communities for 2010; P20 million for the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC) and P164 million for the regional hospital in Margosatubig town for 2011; P39.3 million for the rural health units and another P15 million for the ZSMC for 2012; and for this year P96 million and P70 million for the rural health units and ZSMC, respectively. Pagadian is Secretary Ona’s hometown.


DOT-9 to conduct Tour Guiding Seminar –Workshop on May 2-31 By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Do you want to be an accredited tour guide? Here’s a good news for all tour guides, tour guide “wannabes” and primary tourism enterprises, as the Department of Tourism (DOT)- 9 is set to conduct “Tour Guiding Seminar-Workshop” on May 2-31 in one of the local hotels here in the city. Senior Tourism Operations Officer Ludy Silorio of DOT said in an interview the training is open to all interested individuals who want to pursue tour guiding as a career. “This is one huge opportunity for everyone, the last time we had this kind of training was 12 years ago,” Silorio said, as she encourages interested parties, individuals to take this big break. “Please don’t wait for another 12 years; take the leap now, take the challenge and attend this training,” the active tourism operations officer emphasized. The 30-day training is practically free of charge, as the DOT will be spending some P20 thousand per individual/participant for the entire training duration. “We are targeting some 40 participants from all over the Zamboanga Peninsula region,” Silorio declared. However, a minimal fee of P3 thousand per participant will be collected to defray expenses for training kits, lunch and snacks during the 30-day training period. “It’s just a small amount compared to what DOT will be spending for the training,” Silorio said.The tourism department has allocated

some P700 thousand for the said training. Silorio said a tour guiding-pre screening which will include aptitude test and interview will be conducted on the following dates: April 5 – Dipolog City; April 23 – Pagadian City; April 29 – Zamboanga City. Walk-in applicants are accepted. Applicants who passed the pre-screening will proceed to the 30-day rigid training and workshop on tour guiding and will be given accreditation by DOT at the end of the workshop. Interested applicants must comply with the following requirements: (a) at least two years in college and (b) fluent in English. Conversational skill in other languages other than Filipino is a plus factor. Applicants must submit their resume with photo and duly filled out application form downloadable through the link found on DOT’s Facebook page (DOT Zamboanga Peninsula) before the scheduled pre-training interviews. Email the requirements at [email protected]. It can be recalled that Republic Act 9593, otherwise known as Tourism Act of 2009 requires mandatory accreditation of primary tourism enterprises such as hotels, tour operators, tour guides and other similar entities. For application inquiries and concerns, contact Department of Tourism – Region IX at (+6362) 993-0030 / 955-2477 or 09177105219 and look for Ludy Silorio.


KORONADAL CITY, South Co-tabato, April 4 -- Soccsksargen Region has re-corded 1,528 dengue cases in the first quarter of 2013, accord-ing to a report released yes-terday by the Regional Epi-demiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health (DOH) – 12.

Dengue cases in Soccsksargen Region up by 156%By Danilo E. Doguiles

Some 669 or 41 percent of the victims are


children 10 years old and below.

Jenelyn Ellie Ventura, health education and promotion officer of DOH 12, said the figure as of March 30 is 156 percent higher compared to the number of cases recorded in the same period last year.

Same report indicated that the m o s q u i t o - b o r n e disease have already resulted in death of 10 persons this year, double the number of deaths recorded from January 1 to March 30, 2012.

Five of these deaths were reported from General Santos City, three from North Cotabato, and two from Sultan Kudarat province.

Sharp increase in dengue cases was reported in South Cotabato where at least 550 dengue patients have been reported, a 709 percent rise from the meager 68 cases last year.

Most of these cases, according to

a report from South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office were reported from Koronadal City and the towns of Tupi and Polomolok.

General Santos City reported 438 dengue cases while Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces had 170 and 87 cases, respectively. Cotabato City recorded 84 cases.

In the entire region, only North Cotabato reported a decrease of number of cases from 306 in the first quarter of 2012 to 199 this year.

