One Mindanao - September 29, 2015

Science exhibit underscores health care

24 employers jailed, 7,000 others sued for non-remittance of employees’ SSS contributions

Summit underscores prov’l gov’t’s support to the younger generation

CDO gets P200M from PhilHealth income

By: Carina L.Cayon

Saving farms thru “SAGIP” program

Philippines takes on reforms to prevent illicit financial flows

19 Mindanao LGUs conferred with SGLG13

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Cover Story

National

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: Shahana Joy E DuermeO

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University orients public school students, parents for Senior HS

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 27

By: Franklin P. Gumapon

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ITUC-AP’s PH affiliates issue joint statement vs. gender-based violence on workers31

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CaragaGSIS resets Stakeholders Dialogue in Surigao City

By: Fryan Abkilan 29 By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

1st Cav distributes hygiene kit to schoolchildren

Basilan young science clubbers vow to help ease global warming 39By: Rene V. Carbayas 3741By: Claro A. Lanipa

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSDOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 September 29, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

Saving farms thru “SAGIP” program

By: Franklin P. Gumapon

5September 29, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

H ere in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte corn farmers don’t leave their farms; they till their lands and make them productive!


In most parts of the country the farmers, who are touted as the “backbone of the nation,” are thinning in numbers. Most of them are leaving their farms to find other means to eke out a living. They find farming to be capital-intensive but the revenue is too small. At times their produce is not enough for their own consumption.

But why are the corn farmers in this town tending their farms again? It all started with the implementation of the municipality’s “SAGIP” program by virtue of Municipal Ordinance No. 234 series of 2014

otherwise known as Sustaining Agriculture through Government Interventions and Participation (SAGIP) ordinance.

Primary purposes

In consonance with the SAGIP program, the local government unit (LGU) of Liloy aims to directly engage in farming by cultivating available farmlands and to plant them with corn and other crops, and to encourage farmers to go back to their farms and continue farming using effective farming techniques. This program also seeks to increase the food supply in


the locality and, at the same time, provide employment opportunities by hiring three farm workers for every one-hectare corn land to ensure continuing assistance to the farmers and their families.

Usufruct agreement

In an interview with Mayor FelixbertoBolando, he said private lands cultivatedand planted with corn by the municipal government are sanctioned by a usufruct agreement between the municipal mayor and the landowners as authorized by the Sangguniang Bayan or municipal council. Under this scheme, the landowner continues to enjoy all the produce of the trees and plants existing at the time of the execution of the said agreement while the municipal government shall only harvest and enjoy all the produce of the corn planted by its job order employees.

In 2014, the municipality was able to cultivate 22 hectares of private lands, employing 66 job order farm workers.

Seeing the benefits the SAGIP program brings to idle private

corn lands, more landowners have volunteered their lands to be covered by the said program. This year the LGU has farmed a total of 50 hectares of corn lands under usufruct agreement from last year’s 22 hectares.

Assistance to corn farmers

Mayor Bolando also disclosed that the municipal government through its Municipal Agriculturist’s Office (MAO) had extended assistance to corn farmers by plowing their corn lands using the municipal tractors for free plus a 50-kilo bag of fertilizer for every one–hectare farm. The only obligation of the farmer-beneficiaries is to plant their lands with corn.

With this, the farmers are getting 3 to 4 tons of corn produce per hectare and most of them are now going back to their farms. “Before only 20 percent of the farmers were active with the program, but now we have 40 to 50 percent active farmers,” the mayor pointed out.

Exclusive for the locals

SAGIP program is the


municipal leadership’s answer to food supply problem encountered by the farmers themselves. Before the implementation of this program, some corn farmers had abandoned their farms, selling away their carabaos to buy motorcycles to be used as “Habal-habal” - the main transportation used to ferry passengersin remote and far-flung villages with no clear roads. This resulted in the decrease in corn production in the municipality.

