One Mindanao - July 1, 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

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

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

DA, LGUs strengthen regional disaster risk management for agriculture

AgNor solon lauds new TESDA grads, hand-over livelihood toolkits

NorthCot- OPVet pushes for proposed quarantine ordinance

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Davao Oriental: gracefully rising from ruins

K to 12 Program wins support from LGUs, parents, teacher

NFA conducts daily inspection, investigation amidst reports of suspected fake rice

4,562 students in ARMM finish TESDA courses

DTI’s SSF — Fitting entrepreneurial skills into women’s lives

MisOcc Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force files 6 cases vs EO 277 violators

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By: Vanessa P. Sanchez

By: Bureau of Public InformationBy: DTI Bukidnon

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

50 Duterte orders police to speed up disposition of cases

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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By: Jean Duron-AbanganContents

By: Lawig Katawhan

Delegates of Democratic Progress Institute visit ARMM

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ARMM

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34 Leadership program prepares Basilan youth for positive changeBy: Rene V. CarbayasDSWD bares 226 development projects to rise in poorest towns in region 9By: Dominic I. Sanchez

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23 No flooding in Cotabato City -- CDRRMO By: LGU Cotabato City

By: Joey Sem Dalumpines

4 July 1, 2015One Mindanao

Davao Oriental: gracefully rising from ruins By: Jean Duron-Abangan

Cover Story

5July 1, 2015 One Mindanao

B asking in the glowing prospect to become the “Gateway to the Pacific” in 2012, Davao Oriental capitalized on its vast economic and investment potentials in agriculture, forestry, aquamarine, mining, and culture and nature tourism. The momentum of growth at that time was perfectly matched with the dawning of peace and security that the provincial government with the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines had worked for.


Just as Davao Oriental geared for a full take off, Typhoon Pablo swept over its east coast towns bringing 185 kilometer per hour (kph) sustained winds and 122 kph gustiness. It reduced the province’s three east coast towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston to ground zero, bringing enormous damage while affecting nearby towns. The ruins There was sorrow, agony and mourning over lost lives and injuries: 457 died, 3,020 injured and 64,032 families were affected. The local government calculated P5.846 billion damage to infrastructures, facilities and

establishments, and private structures and properties. Typhoon Pablo caused P8.5 billion damage to agriculture, tourism, trade, industry, and services; ruined 30 percent coral resources; and destroyed 132,105 hectares of forest lands. It literally laid to waste what the people and the local governments were banking on to progress especially in the east coast towns of the province: their livelihood and income sources including the innumerable number of trees which were felled and laid rotten on the ground. Nobody had ever projected


the extent of damage such force of nature could bring. However, more lives would have been lost, if not for the pro-active steps of the provincial government to set up the Provincial Central Incident Command Post before Typhoon Pablo made a landfall. Coordination was established and the necessary preparation was done. People from vulnerable areas were evacuated to designated centers. Initiative to rise While relief operation was still on-going a month after, the provincial government crafted a framework plan to build back the three severely-hit towns in three years

from 2013 to 2016. The PLGU labelled such comprehensive rehabilitation and development framework plan as “Building Back Better Agenda”. Spiritual transformation, moral recovery and value formation were embedded in such development agenda, bringing a spark of inspiration to the provincial government’s advocacy to “Move on and Move Up”. The development agenda were classified into Emergency Humanitarian Response done in seven months from Dec 2012 to June 2013; the Early Recovery stage undertaken from January 2013 to December 2013; and the Build-Back-Better stage rolled


out from 2013 to 2016. The third phase of realizing the rehab and development framework plan involves land use and sectoral re-planning, resettlement and permanent Housing, debris management, reconstruction, and livelihood and industry development. The PLGU made headway in providing immediate needs of affected families in terms of

shelter and h o u s i n g , education and on health, sanitation and nutrition. It made use of convergence strategy to forge together government r e s o u r c e s and private assistance.

As of May 2015, about 15,000 p e r m a n e n t shelters were c o m p l e t e d under the Modified Shelter A s s i s t a n c e Program of

DSWD in cooperation with the Provincial Government. Aside from DSWD, foundations and charitable institutions helped provide permanent shelters. Among them were PLDT-Smart Foundation under MVP Group of Companies, Gawad Kalinga and Tan Yan Kee Foundation. Typhoon Pablo may have caused unimaginable damage to the east coast areas of Davao Oriental but, it has pushed the provincial government to strengthen efforts on disaster management. It has also prompted the PLGU to pro-actively adapt to climate change. The PLGU has been revisiting its Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan. It is helping LGUs chart their respective Municipal Comprehensive Land Use Plan while mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures in their respective development plans. More strides to rise

