one mindanao - april 15, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern 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

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, 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 Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

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

Cover Story

Park Inn by Radisson Davao opens its doorsRudolph AlamaSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, April 15, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 164

page 4

Malacañang says Donaire retains support of the Filipino people despite loss 8

Dipolog LP bets hit ZANECO for partisan acts 16

Security prep under review for May 13 elections

Armed Forces Chief visits WESTMINCOM

More OSY/YWD graduate from the Scala Project in Ozamiz 14

24Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

PhilHealth advisory to all its regional offices and branchesLorry V. Gabule, Northern Mindanao

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central MindanaoDA’s Corn Quality Awards is on 21

Joey Dalumpines , Southern Mindanao

Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

ARMM, Western Mindanao

DILG XIII turns over P4.8M to Butuan City for “Salintubig” Program Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region

30

7 10 12 16 19 22

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Monday, April 15, 20134

Aside from the mall and cinemas the complex also has one of Mindanao’s largest convention facilities; SMX Davao with a capacity of 3,500 to 5,000 persons. The convention center is expected to corner a big share of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions)

market. This November it is expected to host the biggest conventions in the country the Ad Congress. And to further cement it reputation as a one-stop convention complex- SM Hotels and Conventions has built a P700-million hotel development adjacent to the mall, conveniently connected by a walk bridge- the 204-

Park Inn by Radisson Davao opens its doors

In what used to be a lush 18-hole golf course, the iconic Lanang

Golf and Country Club now stands one of Mindanao’s newest shopping, entertainment and convention complex, SM Lanang Premiere.

CoVer StoRy

By Rudolph Alama

Monday, April 15, 2013 5

room Park Inn by Radisson Davao. Formally opened last March 22, the hotel is a partnership between SHC and the Carlson Rezidor Group of Hotels. The multinational hotel company boasts of about 1079 hotels worldwide. One of its brand the Park Inn by Radisson caters to the midscale traveling market, the brand has about 128 hotels in 39 countries. The hotel in Davao City is the brand’s first hotel in the Asia –Pacific. The formal opening ceremonies last March 22 was attended by bigwigs from Carlson Rezidor and SM led by Hans Sy, president of SM Prime, Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotel & Conventions Corporation and Simon Barlow, President, Asia Pacific of the Carlson Rezidor Group. Guest of-Honor was Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. Barlow said he is confident that the hotel will set a benchmark for the growing mid-scale market in the country. He said that the Philippines along with India and Indonesia are among focus areas of the Carlson Rezidor group in the region. He cited the hotel’s achievement

since it soft-opened in February, among these include the high occupancy rate of the hotel highlighted with no less than President Benigno Aquino III staying in the hotel during his visit last March 7 for the MICE Conference. The hotelier added that the present location of the hotel in Davao City was ripe for development, he cited the combination of a convention facility and a mall is a powerful complement to Davao City being the capital city of the south.Barlow cited the many achievements of the hotel from the time it was soft-opened in February. Among these include the high occupancy rate of the hotel highlighted with no less than President Benigno Aquino III staying in the hotel during his visit last March 7 for the MICE Conference. “Park Inn by Radisson Davao is a welcome addition to our existing hotel portfolio that includes the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay, the Pico Sands Hotel in Batangas, and the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City,” Elizabeth Sy said during the press conference held before the opening ceremonies.


She recalled that it was her brother Hans who saw the potentials of putting up a hotel in the area when he was visiting the then Lanang Golf and Country Club. Her brother then broached to her the idea of partnering in developing the site by building a hotel in the area.According to the president of the SM Hotel & Conventions Corporation, the company is eyeing to construct more Park Inn hotels in the different SM malls in the country. The hotel is described by its first General Manager Geir Sikko as vibrant and trendy known for international standard accommodations and very friendly service. “You need more hotels of this kind here,” says Sikko, a Norwegian who has a solid 30-year experience in the hotel industry. Sikko describes the hotel’s clientele, mid-scale market as somewhat a notch above backpacker tourists and below five-star travelers. He estimates that 60% of the world traveler market is of the mid-scale segment and is consistently growing particularly in the Asia Pacific

Region.

