One Mindanao - April 8, 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

GIDEON C. CORGUE, 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

CONTENTS

DOST deploys 72 weather monitoring systems in SOCCSKSARGEN Region

NorthCot must strengthen tourism --- MinDA

DENR Caraga initiates simultaneous tree planting activity

WEM-RIC culminates 2015 Women’s Month celebration

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Communicating peace through visual arts

Student-athletes gear up for Palaro 2015

10th ID commander urges remaining rebels to surrender following arrest of ranking NPA leader in Davao City

217 graduate from TESDA in SurSur

Signing of pledge of support highlights tax campaign kick-off in MisOcc

ARMM grants scholarship to top 10 graduates in Maguindanao

Food security model program to rise in Bukidnon

BIR Marawi urges taxpayers to file, pay taxes early

By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

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By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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By: Claro A. Lanipa

By: Alma L. Tingcang

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: RCA

By: Bureau of Public Information

By: Cyrus Seraspe

By: APB

By: Carmelito Q. Francisco

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

ARMM

INFOCUSSOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERNNATIONAL25 Mandaya-Mansaka tribe awarded

ancestral domain titleBy: Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

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4 APRIL 8, 2015One Mindanao

By: Alma L. Tingcang

Quite a feat for a young lady who believes in the adage,“A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!”

Cover Story

Communicating peace through visual arts

5APRIL 8, 2015 One Mindanao

Quite a feat for a young lady who believes in the adage,“A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins!”

International arts tilt

Winning the first prize in the 2014 Peace and Cooperation School Award with the theme, “The Family: Rights and Future, Tradition and Modernity” given by the Peace and Cooperation Foundation based in Madrid, Spain came totally unexpected to this visual arts teacher.

Joaquin Antuña, Peace and Cooperation Foundation president and founder, awarded the certificate and cash prize for Ms. Ernadel V. Reyes of Zamboanga del Sur National High School for the Teacher and School Category, to Ms. Ruby Fernandez, representative of the Philippine Embassy in Spain.

The artist

Ms. Ernadel Villaruz-Reyes, Special Program in the Arts – Visual Arts (SPA-VA) teacher from the Zamboanga del Sur National High School, Pagadian City bested 33 other participants from the different countries and was the only Filipino who joined the competition.

Though personally invited during the awarding ceremony, she was unable to attend in view


of her masteral studies, which gave her a headway on the tilt. Ernadel recently graduated Master of Arts in Education Major in Cultural Education as a National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) scholar from La Salle University in Ozamis City.

This is the second international award that she received; she also won the 2013 Peace and Cooperation School Award with the theme, “Art as a Universal Language – Creativity for Peace” as coach of the winner in Drawing with Written Message, from the same sponsor in Madrid.

She is married to Ronyl L. Reyes of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) with whom she has two kids, Ledanre Lynor “Girl”, 5, and Maria Evelicia “Lady,” 3 years old.

DepEd support

Before she joined the international competition, the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office selected her, basing on the teacher who always wins in the visual arts competition. “I really thank them for all the support, my principal, Mr. Roberto Bibanco and my co-teachers for pushing me and believing in my talent as an artist,” she said.

Joining the competition

There were a lot of contents and requirements for the competition. She was asked to discuss her activities in the classroom, her way of teaching to which she responded that the first thing to do is discuss the elements and principles of art before the hands-on activity. “So instead of a verbal interaction, my activities in the classroom were all documented,” she modestly said.

How she explained the diverse culture of our tri-people - the Christians, Muslims and Lumads - drew their attention because it is simply amazing to engender unity in diversity as vividly presented in the paintings.


She embarked on a culture-based lesson integration in visual arts because this creates an awareness of the people about Pagadian City’s cultural treasures and assets aimed at developing art appreciation and cultural preservation. “The content of the students’ work centers on Filipino culture, particularly the Pagadianon culture, explaining the artwork one by one. I’m glad to coach my students because I believe it is my greatest contribution to their learning,” she said warmly.

Bloodline

“At a very young age, my mom said I was already into drawing. My uncles, aunts and relatives were visual artists. That might have made a great influence in my life,” Ernadel recalled.

“Painting is my mission work, so I consider myself a missionary. I am also totally involved in my community,” she explained.

Bishop Emmanuel T. Cabajar of Pagadian Diocese, a visual artist hiself, has inspired this young artist through his paintings. Together, they do mission work in the churches. Ernadel offers her talent for free, teaching the kids how to paint and getting sponsors for the materials the kids need like brushes, paints and others.


She gets all the support and inspiration from her husband, her family, parents and in-laws so there is no reason that she cannot focus on what she loves doing: teaching and painting.

Looking back

“As a young artist, I had that innate concept which I did not realize was the most basic theory in teaching visual arts to my students, even to those who did not know how to draw,” Ernadel recalls. Applying it later, she discovered they were the most important, most basic

principles like using shapes and letters.

It’s all in the family

“My two kids are also artists. It’s because I am an artist, and I have a very supportive husband. I designed our house and my husband saw to it that I would have a place to display my artworks. So I will be pressured to paint this summer,” she said smiling.

Asked if she finds it hard to transfer her talent to her students, she replied, “In my


first year of teaching, it was hard for me because I set a very high standard.” Her students would often cry so she did several researches on the elements and principles of art, how to discuss the theories behind, and how to make it easier for the students.