The provincial government has remained resolute and unfazed in sustaining its agricultural development and in maximizing its potentials in culture and tourism. With funding


support from World Bank, it has completed the construction of Cateel Irrigation Project designed to irrigate new rice production areas of about 2,000 hectares. The province is sure to hit 100% rice sufficiency level in the coming years with this new irrigation facility. The declaration of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on June 23, 2014 is another ray of hope that the province can rise from bleak scenario that Typhoon Pablo has cast over its horizon. The provincial government looks at it as a boost to local development. The provincial government is also promoting the Sunrise Boulevard in Baganga, Riverview Park and Aliwagwag Eco Park in Cateel, Pusan Point in Caraga, and Tourism Site in Boston. Parallel to tourism is its pursuit for oil palm industry development, replacing coconuts in some parts of the east coast towns. It banks on the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program study which has named oil palm as one of crops suitable for propagation in Davao Oriental. Other crops identified are rubber,

cacao, coffee, fruit trees, bamboo, and, coconut intercropped with short-term duration crops. The once barren mountains of Davao Oriental are now turning green while its mud-sunken valleys are now coming alive with flowing clear waters. God may have His own art of transforming people and places. He does harsh, as it may seem, on the east coast towns of Davao Oriental. However, He is blessing local government officials of wisdom to think of ways to rise and stand strongly yet gracefully. He is sending them people and government agencies to aid them as they take stride in building back better from the ruins of nature’s wrath. Governor Malanyaon knows that the “Building-Back-Better” agenda still has a long way to go. Banking on the support from the national government and other development collaborators, she is optimistic to harness more resources and partners to do more and to do better in the coming years “Always with undaunted spirit ‘to Move on and to Move up’ as our mantra goes,” she said.


Dutch Queen Maxima lauds Philippines financial inclusion efforts

MANILA -- Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands commended the Philippines’ efforts in making financial services more accessible to all Filipinos.

The Queen, who is also the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for

Development, paid a courtesy call on President Aquino in Malacañang as part of her three-day official visit to the country to


promote financial inclusion.

“Queen Maxima commended the Philippines’ efforts on financial inclusion and highlighted that the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI), an inter-agency program spearheaded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that would be launched tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, is a good

step towards enabling Filipinos to have access to financial services,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

For his part, President Aquino reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to ensure financial inclusion among all Filipinos and shared the country’s examples of


projects, such as the Convergence on Value Chain-Enhancement for Rural Growth and Empowerment (ConVERGE) and the Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihood (FishCORAL) that includes farmers’ and fishermen’s access to financial services and the banking sector, as well as the Conditional Cash Transfer Program that enhances financial inclusion among its beneficiaries, through the use of mobile phones.

While in the country, Queen Maxima will meet with leaders from the public and private sectors and give a speech at the launch of the NSFI, which aims to enhance cooperation among ministries, government agencies, and the private sector to improve the population’s access to financial services.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. has announced that after the NSFI launch on Wednesday, the NSFI committee would draft an Action Plan on

Financial Inclusion, which will be presented to the President in two to three months.

Joining President Aquino during the courtesy call were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, and the BSP. Queen Maxima was designated in 2009 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as his Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. (PCOO/PND (co)


K to 12 Program wins support from LGUs, parents, teacher

PASIG CITY -- Support from the local government units (LGUs) and General Parents-Teachers Associations (GPTAs) continues to pour as the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the full implementation of the K to 12 Program. “The K to 12 Program will remove the disadvantages for our graduates and professionals who compete in the global market. In connection, K to 12 opens the door for the recognition of our graduates and professionals under the European Standard known as the Bologna Process

and the Washington Accord for the United States,” said John Marvin Nieto, Acting Presiding Officer of the City Council of Manila, in a statement. The City Council of Manila also reiterated that the previous 10-year basic education program was congested and insufficient,


causing Filipino learners to lag behind compared to their counterparts overseas. The council also acknowledged adequacy of the additional two (2) years in high school, taking into consideration that all of the countries in the world had implemented the K to 12 Program long before, except for Djibouti and Angola.

The General Parents-Teachers Association (GPTA) from the Division of Mandaluyong pledged their support to the K to 12 Program by committing to provide career guidance to the learners, initiating s c h o o l - b a s e d i n t e r v e n t i o n s c o m p l e m e n t a r y to the schools’ a c a d e m i c e n h a n c e m e n t of children and educating their co-parents on the fruits of K to 12. More importantly,

parents of Mandaluyong pledged to ensure that their children will advance to Senior High School after Grade 10, DepEd said in a statement.

DepEd further said that supporters believe that the new K to 12 curriculum is designed to allow students to acquire 21st century skills that will gain them access to a wide array of opportunities, should they choose to be employed, become a young entrepreneur or enter college.(DepEd)


NFA conducts daily inspection, investigation amidst reports of suspected fake rice

Amidst reports of suspected fake rice in Davao City, the National Food Authority (NFA) has directed all NFA inspectors nationwide to conduct daily inspection in rice stores allover the country to ensure that the public is not getting any of these reported fake rice. The special order was signed by Administrator Renan Dalisay yesterday, June 29, 2015.


“We were assured by Administrator Dalisay that the NFA is on top of this issue and that aside from the inspections being conducted, an investigation is on-going and will not stop until we get to the bottom of this,” Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said.

According to a report by the National Food Authority – Davao City, the incident was reported to their office last June 26, 2015 by GMA Davao City after Carmencita Grinio of Matina Aplaya, Davao City complained of their rice having a styro-like appearance. The rice, according to Grinio, was allegedly from Ciudad Esperanza Canteen in Cabantian, Davao City and the rice supplier was a certain Eliza Breta. NFA Davao City Provincial Mananger Virgilio Alerta immediately conducted an investigation and gathered samples from Breta’s rice store. Breta denied supplying rice to Ciudad Esperanza Canteen. NFA is still looking for the canteen where the fake rice allegedly came from as initial reports say that Ciudad Esperanza is a residential subdivision. NFA Davao City is currently verifying

the details from the complainant. Samples of the alleged fake rice was already submitted to the Food Development Center for lab tests.

