One Mindanao - April 7, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

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

COPY EDITORS

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTSDAR, DTI provide women group with livelihood project

13 DAR scholars complete online academic program

DOLE Caraga grants funds to 288 fisherfolks, farmers in Socorro

Lumbia bags first prize in Fire Olympics 2015

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Lent

DPWH chief to bidders - Disclose only the facts

Caraga eyed for oil palm amid 1-M-hectare target for Mindanao

Dinagat Islands SWDO conducts culmination program on women’s month celeb

Feature: Maramag celebrates women’s month by pushing all “Juanas” to lead with dignity

Fish production in NorMin posts favorable performance in 2014

By: Keith C. Duran and Iris Asis

By: Ma. Jane A. Mayola

11By: ROrejudos

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By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Anavieve F. Lazibal/EIAninayon

By: APB

By: Carmelito Q. Francisco

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

20 R-XI has 19 fire incidents in AprilBy: Rudolph Ian Alama

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4 APRIL 7, 2015One Mindanao

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Lent is a time when Catholics remember Christ’s unfathomable and unconditional love for mankind shown through his sufferings, death and resurrection. Christ’s Passion is shown in numerous plays performed (including real-life crucifixion) as part of the Holy Week celebrations.

Cover Story

5APRIL 7, 2015 One Mindanao

Cuaresma (lent)

It starts on Ash Wednesday, forty days before Easter Sunday. On Ash Wednesday, Catholics are seen returning from church with their foreheads smudged with ash (mixed with oil) in the shape of a cross. The Ash is a symbol of repentance. Those who had their foreheads smudged with ash are to abstain from meat every Friday.

Lent is a season of fasting, self-denial, spiritual growth, prayer, charity and simplicity. It can also be viewed as a spiritual cleansing and reflection.

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

It is traditionally a solemn occasion in the country, a time for serious penitence. It starts from Palm Sunday to Black Saturday, then Easter Sunday.

This is also the time when believers perform religious rites in fulfillment of a vow they made when they asked God a favor, such as a cure for an illness.

On Palm Sunday, the worshippers wave palm fronds or “palaspas” in the air to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.


Filipino Catholics bring palaspas to church to be blessed by the priests, and then they bring the fronds back home with them.

Back then, my grandma would say that the blessed palaspas will cast away bad luck and evil spirits if placed anywhere inside the house. I grew up with this belief and tradition.

During Maundy Thursday, the Catholics celebrate this day by attending church services and watching Passion Plays. In one practice called visita iglesia, devotees try to visit as many churches as they can.

We visited seven churches the night of Maundy Thursday, lighted candles and prayed Old folks would say, visiting seven churches commemorates the seven last words of Christ before He died.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Christ. It is during this day that catholic devotees re-enact the sufferings and death of Christ in the Cross. Religious figures (santo) are being carried through the towns on top of carriages locally called carrozas.

Back when I was a child, I would ask my mom why are


the religious images in carrozas veiled in black? Mom would then say that the black veil is a symbol of mourning for the death of Jesus Christ.

It is during this day that some devotees publicly whip themselves as re-enactment of the torture and death of Christ, and some would go to the extent of doing a real-life crucifixion where they have their feet and hands nailed to a wooden cross, and crown of thorns placed in their heads.

Doing this religious rite is said to be a panata or a fulfillment of a vow they made when they

asked God a favor, such as a cure for an illness.

On Black Saturday, Catholics remember the entombment of Christ. People usually spend the day preparing for the night vigil leading up to Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday

A joyous day ensued after the Black Saturday. Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Traditionally Catholics wake up as early as 3 a.m. to prepare for the “salubong” ceremony at 4 a.m. Salubong commemorates how the Virgin Mary met her son Jesus who has


come back to life. Everyone is in festive mood during this day. Family outings and food feast are usually held while others go to the beach to celebrate. Holy Week Superstitions

Superstitions have it that making noise or any unnecessary sound during this time is prohibited. This practice is observed by the Catholic faithfuls to preserve the solemnity of the Semana Santa. So, for modern Filipinos who love to do videoke and loud noise, this is not the best time for such activities.