In fact, she submitted a book to her principal, Mr. Roberto Bibanco entitled “The Teaching Strategy” which is very ideal and easier for the students to understand. Group dynamics and peer teaching are the best strategies, according to Ernadel.

“Starting with the basics is the theory of color, how to combine and use color. Actually, drawing is easy, what is difficult in painting is how to use and combine colors. However good your sketch is, if you do not use it well, the outcome would not be good,” she said.

One family

“The content of the competition was very easy for me because I have a happy, loving and supportive family. In our SPA class, we belong to one family not by blood but being one in our passion as artists. To my students, I am their elder sister

or mom.”

Ernadel also encourages her students to earn through their talents like doing face painting so they can help their families and earn extra income.

“It is my hope that students will enhance their talents and skills in visual arts, develop


a sound mind and body by participating in visual arts activity in the class like painting, sculpture, and mixed media,” she expounds.

“What is important is for my students to become more creative, reflective, innovative, civically-engaged and culturally-aware because this is where the diverse cultures come together in unity, the Chistian, Muslim and Subanen. This way, they do not just paint, but they have an appreciation of the different settlers and cultures in Pagadian City,” Ernadel added.

“My students also excel that is why we have joined international competitions. Learning never stops because it is constant and the winning part is an added bonus,” Ernadel declared.

She is the only lady member of the Mindanao Artists Association but she is proud to be given respect among her peers in the like of Chester

Mato, Dr. Jose Armin Virata and Pastor Jerome Castillo. “I don’t experience any discrimination,” she proudly says.

Losing is part of winning

Ernadel received an award in college as a university winner in painting, yet many times she also lost. But guided by the principle never to quit because, “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins,” she does not feel disappointed when she loses in a competition. Instead, she considers it a challenge to the point of interviewing the winners, learning from them and from her mistakes as well. “I was asked by the international jury if I ever felt that I was the best visual artist and how do I feel. I said, ‘no, I don’t think I am the best.’ I still have a lot to learn and I just thank God for this talent that’s why I’m doing this as my mission work. I am blessed to be a blessing!” she happily declares.


PNoy expects Filipinos to choose new leader who adheres to ‘daang matuwid’

Speaking during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge here, the President credited the Filipino people for bringing about change in the country.

“Kayo ang aking mga Boss; kayo ang sambayanang Pilipino

na aking pinaglilingkuran; kayo po ang gumawa ng pagbabago. Kayo po ang naging susi para sa transpormasyong tinatamasa na natin ngayon. Binigyan po ninyo ako ng mandato, at sabay-sabay po nating nakikita ang positibong bunga ng lahat ng ating pinagsikapan,” he told his

ILAGAN CITY - President Benigno S. Aquino III said Tuesday he is confident that the Filipino people will choose a new leader who will continue the “righteous path” that he championed when he ran for office five years ago.


Student-athletes gear up for Palaro 2015

PASIG CITY - Preparations are in full swing for the 58th Palarong Pambansa, the Department of Education said.

audience.

He noted that if the people are pleased with the country’s transformation, then they must continue supporting good governance.

Addressing the frequently asked question on who would pursue the reforms he has begun once he leaves office, the President said he believes that the people would continue building the nation.

“Mga Boss, bilib ako sa inyo. Kayo ang magpapatuloy nito, at alam kong hindi kayo magpapa-bola sa mga nagprepresentang kakampi natin, pero klaro namang doble-kara,” he noted.

“Tiwala akong marunong tumanaw ang Pilipino sa nakaraan, nang hindi na maulit pa ang mga naging kamalian noon, at sa gayon ay marating natin ang nais nating patunguhan.”

In his remaining 450 days in office, he said he is more determined to continue pushing for national development.

“Bilang inyong Pangulo, tunay pong pribilehiyo ko na paglingkuran ang sambayanan. Sa patnubay at pagmamahal ng Panginoon, at sa matibay ninyong suporta, sigurado akong walang anumang pagsubok ang di natin kayang lagpasan,” President Aquino said. (PCOO/PND (as)


Part of the preparations are the trainings of student-athletes conducted by their respective coaches and the Physical Education & School Sports (PESS) unit from various DepEd regional offices.

So how does DepEd exactly prepare student athletes for Palaro?

Students who display exemplary skills in the Physical Education curriculum through the school intramurals, are chosen by their school heads to compete in the district athletic meets where champions are delegated to the division athletic meets. The cream of the crop are then brought to the regional athletic meets where the National Screening & Accreditation Committee (NSAC) will evaluate, verify and accredit eligible athletes for the Palarong Pambansa at least two (2) months before the much-awaited national event.

Education Assistant Secretary and Palarong Pambansa Secretary General, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali Esq. said present rules state that athletes to be presented to the NSAC are chosen by both their

coaches and DepEd officials. “Iba-iba ang rules sa bawat region. Meaning yung ibang region, 100% from the winning team yung pinapadala and yung iba 90% or 80% yung core galing doon sa winning team. Yung 20% kukunin nila sa iba’t ibang schools from other provinces at ito yung mga mahuhusay na manlalaro sa rehiyon.” Umali explained.