As majority of his constituents are corn eating, Mayor Bolandosaid the corn produced under the SAGIP program would be sold to the “registered and actual residents of Liloy town at a price to be fixed by the Sangguniang Bayan through an ordinance but lower than that prevailing in the market.”

“The farmers here are now encouraged to go back to their farms,” Mayor Bolando declared. He believes that the SAGIP program is now gaining momentum toward food security in his town.


Public, private sectors craft measures to address food wastage

QUEZON CITY-- Member economies of the Asia-Pacific economic region forged a stronger public-private partnership which seeks to reduce, if not eliminate, food losses in the supply chain of fishery and livestock, in one of the meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Security Week. During a seminar organized by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Chinese Taipei and the Ministry

for Primary Industries of New Zealand with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development


and Mechanization (PhilMech) recently, stakeholders from both the public and the private sectors exchanged ideas and experiences to generate policy recommendations, action plans, and effective methodologies to provide solutions to the global problem on food losses.

With the growing concern for food loss, the Philippines, along with other economies, deem it necessary to address the issues which contribute to food loss and come up with policies and measures that will address wastage in the agriculture sector, specifically within the livestock and fishing industries.

PhilMech Director Rex L. Bingabing said there is a need to ensure sufficient supply of affordable, safe and good quality food.

“With the additional new challenges in food production such as climate change, decreasing

production area and depletion of natural resources, food loss and food waste must be given serious attention,” he added.

Bingabing added that APEC economies have a big role in addressing these challenges since majority of the total global food production comes from the APEC region. “Cooperation of different economies is important,” he said.

As concerned institutions recognize that the problem on food loss and wastage is not the sole problem of the government alone, the private sector is called upon to take action and contribute to the long-term solution.

Meanwhile, according to Ms. Dong-Chong Hsiou, who is the deputy director-general of the Department of International Affairs, Council of Agriculture in Chinese Taipei, the private sector plays a critical role in reducing losses along the supply chain.


“We are positive that this seminar will give value to the inputs and participation of the private sector, and so we encourage you to provide us with more creative and innovative ideas and solutions,” Hsiou said.

About 80 delegates from both public and private sectors exchanged information on basic research, current trends, business models, and postharvest technologies in the fishery and livestock industry during the one-day seminar.

Foreign delegates came from Chile, People’s Republic of China, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, The United States, and Vietnam.

From September 27-October 6, 2015, Iloilo City will host a series of food security meetings expected to gather more than 900 delegates, including High Level Policy Dialogues on Agricultural Biotechnology, as well as Food Security and Blue Economy. (PhilMech/DA)


Philippines takes on reforms to prevent illicit financial flows

MANILA - The Philippines is clamping down on illicit financial flows (IFF), with the government undertaking reforms to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks and prevent illegal movements of money or capital to, and from, the country. Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a non-profit research and advocacy organization, defines illicit financial flows as illegal

movements of money or capital from one country to another. GFI classifies this movement as illicit flow when the funds are illegally


earned, transferred, and/or utilized, making them a threat to a country’s fiscal capacity.

In a recent report entitled “Illicit Financial Flows To and From the Philippines: A Study in Dynamic Stimulation,” GFI concluded that illicit financial inflows and outflows may have a harmful effect on economic growth. However, the Philippine economy continues to experience an upward trajectory largely due to good governance initiatives of the Aquino administration and favorable policies brought about by the country’s prudent economic management.

During a panel discussion at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia Jr. discussed two thrusts of the Philippine

government in addressing illicit financial flows. These are (1) to ensure that the Philippines has a strong legal and regulatory framework to fight against IFF that is in line with international standards, and (2) developing collaborative partnerships among all stakeholders.

Cuisia also outlined initiatives undertaken by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Bureau of


Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to address the issue of illicit financial flows.

“The BSP continues to strengthen the anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regime for financial institutions to maintain relevance and effectiveness through increased documentary requirements for activities registered outside of the Philippines. It also oversees the implementation of risk-based customer acceptance policy processes for banks and financial

institutions, among others,” said Ambassador Cuisia.