According to superstitious beliefs, traveling at this time may result in accidents – any injuries and wounds sustained during this period are believed to heal slower as well.

This is due to another early belief that evil spirits gain strength during Holy Week, mainly due to Christ’s passion and death.

Superstitions also disallow baths or even laundry at 3 p.m. of Good Friday, considered the hour of Jesus Christ’s death. Anyone who disobeys this belief is said to either get sick or have bad luck.


Holy Week in Zamboanga

Despite the volatile peace and order situation of the city, many devotees went out of their way to observe the tradition during the Holy Week. There were throngs of people who went up at Cross Mayor in Abong- Abong, (a place 800-1000 feet above sea level) to observe the 14th station of the cross; multitude also did the visita Iglesia and the “prosisyon” (procession).

Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo T. dela Cruz during his Easter Sunday Mass said he was

thankful for the turnout of church goers to hear mass despite peace and order concerns in the city. He said it is important that people remember the true essence of Lent.

But modern day Filipinos see Holy Week as an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living to the serene beaches and picturesque landscapes spread across the archipelago.


MANILA - Malacañang on Monday called on the public to pay proper taxes for the continuous implementation of infrastructure projects.

Palace urges public to pay proper taxes

“Taxes are indeed the lifeblood of the nation and so we encourage everyone, every working tax-paying citizen, to please report, especially those who are not compensation employees,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the daily press briefing.

“Compensation employees are withheld at source. For those who are professionals, those who have their own businesses, please pay the proper taxes,” he said, noting that taxes are used to fund infrastructure projects across the country, such as the bridge in Isabela that will be inaugurated by the President


on Tuesday, the road reblocking and repair done in EDSA during the Holy Week, and a number of connector highways. “At the same time, recognizing that we do not want to leave anyone behind, that we are able to pour investments into our social alleviation programs because an investment on

our poorest of the poor is an investment on people. That is also a priority of our administration. So, we would like to encourage every taxpayer to please pay the proper tax,” he said.

The filing of income tax return has been set on April 15. (PCOO/PND (jm)

DPWH chief to bidders - Disclose only the facts

MANILA - Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson issued a policy directive calling the attention of contractors who are prospective bidders for DPWH infrastructure contracts to disclose all their ongoing and completed projects with the government and private entities.


“I noticed that some contractors or bidders do not disclose complete information of their ongoing projects. In some instances, their submitted documents for eligibility do not have information on ongoing contracts particularly those with the private entities,” Secretary Singson said. Secretary Singson further clarified that ongoing contract, including contracts awarded but not yet started are those contracts within the DPWH; outside the DPWH like national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units; and private entities. In his policy directive in DPWH Department Order 36 series of 2015 entitled “Disclosure of Ongoing Contracts by Prospective Bidders for Infrastructure Contracts” pursuant to Section 23.1 (iii) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184, every prospective bidder for a DPWH infrastructure contract shall submit as part of its Technical Documents for eligibility a statement of all of its ongoing and completed government and

private contracts. It includes contracts awarded but not yet started, if any, whether or not similar in nature and complexity to the contract to be bid, within the period provided in the Bidding Documents. The statement shall disclose litigation history of the bidder’s ongoing contracts with the government and private entities. Non-compliance with the Order shall make the concerned bidders liable to the penalties under Section 65.3 and to the administrative sanctions under Section 69 of RA 9184-IRR. Singson has directed all heads of DPWH procuring entities to strictly enforce and monitor compliance to said Department Order or face penalties of reprimand for the 1st offense; suspension for 1-30 days for the 2nd offense; and dismissal for the 3rd offense as prescribed for violation of reasonable office rules and regulations in Section 52, C(3) of August 31, 1999 Civil Service Resolution No. 991936 known as the “Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service”. (DPWH)


Caraga eyed for oil palm amid 1-M-hectare target for Mindanao

DAVAO CITY - Mindanao authorities are looking at developing about a million hectares for oil palm farming with about a third of the total area in the Caraga Region. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), through Public Affairs Division Chief Romeo M. Montenegro, said Caraga can become the center of oil palm production in Mindanao as studies show the climate and soil condition in parts of the

region, particularly in the Agusan provinces, are ideal for both nurseries and farms.

