One Mindanao - May 5, 2014

Flying above Mati aboard ultralightsSOUTHERN MINDANAO

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 171

Palace calls for Bayanihan to counter adverseeffects of El Niño

NATIONAL

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CENTRAL MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Local ministry develops livelihood opportunity in idle river basin

SurSur Agraryo Scholars received certificate of recognition from DAR-SDS

Wage board to discuss possible wage hike in SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Zambo gov’t halts Bangsamoro rally, city on red alert

Solon warns public vs heat stroke

Dipolog launches “no plastic” ordinance

Iligan, Lanao Norte all set for Labor Day

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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CARAGA REGION

SSS achieves another banner year in 2013 16 SSS

Dominic I. Sanchez

CdeOSP

Mary May A. Abellon

Lorry V. Gabule

Flying above Mati aboard ultralights

In the 1970s President Marcos built an airport in Mati complete with a 1.6-kilometer

concrete runway and a small terminal building.

The airport never realized its commercial viability and is barely used for what it is intended to be. It has become sort of a park where people come to jog during early mornings and late afternoons, sometimes during fiestas the runway hosts drag racing events. But in 2012, Ret. Col. Sammy Afdal aka Saga established the Mindanao Saga Flying Club. Using ultralight planes, club

members gets the chance to fly these lightweight recreational aircraft based at their hangar in the Mati Airport, nowadays the airport is humming with the sound of ultralight propellers. The CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) has given permission to the club to utilize the seldom-used airport, one of the conditions is that the ultralights will not stray into the airspace of the Davao International Airport in Davao City. With the consent MSFC has built a hangar and club facilities in the area. Together with a group of photographers and bloggers we got the chance to ride one of those ultralights up above the skies of Mati. I was the first one among the group to fly, piloting the ultralight is Peter Heilveil who is also a member of the Angeles

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Flying Club in Pampanga. Ideally flights are scheduled from 5:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. the time of the day when winds are not that strong, a perfect time to fly over the coast and plains of Mati As a precaution before flying, a rider must divest all his belongings in his pocket, phone cameras are discouraged, your cameras must be secured to your body by a strap. Objects flying off from your pockets can hit the propeller at the rear of the aircraft. The flight takes you to the lush coconut plains over Dahican, above the coast, the famed eight-kilometer white-sand beaches. Some pilots will take you over the edges of the mountains, the Pujada Bay and even reaching the famous small peninsula locals and visitors call the Sleeping Dinosaur. IñakiSievert, MSFC president says that Mati is a scenic area to fly, with mountains and the sea forming a very panoramic vista. The MSFC is a membership flying club, annual fees costs around P9,000. There is a trial introductory flight of P1,600 which is a 15-minute flight around Mati. The MSFC has five aircrafts in the Mati hangar, according to Iñaki, they are expecting four ultralight more to come. An

ultralight kit costs at a range of P600,000 to a million pesos. These planes use unleaded gasoline as fuel. The ultralights are safe planes to fly with a 100% safety record and each plane is equipped with a BRS or Ballistic Recovery System, a parachute which can be deployed during emergencies. A pilot trainee undergoes theoretical instructions and flight simulation in Davao City, the actual flying is conducted in Mati. During our visit, Doc Vic Salvado made his first solo flight. The ultraflight club is slowly gaining popularity, Iñaki says that weekends are starting to get busy for the club. Mati City Mayor Carlo Rabat says that they would want ultralight flying to be included in their itinerary for visitors coming to Mati but first he would ask permission from MSFC.

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Across the NationPalace calls for Bayanihan to counter adverse effects of El Niño

“Pairalin natin iyong diwa ng bayanihan. Ang gagawin po natin sa ating kani-kaniyang sambahayan at komunidad ay malaki ang maiaambag sa pambansang pagkilos,”

Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said, Monday, asking the public to heed government calls for power and water conservation.

Malacanang has called on the people to practice “bayanihan” to counter the adverse effects of the El Nino

weather phenomenon that is expected to hit the country in June.

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‘Balikatan’ a good example of working relationship between two nations -- Goldberg

As Filipino and American forces formally commenced “Balikatan 2014” this Monday, US Ambassador to the

Philippines Philip Goldberg said that the annual military exercise is a fine example of a working relationship between two nations.

The El Nino is an anomalous phenomenon caused by the warming of ocean water temperatures, affecting the countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean. It is said to bring droughts and trigger abnormal weather patterns.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the El Nino might affect the country starting next month and could last nine months.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo said the phenomenon could result in reduced rainfall.

