One Mindanao -September 20, 2012

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

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

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

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

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

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Exploring the banana beach

Jeanevive Duron-AbanganSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, September 20, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 26

page 4

President Aquino confers 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employee award on Robredo (posthumous), 27 others 7

Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central MindanaoGensan sets grand culmination event for new senior citizens22Walong water pumps ipinamahagi sa Pikit, N. Cotabato23 SJDuerme, Central Mindanao

15 Region 9’s economic outlook remains positive

RG Alama, Southern MindanaoCoast Guard eyes new vessel for SE Mindanao

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

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PESO Iligan to hold Job Fair in celebration of Diyandi Fest25 Northern Mindanao

PRO-10 hosts 2-day Leadership Seminar-Workshop to key police officers of Western and Northern Mindanao26PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga, Northern Mindanao

DA-RFU 13 address irrigators’ worry28 Jahzeel C. Tubal, Caraga Region

2012 PNPA annual cadet test set on October29 Annette Villaces, Caraga Region

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4 ONE MINDANAO Thursday, September 20, 2012


In Davao del Norte, the Banana Beach Resort stands out as a must-see place to visit and explore. It lies within reach along the coastal area of Barangay Madaum in Tagum City which is just more than an hour ride from Davao City. The Banana Beach Resort takes its name from its location along the beaches of the 760-hectare banana plantation owned by Hijo Resources Corporation. It primarily allows people to enjoy the beach, but it also provides an opportunity for visitors to take a side trip to the banana tissue culture plant of Hijo banana plantation. The resort’s coastline stretches 4.5 kilometers, giving guests a wide area either for beach volleyball, kayaking, skimboarding or boat riding. They may also opt to do building sand castles just to enjoyably let time pass by. River cruising can also be an option to take for

seekers of water adventure. Facing the Davao Gulf, the Banana Beach Resort also borders with Madaum River which is worth exploring as it treasures century-old mangrove trees. The sea at the Banana Beach allures visitors to take a swim. They may yield to it or they may take the option to deep into the infinity swimming pool which clear blue waters appear to be somewhat flowing out to the sea. If swimming may not be a pleasurable moment for visitors,

For us to convince tourists to come and visit our

place, we should first spend time exploring our locality. Surely, we can find a place of beauty to enjoy with our loved ones and friends. Discovering such place will prove that, indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines.

by Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

Thursday, September 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5


they can try hook-and-line fishing at “The Spot” to catch either Bangus, Kitang or Lapu-lapu for a fine dine at its cottage built at the place. Visitors must not miss to see and explore the nearby 60-hectare forest which Hijo Resources Corporation (HRC)has preserved in line with the thrust to “nurture nature today to benefit the generations tomorrow” as what Chief Executive Officer Rosanna Tuason-Fores said. To commune with nature, visitors need not wait until they reach the forest. Along the way, they can marvel at the towering coconut trees planted in orderly line. While approaching the forest, they will be greeted by sights of monkeys leisurely walking along the road. On lucky occasions, wild boars are just within sight. My work assignment in Davao del Norte opens a number of opportunities for me to visit the Banana Beach several times. I was there during a coastal clean up early last year with members of the Philippine Coast Guard and with

media practitioners of Tagum City. An exposure tour with student journalists in mid last year again brought me to the place. Discussion about the resort in the office led our boss to schedule our 2011 Christmas team-building at the Banana Beach Resort. We took our children with us during that activity which left wonderful

memories of fun and enjoyment as we spent time playing at the resort’s playground. The children went swimming in the infinity pool and joined tours to the forest and to The Spot. I might have gone there for several times but the thought of going back there rouses a feeling of joy and excitement. Knowing that the place is such a beauty and wonder, I feel proud of seeing it featured in one of the editions of Balitang K. There swells within me the urge to tell about the place. Who else can we expect to better tell about the beauty of our place but us? But before taking such task, it is wise to put on the gear as local explorers: appreciate and then enjoy what we have in our place.

6 Thursday, September 20, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONPalace welcomes Heritage Foundation’s 2012 Index of Economic Freedom

Malacañang welcomed the Heritage Foundation’s 2012 Index of Economic Freedom saying the country’s improvement in ranking is the result of the continuing reforms in government.