“Pending investigation, we have already coordinated the Bureau of Customs and the Philippines Coast Guard to intensify watch in all our ports and ensure none of these fake rice will get into country. We are also closely working with the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON) to intensify monitoring as they are the ones present in all the markets in the country. We can not let fake rice reach the tables of the Filipinos,” Pangilinan ended.

Kalinga sa mga Batang Lansangan: Realizing Dreams

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat July 1 -- “Gusto ko makatuon magbasa,” says 11-year old Kevin (not his real name.) (I want to learn to read.)

Kevin, who comes from a broken family. admits he cannot read even if he was able to attend third grade. Unfortunately, had been involved in theft cases in the city.

Kevin is classified as among the Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). The Tacurong City Crisis Intervention Center for Women & Children (CICCW) started handling Kevin’s case in 2014.

Kevin’s Dream“Hindi [ko] maglagaw-lagaw para maka-

graduate [sa ALS],” said Kevin. (I won’t gal-livant so that I could graduate [from the ALS].)

“Ano himuon mo pag makabalo ka na mag-basa kag maka-graduate ka?” (What will you do to be able to learn how to read and graduate?)

“Mag baligya ko sang karne sa palengke..negosyo.” (I will sell meat at the public mar-ket…business.)

Kalinga sa mga Batang Lansangan Program is fueled by children’s simple visions of hope.

“These children need to have a vision. We have to help them dream and work for their


betterment,” stated Hon. Psyche M. Sucaldito in an inter-view.

“We thank the City Schools Di-vision of Tacurong for supporting us in this endeavor,” she added.

Sucaldito authored the City Or-dinance 03-2014 that institution-alized the Kalinga sa mga Batang Lansangan program.

Kalinga sa mga Batang Lan-sangan

Kevin is the youngest among the 27 beneficiaries who will en-joy free ALS education under the Kalinga sa mga Batang Lansan-gan Year 5 of the LGU-Tacurong. The Kalinga 2015 opened on

June 25. ALS stands for Alterna-tive Learning System.

His classmates in Kalinga in-clude fellow CICL and other out-of-school youth who come from family-beneficiaries of the 4Ps program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Aside from free classes, Kev-in and his classmates will also be provided with school sup-plies such as bags, notebooks, and pens. They will also receive clothes to serve as uniforms during classes and during their sports activities. Classes are held at the CICWC every Thursay and Friday.


Students’ snacks and lunch are provided everyday for free. The Tacurong City Police Office, just like in the previous years of Ka-linga, provides free rides for the students every school day. This is to make sure that the children get to and from the center safely.

“Diri sa Kalinga, hindi lang kamo tudluan magbasa kag bi-lang. Ang CSWD tudloan man kamo sang skills nga makabulig sa inyo pagpangabuhi,” Cluster ALS Coordinator Adonis Gatcho addressed the Kalinga students. (Here at Kalinga, you are not only taught how to read and count. The CSWD will also train you on skills for livelihood.)

“Importantly, children will be taught about discipline and re-

sponsibility,” stressed CICCW Head Nancy Bawe. “With that, they will definitely achieve their dreams.”

Kalinga expects to assist more children realize their dreams, how simple they are. Students are encouraged to invite their friends to join Kalinga.

Kalinga sa mga Batang Lan-sangan had already produced ALS graduates in the past years. It is now on its fifth year and has been recognized as a com-munity-based literacy and pre-ventive intervention program for street children and CICL. (LGU Tacurong City Information/DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)

NorthCot- OPVet pushes for proposed quarantine ordinance

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, July 1 -- In a bid to prevent and control the widespread occurrence of dreaded animal diseases, the provincial government through the Of-fice of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) pushing for a veterinary quarantine ordinance.

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Loreto Cabaya, Jr., chairman of the Committee on Agricul-

ture, Environment and Natural Resources said that the move


No flooding in Cotabato City -- CDRRMO

was discussed in the pub-lic hearing of the Proposed Or-dinance No. 2015-14-003, an ordinance enacting the veteri-nary quarantine ordinance of the province.

“It is important that the pro-posed quarantine ordinance, must serve its purpose and that is to look after the livestock and poultry industry of the province,” Cabaya stated adding that it can be done through the coordination and support between the OPVet and agencies that carry out the same duties and responsibilities.

The ordinance stipulates that animal quarantine is necessary to promote and enhance the right to health and safety and the right to a balanced and healthy ecolo-gy in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

“Given these purposes, we must ensure that the provin-

cial government along with con-cerned offices and other stake-holders take part and do their roles in the realization of the or-dinance,” Cabaya added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Myrna Habacon, acting regional executive director of the National Meat Inspection Services, said their office main-tains its primary responsibility of meat inspection and hygiene.

“The interest, health and gen-eral welfare of the meat consum-ing public is our primary respon-sibility and the NMIS is supportive to the steps of the provincial gov-ernment of North Cotabato in the development of the livestock and meat industry,” Habacon said. (NCot. Media Center(SJDuerme-PIA12)

COTABATO CITY, July 1 -- Despite the continuous rainfall that has begun early this month, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Man-agement Office has not recorded any flood occurrence in low lying areas in Cotabato City.

