one mindanao - february 25, 2012

Cover Story

DavSur’s mobile training van makes town-to-town delivery of skills expertise

Carina L. CayonSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 195

page 4

Hataman muling pinaalahanan ang mga opisyal at kawani ng DOTC-ARMMpbchangco, Central Mindanao

Residents gear for ‘75th Dia de Zambo’ fete Sheila Covarrubias, Western Mindanao

DepED-Zambo. Norte holds planning workshop for school heads23Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

PyD to brief stakeholders in Caraga Region25Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Iligan ecological rehab starts29 Melvin T. Anggot, Northern Mindanao

President Aquino says ‘fight for change is everyone’s responsibility’11Anti-Terrorism Assistance team visits PNP 1216CT Apelacio, Central Mindanao

Surigao Sur Gov mulls idea of PAG-IBIG housing project for Capitol employees27Greg Tataro, Jr., Caraga Region

MisOcc LGU to allocate P30-M for rehab of flood-control dike in Tudela and Clarin30Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

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Photo credit:mindanaotimes.net

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PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

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

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

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4 Saturday, February 25, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

So goes a mobile training van that travels from town to town to deliver technical skills capacity training for the indigent youth and unemployed adults in Davao del Sur. The mobile training van is an

innovative way of the provincial government of Davao del Sur to

reach out to its constituents in far-flung barangays who

have limited access to formal training and

who can’t afford the expensive way of gaining skills know-how and competence. Dubbed as Mobile Training Van-Alay Para sa Barangay, the mobile van brings a package of quality training program, necessary tools and training experts to be transferred to the underprivileged youth, out-of-school youth and unemployed adults through special classes and training program. The mobile training van concept is borne out of a flagship project of the

SKILLS expertise delivery!

Cover Story

DavSur’s mobile training van makes town-to-town delivery of skills expertise

by Carina L. Cayon

Saturday, February 25, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Community B a s e d -Tr a i n i n g

Entrepreneurship Development Program dubbed as, “May Kahanas Kung May CAGAS (There’s Expertise if there’s CAGAS)”. CAGAS stands for Competency Acceleration for Grassroot Advancement in Skills. Governor Douglas Cagas adopted and implemented this short-term vocational training program in 2008 starting with a funding of P5 million, to address the

growing demand for skills training in remote communities.

Cagas then forged a partnership with the

Technical Education and Skills Development

A u t h o r i t y ( T E S D A )

for the implementation of the provincial government’s training program which falls under TESDA’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project. TESDA’s scholarship and community-based training program is anchored on President Benigno Aquino III’s Invigorating Constituents Assistance in Reinforcing Employment (I-CARE) Program. On the part of Davao del Sur provincial government, its vocational training program is part of the realization of Cagas’s core program on I-HELP which stands for infrastructures, health, education, and peace and order.

Town-to-town delivery of skills training The Mobile Training Van-Alay Para sa Barangay has started in 2010 its delivery of training services from one town to another town. The stop-over of the van is done at the center of the recipient town, usually at the Barangay Poblacion which could


easily be accessed

by the training scholars, said Rolly Impas, the provincial manager of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Together with TESDA, the provincial PESO implements, facilitates, conducts and monitors the community trainings in the barangay. “The training is usually held at the barangay or municipal gym where students could easily move and do their practicum,” Impas told the Philippine Information

Agency. He said that the van stays up

to three months in a recipient municipality, depending on

the chosen courses of the beneficiaries, which

usually require 60

to 120 days each course. For the time being, three municipalities have already availed of the program such as Kiblawan, Malalag and Matanao. For availing of said program, the recipient municipality has to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government, TESDA and school partner Carmelo C. De Los Cientos, Sr. National Trade School. While the provincial government is providing the training for free, the municipal government could also contribute a share by shouldering the transportation and meal expenses of the beneficiaries. Impas said that t h e

Saturday, February 25, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 7

beneficiaries of the mobile van program are residents of Davao del Sur who would be provided with free knowledge and skills learning and training of various technical courses. The qualified beneficiaries should be bonafide residents of the recipient town, who are high school graduates or out-of-school youth and unemployed adults who aspire to gain technical skills for employment or starting a business. Technical courses

