one mindanao - february 18, 2016

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSMARY MAY ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

Adoption must be legalized now, DSWD tells adoptive parents

Cover Story

By: Felipo David G. Malcampo

today’s news

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Japanese firms explore investment opportunities in PH

Communication in times of need as important as food, shelter – student volunteers told

NGCP boosts public school facilities in Mindanao

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4ID welcomes 135 new peace advocates

CSC resets application deadline for April 2016 CSE Paper and Pencil Test

DavNor builds training center for disaster risk reduction, management

By: Rhea C. Abao

By: Gil E. Miranda

By: 4ID/PA

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Sustainability through unity

DAR AgNor intensifies campaign against graft

SOUTHERN CARAGA

INFOCUS NATIONAL

WESTERN

NORTHERN

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By: Michael Uy

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4 February 18, 2016One Mindanao

“They must do it now, for the benefit of the child,” Social Welfare Officer Josefina Reyes urged. She said legal adoption will afford the child all the benefits under the law.

Misconceptions

According to Reyes, “many are still unaware of the legal process of

adoption.” She explained that many adoptive parents still think that the child is already theirs when they take them upon birth. Some also think that “simulated births,” that is naming the child with the adoptive families’ surnames will make it legal.

“These are wrong and must be corrected,” Reyes said.

Adoption must be legalized now, DSWD tells adoptive parents By Felipo David G. Malcampo

Cover Story

Adoptive families who still have to legalize their adoption of children must do it the soonest possible time, said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here.

5February 18, 2016 One Mindanao

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

She explained that if an adoption is not legal, issues may arise. “There may be cases when the biological parent will seek the child’s return, and the adoptive parents will have no choice but to give up the child. This is very traumatic.”

“Once a parent gives up a child for adoption, she voids her rights as a parent,” Reyes emphasized. “So once the child has been legally adopted, there is no chance for the biological parent to get back the child.”

“You can say that the child is really yours,” she said.

However, prospective adoptive parents must still undergo assessment by a social worker before being granted custody of the child. “The prospective parents must be physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually capable to raise the child,” Reyes explained. Even after the court proceedings, social workers will still continuously visit the family to assess the situation and provide the necessary guidance and counseling.

Kids need parents

Myla Villaverde, a DSWD social worker said that currently, they have 47 abandoned children under their care at the Reception and Study Center

for Children (RSCC) in barangay Talon-Talon. “Only 18 of them are up for adoption, since the rest have only been staying with us temporarily due to some circumstances.”

The children in the center come from different towns in the region who were found to be abandoned by parents and relatives.

The DSWD is inviting capable and responsible families to be prospective families. “We really want the children to have a family to call their own,” said Reyes.

She advised those who need more information to visit them at the DSWD regional office in Gen. Vicente Alvarez Street fronting the Tennis Court, beside the Land Transportation Office here.

One Mindanao6 February 18, 2016

Government has contingency measure for OFWs affected by oil price drops

MANILA -- The government said it is ready to absorb overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will return home as oil-producing countries decided to freeze oil production to stabilize petroleum prices.

filephoto of http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/

audi Arabia and Russia, two major oil producers, agreed recently to cut production to

normalize oil prices that fell massively in the past few months.


Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda acknowledged the concerns of OFWs who might be laid off as a result of the halt in production by major oil producers especially in the Middle East. “Well, ngayon po sobrang baba po ng presyo ng petrolyo per barrel, so may concern po ang ating mga OFWs na ma-layoff sila,” Lacierda said during the press briefing.

“Siguro itong pagtigil ng—pag-freeze ng oil production is a way to stem the lowering of the price of petroleum. Whatever the case may be, the Philippines has been prepared for this.”

He said that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has already made proactive statements to make sure that OFWs will find assistance by way of looking for alternative markets and livelihood assistance in case they decide to come home.

“So we’re hoping that the situation abroad, the oil price situation will stabilize in a manner that will not exacerbate the anticipated situation of our OFWs being unemployed,” he said, adding that whatever the condition, the government is ready to respond.

Economists said the government must attract more foreign investments to enable the country to create more jobs and ease the impact of the possible return of 2.3 million OFWs in the Middle East that may be affected by political turmoil and massive decline in petroleum prices.

The government said that while it was a boon to motorists, the continuing drop in oil prices was a cause for concern because further reductions could discourage investment in oil exploration and affect Filipino workers based in oil-producing countries. (PCOO/PND)


MAKATI CITY -- Japanese businessmen continue to show keen interest in further investing in the country. A 29-man delegation, composed of companies in the fields of manufacturing and services industries, was in the Philippines for a four-day mission to explore investment opportunities.