Since the onset of the rainy season, the CDRRMO has been in close coordination with their ba-rangay counterparts and has also

been monitoring the water level in the rivers and tributaries sur-rounding the city.

As per latest report, there is


no sign that the water level will rise and cause inundation any time soon, the said office noted.

City ABC President and Coun-cilor Abdillah Lim said, even the barangays that are usually sub-merged immediately under flood water during heavy rainfall are still safe and are flood-free.

“We have been in close contact with all our barangay officials and have instructed them to monitor their water level especially those living in areas surrounded by riv-ers. As of now, there is still noth-ing to worry about,” Lim said.

This development, according to City Mayor Japal Guiani, Jr, can be attributed to the constant dredging of the floating excava-tor in heavily silted waterways in the city.

Equipment operators from the City Engineering Office are alter-nately manning the excavator for seven days a week to make sure it collects all the silt materials that cause these rivers to over-flow during heavy rainfall.

The city government is also al-locating funds for the improve-ment and clearing of drainage facilities in different parts of the city.

“Our drainage system is one of the priority projects of the city government every year. We in the city government want to

make sure that they are clear of objects that can possibly hamper the flow of water and contribute to our flooding problem” the May-or said.

The Office on Social Welfare and Development has already prepared its food supply so they can instantly extend food assis-tance in case of evacuation. The CDRRMO also had their rescue ve-hicles and equipment on standby.

“Flooding is not a new thing to Cotabato City that is why we make it a point to be always pre-pared for any eventuality. But we are hoping, with all the efforts we are extending, that we may never experience flood again the way we did in the recent years,” City Administrator Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said.

Meantime, the city is not ex-pected to have clear skies any-time soon as the PAGASA has monitored an Inter tropical Con-vergence Zone (ITCZ) across Min-danao and another LPA is spotted just outside the country’s AOR and is heading this way. (HKSa-tol-Ibrahim – LGU Cotabato City/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


PopCom Caraga stages campaign for menBy: PopCom-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (PopCom) - Caraga launches the Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon para sa Pamilya or best known as KATROPA, Tuesday, June 30, and this time at the regional level after series of pilot tests regionwide.

Men from the different sectors in the com-munity participated in said big event held in the city and showed their support in the Respon-sible Parenthood and Family Planning Health


DA, LGUs strengthen regional disaster risk management for agriculture By: Vanessa P. Sanchez

The UN FAO in coordination with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13 (DA-RFO 13) conducted a two-day Rehabilitation and

Mitigation Planning Workshop and Action Planning for Disaster Risk Reduction for Agriculture on June 2 and 3. DA Caraga regional

programs of the government through PopCom. PopCom Caraga regional di-rector Alexander A. Makinano stated that this activity is one way of recognizing the signifi-cant roles of men as advocates for reproductive health particu-larly maternal health and family planning and also against gen-der-based violence. “Men are also critical partners in bringing about genuine gender-respon-sive development in the family and community,” Makinano em-phasized. The PopCom official also

disclosed that this KATROPA was designed within the objec-tive of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) to help assist couples achieve their fertility goals and exercise their reproductive rights. Various activities take place during the launching including the Signing of Pledge of Com-mitment and the “Makabagong Maginoo,” a powerful and potent partners in protecting and caring for women to ensure safe preg-nancy and childbirth, and also in women empowerment and gen-der equality.

BUTUAN CITY- “We cannot wait for disaster to hit us. Rather, we have to prepare for it,” said Dr. Roberto Sandoval, Jr. of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) on why there is a need for mitigation planning.


executive director Edna M. Mabeza urged the participants to work together so that the needed interventions will be delivered right away to the affected areas. She also emphasized the need to be realistic in submission of damage reports so that those that need immediate responses will be addressed right away. Dr. Sandoval also reminded the participants that Disaster Risk Reduction is not just about inputs or infrastructure but it could also be changing of practices or technologies. The workshop outputs on Rehabilitation Planning and SWOT (strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities and threats) Analysis on DRR in Agriculture will be used as basis in addressing the El Niño affected areas and for mitigation measures for other disasters that may happen in the future. In the midst of the mild El Niño that the country is experiencing, only two provinces in the region, the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, have declared to have been affected, so far. Representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Offices of the region, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices, and DA Caraga participated in the workshop.


By: Lawig Katawhan

BUTUAN CITY – Two hundred (200) students under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) completed their training last June 27, 2015. These students were grantees of Lawig TESDA Scholarship Program.

AgNor solon lauds new TESDA grads, hand-over livelihood toolkits

In his message, Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun commended the graduates and the TESDA for spearheading the said program. “The beauty of TESDA programs need not be

overemphasized. The technical skills you have earned while enrolled in the STEP certainly are at par with the job demands of the market,” the solon remarked. Cognizant of the program’s utmost importance, Fortun


commended the graduates and the TESDA for spearheading the said program. “The beauty of TESDA programs need not be overemphasized. The technical skills you have earned while enrolled in the STEP certainly are at par with the job demands of the market,” the solon remarked. Cognizant of the program’s utmost importance, Fortun mentioned the “equally important opportunity for everybody to contribute towards nation building” the program has been offering. “My dear graduates, the landscape for job industry has certainly been under pressure for change. It is no longer the case that you need to have a college degree to land a decent, productive job. And this precisely is the core of TESDA, to provide equally important opportunity for everybody to contribute towards nation building. What we are doing right now is part and parcel of our democracy: equal opportunity, social justice, and right to a better future,” Fortun in his message. The solon also highlighted the impending need to upscale the human resources through skills training. “With Philippines participation to ASEAN integration, we need