Caraga is composed of 5 provinces: Agusan del Norte and Sur, Surigao del Norte and Sur, and the Dinagat Islands.

By: Carmelito Q. Francisco


About 60,000 hectares in Mindanao have so far been developed for oil palm production, a large portion of which are in Caraga and some in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to MinDA data.

The industry has become “exciting”, said Mr. Montenegro, as nine companies from Malaysia and Indonesia, the two biggest oil palm producers and exporters, have signaled their intention to invest.

Among these companies are Felda Global Ventures, New Britain Palm Oil Ltd.-PNG, Pertamina-Indonesia, Perkebunan Nusantara-Indonesia, and Bali Palm Oil-Indonesia.

Officials of Felda, the Malaysian government’s Federal Land Development Authority, have visited Mindanao twice in recent months to look into investment possibilities in Mindanao.

In Davao City, oil palm projects are being eyed in the remote agricultural districts, particularly in Marilog, including some areas covered by

Certificates of Ancestral Domain held by various indigenous communities.

The Philippine Palm Oil Development Council is also pushing for the expansion of the industry in Mindanao, saying it can potentially match the importance of coconut, the country’s top agricultural export commodity.

Peter T. Lavina, a member of the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, told BusinessWorld the vision is for the country to host refineries once it produces enough raw oil and eventually achieve self-sustainabilty on the product.

Based on IndexMundi, an international trade tracking portal, the Philippines imported about 300,000 metric tons last year.

World market palm oil prices as of April 2, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Council, stood at 2,166 ringgit per metric ton or about $598.

However, several environmental groups, among them the World Wildlife Fund, have cited the threat to rain forests if large plantations are established.


Government collects P9.6-B tax revenues in Northern

Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The tax collection agency of the government in Northern Mindanao

collected a total of P9.6 billion in 2014, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the Development Research Division of NEDA in Region X, said the total tax receipts for the year was 18 percent higher from the P8.1 billion collected in 2013. He said the running after professionals who are not paying taxes correctly and the automation of tax

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Feature: Maramag celebrates women’s month by pushing all “Juanas” to lead with dignity MARAMAG, Bukidnon, April 6 - “When women come together with a collective intention, magic happens” – a popular line taken from one of the speeches of Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas of Commission on Filipino Overseas.

Along this perspective, groups of women from 20 barangays of Maramag town and Local Government Unit (LGU) offices graced the nation’s celebration of Women’s Month with the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”

This year’s theme highlights the important role of women and recognizing their accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making. It also aims to increase awareness towards women’s participation at all levels of policy and decision-making,

services, among others, contributed to the positive performance of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the region. Income taxes accounted for the largest share of the total tax collections with a share of P6.2 billion or about 65 percent followed by value-added taxes with a share of P2.1 billion or about 23 percent of the region’s total collections. The Cagayan de Oro City Revenue District Office or RDO 98 emerged as the top collector during the year with 59 percent share or P5.7 billion. It also posted the biggest growth among the RDOs in the region with 25 percent increase year-on-year. Other top performers in the region were RDO 101 in Iligan City and

RDO 99 in Bukidnon contributing P1.4 billion and P1.3 billion, respectively. For 2015, the BIR is aiming to collect P12.461 billion in taxes in Northern Mindanao. BIR Regional Director Alberto Olasiman is positive that the collection goal will be attained with the support of all the stakeholders in the region. He appealed to all the taxpayers to declare their true income and expenses and pay the correct amount of taxes due to the government for the progress of the country. Last month, the BIR kicked-off its 2015 tax campaign “Angat pa, Pinas!” in the region which calls for greater cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution to nation-building.