Japanese firms explore investment opportunities in PH

Led by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) executive vice president Tatsuhiro Shindo, the Japanese delegation paid a courtesy call to Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Secretary

Adrian Cristobal Jr. and attended an Investment Briefing with the Board of Investments (BOI) recently.


Secretary Cristobal welcomed and expressed his gratitude to the JETRO delegation. He said that when President Aquino visited Tokyo last June 2015 and met JETRO Chairman Hiroyuki Ishige, the latter proposed several steps to promote our trade and investment relations with Japan. JETRO, so far, has delivered the first step – dispatching a very important business delegation to the Philippines.

Secretary Cristobal said the Japanese delegation’s visit is timely as the government is now working on revving up the resurgence of the Philippine manufacturing sector through its Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP) which aims to rebuild the existing capacity of industries, strengthen new ones, and maintain the competitiveness of industries with comparative advantage.

Secretary Cristobal also cited

the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program, a subsumed program under the MRP, which provides a comprehensive package of fiscal and nonfiscal incentives. The government is allocating P27 billion fiscal support for the next six years for investments in the manufacture of automotive whole body large plastic parts, other strategic parts that are not currently produced locally, and provides variable incentives to induce both volume production and logistics efficiency. The Trade Secretary also assured the Japanese delegates and JETRO of the agency’s continuing support and assistance to their business endeavors. “Our investment promotion offices led by the BOI, the Foreign Trade Service Corps, and our Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo are more than ready to provide assistance to Japanese companies who would want to set up shop or expand their


operations in the country,” he said.

For her part, DTI Undersecretary for industry promotion Nora Terrado expressed her admiration to Japan’s strong leadership, Abenomics, and its desire in increasing gender diversity, where women are encouraged to participate in the government, business and other areas.

She personally conveyed her gratitude to the Mayor of Yokohama who visited the Philippines and participated in the APEC 2015 Women and the Economy Fora.

Terrado said Yokohama and Manila are sister cities, and cited such valuable connection as an indication of another dimension of friendship between the Philippines and Japan.

During the investment briefing, BOI Director for

International Investments Promotion Service Angelica Cayas also presented before the Japanese delegates the Philippine advantage, showcasing the competitive reasons why Philippines is the investment destination of choice. This was followed by BOI Director for Manufacturing Industries Service Evariste Cagatan who presented an overview of the Philippine manufacturing industry. Japan remains as the country’s second top performing investment partner, with investment commitments amounting to USD 338.88 million or 14.3 percent of the total Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)-approved foreign investments from the January to September 2015 period. In 2014, Japan was the country’s top source of IPA-approved foreign investment with pledges amounting to USD 803.24 million. (BOI)


NGCP boosts public school facilities in Mindanao

Staying true to its commitment to help communities by boosting educational facilities, NGCP built a multi-purpose hall, and classrooms for three public schools in Mindanao. The recipients were Pedro Molde Elementary School in Brgy. Cabilinan, Aurora, Zamboanga del Norte (for a multi-purpose hall); Dalama Elementary School in Tubod, Lanao del Norte (for a two-classroom building); and Maria Cristina National High School in Maria Cristina, Iligan City (for a three-classroom building) – all located in communities hosting NGCP facilities.

12 One Mindanao February 18, 2016

Brgy. Cabilinan currently hosts NGCP’s Aurora Substation which provides power transmission services to the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, and parts of Lanao del Norte, while Brgy. Tubod is traversed by the Baloi-Aurora 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line that delivers the power supply from Agus 1 and 2 power plants to the rest of the Mindanao grid. NGCP’s Mindanao Regional Office, meanwhile, is located in Maria Cristina, Iligan City. NGCP’s on-going priority project, the Aurora-Polanco 138-kV transmission line project, will traverse through the communities near Brgy. Cabilinan, while the Agus 6 Switchyard Upgrading Project is in Iligan City. “In building infrastructure, we consult the local government and school leaders, and consider the most urgent needs of the public schools, in. We see to it that these host communities, who are critical in safeguarding our facilities, receive what they need,” said NGCP. Separate turn-over and inauguration ceremonies were held, with Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval and Vice-Mayor Emmanuel Palma

leading the programs in Tubod and Aurora, respectively. “While our mandate is to provide efficient and reliable power transmission services, we ensure that our partners in protecting our lines and facilities – our host communities and the residents -- are taken care of. Building schools and supporting the public education system, is our way of giving back. We want to help ensure the future of the youth by providing them with facilities conducive to learning and growth,” stated NGCP. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Lumads in El Niño affected areas in northern Mindanao will be receiving help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and a number of civil society organizations that have expressed their commitment to help the tribe during the onslaught of the said dry spell.

