One Mindanao - August 17, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region XRegional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/F Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

12 things about Kadayawan

Southern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, August 17, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 2

page 4

Aquino orders in-depth, multi agency probe behind the disappearance and reapperance of Rolito Goin New Bilibid Prison10

Southern Mindanao

Tudaya hydro developer initiates IP’s culture understanding

2721

Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

Tacurong City launches photography & feature writing contests

22 na dating rebelde sa Sarangani pinagkalooban ng pangkabuhayan28Central Mindanao

17 OWWA-10 joins ABS-CBN’s “Serbisyo at Trabaho Patrol”

Rochelle Dagang, Northern Mindanao

DILG-10 to conduct collaborative workshop for LGUs near Tagoloan river basin

Displaced persons in Maguindanao get assistance from ICRC 30Shahana Joy Duerme, ARMM

Neko Jan L Abaday, Northern Mindanao

18

Butuan’s new PNP officer-in-charge reports peace and order situation32 Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

Caraga youth to represent Phl in 39th SSEAYP 35 nyc , Caraga Region

53IB sends off men to Bayog for peace keeping 38 Bernadine Gabawan, Western Mindanao

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4 ONE MINDANAO Friday, August 17, 2012

12 things about Kadayawan

Here are 12 facts you would want to know about Kadayawan: 1. APO DUALING- The original name of the Festival, a contraction of Dabawenyo icons Mt. Apo, Durian and Waling-Waling the thanksgiving festival was institutionalized in 1986 to unite the Dabawenyos following the turbulent years of the Marco dictatorship where the city experienced sustained violence and political upheavals. Two years later, it was renamed Kadayawan to better reflect the merry spirit and indigenous

theme of the celebration. 2. A THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL- It was said that ages ago, indigenous tribes living at the foot of Mt. Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest to thank their gods particularly the supreme

Dubbed as the Festival of

Festivals, Dava City’s Kadayawan Festival held every August with main activities held during the third weekend (Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and Pamulak sa Kadayawan) still enthrals thousands of tourists who flock to the southern metropolis to witness this festival of captivating colors and pulsating performances.

Friday, August 17, 2012ONE MINDANAO 5

12 things about Kadayawan being Manama. Flowers, fruits, vegetables and other produce, farming implements were displayed on mats during the thanksgiving. There were singing and dancing as the tribes gave thanks to their gods. Under the leadership of Mayor Elias Lopez, the first full-blooded Bagobo Mayor of Davao City he initiated tribal festivals participated by lumad and Moslem tribes which mirrors the olden traditions. These would later form the foundations of today’s Kadayawan Festival. 3. A FESTIVAL SHOWCASING DAVAO CITY’S 10 TRIBES- There are about ten recognized indigenous tribes in Davao City these are; Ata, Matigsalug, O v u - M a n u v o , K l a t a - D j a n g a n , Tagabawa, Tausog, M a g u i n d a n a o ,

Maranao, Kagan, and Sama. Though diverse in cultures, traditions and beliefs, these tribes are very much connected by a common origin that binds them together as one and the same…an origin that traces to the very core of the history of Davao City. Kadayawan provides us a

glimpse about the varied cultures and traditions of these tribes. Their harmonious way of life is a mirror of the city’s peaceful present which has provided the environment for its

growth and prosperity. 4. 70,000 VISITORS- The target visitor arrivals for Kadayawan 2012, Department of Tourism XI regional director Art Boncato said they are hopeful that they can surpass the target. 5. P6.3 MILLION- The City Government allocated budget share for the festival nearly all of which will go to the prizes of the different competitions.

6 ONE MINDANAO Friday, August 17, 2012

The grand prize winner of the Indak-Indak (Street Performancewill receive an unprecedented P500,000 in cash prizes

6. JULIANA PALERMO- This sexy actress was crowned as the 2002 Hiyas ng Kadayawan before she got her big break in the movies. The Hiyas ng Kadayawan was originally a beauty pageant and fashion show before it was reformatted in 2008. The present Hiyas is now a showcase of indigenous pride and culture represented by lovely maidens coming from the ten tribes of Davao . 7. 10 TRIBES, ONE VIBE- The theme of this year’s festival best describes the harmonious relationship of Davao City’s Ten tribes and also of the various people; lumad, the settlers, and also the community of foreign nationals living in the city. 8. GUN BAN- Davao City is a no firearm zone during the festival as

the Philippine National

Police under the directive of PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome has implemented a month-long local gun ban. Only authorized uniformed personnel of the police and the armed forces are allowed to carry arms in the city. 9. FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS- The term often used to describe Kadayawan , being the grandest celebrations in this part of Mindanao. 10. DURIAN (Durio zibethinus)-

Still debated in the scientific community if it is indeed a native species in the country p a r t i c u l a r l y in Mindanao where it is plentiful or an introduced tree species,

