One Mindanao - June 25, 2014

DENR Caraga leads tree planting activity on Arbor Day Nora L. MoldeCARAGA REGION WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 206

Reforms ongoing in police, military to ensure public safety, says Aquino

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

ARMM

CARAGA REGION

Govt allocates P270M for Kalabugao Plain road concreting project

7 villages receive postharvest facilities

NGCP turns over 2-classroom buildingin Titay town

47th Araw ng Davao del Sur to promote the province as best investment hub

Lanao Sur Health Officer cites importance of healthy lifestyle

Lanao del Sur execs declare commitment to strengthen DRRM

IPHO holds more medical-dental outreach in NorthCot

ASG member collared;crackdown vs. bandits continues

Local council files resolution to declare Jimenez as “Gateway to Mt. Malindang”

Surigao farmers coop now an organic fertilizer producer, distributor

Level of enforcement against drugs intensified

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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David M. Suyao

Elaine O. Ratunil

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Alma L. Tingcang

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Greg Tataro Jr.

AJUgsad

DENR Caraga leads tree planting activity on Arbor Day

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional office on Wednesday led the

stakeholders from the various sectors of the society in the planting of Talisay trees at the Bood Promontory Eco-Park in the city in connection with the celebration of this year’s Arbor Day.

“The activity is in support to the vision of the local government unit of Butuan City to become a ‘Premier Forest City’ by 2020 and the National Greening Program of DENR,“ said DENR regional technical director Maritess M. Ocampo during a short program held at the planting site. Also, during the activity, advocates for a Green Butuan headed by city councilor Dr. Virgilo

Nery, Jr. joined in planting

the Talisay tree. Nery said the group are monitoring monthly the planted trees in the area in order to achieve the vision of the city.

by Nora L. Molde

COVER STORY

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Right after the short program, certificates of participation were distributed to the agencies and employees from the national government agencies, academe, private sector and non-government organizations who participated in the activity. Meantime, DENR regional director Nonito Tamayo said

during the celebration of the world environment day recently that the trees provide a very important role in carbon dioxide sequestration, the so called major factor in the global warming of the earth. The activity ended with the singing of “Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran.”

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Across the NationPresident Aquino returns home after fruitful Japan trip

During their meeting, President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe exchanged views on current developments in the West Philippine Sea (South

China Sea) and the East China Sea.The President said the Philippines

wants to advance the defense and security dialogue with Japan

President Benigno S. Aquino III returned to Manila Tuesday night following his one-day working visit to Japan, where he met with

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, addressed a peace seminar and visited a memorial for wartime victims in Hiroshima.

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President Aquino returns home after fruitful Japan trip

to boost its cooperation with its closest Asian strategic ally.

He noted that the agreement with Japan will not necessarily be similar to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, but it will address the Philippines’ needs during emergencies.

On the West Philippine Sea issue, the President told his Japanese counterpart about the Philippines’ move to push for the strict observance of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, to which claimant countries and China agreed in 2002.

He expressed hope that the ASEAN and China immediately agree on a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

After the summit meeting, President Aquino proceeded to Hiroshima to address the Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao Conference, where he renewed his commitment to bring lasting peace to Southern Philippines after the signing of an accord with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last March.

He said his administration will work hard to ensure an orderly and democratic election in Mindanao in 2016.

At the same time, he thanked the countries and organizations that helped the Philippine government and the MILF agree on a peace pact. He expressed his gratitude to the US, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Norway, Libya, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and the European Union.

He also thanked the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its continuing efforts for development and stability in Mindanao.

After the conference, the President led a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to remember the victims of the nuclear attack in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.

The President and his delegation left Hiroshima at about 8:45 p.m. and arrived in Manila at midnight. PND

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Reforms ongoing in police, military to ensure public safety, says Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III said reforms are ongoing in the country’s law enforcement system as well as in the military to

ensure the security of the public.In an interview with the

members of the Philippine media on Tuesday, the President also said that while there are concerns the way the police do their jobs there are also many achievements.

One of the reforms that is ongoing in the police force is increasing the number of policemen patrolling the streets.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is training 15,000 policemen

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who were previously tied up with clerical works especially in Camp Crame. Office works will be filled by civilian employees, he said.

The government is also working to fix problems in the police and military’s pension, which have been the major stumbling block in government hiring more policemen and soldiers, he said.

One of the laws on pension reforms is now in Congress, he said.

There is a need to increase the number of policemen to effectively fight crime. He said that since the 1986 EDSA People Power revolt, the total number of policemen and soldiers was at 250,000 and that figure has not changed until today.