Impas said that TESDA conducts the community skills enhancement and training courses, using modules for instruction based on its training regulations to ensure good quality of training delivery. Qualified trainers and experts from TESDA handle the program at the site, said Impas who also functions as scholarship focal person of the Community Trainor’s Employment Coordinator (CTEC) in the province. Courses offered in the mobile training van include Automotive, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Electronic, Plumbing, Masonry, Tile Setting and Carpentry. The Automotive, SMAW, Plumbing and Electronic each require 120 hours to complete the training, while Masonry needs 140 hours of training. Impas said that courses such as

Automotive, SMAW and Electronic are all leading to the National

Certificate II of TESDA, while Masonry and Plumbing are

leading to NC I. The provincial

g o v e r n m e n t sees to it

that the community-based courses would respond appropriately to the in demand skills for the beneficiaries to become productive, and locally and globally competitive at the end of the training.

The graduates The Mobile Training Van-Alay para sa Barangay produced its 4th batch of technical course graduates from the municipality of Matanao on February 3 this year, after completing a three-month skills training. Impas said that the new graduates came from the 33


barangays of Matanao, the

third recipient municipality of the mobile training van program after Kiblawan and Malalag. Some 181 graduates of different vocational and technical courses received their certificates from Gov. Cagas and TESDA officials during the graduation rites held at the Cagas Gym, Poblacion, Matanao. “Take care of your certificates and use your newly-acquired skills properly and productively,” Cagas urged the graduates. Cagas further encouraged the graduates to enhance their skills by taking voluntary works in their communities in preparation for employment either abroad or in the locality, or before pursuing their own business. Of the new certificate holders in Matanao, 52 finished the Automotive course and 51 completed SMAW. Some 35 certificate holders graduated

from the electrical course and 23 from plumbing, while the tile setting

and carpentry courses have respectively produced 14 and

6 graduates. Impas said that

the first batch of graduates of

the mobile

training van had 334 from Kiblawan town in 2010. The 2nd and third batches came from Malalag in 2011, producing about 600 graduates of same technical courses. The next stop of the mobile training van would be in Magsaysay town, after the provincial PESO has completed an inventory of the van facility.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino urges continued vigilance and concern in norturing the fruits of People Power Revolution

President Benigno S. Aquino III said that the people’s peaceful revolt for the sake of the nation as shown to the world two decades ago in the Edsa People Power Revolution must not falter as he urged the generation of today to take their part

in battling the modern day challenges to free the country from poverty, hunger, lack of economic opportunities and injustice.

In his speech during the 26th anniversary celebration at the People Power Monument, White Plains Edsa, Saturday, President Aquino stressed the need to nurture the fruits reaped from the peaceful revolution of the

Filipino people 26 years ago to topple down a dictator.

“Ang rebolusyon sa Edsa ang nagsilbing lunsaran sa kung saan natin gustong tumungo bilang isang b a y a n , a t

hanggang sa kasalukuyan hindi pa rin tapos ang rebolusyong ito… kalayaan mula sa gutom, kalayaan mula sa kahirapan, kalayaan sa walang pagkakataong umasenso… kalayaan mula sa kawalan ng katarungan, ito ang ipinaglalaban natin

10 Saturday, February 25, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ngayon,” the President said.

“Maliwanag po na ang himala sa Edsa ay mapupunta sa wala kung hindi natin ito pagyayamanin at paka-iingatan,” he added.

The President underscored the need for the people’s continued vigilance and concern for the country and fellow Filipinos.

“Kung hindi ka kikilos, sino pa? Kung hindi ngayon, kalian pa? Kumilos na tayo ngayon bago pa mahuli ang lahat, kumilos na tayo ngayon upang mapabilis natin ang pag-iwan sa dilim ng nakalipas… kumilos na tayo ngayon upang sa lalong madaling panahon, matanglawan ang ating lahi ng mas maliwanag na bukas,” the President noted.

“Kung gusto mong manatili ang lumang sistema sige, magbingi-bingihan ka, magbulag-bulagan ka, huwag kang magsalita, huwag kang makilahok… pero kung sang-ayon kang may mali sa dinatnan nating sistema at kailangan itong ituwid… tara na! pumalag tayo, makilahok tayo, itama natin ito,” he said.

