one mindanao - february 14, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESWestern 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 Bliz

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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)

2/F 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

Today’s issue... Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 184

Dipolog holds free mass wedding and birth registration

BOC-Zambo City overshoots 2011 target collection

GSIS extends moratorium to members in Sendong-affected areas

DBM caps CNA incentives of government employees

ATI 12 turns over P140 thousand livelihood assistance to 4-H club members in Cotabato

Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

9

16OWWA sets deadline for submission of EDSP application17

Davao del Norte implemented P494-M infra projects in 2011 12

Red Cross conducts bloodletting activities in schools in Butuan City

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

P35M-worth of agri projects benefit Caraga 20

Araw ng Calamba, Mis. Occ. to feature indigenous Filipino games

Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

14

11

8

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 and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors …... Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, 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 Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARD

Cover Story

Camiguin’s most rare and must see site lying 20 feet

underwater

Jorie C. ValcorzaNorthern Mindanao

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 184

Dipolog holds free mass wedding and birth registration


GSIS extends moratorium to members in Sendong-affected areas


ATI 12 turns over P140 thousand livelihood assistance to 4-H club members in Cotabato

Pop Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

21

27

30

page 4

OWWA sets deadline for submission of EDSP application

Perlita Changco, Central Mindanao

Davao del Norte implemented P494-M infra projects in 2011

Noel Baguio-DN PIO, Southern Mindanao


26

P35M-worth of agri projects benefit Caraga MUC, Caraga Region

Araw ng Calamba, Mis. Occ. to feature indigenous Filipino games 31 28

23

19

Photo Credit: Clement L. Dapal II

4 Tuesday, February 14, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryCamiguin’s most rare and must see site lying 20 feet underwater

The eruption of Mt. Vulcan Daan in 1870’s left the island an extraordinary-never missed

tourist attraction site famously known as the “Sunken Cemetery,” marked by a huge cross rising from the waves.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

5 Tuesday, February 14, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

The volcanic fissure and spewing of lava into the sea gained height of nearly 2,000 feet and submerged areas of Catarman, including the former capitol’s cemetery. Catarman is the first capital town of the province and the only visible remnants of the old town after the eruption are the ruins of the ancient Spanish San Roque church, a convent, bell tower and the sunken cemetery. The submerged structures and gravestones of the old cemetery used to be very visible during low tide, before Mt. Vulcan’s second eruption in 1948 which buried the area deeper by 20 feet. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark the old gravesite, when it was destroyed by waves over the years, the locals put up another one, actually bigger than the first. The area is still preserved under sea level and is now viewed by

many by taking short boat trips to the big cross where one can get a closer look on the submerged structures which remains visible under clear water. As the boat dock towards the big cross, gravestones covered by corals becomes more noticeable and snorkeling or diving is but the most favorable option to best enjoy the place-to swim in the ruins, see it closely and get rarest experience it could offer. Camiguin’s Sunken Cemetery ranks among the world’s unique dive sites because of its history. Aside from its ruins the water there is also breathtaking. Guests were often mesmerized by its clearness and color. A view deck was likewise built across the marker to accommodate tourist who prefers to glimpse the historic site from afar.Photo enthusiasts alike will enjoy great sunset shots in this part of the town. Not far from the deck lie the old church ruins, with its thick walls


standing majestically above the sea. “There is something so chaotic but the same time beautiful about this volcanic island. Sunken cemetery pretty sums up the beauty,” recalls one of the tourists. The series of volcanic eruptions wiped out the Spanish settlement which was established in the town way back in 1679, and the remains that we see now, are the only mute witnesses to the wrath of nature. To date, the province capital town is now Mambajao. Aside from its rich ancient remains, the island still has a lot to offer for visiting tourist that varies from food, hot to cold spring waters, great beaches and islets, world class dive sites, waterfalls, virgin forests, as well plants and animals endemic in the island. Light to extreme adventures is all here for the taking of local and foreign tourist who wants to explore the tropical island born of fire. Aside from its impressive tourist spots and rich culture, it is known to the world as the only producer of the sweetest lanzones fruit. It likewise draws huge crowd every lent season, for the religious observance dubbed as “Panaad” or the penitence walk around the island. All throughout the year the island has a lot to offer, from the traditional fiesta celebrations to festivals, it never runs out of extra unique and especial treats for its visitors. Camiguin now ranks among the