Aside from these athletic meets, the Sports Track curriculum included in DepEd’s K to 12 basic education program, is another tool in preparing student-athletes for Palaro as well as their academic development should they wish to pursue a career in the athletic industry. School year 2016-2017 marks the implementation of Senior High School nationwide, where the said specialized track offers subjects like fundamentals in coaching, fitness testing and basic exercise programming.(DepEd)


10th ID commander urges remaining rebels to surrender following arrest of ranking NPA leader in Davao City

MANILA - With the arrest of another ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Davao City Tuesday night, 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Eduardo M. Año called on the remaining rebel leaders and followers in the area to surrender so that they can enjoy peaceful and useful lives with their loved ones. With the arrest of another ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Davao City Tuesday night, 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Eduardo M. Año called on the remaining rebel leaders and followers in the area to surrender so that they

can enjoy peaceful and useful lives with their loved ones.

“We urge the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA who are just being deceived by their leaders to surrender and embrace a peaceful


life in the mainstream society together with their families and loved ones,” he said.

“Being in the lawless armed group, you can run but you cannot go into hiding forever. Eventually, the long arms of the law will catch up with you,” Año stressed.

Earlier, joint operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested NPA leader Vincent Estrada, alias Dennis Montecillo/Bords/Brod/Oban, during checkpoint operations in Davao City.

The former is the NPA’s Head of Regional Instructor’s Bureau of Regional Operational Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMC).

He was arrested by combined operatives of the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 11 of the PNP at a Task Force Davao checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City at around 9:20 p.m. Tuesday.

Estrada was nabbed while aboard an Isuzu Bighorn (BDV-

864) with a certain Zacarias Delos Santos Mancia Jr.

He was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest with CC#7610 for the crime of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention filed before the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Recovered from their possession were a caliber .45 pistol, two fragmentation grenades, one laptop, five cellphones, subversive documents and personal belongings.

Both personalities are now under the custody of CIDG 11.

Año said Estrada’s arrest is expected to create a huge vacuum in leadership of the CPP-NPA operating in Davao Region considering that the latter is a high-valued cadre which is very difficult for the communist movement to train and replace.

Since last year, five top NPA leaders operating in Davao Region were already arrested.

These are Dominiciano Muya, Felix Armodia, Jordan Donillo, Raunil N. Mortejo and Jasmin C. Badilla. (PNA)


City gov’t hands over land title of new CDO Nat’l High

School

T eachers of Cagayan de Oro City National High School and Department of Education-

Division of Cagayan de Oro officials accepted the title of the land where the new CDONHS 4-storey, 80-classroom building be

constructed.

The turnover ceremony, which was attended by members of the Local School Board through Maria Dulce T. Potenciano, Focal Person on Education in City Hall, was held during the flag raising ceremony on March 30, 2015. The one-hectare land bought by the local government under the administration of mayor Oscar Moreno for the new school campus of CDONHS aims


Signing of pledge of support highlights tax campaign kick-off in MisOcc OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Some 556 businessmen and taxpayers signed their pledge of commitment to highlight their support to the Tax Campaign of Revenue District No. 100, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), here.

to uplift the dignity of the students and teachers who have to bear holding classes in cramped, dilapidated classrooms in their old campus for the last 46 years. The school has 4,641 students who are packed into 42 classrooms. Based on the data from DepEd, the number of classrooms is short of 47 compared to the ideal 89 classrooms needed based on the number of students. According to the mayor, CDONHS is supposed to be the prime high

school of the city but it wasn’t given utmost attention for a very long time. “This is the biggest school in the division of Cagayan de Oro and the city’s pride. This (new school building and campus site) will redefine the future of Cagayan de Oro,” said mayor Moreno. The new CDONHS campus broke ground in February this year and witnessed by members of Nazareth Barangay Council, headed by Brgy. Chairman Jocelyn B. Rodriguez.(CIO)


Focused on the theme: “Angat Pa, Pinas (Rise More, Philippines): Do Your Share, Pay Your Correct Taxes,” the campaign kicked-off with a motorcade in Ozamiz and Oroquieta, two of the three cities in the province. “The activities, which were followed by seminars/briefings on Taxation, were held in time to remind the public of the April 15, 2015, deadline for filing the income tax returns (ITR) for the previous year, Atty. Judith G. Seno, officer-in-charge

(OIC) and assistant revenue district officer of RD 100, said. Meanwhile, Seno said RD 100 will continue its regular schedule of tax briefing for the new businesses, every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., at the 3rd Floor of BIR Building in Ozamiz City. The briefing includes what the taxpayers are required to do upon registration, what receipts or invoices to print, how to register the manual books of accounts, how much fees to pay and

which BIR forms to use. Also included are the information of which returns to file and which tax type to pay for which the taxpayer is obligated, as indicated in the certificate of registration, when any of the following changes occur: Transfer of place or head of office or branches, cancellation or closure of registration and change in tax type and other taxpayer details, Seno added. (RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Food security model program to rise in BukidnonCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Hineleban Foundation conducted an ocular inspection, validation, and assessment to the selected groups of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the province of Bukidnon on March 17 – 19, 2015.