According to GFI, “illicit inflows significantly reduce the collection of total taxes.” To deal with this, the government has been implementing reforms to improve the performance of the BIR and the BoC, the

Philippines’ two main revenue collecting agencies.

“Due to a more effective tax administration, collection of taxes under the Aquino administration has increased to 15.1 percent of GDP in 2014 versus 13.4 in 2010. This is expected to improve further to 17.5 percent of GDP in 2016 or US$26.2 billion,” said Cuisia.

A proposal to amend the 1987 Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines is also being reviewed by Philippine Congress.

16 September 29, 2015ONE MINDANAO16 September 29, 2015ONE MINDANAO

If passed, the bill will establish tax exemptions, strengthen BIR’s risk management system, and promote appropriate behavior by establishing incentives such as deferments of duties and taxes to highly compliant exporters and importers, among others. “As for the Bureau of Customs, the agency has instituted reforms to improve its processing and valuations processes to ensure proper invoicing, valuation, and reporting. This is important in a culture that consistently and deliberately miscalculates or undervalues cargo. For example, a 2014 study reveals that only 18 percent of all Customs declarations are truthful,” Cuisia said.

BoC is likewise clamping down on smuggling, particularly oil smuggling, which accounts for losses for oil companies approximating $430 to $644 million. The government is estimated to lose approximately $2 million in foregone revenue.

The Customs agency has also entered into an information sharing partnership with the US Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigation (DHS-HSI) through the development of corresponding Trade Transparency Units (TTU). Another conference panelist, DHS-HSI Trade Transparency Unit Chief Hector X. Colón expounded that TTUs are important mechanisms which aid in the prevention of trade-based money laundering and commercial fraud mainly through the comparison and analysis of trade data to identify anomalies in trade transactions.

GFI is a non-profit, Washington, D.C.-based research and advisory organization that researches illicit financial flows and aims to promote pragmatic transparency measures. Its most recent study on IFF can be accessed through its website on http://www.gfintegrity.org. (DFA)


19 Mindanao LGUs conferred with SGLG

Nineteen (19) local government units from Northern Mindanao have been conferred with the much-coveted Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) during the 2015 SGLG Awarding Ceremony held at Mallberry Suites, Cagayan de Oro City recently.

The awardees, composed of 3 provinces, 2 cities and 14 municipalities, were the provinces of Camiguin,Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental; the cities of Valencia and Oroquieta; and

the provinces of Dangcagan, Impasug-ong, Maramag, Baroy,Kapatagan,Kauswagan, Lala, Bonifacio, Lopez Jaena,Plaridel, Lugait, Opol, Salay and Villanueva.


Each Awardee-LGU received an SGLG Seal Marker and is now eligible to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) in the amount of P3M for municipalities, P5M for cities and P7M for the provinces, subject to submission of certain administrative requirements. Gracing the event to hand-in the awards to the recipient LGUs were DILG OIC-Regional Director Nilo P. Castanares, DILG- Local Government Capability Development Division (LGCDD) Chief Foster N. Anayron and Cong. Juliette Uy of 2nd District Misamis Oriental.

The attendance of provincial governors, city/municipal mayors of the awardee-LGUs joined by their respective local government operations officers (LGOOs) and other local functionaries made the ceremony more meaningful. OIC-RD Castanares, in closing, reiterated the commitment towards providing transparent, effective and accountable governance to the people of this country and to treat every work day an opportunity to touch lives and make a difference in the spirit of service.


CSC gets high sincerity rating from Kagay-anons

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) thanked the Kagayanons for giving the Commission a high sincerity rating in the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey of Enterprises on Corruption.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


The SWS survey showed that CSC got an overall +41 net sincerity rating, said Marco de los Reyes, CSC senior human resource specialist and team leader of the CSC ARTA program in a press conference at the Mallberry Suites here Monday, September 28. He said the CSC net sincerity rating falls under the “Good” category and in the same level with that of the Supreme Court, Department of Education, Sandiganbayan, Office of the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit, and Department of Justice. On a per area basis, Kagayanons gave CSC a rating of +62. The CSC attributes the high sincerity rating to its campaign against fixers and red tape. De los Reyes said respondents were also asked which of the government initiatives they are most aware of. The anti-fixing and no noon break policy emerged as the top two initiatives. We are amazed with the results of the survey, said CSC Region 10 Assistant Director Noemi Rabe Torres. We are thankful to Kagayanons for believing in our sincerity in fighting red tape and corruption, she added.

