one mindanao - february 18, 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

Don’t catch more ‘Lolongs’ please, tribe asks

Erwin MascariñasCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Monday, February 18, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 127

page 4

President Aquino to keynote 46th Governing Board Meeting of Asian Audit Institutions 8

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

DILG Caraga releases P17-M Perfor-mance Challenge Fund to three LGUs 15

‘PhilHealth Run’ to raise funds, foster physical fitness

DENR-10 garners 100% accomplishment of 2012 target

Popcom unveils latest population report to NorMin stakeholders

DOH-CHD, Caraga Region13

1921

Lina D. Calvez, Northern Mindanao

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

North Cotabato receives P7-M reward for good governance 24

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Interactive painting, celebrating the interdependence and ingenuity of Filipino artists 30

North Cotabato LGU offers jobs, passport facilitation Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

25Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

7 10 12 18 22 26

Jeanevive Abangan, Southern Mindanao

New Bataan would likely experience fate of Brgy Andap 36

Monday, February 18, 20134


An indigenous community living in Agusan Marsh

urged the protection of the remaining crocodiles and other forms of wildlife in their area a few days after the death of “Lolong”, the world’s biggest crocodile in captivity that became a tourist attraction in neighboring Bunawan town.

CoVer StoRy

Roselyn Tahil, speaking for the Tribong Manobo of Sitio Panglabuhan Loreto Agusan Marsh Organization (TMOSPLAMO) stressed the crocodiles were never a threat to the community. “For several decades our ancestors had been living here among the crocodiles and all the wildlife, we always had a peaceful coexistence with nature. We hope that people learned a valuable lesson after Lolong’s death, the government should be protecting nature and the ecosystem where they live and not raise them inside cages,”

Together with other members of the tribal organization, Tahil pointed out that what should be done instead is to protect the entire ecosystem of the marshland. “Activities such as Illegal logging and illegal fishing with the use of electrocution devices are situations that had triggered crocodile attacks in the past. One example would be a person who was bitten by a crocodile after he placed electric current into the water to catch fish,” she said. Ferdinand Cruz, facilitator of Samdhana Institute, a nongovernment organization that

By Erwin Mascariñas

Monday, February 18, 2013 5


has been working closely with the indigenous community over the past two years, said: “Our group has been educating the people here to respect and stop all these illegal activities, and so far we don’t have a single incident even if the crocodiles pass near these floating houses”. Marsh dwellers live in floating houses that rise and fall with the water level. “The electrocution fishing that’s been happening in other parts of the marshland, for example in Bunawan, is killing not only the adult fish but also the fingerlings,

and is hurting the crocodiles and of course they would fight back,” said Cruz. He added that thousands of birds such as Purple Herons, Egrets, Philippine Sea Eagles and other species thrive on the unique ecosystem provided by the marshland. “Animals such as the crocodiles, birds, turtles, fruits bats, fishes as well as the plants and trees here are all connected and bound by nature. Taking anything or anyone of them out of the picture would spell an ecological problem in the web of life, and we human beings are part of that,” he emphasized. Carl Ceasar Rebuta, associate


executive director of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center Inc., urged for respect for and protection of the area’s biodiversity. “Resources such as flora and fauna should be in the wild. Ecological important sites must be respected in their natural habitat and people should be taught in how to protect them as well as how to manage their resources,” Rebuta said. Daisy Ballandanes, resident of barangay Nueva Era, Bunawan where Lolong was captured she wasn’t surprised that the crocodile

died in captivity. “If people can only see how different the original home of Lolong was from the cage where he was placed, then they would know why he died. In the marsh, it is cold and big compared to the hot and small cage where he was kept,” she explained. Agusan Marsh has an area roughly the size of Metro Manila. Aside from the native species of wildlife, the marsh also hosts birds that seek refuge from the winter season in China, Japan and other countries in the north.


ACROSS THE NATIONMalacañang confident COMELEC will be able to carry out mandate for safe, peaceful elections

Malacañang expressed confidence on Sunday that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) would be able to carry out its mandate to hold safe and peaceful elections in the 2013 national and local midterm

elections that will be held in May.In an interview aired over

government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the COMELEC is the sole constitutional body best equipped to carry out this mandate.

“At this point we expect the COMELEC to be able to carry out their mandate for a safe and peaceful election in May and we leave it up to them how best to carry out that mandate,” Valte said.

“…’yun ang expectation namin and

8Monday, February 18, 2013

the public sa kanila: gagawin po nila ang lahat ng posible para siguruhing mapayapa at malinis ang eleksyon sa Mayo,” she added.