as well as to share strategies regarding best practices to become successful women leaders. Adoracion C. Raguro, president of Municipal Women Federation and Provincial Federation of United Women of Bukidnon, Inc., directed the activity and emphasized in her speech, during the opening rites, that women should live with dignity by breaking the conservative mindset and belief that politics and leadership are not of women’s world. “It’s not so much about what you do, but how you do it that counts. You need to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Make conscious decisions. Act based on how positively you impact others beyond your own interest. Then “walk the talk,” Raguro said. The celebration kicked-off in Maramag on the first week with a civic-military parade headed by the Philippine National Police followed by the Women in Government Service,

Maramag Women’s Federation and the Barangay Women’s Organization in five clusters. The Local Government Unit of Maramag spearheaded this momentous event through the effort of administrative officer /BAO head Teresita M. Arances and SB chairperson on the Committee on Women, Family and Social Welfare, Krisynthia Raquel C. Pader. The simultaneous recital of Women’s Creed and lighting of candles highlighted the event. The singing of the ‘harmonizer’ song “If We Hold on Together” also served as reminders that through unity, inequity and issues concerning women will be resolved, and the rights and welfare of women will be protected. (Anavieve F. Lazibal/EIAninayon,LGU, Maramag/RLRB-PIA 10, Bukidnon)


Fish production in NorMin posts favorable performance in 2014 CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Fish production in Northern Mindanao grew by 1.08 percent in 2014 compared to the 156,520.11 metric tons (MT) produced in the previous year.

All the three sectors of fish pro-duction posted positive performance during the year, the National Econom-ic and Development Authority (NEDA) reported. Aquaculture production, which accounted for 49 percent of the total fish production of the region, increased by 1.08 percent from 76,802.50 MT in 2013 to 77,632.96 MT in 2014. Commercial and municipal fish-eries, on the other hand, accounted for 23 percent and 28 percent of the total regional fish production, respec-tively. The commercial fisheries prod-cution went up by 0.30 percent from 36,853.61 MT to 36,965.94 MT during the year although it experienced a drop in the fourth quar-ter due to the stoppage in op-eration of some boats in Misamis Oriental as a re-sult of the high-er penalties im-

posed by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on encroaching municipal waters. Municipal fisheries posted the biggest growth among the three sec-tors from 42,864 MT to 43,613.83 MT or by 1.75 percent. The abundance of in-season species resulting to more unloading of tamban, tulingan, galunggong, bo-nito and tunsoy in Misamis Occiden-tal was cited as a major contributor in the positive performance of the mu-nicipal fisheries. (APB/PIA-10)


Top DavNor companies sup-port Palaro

DAVAO DEL NORTE —The top corporations in Davao del Norte and in the entire Davao region have thrown their sup-port to help guarantee a successful staging of the 2015 edition of the Palarong Pambansa which kicks off in less than a month. The cream of the crop of business in the region—Tagum Agricul-tural Development Com-pany, Inc. or TADECO,

Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation or DPC, Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. or DICT and Pearl Farm Beach Resort—are back-ing the May 3 to 9 games that organizers are hip-ing to emerge as the “Best Palaro Ever.” “We are not only thankful but also very proud of their generous support for the Palaro,” Davao del Norte Gover-nor Rodolfo del Rosario said. “With their help,


we are on track to out objective: to stage the best Palaro ever.” Some 15,000 athletes and of-ficials, and thousands more chap-erones, tourists and supporters, are expected to flock for the Palaro, which will feature competitions in 17 regular and five demonstration sports in the primary and secondary levels. The Palaro was launched just before the Holy Week break and that early, the organizers—led by the provincial government of Davao del Nore and the city government of Tagum—have already drew unprec-edented positive reaction from the Department of Education (DepEd). “We are looking at this year’s Palaro as the benchmark/standar for succeeding games,” DepEd Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro said during the launch at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan of the Davao del Norte provincial capitol. Two of the so-called “firsts” in the Palaro which are being imple-mented in Davao del Norte are a comprehensive website (www.davnorpalaro2015.com) and an Olympic-style 2015 Palarong Pam-bansa Guidebook, which will serve as the “bible” for all participants in the weeklong games. “Hosting the Palarong Pamban-sa is a privilege and it gives us—in Davao del Norte—the opportunity not only to showcase our capability to stage multi-sports competitions, but also how well the province and the region have become in terms of

business, economy and tourism,” Del Rosario said. (PIO DavNor)