“There are less five-star hotels being built today and more mid-scale hotels being built,” Sikko said describing the trend. The 204 rooms is grouped into 198 de luxe rooms and six junior suites. It has only one food and beverage outlet, the RBG since according to Sikko, the hotel doesn’t want to compete with the array of restaurants located in the nearby mall. There is a pool and gym plus small meeting rooms for light corporate activities. Meanwhile Barlow is bullish about the Philippine market for the hotel brand, as the country is considered along with India and Indonesia as focus areas of development by the Carlson Rezidor Group. Barlow cited the multiple development opportunities present in the country. He cited the 41-million domestic and international tourists in 2012 which is estimated to grow by 66 million in 2016. He said that by 2016 the country would need 76,000 hotel rooms across the country to fill the growing tourism market.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino witness demo run of the Department of Science and Technology automated guideway transit

President Benigno S. Aquino III will witness a demo run of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) automated guideway transit (AGT) that it has put up at the sprawling University of the Philippines campus in

Diliman, Quezon City on today.A flagship project of the DOST under

the leadership of Secretary Mario Montejo and in collaboration with U.P., the AGT is an elevated commuter rail train system that is

capable of transporting up to 60 passengers from station to station much like other elevated carriers in other countries and the rail transit system in Metro Manila.

8Monday, April 15, 2013

It is the first Philippine-made elevated train and being electrically powered and thus, emission free, the AGT is seen as a long term solution to the traffic congestion and high instance of pollution in Metro Manila.

The current train is a light version of the intended final product – a “driverless”

people mover, but a bigger or full-sized version is to be built soon, based on the recommendations of U.P. Diliman which are expected by the middle of this year.

Joining the President will be Montejo, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya, UP president Alfredo Pascual, and Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista. PND (rck)

Malacañang says Donaire retains support of the Filipino people despite loss

Malacañang said on Sunday that Filipino boxer Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire retains the

Filipino people’s admiration and support despite his defeat to Cuban pugilist Guillermo Rigondeaux in their super bantamweight bout held in New York City last Saturday night.


Malacañang says Donaire retains support of the Filipino people despite loss

In a statement read over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that despite this setback, the entire Filipino nation can expect Donaire to rise anew and serve as inspiration to millions of his fellow Filipinos and supporters.

“Nabigo man si Nonito Donaire Jr. na mapag-isa ang WBO at WBA super bantamweight title laban kay Guillermo Rigondeaux sa kanilang bakbakan sa Radio City Music Hall, New York City, hindi pa rin natitinag ang suporta ng sambayanan sa ating Filipino Flash,” Valte said.

“Hindi man niya nakamit ang kaniyang pakay sa labang ito, nananalig ang buong bansa sa muling pagbangon at pagtindig ng Boxing Writers Association of America 2012 Fighter of the Year

upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa milyun-milyon niyang mga kababayan at tagasuporta,” she added.

Doniare, whose boxing bout with Rigondeaux lasted all 12-rounds, lost via a unanimous decision. PND (rck)


Mindanao businessmen say change in electricity dispatch protocol to solve power crisis

Mindanao-based businessmen called for an implementable and sustainable program that would provide the fastest available supply of power at a reasonable price to the people

in the south which is being hounded by intermittent power supply.


The Mindanao leaders of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCI) met the PCCI national leadership to discuss the possible strategies in response to the continuing rotating brownouts that have been hounding Mindanao for three years now.

Romeo Montenegro of the Mindanao Development Authority-Mindanao Power Monitoring Commission (MinDA-MPMC) explained that even if the 15-MW of Iligan Diesel Power Plant (IDPP) begins its operation this month, the resulting available capacity of 1,266 MW will still be 76 MW short of the projected peak demand of 1,299 MW.

“And except for areas with embedded power generation capacity, daily power outages is bound to persist until 2016 when new coal-fired power plants presently under construction will go on stream,” he stressed.

Engr. Robert Mallillin, Chairman of the PCCI Power Committee suggested that instead of the current practice of using the hydro plants during peak hours, it is best to use the coal-fired, geothermal, and diesel plants as the base load generators.