But the fruit synonymous for its distinct taste and powerful odor dubbed as King of the Fruits is proudly showcase in the festival as Davao’s own, Kadayawan is timed during its harvest season . Davao City produces 26,000 tons of Durian. During Kadayawan which is also normal


durian season, sidewalks are filled with fruit vendors selling the spiky fruit. While hotels and restaurants offer durian-laden cuisines. 11. WALING-WALING (Vanda sanderiana)- Another kadayawan and Dabawenyo icon, this famous orchid considered as one the loveliest of all orchid blooms is treasured by many collectors and horticulturists the world over. The first specimen discovered by western science by collected by German plant explorer Carl Roebelin in Mt. Apo

during the 19th century. 12. PPP- Private-Public-Partnership best describes how the festival is run. Various events are organized and run by the private sector with the active participation of the city government. For this year’s Kadayawan festival among the private partners include the Duaw Dabaw Foundation, Davao City Chinatown Development Council, Davao Association of Travel and Tours Operators (Datto) among many others.

8 Friday, August 17, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino government hopes that Senate will pass Sin Tax Reform Bill into law

The Aquino administration expressed hope that the Senate

will pass the Sin Tax Reform Bill which aims to generate government’s revenues to strengthen the country’s health care system, a Palace official said on Thursday.

“The Senate began committee hearings today on the bill rationalizing excise taxes on liquor and tobacco products. If passed, this bill could raise revenues of over 31 billion pesos in its first year of implementation,” Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang said in a

statement issued on Thursday. “These funds would go to expanding

basic health care, particularly for poor Filipinos,” Carandang said.

The passage of the Sin Tax Reform Bill will strengthen the country’s health care system as taxes collected from cigarettes and liquors are expected to fund an expanded universal healthcare

Friday, August 17, 2012 9

ACROSS THE NATIONcoverage,

according to Carandang.“There are 17.3 million smokers in

the Philippines. Many of them are from the lower income classes, and cannot afford proper medical treatment when they develop illnesses from smoking,”

he said.“For these reasons, we hope the

Senate sees the wisdom of passing the Sin Tax Bill. After all, this bill is, first and foremost, a health measure. In particular, we commend Senator Franklin Drilon for his support,” he said. (js)

10 Friday, August 17, 2012

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda bared the President’s

directive for an investigation following the disappearance of convicted murderer Rolito Go inside the NBP minimum

Aquino orders in-depth, multi agency probe behind the disappearance and reapperance of Rolito Go in New Bilibid Prison

President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered an in-depth, multi-agency probe to determine the circumstances behind the disappearance and reappearance of one of the high-profile inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), recently.

Friday, August 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11

security compound on Wednesday.“President Aquino has ordered an

in-depth, multi-agency investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and eventual reappearance. Hours after Rolito Go had been reported to have disappeared from the New Bilibid Prison, where he has been detained for the past nineteen years, it was reported last night that he had been recaptured by the police. It is good that while one agency was apparently remiss in its duties, another agency stepped up,” Lacierda said.

He also said that the Chief Executive has accepted the offer of Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan to go on an indefinite leave pending the results of the investigation concerning Go’s disappearance.

The NBP, Lacierda said, will be under the supervision of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima until such time that she has appointed an Officer-in-Charge to look over the national reformation facility.

“In order to emphasize the principle of command responsibility and to enhance the investigation, Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan has offered to go on leave and the President has accepted. In the meantime, the New Bilibid Prison will be under the direct supervision of the Secretary of Justice, pending the appointment of an Officer-in-Charge,” Lacierda noted.

Rolito Go was convicted for the murder of 25-year-old La Salle mechanical engineering graduate Eldon Maguan

in July 1991. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. (jcl)


Mindanao leaders hail creation of power monitoring body

Key government and business leaders in Mindanao welcomed the recent signing of Executive Order No.

81 by President Benigno S. Aquino III creating the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee.

The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) lauded Malacañang for the creation of the committee which will make way for the review of policies and processes to accelerate private investments for additional generating

capacities to the Mindanao grid. “This is a welcome development

and we expect greater collaboration between the government and the Mindanao business sector in addressing the Mindanao power


situation,” said Vicente Lao, MinBC and Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA) chair.

Lao said that Mindanao needs to put up at least 1,000 MW of new capacities in the next ten years and another 1,500 MW from 2021-2030 to support its growing economy.

The committee, which shall be headed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), is tasked to put forward and coordinate the efforts of national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao.

“I am thankful that the President approved the creation of MPMC which will monitor, harmonize, and integrate measures to address the island-region’s power situation,” said MinDA chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, who represented President Aquino at the closing of the 21st Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) recently in Butuan City. MinBizCon is the largest annual gathering of business leaders in Mindanao.

Antonino noted that as early as January this year, MinDA had initiated series of advocacies to push for measures and policies aimed at bringing to an end the recurring power problem Mindanao.

