One Mindanao - July 22, 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

GIDEON C. CORGUE, 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

DAR Surigao Norte turns over processing center, service facility to Siargao farmers

NNC-Caraga to organize Bantay Asin Task Force

International body allows DOST 12 to adopt Unified Halal Standards

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Greening business ensures profit in healthy environment

President Aquino signs Philippine Competition Act, Cabotage Law amendments

MinDA-MPMC Statement on current power situation

DepEd-Tangub conducts nationwide deworming, immunization of schoolchildren confab

DSWD, NFA provide supplemental feeding to 140 day care children in Talusan town

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By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit

By: Gideon C. Corgue

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERNARMM

NATIONAL

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200 Solar Dryer units benefit Lanao del Sur residents

By:Danilo E. Doguiles

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By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Contents

2,000 Kidapaweños benefit from medical, dental outreach By: LKOasay

By: Rutchie C. AguhobFocals, welfare officers undergo re-orientation on early childhood care, information systemBy: Mitzie S. Santiago

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2925 Department of Health sets July 29 as National Deworming Day

Lanao del Sur “dream road” to shorten travel time to Northern Mindanao By: Joey Sem G. DalumpinesBy: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

4 July 22, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

Greening business ensures profit in healthy environmentBy: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

5July 22, 2015 One Mindanao

Even businesses around the globe are now taking a great leap for the environment. Technology innovations

and environment-friendly strategies are now used and applied in several

micro, small and medium scale enterprises all over the world.

Business and environment have come to terms to

develop a sustainable business or “Green

Business.”

Greening business ensures profit in healthy environment


Greening your business is not expensive as many have thought. It is not time consuming; neither it requires special skills nor high-technology interventions. It requires less time and effort, and is very safe for the environment.

In one of the lectures during the conduct of SME Caravan in Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur, Ms. Marichu M. Atay, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Zamboanga del Sur emphasized how entrepreneurs can help care for the environment without compromising profit and, instead, increase efficiency in the workplace and even reduce expenses in business.

The changing climate

Why go green? You may

ask. The calamities or disasters that hit several parts of the globe in previous years have really hampered growth and development. Our planet got beaten black and blue by disasters wrought by climate change.

Climate change, environmental degradation, unemployment, poverty and inequality seem to feed off each another.

According to the Global Footprint Network, our current world average resource intensiveness uses the resources of about 1.5 planets, as the people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide. What’s worse, many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical tipping points of depletion


or irreversible change, pushed by high population growth and economic development.

And if our current consumption and production patterns remain the same and with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion, we will need three planets to sustain our ways of living and consumption by the year 2050.

Understanding green business

It only takes a few steps to start greening your business. First, change your way of thinking. Behavioral change needs no financial investment; however, commitment is of value. A true businessman does not only think of profit. Profit

is only part of the big picture. It is the reward you get with all the effort you have put in your business. It is the end result.

You have to consider the contributory factors affecting your profit. Definitely, resources include the major cut backs in your company. Water and electricity are good example of this. But if you are wise enough and know what to do, you can lessen your expenses even through simple methods.

“As simple as turning-off a light switch when not in use can do miracles in your electric bill. The same thing with removing cellular phone chargers in the plug after using do some magic,” shared Ms. Atay, who has also been practicing simple ways to reduce energy consumption.


Energy is one of the key hotspots globally that impacts the environment along with water, solid waste, natural resource, environment friendly supply and green procurement, and transport or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Going green

Business establishments that prefer to use energy efficient technologies such as LED light bulb, flat screen monitors, and solar powered equipments, among others, will most likely consume less energy.

Ms. Atay suggested that in using appliances and other home and office equipment, always look for the energy saving label.

“There are appliances like computers and television sets that consume less energy and they are branded with a label,” Ms. Atay stressed.

However, she warned not to get confused with energy saving boxes or gadgets that are attached to appliances to reduce energy consumption. “Be wary, those gadgets do not reduce


energy consumption, instead also consume energy and will only increase your bill.”

Water conservation is no different from saving energy. Practical tips in water conservation like using a low flow plumbing fixtures, and rain water harvesting will also do some tricks.

“The rain water you collected can be used in cleaning and watering the plants instead of using clean water,” Atay recommended.

Did you know that one inch of rainfall on a 2,000 square feet roof is equivalent to 1,250 gallons of water?

Small leaks on pipes and plumbing shouldn’t also be neglected. “Repair leaks to save as much as 40 cubic meter of water which is wasted every year,” she said.

Energy and water conservation can be done in various ways. Simple innovations require less and sometimes no investment at all. A sensible attitude will do.

Cash in trash Maybe you have heard that there is cash in trash. Well, you have good hearing. Indeed, businesses that make use of their waste materials to come up with another product doubles (if not more) their profit.