In its 2012 Index of Economic Freedom presented on Monday, the Heritage Foundation revealed that the Philippines now have current score of 57.1 inching up from its score of 56 in 2008. The global average is 59.5 and the Asia-Pacific region average is 57.5.

“Certainly we are happy but we also would like to continue to improve

our standing, not so much for the consumption of survey organizations, but for our own consumption. This is our commitment to the people that we will continue to serve the Filipino people with utmost dedication,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday.

Lacierda acknowledged that the

Thursday, September 20, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATION

President Aquino confers 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employee award on Robredo (posthumous), 27 others

President Benigno S. Aquino

III conferred the 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees award on the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo and 27 other individuals and groups in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Heritage Foundation’s concern is the Philippine judiciary that’s why the President appointed Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno to implement the much needed reforms in the judiciary, hoping to see a continuous improvement on the country’s standing.

“They do have different parameters in determining how countries are evaluated. But it shows clearly an improvement in all surveys that evaluated the Philippines.

It shows the consistent improvement on the business of governance,” he noted.

Despite the improvements, the US-based think tank noted that “there are lingering institutional challenges that will require deeper commitment to reform.”

Countries are gauged under 10 economic freedoms such as the Rule of Law, Limited Government, Open Markets, and many others. PND(AS)


The President said in his speech keynoting the event that this year’s batch of outstanding government workers embody the new face of government who commit and dedicate their work to the fulfillment of unquestionable service and the upliftment of their fellow countrymen’s lives.

“At ngayon po, narito tayo upang parangalan ang pinakamatatayog na halimbawa ng bagong mukha ng gobyerno: Silang mga nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa ating isulong ang mabuting pamamahala; silang mga indibidwal at grupong tumitindig at pinipiling gawin ang tama,” the President said.

The 2012 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees award is composed of three types: the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award which is conferred on an individual or group for exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that has nationwide

impact on public interest; the Dangal ng Bayan Award which is given to an individual for performing an extraordinary act or public service; and the Pagasa Award for any individual or group’s outstanding contribution that directly benefits more than one government department.

The awardees for this year’s Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, aside from Robredo are: Major Harold Cabunoc (Public Affairs Chief, Philippine Army); Police Chief Superintendent Arturo Cacdac (Philippine National Police); Jose Enrique Garcia III (Balaga City Mayor, Bataan); Aminoding Macarampat (Chief Revenue Officer, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur); Jaime Montoya (Executive Director III, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development);

Rosa Vilma Santos-Recto (Governor,

Thursday, September 20, 2012 9

Province of Batangas); Oscar Rodriguez (Mayor, San Fernando City, Pampanga); Brigadier General Romeo Tanalgo (Chief, Armed Forces of the Philippines Command Center); Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Libya Team (Department of Labor and Employment); and Philpass Remit System (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas).

The Dangal ng Bayan Awardees are: Jocelyn Cariño (Alternative Learning System Mobile Teacher, Department of Education, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan); Melania Dirain (Ecosystems Management Specialist II, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region II, posthumous); Crisostomo Ibarra (Administrative Aide I, Antipolo Social Welfare and Development Office);

Editha Magallanes (president, Capiz State

University); Haydee Pasuelo (State Auditor IV, Commission on Audit Regional Office 6); and Welthy Villanueva (Medical Officer III, Roxas Medicare Hospital, Palawan).

This year’s Pagasa Awardees are: Maribel Blanco (Chief Administrative Officer, DSWD Field Office III); Claire Caberoy (Pharmacist I, Capiz Provincial Health Office); Cesar Colina, Sr. (Mayor, Maragusan, Compostela Valley); Marilou Dungog (Public Relations Officer II, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority); Catalino Leyva (Barangay Chairman, Antipolo City);

Josephine Salazar (Division Manager, National Irrigation Administration, Cabanatuan City); Dominador Sayre (Information Officer IV, San Fernando City, Pampanga); Balanga City Agriculture Office; Office of the Antipolo City Assessor; Orani Water District Operation


and Management Excellence Team; and the Capiz Provincial Health Office.