At the height of the power problem in April, MinDA, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DoE), convened the Mindanao Power Summit in Davao City and rallied the Mindanao stakeholders around short and long-term solutions to the problem.

“The committee will be working on the recommendations presented by the Mindanao power stakeholders to President Aquino during the summit,” said Antonino, adding that the President has been earnest in his desire to address the power situation in Mindanao.

She said that MPMC shall also ensure the establishment of a power monitoring mechanism that regularly generates information on Mindanao power generation and distribution, including status of efforts to add new generating capacities to the grid.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) puts the island-region’s system capacity at only 1027 megawatts (MW) in its latest weekly power outlook bulletin, 133 MW short of the Mindanao grid’s 1160 MW system load.

Antonino also said MPMC shall study the power summit proposals such as the creation of a Mindanao Power Corporation, which shall take on the operation and maintenance of the Agus and Pulangi hydro power complexes. Such proposal is now gaining ground in Congress with the filing of House Bill No. 6308, proposing for the creation of a Mindanao Power Corporation, authored by House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao, Rep. Ma. Isabel Climaco of Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, the Special House Committee on Mindanao Affairs chaired by Rep. Arnulfo Go of the second district of Sultan Kudarat, will be working closely with the Committee on Government Enterprises and


Privatization and the Committee on Energy on the proposed measure.

“I believe that the creation of MPMC will ensure a dynamic and efficient performance of all electric cooperatives and power alliances in Mindanao”, said Go.

He added that the creation of a monitoring body will help bolster a more effective generation and delivery of power in the island-region. “Together with the Mindanao lawmakers bloc in Congress, I will support measures that will address the energy needs of Mindanao”, he said.

Moreover, MPMC shall lay the ground for the setting up of a One-Stop-Shop Processing Center (OSSPC) for mini hydro power plant applications in Mindanao, with support from the DoE.

Mindanao has a big potential in mini hydro power projects but the tedious application process draws back investors.

“The establishment of OSSPC, like the one-stop shops of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will help fast track processing of applications for new generation capacities in Mindanao.”

Currently, the awarding of service contracts for mini hydro projects takes several years to be processed. Antonino said the main goal is to complete the set-up of small hydro plants within 10 months to one year.

MPMC is composed of MinDA, DoE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and representatives from MEPA and the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO).

The committee is set to convene a Technical Working Group Meeting this week.


Troopers celebrate its 39th founding anniversaryby 1Lt. Ali Dan G. Dumalahay Army’s 8th Infantry

(Dependable) Battalion under

Ltc. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II (INF) GSC celebrated its 39th founding anniversary through different activities held at its headquarters at South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon last August 4.

The day started with a thanksgiving mass held at the camp’s chapel by Reverend Father Demetrio Berondo Jr. It was followed by an awarding ceremony to deserving personnel and civilian peace partners who contributed in the success of the

unit’s mission and in being adjudged as Best Battalion for Calendar Year 2011 in the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Philippine Army. In his message, Cuerpo said that the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion had greatly contributed to the success of the command’s mission in the fight against

insurgency and has been consistent in providing good services to the people in its area of operation. A tree-planting activity was also conducted and participated in by dependable troopers, dependents


and invited guests. One hundred fifty mahogany trees and 50 Rambotan fruit-bearing trees were planted all over the camp’s premises. Series of fun games were also held by the military dependents, including the Dependable Trooper’s intercompany basketball tournament. “Winning the game is not the aim of all participants but to enjoy each other’s brotherhood. Our soldiers’ family has been the morale booster of each dependable trooper, thus this activity is dedicated to them,” said Cuerpo before the start of the game. The said occasion was also graced by the presence of Col. Samuel G. Afdal (INF) PA Ret, a former battalion commander of 8IB and presently chief executive of Philippine SAGA Mining Corporation. BGen. Romeo L. Gapuz AFP, commander, 403rd Brigade, PA, extended his congratulatory note to all dependables on the 39th Founding anniversary. “The 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion has nothing to prove, it remains the pride of the 403rd Brigade, the 4th ID and the Phil. Army,” said Col. Afdal. Aside from the representatives

from the military, several guests were also present on the occasion that includes friends from the local government unit of Maramag, headed by Mayor Alicia P. Resus, associates from other government agencies and business firms. During the evening socials, a dinner party together with the families and friends of dependable troopers was prepared followed by an open amateur singing contest and disco entertainment. Cuerpo expressed his heartfelt gratitude and endless thanks to the soldiers especially to the dependents and friends who have been supportive to the unit’s activities and mission. He also encouraged the troops as well as the visitors to enjoy the day with their families and their loved ones. (8IB/4ID)


OWWA-10 joins ABS-CBN’s “Serbisyo at Trabaho Patrol”by Neko Jan L Abaday

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-10 joined last Saturday, August 11, the launching of ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao 2nd Grand Serbisyo & Trabaho Patrol by providing consultation and document processing services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