He explained if fully utilized, despite the peak-hour requirement of the whole of Mindanao at 1,134 MW as against the total generating capacity of 1,884 megawatts and diesel contributing 650 MW, hydro at 924.1 MW and coal, geothermal and RE at 308 MW, this should leave Mindanao with excess

capacity of some 750 MW.“The power shortage has endured

because of the policy of using hydro as base load plant and hence first to be dispatched, which led and continue to lead to the under-utilization of diesel-fired power plants,” Mallillin said,

Mallillin explained that “amending the dispatch protocol to allow coal, geothermal and diesel to be dispatched first as base load plants will encourage fossil fuel plants to run at full capacity.”

“In the short-term, it will also raise electricity cost in Mindanao by approximately P1.25 more or less per kilowatt-hour. But this will only be until the coal-fired plants are connected to the grid to replace the costlier diesel plants used as base load sources of power and assign them later to the cold reserve category,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ricky Juliano, PCCI Vice President for Mindanao, clarified that Mindanaoans are not opposed to higher rates from the outset as erroneously reported in many broadsheets since they have known and accepted that the long-term response to the power shortage is the entry of fossil plants.

He stressed that what the Mindanaoans request is “to optimize the capacity of the more competitively-priced hydroelectric power plants in Mindanao in order to average down the effect of the higher-cost fossil plants.” (PNA)


Second Candidates Forum tackles families in politics

DAVAO CITY- The Philippine In-formation Agency XI’s candidates forum tackled multiple family members serving and running for public service positions which saw

the attendance of first district con-gressional candidate Luis Bonguy-an and reelectionist Vice-Mayor James Gamao. The forum held today (April


12) at the PIA-XI office is part of PIA’s support to Comelec resolution 598 which deputizes government agencies particularly the PIA to assist the Commission on Elections in the conduct of the 2013 elections. Luis Bonguyan’s son Louie John is the reelectionist councilor for the second district of Davao City while James Gamao’s sister Janet is a board member of the second district of Davao del Norte. “I don’t see anything wrong, as long as you serve the community truthfully and honestly.” Said Vice- Mayor Gamao when asked about multiple family members seeking elective positions. Gamao said that he will abide with the provisions of an anti-dynasty law just in case the law will “Dadaan yan sa elections.” (It will pass through elections) says former Davao City Vice- Mayor Luis Bonguyan when asked about political dynasties. Prior to winning a City council seat in 2007, Louie John Bonguyan was appointed by his father then serving as the city vice mayor as his chief-of-staff to represent the youth. “He wanted to run because he has ideas of his own.” The former Vice-Mayor said. He added that his track record in honest public service contributed to his son’s winning in the electoral campaign. Gamao in the other hand said his sister first ran as Mayor to succeed her

husband then Panabo City Mayor Rey Gavina, she eventually ran for board member in the provincial board and won. As for their platforms of governance, Bonguyan said he will be pushing for coordination with the City Mayor’s office in terms of projects. He said the lack of coordination in some infrastructure projects has resulted in wastage of public funds Bonguyan said he will be lobbying funds from the national government particularly in flood-control and seawall projects since the funds needed for these projects is too big for the city government to bear alone. As for legislation, he will be pushing for the creation of two more legislative districts for Davao City particularly setting up the city’s downtown area as a separate district. Currently the city’s poblacion is shared under the first and second districts of the city. Gamao meanwhile said he will be focusing on Panabo City’s economic enterprises with the construction of a new public cemetery to decongest the old overcrowded city cemetery; they are also planning to build a new two-storey public market to replace the dilapidated public market. During the forum he cited notable achievements in his two terms as Panabo City Vice-Mayor among these include the conduct of paperless City Council sessions and the codification of the city’s regulatory laws into one book. (PIA/RG Alama)