The COMELEC, through its Chairman Sixto Brillantes, had assured the conduct of automated elections this May after the report of the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC), tasked by Republic Act 9369 to review and

certify if the automated election system, validated the mock polls conducted in 20 voting centers in 10 areas across the country.

The TEC is composed of the COMELEC, Department of Science and Technology and the Commission on Information and Communications Technology. PND (rck)

President Aquino to keynote 46th Governing Board Meeting of Asian Audit Institutions

President Benigno S. Aquino III will keynote

the 46th Governing Board (GB) Meeting of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) in ceremonies that will be held in Malacanang on Monday.


The ASOSAI is one of the Regional Groups of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI). It was established in 1979 to promote professionalism, mutual support and understanding among the member SAIs through institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing and regional working groups with 46 countries.

The Commission on Audit was elected as Member of the governing body of the ASOSAI for the period 2012 to 2015; and host of this GB meeting that is being held from February 17 to 21.

Joining the President will be COA chairperson Grace Pulido Tan and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario. PND (rck)


Trough of LPA brings rains in Mindanao

The low pressure area (LPA) still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) could bring flashflood and landslide in Mindanao, the state weather bureau said on Monday.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Admnistration (PAGASA) Forecaster Alvin Pura said that as of 4 a.m. the

LPA was spotted at 1,120 km east of Southern Mindanao (6.0°N, 136.0°E) and expected to enter the PAR by Monday evening due to its slow


Trough of LPA brings rains in Mindanao

movement.He added that due to the trough

of the LPA or wind convergence, the regions of CARAGA, Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN will experience cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

Eastern Visayas and the rest of Mindanao and will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Pura said the LPA has a small chance of intensifying into a tropical depression but the agency continues to monitor its movement.

Should the LPA intensify into a cyclone, Pura said it will be named “Crising” – the third tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

But he said the LPA might dissipate due to interactions of the northeast monsoon.

Pura said the northeast monsoon continues to affect Luzon and Cagayan Valley. MIMAROPA ( M i n d o r o , M a r i n d u q u e , Romblon and Palawan) and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will be cloudy with light rains.

He added that Metro Manila and

the rest of the country will have partly cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Pura said the temperature in Metro Manila is 20.6 degrees Celsius recorded at the Science Garden, Quezon City on Monday morning.

In its advisory, PAGASA said that moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail throughout the archipelago and coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

PAGASA said strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of the northeast monsoon may affect the northern and eastern seaboards of the country.

“Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” it said. (PNA)


Butuan City Council allocates 7M for roads, drainage rehab

BUTUAN CITY -- The Butuan City Council had recently approved more than P7 million pesos for roads and drainage rehabilitation of the city barangays affected by the recent floodings, a city hall top official said.

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

by NOEL B. NAJARRO


Butuan City Council allocates 7M for roads, drainage rehab

City Engineer Lorden Vismanos, disclosed during a recent press conference that the Butuan City Council upon the request of Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., has approved the funding for the rehabilitation and repair of the roads and drainage systems damaged during the continuous rain due to the series of low pressure areas which hit Butuan City and other places in the region.

His office, also in-charged of the city housing project, had initiated measures to relocate

families who are living in the danger zone areas.

Vismanos said that two relocation sites a P5 million 9-hectare site and a P12 million settlement areas, are now ready to accommodate informal settlers living in the danger zones.

Mayor Amante for his part said that 100 low cost houses will be constructed this year out of the donated confiscated logs by the DENR. Those families in the danger zones will be prioritized for the said project, the mayor said.

by DOH-CHD 13

‘PhilHealth Run’ to raise funds, foster physical fitness

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga Regional Director, Ariel I. Valencia signifies full support to the PhilHealth Run 2013 last February 17 in Butuan City.


According to director Valencia, the Nationwide Run for Mother and Child Protection will not only raise funds to support programs and services for mother and child but will also foster physical fitness among Caraganons of all ages regardless of gender.

In line with this, February is the month of hearts, thus DOH-CHD Caraga, is stepping up efforts to promote Healthy Lifestyle by loving and taking care of our hearts.

Valencia emphasizes on, “Being physically active by engaging in regular exercises or sports to not only build physical strength but also control our weight and boost our immune system.”

Stopping smoking or not to smoke at all is one of the best preventions against heart diseases and any form of cancer. Other ways to care for our heart; eat fruits, vegetables, grains

and fish instead of high fat and salty foods, maintain an ideal body weight, avoid alcoholic beverages, don’t abuse drugs, sleep at least seven hours a night, manage stress, and monitor your blood pressure.

Meanwhile, the health sector is also celebrating Oral Health Month this February with the theme, “Ngipin Pangalagaan, Sakit Maiwasan, Bansa’y Matulungan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.”