The festival of free services to the public, held at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) campus here, was also supported by other government agencies such as the Department of Labor and E m p l o y m e n t (DOLE), Philippine Health Insurance C o r p o r a t i o n (PhilHealth), Home D e v e l o p m e n t Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Social Service System (SSS). Representatives from the private sectors also participated in the day-long festival of services that includes medical mission, bloodletting,

journalism class, lifestyle booth, eye check-up services and job-fair, among others. The OWWA-10 also conducted a simultaneous activity for the orientation of 26 incoming college freshmen students from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon and their parents/guardians under the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP). The topics discussed on the


DILG-10 to conduct collaborative workshop for LGUs near Tagoloan river basinby Rochelle Dagang

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 will conduct a collaborative workshop for contiguous local government units (LGUs) in the periphery of Tagoloan river basin on August 22.

This is to be attended by mayors, vice mayors, sanggunian members and disaster risk reduction management officers of covered city and municipalities from Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, namely, Malaybalay City, Baungon, Impasugong, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Tagoloan and Claveria. Said activity is the second regional forum under the DILG’s “Enhancing LGU Capacity on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation” (CCA) program, in which said workshop falls under its capacity enhancement component. The first one was held last July 19 for the Cagayan de Oro River Basin. The forum will help raise

awareness among local governments and communities in the target river basin on DRR and CCA, as well as to mobilize political support for the engagement of multi-stakeholders for local level disaster risk reduction and management initiatives. It will also be discussed in the forum the current situation of the areas in terms of disaster risks and climate vulnerabilities, as well as the government development framework on DRR and CCA, among others. Aside from the two major river basins (MRBs) in Region 10, there are 16 other MRBs throughout the country identified by the River Basin Control Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Each of these MRBs is expected to

orientation includes the venue of the study, scholarship conditions and program guidelines, obligations of the scholars and their parents/guardians, duration of scholarship and other pertinent guidelines and provisions of the program. The ODSP is a scholarship program that offers financial assistance

to qualified dependents of OFWs who receive a monthly salary of not more than $400. They will enroll in any four-year or five-year baccalaureate course or associate course leading to a baccalaureate degree or associate degree in a state college or university. (OWWA-10)


DILG-10 to conduct collaborative workshop for LGUs near Tagoloan river basin

consider a collaborative agenda in their planning that shall create a common action plan to address overlapping concerns that is caused by one reach to the other. This river basin-based approach will intensify the LGUs’ efforts to effectively manage the risk from floods, landslides, drought and even sea level rise, including establishment of forecasting and early warning system in every river basin. Said forum will be held at N Hotel, Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City. Also invited are Sangguniang Kabataan/Association of Barangay Councils federation DILG field officers, local resource/academic institutions, civil society organizations, regional development council members and

other representatives from national agencies and non-government organizations. A separate forum for contiguous LGUs in the periphery of Mindanao-Cotabato river basin will also be conducted by DILG-10 and 12 today at General Santos City. Eighteen LGUs from the Bukidnon province will be participating along with 26 LGUs from Region 12 in the said activity. Per Republic Act (RA) 9729, known as the “Climate Change Act of 2009,” and RA 10121, known as the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,” DILG is mandated to capacitate local government units on CCA and disaster preparedness. (DILG)

Photos by pogichang


Davao City’s largest gym to be inaugurated

The largest indoor area for sports, concerts, conventions

and other events in Davao City will be inaugurated this Friday (August 17.) The P145- million airconditioned University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium and Cultural Center is an

8,000 seating capacity facility located in a 3,500 square meter portion of the USEP campus in Obrero, where the former Davao Trade School once stood. It was pursued through the initiative of then House Speaker and first district congressman Prospero

by RG Alama


Nograles alongside the efforts of USEP President Perfecto Alibin. The project started with a P60-million funding allocated from the General Appropriations Act in 2009 an additional P30-million fund from the Priority Development Assistance Fund was also added in the same year. In 2010 another P30-million budget was released and another P25-million budget was poured to finish the structure. Slated to attend the inauguration will include Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-List Representative Mark Aeron H. Sambar, former Speaker Prospero Nograles, Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles of the first congressional district Davao City who also sits as a member of the USeP Board will represent Congressman Juan Edgardo M. Angara, chair, committee of education.