The Chief Executive

added that everyone is obliged to take care of the democracy that has been won through the efforts of those who rallied in Edsa that ended the decades-long of oppression.

“Obligasyon natin alagaan ang ginintuang butil ng demokrasya na ipinunla ng milyon-milyong Pilipinong nag-martsa sa Edsa… hindi ito lalago kung ito ay binabale-wala, hindi ito uusbong kung wala ditong nag-aaruga… sakripisyo, katapatan at dedikasyon, ito ang idilig natin upang yumabong ang diwa ng demokrasya… pagkakaisa, malasakit at pagmamahal sa bansa, ito ang ibuhos natin upang maging mabunga ang pamana ng Edsa… panahon na natin ito, Edsa natin ito, tara na mga Pilipino,” President Aquino said.

Also present during the celebration were Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, former president Fidel V. Ramos, former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Vicente Sotto III, Senator G r e g o r i o Honasan,

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Others present were members of the cabinet led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and the Commissioners and members of the Edsa People Power Commission, among others.

Upon his arrival, the President was accorded full military honors and welcomed by Vice President Binay, Senate President Enrile and Speaker Belmonte.

A pledge was written in a commitment wall by the members of the


President Aquino says ‘fight for change is everyone’s responsibility’

President Benigno S. Aquino III reminded Filipinos Saturday that the fight for reform doesn’t rely solely on the ideals championed by his parents, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, but

also for all citizens.The President led

Saturday the wreath-laying ceremony for his parents at the Rizal Park following the events at the Edsa People Power monument as part of the celebration for the 26th

anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

“Tandaan na lamang po natin: ang trabaho sa

pagkamit ng pagbabago ay trabaho ng bawat Pilipino—hindi lamang po ni Ninoy at ni Cory Aquino. Ngayong ganap na tayong malaya, ngayong natatanglawan na tayo ng liwanag ng demokrasya,

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) chaired by Mindoro Oriental Governor Aurelio “Boy” Umali, the business sector, religious sector and the civic sector.

The President also witnessed an actual

“Salubungan” rite involving the military, non-government organizations, and groups representative of the religious, business, youth, government and basic sectors.

Anchored on this year’s theme: “Ano ang iyong

Taya Para sa Pilipinas Natin?” the Filipino nation celebrates the 26th year of the bloodless and peaceful revolt known as the Edsa People Power Revolution, which catapulted a dictator from several years of control and power. (JCL)


samantalahin na po natin ito: muli nating pag-alaban ang diwa ng EDSA at ipamalas ang bayanihan, tungo sa isang mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” the President said in his speech during the event.

The President also said that even after 26 years, after the Edsa people power revolt, the fight for change and reform doesn’t stop and must continue.

For instance, he noted the past decade as one marred by corruption and abuses that his administration is trying to correct. Under his good and honest leadership, the chief executive said he

believes the country could become a nation free of corruption and poverty.

He particularly mentioned his administration’s thrust in reforming the country’s justice system, in which he said could be achieved with the help of the people. The country’s chief justice is currently facing impeachment proceedings at the Senate.

“Buo po ang loob ko na kaya nating mapagtagumpayan ang labang ito, na kaya nating makamit ang inaasam nating pagbabago. Anuman p o n g b i g a t a n g

pasanin natin sa ating balikat, hindi po tayo titiklop o magpapatinag,” he said.

“Hangga’t may ngiti tayong naihahatid kay Juan dela Cruz, hindi po tayo mauubusan ng dahilan upang suklian din ng ngiti ang ating paglilingkod sa bayan.”

The President led Saturday the 26th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power starting with a flag-raising ceremony at Edsa People Power monument that was followed by a wreath-laying event at the Rizal Park in Manila. (AS)


Gold remains Davao region’s top export commodity by Mai Gevera Macapagat

Gold is now on the fifth spot as a major export commodity in Davao re-gion as it gained three

percent growth from negative 8.7 in 2008. Data from the Mines and Geo-science Bureau XI also showed that Region XI produced 836,450 kilos of gold in 2011 with an equivalent value of P1.8 billion. This production was reported by large-scale mining companies such as Apex Mining Co. and JB Management. MGB XI regional director Edilberto L. Arreza expects more than this volume from small-scale mining companies as the Bangko Sentral said only 20 percent of the mineral production came from large scale mining. Bulk of the production come from the small mining companies.