top destinations in the country assuring unmatched island experience. It sits about 10 kilometers off the northern coast of the mainland Mindanao in Misamis Oriental and only 2 hours away from Cagayan de Oro City via fast craft which ply’s daily from the island and connecting it to Bohol as well.

Provincial Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo revealed that by May, this year, direct flights from Manila straight to island will be available, bringing the island closer to the world. “We have lots of special treat to offer here, it’s for the world discover and experience,” the governor noted.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino to lead Globe Telecom network modernization program launching

President Benigno S. Aquino III

will lead on Wednesday the Globe Telecom network modernization program launching and contract signing in Malacanang.

Globe Telecom will seal its deal with Huawei for a $700-million Massive Mobile Network Modernization program to be rolled out nationwide within the next five

years with Alcatel-Lucent to

manage the project.The modernization

program, touted to be the most significant Globe Telecom investment in the last two decades, includes an all-IP infrastructure, pervasive 3D coverage, double fiber optics capacity, 4D and

LTE readiness, and overall quality and resiliency.

At least $570 million of the total amount is expected to be spent this year and in 2013, according to the project proponents.


Once completed, Globe Telecom envisions a robust network that can provide unparalleled customer experience that will set the company apart from other competitors.

The new Globe network and IT system will not only address current customer needs but will also provide additional capacity for more sophisticated use of mobile and broadband technologies.

Customers can expect

improved call quality under pervasive 3G coverage, rare dropped calls, and instantaneous SMS delivery as well as fast Internet access.

Globe Telecom, owned by Ayala Corp. and Singapore Telecom, is a leading t e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s company in the Philippines. Among its products and services includes mobile, fixed, broadband, data

connections, Internet and managed services.

Company officials who will attend the ceremonies will be Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu, interim Huawei CEO Eric Xu, and Alcatel-Lucent president Rajeev Singh-Morales.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas will also join the President in witnessing the contract signing. (AS)


The Department of Budget & Management has issued Budget Circular

2011-5 capping the collective negotiating agreement (CNA) incentives of government

employees at P25,000.


Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a news release that there are cases when government agencies constricted expenses for crucial programs and projects only to manufacture incentives for CNA incentives.

“Oftentimes, this practice has been abused, with agencies bloating their budgets for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) so they could provide a larger incentive payout,” Abad added.

The practice, according to Abad, has also

distorted

the salary system within the government with some agencies providing obscenely high CNA incentives, while others are practically dealing with spare change.

The Budget Circular also limits the number of MOOE items from which these incentives can be sourced: travel, communication, repair and maintenance, transportation and delivery, supplies and materials, and utilities.

Abad said the limitation ensures that the agencies’ capability to deliver public goods and services is not compromised stressing that cost-cutting measures

in MOOE should not result in inefficient and ineffective operations.

The budget chief also said it is a key reform measure that establishes fairness and prudence in the management of public funds.

“We want to improve and optimize government operations. Public funds should be used accordingly and be put wisely in government projects that will benefit the very people it serves. Sabi nga ng Pangulo, ang taumbayan ang boss natin,” Abad added.