Rodelio L. Saway, one of the leaders of Hineleban Foundation, said that the purpose of the visit is to inspect, validate, and assess the area for farming family food security model program of the Organic Agriculture Program. The model follows the Integrated and Diversified Organic Farming System (IDOFS) which is dedicated for the IPs of Bukidnon. He also added that there are representatives from the national and regional offices of DA through the Agri-Pinoy Programs of Corn/Cassava, Rice, and High Value Crops (HVC), Organic Agriculture Program (OAP), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), to assess on what commodities to grow in the respective lands of the tribes. Other than the land (0.35 hectare per family) as the counterpart of the IPs, Josephine C. Faustino, project development officer and Indigenous People Focal Person under the Office of Special Concerns, asked only one thing from the tribes: its full commitment to the program. In return, DA will provide production support, technical assistance, farm implements and materials. She also added that should this project be successful, this will become the basis of the program to

be expanded in other municipalities in Northern Mindanao and Southern Luzon and Visayas. Considered to the program are the Talaandig Tribes of Tagbak, Talakag and Sungco, Lantapan; the Bukidnon Tribe of Dalwangan, Malaybalay City; the Matigsalog Tribe of Simsimon, San Fernando and Sinuda, Bukidnon; Manobo Tribe of Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, and the Higaonon Tribe of Magsal, Guinoyoran, Valencia City. This model is in support to the government’s drive of alleviating the living conditions of the IPs in their individual cultural communities and in line with the commitment of Bernadette Fatima Romulo-Puyat, Agriculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns, to the seven tribes of Bukidnon during the turn-over of coffee and abaca seedlings to the tribal leaders of the IPs conducted in barangay Sungco, Lantapan, Bukdinon on January 26, this year. (Cyrus Seraspe, DA-10/PIA 10)


ARMM implements P77M worth of infra projects in Mamasapano

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will put up various infrastructure projects, amounting to a total of P77.336 million, in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao to help

rehabilitate and address the development needs of conflict-affected communities in the area.


The projects include school buildings, water and sanitation facilities, a bridge, access road and a mosque. “Gagawin naming oportunidad ang nangyari (noong January 25) sa Mamasapano upang mas gumanda ang buhay ng mga kababayan natin dito,” said ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman. Hataman is optimistic that the projects will help usher in peace and development in the area. The region’s Department of Public Works and Highways will construct a total of nine school buildings costing P44.397 million in different schools in the municipality. Funds for the six school buildings will come from the Department of Education-ARMM and the remaining three will be funded from DPWH-ARMM’s savings, amounting to P3.5 million. DPWH-ARMM will also build eight water and sanitation facilities costing P5.439 million, and P9 million worth of water supply systems in different identified barangays. Emil Sadain, DPWH-ARMM secretary, said the projects will help address the development needs of communities that have been affected by the 25 January Mamasapano incident and the ensuing military offensive. In addition to the school buildings and water facilities, Sadain said ARMM will construct an 880m access road from Tukanalipao proper to Sittio Ameril, amounting to P7.5

million, and a 120m, P10 million steel footbridge. Moreover, ARMM will fund the construction of a mosque amounting to P1 million in Barangay Tukanalipao, which will be undertaken by the Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division. On Wednesday, Hataman together with Major General Edmundo Pangilinan, PA-6ID commanding general, Mamasapano Mayor Tahirodin Benzar A. Ampatuan, Sadain, and Director Ramil Masukat, ARMM’s Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Officer, led the ground breaking rites of the school building, water and sanitation, and mosque projects. Hataman said the involvement the army in the implementation of the infrastructure projects in Mamasapano shows that the military is supportive of the Mindanao peace process. “Hindi digmaan ang dala namin kung hindi pag-unlad ng inyong komunidad at pamayanan, hindi rin kahirapan ang hatid namin kung hindi kaayusan at pagbigay sa inyo ng tamang pangkabuhayan,” he added. ARMM also provided livelihood assistance to the 10 civilian families affected in the 25 January Mamasapano incident during the groundbreaking. The assistance included four mechanized hand tractors and six passenger tricycles. (Bureau of Public Information)


ARMM grants scholarship to top 10 graduates in MaguindanaoMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has awarded full college scholarships to the top 10 graduates of the Hadji Salik Kalaing National High School in barangay Tukanalipao, Mamamasapano town, Maguindanao on Monday, March 30.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the scholarship grant is part of their efforts to invest in the education of deserving youths in the region, especially those in conflict-affected communities. He said the graduates from Tukanalipao are the first group of recipients of ARMM’s Academic Investment for Muslim Mindanao (AIMM) scholarship program, which entitles grantees full four-year scholarship in the college or university of their choice. Aside from the tuition and miscellaneous fees covered by AIMM, scholars are also entitled to receive transportation allowance.

Hataman personally handed the scholarship grants during Monday’s graduation ceremony, where he delivered an inspiration speech. He emphasized the importance of education in attaining peace and urged the 49 graduates to pursue their dreams no matter the odds. Class valedictorian, Norombai Utto, 17, said she wishes that every day is a

graduation day because there is no military operation. In her valedictory address, she said: “Itigil po ninyo ang gyera. Sa halip na kaguluhan ang inyong suportahan, sana po sa edukasyon po kayo mamuhunan, at nang kaalaman at hindi takot ang maging pundasyon ng kapayapaan ng ating bayan.” In addition to the scholarship grant, ARMM also provided P600,000 worth of books to the Hadji Salik Kalaing National High School and would be putting up a P3.5 million, three-classroom building as part of the school’s rehabilitation. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)


BIR Marawi urges taxpayers to file, pay taxes early

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) here urged all taxpayers in the province to file and pay their income taxes early.