The department also warned that water levels in Angat Dam, which supplies 90 percent of the water in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, are already at a critical level.

Coloma said an inter-government agency cooperation is being implemented to counter the effects of El Nino.

He said the government agencies involved include the Department of Agriculture (DA), PAGASA-DOST, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Investment (DTI), Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) and the

National Irrigation Administration (NIA).Coloma said the DA is working closely with

the PAGASA-DOST to intensify cloud-seeding operations to induce rain in major watersheds and drought-affected farming communities.

The DA will provide shallow tube wells and drought-tolerant crop varieties to farmers in areas that will be affected by the dry spell.

Coloma said the department has also increased its investments on the establishment of small water-impounding facilities, as well as the repair of existing irrigation systems and construction of new ones.

Meanwhile, the DTI will monitor the prices of basic commodities to prevent any unwarranted price hikes, while the ERB will watch for any power rate increase, he said, adding that the DOE will prevent power plants from going offline unexpectedly to avert power interruptions.

“Kasama na rin po ang mga kawani at opisyal ng pamahalaan na makikiisa sa wasto at matipid na paggamit ng tubig at ng kuryente, dahil ito ay maaaring maapektuhan ng inaasahang pagpasok ng El Niño phenomenon,” said Coloma. PND

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“This year’s exercise is a good example of what the relationship can be, defined by shared interests, shared ties, and shared goals, shoulder-to-shoulder we stand together, ready to defend (if) necessary and assist when needed,” he said.

Goldberg stated that “Balikatan” is an offshoot of the long standing relations between the US and Philippine militaries, a partnership that has greatly contributed to regional security and stability.

“This is an important time for both our countries when it comes to national security. as most of you know I was on the stage last week with (Defense) Secretary (Voltaire) Gazmin signing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The EDCA will help the US-Philippines alliance continue to promote the peace and stability that has underpinned Asia’s remarkable economic growth over the last six decades. The EDCA updates and strengthen US-Philippines defense cooperation to meet 21st century challenges and will facilitate the enhanced rotational presence of US forces, facilitate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Philippines and the region, to improve opportunities for bilateral training and support the long term modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as it works to establish a minimum credible defense, Exercise ‘Balikatan’ is a prime example of the benefits that mutual security cooperation can bring to both our

countries, by strengthen our armed forces, improving communities and developing relationships,” the US Ambassador stressed.

Goldberg added that Americans and Filipinos need to look no further as this was exemplified by US rescue efforts during the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda” last Nov. 8.

“We need look no further than the response to Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ which made landfall six months ago today to see the immeasurable value of those relationship. by the end of the initial relief efforts after ‘Yolanda’ in November the US military coordinated over USD 31 million worth of assistance and working shoulder-to-shoulder with their Philippine counterparts, help evacuate over 21,000 people and move over 2,000 tons of supplies from government and civilian relief organizations into the affected areas,” he pointed out.

“Operation ‘Damayan’ was proof of the American commitment to close friends and neighbors in the Philippines in times of need, the successful response to Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ began with exercises like this one, regular bilateral training and operations develop strong bonds and effective teamwork which enable rapid and effective action in times of crisis, so remember while this maybe an exercise the skills you practice here have real world implications for the safety and security not just of the Philippines but the entire region,” Goldberg concluded.

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DOST to fly plane for ARMM hazard mapping

To scientifically determine hazardous areas in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will fly a plane over the ARMM provinces to survey the region for hazard preparedness, officials said on Sunday.

The activity is part of DOST’s project together with the University of the Philippines dubbed as Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation (DREAM),a component of the Project NOAH or Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards.

“The plane will gather information on the region using a technology called LiDAR or Light Detection

and Ranging to produce high-resolution, detailed, and up-to-date elevation maps and data sets,” said DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund Liboro during DOST’s hazard preparedness information campaign held here recently.

“The plane gets information on the area by ‘throwing’ laser over the areas it covers,” Liboro


explained about the flying session to be undertaken very soon.

LiDAR is the state-of-the-art technology in getting topographic information on a certain area.

Conventional surveying such as that done by geodetic engineers using surveying and mapping equipment will take six years while a newer technology called “photogrammetry” that uses planes to take pictures will take one-and-a-half years.