Proper oral health through proper tooth brushing and regular dental check up (every 6 months) is often neglected by most Filipinos. Thus, tooth decay and diseases remains one of public health concerns. Parents of children below 5 years old and pregnant women are encouraged to visit their nearest dentist for prophylaxis or proper oral care.


DILG Caraga releases P17-M Performance Challenge Fund to three LGUsby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga has released a total of P17 million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) to Butuan City and the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

DILG-Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion said the PCF is a performance-based incentive conferred to LGUs for having passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).

“This is to stimulate their performance in putting a premium on development initiatives for their constituents,” she added.

The city government of Butuan through City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. received the PCF

check worth P3 million for the establishment of fountain with sound and information system at Guingona Park (formerly Rizal Park) of Butuan City on February 1 at the DILG-Caraga Regional Office.

Likewise, the Province of Agusan del Sur received the PCF check worth P7 million to fund the construction of upgrade bio-sand filter facilities and the establishment of rainwater


collection on February 12, at the Office of the Governor, Government Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The check was handed by Director Famacion and received by Governor Adolph Edward G. Plaza with the presence of DILG-AdS Provincial Director Arleen Ann R. Sanchez and LGOO VI Elva Theresa D. Velmonte.

Governor Johnny M. Pimentel of the Province of Surigao del Sur also received the P7 M PCF check for the rehabilitation/repair of Brgy. Dughan-Causwagon-San Roque-Gamut Farm-to-Market Road of the Municipality of

Barobo, Surigao del Sur during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Meeting at Big Daddy’s Restaurant, Butuan City on February 13.

PCF is the banner program of DILG which is aimed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to initiate local development projects for tourism and local economic development through road network maintenance and compliance to the objectives of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.


For the list of Philippine holidays in 2013 through Proc. No. 459, just visit the PIA-Caraga Blogspot at www.piacaraga.blogspot.com for the copy of the said proclamation...


All set for Kaamulan 2013by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon -- The Mindanao’s food basket, Bukidnon, is primed and ready for this year’s “Kaamulan Festival 201”’ with big events to be featured on a grand scale.

The soft opening is set on February 18 with the traditional “pamuhat” (ritual) dedicated to the “Magbabaya” (deity) for a bounty harvest. The Kaamulan grand opening will

be on Feb. 22, while the much-awaited ethnic street dance competition on March 2. The traditional “Provincial Cultural Festival” like cultural offering,


DENR-10 garners 100% accomplishment of 2012 targetby Lina D. Calvez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service (PAWCZMS) of DENR 10 garnered 100 percent accomplishment of its target for 2012 for its two divisions: Protected Area Wildlife Division (PAWD) and the Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD).

In her report to Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan, Regional Technical Director of PAWCZMS disclosed that the Protected Area Wildlife Division (PAWD) remains steadfast in implementing the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS). For new areas to be included in

the Nipas, public hearings with the affected communities were conducted for the Mahuganao - Malasag and Macahambus areas. As for the protected area management, nine proclaimed protected areas under NIPAS and two initial components (Mangrove Forest Reserve under Proc. No. 2152 and

tribal sports, Kaamulan ethno-cultural race and ethnic mass wedding will run from Feb. 18 to March 10. Grand events include Kaamulan Rodeo, livestock and poultry show, agri-fair, flower garden show, foodfest and Kaamulan bazaar displaying indigenous products made in Bukidnon. Joe-an Bayona-Henderin, tourism officer, said this year’s festival will be grander in terms of events and activities as there are added tourist attractions like the Kaamulan Adventure Race and Mount Kitanglad Climb. Henderin said that Mt. Kitanglad Natural Park in Bukidnon is one of the famous heritage parks in Asia declared

by United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Moto trail challenge and off-road challenge, wall climb competition, mountain bike race, drum and lyre competition, football festival, ethnic music and dance clinic, school band competition, “Laga ta Bukidnon (Bb. Bukidnon)” search, “Piniliyapan hu Bukidnon (a glimpse of Bukidnon)” and the night of music with Bukidnon artists from the seven ethnic groups will highlight the month-long event. Kaamulan is a yearly gathering and thanksgiving of Bukidnon’s seven ethnic tribes namely the Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon, Umayamnon and Bukidnon.