R-XI has 19 fire incidents in April

DAVAO CITY-There were about 19 fire incidents recorded in the first week of April. This according to data provided by the Bureau of Fire Protection Re-gion XI. Senior Fire Inspector Nestor Jimenez, BFP-XI operations division chief said that 18 of the fires occured in Davao City while one fire incident was recorded in Davao del Norte. Jimenez added that of the 19 fires reported from April 1 to 6, 14 were grass fires, three were car fires and two were residential fires. One of the notable fire incident was April 1 fire which razed 42 resi-dences and business structures in Barangay 23-C. According to BFP-XI the fire was caused by an unattend-ed electric fan.

One fatality was recorded in the April fires, a 55-year old woman killed in fire which destroyed a home in Matina Gravahan last Easter Sunday (April 5). Jimenez said that the on-set of the dry summer sea-son makes structures and vegetation susceptible to fires. He urged the public to refrain from throwing their cigarettes butts along empty grasslots as it would lead to

grassfires. Aside from cigarette butts, pieces or shards of glass which re-flect sunlight can cause fires to erupt among grasslands which are now dry because of the prevailing hot weath-er. April is fire prevention month where the BFP is in the midst of fire safety awareness campaign. (PIA/RG Alama)


1,260 NorthCot pupils finish DARE programBy: Shahana Joy E.Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 7 --- A total of 1,260 Grade 6 pupils from at least four elementary schools in the Municipality of Makilala and Kidapawan City successfully completed the Drug Abuse Resistance Edu-cation (DARE) program.

PCSupt Lester O. Camba, Regional Direc-tor of the Police Regional Office 12 and the guest of honor during the DARE culmination rites said that the program aims to edu-cate youngsters using a comprehensive long term educational approach to prevent sub-stance abuse among them.

“The DARE program educates and warns the students of the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol to them and to the community,” PCSupt Camba stated.

He also encouraged the pupils to do away with drugs because it will not do any good for them and will only ruin their future.

“Abuse of drugs and alcohol are two of the leading reasons why teens commit crime. These things must not have any place in your lives and you deserve a productive and meaningful future,” the police official em-phasized.

The DARE Program is taught by Police Of-ficers assisted by classroom teachers at least once a week until the 17-session 45-


minute module program is completed.

Leonida S. Domantay, PhilDARE Mindanao Chapter Secretary highlighted the gains the students get from undergo-ing DARE program.

“Aside from educating them the damaging effects of drugs and other illegal substances, we also offer the students the op-portunity to gain trust from one another, develop a positive at-titude towards law enforcement and build up respect for one-

self and their peers,” Domantay said.

Meanwhile, Governor Em-mylou Mendoza expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Na-tional Police and the Depart-ment of Education for coming up with a comprehensive program that will help and guide many students to do away with drugs and alcohol.

“Now as a valuable part of the curriculum for Grade 6, DARE program enables the students to fully understand the effects and


DAR, DTI provide women group with livelihood projectKIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 7 -- In a bid to help women become productive in their leisure times, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Trade and Indus-try (DTI) have pooled resources to provide livelihood to a women group in Arakan town in North Cotabato.

negative consequences of drug abuse and win them over from substance addiction,” the governor stated.

Being part of the students’ curriculum, the DARE Program is expected to help many stu-

dents to strengthen their deci-sion- making by evaluating the results of various kinds of risk-taking behaviors particularly drug and alcohol abuse. (SJDu-erme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Provincial Government)

Marion Abella, Provincial Agrar-ian Reform Program Officer II, said the livelihood project given to Ganatan Women’s Association is part of the DAR-DTI-Compre-hensive Agrarian Reform Pro-gram (DAR-DTI-CARP) thrusts in capacitating Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations in es-tablishing a viable enterprise in Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

“The beads fashion accesso-ries making project is one of the support services extended by the DAR and the DTI to lift the eco-nomic status of the beneficiaries in the village of Ganatan, Ara-kan,” Abella said.