to revolutionize ourselves, and adopt to growing innovations besetting us,” Fortun said. In his final note, Fortun challenged the new graduates to contribute towards nation-building and give back to the community. “After this ceremony, what will you do? We have a challenge for you: go and find a job or build an enterprise. Practice what you have learned, earn an income, and give back to the community. Help build this country, help steer our nation towards development,” he said. “We envision a country of self-reliant, productive individuals. We desire a nation of empowered citizens. Let this be the start of that goal. Treat your education as your stake, your share towards creating and bettering


your family, your community, and our country,” Fortun added. Fifty students were enrolled in each of the four different competencies, namely: Test and Repair Wiring/ Lighting System Servicing; Install Wiring Devices/ Install Electrical Protection System; Perform Diesel Gas Engine Tune-Up, and; Prepare and Cook Hot Meals. All these competencies are designed towards acquiring national certifications. Following the graduation rites, successfully trainees were awarded with complete

set of toolkits. These toolkits can be used to start-up livelihood projects immediately after graduation. Since 2013, Rep. Fortun has been working closely with TESDA in implementing innovative, demand- driven, and affordable skills program. Just last April 24, 2015, a total of 42 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) students graduated under the Lawig TESDA Scholarship Program.

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Ipil Cycling Enthusiasts (ICE) and Ipil Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently conducted a joint outreach program at Lower Tiayon Day Care Center, Barangay Tiayon, this municipality.

Joint outreach, drug awareness drive held in Zamboanga Sibugay

by Rhea Grace A. La Plana

Thirty-five day care center children were the recipients

of school supplies, educational and instructional


BYLP aims to give representatives from seven municipalities and two cities

of Basilan the opportunity to become effective leaders by exposing them to community

Leadership program prepares Basilan youth for positive change

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Twenty-eight youth leaders in Basilan are poised to become agents of positive change through the first Basilan Young Leaders Program (BYLP) 2015: the 28-day Challenge to LeadCom, a joint project of the Office of Regional Governor (ORG-ARMM), the Eisenhower Fellows Association of the Philippines, and Ayala Foundation, Inc (AFI).

materials which were turned over to the learning center. Warm smiles and happy faces were seen from the kids during the activity and they were able to interact with ICE/IFCCC members and PDEA representatives. Meanwhile, a drug awareness and health attributes campaign was also conducted by the group at Makilas National High School in Barangay Makilas, this town. About 267 high school students of Makilas National High School eagerly trooped to listen

attentively to the speakers who shared relevant information. Ms. Rachel Laquihon, Administrative Assistant of PDEA-Sibugay discussed drug awareness while Mr. Clave Carl Aenlle, Nurse IV of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) expounded on the topics: Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS). ICE and IFCCC never fail to do humanitarian act in the spirit of volunteerism.

By Rene V. Carbayas


realities and providing them with insight and methodologies to address pressing issues within their community. The fellows underwent a careful selection process headed by ORG-ARMM, AFI, and Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., a local NGO partner. During the 28-day program, which ran from March 9 to April 5, the fellows participated in plenary presentations, discussions, workshops, teambuilding activities, educational tours, and institutional visits to various important sites and offices all over the country. On June 17, BYLP enters its second phase, as the fellows officially become the initial participants of the Leadership

Communities (LeadCom) program. An ongoing project of the Ayala Foundation, LeadCom trains and empowers community-based youth organizations by helping them design and implement projects that address their communities’ most pressing needs. LeadCom empowers youth groups to get involved in addressing pressing needs and issues in their local community through projects they themselves will propose, plan, and implement. The fellows will be joined by their teams for an Ideation and Project Management workshop on July 28-30. This will be followed by other key phases in project implementation and


management throughout the year. The LeadCom program in Basilan is expected to close in March 2016. BYLP was born out of the commitment of Eisenhower Fellows ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, Basilan Development Plan Executive Director Ariel Hernandez, and Ayala Corporation CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala to create development interventions in Basilan. As the social development arm of the Ayala group of

companies, Ayala Foundation envisions communities where people are creative, productive, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. Ayala Foundation’s main program areas are Education, Youth Leadership, Sustainable Livelihood, and Arts and Culture. Other BYLP partners include DILG-ARMM, ARMM HELPS, CDO- Bangsamoro Youth Affairs, Office of the Deputy Secretary-ARMM, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., and the Western Command of the AFP (18th Infantry Battalion).

DSWD bares 226 development projects to rise in poorest towns in region 9

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two hundred twenty six development projects chosen to be implemented by trained community residents in the poorest municipalities in the region are expected to be completed within the year, a report from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here bared.