The three Rs - reuse, reduce and recycle – have been introduced throughout the globe. More and more are embracing the idea and even come up with another way of


utilizing trash: “upcycling.” This is done by coming up with an upgraded item of the recycle trash.

In recycling, the possibilities are endless. Take the example of a used newspaper which can be made into several products like decorative items, foot wears, key chains, paper bags, and many others.

All these are made possible with good solid waste management. Business establishments are encouraged if not mandated by local ordinances to establish a proper waste disposal. If trashes are segregated well, residual wastes

are easily spotted on. Then it would be easier to look for recyclable materials.

A good waste management includes waste segregation, collection, hauling, material recovery and recycling or disposal.

It is not too late to start shifting your gears toward a green business.

The earth is still breathing and, if together, we hold hands to cure our ailing environment, we secure not only profit of coins and cash but a larger scale profit that would benefit future generations.


Gov’t releases Open Government Data guidelines in 2015 GAA

The move is being undertaken to strengthen the drive in digitizing the

bureaucracy’s transactions even as the administration reiterated the need to further

MANILA - The Aquino administration has released the guidelines for the provision of Open Government Data in the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA), reaffirming its commitment in making government data available to the public, the Department of Budget and Management said on Tuesday.


digitize payments via electronic transactions in government systems.

With regard to government data, the Open Data Philippines Task Force has already issued Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2015-01, which serves as the guidelines to implement the Open Government Data General Provision in the 2015 GAA.

The membership of the task force comprises the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson (OPS), and the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO).

“Consistent with the administration’s open data policy, we issued the JMC to serve as a guide for agencies on how to implement the government’s open data program. This is also in keeping with our commitment

to the Open Government Partnership (OGP), as well as the mission of the Open Data Philippines (ODP),” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The current JMC provides that government data shall be made publicly available and accessible to the extent permitted by applicable laws and subject to individual privacy, confidentiality, national security, or other legally-mandated restrictions.

The release of the JMC was also done in conjunction with the country’s recent hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Open Data Workshop on Fiscal Management through Transparency and Reforms last June 9-10 in Bagac, Bataan. One of the workshop’s agenda was on how to deliver good and open governance through Open Data.


Likewise, the task force sent a delegation to Ottawa last May to participate in a series of meetings on the International Open Data Charter—a charter of open data best practices—to give inputs in drafting the said charter.

This charter will be eventually launched through the latter part of 2015, with key events planned in September at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City and in October at the OGP Annual Summit in Mexico.

On the other hand, DBM Undersecretary Richard Moya attended a recent conference on ‘Partnering Towards Digitizing Payments: A Collaboration in Driving Electronic Transactions’ last June 20 in Ortigas, Pasig City, as part of the budget agency’s championing of digital payments. The conference was a collaboration of various stakeholders supporting the

recently launched National Strategy for Financial Inclusion, which the DBM is a signatory.

“We’ve made datasets available to the public for closer scrutiny, which is part of our strategy to reinforce the culture of active citizen engagement in government. Now we want to ensure the inclusion of the use of digital payments in government transactions, with the adoption of a General Provision in the proposed 2016 national budget,” Abad said.

“The importance of using digital payments in government will lower the risk of fund misuse, and a good example can be seen in local governments’ use of an ATM payroll system. These technological reforms, in turn, will bolster transparency and accountability in government, as well as nurturing an environment of public empowerment,” he added. (DBM)


President Aquino signs Philippine Competition Act, Cabotage Law amendments

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law two landmark bills aimed at promoting trade and fair competition. The President signed Republic Act 10667 or the Philippine Competition Act,

and Republic Act 10668 or Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act before government officials and


businessmen at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace.

In his speech, President Aquino noted the importance of the Philippine Competition Act and the amendments to the Cabotage Law, which were among the priority measures in the Congress.

“Sa pagsasabatas nga po ng Philippine Competition Act, naisusulong ang kompetisyon sa merkado. Ngayon, sa wakas,

maliit man o malaki ang negosyo, ang labanan ay nasa paglalabas ng de-kalidad na produkto sa pinakamakatuwirang presyo, imbes na under the table o ang paramihan ng kuneksiyon. Dito, makakamit natin ang punto kung saan ang mamimili, mas totoo ang presyong binabayaran, ‘yung nagbebenta naman, nahihikayat na pahusayin pa ang kanilang serbisyo. Sa dulo, lahat nakikinabang, lahat panalo,” he said about the bill that was ratified by Congress after 25


years.

“Ganyan din po ang prinsipyong itinataguyod natin sa pagpirma sa Liberalization of Philippine Cabotage. Itong Cabotage Law na ito ay hango pa sa Tariff and Customs Code of 1978, at ngayon nga lang naibabagay sa ating mga pangangailangan. Nagsimula nga po siguro ang batas na ito para maengganyong mapaunlad ang ating shipping industry, at magkaroon ng kakayahang makipagsabayan. Ang problema, kakarampot ang dumadagdag na mga barko natin na nagresulta sa absurdong sitwasyon kung saan kontrolado ng iilan lang ang takbo ng merkado. Kaya nga po, dumating na tayo sa panahong kailangan na nating baguhin ang sistemang nakagawian,” the President explained.