Lake Lanao Watershed Reserve) are under the protection and maintenance of DENR 10. These areas include the Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape and Mt. Balatukan Nature Park of Misamis Oriental. In the Province of Misamis Occidental, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park and Mt. Inayawan Nature Park in Lanao del Norte and other protected areas. PAWD also operationalized 11the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) as a result of these two protected areas were included in the ASEAN Heritage Park namely, Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Malindang National Parks. As part of its revenue generation for the maintenance and other incidentals, a resolution was passed relative to setting up a fee for the use of structures inside the protected areas particularly for Mt. Balatukan RNP, Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape and increase of fees in different uses for Initao-

Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape. Other revenues generated P533, 911.26 and deposited to the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) by the Mt. Kitanglad, Mt.Malindang, Initao-Libertad and Mts. Timpoong-Hibok-hibok protected areas. The income comprises visitor entrance fees, SAPA, and resource use fees. Other accomplishment of PAWD include Biodiversity Monitoring Systems (BMS) Protected Areas, Delineation of PA Boundaries, Management Effectiveness

Assessment (MEA). Under the Biodiversity Conservation Program thirty three Gratuitous Permits to various researchers were granted in Region 10. As part of the campaign to strengthen Wildlife Traffic Monitoring, DENR 10 facilitated three Basic Wildlife Enforcement Officers Training for 2012 in response to requests of local government units (LGUs) and interested groups interested to become Wildlife Enforcement Officers. Other program also is the Philippine Raptor Conservation where eight documented sightings of Philippine eagles in the eight Philippine eagle monitoring sites in the region. The highlight was the retrieval of a Philippine eagle from Rogongon, Iligan City on October 25, 2012. Meanwhile, the Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD) also urged its personnel to accomplish all its projected targets for the year 2012.


The SPPR was previously launched in the city on November, last year, when it played hosts to the national scale launching. Entitled Seeking a Healthy Balance: Population, Health, and Environment Integration, the new series according to Marcelino, highlights the need of addressing interrelated issues and concerns on PHE (Population, Health, and Environment). Marcelino said that at the face of unprecedented environmental disasters and increasing health problems, which are all connected with the growing and unmanaged population, there is a clear need to effectively advocate and realize a

balance between people’s needs and the available resources not only for today’s well-being but also of the future generation. The Report, she said, attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of the inter-linkages of the PHE factors, how it can be addressed, and the challenges that comes ahead in pursuing integrated approaches to the issues presented. The SPPR is a periodic publication of Popcom that talks about different population and development issues and often used as inputs for program and policy development and other related advocacy initiatives at various levels. Since 2000, there have been five issues of the report published.

Popcom unveils latest population report to NorMin stakeholdersby Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Commission on Population (Popcom) Deputy Executive Director Rosalinda Marcelino led the unveiling of the 5th Series State of the Philippine Population Report (SPPR) before its partners here in Northern Mindanao.

They implemented the Coastal and Marine Management Program covering five major project components under the regular targets. One Foreign Assisted Special Project is being implemented in Camiguin - the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project. Other accomplishments include the provision of technical assistance in the development of

Integrated Coastal Management Plans, conservation, restoration, rehabilitation of mangrove areas, establishment of marine sanctuaries/marine protected areas in cooperation with lgus, the strengthening of coastal law enforcement alliance with partners, wetland management, coral rehabilitation, and the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Hundreds of search and rescue (SaR) volunteers from different parts of Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 are expected to converge in Sarangani province for the second re-gional SaR summit.

Soccsksargen Region holds search and rescue summitBy Danilo E. Doguiles


The four-day event, now called the 2013 Proficiency Test for the Search and Res-cue Network XII (Sar-Net12), will start tomorrow, February 19.

It will be held at Camp Brig. Gen. Hermenegildo Agaab (Headquarters of the 1002nd Brigade of the Philippine Army) in Pulatana, Barangay Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani.

“This activity is in compliance with one of the directives of Presi-dent Benigno Aquino III for an invento-ry of volunteers and their type of special-ization and inventory of rescue teams in the their region and their capability,” Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 regional director Lita Enok said.

The summit is also an emergency response capacity development initiative intended to help disaster workers and volunteers iden-tify, assess and fill the gaps in coordination and constraints in the

resources, she added. It is also geared

toward firming up di-saster preparedness and response capabil-ities of SaR systems among local, national and non-government emergency response in the area.

“This event also intends to strengthen alliance of the search and rescue organiza-tions in the region,” Enok explained fur-ther.

“As the need aris-es SaR teams will be able to pool together necessary and avail-able resources ahead of time, ready to be deployed anytime, anytime so that lives can be saved, prevent further human suffer-ings and if not pre-vented, minimize dam-age to properties.”

According to the re-gional summit sec-retariat as of this morning 28 local government units in Soccsksargen Region have already confirmed their attendance.

Soccsksargen cov-ers the provinces of

South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Ku-darat and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cota-bato.

Of these LGUs, 13 have signified send-ing 7-man search and rescue teams that will compete in the pro-ficiency test. Some LGUs are reportedly sending more than one SaR teams.