Security prep under review for May 13 elections

DAVAO CITY-Deployment of police and soldiers in election-watchlist areas in Davao City and Davao Region remains a work in progress and under fine-tuning to ensure effectivity even beyond May 13 midterm elections, according to Chief Superintendent Jaime Mor-ente, regional director of the Po-lice Regional Office XI. He said deployment of security forces is one of the primary concerns in the conference today of the members of the Joint Election Security Coordinatingl Center composed of the police, military and the Commission on Elections. Morente said the Philippine National Police is required to deploy

two policemen in every polling center.He said the military will provide area security or any other security functions that might be needed. “The provincial JSCCs have already come up with their proposed troop deployment with the concurrence of the provincial e l e c t i o n supervisors. We

are now securing the Precinct Count Optical Scan machines in various hubs in the region,” Morente said. He said they will be deploying cops a week before the elections in time for the use and testing of the PCOS machines on the precinct level, a week before the Election Day. Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said that the military is already prepared with its manning list down to the precinct level with the corresponding names of soldiers assigned in respective areas. He revealed that all military operations nowadays are directed

by Joey Dalumpines


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JCI launches “Boto Ko Sagrado,” other activities to celebrate JCI Week By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The Junior Chamber International (JCI) is now celebrating the JCI Week starting off with a Thanksgiving Mass yesterday at San Jose Parish Church here, followed by a motorcade around the city with JCI Bayanima, JCI Greater Pagadian, Inc. and JCI Yllana in attendance, and a badminton friendship game. JCI Yllana President Christine Rose Padayhag said highlighting the

event is the launching of “Boto Ko Sagrado,” a national program of the


Dipolog LP bets hit ZANECO for partisan actsBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - Local candidates under the ruling Liberal Party (LP) have denounced the partisan acts committed by the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) favoring their political rivals.

In a press conference held recently at Seven Treasures restaurant here, the LP candidates said ZANECO has been politicized under the leadership of General Manager (GM) Adelmo Laput who

reportedly got the position through the backing of former congressman Romeo G. Jalosjos whose siblings, children and relatives are now running for various elective posts in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Jaycees aimed at educating today’s young voters to vote with their conscience, recognize the sanctity of their votes and how this can shape our nation. Ms. Padayhag said Boto Ko Sagrado focuses its advocacy on creating a positive change in this country by holding the vote sacred and to vote by intelligence and not by popularity preference come May 2013 elections. This year’s theme, “Binding the Regions, Building the Nation” aptly portrays JCI’s vision to bring about positive change in society and to encourage everyone to seek excellence and be an example for the world to follow. As it strives to target solutions to different problems in our communities to build a better world for ourselves, JCI Yllana has scheduled activities such as spiritual counseling at the Provincial Jail on April 17 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. to provide inmates with the knowledge that there is life

beyond prison walls, and hope in every difficult situation. JCI Yllana will spearhead the “Dengue-Free” campaign launching at the Agora Market at exactly 1:00 p.m. on April 18 to educate the public regarding the making of mosquito traps with the use of plastic bottles with yeast and sugar. This will be a cost-effective and efficient way to trap mosquitoes which hopefully will eradicate the dreaded disease. To cap the celebration, an art exhibit will be held at ZamboSur Arts Center, 3rd Floor, Sun Square Business Center on April 19 at 4:00 p.m. showcasing the sketches of renowned national artists Nemesio Miranda, Raul Isidro and Al Perez among others, to include works of local artists. JCI is a leading global network of young active citizens aged 18-40, sharing the belief that in order to create lasting positive change, we must improve ourselves and the world around us.


Dipolog LP bets hit ZANECO for partisan acts

“ZANECO was politicized instead of being a cooperative created for the people of Zamboanga del Norte,” said city councilor Atty. James Verduguez. The city council is now calling for an in-depth investigation on the alleged mismanagement of the cooperative including its financial status. Assistant City Information Officer Leonor Rabino cited an incident in which ZANECO had unduly cut the electricity of the city government only a few days after the latter received its electric bill. Despite the city government’s request to give a little allowance while the payment was being processed, the ZANECO management still turned it down. But, during the time of Dapitan City Mayor Dominador Jalosjos Jr., ZANECO only cut the power after several months the city government had failed to pay its electric bill. “All I want is transparency in ZANECO. We are paying much and yet we are suffering curtailment,” Mayor Evelyn t. Uy said. It has been also observed that streamers thanking former congressman Romeo Jalosjos, incumbent congressmen Seth Frederick Jalosjos and Cesar G. Jalosjos of the province’s first and second districts, respectively, are being hung at all ZANECO offices in Dipolog, Sindangan, Piñan and Liloy, and in all its sub-stations as well. The streamer expresses gratitude to the Jalosjos congressmen for sponsoring a bill seeking to condone ZANECO debts