To make communities safer, the ideal policeman to civilian ratio is 1 (policeman) to 500 (civilian), he said.

There is also massive funding for both the police and the military, he said, which is called “shoot, scoot, and communicate”.

The government

is investing on transportation equipment like motorcycles, vans, trucks, as well as communication systems for both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP for them to be more effective.

The police is also regularly conducting checkpoints and stepping up their operations against unlicensed firearms, he said.

The chief executive also reported developments in recent sensational killings. He said several arrests were made in connection with the murders of Pangasinan Mayor Ernesto Balolong and hotel owner Richard King.

The police is also pursuing good leads in the murder of car racer Ferdinand Pastor, he said. PND

10JUNE2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

PAGASA monitoring new LPA near Mindanao

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday is keeping

watch of low pressure area (LPA) that has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

In an interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Connie Dadivas said that as of 4 a.m., the LPA was estimated to be 700 km east of Northern Mindanao (9.8°N, 132.5°E) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

Dadivas said the weather disturbance remains far and won’t

affect the country yet but by Friday it will bring rains in Luzon, including Bicol Region and the Visayas.

She said the agency’s numerical models continued to show that the weather disturbance has a slim chance to become a tropical depression but the agency continues monitoring it.

She said PAGASA still expects


one to two more storms to hit the country before the end of the month.

She added that the next tropical cyclone that will visit the country will be named “Florita.”

Meanwhile, Dadivas said that except in western section of Luzon most parts of the country will continue to have fair weather on Wednesday.

She said southwest monsoon is affecting the western section of Luzon.

The southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” -- which is associated with the occurrence of intermittent to continuous rains -- is the prevailing wind

system during the rainy season.For Wednesday forecast, PAGASA

said Bataan, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan will experience occasional rains while the rest of the country including Metro Manila will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

It added moderate to strong winds coming from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Visayas and from the southwest to west over Mindanao with slight to moderate seas. (PNA)


PDEA-13 seeks public’s help in fight vs illegal drugs

By Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY - “We all want to eliminate illegal drugs in our community, therefore it is a great challenge for us to take action. Let’s all be responsible. If you know or have monitored people using or selling illegal drugs report it immediately to us so we can then give appropriate response.”


This was the statement of regional director Erwin Ogario of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) during his interview over Power FM – the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga’s radio station here.

Ogario bared that the level of reinforcement against drugs has increased. “We had already conducted some 240 operations, while apprehended suspects and filed cases in the court also increased early this year,” he said.

“This afternoon, we will be training and conducting orientation with the barangay officials in the municipality of Carmen in Agusan del Norte on how to intensify its Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs). Community action against illegal drugs is very vital especially when parents take responsibility in monitoring the activities of their children,” emphasized Ogario.

Ogario added that BADACs as local councils are tasked to conduct

information and education on illegal drugs and formulate plans and programs to prevent proliferation of illegal drugs in their barangays.

It was learned that there is a rehabilitation health center for illegal-drug victims installed in Surigao City. “There are also private rehabilitation health centers but it may be costly to the affected families,” Ogario disclosed.

Meanwhile, Ogario also expressed support to PIA and Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) campaign on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. “As declared policy of the state to pursue biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation, our agency has been mindful also for the greening plans of our government safety would not only mean a drug-free community but can be attributed to resilient and adaptive society as well,” he said.


Level of enforcement against drugs intensified By David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- The level of enforcement against the proliferation and distribution of illegal drugs in the province of Agusan del Sur and the entire Caraga Region has increased although the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has no base records on whether the distribution and the use of illegal drugs has decreased.

“In partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army, we have raided plantations of marijuana in the hinterlands of La Paz and Loreto and uprooted, confiscated and burned volumes of them. But

I believe we have only destroyed part of the items because we have no basis whether there are more plantations around until we gather reliable information of their existence,” PDEA Caraga regional director Erwin Ogario


said. According to Ogario, they

have already conducted some 240 operations this year, 2014, and have apprehended suspects while cases were being filed in court. Ogario also said once the suspects are already in jail, and sentenced were served, they have no more jurisdiction over the convicts because it is already the jurisdiction of the court.

“And sad to note, many who were jailed were released because of bail, and some are because of technical reasons,” Ogario added.

PDEA, according to Ogario, is not really running after the users but are serious in running after the pushers. PDEA’s operations, O g a r i o said, will somet imes take time because they cannot just charge any person who are high with drugs or are pushers of the illegal drugs.