On the other hand, LiDAR can finish the same job in 6.7 seconds at 150 khz, according to Czar Jakiri Sarmiento of the DREAM-LiDAR.

The information to be gathered by the plane’s LiDAR equipment will be used to develop hazard maps showing the vulnerability of communities to certain natural hazards.

The maps will be based on flood models and, used with the Integrated Flood Early Warning System, will be able to give people and communities at least six hours’ notice to prepare for impending floods and other disasters.

The DREAM-LiDAR mapping plane to fly in August will start with Basilan, then Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

“Processing of information is usually done in three months so we can confidently say that we will be able to produce ARMM’s hazard map by next year,” Liboro said.

DOST made the announcement during the department’s disaster

preparedness campaign called “Science for Safer Communities: Iba na ang Panahon” participated in by mayors, disaster risk reduction officers and other officials from BASULTA (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi).

Participants were trained on how to use DOST-developed hazard maps and prepare action plans in case of disasters.

Secretary Myrah Alih, DOST-ARMM regional secretary, said there is no substitute for being prepared in doing things either for personal, private or public purposes.

“Preparedness is more important than rescue as we save more lives if we are ready when disaster comes. LGUs should stress on this,” said Alih.

Liboro said DOST works with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in conducting the information campaign in all regions nationwide in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense.

DILG-ARMM Assistant Secretary Sharifa Pearlsia Alih said that the task of building safe and disaster-resilient Philippines is “still a work in progress” as she stressed the importance of using science and technology-based tools in preparing for disasters.

To date, DOST has installed 46 sensors all over ARMM to help the region monitor rainfall, water level, and stream level to prepare for disasters such as flooding, earthquake, tsunami, and others. (PNA)


Soliman lauds the cooperative movement in Mindanao for helping the poorDAVAO CITY-Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman lauded the MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center in government’s effort to reach out to the poor. Speaking at the 40th MASS-SPECC General Assembly and 45th Coop Leaders Congress at the SMX Convention Center, she acknowledged the involvement of MASS-SPECC Cooperative and Development Center in bringing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program funds to its recipients in the countryside. Soliman said the presence of MASS-SPECC accredited cooperatives in the communities makes the delivery of the funds easier between the DSWD and the PPPP beneficiaries, especially those which can no longer be reached by the Land Bank of the Philippines. “We can only thank you for filling the gap in helping our target beneficiaries in far-flung areas,” she said. Soliman said that the three

percent drop in the poverty levels among Filipinos and Filipino families at 24.9 percent and 19.1 percent, respectively, compared to the estimates in the same period in 2012, demonstrated a significant achievement in the pursuit of the government and the private sector to end poverty. She said the P1-Billion assets contributed by the MASS-SPECC to its clients have helped many Filipinos families reached self-sufficient levels. “It attests that the programs of the Matuwid na Daan and efforts of organizations like you, are starting to make a significant impact in the lives of our people. Inclusive growth has been one of the goals of this administration,” Soliman said. She wished that the coming together of people through the cooperatives will push the people to pursue their sustainable livelihood and improve their quality way of life. Soliman said the partnership between government and the cooperatives has helped more families


Local ministry develops livelihood opportunity in idle river basin

DAVAO DEL NORTE - A local min-istry in the municipality of Carmen established a Tilapia Lamayong Project from the abandoned curve portion of Tuganay river due to the development made by the Depart-ment of Public Works and High-ways by straightening the flow of

the river. Albert Dillo, Chairperson of Ezra Christian Ministry for Peace. Inc, said that they have found an opportunity to the abandoned portion of the river, since it is still good for a fish pond. Started last 2012 with two fish

to be self-sufficient and resilient, after a calamity. Gadwin Handumon, chair of the board of the MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center assured that their cooperative movement will continue providing opportunities to the poor. He said that members of cooperatives must work hard to expand the reach of its products and

services. “Many among us clamor for peace, but real peace can only be achieved if there is equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. As a movement, we should make a significant contribution to poverty alleviation,” Handumon stressed. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


cages, Dillo said that they started selling their fresh produce in the local market; however, the project is a break even account. Dillo said that with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Provincial Agriculture Office, the ministry started with half-drying the tilapia on 2013. Dillo added that within three to four months, the Tilapia is can be half-dried in a day and can be packaged immediately. Presently, the Tilapia Lamayo (Half-dried Tilapia) is sold at P-40 to P-50 per 250 gram pack. Today, the Department of Trade and Industry of this province turns over P-300,000 worth of shared service facilities to provide hygienic and effective services to the ministry. The facilities included two chest