The President lauded the awardees for putting priority on the people’s interest rather on their own advancement.

“Sila po ang mga lokal at pambansang opisyal na nanguna sa pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan ng kani-kanilang mga nasasakupan; mga sundalo’t pulis, na kasabay sa pagtugon sa mga tungkulin bilang kawal ng bayan, ay isinusulong ang kani-kaniyang adbokasiya para sa ikabubuti ng lipunan. Sila ang mga guro at opisyal ng akademya na lalong pinatitingkad sa henerasyong ito ang halaga ng edukasyon; mga alagad ng kalusugan na una sa listahan ang kapakanan at kalagayan ng kapwa,

lalo na ng mga higit na nangangailangan,” the President said.

“Sila ang mga Pilipinong tumatawid mula sa pagiging lingkod-bayan, tungo sa pagiging isang lingkod-bayani. Sila mismo ang magsasabi sa sambayanang Pilipino: isa akong kawani ng gobyerno, at ganito ang tunay na kahulugan ng serbisyo-publiko,” he added.

He expressed profound thanks, on behalf of the Filipino, for the awardees’ dedication to serving the people as he hoped that they continue on with their advocacy of achieving government excellence.

“Kaya naman, sampu ng bawat Juan at Juana dela Cruz na nakakasalamuha’t natutulungan ninyo saanmang sulok ng bansa, taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat. Patuloy nawa kayong maging pamantayan ng paglilingkod sa tuwid na daan,” the President said.

“Totoo nga po: naibabalik na natin ang pambansang dangal sa pamamahalang naka-angkla sa integridad, dedikasyon, at pananagutan,” he added. PND (rck)


Mindanao officials support GPH-MILF peace talks

The peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) continues

to gain headway with pledges of support from provincial officials of North Cotabato led by Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said on Thursday Mendoza committed that North Cotabato is fully behind the ongoing formal exploratory talks between the government and the MILF to find a genuine and lasting solution to the long-drawn Mindanao armed conflict.

“We have full confidence on the peace panel. The province of North Cotabato is supportive of the peace accord with the guarantee of a plebiscite,” OPAPP quoted Mendoza as saying during a meeting in Cotabato City Wednesday.

The conference was also attended by the mayors of the

Thursday, September 20, 2012ONE MINDANAO 12

municipalities of Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Carmen and Kabacan.

These municipalities are deemed to be affected in the proposed creation of a new autonomous political entity (NPE).

“Plebiscite is our legal guarantee to a democratic setup. We acknowledge that there are Muslims, Christians and Lumads, so we cannot be selfish on this aspect,” Mendoza said during the meeting, stressing that in a plebiscite, the people’s will is respected.

The lady governor said she is pushing for a plebiscite to protect the interests and welfare of the people.

Mendoza also gave her assurance that no cases will be filed against OPAPP, unlike what happened in 2008 when the signing of the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was aborted after the Supreme Court declared it as unconstitutional.

North Cotabato questioned the constitutionality MOA-AD.

“I think this is fair. If there is a consultation and plebiscite in the province of Cotabato, there will be no resolution to that effect,” Mendoza said.

The government peace panel

headed by Marvic Leonen has been conducting consultations with various sectors of society on the issues at hand being discussed in the peace negotiations.

The municipal mayors of Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Carmen, Kabacan and Pigcawayan have pledged that they will not contest whatever will be the provisions of the peace accord provided that there’s consultation and plebiscite.

Mendoza said that they were informed and properly consulted by the government panel on what are the issues involved the exploratory talks.

The peace panels of both the government and the MILF are set to meet for the 32nd peace negotiations in Kuala Lumpur in a week or two.

The two sides said they have reached substantive gains in the 31st negotiations held early this month.

The talks were punctuated with mutual trust, sincerity and cordiality as both parties worked towards the crafting of a framework agreement.