“Sa mga amyenda po ninyo, malayang makakapagkalakal ang mga banyagang barko ng kanilang imported at exported na kargamento sa kanilang napiling

port of destination. Dahil dito, mapapadali at mapapamura ang export at import ng mga produkto, na magbubunsod ng mas masiglang merkado. Talagang nakakatipid ang lahat ng stakeholders, mula sa mga mamimili hanggang sa mga negosyante,” he further said.

The Philippine Competition Act aims to enhance economic proficiency and promote free and fair competition in trade, industry and all commercial economic activities.

It seeks to prevent economic concentration, which will control the production, distribution, trade or industry that will unduly stifle competition, distort, manipulate or constrict the discipline of free markets; and penalize all forms of anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant position and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions, with the objective of protecting consumer welfare and advancing domestic and international trade and economic


development.

Under the law, a Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) will be established, with the President appointing a chairperson, four commissioners and an executive director.

The PCC can impose administrative fines of P100 million in the first offense and P250 million for the second offense for abuse of dominant position and prohibited merger.

The law also prohibits agreements, between and among competitors, which have the object or effect of

substantially preventing, restricting or lessening competition. The Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act, on the other hand, allows foreign vessels to transport and co-load foreign cargoes for domestic trans-shipment.

It aims to assist importers and exporters in enhancing their competitiveness in the light of intensifying international trade and to lower the cost of shipping export cargoes from Philippine ports to international ports and import cargos from international ports.


Under the law, a foreign vessel arriving from a foreign port would be allowed to carry a foreign cargo to its domestic port of final destination, after being cleared at the port of entry. The foreign vessel will also be allowed to carry foreign cargo by another foreign vessel calling at the same port of entry to the Philippine port of final destination of such foreign cargo.

For a foreign vessel departing from a Philippine port of origin through another local port, it would be allowed to carry foreign cargo intended for export.

The foreign vessel will also be allowed to carry foreign cargo by another foreign vessel through a domestic trans-shipment port and transferred at such domestic trans-shipment port to its foreign port of final destination.

An empty foreign container van going to or coming from any

domestic port, or going to or coming from a foreign port, and being trans-shipped between two domestic ports will be allowed.

Present during the event were Senate President Franklin Drilon, House of Representatives Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., House Majority Leader and Mandaluyong City Representative Neptali Gonzales, Jr., Senators Cynthia Villar and Vicente Sotto III, House Committee on Trade and Industry chairperson Representative Mark Villar, and House Committee on Economic Affairs senior vice chairperson Representative Dakila Carlo Cua. Also in attendance were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (PCOO/PND (jm)


MinDA-MPMC Statement on current power situation

The water level of Lake Lanao is at 699.24 meters above sea level (masl) as compared to the previous 699.26 on 17 July 2015. The normal high water level for the lake is at 701.10 masl, while the minimum operating levels is at 699.15 masl.

Meanwhile, the water level of Agus 4 stands at 358.31 masl, which is nearing its minimum operating level of 357 masl, and

is lower as compared to 358.88 masl a couple of days ago. The dam has a normal high water level of 359 masl.

Further, Pulangi 4’s water level is at 280.40 masl as compared to the previous 281.02 masl. The dam, which is located in Maramag, Bukidnon, has a normal high water level of 285 masl and minimum operating level of 282 masl. It is currently churning

The Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) noted water levels of Lake Lanao and Agus and Pulangi dams to continue to drop in the past few days, breaching critical points as of 21 July 2015, based on data from the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) Mindanao Generation.


out just 20 MW out of 250 MW capacity, largely on account of siltation.

The low water levels of the dams, which provide around half of Mindanao’s power supply, has brought down the capacity of the hydropower plants of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes. This resulted to lower power supply in areas in Mindanao.

Another factor to the lower power supply of Mindanao is the preventive maintenance shutdown (PMS) of the 105 MW Unit 2 of the 210 MW STEAG coal fired power plant of State Power Inc. (SPI) in Misamis Oriental. Unit 2 has been on PMS since 18 July 2015 and is expected to get back online on 16 August 2015.

As of 1:00 p.m. today, the National Grid Power Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) noted that Mindanao has a power deficiency of -248 MW. This prompted Distribution Utilities and Electric Cooperatives to undertake measures as necessary such as voluntary load curtailment, activation of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) and tapping of embedded modular generator sets.

Based on the latest monitoring of the MPMC, rotation brownouts for each Distribution Utilities and Electric Cooperatives in Mindanao are averaging at one to four hours per feeder.