Dad seeks leased recreation zones to break Times Beach impasse by Rudolph Ian Alama

T he local government of Davao City is eyeing a recreation zone along the

Times Beach area as a remedy for resort owners with pending reclamation permits to operate their businesses. According to City Councilor Arnulfo Cabling said that the lawyers of Emar’s Wave Pool a beach and pool resort located in Davao City’s Times Beach has manifested to the City Council of the owners’ proposal

to just lease the property from the City Government. The owners initially offered a lease rate of P120 per square meter annually. Cabling, guesting at Kapihan sa SM Davao at Cafe Rhysus last Monday (Feb. 13) said that they had referred the proposal to the appraisal board in the City Hall as the City Council has no expertise on land valuation. If the appraisal board comes with a

finding they are looking for a council resolution which would authorize the City Mayor to sign a lease contract with the owners of Emar and also with Queensland which also has a pending reclamation controversy. The City Mayor’s office enforced a closure order for Emar’s Wavepool last December after failing to secure a business permit. The 15th City Council also passed an objection to the resort’s application for reclamation. The City Council directed the resort to secure


first a permit from the Philippine Reclamation Authority. According to Cabling the application in the PRA has been moving at snail-pace. However the end process would still ultimately rest in the City Government as the PRA would just turn over the application of Emars to the City. According to Cabling instead of going to another agency when the issue would still rest on the approval of the City Government they are eyeing that the City would just lease the area to the resort. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that they could not also enter into a lease agreement with the company as Presidential Proclamation no. 20 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay in 1954 gave the area to the City as a Reservation Area for recreational

purposes. Cabling said that they are also looking to repeal the resolution in the last Council which mandates the company to endorse the reclamation project to the PRA. He said that the resorts would still fit the purpose as recreational areas as embodied in the provisions of the Magsaysay law. Also they can put certain conditions such as solid waste management, liquid waste management, environmental rehabilitation and monitoring of the compliance. Emars Wavepool has about 5 to 10 hectares while Queensland is a 3 to 5 hectares of reclaimed property. The reclamation projects were done without permit from the PRA and despite issuances of cease-and-desist orders from the City Government.

Davao del Norte implemented P494-M infra projects in 2011

T he Provincial Government of Davao del Norte has implemented a total of

308 infrastructure projects worth P494 million last year, to fuel the human-centered development agenda of Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, known as P.E.O.P.L.E. Provincial Engineer Raul Mabanglo bared that out of this number, 279 projects were already completed in the amount of P120.8 million, while some 23 projects more worth P369-million are still on-going.

The completed projects include farm-to-market roads and bridges, water systems, electrification, fences, dikes and drainage systems, among others. Also included are the accomplishments of the province in implementing 27 projects under the trust funds amounting to P148.4 million coming from various national government agencies and official development assistance, such as 14 projects from the World Bank-Department of Agriculture (DA) -


did you know...SANTIAGO ARTIAGA was the first appointed Mayor of Davao City, in 1955 an amendment to the charter of Davao City made the positions of the City Mayor, Vice-Mayor and City Council elective positions, The elections were held in November of that year and was won by Carmelo Porras who served for three terms.

Santiago Artiaga

funded Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP-2), four projects each from the Department of Health and the Davao Integrated Development Program, among other sources. Topping the list of the on-going projects is the P243-million Provincial Sports Complex, which is targeted to be completed this coming December

2012. Engr. Mabanglo further revealed, at the provincial strategic planning workshop in Davao City, that his office intends to implement 83 projects anew this year, which will also include 15 MRDP projects, eight DOH-funded projects, three DIDP projects, and one project funded each by the

Department of Tourism and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These further include the construction of 21 various water system projects and the maintenance of provincial roads totaling to 877.4 kilometers, as well as, the improvement and rehabilitation of some 20.8-kilometer farm-to-market roads in the province. (Noel Baguio-DN PIO)


Coffee company expands production in Region 12by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – A coffee company based in Mountain Province has recently sought the assistance of the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-12) for its plan to expand coffee ventures in Soccsksargen Region.


Danny Centillas, DA 12’s high value crops coordinator, confirmed the Rocky Mountain Arabica Coffee Corporation (RMACC) with base in Benguet would like to increase its coverage particularly in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat and Kiamba, Sarangani as part of its plan to increase presence in Mindanao.