freezers, a stainless processing table, two solar dryer frames and stamping sealer. Dillo said that before they have been drying the Tilapia in an open solar dryer, which is highly prone to dust and other insects. The facilities given by the DTI, Drillon said, will allow them to get registration from the Food and Drugs Administration because it will provide cleaner processing area, thereby producing cleaner Tilapia Lamayo. Engr. Edwin Banquerigo of DTI said that the facilities were given today since it will generate additional jobs to the community. Dillo said that with the plan of the ministry to utilize the 7-hectare river basin, many expressed to join in their venture. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

facts and figures

330 megawatts, current power demand of Davao Light and Power Company. Napocor is only delivering 120 MW of the contracted 280 MW. Resulting in 6-hour brownouts


PRC youth council spearheads World Red Cross Day celebBy Nora L. MoldeBUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter’s Youth Council will spearhead in the celebration of the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8 here.


PRC youth council spearheads World Red Cross Day celeb

According to PRC chapter administrator Teodoro Cairo, the local chapter will be participating the celebration to be led by the Youth Council. A series of activities was prepared for the event at the Robinson’s Place Butuan to start at four in the afternoon, Cairo said.

Cairo said, the celebration will emphasize the role of PRC members/volunteers in saving lives with the theme “My Red Cross Story.”

Red Cross is one of the humanitarian organizations that exist worldwide. Today, Red Cross and Red Crescent

Societies have the world’s largest humanitarian network to provide relief. It is carrying out its activities and is present in more than 186 countries. It is the world’s largest force of unpaid assistance helping some 233 million recipients every year.

The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated in time with the birthday of the Father of the organization Henry Dunant, Cairo said.

It is celebrated annually by the international community together with the national societies, Cairo added.

SurSur Agraryo Scholars received certificate of recognition from DAR-SDS SURIGAO DEL SUR-- The Agraryo scholars who successfully graduated four-year degree courses for the school year 2013-2014 received a certificate of recognition from the Department of Agrarian Reform-Surigao del Sur (DAR-SDS) provincial office headed by Benjamin Mataksil held during the flag ceremony conducted on April 28.

The said scholarships accordingly were under the Programang Agraryo Iskolar (PAI) in which 30 scholar-grantees already finished their studies province-wide.

During the distribution of certificates, each scholar had given the opportunity to expressed their heartfelt thanks and gratitude of having such great opportunities extended by the government to the less fortunate students. According to them the program really helped them a lot in many ways and the answers to their needs in taking up their degrees in college.

One parent of the grantee named

Julita Consuegra had emotionally shared a message that if it not because of the program, her daughter will not be able to finish her studies due to poverty.

Meanwhile, the program has already five batches since the start of implementation in 2003. The 10 graduates for school year 2013-2014 were the last batch to avail such program bared by DAR office.

Such scholars accordingly finished their degrees in Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU)-main campus, SDSSU-San Miguel; SDSSU-Tagbina; and University of South Eastern Philippines, Bislig City.


SSS achieves another banner year in 2013MANILA-- The Social Security System (SSS) marked another banner year in 2013, highlighted by the sustained growth both in net income and assets. Net income for 2013 was P38 billion, registering an increase of six percent from P36 billion in 2012, while total assets likewise grew by six percent to P385 billion.

By SSS

May Catherine Ciriaco, SSS Vice President for Management Services and Planning, credited the increase to improved financial operations as reflected by the 9.3 percent jump in contribution collections that for the first time surpassed the century mark at P103 billion.

“Investment and other income stood at P34.4 billion, up by 1.5 percent from P33.9 billion in 2012 despite the low interest rate scenario and volatility in the financial market. SSS’ 8.7 percent return on investment continues to outperform market benchmarks such as the four percent 10-year T-bond rate and 0.7 percent 364-day Treasury bill rate,” Ciriaco noted.

SSS benefit releases totaled P91 billion, with over half of which or P49 billion paid for retirement claims, and about one-third or P30 billion disbursed to survivors of deceased members. Payments

for maternity, which totaled P4 billion, and retirement posted the highest rates of increase among SSS benefit types last year at 12.6 percent and 12.5 percent, respectively.

The contribution-benefit surplus --- or the positive difference between collected contributions and disbursed benefits --- grew by 16 percent to P12 billion. The 2013 surplus marked a five-year high, and was six times more than the P2 billion surplus in 2010.