Compostela Valley Board Member Augusto Blanco Jr. admitted so much economic benefits have caused the province from an active mining sector. “ Most of the mineral-rich municipalities in the province were categorized fourth or fifth class towns. However, with the active mining activities that


trading in this communities, they are now elevated to first class municipalities.”, said Blanco. MGB XI data showed that Compostela Valley Province generated more than P40 million from excise tax last year and more than P2 million from extraction fee in the same period. It was also last year that mineral-rich provinces like Compostela Valley enjoyed not just in the increase of volume on gold extraction but also on the equivalent value which is caused by the significant increase on the value of gold in the world market. The National Economic Development Authority XI also

reported 36,000 Filipinos have been employed in the said industry since 2009. NEDA XI assistant regional director Bonifacio Uy said this number comes from both those employed in large scale and small scale mining companies. NEDA XI, having identified the mining sector a crucial and important driver for growth in the region is currently implementing the Mining Industry Cluster Action Plan 2011-2013 as adopted by the Regional Development Council XI. The action plan contains the promotion of responsible mining, strengthening of the cluster team, and the holding of a mining summit.

did you know...

That the earliest recorded climbing expedition to the country’s highest peak, the Mt. Apo was made in 1852 led by Don Jose Oyanguren. Another trek was made in 1870 with a captain, 30 soldiers and guides. The early climbs were unsuccessful because of hardships faced.

The first succesful climb was made in 1880 led by Don Joaquin Rajal, Politi-co-Military District Governor of Davao.


So. Cotabato implements P13-M infra projects By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- More than P13-milllion worth of infrastructure projects were implemented this month by the local govern-ment unit of South Cotabato, the Barangay Affairs Unit here announced.

Barangay Affairs Unit chief Joel Dimput said in an interview that implementation of these infrastructure projects including roads, multipurpose gymnasiums, and improvements in Lake Sebu zipline site began on February 6.

Gov. Arhur Y. Pingoy wanted these projects to be completed immediately for the benefit of residents of South Cotabato, he added.

Based on a list of projects presented at a pre-construction meeting early this month, road projects

include rehabilitation of National Highway Silway 8-Klinan 8-Upper Klinan Road provincial road in Polomolok town that costs P2.9 million and upgrading of

Rang-ay – Lamba road section in Banga town that costs P1.2 M.

Multipurpose and mini gymnasiums are also being constructed in Barangay Simbo, Tu p i ; B a r a n g a y


Veterans, Surallah; and Barangay Malaya, Banga.

Other projects include P3.9 million electrification and energy structures and repairs of the Paywing Building of the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital and installation of a spur-dike in protection in Barangay Naci, Surallah that costs P2.1 M.

Dimput added that facilities of the zipline site in Lake are also being upgraded for the convenience of tourists; comforts rooms at the main

entrance and falls #2 landing are now being repaired.

Funds for these infrastructure project were appropriated out of local funds.

Besides, these i n f r a s t r u c t u r e projects the provincial government is also fast-tracking construction of classroom buildings in at least 44 priority barangays, some of these have been completed last year.

Dimput said Gov. Pingoy has directed the Provincial Engineering Office and the Barangay Affairs Unit to conduct on-site

inspection not only to ascertain the actual c lassroom-bui ld ing deficiency in the remaining barangays but also to determine site improvement components needed for the projects.

South Cotabato government is also set to implement in a few weeks a P5-million road project that would upgrade the San Vicente – Malaya road in Banga town being funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Anti-Terrorism Assistance team visits PNP 12by CT Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY-- A dialogue to strengthen partnership on anti-terrorism initiatives has been forged here between the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 and the representatives of U.S. Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Program last week.

The dialogue formed part of the briefing assessment of the ATAP courses that it extends to the country.

PSSupt. Robert Kiunisala, who is himself

an ATAP recipient, led other police officials in welcoming the ATA officials headed by program manager Scott Schonauer.

Kiunisala said most

of the ATA program recipients were developing nations “lacking in human and other resources needed to maintain an effective anti-terrorism program


and infrastructure.”The program is

implemented in six countries, namely: Afghanistan, Colombia, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines.