By: Shaun Alejandrae Y. Uy

DSWD, CSOs to implement program for Lumads in El Niño affected areas


The DSWD Region 10 facilitated the Whole of Nation Initiative Development and Social Protection Cluster Consultation Meeting for the Lumads on February 6 to consult with different stakeholders in the facilitation and implementation of an emergency food relief program for Lumads in the El Niño affected areas of Bukidnon. The consultation meeting was participated by different regional government agencies, DSWD regional staff, stakeholders and Lumad representatives from Bukidnon and is in partnership with Unifrutti Foundation Inc. and Hineleban Foundation. According to Unifrutti Foundation Inc, Hineleban Foundation Technical Consultant Raoul Geollegue during his presentation on the emergency food relief project proposal dubbed as Pantawid Lumad sa Tagtuyot, “Millions of people are at risk of suffering from hunger and poverty this year as one of the most powerful El Niño climatic events in history threatens a major humanitarian emergency especially among upland dwellers, considered as the poorest of the poor, anticipated be the hardest hit.” DSWD 10 Regional Director Nestor B. Ramos stressed that a project of this magnitude should be properly coordinated with the different line agencies and stakeholders and must have a holistic approach in delivering social services. Present during this meeting is DSWD Undersecretary for Promotive

Services Camilo G. Gudmalin who presented the rationale of the said meeting. Gudmalin urged the different stakeholders to iron out some details of this project for fast and efficient implementation. Gudmalin also presented that DSWD’s community-driven-development component, the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services - National Community Driven Development (Kalahi CIDSS-NCDDP), will be at the forefront of this endeavor. Furthermore, the undersecretary relayed the directives from DSWD secretary Corazón “Dinky” Juliano Solíman to the regional staff which includes the immediate implementation of the construction of a total of 82 classrooms in different municipalities in Bukidnon for El Niño affected Lumads. This project will kick off with Priority 1 areas, mobilizing available resources of the regional Kalahi-CIDSS program, in region 10 the identified priority area is San Fernando, Bukidnon. The area will have 22 classrooms distributed to 5 barangays and must be completed by June 2016 while the rest of the priority 2 and 3 areas will commence with the social preparations within the first quarter and second semester (after elections) respectively. While San Fernando will be of top priority, areas are also included in other parts of Bukidnon which include


4ID welcomes 135 new peace advocates

Graduation rites held at the Division Grandstand, the new soldiers are the members of Candidate Soldier Course Class 390 – 2015. They were able to graduate after completing 20 weeks of military training held at 4th Division Training School at Camp Osito D Bahian, Impalambong, Malaybalay City. They were cross-trained with nine active soldiers of 4ID who have undergone Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course. g the ceremony, Mary Cor R Calizo, punong barangay of Patag, Cagayan de Oro City graced the ceremony as the guest of honor and speaker. She handed over the firearms issued to the new batch of Army soldiers. After the ceremony, the order of their assignments will be released by the division adjutant. The newly graduated soldiers will be deployed and report to their respective unit assignments under

the 4ID, covering the provinces of Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region. Their primary task is to protect and safeguard the life and properties of the innocent civilians. They will also serve as catalysts of peace and development in conflict-affected areas. In her message Calizo, reminded the new members of the Philippine Army to give value to their service. She also encouraged them to always ask for a divine assistance through prayers, for safety and protection, as they fulfill their duties in the field. LtCol Febie N Lamerez, commandant of the 4th Division Training School said, “As I have observed from the start of their training until they stand before us today in this hallowed ground of the 4th Infantry Division, they are now ready to face all the challenges in the platform of military aspects. Lamerez also said he is confident that these new graduates of candidate

the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Impasugong, Kabanglasan, Kadingilan, Kitaotao, Lantapan, Malitbog, and Quezon. Iligan City of Lanao del Norte, Claveria and Gingoog City are also identified as key areas for the implementation of the

project. This translates into a total of 28 barangays and 82 classrooms for Region 10 alone. Regions 9, 11, 12, and 13 will also undertake this initiative and will give us an overview of a total of 605 classrooms in 251 sites.