Just recently, RMACC -- also called Rocky Mountain Café -- signed a memorandum of agreement with the Columbio LGU, and Columbio Municipal Employees Union Cooperative (COMEMPUCO) for development of 200 hectares of Arabica coffee in the municipality.

Signatories to the tripartite contract were Columbio Mayor Amirh Musali, RMACC President Pierre Yves Cote and COMEMPUCO Chairman Cecilio Mejia.

Centillas said, Rocky Mountain Café wants to widen its operation in Sultan Kudarat area , considering the potential of the location for production of Arabica coffee.

At the contract signing Mayor Musali said the establishment of a coffee complex in the municipality is so far the biggest coffee investment they have ventured on in recent years.

He said development of coffee industry would mean a boost to the municipality’s economy and strengthening of its commerce.

“Coffee produced from the municipality shall be called Columbio Café,” Centillas added.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, who represented Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to the MOA signing emphasized that Region 12 is the country’s leading coffee producer.

“In 2011, the region’s total coffee production reached 28,502.96 metric tons (MT) which came from the province of Sultan Kudarat,”she said.

“Thus, we need to bring Sultan Kudarat, particularly the Municipality of Columbio to reach the global market. If we have our brand name known in the Philippines and in the world, then we have a good chance of making it.”

Besides Columbio, Centillas added, Kiamba town is also being considered by Rocky Mountain Café for its expansion.

He said, the company has already established a seedling nursery for this purpose and aims at developing 100 hectares


of Arabica coffee in Kiamba.

Centillas explained the company has asked DA 12 in the business venture promotion and distribution of coffee seedlings to coffee growers in the target areas.

“Coffee growers are assured of market for their produce because Rocky Mountain Café will buy back whatever are produced by local growers,” Centillas added.

RMACC’s website

says, it is “a fully integrated Philippine corporation involved in the production and commercialization of quality Arabica coffee using environment-friendly production technologies.”

Rocky Mountain Café prefers partnership in production of Arabica coffee with indigenous peoples.

Cote, RMACC’s president, said Filipino coffee growers will earn three times more from

growing Arabica coffee.RMACC aims to

establish at least 10 coffee plantation in 10 provinces from Luzon to Mindanao with al least 100,000 Arabica coffee trees in each plantation.

The company takes pride in producing quality products, respecting the environment, developing local communities, and preserving indigenous culture.

ATI 12 turns over P140 thousand livelihood assistance to 4-H club members in Cotabatoby Pop Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently turned over P140, 000 worth of livelihood assistance to 4-H Club members in Cotabato province.

According to a report from the Office of Governor Emmylou Taliño- Mendoza, the recipients include the 4-H Club Federation of Midsayap which received P 30,000 for their handicraft project; P20,000 for the cattle raising and breeding project of Camutan 4-H

Club in Antipas; P45, 000 for the cattle raising project of the 4-H Club of Makilala, and P45,000 for the cattle breeding project of 4-H Club in Alamada.

The governor expressed optimism that the said livelihood assistance will “help train the youth club

to become successful entrepreneurs in the future.”

According to DA-ATI, 4-H Club is DA’s flagship program for the development of the youth, particularly those who are in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

The program aims


“to develop their capability as potential leaders in advancing agriculture growth and development as well as development in the rural areas.”

“This program encourages the Filipino

youth to organize and participate in a more aggressive manner in the nationwide struggle to alleviate the country from poverty and to ensure food security,” it added.

Meanwhile, the

Office of the Governor revealed that those who want to avail of the same livelihood assistance program must submit a project proposal to the Provincial Agriculturist at Amas, Kidapawan City.

The proposal, it explained, will be endorsed to the office of the ATI-12 for approval provided that the 4-H Club has been active for at least one year.

OWWA sets deadline for submission of EDSP application by Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has set the deadline in the submission of application for its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for school year 2013-2014 on August 31, 2012.