The Survey of Enterprises was conducted by SWS with support from the Integrity for Investments Initiative (i3) and funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and in partnership with the National Competitiveness Council and The Asia Foundation. The survey was conducted from November 14, 2014 to May 12, 2015, involving face-to-face interview of executives of 966 companies, 325 of whom were randomly drawn Large enterprises, and 641 were randomly drawn Small and Medium enterprises. The sample enterprises were drawn from seven study areas: Metro Manila (356), Metro Angeles (101), Cavite-Laguna-Batangas (101), Metro Iloilo (100), Metro Cebu (100), Metro Davao (101), and Cagayan de Oro-Iligan (107).


CDO gets P200M from PhilHealth incomeCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In just two years of the current administration of Cagayan de Oro city, about P200 million has been collected from the PhilHealth income.

This has been highlighted by City Health Insurance Officer Dr. Ma. Lourdes Gaane in the recently conducted Ulat ng Bayan. According to Dr. Gaane, around P194 million has been collected by the city since July 2013 until June 2015. In the said collection, P125 million was obtained from PhilHealth benefit payments (in-patient) in J.R. Borja General Hospital, P63 million from PhilHealth capitation payments in eight accredited health centers and P6 million from the 45 health centers that are now accredited with the Maternity Care Package (MCP). Dr. Gaane stressed that there

is a big collection difference from June 2012 until July 2013 where the city has only obtained P22 million from the said sources. With the health reform program created by City Mayor Oscar Moreno, the 45 MCP-accredited barangay health centers can now operate and manage independently especially on providing free childbirth services. Currently, the PhilHealth capitation payments serves as the source of fund for the procurement of medicines and equipment for the barangay health centers and City Hospital.(CIO/PIA10)

University orients public school students, parents for Senior HSCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan introduced its Senior High School program to Grade 10 students and parents of Cagayan de Oro National High School (CDONHS) during an orientation organized by their school on September 22 at the XU Gymnasium.


The orientation aimed to clarify the program structure of Senior HS, and to guide the students and their parents in choosing the right track and strand to take in Senior High. XU offers complete Academic and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood tracks. Through its Center for Integrated Technologies, it has formed partnerships with international and local companies to employ its tech-voc graduates. “Students must choose their track and strand under the Senior High School program based on their career assessment results,” said Dr Joey Jegonia, director of XU’s Office of Promotions, Testing and Admissions (OPTA). “Your choice must be in line with your competency and ideal career in the future.” XU is ready for carrying out the Senior High School program for academic year 2016-2017. It is currently administering the XU Career Exam for Senior High School applicants every Saturday of September. The University also welcomes DepEd tuition vouchers in addition to offering more than 200 scholarships to students entering Senior HS. DepEd’s Tuition Voucher Program serves

to offset the cost of tuition in private educational institutions. Along with the XU Senior High Team, CDONHS also invited speakers from DepEd, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to explain the relevance of Senior HS, especially when it comes to finding better employment opportunities regardless of whether students choose to pursue higher studies, decide to work or start a business right after graduating from Senior High. The Senior HS program comprises the additional two years to the current 10 years of basic education, in line with the DepEd’s Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (Republic Act No.10533), which aims to strengthen the basic education system in the Philippines. XU has been preparing for the transition to the K-12 curriculum since 2014. Students can choose their career tracks in academic, technical-vocational-livelihood, sports, and arts and design. These tracks will help prepare graduates for higher education, entrepreneurship, further middle-level skills development and employment. This public forum formed part of the discussion series of XU in collaboration with government agencies, schools, parents’ associations and student organizations toward forming globally competitive graduates who will meet the standards and fulfill the demands of the ASEAN Economic Integration. (XU Communications Office)


Davao experiences 4th strongest El NiñoDAVAO CITY, September 28 (PIA) - - Davao Region is expe-riencing starting this month the fourth strongest El Niño recorded.