Protecting national borders; Protecting critical infrastructure; Protecting national leadership; Responding to and resolving terrorist incidents; and Managing critical terrorists incidents having national-level implication are some of the ATA trainings being undertaken to address deficiencies in its recipient countries.

The Police Regional Office-Regional Public Information Office (PRO-RPIO) here said ATA program focused on training “civilian security and law enforcement personnel” in police procedures that deal with terrorism.

The training includes bomb detection, crime scene investigation, airport and building security, maritime protections, and VIP protection.

“I am hoping that through this assessment, we can find more venues to

work together for the attainment of a genuine peace and order not only here in the Philippines but in the entire world,” Kiunisala, representing regional director PCSupt. Benjardi Mantele told the ATA team.

He said with the technology advancement nowadays, it is easy to work closely “with our foreign counterpart so as to be able to effectively thwart the activities of terrorist groups that aim to sow fear and panic among our people.”

For his part, Schonauer expressed the hope that “U.S. and the Philippines will continue their harmonious relationship and be one in its goal to have a peaceful world.”

“The ATAP will never cease to continue enriching, enhancing and upgrading the skills of the law enforcers. I do hope that the new technologies that we gave will surely be used in case of any potential attack of rogue elements. Likewise, it will also improve your knowledge and as well as your critical skills in identifying and disposal of bombs, for it will bring great impact to your duties and responsibilities in saving people’s lives,” the Police Regional Information Office quoted Schonauer as saying. (CT Apelacio/With reports from PRO-RPIO 12/PIA General Santos City)


Hataman muling pinaalahanan ang mga opisyal at kawani ng DOTC-ARMMCOTABATO CITY-- Pagpapairal ng reporma- ito ang malinaw na mensahe ipinarating ni ARMM-OIC governor Mujiv Hataman sa mga opisyal at kawani ng Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) kabilang ang mga attached agency ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) at Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) sa autonomous region.

Ang mensaheng ito ay ibinahagi ni Hataman sa isinagawang “kanduli” o pagdiriwang ng pagkakaisa bilang hudyat sa pagtatapos ng sigalot ng dalawang grupo na nag-aagawan ng pamumuno na nagresulta sa magulong operasyon ng ahensiya sa loob ng ilang panahon.

Ayon kay Hataman kanyang itinalaga si Pama Dimapanat, Director III na siyang mamuno sa DOTC-ARMM alinsunod sa desisyon na ipinalabas ng Civil Service Commission bilang hakbang upang matapos ang agawan ng posisyon at maibalik sa normal ang operasyon sa nasabing ahensiya.

“Pinili kong italaga

si Director Dimapanat alinsunod sa ruling ng Civil Service Commission upang matapos na ang problema na idinulot ng nakalipas na liderato at nagresulta sa suspension ng operation ng DOTC-ARMM sa nakalipas na mga buwan. Inaasahan ko ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, pagwawaksi ng paksiyon-paksiyon, tigilan ang pagsisiraan at regular na pagpasok sa trabaho,” pahayag ni Hataman.

Hinikayat ni Hataman ang mga opisyal at kawani ng ahenisya na suportahan at sumunod sa mga repormang at pagbabagong isinusulong ng pamahalaan tungo sa maayos at epektibong

paghahatid serbisyo sa taumbayan sabay babala hindi siyang mangingiming kasuhan ang mga tiwaling kawani ng ARMM at tanggalin sa trabaho ang mga mapatunayang nagkasala.

Kaugnay dito iniutos ni Hataman ang pansamantala suspensiyon sa deployment sa mga lansangan ng mga operatiba ng LTO at LTFRB habang isinaayos ang normal na operasyon ng DOTC-ARMM sabay panawagan ng tulong mula sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng pag-report ng mga tiwali at nangongotong na tauhan ng autonomous region. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)


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UNICEF, PIA conducts survey on iodized saltBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY - The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will conduct surveys in selected barangays in the region about the knowledge and utilization of iodized salt among households on February 25 to 26.