The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) is implementing one of the longest rotational brownouts at a maximum of nine hours per feeder, an average of seven hours, and a minimum of five hours. The Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO) 2 is implementing a five hour brownout per substation while the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO) is implementing a five hour brownout per feeder. Surigao del Norte (SURNECO) is also implementing a 4.5 hour brownout per feeder in their franchise area.

On the other hand, the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO) 2 remains unaffected with load shedding, with modular genset providing stop gap supply. Likewise, the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) is also not implementing any rotational brownouts due to their 12 MW modular genset. (MinDA)


CDCs receive sacks of rice for feeding program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) now targets 9,486 children to be the recipients of the 120-day feeding program of the child development centers in the city.

by City Information Office

According to Annie Tongson, focal person of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) of CSWD, the city local government has purchased around 2,000 sacks of rice that will be distributed to the 196 child development centers. Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno also targets the children aged 3-4 to acquire a solid foundation. The feeding program is one of the key


The orientation was aimed to discuss the over view of the NSDD and the SBI and the roles and responsibilities of concerned program stakeholders, Victoria V. Gazo, Ph.D., Schools Division Superintendent, said. In collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the NSDD will be held on July 29, 2015, under the DOH Hilminthiasis Control Program (HCP) to all Kindergarten and Grades I –Vl, in all public elementary schools of the division. The SBI, on the other hand, will be implemented on August 1-30, 2015, under the DOH Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), for all pupils from Grade 1 to Grade VII, in all the divisions’ public elementary

and secondary schools. Participants to the orientation included the Chief of the School Guidance Office of the Division (SGOD), Education Program Supervisors (EPS) in Science & Health, School Nurses, Elementary & Secondary Principals, School Heads, Teachers and Schools in-Charge (TIC/SIC) and City Health Office (CHO) employees. It was also attended by the Presidents of the Federated Parents-Teachers Association of the following schools: Tangub City Central School (CS), Maloro Elementary Schools (ES), Lorenzo Tan Memorial CS, Sumirap CS, Maquilao ES, Tangub City National High School (NHS) and Lorenzo Tan NHS, Gazo added.

DepEd-Tangub conducts nationwide deworming, immunization of schoolchildren confab

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL -- A joint one-day orientation on the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) and School-Based Immunization (SBI) for school children was conducted by the Department of Education, Division of Tangub City (DepEd-Tangub), recently.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

priorities of the city today so the children will be given the

right nutrition and to combat the problem on malnutrition.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development recently conducted a re-orientation on the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Information System to local social welfare officers and designated focal persons in various localities within the region.

Focals, welfare officers undergo re-orientation on early childhood care, information system

The re-orientation was aimed to enhance participants’ competency as users of the ECCD Information System. The facilitators headed by Norilyn Rivera, Planning Officer III, discussed the basis, rationale and the different features of the Early Childhood Care and Development Information System and the utilization of the ECCD Information System, and its other features. The re-orientation was conducted in two batches that include the Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon cluster, and Camiguin and Misamis Occidental cluster. Assistant regional director for administration, Manuel Borres in his inspirational message, said that after the re-orientation, the participants will become more competent in using the ECCD Information System. He also

reminded them of the crucial role they play in the early stages of children. Another highlight of the re-orientation was the preparation of action plans for the utilization of the ECCD Information in their respective areas of responsibility. The Early Childhood Care and Development Program is one of the government’s programs spearheaded by the Department which recognizes the importance of early childhood and its special needs, affirms parents as primary caregivers and the child’s first teachers, and establishes parent effectiveness programs and activities.

by Mitzie S. Santiago


ARMM intensified drive to address iodine deficiency among residents

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is strengthening its campaign to address problems brought about by iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among its population as

part of the celebration of the 2015 Nutrition Month.

An orientation on the use of WYD iodine checker was conducted on Monday by Josie Pondevida, a senior science research specialist of the Industrial Technology Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, to members of the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force. Pondevida said such checker can measure the iodine content of a salt sample accurately as compared with the rapid testing kit that has been used by the region’s Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) these past years. Celia Sagaral, regional nutritionist of DOH-ARMM, said checking the iodine content in salt is the first step to address problems brought about by IDD in the region. This would certify and allow only salt that contains sufficient iodine to be sold in the markets in the region, “as

required by Republic Act 8172, or the Act Promoting Iodization Nationwide, and ordered by the Food and Drug Administration.” Iodine is a mineral needed by the body for normal thyroid function and for adequate production of thyroid hormones. A body that is lacking in iodine results in a range of


Lanao del Sur “dream road” to shorten travel time to Northern Mindanao

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Residents of Lanao del Sur are anticipating the completion of the on-going “Dream Road” project, a 53-kilometer road stretching from the municipalities of Molundo, Maguing, Bumbaran and Wao, all in Lanao del Sur to the municipality of Maramag in Bukidnon.