which resulted from the cases filed by former Zamboanga del Norte governor Isagani S. Amatong. Amatong is now running as LP candidate for a congressional seat of the province’s third district against Johanna Jalosjos-Parreño, daughter of incumbent congressman Cesar Jalosjos who is also running for governor of Zamboanga del Norte. Mayor Uy assailed ZANECO saying “it’s no longer a cooperative for it no longer serves the interest of the people.” On the issue of killings in the city as alleged by Jalosjos camp, Councilor Verduguez said the LP never sowed terror to the public. “Is there any leader from them (referring to APP candidates) killed?,” he asked. On the other hand, Councilor James Cyril O. Ruiz said: “They may have said it because they don’t have any issue to implicate the LP.” Mayor Uy also disclosed that there were three identified leaders of the Jalosjoses who were apprehended in a checkpoint conducted by PNP for violating the gun ban. City Vice Mayor Senen O. Angeles also urged the people to open their eyes and see the things happening in the province. “They have served for many years but nothing is changed. We need sincere and just officials,” Angeles declared. “I hope that people will wake up and will know the truth. There’s nothing to worry because PNoy is here helping us,” Mayor Uy concluded.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 12, highlights its three-day 35th Foundation Anniversary with the rec-ognition of groups and individuals who have shown exemplary performance.

NIA 12 honors achievers in 35th anniversaryBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Evelyn Bragasin, Information officer of NIA 12 said the anniversary

celebration began on April 10 and culminated on Friday at the Notre

Dame of Midsayap College Gymnasium in Midsayap, North


Cotabato where the awarding ceremonies will be held.

Contracts with at least nine irrigators’ associations under NIA’s Irrigation Management Transfer Program were also be signed.

Bragasin said, among those recognized were outstanding irrigators’ associations, irrigation management office managers, operation and maintenance chiefs and employees.

South Cotabato’s Ramon Bugacia, an engineer led the awardees as the most outstanding irrigation management office manager. Gina L. Lozano also an engineer received a plaque as the most outstanding O&M chief.

Bulacanon IA, Inc. in North Cotabato was the most outstanding irrigators association under the communal irrigation systems category while Napal-Conel Road IA, Inc. in General Santos City is the most outstanding irrigators association for the national irrigation systems category.

Outstanding awardees for operation and maintenance were:

Engrs. Edna C. Bantala, irrigation superintendent of Libungan River Irrigation System; Flora May D. Respicio, principal engineer A of Mlang/Malasila Rivers Irrigation System; Rory F. Avance, principal engineer A of Kabacan River Irrigation System;

Orlando A. Tibang, principal engineer A of Marbel-Banga Rivers Irrigation System; Julio L. Antenor, principal engineer A of Ala River Irrigation System; and Cesar D. Agduma, principal Engineer A of Lambayong/Tacurong Rivers Irrigation System.

Mary Grace S. Gonzales of Mlang/Malasila Rivers Irrigation System also received award as outstanding senior water resource facilities technician.

Meanwhile, Engr. Edna C. Bantala, Libungan River Irrigation System Irrigation Superintendent was conferred a Special Achievement Award.

Bantala was recognized for her innovative approach in irrigation water utilization by introducing and successfully

implementing the Ladderized Scheme of Water Delivery and Distribution which has been recognized and adopted nationwide and for being the first to successfully implement the Irrigation Management Transfer Program in NIA Region 12,

She has set an excellent example worthy of emulation, Bragasin said.

Moreover, 19 national irrigation systems and communal irrigation systems, 21 IAs in North Cotabato; five in Sultan Kudarat, 11 in South Cotabato, one in Maguindanao and 13 in Sarangani got Club 100 Awards.

Club 100 Award is given to IAs of national irrigation systems which has attained 100% collection efficiency for both wet and dry seasons with an average programmed area of 80% of the service area.

This award is given to IAs of communal irrigation systems which have attained 100% or more Current Amortization Payment Efficiency with no back


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Following the success of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program’s Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards (APRAA), the Department of Agriculture’s Agri-Pinoy Corn Program has launched the nationwide Corn Quality Awards to give honors to top achievers involved in the development of the corn industry.