The study aims to identify what is the present knowledge of the people towards iodized salt and the practice on the usage of iodized salt among household wives aged 18-65 years old in randomly selected barangays, through a survey method. Moreover, to ascertain the supply, demand and policy situation on iodized salt in the focus areas, the research will include law enforcement agencies, local health workers, salt manufacturers, producers, traders and distributors. A focus group discussion will also be conducted on February 27 at Anastacia Pensionne, this city. The result of this study shall also be

used as basis for the development plan for the promotion of the utilization of iodized salt. In Region IX, areas to be surveyed are; Barangays Minaog and Sicayab in Dipolog City; Poblacion, Manukan and Siparok, Jose Dalman in Zamboanga del Norte. Barangay Veteran’s Village in Ipil and Guling, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay. In Zamboanga del Sur - Barangay Kalingayan in Dumalinao; Lower Pulacan in Labangan; Paradise in Ramon Magsaysay; Sagrada Familia in Tambulig and Barangays Danlugan, San Pedro and Lumbia in Pagadian City. (JPA/CAL-PIA Zamboanga del Sur)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Zamboanga City will be bustling with activities this week, as it braces for a full blast celebration of the 75th Dia de Zamboanga on Sunday, February 26.

Residents gear for ‘75th Dia de Zambo’ feteBy Sheila Covarrubias


Considered a significant milestone in the city’s political history, Dia de Zamboanga marks the day when the newly-appointed officials of the city headed by Mayor Nicasio Valderroza took their oath following the declaration of Zamboanga as a chartered city on October 12, 1937. Highlighting event this year will be the 2012 Zamboanga International Film Festival, the free screening of national and international independent films at the Mindpro Cinema 1 and 3 from February 25-27. Organized jointly by the Film

Development Council of the P h i l i p p i n e s (FDCP) and the City Government, the Zamboanga International Film Festival is in line with the FDCP’s thrust to revitalize the film industry through its program


“Sineng Pambansa”. Last year, the film festival showcased the screening of 10 independent Filipino films. Red Carpet night will be today, February 25 at 7pm at the National Museum Courtyard while the Recognition Night will be on Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 pm at the Lantaka Hotel. An added feature will be the first ever Zamboanga short film competition. A workshop on “Indie Film making in one day” will also be held from 8am to 5pm on Feb. 27 at the Western Mindanao State University. The highlighting events for the 75th Dia de Zamboanga are jointly organized by the City Government and private groups. The city government-sponsored events include the Open-Cheer Dance Competition-Year 10 on Feb. 22 at 1pm at the City Coliseum, the Zamboanga Food Festival from Feb. 23-24 from 5pm onwards at the Plaza del Pilar, the Dia de Zamboanga Job Fair on Feb. 24 from 8am to 5pm at the Plaza del Pilar and the 10th Achievers’ Night on Feb. 24 at 7pm at the Garden Orchid Convention Center. Spanish Ambassador Jorge Domecq is expected to be the City’s guest of honor and speaker during the Dia de Zamboanga Program on Sunday, Feb. 26. The activity will kick off with the drum and lyre competition and the parade at 1pm from the City Hall premises to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex and the Competicion de Selyo and commemorative program at 3pm also at the grandstand. In the evening, the Art Exhibit, featuring masterpieces of the local

artists will be held at the Garden Orchid Hotel lobby. The private-sponsored events include the Vamos a Zamboanga Photo Exhibit which reeled off on Feb. 20 to 29 at the Lantaka Hotel Hallway; Food demonstration dubbed Gulucinas de Zamboanga which forms part of the National Arts Month 2012 at the WMSU-College of Home Economics Building on Feb. 21; Rotary International 107th Anniversary from Feb. 23-29; Luz del Salud na Barangay (Search for Outstanding Barangay Health Worker) at 12noon on Feb. 23 at Lantaka Hotel; Search for Mr. Zamboanga 2012 on Feb. 23 at 8pm at the Astoria Plaza; Arts Camp from Feb. 24-26 at the WMSU grounds; Dia de Zamboanga 15th Celso L. Lobregat Cup Open Dart Tournament from Feb. 24-25 from 6pm onwards at the Ram’s Garden and Restaurant, Gov. Camins; Cong. Erbie Fabian Cup Five Men/ Ladies Bowling Tournament from Feb. 24-26 from 6pm onwards at the Tebi and Sean Bowling Center in Gov. Camins; ROTA-run on Feb. 25 at 6am in Pasonanca; Rotary Global Swimarathon on Feb. 25 from 8-9pm at the JFE Sports Complex; Regahan Musica on Feb. 27 at 7pm at the Paseo del Mar and the National Arts Month Cultural Show/ Dance competition and Chabacano choral competition awarding ceremony on Feb. 29 at 3pm at the WMSU gymnasium. All city government sponsored activities are organized by the City Tourism division under the office of the mayor. (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA -ZBST )