Competition this year will focus on mountain search and rescue (MoSaR) where team should simulate search and rescue of landslide victims and the latters’ immediate and proper transport to the nearest hospi-tal.

While conducting the SaR, each team should show compe-tence in first aid, ar-tificial resuscitation/cardiopulmonary re-suscitation (AR/CPR), victim transport, land navigation, hailing, and high line set-up.

Non-competing SaR teams will be


there to observe and learn from the simulations and the lecture sessions, in-cluding a demonstra-tion on demonstrate basic map reading, navigation, and glob-al positioning system (GPS) techniques by resource persons from the Philippine Army.

Competition evalua-tors will come from the 1002nd Brigade, PA, 505 Search and Rescue Squadron of the Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection 12, Dept. of Health-Health Emer-gency Management Staff 12, Department of Social Welfare and

Development-12, and the Philippine Red Cross.

In May last year, the SarNet held its first SaR summit at a beach in Barangay Bawing, General San-tos City . It concen-trated on water search and rescue (WSaR) operations.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The provincial government of North Cotabato will soon receive P7 million from the Department of the Interior and Local Government as a reward for its accomplishments in good governance.

North Cotabato receives P7-M reward for good governance By Danilo E. Doguiles

Information from the Office of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza disclosed that said money consist of Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) given by the Department to the LGU for passing the evaluation under the DILG’s 2nd Round Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH).

DILG 12 regional director Buagas B. Sulaik announced the availability of said fund for the provincial

LGU in a letter dated January 2, 2013 to Gov. Mendoza.

PCF is a financial incentive intended to jumpstart and sustain local socio-economic development projects that are aligned with the national development goals and objectives, particularly those geared toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in local economic development, tourism, disaster risk reduction

management and solid waste management.

For an LGU to qualify and avail of the PCF, it should first pass the department’s assessment on good governance and be conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping based on key governance areas, namely: transparency, accountability, planning, and valuing performance monitoring.

According to guidelines on the PCF,


North Cotabato receives P7-M reward for good governance

said fund can be used to subsidize local development projects in the Annual Investment Program (AIP) and funded out of the 20% Local Development Fund (LDF).

Gov. Mendoza said the provincial government is now preparing

proposals and pertinent documents for projects were the P7-M PCF could be allotted for. She expects these to be submitted to the DILG soon.

In October 2011, North Cotabato was conferred with the SGH. For such accomplishment the LGU

received an incentive of P3 million under the DILG-Gawad Pamana ng Lahi program.

Gov. Mendoza has earmarked the P3-M award for the establishment of the Cotabato Children’s Crisis Center.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Good news for jobseekers.

North Cotabato LGU offers jobs, passport facilitationBy Danilo E. Doguiles

The provincial gov-ernment of North Co-tabato will conduct a jobs fair at the pro-vincial gymnasium inside the Provincial Capitol compound in Amas, Kidapawan City on March 19 – 20.

But before the ac-tual fair, the LGU has advised appli-cants to pre-register at the Provincial Hu-man Resource Man-agement Office at the ground floor of the Provincial Capitol.

According to a no-tice from the office of the Governor, the listing of prospective applicants during the 1st Governor Taliño-Mendoza Jobs Fair will

start today, February 18.

Applicants may also pre-register at the Public Employment Service Offices in their respective LGUs.

Part of the pro-gram, Gov. Mendoza said, the provincial government will also facilitate the process-ing of passports of 150 individuals.

She added the jobs fair and passport pro-cessing facilitation is in line with the pro-vincial LGU’s efforts to provide opportunities for employment of qualified Cotabateños and make sure that those who would like to work abroad will

be assisted through verified and legitimate employment agencies only.

The provincial LGU and other concerned departments are in the process of finaliz-ing the list of compa-nies and recruitment agencies who will of-fer jobs for the event in March.

For inquiries, inter-ested applicants may visit or call the Office of the Governor through telephone number (064) 278-7081 or the PHRMO through tele-phone number (064) 278 7037. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12/IDCD-PGO)


Lamitan team bags boxing tilt in Zambo City

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Amateur boxers from Lamitan City in Basilan are now gaining professional recognition as they won in amateur boxing tilt in Zamboanga City recently.