Ciriaco said prudent management of operating and capital expenditures led to improved SSS operating efficiency despite higher transaction levels, greater number of members served and increased SSS presence locally and overseas.

“SSS operating expenses in 2013 reached only P7.6 billion, which was relatively flat compared to 2012. More significantly, spending for SSS operations


SSS achieves another banner year in 2013 in 2013 represented only 57 percent of our allowed charter limit, even as we were able to reach out to more members and handle a heavier transaction load last year,” she added.

Transaction volume swelled by 6.4 percent to 33.7 million last year from 31.7 million in 2012, with contribution-related transactions, accounting for half of the 2013 total. The growth in SSS transactions is in step with the 4.3 percent growth in SSS coverage to 30.7 million individual members, while the number of registered employers totaled about 912,000 by end-2013.

To provide members greater convenience and easier access to SSS services and facilities, the agency last year opened a total of 21 local offices nationwide – namely three new branches at Panabo (Davao), Guadalupe (Makati City) and Congressional (Quezon City), as well as 18 rent-free SSS Service Offices located in 17 malls and one inside the Muntinlupa City Hall.

“To reach out to overseas Filipino workers, SSS opened two foreign representative offices for Filipino communities

in Macau and Bahrain that have a high concentration of migrant workers. We also deployed more roving SSS officers to bolster our coverage activities in the Middle East, Europe and Asia and encourage OFWs to register or re-activate their SSS membership,” Ciriaco explained.

Members also benefited from the six-day work week implemented by all SSS branches from October to December 2013, as well as the special Saturday schedule of all SSS offices in June 2013 to accommodate household employers and domestic workers complying with the Batas Kasambahay enacted last year.

In 2013, the agency accredited 12 microfinance institutions, cooperatives and organized groups as servicing or collecting partner agents so that their members can transact with SSS via authorized representatives within their own organizations. SSS also signed last year coverage agreements with the Insurance Commission and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Quezon City Chapter.

“Implementation of the AlkanSSSya Program, which was introduced in 2012 as a major


driver for the social protection of informal sector workers, picked up its pace last year with nearly 600 groups representing more than 53,000 members nationwide joining the program in 2013 alone,” Ciriaco said. “SSS plans to further expand the AlkanSSSya’s reach this year to extend social protection to more workers in all corners of the country.”

There were government offices also joining the AlkanSSSya Program in 2013 to provide SSS coverage for their job order (JO) and contractual workers who are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), with Brgy. Pulang Lupa Dos in Las Piñas City as the first participating local government unit. SSS further strengthened its coverage campaign for this sector by signing agreements in 2014 with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We continue to seek ways to make transacting with SSS easier, faster and more convenient for members. As part of this thrust, we installed E-Centers where members can use or access SSS’ desktop computers, telephones,

information kiosks and other self-service facilities to help cut down the time spent transacting at our branches,” Ciriaco said.

Members can also check their records and transact without going to the nearest branch through the SSS Website (www.sss.gov.ph) as an alternative and more convenient option. The number of SSS Web accounts rose to 2.9 million as of end-2013, with new enrollees last year totaling 804,492 members and 91,056 employers. About two million SSS website transactions were also recorded last year, from over a half a million in 2012.

The SSS also met with stakeholders through communication forums to provide updates on SSS plans and programs, as well as gather direct feedback to help identify and address barriers to active SSS membership. SSS briefings in 2013 were held at overseas Filipino communities in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oslo, Berlin, Hamburg, Tokyo, Bangkok, Beijing, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, USA and Canada, while local regional visits were also conducted in Zamboanga, Tacloban, Butuan and Palawan.

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

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


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato—“Let the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) work for the benefit of all of us,” said His Excellency Dinualdo D. Gutierrez, D. D., bishop of the Diocese of Marbel.

Bishop Gutierrez appeals for public support on CABBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) of SOCCSKSARGEN Region meet last Satur-day, May 3, to discuss the possibility of a new wage hike for workers in the private sector.

Gutierrez made the call at the meeting of the Information Coordinating Network (ICON), an organization of government information officers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region on Wednesday in Koronadal City, where the CAB was among the topics discussed.

As an organization, ICON 12 is being overseen by the Philippine Information Agency 12. Its members are information officers of local government units and national government agencies in the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

“Let us be one in spirit of solidarity for correcting historical injustices and for promoting peace in this land,” the bishop stated.