“The project is very suitable to the community since most of the women group members are In-digenous People of the Manobo tribe where idle times ranges from 5-6 hours a day. That is why we are really looking forward to this project in helping them become more productive and turn it into an income generating enterprise.”

Abella said DAR and DTI re-cently trained some 38 ARBs who are members of Ganatan Wom-en’s Association on beads fashion accessories making.

Women were taught techniques in making different kinds and styles of fashion accessories such


13 DAR scholars complete online academic programKIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 7 -- Thirteen person-nel of the Department of Agrarian in North Cotabato are now full-fledged public and rural development managers.This after they have completed the National Convergence

as rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces from which they can sell at a reasonable price to help them increase their house-hold income.

After the training, the DTI pro-vided the participants with equip-ment and materials as a start-up capital for their livelihood project.

The equipment and materials amounting to P10,000 consisted of 20 ring sizer, 20 ring sticks, 20 jewelry pliers, 20 jewelry cutters, 20 rolls jewelry ordinary wire, and 20 sets of colored beads.

Management and care of these equipment and materials has been consigned to the Ganatan Women’s Association.

Rosario Votacion, president of the Ganatan Women’s Associa-tion, has assured DAR and DTI that they will manage the proj-ect well.

“We are very fortunate to re-ceive this kind of project from the government. This [project] is an opportunity for barangay Ga-

natan, especially to women, to learn new and alternative ways in earning additional income for the family,” Votacion said.

“I have high hopes to develop the project into a micro, small and medium enterprise in the future. We will also strive to en-hance our capability and skills so that we could produce quality beads fashion accessories that are competitive in the market.”

Votacion also said that they will reach out more women to become members of their asso-ciation in order for those other women to benefit from the pro-grams and projects that the gov-ernment is extending to them.

The Provincial Offices of DAR and DTI in North Cotabato will also conduct the same liveli-hood project and skills training in Barangay Tumanding, Arakan, North Cotabato. (ROrejudos- DAR North Cotabato/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Initiative online academic program.

Marion Abella, Provincial Agrar-ian Reform Program Officer II, said these 13 DAR-North Cota-bato personnel were conferred master’s degree in public man-agement major in rural develop-ment (MPM-RD) after under-going an 18-month academic curriculum.

“MPM-RD is a formal academic program for field supervisors, technical and program staff and administrators of the three ru-ral- oriented line agencies so that they can acquire the relevant en-terprise, political, managerial and technical skills,” Abella said.

The graduates of the MPM-RD Batch 2 from DAR-North Cota-bato were chief agrarian reform program officers Evangeline Bue-no and Emelita Mayol; municipal agrarian reform program officers Cheryll Camariñas, Lelanie Ca-rugda, and Felerma Gimenez; and technical/program staff Ma-rio Albete, Leosa Nanette Arenal, Ronald Louise Bañaga, Felipa Ca-brera, Gina Escala, Rey Gesulga, Girlie Gulanes, and Myraflor Pam-plona.

“The MPM-RD is an excellent opportunity for our employees to grow professionally, especially that they are engaged in rural development works,” Abella said.

“The scholars from DAR-North Cotabato are expected to lead in the implementation of vari-ous programs and projects in the province to contribute on agricul-tural development and rural pov-erty reduction efforts.”

MPM-RD was conferred to the graduates by the National Con-vergence Initiative-Sustainable Rural Development and the aca-demic consortium of the Develop-ment Academy of the Philippines, Ateneo School of Governance, Xavier University (XU), and the University of the Philippines at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club, Camp General Emelio Agui-naldo, Quezon City on March 17.

MPM-RD was formulated to facilitate better governance of sustainable rural development by the three rural development ori-ented line agencies, namely DAR, Department of Agriculture, and Department Environment and Natural Resources.