DA’s Corn Quality Awards is onBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Zaldy Boloron, regional corn program coordinator of DA 12 said, the awards, which has a budget allotment of P29- million, is open to all provinces, cities and municipalities, provincial and municipal coordinators and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) involved in the implementation of the corn program.

It aims to recognize the achievement of top performing LGUs with outstanding contributions to the

corn industry thereby boosting a strong partnership with local government units as far as production of quality corn is concerned, he said.

The Corn Quality Awards will commence this 2013 and will cover two cropping seasons.

Top five performing provinces which will get P3-M each while the top 25 cities or municipalities will receive P500,000 worth of farm equipment, machines and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, each of the top five provincial corn coordinators will receive P20,000 cash while each of the top 2 city or city corn coordinator will get P15,000 cash reward.

Top 100 agricultural extension workers involved in various corn-related extension activities will each get P10,000.

The awarding is expected to be staged sometime in October, this year. (DEDoguiles-pia 12 with CFMuňez-DA 12)

account or have fully paid their back account due.

One IA in Maguindanao and one IA in Sarangani were awarded Silver Star Award while four IAs in North Cotabato, two in South Cotabato, one in Sarangani, two in Sultan Kudarat and in Maguindanao will receive Golden Star Award.

Silver Star Award is given to IAs from both national and communal irrigation systems with the Highest Functionality Survey Rating (Very Satisfactory Adjective Rating).

Golden Star Award is given to IAs from the national and communal irrigation systems which garnered the Highest

Functionality Survey Rating (Outstanding Adjective Rating).

This year’s theme is “Samahang NIA, IA at LGU Patuloy na Magtutulungan Upang Lubos na Makamtan ang Mithiing ‘Rice Self Sufficiency Program’.” (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


WESMINCOM awards bronze cross medal to IMT personnel

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) has recently awarded bronze cross medal to outgoing personnel of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) whose one year tour of duty ended IN March 2013.

By Rene V. Carbayas


In a press release, Col Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer (PIO) said that the awards were given last Feb. 25 in recognition of IMT personnel’s acts of heroism during their stint at the command from March 3, 2012 to March 23, 2013. The awardees were composed of five Malaysians, three Indonesians, and two Brunei nationals. They were recognized for their efforts in monitoring the ceasefire agreement which led to the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Col. Gregorio said that Col. Halim of the Royal Malaysian Army and his team monitored and ensured the establishment of the plan for the development and humanitarian support that would complement the peaceful resolution of the conflict. “They ensured the implementation of guidelines of the ceasefire agreement and the Joint PGH-MILF Law Enforcement Operations against kidnappers and lawless elements in areas with MILF presence. With the collaborative efforts of Ad Hoc joint Action Group (AHJAG), Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and WESMINCOM, they successfully facilitated the activities for the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) in MILF communities,” Gregorio said. He lauded the awardees for they disregarded personal safety by actively pacifying and preventing

armed confrontations between warring clans in Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte. He said that together with (AHJAG), the awardees conducted numerous advocacies and focused discussions in the headquarters of the division and brigades on the ceasefire mechanisms and agreements. According to Gregorio, the awardees have actively assisted GPH and MILF panels, Local Government Units (LGUs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during the conduct of 13 advocacies on the FAB. These efforts greatly helped the local populace in deeply understanding the agreement in localities not covered by the proposed Bangsamoro and in covered provinces without MILF. They restlessly conducted limited civil military cooperation projects with the local and engaged the AFP, PNP, LGUs, NGOs and the MILF in the area of monitoring (AOM). “During their stint, they conducted peace advocacies to 30 interested groups, met all provincial governors, municipal mayors, some barangay captains, numerous NGOs, PNP and AFP commanders, and most MILF commanders,” he reported. He also noted that last July 2012, the awardees had actively assisted GPH-MILF panels, LGUs, and AHJAG in bringing cooperation and establishing trust between 102nd Infantry Brigade and the MILF commanders in Tumangong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province to prevent the operations of lawless elements. “With GPH-MILF and AHJAG,


Armed Forces Chief visits WESTMINCOM

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, recently visited the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) to meet with military commanders and assess the progress of the Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO) efforts in this part of the country.