He emphasized that the Bangsamoro is not an Islamic state

but a secular government, which he added would remain a part of the Philippines but only autonomous.

He also elaborsated on the annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and encouraged other agencies to help in the dissemination of genuine information with regards to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Meanwhile, when asked about his opinion if CAB could really resolve peace in Mindanao, Bishop Gutierrez is optimistic that it could, as long as all the tri-people will get involved in the process.

“There is sincerity between the national government and the MILF in crafting the FAB which led to the signing of the CAB. Without sincerity, the CAB will not be successful. Towards the end, there will be peace,” He emphasized.(SJDuerme-PIA12)

Wage board to discuss possible wage hike in SOCCSKSARGEN RegionBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Ofelia Domingo, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment, said the meeting was a follow-up of the public consultation that the board held

on April 28 to know whether there are supervening conditions that would justify the passage of a new wage order and to gather comments and suggestions from labor and


management sectors.“The current discussions on

the possible wage increase is a motu proprio initiative of DOLE 12 and RTWPB 12,” Domingo said, clarifying further that “the board has not received any petition for a new wage increase.”

Meanwhile, Jessie dela Cruz, secretary of RTWPB 12, explained that the public consultations for possible wage hike and review of existing wage order even without expressed petition from labor groups is mandated by Republic Act 6727 otherwise known as the “ Wage Rationalization Act.”

“Based on the provisions of RA 6727, the RTWPB should conduct a public consultation each year whether there is s a petition for a wage hike from workers’ groups or whether there are supervening conditions that would merit another wage order,” dela Cruz elaborated.

Supervening conditions, according to an earlier report from DOLE 12, is a state where there is an extraordinary increase in the prices of oil and of basic commodities which results to inflation, thus, limiting the purchasing power of an ordinary worker.

“According to the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry reports, the socio-economic conditions and prices of basic commodities in the region have remained stable,” dela Cruz said.

At the public consultation on April 28, he said, they gathered representatives from both labor

and management groups to gather their comments on the Wage Order No. 17.

“The outputs from the workshop will studied as a base for possible action of the RTWPB,” he said.

Said outputs include several proposals for a wage increase, which the RTWPB 12 will discuss on its meeting tomorrow.

RTWPB is composed of the regional director of DOLE as chairman, the regional directors of NEDA and DTI as vice-chairmen and two members each from workers and employers sectors.

In a radio interview, Director Domingo clarified that although the Board is considering the possibility of an increase in wage hike, the request of labor groups for a P125 to P135 increase in the daily wage could not be granted.

“The suggestions for P125 to P135 wage increase are very difficult to enforce. The amount could kill businesses and drive investors from Region 12,” she said but assured, “we will do everything for a win-win solution.” SOCCKSARGEN Region is enforcing Wage Oder RB XII No. 17, which became effective on April 18, 2012.A present, the minimum wages stand at P270 for non-agriculture sector, P252 for agriculture plantation sector, P249 for agriculture non-plantation sector, P250 for retail/service establishments with more than 10 workers and P246 for retail/service establishments with not more than 10 workers. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Fun run held in PagadianBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Close to 1,000 Tabak troopers, members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as civilians and other stakeholders joined on Saturday a fun run held at the Plaza Luz in this city.


Fun run held in Pagadian

Organized by the Philippine Army’s (PA) 1ST Tabak division, the fun run was one of the activities lined up for the month-long celebration in commemoration of Tabak’s 78th founding anniversary, which commenced on April 7 until May 7 with the theme: “Kahusayan sa Tungkulin at Disiplina Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” (Excellence in Performance and Discipline towards Peace and Progress). Clad in their sports attire, the participants had to join either in the 3k, 5k or 7k race. Speaking before the participants, MGen. Filicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr., Tabak commander said “the event demonstrates troopers’ excellent performance.” Trinidad further said that in all his speaking engagements, his favorite line is: “Excellence in performance shall be the hallmark of Tabak troopers”. He encouraged the troopers that “in whatever they will do shall bear the hallmark of excellence.” Trinidad also reminded his men that for them to excel in their undertakings, they should possess the skill, attitude, knowledge, discipline and perseverance. Trinidad noticed that even if there was no definite route in the fun run, still the participants gave their utmost best. He also displayed his physical agility and proved to the spectators


that he could still compete with young participants by joining the 5-kilometer run. The 54 year-old commanding general was also joined by Sr. Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, the provincial director of Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO), who also joined the 5k run. Meanwhile, chief of staff Col. Agapito Carmilo Nagrampa Jr. said “the event is in fulfillment of division’s work philosophy: excellence in performance.”