By Dominic I. Sanchez


According to Lei Madeline Mohammad, DSWD-9 regional information officer, over P541 million has been allocated for the implementation of these various community projects in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) project, now known as the National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP). “The ‘sub-projects’, as we call them range from day care centers and schools, to roads, water system projects, and a wide variety of others,” Mohammad said, explaining that each of these projects

were decided by community representatives themselves and not by local officials, as done normally. “In Kalahi-CIDSS, the power to decide really comes from the people, those who will really use the projects,” she said. All Kalahi-CIDSS projects are borne out of discussions and consultations with community members, prior to a screening for funding in a municipal inter-barangay forum. “The project really emphasizes democracy – people choose what is best for them with the help of DSWD community facilitators.” To implement their chosen sub-projects, ordinary community residents are trained in areas such as procurement and finance, engineering, project


implementation, monitoring and evaluation and others. “By enlisting them to participate in the development cycle, we are promoting transparency and accountability,” Mohammad said. Since its introduction in 2003, a total of 2,464 Kalahi-CIDSS sub-projects have been successfully implemented, and now being used by the communities, training and empowering 17,844 volunteers, most of who are also beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer or the Pantawid Pamilya. DSWD regional director Zenaida Arevalo emphasized that Kalahi-CIDSS has been instrumental in changing the lives of the poorest of the poor living in the remotest of communities, for the better.

“There are areas before that are almost too impossible to reach, especially in the rural towns, because of the lack of roads. Kalahi-CIDSS has literally bridged these communities with the towns, with development,” she said, citing that the people themselves have grown to be more empowered as actors of development, and not

just beneficiaries of government. “We call the infrastructures as ‘sub-projects’, because the real project are the people themselves. We want to help them improve their situation in life,” Director Arevalo said.

CDO celebrates seafarers’ dayCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To give honor to the seafarers, different stakeholders from public and private sectors, and the academe commemorate the Filipino Seafarer Day 2015 on 25 June 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City.

by Kim Namocatcat

The purpose of the celebration is to have an increase awareness of the general public on the services of seafarers in the international port trade, the world economy and the society as well. Keynote speaker Atty. Casimiro B. Juarez, Jr., president of Capitol University said that “we recognize and appreciate the services of the seafarers. We understand the extraordinary conditions and circumstances


of their profession and that we are here for them. We also look forward and protect them whatever challenges come to their lives.” This year’s theme, “Marinong Pilipino, Isulong ang Edukasyon at Pagsasanay” gives emphasis on the quality of education and training maritime schools provide for students to be competitive internationally. Atty. Juarez opened his concern on the quality of nautical education that suffered due to the proliferation of the students and the maritime schools resulting to less number of marines getting to work in their field. In fact, to be a seafarer is one of the most difficult paths to take because it is governed by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Further, Filipino seafarers are among the 25% out of the 2 million world’s marines. Thus, there is wide contribution of the seafarers to the Philippine economy and international trade as well. Nevertheless, Juarez explained the importance of quality over quantity. He pushes for the impact of excellent

education that our seafarers ought to have. During the celebration, a practicing seafarer shared his sea service experience. He shared that when he was a student, it was not easy at all. He got through hard times especially overcoming fears and temptations around. Although, it was all difficult, he said he did his best for the sake of his parents. His dad and mom became his true inspirations and even his teachers who helped him achieve his dream. Part of the celebration was dressing up of ships and floral offering at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in the city. Meanwhile, the second part of the program included blood-letting and free services such as unli-call to domestic and international, massage, haircut, manicure and pedicure. The program was spearheaded by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) region 10, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with Apostleship of the Sea in coordination with national government agencies and academe.


MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon -- The best life is a productive life,” said “Nene,” a beneficiary of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Service Facility (DTI-SSF) project in a farming neighborhood of Zone 2, Lake Apo, Guinoyuran village in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

“Nene”, a mother of five, is one of the more than 50 profiled members of the Lake Apo Women’s Association (LAWA) in the sub-village who loves to just help her husband in the farm or stay at home, prepare meals and tend to kids. “Sometimes, I just chat with my group of friends after my husband had gone to farm. I do not really work despite the struggles to make both ends meet,” she shared.Hand in hand in building better lives While life remains difficult, Nene said, it was much harder before the year 2013, when DOLE Philippines Incorporated opened a door for the association to start a small business. When DOLE was challenged by government laws in disposing their used plastic straps, they asked LAWA to create different products out of it. “Hand in hand, it was then

when we started making Kaang (plant pots), Banig (mats) and bayong (plastic bags). Their problem gave us a business opportunity,” said Ceferina Delos Santos, the LAWA president. To formalize the association, they decided to register in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has opened more doors for them to do well. The City government of Valencia, under its livelihood program, also enhanced the LAWA members’ skills to manufacture wearables through training that enabled them to produce additional products. A livelihood project of Congressman Teofisto Guingona III gave them a start-up capital to begin a tailoring business. Largely, the group invested into acquiring few sewing machines from the proceeds of the project and added other sewing machines through the assistance