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – One hundred thirty five (135) new peace advocates and nine active soldiers of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division graduated on February 16.


Interested applicants are advised to personally file their application at CSC Regional Office or at any of the CSC Field Offices. Filing of applications shall be on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be closed earlier than February 26, 2016 once the allotted number of examinees had been reached. Applicants are also reminded to meet the age requirement of at least 18 years old at the time and date of filing application.

Applicants can access the qualifications and complete list and specifications of application requirements per CSC Examination Announcement No. 07 series of 2015 posted at the CSC website, www.csc.gov.ph, or through the link http://www.csc.gov.ph/uncategorised/909-examination-announcement-no-07-,s-2015. For further information, applicants may visit the CSC website or call the contact number 858-7563.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Northern Mindanao has reset the deadline for the filing of application for the April 17, 2016 Career Service Examination paper and Pencil test (CSE-PPT) from February 25 to February 26, 2016.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CSC resets application deadline for April 2016 CSE Paper and Pencil Test

soldiers were equipped with the needed knowledge and skills. MGen Oscar T Lactao, 4ID division commander said, “To the new graduates, congratulations and welcome to the noble profession of arms. You are now regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Your parents and loved ones are so proud of you. To the Filipino people to whom you dedicate your service, there are a lot of things to be expected from your ability and behavior. He also reiterated when these

new soldiers are already in the field, they have to ensure they always follow the rule of law, rules of engagement, International Humanitarian Law and respect human rights. Use your newly acquired skills in protecting the people anywhere you may be assigned, said Lactao. He also thanked the parents and loved ones of the new soldiers for entrusting their sons to this institution. Rest assured that they will be taken cared by the AFP. For the AFP, every soldier counts. (4ID/PA)


Davao oil firm basketball team debuts on PBA

DAVAO CITY- Phoenix Petroleum, a Davao- based independent oil company now has a team in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The team named as Phoe-nix Fuel Masters is all set to play in the coming 41st season of the Philippine Basketball Associa-

tion. It’s first game will be today (February 17) against the North-ern Luzon Expressway Road War-riors team at the Smart Araneta


Colisum in Quezon City. The entry to the PBA was re-alized when the company bought the Barako Bull franchise and the sale approved by the PBA Board last January 20. “It has always been a dream for us in the company and for me as a basketball enthusiast to be part of this prestigious league.” Says Dennis Uy, president and CEO of Phoenix Petroleum The roster of the team in-clude former national team play-er JC Intal alongside Josh Ur-biztondo, Micheal Pennisi, Paul Joseph Sorongon, Yutein Andra-da, Michael Miranda, John Bron-dial, RR Garcia, James Forrester, Emmanuel Monfort, William Wil-son and Chico Lanete. The team is coached by Koy Banal and its import for the conference is Ni-gerian Andrew Kehinde Adeleke.

Being a Davao-based team, Phoenix Fuel Masters returns to its hometown with a game on March 19 in Panabo City, Davao del Norte where they will be pit-ted against crowd favorite Gine-bra San Miguel. The PBA is Asia’s first pro-fessional basketball league and is the second oldest continuously playing league in the world after the National Basketball Associa-tion (NBA). The PBA is composed of 12 company-owned teams playing in a three-conference season. With its impending profes-sional debut, Phoenix Fuel Mas-ters will be the first PBA franchise coming from Davao and Mindan-ao. (PIA/RG Alama)

DavNor builds training center for disas-ter risk reduction, managementDAVAO DEL NORTE - The provincial government of Davao del Norte is constructing the first training center for disaster risk re-duction and management (DRRM) in Region XI.

Provincial DRRM Executive Of-ficer Romulo Tagalo bared in an interview that the center was the

vision of Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario to institutionalize DRRM knowl-edge management.


“Gov. Del Rosario believes that the best tool in disasters is not any equipment but people themselves,” Tagalo emphasized. He stressed that center com-pliments that Oplan Andam pro-gram of the province. “The Oplan Andam is open to the public and one day is not enough to train our people on di-saster management,” he said. Tagalo underscored that the center aims to train for two to three days, barangay function-aries to teach them on how to download DRRM in their respec-tive areas. He also disclosed that Gov. Del Rosario targeted the center that is replicated from Bicol re-gion, to be the training institu-

tion for DRRM in the whole Davao region. “After we will cater all our barangays functionaries in the province, we will gladly welcome barangay functionaries from oth-er provinces,” Tagalo added. The P9-million training cen-ter, which will be launched on June, is located at the PDRRM building, provincial capitol com-pound, Mankilam, Tagum City. Tagalo disclosed that the center can cater accommodations of up to 50 individuals. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


2016 Women’s Month activities set in Butuan CityBy: Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY– The Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Caraga has set the month-long activities for this year’s Women’s Month cel-ebration in March.