“Ang excellence ay kailangan sa larangan ng ating kalusugan. Sa pag-maintain ng ating katawan at palaging handa ay malaking bahagi ng ating tungkulin upang tayo’y makapagtugon sa mga hamon ng ating trabaho (Excellence is needed in our health. In maintaining our good health and to be always prepared is a big part of our duty for us to meet the challenges of our work),” Nagrampa concluded.

Zambo gov’t halts Bangsamoro rally, city on red alert By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government of Zamboanga has cancelled the holding of a peace rally here yesterday (May 4) for the swift passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress. Meanwhile, simultaneous rallies in the neighboring island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi to include Pagadian City were conducted peacefully with thousands of participant-supporters, with no untoward incidents reported. The peace rally, organized by Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), was supposed to be held at the Plaza Pershing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to City Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias, the rally was cancelled by the city government, “based on

recommendations of the police and military authorities, and for the interest of the majority of Zamboangueňos.” On Sunday, the city was placed on red alert status. Police, military, and other front-line responders such as the bomb squad and fire trucks were deployed within the city’s main streets and the outlying barangays to pre-empt any possible threats to the security in the city. “The PNP/AFP and civilian government will do everything to ensure the welfare of the constituents,” said Covarrubias. As of today, no untoward


Zambo gov’t halts Bangsamoro rally, city on red alert

incidents were reported in the city. In Isabela City, the peace rally held at the Basilan State College was attended by some 5 thousand Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members and women supporters, a PIA source said. In Sulu, about 300 supporters joined in the rally in Plaza Marina. Meanwhile, on Saturday (May 3), a grenade-throwing incident caused alarm and panic among residents in barangay Recodo. A City Hall report bared that one person was killed, and six others were wounded.

Rumors went about alleging the incident to be terrorist-related. However, City Hall dismissed such rumors, and reported that the issue might have been triggered by a dispute between workers and the Dacon company. Covarrubias said that police and military personnel were immediately dispatched to the area. Investigation is still going on as to the root cause of the incident, she added. Covarrubias urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the local police hotline 166 and 117.

Dipolog launches “no plastic” ordinanceBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here has launched on Friday City Ordinance 13-245 regulating the sale, distribution or use of non-compostable plastic bags including styrofoam products. The activity started with a motorcade from the city hall going to the city boulevard and a program was followed discussing the main points of the said ordinance. This ordinance shall be implemented within the facilities of the city government and other establishments like the central public market, fish port complex, the integrated bus terminal and “talipapa” or small market in barangays. It is said to be implemented on a phase by phase basis starting

May 1 and every Friday shall be “No Plastic Day” at the central public market, bus terminal and small market in barangays. Moreover, during “tabo” or market day at Fishport Comlex every Friday and Saturday, the “no plastic day” shall also be imposed. “I urge our fellow Dipolognons to bring their own recyclable bags or containers to place their purchased goods inside. What we frown upon is the use of thin film plastic bags which constitutes a bulk of our waste here in Dipolog


City,” said Councilor Kenny Val U. Ong, chairman on Committee of Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) “Let’s go green for the environment. Let’s be environmentally aware. Less waste equals a healthier and cleaner environment,” he added. So far, Dipolognons responded favorably to the said ordinance. Both the sellers and the buyers are observed to have been complying with the law. Some vendors are using paper bags while the fish vendors are

using banana leaves in wrapping the fish. Meanwhile, customers are bringing their own baskets, disposable bags and containers when buying. “This shows that both the establishments and the people are giving their full support and cooperation to make better Dipolog.” For every violation, a fine P 1,000 shall be imposed on an erring establishment and P100 on the buyer.


http://www.panoramio.com/photo/233422

Camiguin wins 2014 TechnOlympicsby Elson C. Jamero

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - Camiguin National High School (CNHS) student Jon Michael A. Semilla took home the bacon in the recent web page design competition dubbed as “2014 TechnOlympics” with the theme “Optimizing Creativity and Innovation for School Change and Development” held early this month at Olongapo City National High School (OCNHS), Olongapo City.