Among the substantive issues to be discussed during the resumption of talks will be “power and wealth sharing.” (PNA)


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ASEAN Media Delegation Visits the ASEAN-Korea Centre By JUNG Hanna

Seoul, Republic of Korea – On 17 September, 30 media journalists from 10 ASEAN Member States visited the ASEAN-Korea Centre as part of the Exchange Visit of ASEAN and Korean Media People Program. During their visit, Secretary General Amb. CHUNG Hae-Moon exchanged views with ASEAN delegation on the outlook of ASEAN-Korea relations and globalization of Hallyu or Korean Wave. In his remarks, Secretary General Amb. CHUNG Hae-Moon emphasized that the Centre is implementing a variety of programs that are conducive to strengthening the partnership between ASEAN and Korea and that these programs are geared to bring the people of both regions closer together. The delegation then expressed their appreciation to the Centre for serving as a key channel for economic and socio-cultural cooperation between ASEAN and Korea.


The media journalist delegation represents major news agencies and broadcasting networks in ASEAN Member States. During their week-long program, the delegation will visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Creative Contents Agency, and other relevant organizations and attend the briefing sessions on cultural policies and marketing strategies under the theme, “Globalization of Hallyu.” In addition to the programs in Seoul, the delegation is scheduled to visit Gyeongju and Ulsan where they will experience traditional Korean culture and take tours of the industry

facilities based in Ulsan including Hyundai Heavy Industries. The exchange program is designed to encourage the media representatives from ASEAN to gain comprehensive and better understandings on Korean culture and Hallyu as well as to provide them an opportunity to set a benchmark for their creative content industry. The Exchange Visit of ASEAN and Korean Media People is an annual project funded by the ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea. This year, it is organized by the ASEAN-Korea Centre in cooperation with the ASEAN Secretariat.


In her presentation during the 2012 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders in Region 9 yesterday, Deveza said the region manifested stable and positive economic outlook based on five development indicators; population and employment, economic growth and prices financial resources, investments and income of the top corporations, and business expectation. Mindanao as a whole has posted 3.2% increase in the gross domestic product last year, close to the 3.9% national increase. For Mindanao, the bulk of the growth came from Caraga region posting 9.6% growth,

Region 9 ranks second to the last of the 6 regions, with a measly 0.1% growth. However, Deveza said while it’s a small improvement, Region 9, has maintained its economy from 2010 to last year. “This may be a small improvement but it also shows that the economy of the region from 2010 to last year is stable despite the economic uncertainties worldwide”, Deveza pointed. What’s good in the region, according to Deveza, is the slow inflation rate noted in July and August this year, well below the national inflation rate of 3.8% in August and 3.2% in July this year. “Zamboanga Peninsula has the second lowest inflation rate in Mindanao with 2.8% and 2.4% in August and July, next to ARMM which maintained 2.0% rate in the same months. This means there only was slight increase in the prices of basic commodities in the region”, Deveza said. Banking has also improved in

Region 9’s economic outlook remains positive By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY– Ms. Teresita B. Deveza, Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Economic Statistics of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, said the economic outlook of Zamboanga Peninsula remains positive.


Region 9 with 171 bank branches serving the region, 6 more from last year’s 165. Out of the 171 banks operating the region, 86 are universal and commercial banks, 19 thrift banks, and 66 rural and cooperative banks. Deveza said the increase on the numbers of banks is indicative of the growing number of people indulging in business, which helps spur more economic activities. Net Loan Portfolio has also increased another indication that people are more interested in business. Region 9’s net loan portfolio increased from 3% in 2010 to 23.7% last year. BSP Monetary Board Member Felipe M. Medalla said the bulk of the loans from the banks are used as capital or funding augmentation to start or expand businesses which is good to local and national economy. The region is not also short of investments that buoy the region’s economy with 42 corporations included in the Top 7,000 all over the country are based in the region. The sales and profit of these companies reached P14.396 billion in 2010 as compared to P11.543 B in 2009. Business confidence in Zamboanga Peninsula continues to improve according to BSP. In a four-year graph presented by BSP from 2009 to this year, 2010 proved to be the period where investors expressed high confidence in the region, but took a deep plunge in the second quarter of last year. However, a rise in investors’ confidence in the region has been improving since then. Population-wise, Deveza said