By: Michael Uy

Senior Meteorologist Gerry Pedrico of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Sciences Administration (DOST-PAGASA) re-vealed on Friday during the Hermes Club Press Forum at Waterfront In-sular Hotel that the dry spell, which is looming in the country, is fourth among the El Nino that happened in the world since 1950; the strongest is on 1997-1998. Pedrico emphasized that the whole Davao region will be affected by the dry spell that is looming in

the country from September 2015, which will peak on February 2016 and expected to end on May 2016. Pedrico bared that the region will have a maximum temperature of 35° Celsius. “Even if there is an El Niño, we will still have storms in the country but it will contain rains of below nor-mal capacity,” he said. Pedrico encouraged the public to utilize water wisely during the dry spell.


The month-long exhibition of the Health Science on the Go (HSOTG)-Travelling Science Centrum which opened on September 23 and will end up on October 23 aims to pro-vide better understanding and ap-preciation of the value of health. The HSOTG-TSC exhibit at the MSTC in Bago Oshiro, Tugbok, ex-pects to attract more than 10,000 students and teachers from the pub-lic and private schools in Davao Re-gion. The Travelling Science Centrum of Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology has brought the mo-

bile science exhibit in the region, in partner-ship with Unilab Foun-dation, Inc. and in coordination with the Department of Sci-ence and Technology Region XI. DOST-XI re-gional director Dr. Anthony C. Sales said the HSOTG-TSC is an interactive science museum “that will surely tickle mind and all your senses.” It features 31 engaging and interac-

tive exhibits clustered into physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, sleep/rest and medicines. The highlights include: Watch Me Pedal with Kelly the Skeleton; Dance to be Healthy, (cardiovas-cular health); Healthy Eating (bal-anced diet and Platong Makulay); Brush your Teeth the Right Way (oral health care); What happens during Sleep (stages and effects of sleep); Immunization (how vaccines work in the body); Van de Graaff generator (hair-raising activity); and more.

DAVAO CITY– The recently launched Travelling Science Centrum at the Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum in the city underscores the importance of health care literacy especially aimed at educating young students.

By: Carina L. CayonScience exhibit underscores health care


“With the recent emerging tech-nologies, it is bizarre not to make use of these technologies and con-vert it to something that will entice students to study science...to let them feel science,” Sales stated dur-ing his opening remarks at the maid-en launch of HSOTG-TSC. In its press release, Unilab Foundation said the exhibits comple-ment the Kto12 competencies in health and science in support to the Reformed Basic Education Curricu-lum of the Department of Education. Davao City Councilor Leonardo Avila III, who represented Mayor Rodrigo Duterte at the launch, em-phasized the significance of science in the health of the people. “To be healthy, we need to learn and know science more.. Then, we will build a healthier Philippines,” Avila said. Alberto Ungab, representing Congressman Isidro Ungab of the 3rd District, lauded the conduct of the science exhibit as it provides the basic yet substantial information on health to the youth sector. “We don’t have to develop teachers to be scientists, but teach-

ers have to urge students to be seri-ous in learning science,” Ungab said. The PFST and Unilab Foundation envisioned that every visitor of the exhibit “be equipped with the right information, get involved in its dis-semination, and become an active advocate in the creation of a healthy environment for future generations – contributing to a healthier and more health literate Philippines.” Sales urged all schools in the region to support the exhibit, saying that “it is just a precursor of some-thing big that is about to come in the region with regards to interactive learning.” “We are encouraging everyone to visit and experience the mobile exhibit and also share and spread this information,” he stated. The admission fee to the exhibit is pegged at P60.00 per person. For booking and reservations, interested groups or individuals are advised to contact Mavic Dado at cellphone numbers 0917-7175971 or tele-phone numbers (082) 221-5428 / (082) 227-1313.