Already upon its completion several big concerts have been held and lined-up in the gymnasium, comedian and television personality Vice Ganda held her Davao concert in the facility while movie and television star Anne Curtis is holding her concert at the gymnasium this Saturday August 18. The gym can also host Philippine Basketball Association games as Davao City despite being a highly-urbanized area doesn’t have a modern and large gymnasium that can hold professional basketball events which the cities of Digos and Panabo with their modern gymnasiums have been hosting regularly. Aside from hosting large events, the gymnasium is aimed at being a revenue earner for the host university. (PIA 11/RG Alama)

Tudaya hydro developer initiates IP’s culture understandingDAVAO CITY- Hedcor Tudaya, Inc. recently held a session for understanding the culture and customary laws of the Bagobo-Tagabawa, the host indigenous peoples community of the Tudaya Hydropower Project, at the Municipal Training Center of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The culture sensitivity

discussion amongst Hedcor employees, contractors, suppliers, and IP communities was at the start of the construction of the P1 billion worth Tudaya Hydropower project with a capacity of 7 MWs. “Our place is welcome to any people, provided that they will embrace and respect our culture


and traditions”, said Datu Rogelio Manapol, chair of the Bagobo-Tagabawa. “This culture sensitivity discussion alone to Hedcor workers is a manifestation that the company respects our culture”, he added. Datu Manapol spoke together with representatives of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples

and Hedcor officials before the participants. Hedcor vice president for Business Development Gregorio Jabonillo explained the importance of this discussion. “Our mutual understanding and respect to our culture and traditions will lead us to a peaceful conduct to any field

activities we have”, he said. “It is easy for everyone present to work on our expansion project because we are now all aware of which places are sacred for the tribe and what are the offensive physical gestures for them”, Jabonillo added. The tribal leaders were also

enlightened to the policies and procedures of the company. It was also brought out that the IPs were properly informed of company’s run-of-river hydro power systems, its impact and the needs of community in which Hedcor provided in their signed Memorandum of Agreement. The Tudaya Hydro 2 project broke ground on August 1 in the presence of the government officials and its host communities. A tribal ritual was also conducted on July 31.As Hedcor extends its horizons to serve more host communities, the same culture building and

understanding are to be conducted prior to construction. In Davao City, Hedcor has a plan of building 11.5 MW Tamugan Hydropower Project which will be located in Barangays Wines and Gumalang, Baguio District. (Hedcor)


did you know...

That the word Kadayawan is taken from the Mandaya word Madayaw a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.


Business confidence in Soccsksargen remains bullish - Bangko SentralBy Cathy Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Business confidence is up in Mindanao, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.


“ B u s i n e s s confidence in the region remains positive especially in Regions 11 and 12,” said Rosabel Guerrero, director of BSP-Department of Economic Statistics during an awards ceremony and appreciation lunch for BSP stakeholders on Tuesday (Aug 7) at East Asia Royale Hotel here. Guerrero said the “future conditions of business and the economy” is determined through the Business Expectations Survey

(BES) conducted by the BSP quarterly among 1,587 companies belonging to the top 7,000 corporations of the Philippines. She said based on survey, the “Business sentiment in Regions 11 and 12 turned more

bullish in the second quarter of 2012, with the overall confidence indices (CIs) turning more positive” compared to previous quarter. “We see that in Region 11, the trade and services sectors contributed to the region’s more favorable view of the economy. Continued business expansion and increased demand were cited by respondents as reasons for their more buoyant outlook,” Guerrero told BSP stakeholders composed of public and

private sectors here. While she reported a slight decline in business confidence of the industry sector in Mindanao, it has, however, improved in Region 12 in the second quarter of 2011.“The more optimistic

outlook of firms in the wholesale and retail trade sector contributed to the more favorable business prospects in the region. Meanwhile, the sentiment of the industry sector declined but remained positive,” Guerrero explained. This “sanguine” outlook, according to her is affected by certain factors such as increased orders, bigger financial transactions, and opening of fishing grounds in the Western Pacific seas. BSP maintained that Mindanao’s economy is steered by vital “economic indicators” such as population and employment, economic growth and prices, financial resources, investments and income of top corporations, and business expectations.In her report of Mindanao D e v e l o p m e n t Indicators, Guerrero said that although the economic growth of Mindanao declined from 4.7 percent in 2010 to 3.2 percent in 2011, “Soccsksargen’s


economy expanded by 4.0 percent in 2011, higher than the 2.0 percent in 2010.”She cited agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors as Mindanao’s most significant assets that contributed to the national economy.The BSP report also indicated that inflation in the Philippines in June 2012 was slightly lower compared to the month of May and was below its 3.0–5.0 percent target for 2012. “Except for Zamboanga and Soccsksargen, the June 2012 inflation rates in the regions of Mindanao were lower compared to those of the previous month,” Guerrero pointed out, saying northern Mindanao and Caraga’s inflation rates were higher than that of national average in June 2012 but still lie within the inflation target. For banking system, the number of banks remained widely sound in Soccsksargen with 178 branches and 15 head offices. Of the 4,869 universal and commercial banks in the

Philippines as of March 2012, 100 of these are found in Soccsksargen along with 19 thrift bank offices out of the 1,547 thrift banks in the country. The report also cited an increase in rural and cooperative banks across all regions in Mindanao except for Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 73 rural and cooperative banks in Soccsksargen out of 2,737 registries in the country. In addition, Guerrero cited the continuous growth in lending activity in Soccsksargen in the first half of 2011 posting an 11.4 percent growth. There was also a notable expansion of “deposit generation” in Mindanao except in ARMM. This growth indicates easier access to credit and more money to be used for productive activities in the regions especially for Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Caraga, she said, explaining that “loans to deposit ratios” in these areas have increased in June 2011.