“We have

to conduct thorough surveillance and planning before we finally execute the operation, so that we will not miss the target. And with the help of our PNP, we have registered 240 operations to date,” Ogario said.

Ogario also said, there is a rehabilitation center for illegal drugs victims in Brgy. Anomar in Surigao City. There are also private rehabilitation centers but it may be costly for the affected families.

In Agusan del Sur, Dir. Ogario said Bayugan City ranked the highest on drug cases. Other municipalities on record are San Francisco, LaPaz, Loreto, Trento and Prosperidad.


Surigao farmers coop now an organic fertilizer producer, distributorSURIGAO CITY- The Claver Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CLACOFARMCO) based in Barangay Daywan, Claver, Surigao del Norte is now producing Plantmate Organic Fertilizer and distributing it to farmers throughout the province.

The venture was a result of a business matching facilitated by DTI-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-SDN) between the cooperative and Dr. Elisio L. Ruiz, a Filipino agricultural scientist and President of the Richfund International Co. Ltd. during the Provincial Business Conference organized by the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte in 2012. Dr. Ruiz was one of the key speakers then.

Dr. Ruiz invented a Bio-Plus activator which is used in producing Plantmate Organic Fertilizer. The said invention is now being marketed in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China and the Middle East.

CLACOFARMCO availed of one million pesos technology package through a franchise agreement last year with Richfund International Co. Ltd. effectively making them the sole producer and distributor of the said organic fertilizer in the province. The agreement was finalized with the

assistance of the Claver LGU and DTI-SDN.

DTI provincial director Celestino Negapatan explained that aside from the income generated by the cooperative, the availability of the said organic fertilizer will be a boost to the local farmers particularly rice growers who are heavily dependent in costly inorganic fertilizers.

Organic fertilizers have been promoted as a better alternative as it improves soil condition leading to increased crop yields and higher income for the farmers.

Originally organized as a regular farmers’ cooperative, CLACOFARMCO ventured into coco coir production in 2008 making coco nets and other coco coir-based products which they sell to buyers in Caraga and other regions. Their coco nets, also called as “geo nets” have been bought and used by mining companies in their mined-out areas for rehabilitation and soil management programs.

By Greg Tataro Jr.

Surigao farmers coop now an organic fertilizer producer, distributor

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


PHLPOST offers new servicesby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST) Central Mindanao Area 8 has leveled up, now offering its new services.

During the recent Career Executive Officers – Northern Mindanao (CEO-NM) agency familiarization, PHLPOST Area 8 Director Nimia Acebes introduced to the regional directors and heads of government agencies in Northern Mindanao the different and competitive services PHLPOST deliver today.

From the usual three categories particularly financial, mail services and other products, they have narrowed them down to business lines which include mail services, postal payment, retail services, logistics and other services. They offer Electronic Postal Money Order (ePost MO) for remittances,


wherein anyone can claim remittance from the post office where there is ePost MO. They also partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in their Conditional Cash Transfer Program (CCT). Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipient may claim from PHLPOST their cash transfer.PHLPOST Bayad Center also now accepts payment for bills in landline, mobile, government, memorial park, charity, Internet, insurance and credit card. In Central Mindanao, post office in Cagayan de Oro, Macabalan, Butuan and Iligan are open for these transactions. They also have Postal Station Franchising Program which can be operated by private individuals through franchising. Finally, they have Commercial Posts and Logistics Services such as delivery of appliances, motorcycles, engines and even in cases of transfer of house. PHLPOST also deliver and offer warehousing. In fact, PHLPOST has partnered with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and is now the hub in Cagayan de Oro for deliveries in Mindanao. Cecille Cotapte of PHLPOST also introduced their International Express Mail Services (IEMS) wherein articles such as documents, samples of merchandise and goods not specifically prohibited by regulations can be sent by IEMS. Cotapte added that the importance of express international

mail service is its track and trace through the Internet. Currently, the Philippines have bilateral agreement with 45 countries for the reciprocal exchange of EMS items, she added. On the other hand, Domestic Express Mail Service (DEMS) is the means of sending urgent messages, business documents or goods to addresses within the Philippines. Generally, DEMS items are delivered the next day after the date of mailing provided that they are posted on or before the prescribed cut-off time. Currently, the service is available in all major cities and towns nationwide. PHLPOST also offer Literature for the Blind. These are letter post items containing writings used by the blind, sound recordings and/or special paper intended solely for the use of the blind. They also offer Direct Mail under its Unaddressed Advertising Mail Service (UAMS) and allow the client to get optimum advertising mileage for its products and services at the least cost. Further, they also offer their Electronic Business Mail Service (EBMS) for bulk mails. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 7354 mandating PHLPOST to plan, develop, promote and operate a nationwide postal system with a network that extends or makes available, at least ordinary mail service, to any settlement in the country. And to provide for the collection, handling, transportation, delivery, forwarding and exchange of postal matters between nations.