abnormalities, which are called IDD that could affect all age groups. IDD includes goiter and poor health conditions such as stunted growth and reduced mental capacity. Insufficient iodine intake of pregnant woman may result in miscarriage and stillbirth. Even with a successful delivery, the baby can be underweight and with conditions such as deaf-mutism and squint or cross-eye, among others. A teenager and an adult should consume 150 micrograms while a pregnant woman should consume 200 micrograms of iodine per day. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund report, inadequate iodine consumption among children may also result in an average of 13.5 point reduction in intelligent quotient, compared with children having sufficient iodine in the body. “IDD is not a public health threat in the ARMM, but there are cases of IDD in the region,” Sagaral said. She added the department will conduct a series of iodine checking on salt

being sold in the markets in the five provinces of ARMM in the coming months. The DOH-ARMM will also tap local government units encouraging them to pass ordinances that would make available adequate iodized salt to consumers. The department will also reinforce the so-called Asin Law that requires producers and distributors of food-grade salt to iodize their products. Sagaral said a series of iodine checking will be conducted to salt sold in the markets in the five provinces of the region this year. School- and community-based information drive will also be conducted to raise awareness among the public on proper iodine intake and the problems brought by IDD. She also encouraged local salt producers to make their products available for testing at the DOH-ARMM office in Cotabato City. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


The Dream Road will shorten the travel time from Marawi City, the seat of the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, to the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia in Bukidnon from seven hours to four hours. “Going to Davao City shall no longer be a 12-hour feat for residents of the province as travel time is lessened to more or less four hours,” said Provincial Engineer Serad Laut. Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. said the road is expected to enhance business, fair trade and livelihood between Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon which are both known to be rich in agricultural lands and farms. “Farmers and buyers shall benefit as crops can be sold and bought at cheaper prices,” he added. Governor Adiong has lobbied for the completion of the dream road project to President Benigno S. Aquino III. Some of the funds from the offices of Representative Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto Adiong and ARMM

Assemblyman Zia-ur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, both representing the first district of Lanao del Sur, were allotted for the said road. The project was the brainchild of the late Mamintal M. Adiong, Sr. during his term as Governor of Lanao del Sur in 2001. As of press time, only 12 kilometers of the road is being paved. “I am hopeful that the project will be fully completed by 2016,” Governor Adiong said. The implementation of this P485 million project is being handled and monitored by the Department of Public Works and Highways of Region 10. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/APB/PIA-10)


200 Solar Dryer units benefit Lanao del Sur residentsMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Two hundred units of direct solar dryers were constructed in different barangays of Marawi City and the 39 municipalities of Lanao del Sur by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur.

This is a 12 x 12 concrete pavement for exposing crops to direct sunlight under the open sky. “In a province that is rich in agricultural lands and where growing and harvesting crops, such as rice and corn, is the main source of livelihood, a solar dryer is very useful,” Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr. said. “Farmers in various municipalities now have a place to dry their crops for free,” he further said. Upon lobbying for and receiving the funds of these solar dryers from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in 2014, Adiong immediately implemented the

project with the local farmers in mind. Adiong said the provincial government is hoping to help farmers in the province come up with good quality products and improve their livelihood. They just need to coordinate with their respective barangay leaders for use of these dryers, he added. “Solar dryers use sunlight for drying, less amount of fuel energy is necessary as compared to artificial drying systems, thus, they also

save time and space,” the Governor explained. Janisha B. Dimaampao-Ali, a resident of the municipality of Poona Bayabao, said the solar dryer in their area was used for drying rice grains and conducting of the weekly flag ceremony of nearby schools. “The youth here also uses it for recreational purposes during weekends,” she said. Azam Macabando of Marawi City, on the other hand, said the solar dryer in Barangay Kapantaran is being used not only for drying of corn but also as playground for the children. “Various non-government organizations also use it for their medical missions,” he added. (PIA-Lanao del Sur/APB/PIA-10)

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


DTI DavNor hands P1.7-M to San Isidro for Cacao

TAGUM CITY - The De-partment of Trade and Industry – Davao del Norte turned over re-cently a check amount-ing to P1.7-million to the municipality of San Isidro at their munici-pal hall. According to the DTI records, the P 1.7 million is the second and final tranche of turn-over under the said Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) pro-gram for the municipal-ity, which is the Cacao

Industry Development and Rehabilitation pro-gram. Judecia Ponio, in-formation officer of DTI Davao del Norte, dis-closed that the first tranche of P 800,000 was given on October last year. Ponio also revealed that the amount totalling to P2.5 million is appro-priated for farm rehabili-tation, and trainings for livelihood of the farmers. “Since the first re