By Rene V. Carbayas

The four-member boxing team from Lamitan won in the bouts at “Golpe-Golpe na Barangay de Bungiao” in Zamboanga City during the village’s fiesta last Jan. 9. Felipe Fernando, Lamitan City information officer-designate said in a report that all four boxers won the matches despite the absence of boxing paraphernalia during the training, like gloves, punching bag, speed ball, and head gear, among others. Fernando shared that trainer-coach Melchor Gregorio received the trophy from Barangay Chairman Ernesto Atilano as the champion in the said competition. “We received a warm welcome

in Bunguiao and we would like to thank the Barangay Chairman for their hospitality,” the coach said. The Lamitan Team is composed of trainer-coach Melchor Gregorio, assistant coach Dado Reyes, Boxers Ronillo Paran, Tata Torres, Raymond Macotocruz and Tating Bada. “We are looking forward to another match, but still waiting for the invitation from Ipil, Sibugay Province” Gregorio added. It could be recalled that in November last year, Lamitan Boxer Macotocruz also earned the title of Best Boxer in Curuan, Zamboanga City. Five of the boxers were sent to Curuan but only three won in the fight, one draw and one defeat.


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DENR-IX bats for production of quality seedlingsBy Cidur Jusadjiri

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region-IX is stepping-up its efforts in the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) of President Benigno S. Aquino III with the promotion of quality indigenous fruit tree seedlings.

Lamitan team bags boxing tilt in Zambo City


Directly supervised by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), the preparation for the production of good native fruit tree seedlings through clonal farming is now in its final stage. According to Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, “this increase in the ERDB’s base target is in keeping with the department’s move to shift from the use of exotic species to indigenous or native species.” DENR-IX said the region was already headway in the implementation of NGP with a total of 4,804 hectares of land planted to 2,402,000 forest and fruit trees in 2011. In 2012, the area covered increased to 6,228.90 hectares with 3,443,294 seedlings planted. This year’s target is more than tripled at 20,996 hectares to be planted with 11,698,500 seedlings. For this year, 50,000 of these requirements can already be sourced from the clonal farm in time of the next planting season. Once this clonal farm becomes fully operational, it will be able to supply 80,000 quality seedlings per annum for the program. DENR IX Regional Executive Director (RED) Arleigh J. Adorable has also expressed optimism that this additional source of quality seedlings can boost NGP efforts in the region. “The clamor for supplies of quality seedlings is high considering that we have targets to meet to attain the national goal of planting 1.5

billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of forestlands nationwide in a span of 6 years, thus, I welcome the laudable efforts of the Forestry Management Sector (FMS) and the support of the ERDB to help in augmenting the supply of quality seedlings for the planters,” RED Adorable said. The establishment of this Regional Clonal Nursery and Ecological Research and Training Center (RCNERTC) by DENR IX is a notable accomplishment to answer the need for quality seedlings in order to attain the vision of NGP. RCNERTC was established sometime in September 2011 by virtue of DENR-IX Regional Administrative Order No. 001, Series of 2011, setting aside more or less 12.3 hectares within Baclay-Pulacan Reforestation Project for this purpose. The facility, which is located at the municipality of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, serves as the regional center for the production, storage and disposition of quality planting materials and indigenous and premium forest trees and economically important non-timber forest species. It also aims to provide avenues for trainings, conferences and symposia of the DENR and its clients. Likewise, it is a model site for the conduct of verification and documentation of the production of various seedling species. The said site is very accessible as it is only about 300 meters from the national highway. It has abundant water supply, good drainage, moderately rolling terrain,


and ample areas for expansion. It is also equipped with the Rooting Chambers, Recovery Sheds, Potting Sheds, Laboratory and Hardening Beds. Regional Technical Director Gil Ona, on the other hand, said more emphasis has been placed in the production of quality indigenous species which are deemed harder to propagate in ordinary methods. The seeds, wildlings and seedlings propagated in RCNERTC came from “identified plus” or mother trees within the area to purposely come up with a good source of quality seedlings and to ensure the preservation of the natural flora of the locality. “After all, NGP is not only intended for climate change mitigation but also for biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction and food security,” Ona stressed. Meanwhile, the Regional Forest

Tree Seed Committee (RFTSC) which was created by virtue of DAO-2010-11 and chaired by RTD Ona, is working to ensure that there will be sufficient supply of quality planting stocks for the region as required. This committee is now in the process of accrediting People’s Organizations who are owners of seedling nurseries. The production of these accredited nurseries will help augment the supply of seedling requirements of the region. However, before getting accredited, it will have to pass through a validation process so that the seedlings for planting possess the highest possible qualities. Moreover, to enhance the region’s implementation of this program, the committee is doing back-to-back efforts with the roll-out implementation program on Sustainable Environment and Livelihood for DSWD’s


clients. Beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer under the 4Ps are encouraged to participate in the NGP by establishing backyard nurseries and planting these in the designated areas. These small scale suppliers are encouraged to propagate fruit trees, which command higher prices and give them better income. Complementing the efforts of the RCNERTC is the Technology Transfer Division (TTD), which is now fast tracking the transfer of this state-of-the-art and the other perfected Environmental and Natural Resources technologies to interested entities. To carry out this task, the division is currently doing infotech campaign using the tri-media and synchronizes its conduct of information drives during significant events and activities of the local government units (LGUs) and other organizations in the area, aimed at attracting recipients for possible technology transfer and investments on said technologies.