Junaina Usman, officer-in-charge of the Assessment Section of Revenue District Office (RDO) 102, stressed in today’s Ozor ka, Ranao! radio program of the Philippine Information Agency that filing before the deadline can help taxpayers avoid penalties, long queues and other inconveniences during the last day of filing on April 15. She said filing and paying of ITR for taxable year 2014 can be made at their office located along Gomisa Avenue, this city. According to her, RDO 102 struggled in achieving its collection goal in 2014. It only attained 98.90 percent of its target last year. Some business taxpayers failed to comply with their tax obligation

religiously, some even failed to register. Non-stock, non-profit organizations, who should serve as the withholding agents of the BIR, also failed to withhold taxes from their employees or suppliers. These are just among the problems cited by Usman that hindered RDO 102 from attaining its collection target. For this year, the assigned collection goal of RDO 102 is P638,836,000. Usman thus called on taxpayers under the jurisdiction of RDO 102 to do their share and prove their patriotism by declaring their true income and paying the correct amount of taxes due to the government. (APB/PIA-10)


Top rebel leader arrested in Davao City

DAVAO CITY-Authori-ties arrested a top lead-er of the New People’s Army, allegedly respon-sible for the education of its members in the Southern Mindanao Revolutionary Commit-tee, and a companion 9:20 pm Tuesday at a checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril. 1Lt. Vergel Lacam-bra, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division identified the respon-dent as Vincent Estrada alias Brod, Bords, Uban and Dennis Montecillo, alleged head of the re-gional instructors’ bureau of the rebels. He said Estrada was apprehended with his companion Zacar-ias Mancia, Jr. on board a sports-utility-vehicle with plate number BDV 684 by virtue of an ar-rest warrant docketed as Criminal Case No. 7610 for the crimes of kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued

by the Regional Trial Court Branch III based in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. Lacambra said the arrest yielded one .45 caliber pistol and two fragmentation grenades found in the possession of the respondents. He described Es-trada as difficult to be replaced in the rebel movement given his re-sponsibility in handling the education of both members and sympathiz-ers. “His arrest is a big blow to the rebel leader-ship in arousing and mo-bilizing their sympathiz-ers,” Lacambra said. He said the respon-dent are now detained at the stockade of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group pending further inves-tigation. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Mandaya-Mansaka tribe awarded ances-tral domain title

NEW BATAAN, COMPOSTELA VAL-LEY- Members of the Mandaya-Mansaka tribe in Compostela Valley are urged to regard the cer-tificate of ancestral domain title as instrument of peace and unity. National Commission on Indig-enous Peoples (NCIP) Commissioner and Chairperson Leonor T. Oralde-Quintayo Monday called on members of the Mandaya-Mansaka Tribe in the indigenous people (IP) communities of Maragusan, New Bataan and Com-postela to find progress in their lives through the title awarded them, not division and chaos among them. In her message during the turn-ing over of the Registry of Deeds-registered Ancestral Domain Title, Quintayo described the title as a hard-earned prize of the struggles that the elders made to protect the ancestral domain. Dili unta kini mamahimong hi-nungdan sa pagkasiak-siak sa tribo. (Hoping that this won’t be the cause of division of tribe.),” she said during the turning over ceremony done at the municipal gym of New Bataan. The Mandaya-Mansaka an-cestral domain title covers 82,000 hectares encompassing barangays Mangayon, Tamia, Ngan, San Miguel and whole of Panansalan of the mu-nicipality of Compostela; portions of barangays Cabinuangan, Bati-nao, Bantacan, Kahayag, Magangit,

San Roque, Camanlangan, Fatima, Cogonon and whole of Pagsaban-gan and Andap of the municipality of New Bataan; whole barangays of Bahi and Langgawisan of the munici-pality of Maragusan. The event was witnessed by Compostela Valley Vice Governor Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora, New Bataan Mayor Lorenzo Balbin, Pro-vincial Board Member Jayvee Tyron Uy representing Provincial Governor Arturo Uy, Provincial IP Sectoral Rep-resentative Augusto Blanco, mem-bers of Sangguniang Panlungsod of New Bataan. Provincial and regional officials of NCIP were also present during the event that drew some members of the Mandaya-Mansaka tribe and of-ficials of the Mandaya-Mansaka Ex-ecutive Council of Elders. Quintayo further hoped that the title may serve as springboard of development and empowerment that will spread to covered IP com-munities through the formulation of Ancestral Domain Sustainable Devel-opment Protection Plan (ADSDPP). She described ADSDPP as the platform through which all agencies of the government at the local and national level including non-govern-ment organizations (NGOs) can work together to provide assistance to IP communities. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


Koronadal City gears up for hosting of int’l folklore festBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 8 (PIA) -- The local government unit here launched on Sunday, April 5, its Pyesta Kolon Datal, which highlights the culture of B’laans, the original settlers in the ar-eas.

The launching ceremony is also a pre-cursor of the CIOFF International Folkloric Festival 2015 that the LGU Koronadal will host on August 9 - 18 where the B’laan culture, folklore, arts and tradition will be spotlighted along with that of other countries’.

Guests to the launching rites at The Farm included three officials of the Inter-national Council of Organizations of Folk-lore Festival and Folk Art (CIOFF), namely: Magdalena Tovornik, CIOFF representative to the UNESCO and Former Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia; Leticia Wheel-er, CIOFF North American sector represen-tative; and Alejandro Camacho Gonzales, CIOFF Latin and American Sector repre-sentative.

“ Festivals are the best way to present, promote and safeguard for the next gen-erations out intangible cultural heritage,” Tovornik said as she thanked Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel for taking on the


challenge to host the CIOFF Festival.

“That is why, whenever you organize a CIOFF festival, you take a lot of intentions to choose indigenous people, the groups which are not dancing in the modern way.”

The CIOFF Festival here in August will be the first time not only for the City of Koro-nadal but also for the Philip-pines.