O W W A - A R M M regional head Amy Crisostomo said, EDSP is scholarship granted to qualified dependents and beneficiaries of active-member-OFWs who intend to pursue a four to five-year baccalaureate in any CHED accredited college or university of

their choice.To qualify, an

applicant must be a child or a married OWWA member, or brother/sister of an unmarried OWWA member; graduate or graduating high school student provided she/he has not yet earned any unit in college;

not more than 21 years old and must pass the qualifying examination.

Under the program, Crisostomo said, an scholar is extended a financial assistance of twenty thousand pesos (P20,000) per semester or a maximum of P60,000.00 per school


year covering tuition fee and other school expenses.

For school year, OWWA is allocating 100 scholarship for qualified OFW d e p e n d e n t -applicants that shall comprise the 9th batch of the EDSP scholar.

Applicants are required to submit a c c o m p l i s h e d application form (available at any OWWA office), 2 copies 2”x2”

ID pictures; proof of OFW’s Active OWWA membership; birth certificate of applicant obtained from NSO if child of OFW and/or brother/sister

of unmarried OFW to prove relationship; and secondary school record (Form 137).

S h e e n c o u r a g e d i n t e r e s t e d applicants to visit OWWA-ARMM located at 2/F Mags Audio Building, Quezon City or

call telephone number (064) 421-7237 hotline number 09176220140 or email address [email protected] for inquiries.


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BCPO launches “I-text mo sa Hepe” program by Robert E. Roperos

Citing the importance of short messaging system (SMS)

as one of the fastest means of communication that is available at present, officials and personnel of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) on Wednesday launched the “I-text mo sa Hepe” program in one of the local convention centers here.

During the Barangay Peace and Order Consultation, BCPO chief PSupt Pedro Obaldo said this initiative was undertaken to strengthen

the relationship between policemen and the general public, which may lead to proper coordination that is useful in solving crimes quickly.

“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, magkakaroon ng magandang ugnayan ang ating mga kapulisan sa mga mamamayan upang


P35M-worth of agri projects benefit Caraga

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur -- The government has poured around P35 million worth of farm inputs and implements to boost production and recover the losses brought by calamities to thousands of farmers in Caraga Region last year.

mapadali ang paglutas ng anumang klaseng krimen na nangyayari sa ating komunidad,” Obaldo said. (Through this program, police officers will have good relationship with the public in the immediate solving of all kinds of crimes that are happening in our community). Obaldo further said after the launching, the entire police force in the city is hoping that the public will now have the courage to report everything they know so that crimes will be solved. The official is also optimistic that with the use

of the latest technology in electronic communication, police officers can immediately respond to any untoward incidents that may happen. Through this, Obaldo said officials of BCPO can also monitor their personnel and whenever crimes happened, police officers can be immediately called to respond to such incidents. The official said to date police hotline numbers are still on the process of finalization to ensure successful implementation of the program. It has been noted

that majority of the government agencies in the region are started to use the SMS as a platform of communication news and information exchange between the government officials and personnel to the public. The adoption of this technology was already implemented by Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Caraga Region years ago, through the PIA Text Blast where news and information about the region are sent to significant number of recipients in different sectors of society.


Inputs and implements included farm tractors, green houses, irrigation equipment, power sprayers, farm animals, planting materials, coffee de-huller, fish fingerlings and fishing paraphernalia, fertilizers, and other farming materials. Recipient farmers were from the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, and in the cities of Bayugan in

Agusan del Sur, Butuan, Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte, Surigao, Tandag in Surigao del Sur, and Bislig, also in Surigao del Sur. The agricultural assistance had been turned over by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his recent regional engagement here. The agriculture official also handed over these farm inputs and implements to other local government unit (LGU) officials during the farmers’ forum in Surigao City,

Remedios T. Romualdez in Agusan del Norte, and during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council Congress (AFC) in Butuan City. Also included are funding support for farm-to-market roads, diversion dam, potable water system, various livelihood projects under the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), counterpart fund for the establishment of liquid nitrogen plant, and computer with accessories. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)


BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter is set to conduct bloodletting activities in selected schools in Caraga Region.