Replication of the clonal farm by private entities would further bolster the supply of quality seedlings for the region to meet its target, DENR9 said. Interested applicants are enjoined to contact DENR9 office anytime for more information about this matter. Also, for a much deeper appreciation of the overall impact of the project, RCNERTC will soon be showcased to the general public as a demonstration area. “The aim here is to let the people understand that trees help not only to beautify, but clean the atmosphere and thwart global warming,” explained DENR9 officials. The program also hoped that the values of ordinary Filipinos would be developed towards sustaining the forests at whatever cost, because it would give lifetime benefits and livelihood opportunities, from generation to generation especially poor segment of the society.

Interactive painting, celebrating the interdependence and ingenuity of Filipino artistsBy Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - Driven by the passion to express themselves through painting, visual artists from all over the country gathered at Megayon Stage, Dao in this city on Feb. 7-11 for the Philippine Visual Arts Festival. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in cooperation with the provincial

government of Zamboanga del Sur through Governor Antonio H. Cerilles sponsored the event with


Interactive painting, celebrating the interdependence and ingenuity of Filipino artists

“Ani ng Sining” and its sub-theme, “Celebrating Icons.” “This is not only about festival. It is also a bonding of all artists in the country and establishing a network. Further, this could be the realization in coming up with a national visual artists’ directory in order for NCCA to have easy access to artists in the regions,” said master artist Nemesio Miranda, head of the National Committee on Visual Arts. NCCA wants the regions to have access to all its programs and grants. Miranda said every region has something to teach to other regions and encouraged artists to draw a symbolism of their place, or whatever it is known for. “How will an art form become an instrument for peace? So it depends on how well we express ourselves through technique, culture and tradition,” he explained. Meanwhile, Mr. Raul Isidro, a Fine Arts graduate of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU) who has been nominated as a national artist said he was into painting since 1965. “I am here to encourage the younger crop of artists and to interact with them,” said Isidro. “Noon kasi, ang tawag sa mga artists ay gutom.


Hindi ka makabuhay ng pamilya. (Before, artists are associated with the word hungry, you can’t even raise a family) Nowadays, it’s a different story. You can show to the public that this is a decent profession,” he added. Isidro went into abstract painting in 1970 and developed his own style as he matured. Asked how Philippine artists fare compared with other countries, Isidro has this to say. “We are at par with our Asean counterparts, Europe and other countries. “Young artists should be observant of the current art trend. They have an advantage now because of the internet where you can have access to the websites. You don’t even have to go to school kung wala kang panggastos (if don’t have money),” Isidro quipped. Another advantage for young artists is that we have several competitions here and abroad with fabulous cash prizes. Another great artist, Al Perez of Hagonoy, Bulacan said


he wanted to take up Fine Arts when he was young. His parents said he would starve if he would go into painting. “When I took up Fine Arts, I proved to them na hindi ako nagkamali ng (I was not wrong in my) career choice, nasa puso ko talaga ang (I really love) painting,” he recalled. Perez and Isidro have attended international arts festival several times together. “I paint churches and beautiful spots of the Philippines, Mother and Child, Virgin Mary and even mosques,” narrated Perez. Now, he’s into painting cathedrals all over the world. Indeed, Philippine Visual Arts continues to nurture a flourishing cultural environment that encourages the development of independent and responsive artists who aspire for artistic excellence. And with the support artists are gaining from the government through NCCA, it is not far off that they attain world class status.


TAGUM CITY-A more vibrant tour-ism campaign for Davao del Norte can be expected now that the Davao Tourism Council has been reenergized and a new set of offi-cer inducted. “The Provincial Tourism Council officers will help us realize our tourism thrusts which are hinged on three

s t r a t e g i c direct ions,” P r o v i n c i a l T o u r i s m Officer Noel D a q u i o a g said Monday during the induction of the new set of officers of the Davao del Norte P r o v i n c i a l T o u r i s m Council by G o v e r n o r

Rodolfo del Rosario. The new Tourism Council officers are: Araceli Ayuste-President, Dizon Namoag-Vice President, Carlo Domingo-Secretary and Edna Parcon-Treasurer. Each of the municipalities also have their own representatives in the Tourism Council.