of the six (6) regions in Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula has the third lowest population growth rate this year with 3.5%, but has shown a leap from the 10 year average of 1.87 from 2000-2010. Deveza, however, said that it’s still below the national population growth rate, while regions X, XI, and XII grow at a faster rate than that of the entire country. However, with the increase of the population, unemployment rate in April this year also increased to 4.1% compared to the 3.2 unemployment rate of the same period last year. Underemployment has also increased from 21.3% in April 2011 to 25.9% in April this year. Combining the two, “30% of the work force in the region is still looking for jobs this year, from 24.5% last year. This is still high”, Deveza said. Over all, Deveza said unemployment rate increased slightly but remains low for Region 9 and Mindanao as a whole; inflation rate also remains low which means stable prices; investments and income of top corporations are increasing at double digit levels; financial resources are improving with more capital to fund economic expansion, business confidence is up and population growth rate is still manageable in region 9, but it cannot be said the same for the whole of Mindanao, as population is growing faster than the whole Philippines. These, according to Deveza, are good indicators of economic prospects in Mindanao, save for the increasing population.


DAVAO CITY – Professionals will soon experience the convenience of renewing and claiming their identification cards (IDs) as the Professional Regulation Commis-sion (PRC) is set to open its ID Renewal System on Friday (Sept. 21) at SM City Davao. PRC-XI Regional Director Josephine Villegas-Liamzon said the ceremonial opening of the PRC-SM City Davao ID Renewal System will be held at 6:00 pm on said date at the Customer Service Area of the mall. Villegas-Liamzon said the activity will be part of the simultaneous nationwide launching of the PRC ID Renewal Centers at SM Malls under PRC’s e-Service campaign, following the implementation of the Online Application System for Board Examinations. She stated the center will be open during mall hours from

Mondays to Sundays, and even on certain holidays. “The PRC-SM City Davao ID Renewal System would be a perfect avenue for professionals, both living and visiting Davao City, to easily renew and claim their professional identification cards while shopping or dining at the mall,” she said. Making the centers available at SM Malls was realized through a partnership sealed in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 6 this year between PRC, Bureau of Treasury and SM Mart, Inc. The undertaking is in line with PRC’s aim to strengthen its mandate to “Nurture Filipino Professionals towards technical proficiency and civic responsibility in the service of the Filipino Nation,” Villegas-Liamzon stated. PRC Chair Teresita R. Manzala and PRC Commissioner Jennifer J. Manalili are expected to grace the ceremonial opening at SM City Davao.

PRC to open ID Renewal System in SM Davao by Carina Cayon


Coast Guard eyes new vessel for SE Mindanao

DAVAO CITY- The Philippine Coast Guard is eyeing a new multi-role vessel to be deployed in South-eastern Mindanao probably in the latter half of next year. Captain George Ursabia commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao said that their district is hoping to receive one of the new Japanese made multi-role patrol vessels which can be utilized for search-and-rescue.

Ursabia said the district has no search-and-rescue (SAR) ship after the 35-meter SAR vessel BRP Ilocos Norte was redeployed to Luzon in July of this year to beef up Philippine maritime presence in the disputed Panatag shoal. He added that no PCG vessel took the place of BRP Ilocos Norte in the district since the Coast Guard has not enough ships in its inventory. The PCG has 12 vessels;

by RG Alama


there are four 56-meter Australian-made Search and Rescue (SAR) vessels of which two are undergoing repairs, four 35-meter SAR vessels, a Japanese buoy tender and three old ships handed down from the Philippine Navy which are up for retirement. He said currently Coast Guard assets in the Southeastern Mindanao included a 50-footer small craft and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) fishery patrol boats manned by Coast Guard personnel. These small crafts can only go about 5 kilometers from the coast and are not meant for open seas, Ursabia said. Japan recently extended a soft-loan to the Philippine Coast Guard for 10 40-meter patrol boats

plus a grant for two larger vessels. The PCG hopes to deploy at least one vessel for every 12 coast guard district across the country. Ursabia said that the Japanese patrol boats will be more modern than the Australian-made SAR vessels and are equipped to go into high seas and are faster than other coast guard vessels. “These vessels can be used for patrol, search-and-rescue and other functions like being used as platforms for oil spill operations.” Ursabia said. The coast guard district commander said that they sorely need a vessel for the Southeastern Mindanao particularly in responding to maritime distresses in their area of responsibility.