“Each CIOFF festival is very important for us. And the fact that the City of Koronadal de-cided to have its own CI-OFF Festival is a big day for

the CIOFF Family in the whole world and also for your city. You should be very proud about it,” she told participants in the launching activity.

At least 11 countries are expected to arrive here in August and showcase their respective traditional folklore and folk arts.

Along with the launching ceremony, the city govern-ment also opened to public its B’laan tribal village situ-ated in Barangay Assumption. In addition to the traditional B’laan dwelling places, the community also features


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 7 (PIA) -- The Depart-ment of Science and Technology (DOST) has already deployed 72 early warning systems in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, an official of the agency confirmed.

a Kasfalah Hall as well as a training center exclusively to promote the B’laan culture and heritage.

On Monday, Mayor Peter Miguel left for Bogota, Co-lombia to attend a global arts and culture summit for peace and to gain more knowl-edge on running the CIOFF Festival.

As a festivity, Pyesta Kolon Datal highlights the year-long 75th Foundation Anniversary celebration of Koronadal as a settlement district.

It honors the lumad B’laans who are the first set-tlers in the area and have stayed in area and have pre-served their identity as a people.

Kolon Datal comes from B’laan words “Kolon” and “Datal,” meaning “cogon grass”

and “plain,” respectively.In October 2014, Mayor

Miguel went to Bautzen, Ger-many to attend the 44th CIOFF World Congress and General Assembly where he was recog-nized as country representative and the Pyesta Kolon Datal as an associate member.

In the same meeting, Miguel expressed desire and got the council’s approval for Koronad-al City to host the international event.

Based in Paris, CIOFF is an official partner of the UNESCO and is accredited with its Intan-gible Cultural Heritage Commit-tee.

Created in 1970, CIOFF has been spearheading efforts in safeguarding, promotion and diffusion of traditional culture and folklore in 110 countries. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

DOST deploys 72 weather monitoring systems in SOCCSKSARGEN RegionBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


DOST 12 Regional Direc-tor Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laid-an, told Philippine Informa-tion Agency that the weather monitoring systems were in-stalled in identified high-risk areas in a bid to properly moni-tor weather changes and help communities prepare against possible weather-related di-sasters.

The initiative, she added, is in accordance with government efforts to beef up real-time weather monitoring and disaster prevention.

“These devices will help com-munities prepare for disasters by giving them early warning,” Director Laidan said.

Laidan further noted that the installation of the early warning systems is part of the Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH), DOST’s response to the call of President Benigno Aquino III for a more accurate, integrated and responsive disaster prevention and mitigation system, specifi-cally in high-risk areas through-out the country.

These EWS include 47 auto-mated rain gauges (ARGs), 16 water level monitoring systems (WLMS), 4 Automated Weather Stations (AWS), and 6 non-

bridge water level monitoring systems.

DOST 12 have completed set up of 18 ARGs and 5 WLMS in several municipalities of North Cotabato as well as 11 ARGs, 5 WLMS and 1 AWS in South Co-tabato.

Deployed in Sultan Kuda-rat province were 11 ARGs, 5 WLMS, and 1 AWS while in-stalled in Sarangani were 6 ARGs, 1 WLMS and 1 AWS in

Another 1 AWS was installed in Cotabato City.

The six non-Bridge WLMS were also installed in identified areas: two in Makilala, North Cotabato, one in Polomolok, South Cotabato; and three in General Santos City.

Dr. Laidan said, installation of the systems in coordination with local government units was completed in March 2015.

DOST 12 started the first phase of implementation of the Deployment of Early Warn-ing System (DEWS) Project in 2012.

“Deployment of these modern weather tracking devices would eliminate subjective weather forecasting through real-time monitoring of weather distur-bances and will keep our com-munities alert to calamities


NorthCot must strengthen tourism --- MinDA

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Apr. 8-- Tourism industry in the province must be further developed to promote progress in North Cotabato, according to the secretary of the Mindanao Devel-opment Authority (MinDA).

brought about by heavy rains and typhoons,” Laidan said.

Data gathered from these de-vices are sent wirelessly through cellular network as text mes-sage.

Each station is equipped with data logger platform GSM Data Acquisition Terminal (G-DAT), which serves as mini-computer that controls all functions and data communications of the sta-tion.

“Our services did not end up in the deployment of these sys-tems; instead periodic monitor-ing, maintenance and evaluation is undertaken to sustain good performance of the stations. The office has started recalibration

of ARGs stationed in the differ-ent areas,” she emphasized.

The project harnesses tech-nologies and management ser-vices for disaster risk reduction activities being offered by DOST through its service institutes - Philippine Astronomical, Geo-physical and Astronomical Ser-vices Administration (PAGASA) , the Philippine Institute of Volca-nology and Seismology (PHIL-VOLCS) and the DOST’s -Ad-vanced Science and Technology Institute, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Na-tional Institute of Geological Sci-ences and the UP College of En-gineering. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOST 12)

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

MinDA Sec. Luwalhati R. An-tonino in her visit in the province noted that tourism industry is one of the key factors that play im-portant role in the advancement of North Cotabato which is more

popular for issues on peace and order.

“If there’s one thing that we need to develop more here in Co-tabato, it’s the tourism industry.

“We know the predicament in


some parts of the province as to peace and order and we need to work harder to overcome those through positive development in the tourism aspect of the prov-ince,” Antonino said.