By Rene V. Carbayas

they spearheaded confidence-building activities and measures between AFP and MILF in Basilan Province by setting up peaceful meetings between AFP Commanders and MILF Commanders in the area in January 2013 in Magkawa, Al Barka, Basilan,” he stressed. Gregorio said that the event started bridging network, close relationship, law and order, and facilitates peaceful resolution of

conflicts between leadership and members of both camps. ogether with AHJAG, LGU and 104th Infantry Brigade, the awardees were active in the settlement of conflict between Ustaz Amir Mingkong of MILF and the Bakkal family on Jan. 21, 2013 in Baag, Sumisip, Basilan. The command is expecting a new batch of IMT soon to replace the outgoing personnel.


Western Mindanao Command provided Gen. Bautista an information briefing about the current peace and security efforts of the command to include its actions taken in response to the Sabah crisis. Col. Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer, disclosed that these efforts of the military include deterring and preventing reinforcements in Sabah. He said the WESMINCOM would pursue to suppress and diffuse the tension through extensive collaboration with the different stakeholders, and to extend help to those displaced Filipinos in Sabah in the form of transportation, rescue and health services. On the same occasion, Gen. Bautista underscored the important role of the command in the forthcoming May 13, 2013 midterm elections

and encouraged the subordinate commanders to constantly engage with the different stakeholders, government and nongovernment agencies, civil society organizations and other people’s organization to ensure the conduct of peaceful, orderly and credible elections. He further encouraged all AFP units to consult COMELEC officials for any clarification on the guidelines, and maximize the use of “established mechanism” like the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers (JPSCC) for a peaceful balloting. He later expressed his satisfaction with the command’s performance especially in its handling and management of the recent Sabah crisis in both internal security and humanitarian efforts and commended all the members of WESTMINCOM for a job well done.


DOLE-10 conducts bamboo tree growing along Mambuaya riversides by Mark Anthony Dedoyco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 10 led a tree growing activity Thursday, April 11 along the riversides in Barangay Mambuaya, this city.


More OSY/YWD graduate from the Scala Project in Ozamiz by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - About 30 out-of-school youths/youths with disability (OSY/YWD) graduated from Batch 28 and Batch 29 of the Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad (Scala) Project in the city, on April 11, this year.

This brings to 424 the total number of OSY/YWD’s who graduated from the Scala Project at the Ozamiz City Youth Information and Communication Technology Training (YICTT) Center for OSY/ YWD, Office of the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), as of the period.

Of the latest count, 164 or 39 percent of the Scala graduates were males and 260 or 61 percent were females and eight (8) of them were PWD’s, of whom two (2) were males and six (6) were females. Likewise, 294 or 69 percent of them have already found work with

Lawyer Johnson Cañete, DOLE-10 Regional Director, said they came up with this activity to help save and protect the environment by restoring the aesthetic value of the riversides and rehabilitating the natural catchment basin of the city that will control flooding and other calamities. “This is in line with the greening program of the President and we are advocating this so that everyone will give concern to our mother earth,” he said. He also explained that they decided to plant bamboo because it is easy to grow and the shoots will sustain for a long period of time. The activity dubbed “Iswag Kagay-an” was conducted in collaboration

with the Oro Association of Rafters, Cagayan de Oro (CDO) River Guides and Vendors Association, Dire Husi Initiatives, local government, and Grow a Tree Save a Future Foundation who donated 1,000 bamboo seedlings for the said tree growing. Cañete said the CDO River Guides and Vendors Association was provided with a livelihood assistance amounting to P400,000 for T-shirt printing and souvenirs making in return of their commitment to take care of the planted bamboo seedlings. According to him, this activity will be a continuing project of the DOLE-10 until all riverbanks in the city are covered.


the local government units (LGU) and other local establishments, while 83 or 20 percent have gone back to formal school. About 40 or nine (9) percent are hunting for job opportunities while seven (7) or two (2) percent have found work in other countries, like Singapore, Dubai, USA, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. Implemented in partnership with the Engineers Without Borders (EWB) of Canada and the Ozamiz City Government, the Scala Project involves a 10-month training program in computer operations that would prepare the OSY/YWD job opportunities for domestic and international employment.