According to Solgen Robles, one of the medical technologists of PRC local chapter, simultaneous bloodletting activities are to be conducted today at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in this city, and in Northeastern Agusan Colleges (NAC) at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. On Valentine’s Day, the official said same activity will be conducted at Saint Michael College of Caraga (SMCC), also in Nasipit. Meanwhile, the newest radio station here – Radyo Trumpeta will also be conducting its first bloodletting activity on the afternoon of February 14, Robles said. Robles added

membership for the Red Cross Fun Drive is still open for those who are interested. According to him, regular members will enjoy benefits of a free identification card as well as an insurance benefit. The official further said this is not the first time that a radio station has sponsored such activity. He added during the previous years, dxBC RMN Butuan and dxBR Bombo Radyo Butuan have also conducted bloodletting activity annually in response to the call of PRC in an effort to collect more bags of blood. When PRC Governor and Philippine Senator Richard Gordon visited

the city early last year for an invitation with the local government, he urged both the public and private organizations and agencies to help PRC in its quest to collect blood as the country is experiencing shortage of blood donors. In other developments, following the typhoon “Sendong” which has devastated some areas in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities on December 17, 2011, according to PRC website, they have maintained strict 24-hour monitoring of all situations in affected municipalities, with nearly 1,000 PRC staff and volunteers deployed in the field conducting detailed assessments along with relief operations, welfare and first aid services. PRC also reported that meals have been served to 2,333 persons, food items to 27,896 persons, and non-food items (sleeping mats, mosquito nets, blankets, water, hygiene kits, body bags, dinnerware, slippers and clothing to 18,871 persons. Total cash donations as of December 28, 2011 reached P98,771,839.05.(Robert E. Roperos)


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Phil. Army chief optimistic that Tabak division will soar to greater heights

T he Philippine Army chief is optimistic that the priority thrusts of the agency will be fully carried out by the new commander of the 1st Infantry

TABAK division, Philippine Army.

by Gideon C. Corgue


In his keynote speech during the 42nd change of command ceremony at the Tabak grandstand, Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said ‘with the assumption of BGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, we are full of optimism that the 1st Infantry TABAK division will soar to greater heights. BGen. Ricardo Renier Cruz III, the former brigade commander and assistant division commander of 10th Infantry division was formally installed as the new commander of the premiere division of Philippine Army vice MajGen. Noel A. Coballes who was also installed as the new Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) chief with Bautista as the administering officer. Bautista said Cruz will inevitably experience burden in managing the command but the army chief assured

that the priority thrusts of the agency will be carried out. “The privilege of command comes with the burden to ensure that our priority trusts are fully carried out as you preserve the Philippine Army’s accomplishments in your area of responsibility,” Bautista said. “With your experience and competence, leadership and perspective, I trust that you will able to harness the resources of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) division and deliver the kind of service that the higher command and our stakeholders expect,” Baustista challenged. Meanwhile, Cruz said he has mixed feelings of gladness and trepidation when he accepted the leadership of the command. “With all modesty, I confess that as I accept this symbol of leadership over this command, I have a mixed feeling of gladness and trepidation,”