Govt allocates P270M for Kalabugao Plain road concreting project by Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Road less travelled no more as the government is set to allocate P270 million for Kalabugao Plain, traversing Damay-Kalabugao, road concreting project by 2015.

During the Regional Peace and Order (RPOC) peace convergence visit on June 18-19, Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, regional director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), region 10, and head of the Secretariat for RPOC-10, bared that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has committed the amount for the road project. Kalabugao Plain, a home of Higaonon tribes and a strategic watershed area of Pulangi River, is at the tri-boundary of the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental for Northern Mindanao and Agusan del Sur in Caraga Region. Further, Kalabugao symbolizes far-flung areas of rural communities. It has weak government presence, poses high incidence of conflicts and apparent poverty but has high potential to develop the Indigenous People (IP) with the presence of church and civil society. Burdeos echoed Kalabugao Plain is important because it affects other parts of Mindanao. The flood in Gingoog, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and in Davao and Cotabato as well come from it. Attaining peace and order is

also essential because people need to live without worrying what happens to their families or homes. Dubbed Peace and Development Convergence Program for Kalabugao Plain, the RPOC-10 Technical Working Group (TWG) has conceptualized the program aimed to develop Kalabugao Plain into an economically, environmentally and culturally developed community. Amidst limitation, the government is steadfast to provide assistance to the people, said Burdeos. Kalabugao plain is a strategic plan. For one, Pulangi River is 320 kilometers, the longest river in Bukidnon, one of the places that can benefit from the development of the Kalabugao Plain. The river that contributes to watershed since it provides approximately 25% of Mindanao’s power needs and the main water source of Bukidnon both for drinking and irrigation. Secondly, the IPs are vulnerable target of insurgency. The IPs should be attended to and taken cared of so they will feel that the government cares for them and they will possibly not turn their


Local council files resolution to declare Jimenez as “Gateway to Mt. Malindang” by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

JIMENEZ, Misamis Occidental - The Sangguniang Bayan (SB), here, has filed a resolution requesting the Department of Tourism (DOT), region 10, to declare Jimenez as the “Gateway to Mt. Malindang.”

One of the oldest, most progressive and most peaceful among the province’s 14 municipalities, Jimenez is centrally located between the cities of Ozamiz and Oroquieta, the provincial capital of Misamis Occidental, Mayor Rosario K. Balais, said. Geographically, the mountainous and rolling land stretching in the forested area at its interior barangays culminates at the Mt. Malindang Mountain Ranges Natural Park (MMRNP) with its highest peak at 2,411 meters and the lowest, at about 1,700 meters above sea level.

An inventory in MMRNP’s seven ranges in 2004 revealed a total of 1,284 species, 472 genera and 187 families of plant species. Of these, 873 were considered as angiosperms, 20 as gymnosperms, 85 as byrophytes, 25 as lichens and 280 as pterodophytes, representing 44.30 percent of 632 pterodophyte species found in Mindanao. “We are very much interested and willing to be declared as the ‘Gateway to Mt. Malindang,’ considering our mountain trail with its natural design and scenic attractions that will provide travelers with a serene environment

back from the government to join insurgent groups, said Burdeos. According to Impasugong town mayor Mario Okinlay, the local government committed to shell out P5 million as counterpart to the project. For his part, Datu Mantangkilan Cumatang, head claimant, Agtulawan Mintapod Higaonon Cumadon ancestral

domain, expressed gratitude to the government for the genuine services as this brings economic significance to the community. TWG revisited Kalabugao Plain to reaffirrm the commitments to the Peace and Development Convergence Program to spur further action from various stakeholders.


conducive to leisurely travel and enjoyment while affording insights into the beauty, history and culture of the first settlers of the province,” Balais said. Meanwhile, Jimenez will be celebrating its 155th Town Fiesta on June 24, this year, in honor of its patron “San Juan” highlighted by a Eucharistic Mass at the St. John, the Baptist Church and a procession around town to be participated by the Catholic devotees.