Did you know...

That with a floor area of 144,000 square meters, the soon-to-be opened SM Lanang Premiere Mall is Mindanao’s largest mall. About 83,000 square meters of the mall is alloted as leasable space.


DOLE 12-assisted project flourishes in herbal medicine productionBy Sheila Marie D. DumalayKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Besides being a primary producer of organic rice, Surallah town in South Cotabato could soon be a major source of herbal medicine products courtesy of a cooperative assisted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-12.!


From its original three products, namely: turmeric, sambong, and avocado granules, the Centrala Alternative Medicine Producers Cooperative (CAMPC) in Surallah’s Barangay Centrala have expanded to include several other “gifts of nature to supplement the body against illnesses and diseases.”

According to DOLE 12 website the cooperative is already producing food supplements and other products from lagundi, ampalaya, malunggay, guyabano, saluyot and mangosteen capsules, gotukola and horsetail tinctures, mangosteen

concentrate and many others.

They have also established a laboratory called “Himsug Surallah Herbal Laboratory” which has become a part of the Uswag Surallah Component Program.

“They boast of a Food and Drugs A d m i n i s t r a t i o n certificate which confirms that the products they sell are safe and healthy,” the DOLE website said.

Their products are all from the best organic plantations found in Surallah.

In 2011, the cooperative was conferred the Regional Pangkabuhayan Award

by DOLE 12.CAMPC started in

January 2006 with the accreditation of 15-member Integrated Workers Association, which “aimed to address basic community concerns for immediately available and cheap yet effective remedies for different diseases and illnesses.”

With support from PESO manager Nelly Todoc with Mayor Romulo Solivio Sr., the association submitted a proposal which led to a grant of P200,000 for the opening of their pharmacy.

The grant from DOLE was used to purchase grinders, large vats and frying pans, and for the purchase of other equipment they used in the cooking and processing of the herbal medicines and food supplement.

In 2011, the association formally turned into a cooperative with already 37 members.

Haydee Ledres of the CAMPC said the

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cooperative wanted to make sure that they do not only produce quality and safe medicines and herbal supplement but also to carry out their mission-

vision of generating employment for the members of the cooperative.

The cooperative now employs eight production staff, a cashier and a manager

and caters to the needs for affordable but effective medicine and food supplement of residents of their barangay and neighboring areas.

Gensan sets grand culmination event for new senior citizensBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The local government here has scheduled a grand culmination event for a new batch of senior citizens who have completed hands-on training on “Basic Computer Operation and Facebook” by the city’s SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP).

At least 180 senior citizens who underwent training from May to September of this year are expected to receive their certificate of completion next month in time with the nationwide celebration of the Senior Citizen’s week, said SHEEP-CLP head Percival Pasuelo.

He said Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman has confirmed her attendance to grace the occasion.

Pasuelo said through the training technology, savvy elderly or “senior netizens” are given an alternative way to spend

their free time to keep their minds occupied and productive instead of focusing on their old age.

“This is very helpful

for the senior citizens as this will help them regain their self-worth, promote their total health and well-being, and be able to connect to their


family and friends locally and globally through the power of technology,” he said.

Earlier, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) Chairman Jacinto Gutang expressed his gratefulness to the city government for embarking on a technology training program designed to make a difference in the lives of the senior

citizens.Gutang said the city

has a population of at least thirty thousand senior citizens, but only more than eight thousand are active due to illnesses and other age-related problems.

He said majority of senior citizens, who learned how to use Gacebook were very happy for getting involved in an experience they have never enjoyed

when they were young.The Basic Computer

Operation and Facebook for senior citizens is one of the free trainings of Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio through the SHEEP-CLP to prepare the city’s population for an effective domestic and global engagement, and to uplift the situation of the marginalize sectors in the city, including the elderly.