Enlist with Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, farmers, fisherfolk urgedBy Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 29 -- For easier access to government aid, farmers and fisherfolk should enlist in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), an offi-cial of the Department of Agriculture said.


DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan explained RSBSA is a nation-wide database of primary in-formation of farmers, farm laborers and fisherfolk jointly gathered by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), National Statistics Of-fice (NSO), Department of Ag-riculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Depart-ment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), at ng Na-tional Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).

RSBSA, Director Datukan explained aims to provide gov-ernment planners and policy makers access to baseline in-formation of the agriculture sector in formulating significant policies and programs.

This means, she empha-sized, more appropriate proj-ects that may be implemented to address specific concerns of farmers and fisherfolk.

“This database is not only im-portant to DA but also to law-makers and policy makers to establish laws and regulations to push further the develop-ment of the agriculture and fishery sector,” Datukan pointed out.

This, she said, is the primary

reason why they repeatedly encourage farmers to register see their local agriculture of-fice to fill out the application form.

“Our agricultural technicians as well as our city and municipal agriculturists are always ready to guide those who would like to register. There is, therefore, no reason to hesitate coming to the nearest agriculture of-fice,” she said.

Besides the city and munici-pal agriculture offices, inter-ested individuals may also visit the DA Regional Field Office 12 in Koronadal City or send text message or call the hotline number 0999 – 923 – 6054. (DEDoguiles-PIA12 with report from LMSalvo-DA12)


In line with this, the provincial government in cooperation with other concerned organizations recently conducted the Child and Youth Summit 2015 which was participated by 400 school and youth leaders, Sangguniang Ka-bataan members, out-of-school youth and other youth organiza-tions from the three districts of the province.

The three-day event paved the way for the youth to share and discuss issues their genera-tion is currently facing. These is-sues include poverty, lack of ed-ucation, child labor, drug abuse, family feud, unstable peace and order and many more.

Aside from this, the youth participants underwent various workshops, table discussions and open forums geared to wid-en their understanding of their role as the hope of the nation.

Aimed at empowering the

Summit underscores prov’l gov’t’s support to the younger generationBy Shahana Joy E Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Sept. 29--- The provincial gov-ernment of North Cotabato is steadfast in its support to the em-powering the province’s younger generation to hone them as the future leaders.

youth, the summit also endeav-ors to further study the Child and Youth Development Code of the province and make neces-sary revisions on it.

Among the facilitators during the event were board members Shirlyn Macasarte, Maybell Va-levieso, Aireen Pagal and Dulia Sultan.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmy-lou Mendoza emphasized the provincial government’s contin-ued support to any endeavor that would prosper the youth sector.

“We are expecting that with the summit, the youth will be empowered as agents of devel-opment and progress,” Mendoza stated.

The event centered on the theme, “Kuya, Ate sa Serbi-syong Totoo, Go na Tayo”. (SJ-Duerme-PIA12 with JSta.Cruz-NorthCot Media Center)


Tandag City public high school raises “health hazard” posed by IP evacuees By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 29 (PIA) – The compounding problem “in relation to the ‘health hazard’ posed by the presence of IP evacuees” occupying the Surigao del Sur Sports Complex has been raised to the provincial government here for “appropriate action.”


Tandag City Mayor Roxanne Pimentel immediately brought to the attention of Governor Johnny Pimentel the “Situational Report” of Jacinto P. Elpa National High School (JPENHS) signed by Roger Lozada, secondary school principal IV, per indorsement letter of no less than Tandag City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Gregoria Su dated September 22, 2015. The situational report had cited seven complaints which primarily include the “Strong odor from improper bowel movement, desegregated waste disposal” and “Strong smoke during

cooking which causes teary eyes, nose irritation and sometimes difficulty of breathing,” among others. Aside from the loud music of the sound system which allegedly causes distraction of concentration during classes, absenteeism of the students who cannot take the strong foul odor from the air, had been pointed out. The school deemed it wise to attach evidence of hospitalization and other discomforts to prove their claim.