Among the activities lined-up for the occasion is the nine-day novena (prayers/petitions) that culminates on the feast day, itself, and the traditional “Salu-Salu (foodfest)” in the respective households on June 23. However, since this is a religious celebration, the San Juan Fiesta is not a holiday in Jimenez and all government services in town will continue during the day, as usual, Balais added.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/amputo/6894694816/


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato -- Over 100 agrarian reform benefi-ciaries (ARB) in Arakan town in North Cotabato are set to benefit from a food-for-work project of the World Food Programme (WFP), an official of the Department of Agrarian reform said.

P2.7M worth of food-for-work project to benefit ARBsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Marion Abella said the WFP has recently approved release of P2.7 M worth of rice to be distributed under the food-for-work scheme.

This translates to 81.25 metric tons of rice to be distributed to ARBs involved in the rock wall establishment enhancement project of DAR being implemented at Sitio Tinanan, Barangay Ganatan of said town.

The project aims to build rice terraces in steep slopes in the area, not only for economic production but also encourage tourism industry in the place.

“WFP’s assistance to the project is such a big help not only to the ARBs but also to the Department,” Abella said. “It is encouraging to note that there are non-government organizations such as them (WFP) who continuously support our endeavors for development.”

She added that every ARB participant of the project is expected to receive a maximum of 100 kilogram of rice per month as incentive for working in the project.

The 81.25MT of rice will be used as incentives according to the sub-project activities of the project.

WFP has allocated 2.5MT for the clearing of vegetation, 8.750MT for earthworks, 62.5MT for hauling of rocks, and 7.5MT for setting and plastering of rocks using soil with

compaction.DAR’s partnership with the WFP is

coursed through with the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation-Project Management Office (PRRO-PMO)/United Nations-WFP under the Office of the Governor of North Cotabato.

PRRO-PMO Focal Person Allan Matullano, said that WFP’s Food-for-Work Projects pay workers with food to start building a hunger-free future for their communities.

“Employing new farming technology in the form of the rock wall establishment enhancement project will widened the horizon of opportunities for farmers,” Matullano said.

“We have seen the importance of the project which maximizes the utilization of idle lands. By doing so, it addresses the problem on food security.

“The community members are given food in exchange for work on vital new infrastructure or for time spent learning new skills that will increase the food security of households or communities,” he continued.

Matullano also affirmed ARBs in Ganatan had been involved in their previous FFW projects in the area, adding that they are looking forward to the continuous support of the ARBs to ensure the sustainability of the project, especially in the implementation of the newly approved FFW project.


ALABEL, Sarangan -- Seven baranagays in Sarangani province recently received multi-purpose drying pavement (MPDP) courtesy of the provincial government of Sarangani.

The rock wall establishment enhancement project utilizes sloping and hilly areas in the construction of rice terraces patterned to the century-old and time-tested construction technology of Ifugao.

The project has started early this June and is expected to be completed in October this year.

DAR carries out the rock wall establishment enhancement project in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Local Government Unit of Arakan and PRRO-PMO of Cotabato Province/UN-WFP. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from ROrejudos-DAR-North Cotabato)

7 villages receive postharvest facilities

Recipient barangays were identified as Laguimit (Sitio Paco) in Glan, Domolok (Purok 8) in Alabel, Kihan (Sitio Kyondong) in Malapatan, Amsipit (Sitio Lamlabong) in Maasim, Malungon Gamay in Malungon, Zion in Maitum; and Katubao (Purok 4) in Kiamba.

The multi-purpose drying pavements cost P300,000 each sourced out of the provincial government’s Annual Investment Program. These were provided to help reduce postharvest losses.

Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and OIC Provincial Agriculturist Jonathan Duhaylungsod led the turn-over of these facilities to the barangay officials.

Prior to this, the mentioned barangays also received rice and corn shellers and mini corn mills from the provincial government.

According to Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and

Mechanization (PhilMech), post-harvest needs are the usual problems experienced by farmers and it is becoming evident in some parts of the province.

Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Francisco Garcia of Zion, Maitum said the drying facilities were a priority considering that their village mostly relies on farming for livelihood.

“We had a dryer but this was destroyed,” Garcia said, “that is why I, along with the residents of our place, thank Gov. Solon for his help to our community.”

At the turn-over ceremony, Gov. Solon and OIC Provincial Agriculturist Jonathan Duhaylungsod have also laid down their plans to further improve agriculture production with more projects such as giving “hybrid asolar dryer warehouse,”( AJUgsad-Sarangani Provincial Governor’s Office/DED-PIA 12)


MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato—Anchored under the ‘Serbisyong Totoo’ advo-cacy, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of North Cotabato con-ducts more medical and dental outreach programs in different areas in the province.