DepED-Zambo. Norte holds planning workshop for school headsBy Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY - To get the public elementary and secondary schools in the province ready for the next school year, the provincial schools division headed by Dr. Elsa Refugio-Cruz is now in the process of conducting a series of planning workshops for school heads to come up their respective school improvement plans (SIPs).

All elementary and secondary school heads are required to submit their SIPs which will present their needs vis-à-vis the measures to address them. It was learned that the common problems confronting the public schools in the province are the lack of teachers, dilapidated school buildings and laboratory facilities especially in newly-opened high schools. Secondary school heads complained that teacher items for high school teachers are not enough. A number of high school teachers are “job order” employees of the provincial government, each receiving a monthly pay P4,000.00 only. “Many of them are already five to 10 years in service,” said a school head.

The secondary school heads also disclosed that many of their teachers are teaching subjects not their major or specialization. Teachers majoring English, Filipino or Social Studies have been forced to teach mathematics, chemistry or physics for lack of graduates from these fields. To them, this hampers quality education. In a related development, the provincial schools division is now preparing for the national achievement tests for Grade 3, Grade 6 and fourth year high school students on March 2, 8 and 9, respectively. All grade 1 and 2 teachers shall also undergo English proficiency test on March 26. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)


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Forum on environmental protection, sustainable dev’t set in Butuanby Jennifer P. Gaitano

To continuously protect the environment here, Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), Save Taguibo Watershed Network (STWN) and People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR) Caraga, in coordination with ABS-CBN Foundation

and the Save Palawan Movement (SPM) will be holding a forum on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development.


It will be on February 29, 2012, 9:00 a.m. at the FSUU Archbishop Morelos Campus Gym, Libertad, this city. Gina Lopez, managing director of the ABS-CBN Foundation and SPM lead convenor is the guest speaker on the said forum. The activity is in support to the Philippine Millennium Development Goal No. 7 on ensuring environmental sustainability. Rev. Fr. John Christian U. Young, FSUU president, said the aftermath of tropical storm Sendong and other extreme weather events in

our country have highlighted the urgent need to take care of our environment. “Our region has not been spared from environmental and health hazards due to logging and mining activities… Environmental protection and sustainable development is not just a concern reserved to our policy makers and public officials. Our students, who will be greatly affected by the deteriorating environmental condition, need to be part of the discourse on environmental protection and sustainable development,” said Young.

Also, Fr. Young encouraged the public to support and participate in activities like this to gain more knowledge and could contribute on the development of our environment. For more information on said activity, you may contact the forum secretariat c/o Dr. Mary Grace M. Brongcano, FSUU Community Extension Services (CES) Director at cellphone number: 09088847154 or call CES Office No. (085) 342-1830 (local) 1908.

BUTUAN CITY-- Paz y Desarrollo (PyD), a Spanish International Non-Government Organization is scheduled to brief stakeholders in Caraga Region for the continuation of its program implementation this year in the region.

PyD to brief stakeholders in Caraga Region by Robert E. Roperos


In a statement, Noelia Monge Vega, PyD country representative to the Philippines said the briefing cum-workshop will be conducted on March 7, 2012 at the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) here. Vega said the activity aims to promote accountability and transparency, and disclose levels of program actions and expected results; provide government partners with program directions especially for the period March – December 2012; and draw out points of partnership. Created in 1991, PyD works toward the improvement of the living conditions of the communities in the most vulnerable countries through international cooperation. PyD is currently working in more than 16 countries spanning 3 continents, PyD aims at fostering economic and social changes

through four main strategies: 1) Civil Society Empowerment; 2) Institutional Strengthening; 3) Development of Productive Sectors; and 4) Enhancing Gender Equity and Equality. In the Philippines, PyD started in 2008 with the project “Strengthening the Productive Sector in the Rural Areas & Improving Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Regions of Bicol (V) and Caraga (XIII)” (Convenio AECID 07-C01-034 FILIPINAS) covering the provinces of Albay in Bicol Region; and Agusan del Sur and del Norte; and Surigao del Sur and del Norte in Caraga. To date, PyD with the Partners is implementing the 4-year program dubbed “Regional Program to Promote Gender Equality in Political Participation in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, East Timor and Vietnam” (Convenio AECID Code 10-CO1-029).