DTI’s SSF — Fitting entrepreneurial skills into women’s lives


of KASILAK Foundation.Promoting inclusive growth Strengthening the support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards inclusive growth, the Department of Trade and Industry – Bukidnon Provincial Office granted the group an Edger Machine through the DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project. Heavy duty sewing machine and cloth cutter will be added by DTI to the association’s equipment not just to enhance but to accelerate the group’s production capacity to level and catch-up the orders they get from their clients. To date, LAWA has expanded their production volume for coveralls, aprons, hair caps and masks supplying thousands of sets to different clients like DOLE Philippines and SUMIFRU. They also eyed on accepting orders for new product line like school uniforms for students and teachers upon the establishment of the new SSF Project in the second semester of 2015. DTI Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said LAWA, as a women’s group, has great contribution to the country’s development. Likewise, he cited the significance of the DTI’s support in advancing SSF project

objectives to promote inclusive growth. In great admiration, LAWA President Ceferina Delos Santos conveyed how the project helped change their lives for the best and accepted the fact that in a very small way, they contributed to the country’s economic development. Likewise, the assistance of different agencies created jobs for other women in the village. It served as catalysts of change from their traditional rural life into more urbane activity empowering women to be more active in the labour force diminishing the concept of women’s exclusion from the employment growth. Women as full and equal partners of men in development and nation-building Joint efforts of different agencies, both in the government and private sector, pushed the involvement of women in nation building strengthened by RA 7192 or the “Act Promoting the Integration of Women as Full and Equal Partners of Men in Development and Nation Building and for Other Purposes.” Uniting and supporting women organizations in rural areas proved significant results in sustaining the continued


participation of women in nation building—offering jobs and delivering revenues. LAWA started in 2013, uniting women who have been living a simple yet monotonous life.

It is one of the solid representations of the pooled public-private effort to drive women into the country’s promotion of inclusive growth. (LDP, DTI-Bukidnon)

MisOcc Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force files 6 cases vs EO 277 violatorsOROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental -- At least six cases of administrative adjudication have been noted by the Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF), in violation of Executive Order No. 277, from Jan. to June, this year.

Otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, EO 277 amends Presidential Decree No. 705, particularly, Section 68, and penalizes individuals for cutting, gathering and/or collecting and possession of timber, or other forest products without legal documents required by existing forest laws. It also authorizes the confiscation of illegally cut, gathered, removed and possessed forest products and granting rewards to informers of violations of forest laws. Rules and regulations, Edgardo G.

Aguinaldo, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), said. Aguinaldo said these timbers, which are now in the custody of the PAITF, have been confiscated from the following areas, on the specified dates: Barangay Dullan Norte, this City, Feb. 24, and San Juan, Panaon, Feb. 26. Barangay Pines, also of this city, transport of Falcata lumber without the required authority, March 5, and Barangay Sixto Velez, Sapang Dalaga, illegaly cut naturally grown trees, March 12.

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


DPWH-ARMM to construct P10-B worth of projects in 2015

The Department of Public Works and Highways of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) has programmed this year various projects in the five provinces of

the region with total allocation of P10 billion.

The P10-billion worth of projects includes 500 kilometers of roads, 45 seaports and 91 water supply systems. In a press conference dubbed “Tapatan sa ARMM” on June 24, newly installed Secretary Don Mustapha Loong said his department is speeding up work to meet its target of implementing these projects within

the year. Secretary Loong is continuing the reform agenda started by the previous administration of former secretary Engr. Emil Sadain and the regional government. Engr. Sadain, the head of the regional public works agency for the past three years, is now the DPWH national office’s assistant secretary for foreign-funded projects. Secretary Loong also reiterated that the DPWH-ARMM has many flagship projects in the region’s

five provinces. In 2014, the DPWH-ARMM targeted P5-billion worth of projects, which include 400 kilometers of roads, 13 bridges, 17 seaports and 12 drainage structures. “As of now, projects for 2014 had achieved a physical accomplishment of 70 percent,” Sec. Loong said.


4,562 students in ARMM finish TESDA coursesMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - A total of 4,562 students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) successfully graduated with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certificates in vocational courses for the first semester of 2015. Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar, TESDA-ARMM executive director, said that this is part of the region’s efforts to develop and improve the socio-economic status of residents in the region. “There is no age limit as long as they want to be trained and we are encouraging out-of-school youth, persons with disability, and those who do not have a job (to enroll in TESDA courses),” Jaafar said. Courses offered include automotive and land transport, computer systems servicing, electronics products assembly and servicing, dressmaking, healthcare services, pharmacy services, security services, 2D animation, visual graphic design, metals and engineering, bartending, bread and pastry production, food and

beverage servicing, and front office services. This year, TESDA-ARMM hopes to generate 24,500 tech-voc graduates with employable skills in the region. The TESDA central office has allotted P21.28 million to 2,358 slots under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), and P10.86 million for 1,203 slots under the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) in the five provinces of ARMM. TWSP and PESFA are scholarship programs currently implemented by TESDA that address equity and access issues by providing direct financial assistance to deserving technical-vocational education and training enrollees nationwide. After a chosen training program

He further said that they are now doing things faster and systematic and strengthening their partnership with the local government units for the people of ARMM in order for them to have cheaper transport of goods and products, better access to tourism sites, and mainly to uplift the lives of the people in the region.” The agency is currently working on flood control and drainage

improvement projects to minimize flooding during the rainy season. DPWH-ARMM is also focusing on roads leading to tourist spots in partnership with the ARMM’s Tourism department. “This will boost the region’s tourism industry and will attract more visitors and tourists,” he added. (Bureau of Public Information/APB/PIA-10)


is completed, a graduate will undergo competency assessment to determine if he can be certified as technical education and skills development specialist. Passers will be awarded TESDA National Certificate, or Certificate of Competency. “After the 36 days of training, my welding skills will help increase my chances of getting a job,” said Rhiden Aguilar, a 35 year old graduate of Shielded Metal Arc Welding Course. Unemployed women can also avail

of training that could earn extra income, or even launch a business enterprise, such as food processing. Fatima Mamaluba, a 51 year old housewife in Upper Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao said she learned a lot from her training in food processing. TESDA programs are free of charge to out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, as well as employed and unemployed residents of the region. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

Delegates of Democratic Progress Institute visit ARMMMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Delegates of the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI), an international group that specializes in conflict resolution, visited the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Friday, June 26, to discuss the ongoing peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF).