IPHO holds more medical-dental outreach in NorthCotBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Dr. Eva C. Rabaya, officer-in-charge of the IPHO disclosed that recently the composite team of doctors and dentists from IPHO and the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of this town conducted a medical and dental outreach to around 600 individuals of Barangay Malamote of this municipality.

“Like in all the villages we visited, our team conducted medical checkup, tooth extraction and circumcision,” Rabaya noted.

Further, she stated that the health team also distributed free medicines and vitamins to the villagers of Malamote.

With the health assistance given to their area, Leodegario Torino, chairman of Barangay Malamote expressed his gratefulness to the provincial government for answering their need.

“This is one of the most important services the provincial

government brought us. This only proves that the governor is mindful of the health conditions of her constituents here in the village,” the chairman said.

Meanwhile, Rabaya emphasized that the activity in Barangay Malamote is just one of the medical-dental outreaches lined-up by the provincial government this year. She noted that in the days to come, more health outreaches will be conducted by the IPHO.

“We are tasked by the governor to do visitations and conduct free medical and dental services to the people especially those who are residing in remote villages,” she said citing that their effort is being complemented by personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). (SJDuerme-PA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


New fire truck boosts UECI’s firefighting capability in BasilanBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The latest model of fire truck arrived Wednesday, June 18, in Isabela City that will boost the firefighting capability of the United Evangelical Church Inc.’s (UECI) firefighters.


NGCP turns over 2-classroom building in Titay town By Alma L. Tingcang

TITAY, Zamboanga Sibugay - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) turned-over yesterday, June 24, a two-classroom building in Poblacion Muslim Elementary School in this town. Engr. Armand S. Dysico, head, NGCP District 1 – Mindanao Operations and Maintenance, which comprises Zamboanga Peninsula Region and some areas of Lanao del Norte officially handed the key to Ms. Menchu N. Lood, school head. “Nagpasalamat mi ug dako sa NGCP kay napili nila among lugar alang sa maong proyekto. Dako kaayo kining tabang alang sa among kabataan,” Barangay Captain Ascuna

W. Jamilon said. (We are very grateful to NGCP for choosing Poblacion Muslim for this project. This is really a big help to our children.) There used to be only three rooms in this multi-grade school, which is a bit congested with several students. The new building will accommodate the pre-school children of Poblacion Muslim Elementary

Philip Tan, UECI chairman, saidthe fire truck was donated by friends and supporters from Manila and the US. “Thus, it is an additional equipment to support our three existing fire trucks with a capacity of more than four thousand liters of water. And we call it the Godzilla,” he said. He said the arrival of the new fire truck is just coincidental with the celebration of the firefighter volunteers’ anniversary on Saturday. The new fire truck, he said, was fire-tested for five times already in Manila when it responded to fire incidents in the metropolis. The new truck has stronger water spit compared to their earlier

fire truck models. It is also equipped with quality and state-of-the-art fire hoses that can last long to serve the province of Basilan. Tan said the fire truck would also “respond to incidents in Lamitan and Maluso when deemed necessary.” The new truck was paraded around the city for the public to see the new firefighting equipment of the UECI. “We are here to support our local Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), hand in hand with them to support in emergency situation and protect life and property,” Tan said. UECI takes pride of its more than a hundred volunteers designated to perform certain tasks like rescue and fire response.


School with a population of more than 100 students, mostly indigenous children of which 90 percent are Muslims. Ms. Elizabeth A. Ladaga, Regional Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Officer said “this is part of NGCP’s corporate social responsibility.” NGCP is also tasked

t o deliver safe and reliable electricity throughout the country. Other officials who witnessed the turnover ceremony were Engr. Edinower J. Cabanos, Engr. Hermie H. Hamoy, DepEd officials, barangay officials, PTA officials and barangay folks.


ASG member collared;crackdown vs. bandits continuesBy Michael Vincent D. CajulaoZAMBOANGA CITY – Combined elements of military and local police arrested another member of the Abu Sayyaf in Tumalutap, Sacol Island, June 22, at around 2:30 a.m. Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Andrelino Colina identified the terrorist as Sattar Abdulla, arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for taking part in the 2002 kidnapping of six (6) Jehovah’s Witness members in Patikul, Sulu. Colina also said that Abdulla is a known financier of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. The arrest is part of the government’s continuous crackdown against criminal and terrorist elements operating in the city. Just recently, two ASG members were also arrested in barangay Sangali, some 20 kilometers east of the city. Two other ASG members were arrested in separate incidents in

Barangay Sinunuc while another one in downtown Zamboanga after posing as a security guard, the past two months. City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar expressed her elation over the arrest saying these (arrest) are proof that authorities are exhausting all efforts in securing the city. Climaco-Salazar also asked the public of their continuous cooperation to help authorities secure the city. “We need the support and cooperation of the public. If we work together and remain united, we will definitely obtain our goal,” the mayor said.