Cruz said. “I am glad because of the rare opportunity given to me to take command of an infantry division, and not just an ordinary division but of a very prestigious division. And on the other hand, I have a feeling of trepidation because I know that this designation is not without high expectations; not without challenges and not without great responsibility,” Cruz added. Cruz said that as the new commander of the 1st division he is now facing a challenge. “The challenge I am facing now is to ensure that we sustain the division’s gains, enhance our distinct advantage over our adversaries and maintain the initiative. We need to work harder to further improve the peace and order situation, so progress will continue unhampered,” Cruz stressed. The new Tabak commander thanked his predecessor for laying

the groundwork that he will follow. “My endless thanks to my predecessor, my snappy Mistah, MajGen. Coballes for laying the groundwork that I will earnestly follow. As my immediate boss at the WESMINCOM, I commit the 1st Infantry division’s unrelenting efforts to attain the goals set by the said command,” Cruz said. He said Coballes’s sterling accomplishments will serve as their motivation. “Your excellent accomplishments will serve as our motivation and inspiration to do even better and achieve greater heights,” said. Cruz said that in managing the command he has a great sense of confidence saying that the division has high caliber and dedicated team that will work with him in preserving the already established peaceful environment. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Pagadian)


Dubbed as “Twogether Forever,” the mass wedding was held at the Dipolog City Sports Complex, barangay Olingan this city. A free mass wedding is held every February of each year by the city government as one of the highlights of the “Civil Registration Month” celebration. A free registration of live births will also be held on February 24

at the City Civil Registrar’s Office (CCRO). The city civil registrar is calling all parents to bring their unregistered children at the said office for registration. Parents are also reminded that they are to register their children with the CCRO as it is one of the rights of every child to have a name and citizenship. (JPA/FPG/PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY - The city government recently held a free mass wedding for 55 couples, solemnized by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy on February 11.

Dipolog holds free mass wedding and birth registrationby Franklin P. Gumapon



With the achievement, the office, headed by Mr. Abubakar Hamad, was awarded by BOC-Manila during its 110th Anniversary last February 6, together with five other district offices in the country. The collection also more than doubled its 2010 collection of P21.6 million. During the celebration, Bureau of Customs Chief Ruffy Biazon reported an overshoot of their national target last year compared to 2010. As per report, BOC collected

P266.7 billion, P7.5 B more than its P259.2 B 2010 collections. The other district offices that overshot their respective targets were Legaspi City (region V), Cebu City (region VII), Davao City (region XI), Pampanga City (region XIV), and Limay with OCOM (region XVI). BOC-Zamboanga District Office Chief Abubakar Hamad thanked President Benigno Aquino III and BOC Chief Ruffy Biazon for the award. (MVC/PIA9-Zambo City)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Customs-Zamboanga City District Office overshot its 2011 target collection with a staggering P13.7 million, collecting P55,192, 428.48 compared to its P41.5 M target.

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao


Pag-IBIG holds “Araw ng Pag-IBIG”by Ma. Therese M. Abejo

Living up to its name, the Home Development Mutual Fund, more popularly known as the Pag-IBIG Fund, sponsored a mass wedding for its members.

Dubbed as “I Do. I Do. Araw ng Pag-IBIG,” the event was held on Valentine’s Day simultaneously at the SM Mall of Asia and at SM Malls in Baguio, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. Event partner Shoe Mart generously offered the activity centers of these SM branches as venue for the lucky couples to get

married or renew their wedding vows in civil ceremonies. Similar events were also be held in Calamba and Kidapawan, co-sponsored by the respective local government units (LGUs). LGUs of the areas where the mass weddings were held also supported the Fund’s undertaking through the speedy and sometimes


of the Regional Trial even free processing of the required documents. In Cagayan de Oro City, 178 couples participated in the aforementioned civil mass wedding to

be presided by Judge Evelyn G. Nery Court Branch 19. The event took place 10:30 a.m. at the SM Car Park located at the Mastersons Avenue, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. The number of couples participating in the event was limited to those who registered early. They were accommodated on a first come, first served basis. “With

this activity, Pag-IBIG hopes to help couples who wish to be married but have no monetary means to do so,” said Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe, Pag-IBIG Chief Executive Officer.