Last year, Ranulfo Estavilla and Lito Deomampo were among the first batch of the MPM-RD fin-ishers from DAR-North Cotabato. (ROrejudos-DAR North Cotabato/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DENR exec appeals for care of forestBy: Eric Herson F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo has appealed to the people in the upland barangays to exercise care of the forest by doing away with their activities of slash and burn methods of farming to convert forest lands for a variety of purposes with the onset of dry months and the El Niño phenomenon. “Wecanpreventforestfirethissummerbyavoidinganyactivitythatcouldtriggerfirefromwithered leaves,” Tamayo said.


He said that uncontrolled fire in the forest can affect the tree seedlings planted in different sites of the National Greening Program (NGP). The DENR to date, has established 49,999.12 hectares of production and open access timberlands in Caraga Region through the NGP with about 27,745,254 seedlings of indigenous and exotic tree species. “These gains of the NGP which are on the upswing will literally go up in smoke and we want to be sure this won’t happen in forest lands,” he said. The El Niño phenomenon which is an abnormal pattern that is caused by the warming of the Pacific area near the equator has been observed by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA). It is expected to last for several months until November this year. El Niño weather occurs when the normal trade winds weakens (or even reverse) which allows the

warm water usually found in the Western Pacific to flow instead towards the east. This warm water displaces the cooler water that’s normally found near the surface of the eastern Pacific region, setting off atmospheric changes that affect weather patterns in many parts of the world. Tamayo also instructed the PENR and CENR officers to increase their monitoring activities in NGP sites in their respective area of jurisdiction so that the members of the different private organizations that have stake on NGP are properly guided and aware of the abnormal weather pattern. “They should check and ensure availability of sufficient watersupply in communities,” he said. Tamayo said that priority must be given to strict monitoring of protected areas which are considered habitat for endangered species of plants and animals for potential outbreak of forest fires.


DOLE Caraga grants funds to 288 fisherfolks, farmers in SocorroBy:Keith C. Duran and Iris Asis

BUTUAN CITY - Two hundred eighty eight fisherfolks and farmers of

Socorro, Bucas Grande Island, Surigao del Norte (SDN) recently

received a total of P1,211,273.67 for the implementation of their

respective projects.

The Bucas Grande Island is known to be one of the most promising tourist destinations in the region with fishing and farming as the main source of income and the emerging tourism industry. The island-municipality of Socorro celebrated its 54th Adlaw sa Socorro on February 21, 2015 featuring tourism and livelihood for its residents. “Where there’s tourism, there’s livelihood,” Keith Duran, SDN Provincial Head said in his message. He also stressed that the financial aid released for the projects is part of the poverty alleviation program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). With the flourishing tourist

spots including the Sohoton Cove, DOLE Caraga and the local government unit saw the various opportunities for livelihood projects.1.) Sta. Cruz Farmers and Fishermen Association, Lobster Production – P112,890; 2.) Sidlak Lanit-ag Aksiyon sa Kababayen-an Association, Squash Production; 3.) Rizal Fishermen Organization, Small Deep Fishing Livelihood Project – P221,533; 4.) Del Pilar Mauswagon Farm Supply Association, Bobo Fishing – P150,480; 5.) Del Pilar Makugihon Fishing Association, Fishing Gear Supplies – P302,168; 6.) Socorronhon Farmers Association, Various Crop Production – P 130,300; Socorro Fishermen & Farmers Association,


The celebration signifies that women play vital roles in the community and partake the labor towards a progressive country. The activity was graced by vice governor Benglen B. Ecleo and co-chairperson on Social Services board member Rolizareth Ladaga. Vice governor Ecleo, in his message, stressed the roles and responsibilities of women towards development. He also encouraged the participants to empower other women or “Juanas” by sharing the knowledge they had acquired

in the activity. Several activities were conducted during the culmination program such as personality development forum, discussions pertaining to laws that protect women, and the Search for “Talentadong Nanay Nan Dinagatnon.” Hygiene kits were also distributed to each of the participants composed of municipal social welfare and development officers and social workers from seven municipalities of the province.