But overall, she said growth across Mindanao regions continued to decelerate compared to previous years. She also said that trade and industry remained “the biggest sectors” for Soccsksargen in 2010 while investments, income and profits of top corporations in the entire Mindanao region are continuously increasing at double digit levels. Guerrero pointed out that although “unemployment rate in Mindanao increased slightly but it remains low.” M e a n w h i l e , Demetrio Casipong, director of BSP Davao regional office said “the Philippine economy continues to remain resilient despite the global economic woes” with the “regional economic growth also gaining ground.” But BSP also expressed concern over Mindanao’s growing population saying it is “growing faster than the whole Philippines.” (CTA-PIA 12, General Santos City)


Tacurong City launches photography & feature writing contestsBy Aida Agad

KORONADAL CITY-- Inspired by the huge success of the 2011 “Igpat sang Kamera,” Tacurong City unveiled this year’s photography and feature writ-ing contests as part of the observance of the city’s founding anniversary.

“This year, we are hoping that Igpat participants will be able to capture our city as a vibrant tourist destination, as we also enjoy merrymaking with the Talakudong Festival,” Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla said.

Themed “It’s More Fun in the City of Goodwill,” 2012 Igpat sang Kamera will showcase in photos

the city’s potentials as the upcoming local destinations for tourists.

Cash prizes await participants of Igpat sang Kamera 2012 photo contest, which is open to all hobbyists as well as professional photographers.

For the first time in observing the Talakudong Festival, a feature writing contest is included.

Organizers said this is to encourage interested scribes to write about the city’s people and their way of life, business and economy, e n v i r o n m e n t , tourism, governance and others more.

Tacurong was created a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 462 signed by the late President Elpidio Quirino on August 3, 1951.

After 49 years as a municipality, it became the first component city of the province of Sultan Kudarat through the effort of Lone District Congressman Angelo O. Montilla, the proponent of House Bill No. 6497 which


was approved on August 16, 2000.

Interested writers and photographers may visit the city’s website www.tacurongcity.net for more information. (aca-PIA12/LGU-Tacurong)

22 na dating rebelde sa Sarangani pinagkalooban ng pangkabuhayanLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL -- Dalawampu’t dalawang dating mga rebelde ang nabigyan kamakalawa ng tulong pangkabuhayan mula sa Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) sa pamamagitan ng Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Sarangani.

Ayon kay OPAPP area coordinator Emmanuel Fable, abot sa P419,000 ang kabuuang halaga ng ayuda na kanilang ipinagkaloob sa mga benepisyaryo.

Magkakaiba aniya ang halaga na natanggap ng bawat isa mula P5,000 hanggang P50,000 depende sa kanilang ipinanukalang p r o y e k t o n g pangkabuhayan at pagtaya ng Provincial Social Welfare and

Development Office ng Sarangani.

Ito ang ikalawang grupo ng mga dating rebelde na nakatanggap ng tulong sa ilalim ng CLIP sa ilalim ng Internal Peace and Security Plan-Bayanihan ng pamahalaan na naglalayon ng mas matibay na pakikilahok ng mga lokal na pamahalaan para sa pangmatagalang pagpapatupad ng naturang programa.

Batay naman sa ulat ni Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez, sa nakaraang 10 taon, umabot na 300 na dating rebelde ang kanilang natulungan na nanguna sa bansa sa bilang ng mga FR o former rebels.

Dito makikita and kooperasyon ng lokal na pamahalaan at nasyunal na pamahalaan lalung lalo na ang Sandataang Lakas ng Pilipinas. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


12 ARMM personnel train on MDG localizationby Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY- Twelve personnel of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) set off for a three-day training workshop on localizing the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) in Naga City from August 14-18, 2012.

The three-day activity aims to gain deeper understanding and insights of the area’s best practices and experiences, success stories and testimonies on MDG implementation and monitoring through the promotion of local action and capacity- building.

ARMM Executive Secretary Anwar Malang said this is in preparation for the upcoming partnership of ARMM leadership

with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)-Mindanao Desk and the Naga City Governance Institute (NGCI) for localizing the MDG patterned after the Naga City experience.

“The participants are expected to have a deeper understanding and give their r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s based on the best practices of Naga City for possible replication here in ARMM,” Malang said.

The knowledge and experiences gained in the activity will further strengthen concerted implementation efforts aimed at attaining the goals and targets of the Millennium Development Goals in the autonomous region, he said.