More vibrant tourism sector in DavNor seenby Lovely Carillo


New Bataan would likely experience fate of Brgy AndapCOMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE - The poblacion areas of New Bataan town in Compostela Valley Province would suffer the same fate as Barangay Andap if another storm as strong as Pablo would again come, Social Welfare Secre-tary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman re-vealed in a meeting of Task Force Pablo held Friday at the Provincial Capitol of Compostela Valley. She, however, said that a place about 400 meters north of the Poblacion is found safe for relocation of residents. Soliman based her revelation on the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data gathered by the Department of Science and

Technology (DOST) which came up with inundation simulation, projecting what would happen of New Bataan in case another strong typhoon would occur. DOST Sec. Mario Montejo in the same meeting explained that the simulation was based on the LiDAR generated new topographic details of New Bataan gathered after Typhoon Pablo brought colossal devastation in the area. Based on a survey conducted, Montejo said Typhoon Pablo caused a debris flow which spread 800 meters wide and flowed down five kilometers from Barangay Andap to New Bataan poblacion known locally as Cabinuangan.

by Jeanevive Abangan

“These three strategic directions will help us achieve our goal of getting 10 million international tourists in the country by 2016 and increase tourist arrivals in the province by 20 percent by end of 2013,” Daquioag said. He said the three core tourism strategies are to develop and market competitive products and destinations, improve market access, connectivity and destination infrastructure and improve tourism institutional governance and human resources. Daquioag said the provincial government has already allocated

funds for the site development of Madgao River in Asuncion, the Peace Monument in Ising, Carmen and Kasilak Falls in New Corella. Aside from enhancing existing tourism sites and identifying new ones, he said they are also bent on improving the quality of established festival and events in the province. “Our goal is to make the Province of Davao del Norte a premier tourist destination in Southern Mindanao and with the revitalized tourism sector we are confident that we can achieve that,” he said.(RGA/LAC/PIA XI)


The debris flow buried a considerable portion of Brgy. Andap in 7.5 meters to 9 meters deep volume of mud, rocks and stones and pebbles which flushed down from nearby mountains in a surge of flood-waters accumulated from 170 millimeters rainfall. Projecting a recurrence of a strong typhoon bringing a 190 mm volume of rainfall, DOST created a 3D debris flow simulation. Montejo believed the simulation for New Bataan as “almost accurate”, citing the same simulation DOST made on Marikina River which overflowed just one inch above the DOST projection, when Typhoon

Ondoy came. Other than New Bataan, DOST also created a 3D flood simulation for the municipalities of Compostela and Monkayo seen as high risk areas to inundation. DOST made the initiative taking cue from President Benigno Aquino’s directive to prevent Typhoon Pablo’s colossal devastation from happening again. Meanwhile, using the LiDAR technology, DOST also made advanced maps of flood prone areas in New Bataan, identifying barangays Fatima and San Roque aside from Cabinuangan as high risk areas.With these facts, Soliman asked


LCEs of Compostela Valley to come up with measures of “convincing” people against building and rebuilding residences in identified high risk areas. “The national government will do what it can to support you in creating new community,” she said in the Task Force Pablo meeting with LCEs during which she delivered her talks mostly in Visayan dialect.She also asked landowners not to stay in their landholdings located in high risk areas though they can continue tilling the land and earn income. “Dili sila hilabtan pero dili lang papuy-an. (They won’t be asked to leave but they should not stay there.), “ she said. Seeing the need to relocate people, Soliman assured help from agencies of the government with housing programs such as DSWD and the National Housing Authority (NHA) and from a number of private sector entities to put up houses for resettlement. Soliman explained that resettlement is among the primary concerns of Task Force Pablo spearheaded by Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras and assisted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).Representing Sec. Almendras, Undersecretary Leslie Cordero said, that aside from resettlement, TF Pablo also formed clusters to address concerns on livelihood, infrastructure,

social services, and support clusters for communication, and budget and management. New Bataan Mayor Lorenzo Balbin Jr. in the same meeting appealed that engineering interventions be done instead of mass relocation. He proposed to re-channel the river flow and put it back to its original course in Mayo River; construct protection dikes and desilt the river.However, Soliman said Typhoon Pablo had shown that water “would really find its course, and that “no engineering intervention could hinder flood-water of its flow.” Bringing back attention to the flood simulation based on the latest topography of New Bataan, Montejo reinforced Soliman’s explanation saying, engineering intervention would become “costly and impractical.” “Respetuhin na lang natin ang forces of nature,” (let us just respect the forces of nature) Montejo said.Present in the same meeting, Public Works and Highway Assistant Secretary Dimas Suguilon revealed having a lengthy discussion on putting up of engineering infrastructure in New Bataan, but it DPWH later considered such move as a waste of resources when it knew of DOST’s projection. However, Suguilon said DPWH would still repair access roads leading to new Bataan while relocation is ongoing but it still has to determine the viability of putting up flood protection infrastructure.

one mindanao - february 18, 2013

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