RDC-GADCC chair and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor announced that said month-long celebration will kick-off on March 1, 2016 with a Fun Walk activity that will start from Guingona Park going to Agusan del Norte Provincial Capitol Covered Court, this city. “Right after the fun walk, the opening program will follow at the provincial covered court. As recognition of our women on that day, we encourage the male staff of ever participating agency to give flowers and/or chocolates to their women colleagues as sign of respect. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will spearhead the serenade,” remarked Pintor. It was learned that said celebration is pursuant to Proclamation N0. 227 series 1988 and is anchored on the theme “Kaayuhan ni Juana, I-apil sa Adyenda!” (Women’s Welfare, to include in the Agenda) Pintor also bared that on

March 8, 2016, the “Kalandrakas sa mga Kababaihan” will be held at Balanghai Hotel here, wherein participants from various sectors will enjoy trade fair, flea market featuring products made by women, food cooking demonstration, videoke challenge, and other fun-activities. “The RDC-GADCC Caraga will also be giving awards to this year’s Outstanding Women and will recognize women leaders in various endeavors,” added Pintor. In line also with the preparation for this year’s national and local elections, a Candidates’ Forum is also set by the RDC-GADCC on March 29, 2016 to be held in one of the local convention centers here. Meanwhile, on March 31, 2016, all the RDC-GADCC member agencies will culminat the Women’s Month with a Sports Competition featuring Laro ng Lahi and different games to be held at the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) grounds.


Sustainability through unityBy: Rhea C. Abao

In a basketball game there is a so called team. It takes teamwork to pull off a successful winning moment, it is not accomplished single-handedly. This is how the Bucas Grande Farmers’ Association Incorporated (BGFAI) from Socorro, Surigao del Norte works together as an organization. The group was organized in 1972, composed of farmers, fishermen, carpenters, and some professionals. Today, the association has a total membership of 2,025 active members. For almost 44 years the organization plays an important role in each of the members. It became an institution that gives the members a legitimate voice in articulating farmers’ interests

to government and private institutions. Some of the associations were only organize just to get government subsidies and interventions. BGFAI is different. “The association was organized to help each members, we call it ‘tinabangay’ - it is our trademark as a group. It has been embedded on each one’s mind and heart,” said Lucilita T. Dizon, BGFAI farmer leader.


‘Tinabangay’ spirit or unity, lives among BGFAI members and has been demonstrated in many ways. Repairing the houses of members, construction of buildings, cash donations in times of personal emergencies and communal farming are ordinary gestures of their helpful spirits and has been their regular practice for years.

“Our association has a total land area of 2,390 hectares in which 700 hectares was dedicated

to agriculture with 150 hectares cultivated for communal farming. We live in a community that is isolated and hard to reach that is why food security for every member is our priority concern,” said Dizon.

It has been the mission of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to achieve the nation’s food security and sufficiency, BGFAI is among its strong allies in fulfilling this mission.


In 2007, a chipping machine was granted to the association worth P50,000. For the following year on March 27, 2008 a farm tractor worth P1.2 M was given to the group. For almost 8 years the machine is still in good condition. They still use it for land preparation activities.

In June 26, 2012 a mechanical dryer worth P600,000 was given to the association. The equipment was still functional and being used especially on rainy season.

Last year, production inputs were also given to the group. Ten bags of corn were planted in the 6 hectare area of the communal garden. Five bags of registered seeds were also planted in the 5 hectare area. Assorted vegetable seeds were also given to the association.

“The various interventions we have received from DA helped us in our farming activities. Farm equipment and facilities make our work easier and faster, we see to it that what is given to us by the government will be used and maintained properly so it will last longer for the good of the association. The support we get gave us food security which

is the priority concern of our association, we are committed to fulfill our mission that every family will not experience hunger and poverty,” said Dizon.

The communal farm serves as the food basket of the association. Coupled with hardwork and tinabangay of the members, rice, corn, cassava, other root crops, fruit bearing trees, and vegetables were planted. When harvest season comes all the produce were distributed equally among its members. Destination of surplus harvest will be sold to the local market of Socorro, Dizon added.