For three consecutive years, Naga City has received commendations for its implementation and monitoring of the MDG at the community level under the leadership


of now DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Malang said, part of the training-workshop is a visit to the Naga City Governance Institute for orientation and sharing of best

practices as well as an informal consultation on the establishment , operation and management of the MDG database

The Philippines is a signatory to the MDGs set within 2015 to

reaffirm and reinforce the agreements on the goals and targets toward eliminating extreme poverty worldwide. (pbc/PIA Cotabato City-BPI/ARMM)

Displaced persons in Maguindanao get assistance from ICRCBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY--Two thousand two hundred internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in the province of Maguindanao received household items yesterday from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The families were affected by the recent armed conflict in the province.

The ICRC in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross visited 468 war-affected families temporarily sheltered in Ampatuan National High School, Madrasah public market in Barangay Kauran,and Mahat Islamic School in Barangay Malating, all in Ampatuan town were given cooking utensils, hygiene kits and shelter items.

Cotabato City ICRC head Christoph Polajner said that even though the affected familes reside in evacuation centers, still they are having

difficulties to cover themselves from the bad weather condition.

“These families left behind most of their possessions and are still unable to return home” Polajner added.

Also, aside from household items, ICRC distributed medicines especially those which can cure diarrhea.

On the other hand, to help 50 injured people who are now being treated at th Provincial Health Office in Shariff Aguak, the organization provided dressing kits, antibiotics and

analgesics.This endeavor is

considered by the organization as an emergency response to help the affected residents cope with the effects brought by the fight between the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

As a humanitarian organization, ICRC swears that it will continue to monitor and assess the situation in the war-torn areas of Maguindanao province. (SJDuerme-PIA12)


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Joint forces of DENR, PNP, AFP seize undocumented in Bayugan Cityby David M. Suyao

The confiscated materials were 1,304 pieces or 74,821 board feet of undocumented mixed dipterocarp flitches and another 682 board feet of Narra flitches, inside an abandoned depot in Purok-19, Poblacion, Bayugan City. In a written report submitted

by the officer-in-charge of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Bayugan City, the confiscation of the forest products was prompted by an intelligence report from an informant. Immediately, by the power of a search warrant, No. 2012-12, issued by

Ajoint team from the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources, the Philippine National Police and the army has seized forest products in Poblacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.


Bayugan City trial court Judge Hector Salise, the operation was executed. According to Bayugan City CENRO Eleazar Alaira, upon receipt of report of the presence of the forest products, he immediately sought the help of the PNP and the AFP, who also responded immediately. “Together with Bayugan City chief of police Gerry Ratunil and his men and 26th Infantry Battalion commander Jose Leonard Gille also with his men, we immediately proceeded to the abandoned depot in coordination with the Barangay Poblacion Council. Upon opening the door of the depot, filed flitches met our eyes, and that very moment, I ordered the seizure of the items and hauled them to be temporarily deposited in our office at CENRO Bayugan City. The seized

items are now under the custody our team leader, forester Meliton Legaspi for safekeeping, pending upon further in depth investigation which is subject for court litigation,” Alaira said.

Butuan’s new PNP officer-in-charge reports peace and order situationby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- PSupt Nerio Bermudo, the new officer-in-charge of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), has reported the peace and order situation of this city covering the period of July 1-31, 2012 during the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting.


Bermudo said crime incidents recorded from July 1-31, 2012 has decreased from 81 last year to 57 crime incidents of the same period. In Butuan City, it was learned that crimes recorded for the month of July are robbery, theft, physical injury, murder, homicide and rape. Bermudo also said their office is continuously implementing its campaign against illegal logging, illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and apprehension of wanted persons. “From the period of July 18 to August 15, we have conducted four positive operations on our campaign against illegal logging, two positive operations on our campaign against

illegal drugs and arrested two persons while we also conducted three positive operations on our campaign against illegal gambling and arrested five persons,” said Bermudo. Bermudo added BCPO has arrested 12 wanted persons within the same period. They also continuously implement the Optical Media Act of 2003 wherein three positive operations were conducted, arrested two

persons and conf iscated 4,800 pieces of pirated CDs. With the joint efforts of the city government and the office

of 1st District Las Nieves-Butuan City representative Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, Bermudo said BCPO will be installing


CCTV Cameras in strategic areas within Butuan City so it would be easier to track or monitor possible crimes. The establishment of detachment/outpost in the barangays of Bancasi and Ampayon was also raised as one of the issues and concerns that BCPO asked assistance with the council. Another concern is their request for the augmentation of Special Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (SCAA) personnel at the BCPO headquarters. During the meeting, City Prosecutor Felixberto Guiritan served as the presiding officer on behalf of City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. Some

local government officials, together with regional directors and representatives of different government agencies who are members of the council, also reported their accomplishments related to the peace and order situation in the city.