“We are trying our best to win again this year to complete the grand slum award in the web page designing competition at the national level and prove the ICT excellence in our school,” Semilla said. “The participants were too many to compete with, it’s like entering the eye of the needle but the discipline imposed by my coach, strong faith and constant practice made me win,” he added. The event was organized side by side with of the Department of Education’s National Festival of Talents

(NFOT) and National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), participated by more than 8,000 public and private students and coaches from seventeen regions across the country. Other CNHS delegates were Meshullmeth M. Amontos, Jovan R. Mabilin, Alliah Murillo, Jeric Gadgude, Kim Justin Genoso, Bianca Krisha C. Morgadez and Mikaila Sebastian Dadula, coaches were Elson C. Jamero and Miraflor G. Abregana, trained and accompanied the participants in the contest.

Solon warns public vs heat strokeby CdeOSP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Council committee on health and social services warns the public against heat stroke and skin cancer due to the hot temperature being experienced in the city these days.

“Tungod sa sobrang kainit sa panahon nga atong nasinati karon, posibleng atakehon ang uban ug makasinati sa dehydration o skin cancer, busa ako nagpahimagno sa tanan, likayan ang too much exposure sa kainit sa adlaw,” (I warned the public against too much exposure to the heat of the sun so as to avoid heat stroke attack, dehydration or skin cancer) said Councilor Dante Pajo, chair of the City Council. He said the public should make use of an umbrella or other coverings

to protect the skin from being damaged by the heat of the sun and to take fluids to refresh the body. “Drink plenty of water and I even encouraged people to take a bath at least twice a day to help prevent heat stroke,” Pajo said. In a related development, Pajo also advises Kagay-anons to protect themselves from exposure to dust and pollution. Councilor Pajo also urges parents to always be watchful of their children in swimming pools.


Iligan, Lanao Norte all set for Labor Day

by Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY - Anchored to its local theme, “Padayon Mamumuo sa Pakigbisog alang sa Kasiguruhan sa Panarbaho ug Disinting Pamuyo” (Continue Workers in the Fight for Job Security and Decent Living), the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) Iligan City-Lanao del Norte (IC/LDN) readies activities for the Labor Day celebration on May 1.

The day’s activities start with a holy mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral, 7:00 a.m., followed by a march rally at the designated streets in the city, which will converge at the Freedom Park-City Public Plaza for a program. Total of 16 union groups in the city, affiliated with the Federation of Democratic Labor Organization (FDLO) shall be bringing their local banner, streamer and placards in support to this event which commemorates the 128th International Labor Day, capping the country’s theme: “Sa Sipag, Tiyaga, at Talino, Buong Mundo Saludo sa Manggagawang Pilipino” (Through Diligence, Perseverance and Knowledge, the Whole World Salutes at the Filipino Workers). Gerardo C. Clet, board of director, TIPC-Iligan/LDN, representing Labor group, and president of Fil-Eslon Workers Union (FEWU), said he encourages participants to wear green, which signifies progress and development, and being productive. Recognizing their participation, prizes will be given to the Biggest Delegation and to the Most Lively

Group during the march. Messages will be conveyed by the following guests: TIPC chair Mayor Celso G. Regencia of Iligan, Congressman Vicente F. Belmonte of the Lone District of Iligan, Atty. Alan M. Macaraya, regional director, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-10), and Atty. Salvador T. Dela Cruz, vice-president for Legal, FDLO. Remegio S. Cabañog, labor district officer, DOLE Iligan City/LDN District Office, said that Executive Order No. 403 issued on May 30, 1990 by then President Corazon C. Aquino establishes the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) to attain industrial peace through meaningful tripartite consultations among the representatives from Labor, Employer, and Government sectors in the formulation and implementation of labor and social policies. The Regional TIPC is composed of the Regional Director as Chairman and representatives each from the tripartite sectors, to be designated by their respective organizations/sectors.


While the City TIPC is composed of the Local Chief Executive of the local government unit (LGU) as chairman, DOLE Iligan/LDN Provincial District Officer as co-chair, and representatives each from the tripartite sectors as board of director, to be designated by their respective organizations/sectors. The Council has the following functions: to monitor the full implementation and sectoral

compliance with the provisions of the Industrial Peace Accord (IPA); and to formulate for submission to Congress, through the DOLE, tripartite views on labor and social concerns, as well as present tripartite position and views on pending relevant legislative proposal. Cabañog added, TIPC Iligan/LDN is one of the active Councils in the country since its creation, having a quarterly meeting schedule.

One Mindanao - May 5, 2014

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