In March, health officials in General Santos City and Kidapawan City has already ordered fumigation in areas where dengue cases have been accounted.

Dr. Salvecio Dagang, technical chief of the South Cotabato IPHO, emphasized that communities play important role in controlling the spread of the viral disease in their area.

There should be no

letdown in the campaign to get rid of potential breeding areas for the mosquitoes, he said.

“Search and destroy remains our major strategy against dengue,” Dr. Dagang said.

Seeking immediate medical attention when experiencing more than two days of fever should also be a prime concern, he added.

Meanwhile, DOH 12 emphasized adherence to the ABKD strategy.

ABKD refers to Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue, an inter-agency strategy pertaining to intensified campaign against dengue outbreak.

It involves among others, massive cleanup drives in villages, conduct of information drive on dengue as well as use of ovicidal/larvicidal (OL) traps, mobilization of barangay health teams, monitoring of health situations, and allocation of support fund. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Five OFW dependents from the Soc-csksargen region passed the qualifying exams for two scholarship programs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

OWWA-12 names 5 new scholarsBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Two qualified for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) while three others are for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP).

The EDSP passers are Gabrielle Faith T. Gloria of San Lorenzo Academy in Polomolok,

South Cotabato and Krystianne Paul De Pedro of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School in Koronadal City.

De Pedro brought pride to the country last year by being part of the team that won the 5th Association of Southeast Asian

Nations (ASEAN) Quiz Regional Competition held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

For the CMWSP, Karl T. Betita of Matutum View Academy in Banga, South Cotabato; Mary Grace M. Necor and Elena B. Taluyan, both from Tulunan National High School in North Cotabato.

All the scholars are incoming first year college students.

Under the EDSP, scholars will receive financial assistance amounting to P30,000 per semester; they are free to choose any 4-5 year course at any CHED accredited college or university.

A passer of CMWSP, on the other hand, is entitled for inactive OFWs not more than 45 years or their children not more than


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The local council for women in Makila-la town leads the culmination of the 30-day Women’s Month activities with a big bang, a local official said.

LGU honors women in month-long activitiesBy Aida C. Agad

Sangguniang Bayan member Adelwisa V. Cruz, also an official of the women’s local council said they felt the pride in being given honor by the local government. Cruz is the chairperson of the sanggunian’s committee on Gender Affairs, Wom-en and Family Relations, Social Welfare and Sec-toral Affairs.

The sector received from the local govern-ment P1 million liveli-hood assistance to wom-en’s organizations in the municipality’s 38 baran-gays.

The sector’s livelihood projects were also aug-mented by a funding assistance of P10,000 for each barangay from the congressional fund of Cotabato 2nd District Representative Nancy Catamco.

An LGU technical-vo-cational school also pro-vides skills training to women to prepare them to entrepreneurial op-portunities.

Half of the town’s population are constitut-ed by women, a report from the LGU said.

The women sector

representative said they were jubilant with the recognition given them by the LGU, especially in the important role they had in improving the lives of residents.

The women’s month celebration in the local-ity kicked off with a mo-torcade and ended up with program featuring the search for Ginang ng Kababaihan which was graced by both Makilala mayor Rudy Caoagdan and Cotabato Gov. Em-mylou Mendoza. (ACA-gad PIA 12)

old who wish to take up science and technology courses at any CHED accredited school within the region. This grant includes tuition fee and other school fees of P10,000 per semester, monthly stipend of P3,500, book allowance of P1,000,

and clothing allowance of P500.

The scholarship grants are part of the continued efforts of the OWWA and the government to look after the welfare and condition of the OFWs and provide them with support in recognition

of their valuable contribution to the country’s economy.