She also stated that they are starting the said endeavor through MinDA projects implemented in North Cotabato which include tourism roads leading to tourist destinations.

Among these projects are the concreting of roads leading to Asik-Asik Falls in Dado, Alamada and Tausuvan falls in Bongolanon, Magpet as well as the develop-ment of the Lake Agco in Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.

Meanwhile, the official said that MinDA is rolling out various pro-grams and projects in pursuit of the strategies under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan.

“The Mindanao 2020 is designed to respond to the need for a bet-ter future for Mindanao and its people. The programs and proj-ects are intended to develop many communities through infrastruc-ture, tourism, business, livelihood, agriculture and others,” Antonino emphasized.

She also noted that Mindanao 2020 which MinDA spearheads since 2010 contains a blueprint of forums, workshops, focus group discussions, interviews, surveys and consult of writings in various

forms, all aimed to strengthen support as well as commitment of many sectors to program imple-mentations.

To realize the initiatives under Mindanao 2020, Antonino called for coordination of stakeholders and proper implementation of pro-grams and projects.

On the other hand, she noted that MinDA is monitoring its proj-ects in the province assuring that these will be completed before the end of President Aquino’s term.

These projects include: Davao-Cotabato road widening; devel-opment of secondary and local roads such as the Banisilan-Guiling-Alamada-Libungan road, Kidapawan-Kalunasan,M’lang road, Noah, Magpet-Doroluman, Arakan-Greenfield, President Rox-as road, Paco, Kidapawan-Pres. Roxas-Arakan Valley road and Du-aling-Baliki-Silik, Pikit road; flood control and irrigation projects like the Libungan flood control project and the Malmar Irrigation Proj-ects; and the M’lang airport on-going development.

She also mentioned the high po-tential of growing cacao in some parts of the province and the in-tention for North Cotabato to be-come a leading cacao and cocoa supplier. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Gov-ernment)


Butuan Bishop tells inter-faith crowd: ‘Be the first to love…’ By: Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY - Most Rev. Juan de Dios M. Pueblos, bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, tells hundreds of inter-faith crowd gathered on Black Saturday as part of the city Lenten celebration composed of youth, priests, nuns, church leaders, military, police and representatives from the government agency, academe and media to be the ”first to love…” Bishop Pueblos was the main speaker of the ecumenical gathering for worship and prayer initiated by the Diocese of Butuan in partnership


with the Butuan Evangelical Ministerial Association, Inc. (BEMAI) and the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) dubbed as “Butuan Youth Arise” at Guingona Park, 4:00 a.m. Saturday. Seen also attending the event were contingent from the 402nd Philippine Army Brigade led by its commander Col. Isidro Purisima and the staff of the Philippine Information Agency 13, led by Regional Director Abner Caga. The event started with praise and worship songs led by the “Love and Mercy” Community Charismatic Worship Team and the “Jesus Is Lord” Worship Team. Bishop Pueblos during his message praised God for sparing the region from typhoon “Chedeng” and blessing Caraga region with fine weather during the observance of the Lenten season. He challenged everyone present to heed what Pope Francis said “To live the faith…everything should be part of our faith.” According to him that living the faith should start in the family and that everyone must be the first to show love as shown by Christ’s sacrificing, satisfying and sanctifying love. “Be the first to love…” Bishop Pueblos said. The bishop pointed out that

youths are usually the subject of people scheming evil especially those who proliferate illegal drugs. “Be the first to fight illegal drugs,” he challenged. According to him that the illegal drug problem in the city and even in its peripheries are getting worse, and that the fight against that menace to the society should start from the family. He said that the family has a vital role in molding good character of its members in order to create a strong community. He said that in the basic ecclesiastical communities (BECs) under the diocese, no drug problem has been noted. “Parents must always be there to give love, care and constant guidance for their children…let us create a new and vibrant future that is free from corruption. We should start to reflect and renew our commitment to catalyze a positive change, starting from own selves, then to our families and to our communities. We should continue to draw other young people and to heed this call ‘Butuan Youth…Arise, and Standup!’” Bishop Pueblos challenged. Among the highlights of the event was the challenge to pray given by BEMAI President and Jesus Is Lord Regional Minister Rev. Nolan Lloren and


the challenge by Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase to wake up and to stand for righteousness, especially to the youth. A tableau was also presented by the youths of the St. Joseph Cathedral Parish which theme revolved on love and forgiveness. Then a prayer for the six categories such as the: family,

education, media, peace, order and security, environment and the church was offered led by the youth representatives backed up by their priests, nuns, pastors or church leaders. Bishop Pueblos then prayed for all the church priests, nuns, pastors and leaders present.

DENR Caraga initiates simultaneous tree planting activityBy: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office headed by regional director Nonito M. Tamayo and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Nasipit conducted tree planting and coastal clean-up activities simultaneously along the beaches of Buenavista, Nasipit, and Carmen in Agusan del Norte in celebration of the International Day of Forests with the theme, “Forests | Climate | Change.”


To give meaning to the celebration, each participant was required to plant 21 seedlings to symbolize the annual celebration of the International Day of Forests which is every 21st day of March. The activity, which was initiated by CENRO Norman Asugan began at 5 a.m., participated by more than 300 individuals including the DENR personnel, Local Government Units, fisherfolks, private sectors, non-government organizations, and young volunteers. A total of 15,880 seedlings of Rhizopora, Brugeria, Talisay, and other indigenous species were planted in a total land area of 7.52 hectares. The participants also conducted clean-up in the four beaches and collected 183 kilograms of non-biodegradable wastes. “This activity is a good start for the region’s contribution to the 1 Billion Peso Mangrove Rehabilitation Project of the agency,” RD Tamayo said.