Department of Health sets July 29 as Na-tional Deworming Day

DAVAO CITY, July 21 (PIA) Gov-ernment has set July 29 as Nation-al Deworming Day for primary and elementary school children. Dr. Gracita Berguia, deworming project officer of the Department of Health 11 said the deworming activ-ity will be initiated both by the DOH and the Department of Education to ensure the protection and good health among school pupils from parasitic worms in the body by tak-ing safe and chewable deworming tablets. She said the project targets 16-Million school children nation-wide. Berguia urged parents to sub-mit their children to the deworming activity, where the medicine will be taken orally. She underscored that worms in the body impede the child’s learning

ability and growth. Berguia said all school chil-dren in Davao Region numbering at 800,000 from five to 12 years old are the recipients of the program. “Teachers will be assisted by the health personnel,” Berguia said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

lease, fifty farmers already availed cacao propagules and training on good agricultural practices,” she said. She added that the second tranche of turn-over will be allocated for the farm rehabilitation. The municipal government of San Isidro will also avail this year from DTI, P200,000 for the formu-

lation of investment code. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


ARMM approves Php 252-M investment

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 22 -- Investments continue on an uptrend in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Min-danao, according to a report from the Re-gional Board of Investments (RBOI).


In a statement sent to the Philippine Information Agency Tuesday, the RBOI-ARMM announced they have approved a P252-million petroleum investment proj


ect located in Polloc Free Port, Parang, Maguindanao.

Said report indicated that the RBOI -Board of Gover-nors in a joint meeting with the members of the Management Committee in Davao City on Monday approved the registra-tion of DS3 Fuel Tanking and Services Inc., the fourth proj-ect registered by the agency in 2015.

“With this new addition, ARMM has recorded Php1.8 bil-lion total investments in the 3rd quarter of this year and continu-ously going up despite the un-certainty of the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” the report reads.

The DS3 Fuel Tanking and Services Inc. is engage into pro-viding storage facilities, market-ing and distribution of petro-leum products.

The company will mainly be involved in the construction and operation of oil depots with total capacity of 23 million liters per annum at Polloc Free Port, Pa-rang, Maguindanao.

“This is the first foreign inves-tor to invest in the downstream oil industry in the region high-lighting business confidence of foreign investors in the region even as the BBL is still being

debated in Congress,” RBOI-ARMM report continues.

RBOI Chair, Atty. Ishak V. Mastura said that such project in the “downstream oil distribu-tion industry” is the most stra-tegic investment because DS3 can provide the common service facilities for the different oil dis-tribution industry players now and for the future in the region.”

“The presence of an oil de-pot and oil storage facilities can possibly reduce the price of oil in the region,” he added.

According to DS3, about 50 million liters of ground fuel is being consumed by the region per month.

The company invested in the region since they see the ARMM and its adjacent municipalities and cities of 10 million people as a huge market opportunity to construct a fuel storage and distribution facility to service various customers in the region including service stations, agri-culture and industrial users.

Further, there are other in-vestments in the pipeline this year, including a Php 3.7 billion cavendish banana project in-tended for export market.

Another project would de-velop 5,000 hectares in Magu-indanao into an oil palm plan


International body allows DOST 12 to adopt Unified Halal Standards

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 22 -- An international Islamic body has given a go signal to the Department of Sci-ence and Technology in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DOST 12) adopt a global Halal standards.

tation. The project amounts to Php 1.3 billion, A Php 400-million napier biomass fuel is also underway.

Earlier this year, ARMM’s investment managers ap-proved investment projects of Chan C. Mining Inc. which is spending Php741.8 million for its nickel ore mining and quarrying project in Tawi-Tawi and Lamsan Power Corpora-

tion which expanded their exist-ing power plant to an additional 5.5 megawatts capacity worth Php686.7 million in Maguindan-ao.

It also permitted Tawi-Tawian Petroleum Trading in Tawi-Tawi, a company involved importation and distribution of petroleum products to invest Php 121.2 million. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from RBOI-ARMM)


In a press release, DOST 12 confirmed that the Or-ganization of Islamic Coopera-tion – Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (OIC-SMIIC) based in Turkey granted (DOST XII) permission to adopt the Unified Halal Stan-dards.

OIC is composed of 57 mem-ber-states, the world’s second

largest intergovernmental or-ganization after United Nations which sanctioned SMIIC as the official international Islamic standards body.

SMIIC works in the areas of Standardization, Metrology and Accreditation (especially in Ha-lal standards preparation and establishing Halal accreditation mechanism) for all OIC Member


States and Muslim Communi-ties in Non-OIC Regions.

“SMIIC encourages DOST 12 with its expertise and capabili-ties to adopt, implement and assure compliance to SMIIC Unified Global Halal Standards through the leadership of Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan being a devout Muslim in the Ministry of Science and Tech-nology”, as quoted from SMIIC General Secretariat.