Walong water pumps ipinamahagi sa Pikit, N. CotabatoLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato -- Aabot sa walong water pumps na may mga kumpletong dagdag na gamit ang ipinamahagi kamakailan sa mga magsasaka sa bayan ng Pikit, North Cotabato kasabay ng pagbisita ni Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante Delima sa unang distrito ng naturang lalawigan.

Benepisyaryo ng nabanggit na farm machineries ang GiNaPaLaD- TaKa communities na kinabibilangan ng Ginatilan, Nalapaan, Panicupan, Lagunde, Dalengaoen, Takepan, at Kalacakan o mas kilala sa tawag na G- 7 Space for Peace.

Ayon kay G-7 Space for Peace President

Tanny Mandas, malaking tulong ang mga water pumps upang maipagpatuloy nila ang pagsasaka sa lugar.

Dagdag pa ng opisyal, lubusan nilang mapak ik inabangan ang mga patubig na binuksan noong Hunyo sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga water pumps

upang patubigan ang mga palayang nasa matataas na bahagi.

Maliban sa mga water pumps ay pinagkalooban din ng mga binhi ng gulay, pala, at mga punla ang mga benepisyaryo.

Ang pamamahagi ng mga kagamitang pansaka ay ginanap sa tanggapan ni North Cotabato 1st District Cong. Jesus Sacdalan.

By SJDuerme


BOI to spell out 2012 investment priorities to Cagayan de Oro investorsby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Board of Investments (BOI) will be unveiling the 2012 investments priorities in a roadshow here in the city to attract more investors.

The 2012 I n v e s t m e n t s Priority Plan (IPP) roadshow, which aims to effectively promote the IPP in the countryside, will take its sixth stop in N Hotel today, September 20. The salient features of the recently approved 2012 IPP will be presented during the roadshow, said Lourdes Ellen Kionisala, officer-in-charge of the BOI here. The 2012 IPP spells out the priority sectors where investors can enjoy incentives It is said to be premised on four critical areas, namely, job generation,

enhanced delivery of social services, international competitiveness, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. To sustain the economic gains of the investment landscape of the country, the 2012 IPP is anchored on the theme “A New Day for


PESO Iligan to hold Job Fair in celebration of Diyandi FestILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Iligan City, will be holding a two-day job fair at the Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal-North Complex of Tambo, Hinaplanon on September 20-21.

PESO Manager Marilyn Semborio-Dawes said this is an activity lined up every September during the month-long fiesta celebration or Diyandi Festival of Iligan. The Fair is sponsored by the city government through the office of Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment, Iligan City/Lanao del Norte District Office. We have invited different companies and recruitment agencies offering jobs here and abroad, and we urge jobseekers to avail of this opportunity, said Dawes. Applicants must bring with them documents like resume’ and certification. For more details, interested parties are advised to call PESO at telephone number 221-4347. (PESO Iligan)

Coherent, Consistent and Creative.” It supports the President’s commitment to pursue economic growth while ensuring that the poor and the marginalized will enjoy the benefits of development as contained

in his social contract with the Filipino people. Kionisala said the activity will also serve as a venue for a feedback session with firms on how the government may further assist their businesses.


PRO-10 hosts 2-day Leadership Seminar-Workshop to key police officers of Western and Northern Mindanaoby PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Facilitators from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) initiated the two-day leadership training in Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City, in coordination with the Fellowship of Christians in Government, Inc. (FOCIG).

The members of Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 Command Group headed by PCSupt. Gil J. Hitosis, Regional Director, witnessed the opening of the program held on September 17, 2012. Participants consisted of Provincial Directors, City Directors, Chiefs of Police of component cities and other key officers in the police regional offices of regions 9, 10 and 13. This activity will also be conducted in all parts of the country in clustered venues, as one of the thrusts of PNP Chief, Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome, in helping field commanders achieve intended police reform, through its Integrated Transformation Program and Performance Governance System (PNP-ITP-PGS). AmyJay M. Reconalla, one of the facilitators of the program, said the intention of the PNP Chief to target Provincial and City Directors and other key officers considering

the strategic nature of their positions. They are the decision-makers who will have the authority to cascade what they learned to their subordinates and to their own families. At the end of the seminar, participants will be made aware of themselves, and commit to the aspirations of the PNP consistently and progressively. When they go back to their respective units, they are expected to perform with high morale, critical skills, discipline and exemplary character. PSSupt. Lyndel A. Desquitado, Acting Regional Director for Administration, delivered his welcome address by expressing his profound gratitude for once again choosing PRO-10 as the venue of the seminar. Over the past years, PRO-10 has always been considered a preferred place for seminars and trainings of police officers due to the city’s peaceful and orderly condition and rapid economic growth.