The new scholars are set to visit the OWWA-12 office at Koronadal City for courtesy call to OWWA-12 Dir. Abdulghani Umag on Friday, April 5. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


LGU honors women in month-long activities

PNP Davao sees peaceful elections on May 2013

DAVAO CITY-The Davao Re-gion Police Office has projected a peaceful conduct of elections among rival political parties of lo-cal candidates in most parts of its jurisdiction. Chief Superintendent Anselmo Pinili, assistant regional director for

administration of the Police Regional Office XI said based on their assessment no major contest is expected among the local candidates vying for public positions in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Davao del Norte, except in Davao del Sur where strong political candidates are gunning for local posts. He said the police

are closely monitoring the situation particularly on this area of concern. Pinili said they are banking on the civility of Davao del Sur politicians not to engage violent means. “Since they are peace-loving candidates, we foresee no election-

by Joey Dalumpines


related violent incident. As of now, we have not recorded any election-related violent incident in any part of the region,” he said. Pinili said that currently, the police are implementing the campaign plan based on Letter of Instruction Secure and Fare Elections to ensure peace in the forthcoming May 13 polls. He said most of the violent incidents in the region are perpetrated by the communist rebels who figure in burning of construction equipment and extortion activities victimizing businessmen and politicians. Earlier, Lt. General Jorge Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command observed that the communist rebels and their legal fronts have intensified their activities

taking advantage of the recent disaster brought about by typhoon Pablo and the Yuletide ceasefire which gave them a breathing space to move around.He said the forthcoming election is also used by the rebels as opportunity to intensify their extortion activities by picking on businessmen and politicians. “They are creating violent activities in order to easily instil fear on the people,” Segovia said. He expressed confidence that these incidents will not impact on the residents with the peace and development outreach program in place in the countryside given the support by the local government units and other stakeholders. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Cops, soldiers urged to be more vigilant against rebel abductionsDAVAO CITY- Members of the police and military have been warned to be wary of their secu-rity especially in distinguishing checkpoints run by government forces and by the rebels when travelling in a conflict-affected areas. Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, chief of staff of the Police Regional Office XI issued the reminder to prevent the recurrence of abduction of police officers and soldiers by the

communist rebels. He said government forces must remember that checkpoints set up by either the police or military have marked vehicles, with soldiers wearing full-military uniform with Kevlar helmets and vests and a KM truck if it is a check point by the soldiers and a marked police vehicle or mobile patrol with members in full police uniform if it is manned by the police.


“Police in the municipal stations must be more security conscious of their surroundings especially when they are mobile. There is also a need to conduct real time coordination with the military to be sure that the ones manning a checkpoint are genuine policemen and soldiers,” Aquino said. He said PO1 Ruben Nohapa is the second policeman to be abducted and released by the rebels this year following P01 Rowel Pasion who was also abducted and freed by the rebels. He also thanked Acting Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for facilitating the release of PO3 Ruben Nohapa, Jr., a member of the Nabunturan Police Station who was abducted

by the rebels in a checkpoint at Barangay Anislagan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. Nohapa was released by the rebels to the International Committee on the Red Cross, then to Duterte, the members of the Sowing the Seeds for Peace and to his family in Barangay Nuevo Iloco, Mawab, Compostela Valley on April 2, 15 days after he was abducted on March 18. Aquino said Nohapa is undergoing follow up medical treatment at the Regional Health Service.He said Nohapa will also undergo debriefing, then he will be given the opportunity to spend time with his family before given a new assignment. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


PNoy approves RA 10366 granting PWD’s, SC’s accessibility in polling places during electionsby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved Republic Act. No. 10366, granting persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens (SC) exclusive accessibility in polling places during elections.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/02/23/912062/noy-signs-laws-pwds-biometric-voter-registration


PNoy approves RA 10366 granting PWD’s, SC’s accessibility in polling places during elections