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco

requested Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur

Tan to help secure the release of 2

Zamboangueños kidnapped by the

Abu Sayyaf Group last June 4 in the

municipality of Maimbung, Sulu.


ASG member collared;crackdown vs. bandits continues

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco

requested Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur

Tan to help secure the release of 2

Zamboangueños kidnapped by the

Abu Sayyaf Group last June 4 in the

municipality of Maimbung, Sulu.

Mt. Hamiguitan now on UNESCO list of World’s Heritage SitesDAVAO CITY- The World Heritage Committee has officially inscribe Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in the list of World’s Heritage Sites.The inscription was held last June 23 in Doha Qatar during the body’s 38th session. “This inscription is a celebration of the global partnership in our shared vision and desire to conserve these natural gifts for future generations. It is also a step forward towards the continuation of monitoring and preserving the fragile ecosystems in the mountain amidst changing climate and typhoon patterns,” declared Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon who also attended the inscription. With an area of 6,834 hectares the Mt. Hamiguitan Range and Wildlife sanctuary has one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the country. It is known for its sprawling bonsai forest and is

also the home of the endangered Philippine Eagle. It was declared a protected area in 2004 under Republic Act 9303. The International Union of the Conservation of Nature has praised the nomination of Mt. Hamiguitan as exemplary. The mountain which straddles Mati City and towns of Governor Generoso and San Isidro is the first World Heritage Site in Mindanao and sixth in the country after the Spanish colonial town of Vigan, Banaue Rice Terraces, Tubbataha Reef, Puerto Princesa Undergound River and the churches of San Agustin in Manila, Miag-ao in Iloilo and Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. World Heritage Sites are those inscribed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for its special cultural and natural significance. (PIA/RG Alama)

by Rudolph Alama


47th Araw ng Davao del Sur to promote the province as best investment hubDIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR – “Celebrating Davao del Sur’s Best and Beautiful” is the theme of the 47th Araw ng Davao del Sur which officially opened Monday and will culminate on July 1. Along with the theme is the official tagline “Anhi Ta” which means to live, invest and enjoy in Davao del Sur. The theme and the tagline both aimed at alluring both domestic and foreign tourists and even the business community to invest in this fast growing province with several tourist destinations. This year’s commemoration of the founding anniversary of the province is focused on showcasing what is best and beautiful of Davao del Sur to highlight the province as the most strategic and best investment hub in the region, and even in the whole island of Mindanao. Several activities have been lined-up which include the Agro-Trade Fair, Marching Band competition, BMEG Fiesta Bonanza, 1st CPB Open Dart Tournament (National Ranking Event) and Tribal Olympics. Other activities to be featured

are the Banca Race (Non-Motorized and Motorized), 1st CPB Shootfest, Public Presentation/Fashion Show of Mutya Contestants, 1st CPB Motorcross, 1st CPB Mindanao Wide Airsoft Games, 1st CPB Billiard Tournament, 1st CPB 5 Cock Derby, Lawn Tennis, and 1st CPB Mindanao Open Chess Championship. One week prior to the anniversary celebration, Davao del Sur constituents will be entertained by nightly performances being staged at Rizal Park in Digos City. The entertainment presentations started on Monday with the DepEd night, then followed by the Gabi ng Parangal, Gabi ng Pambansang Ahensya, Ikaw ang Bida Talent Search, SP Night, Gabi ng Mutya ng Davao del Sur, and Gabi ng Barangay. The Gabi ng Pasalamat ni Governor will be held on July 1. Adding color to the nightly events is the San Miguel Beer Festival. Another exciting event is the National Amateur Boxing which will be held at the Davao del Sur Coliseum, a post celebration scheduled from July 2 until July 9. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/Nilda S. Aniñon)


regional gallery

Delegates congratulate the Philippines led by H.E. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO (2nd from left) during the inscription of Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Range Sanctuary on the World Heritage List, with Davao Oriental Governor Hon. Corazon N. Malanyon (seated 2nd from right), Hon. Justina B. Yu, Mayor of San Isidro Municipal-ity (seated far right), H.E. Crescente R. Relacion, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, and Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega.


ARMM provides free digital library to schools in the region

Thousands of students in the Autonomous

Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will no longer have a hard time doing research work as the regional government provides Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS), dubbed as the “library in a box,” to a number of schools in the region.