Caraga youth to represent Phl in 39th SSEAYP by NYC

BUTUAN CITY -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) has chosen Neil Mendoza Lastimosa of Caraga region as one of the 28 young Filipinos to represent the country as Youth Ambassador of Goodwill in this year’s Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP). Lastimosa successfully passed a series of competitive selection process and was oriented and trained in diplomatic affairs, youth leadership and culture and the arts, among others, so that he may embody the best of the Philippines’ values, culture and vision during the international program from October 22 until December 14 this year. Specifically, he will have the rare opportunity to interact with fellow international youths and discuss relevant issues affecting the youth in the regional association and the world. He will join courtesy calls with dignitaries, help showcase the country’s traditional culture

and arts, and immerse with other cultures. Now on its 39th year, the SSEAYP is sponsored by the Japanese government and supported by member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). On board Japanese Liner Fuji Maru, the chosen 28 Philippine delegates and more than 300 other youths from all over Southeast Asia will visit six countries, namely, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Japan for an exchange program that will foster diplomacy, cultural understanding and cooperation between and among youth leaders in the ASEAN and Japan.


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Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through its

High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) in partnership

Zamboanga Sibugay bags best garden award By Alpha SolivoAguinaldo Elementary School of Aguinaldo, Naga,

and Titay National High School of Titay, both of Zamboanga Sibugay province were recently chosen

as the “Best Garden” awardees among the 498 participating schools in the elementary and high school levels, respectively.


with the Department of Education (DepEd), the awarding was held at the Roderic’s Resort, Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Both schools were awarded Php 35,000 each while the top 15 schools in the elementary and secondary levels received Php5,000P each. The criteria for judging, includes Production Management, Nutrition Impact, Community and Parents Participation, and Innovation. Dr. Amelia P. Torralba, Division Schools Superintendent of Sibugay said, “I am grateful to DA for making us a partner in this undertaking. Thank you for giving us the equipment and gardening tools for us to realize what we have dreamed before. I also thank the schools for the effort and for giving their best in this “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program. This is really organic and without chemicals so we are assured of healthy and clean products from our vegetable gardens. This will serve

as an advocacy to the community because when the students brought home their produce from school, they will be inspired to make vegetable gardens at their backyards.” Mr. Hannibal Bayo-ang, DA- HVCDP Report Officer who represented Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said “HVCDP oversees the implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan program. The DA is also thankful for the cooperation of DepEd. At their young age, the students are now involved in the realization of the DA in its aim of achieving food sufficiency in our country.” The “Agrikulturang Pilipino – Gulayan sa Paaralan” (GSP) is a program of the DA which aims to promote self help food production activities and values (appreciation of agriculture as a life support system) among children. It also intends to promote vegetable production through natural/organic


53IB sends off men to Bayog for peace keeping

BAYOG, ZAMBOSUR - To minimize insurgency problems in the municipality of Bayog and in line with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) code name ‘Bayanihan’, the 53IB Philippine Army sends off 150 men of Peace and Development Works Team (PDWT) in a simple ceremony on August 13,

2012 at the municipal government quadrangle.

By Bernadine Gabawan

farming; maintain school gardens as source of vegetables to supply feeding programs; and to showcase a small-scale food production model in schools for the households and communities to replicate purposely to promote family food security. The GSP is coordinated with Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH) through its National Nutrition Council (DOH-NNC) and

local government units (LGUs) in order to mitigate hunger and malnutrition in the rural areas by ensuring fresh vegetables in every household. The awarding ceremony was also graced by National Nutrition Council Director Ma. Del Pilar Pamela R. Tarroza, Rey Manginsay, Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of Sibugay, Faculty, barangay officials and DA staff. (AS-DA9/PIA9/alt)


In his presentation of PDWTs to the municipal officials, 53rd IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Tanggawohn said “these men are to be deployed in the barangays to resolve insurgency. They will conduct activities in their respective assigned barangays of which same activities are also employed by the CNN (CPP/NPA/NDF) to organize or recruit.” “If we will work together hand in hand, we will easily attain peace. Sana, Tanggapin ninyo sila at tulungan upang maisagawa nila ang kanilang misyon(I hope that you will accept and help them fulfill their mission), Tanggawohn added. Mayor Babasa in his message, said the municipality with the PNP

under PInsp Alejo warmly accepts them. “Today marks a memorable event for the peace and order and this is now the answer of what we have been longing for. We urged everyone to help these men in facilitating activities to attain our goals,” Babasa said. Babasa announced the deployment list with the barangays and the officials of the PA assigned after the singing of the “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”. The ceremony was attended by the municipal officials , barangay chairmen, some officials of the 53IB, PNP personnel and some residents of the municipality. (JPA/GCC/BAG/PIA9-ZamboSur)

One Mindanao - August 17, 2012

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