ITUC-AP’s PH affiliates issue joint statement vs. gender-based violence on workers

BUTUAN CITY- Officials and members of the International Trade Union Congress – Asia Pacific’s (ITUC-AP’s) Philippine affiliates, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO) recently made a joint call for action to combat gender-based violence (GBV), including at the workplace, with the goal of achieving gender equality and advancing human rights of women.

By: Fryan E. Abkilan


During the recently held launching of the Joint ITUC-AP/Philippine Affiliates’ Key Findings on the Impact of Domestic Violence on Workers and in Workplaces in the Philippines last Sept. 23, 2015 in Quezon City, the union affiliates jointly called for the awareness raising on GBV and its impact on households, workers, workplaces and communities, and actions for prevention and mitigation. It was revealed on the study that one in five respondents reported personal experience with domestic violence (DV) at some point in their life. An additional 20 percent of respondents knew someone at work who had experienced domestic violence. “[There is a need to] strengthen existing responses, including implementation of relevant laws, policies and guidelines to prevent, mitigate and respond to all forms of GBV, including at the workplace, support and protect affected workers from GBV, but also address the broader challenge of addressing causes of discrimination and gender inequalities,” the statement read. In the statement, they have also supported the comprehensive, coordinated and well-resourced plans of action, at

the national and enterprise levels, on GBV and broader exchange of lessons and good practices, and explore new opportunities for cooperation, partnerships and dialogues including with trade unions and employers, to advance the protection of women and children. They further avowed to sustain the continued collection, analysis and dissemination of reliable data on GBV, including indicators on work-related violence and costs to workers and enterprises, and develop a systematic research agenda on GBV to assist policy development and improve interventions. The group also declared their readiness and commitment to collaborate with the relevant government agencies and partners and contribute to eliminating GBV and discrimination in the workplace.


GSIS resets Stakeholders Dialogue in Surigao CityBy: Greg Tataro, Jr.

In an earlier communication, the said undertaking was supposed to take place on September 25, 2015. Belen Talita, GSIS Surigao City branch manager, in a letter to Governor Johnny Pimentel dated September 14, 2015, no longer cited the reason of postponement to this later date, however, the same purpose of holding the event was pointed out, saying “The dialogue aims to provide an update on the initiatives and reforms undertaken by GSIS,

and to foster closer ties between GSIS and its stakeholders.” “As part of its thrust to promote service responsiveness and transparency, the GSIS Board of Trustees is instituting consultative meetings with its members and pensioners nationwide,” she stated earlier. Talita likewise informed that “The dialogue will be conducted by President & General Manager Robert G. Vergara and other GSIS executives.”

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has come out with a revised schedule of the “Stakeholders Dialogue” at the same venue and time at Philippine Gateway Hotel in Surigao City at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. but resetting it on October 2, 2015.


DSWD to Pantawid beneficiaries: Don’t be cowed by ‘epals’By Dominic I. SanchezZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here is renewing its call to the beneficiaries of its poverty-alleviation programs to not be threatened by politicians who may use said programs to their advantage.


Earlier, DSWD-9 Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said that members of the Pantawid Pamilya “owe nothing to politicians,” hence they should not be taken advantage of by politicians. Since 2013 the DSWD has been campaigning for the beneficiaries to be aware of their rights as members of Pantawid. It used the slogan “Bawal ang Epal Dito” (Epals are illegal here), emphasizing that Epals, a Tagalog slang for someone who likes to butt in on others’

accomplishments and use it for their own advantage, are not to be tolerated. One example, shared by DSWD-9 Information Officer Ivan Salvador, is when politicians threaten Pantawid members of being de-listed from the program if they do not favor them, particularly during campaigns and elections. “They cannot do this, since only the DSWD has the authority to de-list a beneficiary if they are delinquent in their co-