According to SMIIC Assis-tant Secretary General Lotfi Ben Said, the unified Halal standards will bring about mutual recogni-tion of certificates throughout the globe, reassure consumers’ trust and shun technical barriers to Halal trade.

“The OIC’s stringent require-ment for the adoption of one global Halal standard, one global certification and one recognized accreditation scheme for prod-ucts and services is currently considered as the global highest reference point for Halal”, said DOST 12 Regional Director Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan.

The handing over of the OIC/ SMIIC Standards to DOST 12 took place during the Inaugura-tion of the Philippine Halal As-sembly (PHA).

Philippines, according to Dr.

Laidan is the first non-OIC member-country which has been granted permission to adopt the said standards given DOST 12’s qualifications.

Since 2008, DOST 12 has been implementing the Philip-pine Science and Technology Program for the Development of the Halal Industry.

It is currently operating a Halal laboratory equipped with state-of-the art facilities and manned by competent Muslim Chemists and Microbiologists for product testing and authenticity.

It has also initiated the es-tablishment of the Philippine National Halal Laboratory - a much bigger facility intended for expansion of services to the Halal sector which will also serve as the clearing-house of all products labeled Halal or to be branded as such. Said labo-ratory is located at Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City.

By far, DOST 12 assisted several SMEs engaged in Ha-lal business improved quality of their products thru the con-duct of trainings on Halal and food safety and Halal and good manufacturing practices, among others.

Since the beginning of its implementation of its Halal


program, DOST XII has con-sistently conducted advocacy and promotion on Halal by hold-ing and organizing events par-ticularly the National Halal Fo-rum and for this year. The PHA which was the first international event on Halal held in the Philip-pines.

Attended to and participated by 1,025 individuals and ex-hibitors, the PHA organized and hosted by the DOST 12 was held last June 3 – 5 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Manila ban-nered by the theme, ‘Synergiz-ing Halal thru Science and Tech-nology’.

In one of the agency’s events, His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III expressed his admin-istration’s support

In his message, President Aquino said, “Science and Tech-nology augments our country’s prospects for growth and devel-opment; this is why we in gov-ernment invest in programs that fortify this sector. I am pleased by the efforts of the DOST Re-gion XII in organizing this fo-rum, which aims to enlighten and encourage participants…to help advance the Halal Industry through S&T in order to pen-etrate the global market.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Laidan pointed

out, “to ascertain that we can tap the existing strongest as well as the emerging Halal mar-kets with estimated 2.3 trillion dollar industry value, it is there-fore imperative for our country to adopt and strictly adhere to the OIC/ SMIIC Unified Global Halal Standards”.

Determined to further push for the development of the Halal sector in the country, Dr. Laidan was noted saying, “Though ob-stacles relating to socio-eco-nomic, institutionalization and politics are inevitable, we are optimistic that thru the appli-cation of Science and Technol-ogy, we can significantly achieve consumer trust and reduce in-dustry uncertainty, at large.” (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with re-port from DOST 12)


2,000 Kidapaweños benefit from medical, dental outreach

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, July 22 - Close to 2,000 residents of Kidapawan City’s 40 barangays have availed of the free medical and dental checkups by the city government over the weekend.

City Mayor Joseph Evangelista partnered with the American based nongovernment organiza-tion, With Love Jan Inc. through its president, Dr. Bern Miguel in conducting consultations and administering treatments to pa-tients during the said medical and dental outreach program.

“This is our way of giving back to the city and community,” Dr. Miguel, who is from Kidapawan City, said.

Free medicines, consultations and tooth extraction were pro-vided during the two-day activ-ity at the city gymnasium.

With Love Jan Incorporated provided all the free medicines, the City Health Office said.

Most of the patients were in-digents listed and identified by barangay officials in May of this year ahead of the scheduled free medical and dental out-reach program.

For the said program to ma-terialize, the city government partnered with private medical doctors and dentists.

Aside from providing free medical and dental assistance to the public, With Love Jan Inc. is also a partner of the LGU Kidapawan in the supplemen-tal feeding program of day care to elementary pupils in public schools.

The program aims to solve the malnutrition problems of chil-dren aged 4 - 13 years old en-rolled in public schools.

Dr. Miguel said plans to give free computer units to identified learning centers are underway. He also assured the medical and dental outreach programs will continue. (LKOasay-LGU Kidapawan City/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DA Caraga cites role of soils in food security, productivity

BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Regional Field Office raised the awareness and promoted the importance of soil to food and productivity during the media briefing of this year’s observance of the International Year of Soils (IYS) 2015 on Monday, July 20.