He said that a total of 14,880 mangrove propagules were planted in those different sites. “These mangroves would be our first line of defense against natural calamities such as storm surge,” he added. The International Day of Forests (IDF) was observed for the first time on March 21, 2013 thru a resolution established by United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012. This year’s IDF theme emphasizes the ways in which forests and climate change are linked and to gain support in the advocacy to make greater actions to create change. “We should initiate more activities like this as contribution to the adaptation and mitigation measures that we are doing to cushion the impact of climate change. Forests sustain life on earth and therefore the protection of forests must be considered over and above our daily chores,” Tamayo said.


According to Celestino Ares, senior TESD specialist, some 217 trainees have earned their training certificates on March 30, 2015 during the formal ceremony held at 1:00 p.m. at the Provincial Social Hall just across the Capitol grounds. Toolkits have also been distributed to graduates of electronics- and electrical-related fields, he clarified. The affair was attended by 1st District Congressman Philip Pichay, Governor Johnny Pimentel, Bayabas Mayor Ma. Clarita Garcia-Limbaro, Marihatag Mayor Alan Pelenio, and Tandag City Councilor Imelda Falcon representing Mayor Roxanne Pimentel. It was learned that other dignitaries also graced the occasion, particularly TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio

Sunico, Jr. The TESDA provincial office here works hand in hand with the Jobs through Tech-voc Program-Provincial Skills Training Center (JTP-PSTC) at all times; also with the Access for Youth training and Employment Center (AYEC) in Tandag City if there are enrollees coming from this place. Under the JTP-PSTC, 57 have been listed to have passed driving lessons while five have finished as heavy equipment operators. On the other hand, AYEC has backed up 84 trainees for electrical installation and maintenance; 47 for maintenance and repair of e l e c t r o n i c a l l y - c o n t r o l l e d domestic appliances; six for computer hardware servicing; and 18 for personal computer operation, Ares added.

217 graduate from TESDA in SurSurBy: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY - A new batch of trainees at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur headed by Provincial Director Rey Cueva has successfully completed their chosen field of skills training.


DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – Zamboanga del Norte as well as its two component cities of Dipolog and Dapitan has passed the 2014 assessment of Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government, Governor Roberto Y. Uy reported in his state of the province address held here recently.

Zambo. Norte hurdles 2014 GFH evaluationBy Franklin P. Gumapon


“Passing the GFH component of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) implies two good things – the province has satisfactorily complied with the accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations in our financial transactions, and our compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) on local budget finances, bids and public offerings,” Governor Uy stressed. Not only the provincial government and the two cities of Dipolog and Dapitan made it in the 2014 GFH but 19 of the province’s 25 municipalities as well. Uy also challenged the other towns, which fell short of the GFH assessment, by telling them “to step up with your peer local government units (LGUs) to make the entire province compliant with the principles and guidelines of good financial housekeeping.”

SGLG was formerly known as the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) initiated by the DILG in 2010 using the minimum criteria that the LGU has no unqualified and qualified COA (Commission on Audit) opinion, and it complies with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP). SGH was used as a

requirement for an LGU to access national program windows like the Bottom-Up Budgeting Program and the SALINTUBIG program pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-066. Moreover, the governor also reported that in 2014 the provincial government had completed the concreting of 9.940 kilometers of provincial roads with a total investment of P69.485 million. The provincial government has also earmarked an additional investment for infrastructure projects in the amount of P68.898 million for the completion of 13 bridges and spillways, 31 water supply-related projects, lighting of 30 barangays and sitios, four school buildings, three barangay roads, three slope protection structures and 17 covered courts.


By Claro A. Lanipa

WEM-RIC culminates 2015 Women’s Month celebration

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – A grand culmination program capping the 2015 Women’s Month celebration was held yesterday, April 7, at the Amusement and Event Center, Capitol Complex in this city with Las Piñas lone district Representative Mark Villar as keynote speaker. Spearheaded by the Women Empowerment Movement-Rural Improvement Club (WEM-RIC) in partnership with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur, the

activity aimed to instill awareness on the role of women in the family and community as equal partners of men in development and nation building.


In his message, Rep. Mark Villar said: “This year’s theme, ‘Juana, Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan sa Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!,’ is very appropriate reminder to women, that your decision counts and as decision- makers, you have an impact in our homes, community, work places, our society and the country.” “Empowerment is the core message of this celebration that as women, you should all celebrate your power, your influence and your importance. Our nation needs more empowered women to help in nation building,” the young lawmaker emphasized. ”Because when we empower women, we empower families and we empower generations of people,” Villar added. Meanwhile, Junaflor Cerilles, WEM-RIC president said “we have several goals and the first goal is to make this organization credible and active.” She declared that this goal was achieved with the help and participation of each and everyone, saying “it is not only

us, the officers who run this organization but all of us.” Cerilles, who is the first lady of Dumalinao town, was proud to announce that the WEM-RIC started with only 10 thousand members and grew to more than 40 thousand active members throughout the province right now. Twenty-seven women’s groups from the 26 towns and one city came over not only to attend the culmination program but also to show off their dancing prowess in the Zumba dance showdown to the delight of the spectators.

One Mindanao - April 8, 2015

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