Both the programs contribute to the Spanish Agency’s (AECID) overall development framework of democratic governance, citizens’ participation and institutional development, coverage of social needs and the promotion of economic and business network. With the second project, PyD has been involved in partnership with PILIPINA (Ang Kilusan ng Kababaihang Pilpino), Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (WAGÎ), academe and government institutions in Agusan del Norte and Lanao del Sur with the women participation in political governance activities for the last 2 quarters of 2011. These activities form part of PyD’s commitment to contribute in the realization of women’s political and civil rights by supporting initiatives that promote good governance and democracy based on gender-equitable political participation.


by Greg Tataro, Jr.

Surigao Sur Gov mulls idea of PAG-IBIG housing project for Capitol employees

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel said he is considering the idea of availing the PAG-IBIG housing project for Capitol employees here.

Pimentel told Capitol employees during Monday’s flag ceremony program recently that he already talked to Vice-President Jejomar Binay about the matter. Binay is the chair of the Housing and

Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). He stressed in case the province gets additional revenue, his office is going to look for a five-hectare lot to comply with the basic

requirement for PAG-IBIG to fund the project for the developer. Pimentel said, he is aware that there are still a lot of Capitol employees who do not have a house of their own.


Camiguin governor raises watch on tree-cutting activitiesby Jorie C. Valcorza Camiguin Governor

Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo

expressed apprehension on the excessive cutting of trees in the island, especially on coconut trees and directs the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to look into it.

“When you fly via chopper, green areas can be seen to cover most of the island’s sections, but tree cutting activities are also quite as visible. I want the PCA to tone down these activities and tighten the issuance of permits by scrutinizing and verifying the applications submitted to their office,” the governor noted in one of his talk during Monday’s convocation. Romualdo has ordered strict monitoring of these activities, even

on Sunday’s when they are least expected, the team are positioned and has surprised many operators. Governor Romulado likewise called on the cooperation of the public to report any observe cutting on their areas that the authorities may directly verify its operation. International weather reports cited that Philippines ranked fourth among countries that will likely be hit by strong typhoons this year.


Iligan ecological rehab startsby Melvin T. Anggot

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Different offices and groups in Iligan City were united in the planting of mangroves, bamboo, mahogany, talisay, and fruit trees starting early morning, Feb. 15 in the river and interior part of Bayug Island.

This is part of the project called the iconological and agricultural rehabilitation program in places severely affected by the calamity in Iligan aimed to replace trees washed away by flood waters and provide protection to the river side. It was learned from city agriculturist Octavius Molo that 1,000 tree seedlings were initially planted yesterday in the ceremonial planting. The tree planting involved personnel from the offices of

Congressman Vicente “Varf’ Belmonte, Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz, Vice Mayor Henry Dy, City Councilor Pisyong Larrazabal, who is Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of the city council, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, City Environment Management Office, Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and students of sustainable development studies of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology. This is also supported by the council of Barangay Hinaplanon. (CIO)


MisOcc LGU to allocate P30-M for rehab of flood-control dike in Tudela and Clarinby Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The provincial government has allocated P30 million for the planned rehabilitation of the flood-control dike in the municipalities of Tudela and Clarin that was damaged by the flashfloods last Feb. 10.

“The money will be used to make the project withstand, during the occurrence of heavy rains resulting in flashfloods,” Governor Herminia Ramiro said. Ramiro also planned to meet with the officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the province for the needed repair of the collapsed flood control dike.

The incident damaged not only a good number of houses, but also the agriculture and infrastructure in both municipalities. Ramiro wanted an immediate action to protect the residents of Barangay Pan-ay Daku and Dolores and hopes NIA can provide a solution to the problem. (PIO)

Photo Credits: http://www.skyscrapercity.com

one mindanao - february 25, 2012

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