Entitled “An Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons With Disabilities and Senior Citizens” will finally take effect on July 1, 2013. A consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3287 and Lower House Bill No. 5509, RA 10366 was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on December 19, 2012, which was begun on July 23, 2012 by the 3rd Regular Session of the 15th Congress. RA 10366 defines PWD’s as qualified voters who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in the electoral processes on an equal basis with others, and the SC’s as qualified voters who are 60 years or older. Meanwhile, RA 10366 shall ensure that PWD’s and SC’s are able to exercise their right to political participation without discrimination

or restrictions and guarantees their political rights in line with the concept of the universal design of their right in electoral processes through the following: Protecting the right of PWD’s and SC’s to vote by secret ballot in elections without intimidation, facilitating the use of assistive and new technologies where appropriate. Ensuring that voting procedures, facilities and materials are appropriate, accessible, and easy to understand and use, and guaranteeing the free expression, in the exercise of the right of suffrage of PWD’s and SC’s, allowing assistance in voting by a person of their own choice. Toward this end, the State shall design systems and procedures that will enable PWD’s and SC’s to register and vote by themselves and tasks the Comelec to render appropriate assistance to them in coordination with government agencies and civil society organizations.

PMAP calls for more resiliency in the workforceby Jerome R. Soldevilla

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP)–Cagayan de Oro City Chapter calls on leaders and managers of business and service organizations to heighten their efforts in enhancing workers’ resiliency amidst rapid changes in the business climate brought about by advancements in technology, liberalization and the challenges of globalization.


PMAP CdO Chapter President Aida May de Guzman made this call during a seminar–workshop entitled “Resiliency for Peak Performance in Work and Life” held at the Pryce Plaza Hotel, this city. “For business and service organizations to stay competitive, workers must be able to quickly adapt to fast-changing business environments and be more attuned to new and emerging circumstances and opportunities,” de Guzman said. The workshop is the first of PMAP’s Professional Development Program for this year and is designed to enhance member-companies’ productivity by promoting a culture of continuous workplace and workforce improvement. Xavier University (XU) Human Resource (HR) Director and PMAP Director for Professional Development Ma. Soledad Amir said that 72 participants from different companies attended the workshop, representing various companies in the region such as the A. Brown Group of Companies,

Apex Mining Company Inc., Del Monte Philippines Inc., Minergy Inc., Philippine Sinter Corporation, Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Group, PROIS International Christian School, Pryce Gases Inc., RI Chemical Corporation, Spruce Designer Network Inc., STEAG State Power Inc., Thai Me Up, Toyota Cagayan de Oro Inc., Work Experts & Allied Services Inc., YSU Marketing Corp, Xavier University and Petronas Corporation. Meanwhile, STEAG HR Officer and PMAP Vice President Dr. Wilma Magdale said that PMAP CdO Chapter stays focused on strengthening its professional development programs and advocacies to include industrial relations, community relations (COMREL), business continuity and sustainability. Minergy AVP for HR and PMAP Director for Membership Dr. Dulce Corazon Esperon also said that PMAP is actively pursuing membership expansion to include the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the academic sector.

Walk for the children to highlight Labor Day in Northern MindanaoCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Local police here has assured security measures were in place dThe Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Northern Mindanao will mark this year’s Labor Day celebration with a new twist.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Walk for the children to highlight Labor Day in Northern Mindanao

The 111th Labor Day celebration in the region will not only be for the organized sector but also for the informal sector, DOLE Regional Director Atty. Johnson Cañete said in a press briefing Monday. He said a region-wide walk for the children dubbed, “Lakaw Ta Para Sa Bata Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao,” will highlight the Labor day celebration come May 1. The walk for a cause will be held simultaneously in the different provinces of the region as an intensified advocacy campaign against child labor. Northern Mindanao is one of the areas where child labor is rampant. Based on the 2011 Survey on Children conducted by the National Statistics Office, the region has recorded 240,000 children engaged in hazardous labor. Cañete said the simultaneous

walk aims to gather around 10,000 participants. “With their P20 donation, we can provide educational assistance to identified potential child laborers in the forms of notebooks, bags and school uniforms in time for the school opening in June,” he added. For Cagayan de Oro alone, 246 children are set to benefit from the proceeds of the walk. These children belong to the 1,696 households in the city who will be graduating from the Pantawid Pamilya program this year. Cañete said they have partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in identifying the beneficiaries because they are worried of the risks and danger that children belonging to these households will become child laborers when their parents graduate from the program.

One Mindanao - April 4, 2013

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 4, 2013