‘Tinabangay’ spirit of BGFAI is not only a tradition but it is applied as a culture. This is one of many beautiful things that BGFAI members can be proud of.

The rate of success of BGFAI is determined not just by the increase of every member’s income, it is measured on how the association lived with its mission to achieve food security.


DAR AgNor intensifies campaign against graft By: Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY -- In line with the nationwide campaign of President Benigno S. Aquino III for good governance and fight against graft practices among public servants, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte recently conducted a two-day Public Accountability and Values Enhancement Seminar (PAVES) held in one of the convention centers here.

The activity was aimed to identify the goals of public accountability and to challenge every participant to understand the doctrine of professional conduct and ethical standards of every government official and employee. The activity also recognized and discussed the

importance of Filipino values to remind the participants regarding respect for authority, love of Almighty God, selfless love, stewardship, wisdom of truthfulness and sanctity of marriage. Topics discussed are the laws on Anti-Graft and Corrupt


Practices, Anti-Red Tape Act, Anti-Sexual Harassment, and the Revised Schedule of Penalties for Administrative Offenses Committed by Government Employees. During the activity, the participants were challenged to live exemplary lives and be a partner in the campaign to fight the temptation of graft.

In his message, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Andre B. Atega said that the seminar is a two-day break from expediency and opportunism or the usual style in performing public service. “This seminar will bring closer to our true worth as public servant,” he said.

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DIPOLOG CITY– “The province of Zamboanga del Norte has great geographic area with prophetic significance that will play a big role in the country.”

By Mary May A. Abellon

Nigerian bishop cites Zambo. Norte’s ‘big role’ in the country


This was the statement made by Bishop Dr. Armstrong N. Eze of Nigeria during the soft launching of the Community Development Project held here recently at Ariana Hotel this city. The said undertaking was in partnership with the Excellent Door of Hope Foundation International, Inc. and the Gateway International, Inc. with a theme “Time to effect change in the community.” Minister Silas S. Anche, Nigerian consul to the Philippines, said that since 1963 Nigeria and Philippines had bilateral relationship and from then on the relationship between the two countries grew stronger. “The way we eat, the way we dance, the way we sing are the same. The only difference we have is our skin- ours is darker than yours,” Anche stressed. According to him, the government to government tie between the two governments is very strong but its people to people relationship needs to be strengthened and to bridge the wall between them. “I want to appeal to the leaders of Zamboanga del Norte to support this community development project because

this will bring development in the province which will revolutionize business,” he added. Among the products produced by the said project are King’s bottled sardines, King’s pure honey and King’s honey lemon. The said project not only aims to support, provide, assist, educate, improve and aid destitute, orphaned, needy and underprivileged children of the world but also to provide jobs to the community in order to help their families. Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Paul G. Gudmalin urged the business sector to help in the growth of this king’s products, adding that “There’s a need for more productions of bottled sardines as we are now looking forward for ASEAN integration.”


ZAMBOANGA CITY– Communication is aid, and it is as essential as food, shelter and other basic necessities during times of need. This was the central message given to about 150 students from local colleges and universities upon their orientation Tuesday (February 16) as volunteers of the Zamboanga City Communications Working Group (CWG).

Communication in times of need as important as food, shelter – student volunteers told


The CWG, an inter-agency group composed of local and national government representatives and international humanitarian agencies was established to provide the internally-displaced persons (IDPs) of the 2013 Zamboanga siege with information and communication from the services providers and vice-versa. “Communication is just as important as food, shelter and clothing,” said City Hall Public Information Officer Sheila Covarrubias. “We have to know specifically what information they need as per regards to the services that are given to them.” At present, over 16,000 IDPs are still residing at the transitory sites. The CWG will be conducting camp dialogues to update them on the status of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction, or the Z3R Project. The CWG, composed of about 15 members have sought the help of local schools to augment manpower with volunteers to conduct focused-group discussions to assess the information needs of the IDPs. “We would like to know how the services are at the transitory

sites. Are they adequate? Are all their needs met?” said Covarrubias. “This is why we need you, the volunteers, you will be a very big help.” The CWG members thanked the schools namely; Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC), Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology (ZSCMST), Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) and the Asia’s Latin City Institute (ALCI). The CWG is composed of the City Public Information Office (PIO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People (IRDT), Community and Family Services International (CFSI), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), International Labor Organization (ILO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the IGNITE Volunteers. The dialogues are scheduled on March.

one mindanao - february 18, 2016

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