STARBOOKS, the latest project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is a stand-alone research kiosk and a system designed especially for students who do in-depth research on science and technology resources. DOST-ARMM Secretary Myra Alih said in the country only the

ARMM government provides the STARBOOKS kiosks to the different schools for free. “What makes the STARBOOKS unique and more useful is that people can access data needed even without internet connection,” she said. Together with ARMM’s


Department of Education, DOST-ARMM turned over Friday, June 20, a complete package of the science digital library to the ARMM Regional Science High School (RSHS) in Parang, Maguindanao. The two agencies had earlier provided a similar package to the Racma Maniri Pimping National High School in Marawi City, making it the first recipient school of the project in the region. “We are very glad that our school is one of the recipients of this science digital library, now we know we can compete with confidence with other schools in the country,” said Mike Castillon, a Grade 9 student at the ARMM RSHS. The school’s principal, Myrna Lidasan, thanked the ARMM

government for the help. “Now we really feel the presence of the ARMM government. We know this will bring more opportunities to our students and help them learn easier and faster.” Meanwhile, ARMM Education Secretary Jamar Kulayan said they, together with the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao (BEAM), plan to turn over a laboratory for physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics to the school within the month. The ARMM RSHS is regarded as the center for excellence in science and in mathematics in the region and is the only school in ARMM that provides a subject on robotics. (Bureau of Public Information)


Lanao Sur Health Officer cites importance of healthy lifestyleby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important in the prevention of renal diseases.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said the problem on renal diseases can be reduced if only people are practicing healthy lifestyle. “Healthy lifestyle will lead to healthy kidneys,” he cited. Minalang said the kidney is a vital part of the body because it regulates body fluids and is responsible for the excretion of toxins in the body. “Once the kidneys stop working, toxins and fluids build up which can poison our body,” he further said. To have healthy kidneys, Minalang said one should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water everyday because water helps the kidneys remove toxins from the body. “Eating a healthy diet, reducing the intake of salt, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and exercising regularly can also help in preventing kidney

diseases,” he added. Minalang also advised the public to undergo urinalysis at least once a year. He said it is the best way to detect kidney problems early. Meanwhile, the IPHO in partnership with the local government of Wao conducted on June 18 a lay forum on renal health and medical outreach activity to raise awareness on the prevention of kidney diseases. Minalang said free urinalysis and infection treatment were also provided during the medical outreach. He said the activites were in line with the celebration of kidney month. June of every year is being celebrated as National Kidney Month by virtue of Proclamation Number 184. This year, the theme of the celebration is “A Healthy Lifestyle Makes Your Kidneys Smile.”


Lanao Sur Health Officer cites importance of healthy lifestyle

Lanao del Sur execs declare commitment to strengthen DRRMby: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Local chief executives (LCEs) in the province of Lanao del Sur expressed their commitment to further strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) system in their respective localities.

The LCEs signified their commitment to build resilience not only in individuals and families but also in communities and institutions, as well as to ensure that the province can “build back better” from disaster along the areas of mitigation, response, rehabilitation and recovery. As disaster managers, they accepted that they have much work to do in terms of integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change

adaptation into their development policies, plans and programs. The signing of strengthened commitment on the DRRM highlighted the Provincial Summit on DRRM held on June 10-11 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall. The two-day summit, organized by the Office of the Civil Defense of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) is intended to strengthen the significant roles and responsibilities of LCEs, to learn


from the experiences of selected local DRRM offices, to identify challenges to agitate community-based DRRM solutions, and to institutionalize and implement knowledge in DRRM planning, tools, and protocols. Provincial DRRM Officer Tatar Boriongan said LCEs are the lead authority in ensuring the integration of DRRM and climate change adaptation in local development and poverty reduction. “Often enough, when disasters strike, the President or head of state comes in for criticism. This is understandable, as the President should take the lead in making sure that key policies, systems and funds are in place when natural disasters occur,” said OCD-ARMM Director Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena.

He however said that reserving

the goals of disaster risk reduction and climate change preparedness only for the Office of President is short-sighted and self-defeating for it trivializes the capacity and responsibility of local officials to develop their own strategies in handling climate change. He said local officials should have immediate access to what they need in times of disaster. They do not need the approval of the President to use equipment, logistics and money, be it for emergency rescues or long-term adaptation projects. “As local officials, they have the responsibility to ensure that the people who voted for them are given all the assistance they need in cases disasters,” Ochotorena added.

One Mindanao - June 25, 2014

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Transcript of One Mindanao - June 25, 2014