ARMM Chief of Staff Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr. with the region’s Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM) Secretary Don Mustapha Loong led a brief discussion on the region’s initiatives on the Bangsamoro transition. DPI was established in consultation with a group of international experts in conflict-affected areas around the world, including Turkey, and other countries such as Peru, South Africa and Ireland. It aims to broaden the base for dialogue and conflict resolution through activities, mainly study visits, as well as round table meetings. Participants include members of the Parliament from Turkey’s main political parties, Wise Persons Commission, policy makers and journalists. The DPI delegates conducted a week-long, from June 21-27, comparative study visit to the Philippines

to explore lessons learned from the southern Philippines’ peace process “This is an important and timely visit, which comes at a critical point in the Philippines’ peace process in particular in relation to the recent decommissioning of weapons,” said DPI Director Kerim Yildiz. During the briefing, Atty. Mitmug also discussed various programs and projects for the region’s constituents. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

Davao City’s peace and or-der remains stable despite death of Parago

DAVAO CITY- Au-thorities assured the residents that the peace and order situation in the city remains stable de-spite the death of rebel leader Leon-cio Pitao alias Ku-mander Parago of the Pulang Bagani Comand 1. Senior Superin-tendent Vicente Da-nao, Jr, director of the Davao City Police Office in an audience with the members of the Sangguniang Pan-lungsod of Davao ex-pressed hope that the perceived retaliation of Parago’s compan-ions in the rebel move-ment will not happen, despite the incident. He said a stand-ing order has been is-sued to policemen as-signed in the far-flung barangays of the city

to be alert and extra-careful particularly in the districts of Paqui-bato Marilog, Baguio and other areas which might be targets of opportunity. Danao revealed the police is watching on groups that might exploit to create trou-ble. “We are even guarding the place of Kumander Parago’s wake,” he said. Danao assured that comrades of Par-ago that they can visit Kumander Parago’s wake provided they do not carry weapons, explosives and that they have no standing arrest warrants. He described Ku-mander Parago as a warrior who fought for his principles up to the last hour. Danao also


Duterte orders police to speed up disposi-tion of cases

DAVAO CITY, June 30 (PIA) May-or Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Davao City Police Office to create a new office with the sole function just to serve subpoenas and sum-

mons. Speaking in the Re-gional Peace and Order Council 11 meeting at the Meng Seng Hotel, he pledged to provide the office with a car and three motorcycles to be used solely for the deliv-ery of court orders. “The police must see to it that the summons and subpoena reach the persons concerned im-mediately,” Duterte said. He asked the court to give the City Mayor’s Of-

fice 15 days to set up the office. Duterte also urged the courts to furnish the office the summons and subpoenas for it to act accordingly.

stressed that the rebels will con-tinue to respect the gentleman’s agreement forged by the local leadership and the rebels not to touch anyone in the security sec-tor despite the death of Parago. Colonel Macairog Alberto, commander of the Task Force Davao assured the local legis lators that no civilian was hit in the crossfire in the encounter betweenthe soldiers and Kumander Para-

go’s group. He said based on the inves-tigation conducted by the Scene of the Crime Operation of the po-lice, no civilian was hit in the en-counter. Alberto assured that both the TF Davao and the DCPO are ready to deter any threat to the city’s peace and order. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


He expressed dismay to the non-appearance of policemen in court which usually leads to the dismissal of cases. Duterte also reiterated the warning that there is a penalty for either intentionally or unin-tentionally avoiding testimony in court. “It can result to the dismiss-al of cases,” he stressed. Duterte also ordered to re-sort to arrest policemen who re-ceive the summons but remain absent in court hearings. “A complaint against them might be filed before the Police City Director or the Philippine National Police, copy furnished the Justice Secretary, and surely they will have trouble explaining, because the law itself specifies a high penalty for their absence in court,” he said. Earlier during the meeting, Regional Trial Court Branch 13 Presiding Judge Rowena Adlawan revealed that one of the issues and concerns besetting the drug courts is the non-appearance of policemen as witnesses which is one of the reasons for the delay in the disposition of cases and dismissal of drug cases against accused respondents. She cited their difficulty of looking for the policemen who

have either retired from the ser-vice or have transferred assign-ments. Adlawan also observed that as the cases drag on, only the prosecutor would show interest in pursuing the deliberation while the police loses the enthusiasm and would intentionally forget the details of the operation. “That is why in the future, I will ask the Supreme Court to give us a Closed-Circuit Televi-sion so that for future reference they can assess the demeanor of the policeman testifying in court whether he would bungle the case or not, coupled with our stenographic notes. Our court means business,” she stressed. Adlawan said RTC Branch Nine and RTC Branch 13 are the courts designated by the Su-preme Court to hear drug cases in the city. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

One Mindanao - July 1, 2015

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Transcript of One Mindanao - July 1, 2015