“The event is one way for us to reach out to our members, helping them maximize their membership by informing them of the benefits of being a Pag-IBIG member,” the CEO added. To add to the festive atmosphere, participating couples were eligible to win exciting raffle prizes. A grand prize of one house and lot package from the Pag-IBIG Fund’s pool of acquired assets valued at around P400,000 will be awarded to a pair among the participating couples nationwide. Home appliances will also be raffled off. Membership to Pag-IBIG Fund has become mandatory to all Filipino workers, in the country and overseas, land-based or sea-based. Pag-IBIG opened its doors even to income-earners from the informal sector, enabling those earning at least P1,000 monthly to savor the advantages

of being a Pag-IBIG member. By reaching out to its members through events like the Araw ng Pag-IBIG, it actively participates in nation-building as it increases its members’ awareness and capacity to save for their current and future needs.

GSIS extends moratorium to members in Sendong-affected areasby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is granting a moratorium on loan repayments for its members affected by Tropical Storm Sendong.

The moratorium program which defers payment of loan amortization, without interest and penalties, is undertaken by the GSIS to directly and immediately help members-borrowers affected by Sendong, said Ma. Luz Ilano-Briones, GSIS Cagayan

de Oro Field Manager. She said the program which will be implemented in two phases will cover the following areas in Northern Mindanao: Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City, Matungao and Tubod towns in Lanao del Norte, Clarin and Ozamiz in


Misamis Occidental province, as well as, the entire provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. The first phase, she said, automatically suspends the loan repayments for the months of January to March 2012 for all active members who were granted emergency loans due to Sendong. This implies that qualified members in the specified affected areas need not file an application for the three-month moratorium, she emphasized. The second phase, on the other hand, grants an additional nine months moratorium on the payment of loan amortization, from April to December 2012, for members residing and/or working in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and pensioners residing in both cities. Unlike the first phase, qualified members who are interested to avail of the benefits of the second phase are required to file an application for moratorium not later than February

29, Briones said. She further said application for moratorium should be filed at the Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Field Offices, adding that any application filed through the GSIS website, email or regular mail shall not be honored. Loan covered under the moratorium program includes all active housing loans without record of unpaid amortization for more

than six (6) months as of December 31, 2011 and all emergency loans granted as a result of Sendong. Also included are active service loans such as consolidated loans, eCash advance, policy loans, and pension loans, provided, that the loan was granted on or prior to December 31, 2011 and the account has no record of unpaid amortization for more than six (6) months as of December 31, 2011. Briones, however, stressed that due and demandable accounts as of December 31, 2011 are not qualified for the program. Meanwhile, monthly amortization on qualified loan accounts that are due and paid within the moratorium period shall be directly applied as payments to the outstanding balance of the loans in the following order: penalties/surcharges, loan redemption insurance, interest, and principal. According to Briones, requests


for refund of payments already received and receipted by the GSIS shall not be allowed. Furthermore, fire insurance and

service/housing loan redemption insurance will continue to be enforced during the moratorium period, she added.

Araw ng Calamba, Mis. Occ. to feature indigenous Filipino games by Pat Nano

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental - The local government unit in Calamba has embarked on an indigenous way of celebrating its 64th foundation anniversary that falls on Feb. 14, this year, through the conduct of Filipino games.

Focusing on the theme: “Gugma: Tulay sa Kahiusahan, Kalinaw ug Kalamboan” (Love: Bridges Unity, Peace and Development), the Valentine’s Day celebration will involve games that are meant to bring about happiness and jubilation of the residents and their visitors. Calamba Tourism Oficer Yzel Villanueva said the games will include inter-sectoral ball games and some Filipino games, such as Maria and Mario Went to

Town, Driving the Pig Home, Pop The Balloon, Fish Relay using a paper replica of a fish flown on air, Treasure Hunting, and Tanging Hinga Mo Contests. Also included is the Search for “Hara sa of Calamba 2012” (Queen of Calamba 2012). An added feature is the “Pailog sa Pagdakop sa mga Baktin” (Chasing the Piglet) which is to be participated only by the “Punong Barangays” of the town’s 19 barangays. (PIO)

one mindanao - february 14, 2012

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