By: Daisy Jane Apit

IYS 2015, with the theme, “Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life,” was declared by the 68th


United Nations (UN) General Assembly to raise global awareness on the significance of soils for food security, nutrition, and environmental protection. E m m y l o u P r e s i l d a , DA Caraga Information and Public Relations Section chief has a c k n o w l e d g e d the contribution of media in the d i s s e m i n a t i o n of accurate information to the public. “ T h e International Year of the Soil that will be celebrated on December 5, is a great opportunity to unify actions and raise awareness on the importance of soils for food and nutrition security and environment protection,” Presilda said. Also, Bureau of Soils and Water Management regional coordinator Marcelo P. Dayo has cited the importance of soil to food security and nutrition. “Healthy soil is the key to food

security and nutrition for all,” Dayo said. Dayo, further said that at present, the total land degradation hotspot areas in the Philippines are now 2,563,944.28 hectares. “The current rate of soil degradation threatens the capacity to meet the needs of future generations,” Dayo added.


DAR Surigao Norte turns over processing center, service facility to Siargao farmers

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform of Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) handed over recently a turmeric processing center and two units of reaper to some 269 Siargao farmers through a simple ceremonial project turn-over held in Brgy. Garcia, Sta. Monica, this province.

By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

The turmeric processing plant was handed to Garcia Farmers and Fisherfolks Credit Cooperative through the Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project (VLPCEP) benefitting its 122 members of which 97 are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). While the two reapers were given to Esperanza Farmers Credit Cooperative through the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) that will benefit its 147 members of

whom 96 were ARBs. VLPCEP and ARCCESS are both projects of DAR. VLPCEP aims to develop market competitive ARB products and enhance enterprise and livelihood activities at the community level in selected agrarian reform areas through assistance in product value-adding, improvement of facilities, and assistance in documentation and license application. ARCCESS, on the other hand, is a support service


delivery mechanism created to contribute to the overall goal of rural poverty reduction particularly in agrarian reform areas. The turn-over ceremony was led by DAR Secretary Virgilio R. De Los Reyes and was witnessed by Surigao del Norte 1st district congressman Francisco T. Matugas, Surigao

del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas; DAR Caraga regional director Julita A. Ragandang, CESO III; Sta Monica municipal mayor Fernando N. Dolar; Del Carmen mayor Alfredo M. Coro, Jr; General Luna mayor Jaime Rosillon; and Jose T. Sebucao, OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II of Surigao del Norte.

NNC-Caraga to organize Bantay Asin Task Force By: Daisy Jane M. Apit

BUTUAN CITY – The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Caraga in coordination with the Department of Health - Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) will organize the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) to address iodine-related health issues on Friday here. According to DOH Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr., the disturbing urinary iodine excretion (UIE) levels based on moderate to severe cases of children aged 6-12 years, pregnant and lactating mothers as reported in the 2008 and 2013 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) only indicates that a Bantay Asin Task Force should be initiated at the regional level. The organization aims establish a level of coordination between relevant government agencies, local governments, salt industry representatives, and

civil society groups to monitor the salt supply at the regional, provincial, and municipal levels. It is also an effort to support the program initiatives under the National Salt Iodization Program (NSIP) in the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 8172 (An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide) or the ASIN Law. RBATF was a strategy used in Regions 2 and 8 to combat Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), it was learned.


DSWD, NFA provide supplemental feeding to 140 day care children in Talusan town

By Gideon C. Corgue

TALUSAN, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) –Some 140 day care children have availed of the supplementary feeding program conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Food Authority yesterday, July 21, during the information caravan for poverty reduction held at the municipal gym here.


The feeding program was one of the free services offered by national government agencies during the infocaravan spearheaded by the Mindanao Communicator’s Network, Incorporated in partnership with the Regional Communication Advocacy Program (RCAP) committee of the Regional Development Council.

Talusan is a 5th class island municipality in the 1st district of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Judena R. Lacay said the day care children,

aged 3 to 4 from White Day Care Center of barangay Poblacion were provided supplementary feeding program to reduce the incidence of malnutrition in the area.

The DSWD regional office, according to Lacay has allocated funds for the program from July to December this year intended for the 544 children enrolled in day care centers in the 14 barangays of the municipality.

She said an evaluation conducted by the department revealed that there were children aged 02-71 months


who were malnourished, thus, the supplemental feeding is an intervention that would address the problem.

“Nagpasalamat ako nga ang pagpahigayon sa supplementary feeding program nahaum ning maong dako nga kalihokan nga gihimo karon sa among lungsod nga mao ang information caravan pinasiugdahan sa Philippine Information Agency. Ang mga kabataan gidala sa ilang mga gikinanan dinhi sa gymnasium aron nga makapahimulos ning maong programa,” Lacay said.

(I am thankful that the supplementary feeding program

coincided with this big event held today in our municipality- the information caravan organized by the Philippine Information Agency. The children were brought by their parents in the gymnasium to avail of the program.)

Deborah Andas, the mother of 3-year old Shariff, was very happy that the government implemented the program in their municipality to improve the nutritional status of young children.

One Mindanao - July 22, 2015

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Transcript of One Mindanao - July 22, 2015