Meanwhile, Ludie Salud A. Raras, CSWD Officer, said the YICTT Center receives an annual budget of Php320,000 from the Ozamiz City government for its operations and links up with other government agencies (GA’s) for the on-the-job training (OJT) aspect and life skills education of the trainees. Among these GA’s are the City Health Office (CHO), Parole and Probation Administration-Department of Justice (PPA-DOJ), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Commission on Population (PopCom), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Raras said.

PhilHealth advisory to all its regional offices and branches

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The PhilHealth Insurance Corp has issued an immediate and indefinite suspension order to BancNet from collecting premium contribution payments from the Employed Sector.

by Lorry V. Gabule

Employers are advised to halt premium payments using the BancNet eGov facility. Likewise, enrolment to this facility by prospective employers must be put on hold until all technical problems are resolved. All PhilHealth regional offices and branches were instructed to guide employers to avail of other payment

modes to insure continuity of premium collections, as per Advisory No. 04-02-2013 signed by Secretary Enrique T. Ona of the Department of Health. Should there be any clarifications or inquiries, please contact immediately the Treasury Department at (02) 634-0239 or (02) 441-7444 ext. 7460-62.


Agusan Sur gets DILG nod on good governance

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur scored high in planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement and resource mobilization meriting from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) its Seal of Good Housekeeping

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by David M. Suyao


With the seal, the province received a P7 million incentive from DILG’s Performance Challenge Fund which was handed over by Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion to Governor Eddiebong Plaza recently.

With another P7 million from the provincial government as counterpart, the total amount will be used for the construction and upgrading of bio-sand filter facilities and the establishment of rainwater collection services in the province this year.

Famacion said the PCF is a performance-based incentive conferred to LGUs for achieving the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) with the aim of stimulating their performance in putting a premium on development initiatives for their constituents.

Governor Plaza said the challenge may be daunting but with strong will and the cooperation of the provincial government work force, sound fiscal management and transparent and accountable governance were implemented.

DILG XIII turns over P4.8M to Butuan City for “Salintubig” Program

BUTUAN CITY -- The city communities which for sometime had longed for the availability of the basic services of fresh and potable water can now look forward to the delivery of such after the Department of Interior and Local Government, Caraga turned over a check worth P4,874,000.00 to Butuan City government Thursday afternoon for its “Salintubig” program.

by Noel B. Najarro


DILG XIII turns over P4.8M to Butuan City for “Salintubig” Program

The facsimile check was handed over by DILG XIII Director Lilibeth Famacion assisted by CILG director Romeo Solis to Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. right after the mayor’s “Report To The City.”

The “Sagana at Ligtas Na Tubig Para sa Lahat” Program or “Salintubig” was launched to provide water to all Filipinos, particularly those who are in the poor and waterless communities. It was also launched to help attain the millennium development goal

No. 7, which is to reduce the world’s population without access to safe and potable water by 50 percent. DILG as the lead agency of the program grants financial assistance for the sustainable management of water supply facilities and the implementation of water supply projects in waterless communities, poorest barangays with high level of water-borne diseases, resettlement areas, rural health units, birthing clinics without access to safe water.

BIR RR17 to taxpayers: Pay taxes correctly, on time

BUTUAN CITY-- The deadline for filing of 2012 Income Tax Return (ITR) is on Monday, April 15 without extension, BIR RR17 chief said.

by Nora Cl Molde


The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region No. 17 (RR17) regional director Norberto D. Vitug urged taxpayers to file their ITR and pay their correct taxes now to avoid rush and penalties.

Vitug during Friday’s press conference said that their district offices in Caraga region and other collection banks, barangays and establishments’ assistance centers will be opened on Saturday, April 13 to accommodate taxpayers. He also said that banks on Monday would be opened until 5 p.m.

Assistance Centers will also be established in their district offices

and other authorized collection banks.

Based on the BIR database, professionals/self-employed taxpayers reaches 1.8 million, which according to him will contribute a lot to the collection of taxes. He further said that paying taxes would benefit us all.

Meanwhile, BIR also partners with Globe Telecom in the collection of taxes. Taxpayers with not exceeding ten thousand pesos tax can pay and remit through Globe GCash.

This year’s BIR tax campaign theme is “I Love the Philippines, I Pay Taxes Correctly.”

one mindanao - april 15, 2013

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