This was the commitment made by pupils of Kaum Purnah Elementary School (KPES) and the Isabela East Central Elementary School (IECES) here during the Science Clubbers Camps held on Sept. 10 and 11, respectively.The science club campers tackled

the issue of global warming and climate change as the highlight of the schools’ observance of the science club month.At the lecture-forum on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,

responsibilities,” Director Arevalo said. Other scenarios include politicians that print tarpaulins with their pictures cropped alongside DSWD programs. Meanwhile, Salvador said that guidelines for this year’s campaign would be released by the national office. He expects that there will be a rollout of forums on the Anti-Epal advocacy. Salvador especially appeals to the members of the media to

help them disseminate the anti-epal advocacy drive. “We really need the help of our stakeholders in this, especially the media to reach out to all our beneficiaries who may be taken advantage of in the coming elections,” he said. Pantawid Pamilya this year has been allocated over P64 billion to cover its over 4 million household-beneficiaries all over the country.

Basilan young science clubbers vow to help ease global warmingBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY , Basilan – It may be a huge task for pupils from two elementary schools in Basilan, but young science clubbers vow to contribute to ease global warming by employing simple but effective ways in protecting the environment: reducing, reusing, and recycling wastes.


the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Basilan explained the cause of global warming and how humans greatly contributed to climate change.Through video documentaries, clips and photos, the PIA walked the participants through deeper understanding of climate change and its impact on the people’s lives. Moreover, the PIA emphasized the positive effects of having a sound and balanced environment and ecosystem.Evidently from their responses

and feedback, the pupils have shown that they are aware of the causes as well as the impact of climate change on the communities.“During bad weather, the wind blows stronger, thunderstorms become louder, and rains heavier these days,” a pupil observed.Another pupil who lived along coastal areas also observed that sea level had risen and that stronger waves and sea surges occur more often in recent times.The pupils have committed to


protecting the environment by maintaining the cleanliness of their schools and campus grounds, helping their parents in cleaning their homes, disposing of wastes properly especially candy wrappers, avoiding junk foods, and helping plant trees and mangrove in their communities.

Around 400 pupils participated in IECES, while some 300 at KPES. This year’s science club month celebration is anchored on the theme: “MateREALIZE: Synthesizing ideas, refining Knowledge, Forging Science Clubbers as Agents of Innovation.”

1st Cav distributes hygiene kit to schoolchildrenBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The First Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army distributed yeserday hygiene kit to 200 grades 1 and 6 pupils of San Pedro Central Elementary School, this city.


City Administrator Lauro Mendoza said “at the onset of rainy season and not only rainy season but typhoon season, it is important that our children be protected from any illness and these can be prevented through regular proper hygiene.” Mendoza commended the First Cavalry Squadron for initiating this program, “which is beyond its call of their duty.” “Traditionally, we all know that our soldiers carry their firearms and go to the mountains in search of the lawless elements or enemies of the state. But today we all witness the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) particularly those of the First Cavalry Squadron are with us helping in the promotion of proper hygiene by giving hygiene kit to our schoolchildren,” Mendoza said. Executive Officer Major Roger G. Conmigo, who represented the Squadron Commander LtCol. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., said this activity is one of our program under the squadron’s Civil

Military Operation (CMO) aimed at promoting proper hygiene to our indigenous people especially the children. “Cleanliness is really very important not only in our surroundings but also in our physical body,” as he quoted the saying which goes “cleanliness is next to godliness.” In addressing the 200 pupils and some parents at the school’s stage, Conmigo pointed out that “if we will keep ourselves always clean, we will stay away from illnesses and we will have a healthy body.” Dr. Mayleen Manupac of the Rural Health Unit of Labangan explained the importance of hygiene and demonstrated the proper hand washing, brushing of teeth and other hygiene techniques prior to the distribution of the kit. Earlier, the same activity was also conducted by the First Cavalry Squadron at Margarito Lagare Elementary School, Navalan, Tukuran Zamboanga del Sur.

One Mindanao - September 29, 2015

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