PRO-10 hosts 2-day Leadership Seminar-Workshop to key police officers of Western and Northern Mindanao

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Surigao del Sur Tourism office conducts Consultation Workshop with Stakeholdersby Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Provincial Tourism Office of Surigao del Sur is set to conduct a consultation workshop with tourism stakeholders on September 20-21 at Shacene Pension House, Mabua, Tandag City. Nicoas Sonsona, officer in charge of Provincial Tourism Office, said the workshop consultation is an initial step in drawing inputs from industry partners to come up

with a comprehensive Provincial Tourism Master Plan for 2013-2020. Participants are active partners from national government agencies; the president of the province Hotel

photo Credit: jhonalyn_bongolo


& Restaurant Association; tour operators; tour guides; transport sector; resort operators; community social organizations and chairpersons on Tourism Council including the chair of the tourism committee of local government units, and many more. Environmental considerations for the development of tourism areas will be tackled on the first

day, including the access and connectivity to identified tourist spots. In Surigao del Sur, the “Enchanted River” in Hinatuan, the “Tinuy-an Falls” in Bislig City, the Cagwait Beach and the Britania Islands are some of the many prospect tourist spots that have already attracted numerous foreign and local tourists to visit, and made the province famous.

DA-RFU 13 address irrigators’ worryby Jahzeel C. Tubal

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur-- “My plan is to rehab every system need of irrigators,” said Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit-13 Executive Director Dr. Edna M. Mabeza.

Speaking before the participants during the recent General Assembly, Reorganization meeting and Irrigators Association review and planning session of Surigao del Sur Irrigator’s Federation, Inc. at Muyco’s Resort here, Mabeza discussed the problems of the farmers in the province. Issues with regard to the price of harvested products, farm damage and farm cultivation situation of Cantilan, Carrascal, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza (Cancarmadcarlan) area were brought up.

Cancarmadcarlan has an estimated irrigated rice area of 5,000 hectares. “DA Sec. Proseso Alcala is serious in the implementation of agricultural programs of the government,” said Mabeza. She said the secretary is also implementing the establishment of warehouse, starter seeds and pre- and post-harvest facilities to help the farmers in their production. Problems on mining generated in the area were also raised by the


2012 PNPA annual cadet test set on Octoberby Annette Villaces

SURIGAO CITY-- The Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) will be conducting its annual Cadet Test for the four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety on October 28 at designated testing centers nationwide.

Requirements for admission of interested applicants are: must be a natural born Filipino citizen; of good moral character; 17 to 21 years old at the time of admission; at least high school graduate; has no financial obligations; single and with no parental obligations; has no criminal, administrative or civil case and other derogatory record; preferably 5 feet, 4 inches in height for male and 5 feet, 2 inches for female except for indigenous people; weight must not be more than or less than five kilograms of the standard

weight corresponding to height, age and sex; must be able to pass the minimum physical fitness exercise; physically fit and mentally fit for cadetship training; and not a former of PNPA or other service academies. For online application, interested applicants may log on to www.pnpa.edu.ph or contact the registrar cellular phone number 09179169415/ 0939933769, or the PNPA landline number 0495455939. Deadline for submission of application form is on September 24, 2012.

farmers. Mabeza said it is really a struggle in protecting watersheds, but she encouraged concerned farmers to help together to pass a resolution to the President to address the problem at Carak-an river affected by mining, considering it is the

primary source of water irrigation for farming in the Cancarmadcarlan area. Linkages to other concerned agencies will also be made to answer these problems. “The government is always willing to listen sincerely to the concern of the farmers,” Mabeza added.

One Mindanao -September 20, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao -September 20, 2012