Dinagat Islands SWDO conducts culmination program on women’s month celeb By: Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands - The provincial government of Dinagat Islands through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) conducted recently a culmination program of the national women’s month celebration held at the Provincial Guest Center, here.

Community Grocery and Fishing Supplies – P257,452.67. Projects funded would bring more tourists thereby increasing

the number of establishments that would in turn influence the employment growth.


ZAMBOANGA CITY – The cloud seeding proposal which will temporarily induce rainfall in the locality and seen to be an immediate remedy for the dying agricultural crops due to the continuing dry spell here will most probably be done before April ends.

Cloud seeding in Zambo to be done soon By Dominic I. Sanchez

Assistant City Administrator Dr. Elmeir Apolinario said Monday (April 6) that the proposed cloud

seeding operations would need sizeable clouds in the air to be effective which is still abundant during the


month. “We expect that by later months especially in June, the large clouds needed for cloud seeding will weather off. So we have to do this as soon as possible,” he said. Apolinario who also heads the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said that concerned offices including the City Agriculturist’s Office have already met last week, as well as the City Council which has already declared a state of calamity in the city following the wastage of over P132-million worth of agricultural products in certain communities here like those of Tigbalabag and Sinubong. The cloud seeding operation is estimated to cost approximately P4 million pesos. Earlier in March, Department of Agriculture (DA) officials have already endorsed a recommendation for the approval of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to release funds for such purpose. Locally, the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) will cost-share P700 thousand while the City Government will also allocate P300 thousand. The project will have to undergo the procurement process, which will be done by

the DA in Manila, said Apolinario. “We still have to go through the process,” he said, “but we can do alternative methods of procurement” explaining that justifications will have to be made to fast-track the process. “With the declaration of the state of calamity, we can shorten the process,” Apolinario said. Meanwhile, part of the items discussed during last week’s inter-agency meeting was coming up with both short-term and long-term solutions for the persisting dry spell, which is seen to continue until June, or beyond. “We have discussed measures to provide assistance to farmers in the affected areas to help them cope with the difficulties,” Apolinario explained. The El Niño phenomenon here is still considered to be “mild”, said Apolinario, and this is expected to worsen in the coming months. “We don’t want to be caught unaware,” he added. Currently, the water shortage has already caused severe inconvenience among residents. According to the Zamboanga City Water District, water level in the intake dam has dropped to 73.9 meters as of March 30, which is considered critical.


Lumbia bags first prize in Fire Olympics 2015 By Gideon C. Corgue

Anchored on the theme, “Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin!,” the participating teams competed for the following events, namely, hose laying and replacement of busted hose, bucket relay and flammable liquid extinguishers.”Kaligtasan

sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin!” Barangay Tiguma was adjudged 1st runner-up followed by Barangay Kawit. The winning teams received cash prizes, trophies and certificates of excellence. Barangay councilor Gregory

PAGADIAN CITY – For the second time the Volunteer Fire Brigade (VFB) team of barangay Lumbia has bested five other teams in the recently concluded Fire Olympics 2015 held here at the city oval, highlighting the Fire Prevention Month celebration.


Maghinay said, “to win first prize in the Fire Olympics for a second time is a huge honor.” “Dako kaayo nga dungog alang kanamo nga mga volunteer fire brigades nga midaug sa maong kompetisyon sa ikaduhang higayon ug mapasigarbuhon kaayo kami niini nga pasidungog,” Maghinay exclaimed. (It is a huge honor for us, the volunteer fire brigades, to win this competition for the second time, and we are extremely proud of this award.) The team, Maghinay said, was composed of 12 barangay

Tanods. “Ang mga mga miyembro sa Barangay Tanod mao ang among gipaapil sa Fire Olympics kay sila man gud ang mga first responders panahon kung adunay sunog mahitabo,” Maghinay said. (The members of the Barangay Tanod are our participants to the Fire Olympics because they are our first responders in case a fire happens.) The team will represent the city in the provincial level competition in September this year.

One Mindanao - April 7, 2015

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Transcript of One Mindanao - April 7, 2015