one mindanao - february 7, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern Mindanao

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Today’s issue... Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 177

2013 Budget Process Starts in February

PAGCOR, DepEd to strengthen sports dev’t in elementary division

ISAWAD opens 1st “Botika Para sa Taumbayan” in ZamPen

U.S. Embassy Manila launches Sakay Na! Jeepney Photo Challenge

35,622 DavNor voters still w/out biometrics validation-Comelec

Ian G. Miculob, Caraga Region

Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Rene V. Carbayas, Western Mindanao

12

17Student, coach win Philhealth fun run in Koronadal City20

6.9 magnitude quake felt in over 40 areas of the country

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Aquino says, no day off for him on his birthday 9

DSWD’s “TATSULO” convergence program set to benefit thousands in Northern Mindanao13

DENR-ARMM to embark on massive tree production

Perlita Changco, Central Mindanao

7

10

15

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

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

Layout Artists ……………... Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARD

Cover Story

Siocon lass wins Regional STEP

competition

Gideon C. CorgueWestern Mindanao

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 177

2013 Budget Process Starts in February


ISAWAD opens 1st “Botika Para sa Taumbayan” in ZamPen


Northern Mindanao

35,622 DavNor voters still w/out biometrics validation-Comelec

Jeanevive Abangan, Southern Mindanao

2426

30

page 4

Student, coach win Philhealth fun run in Koronadal City

Central Mindanao

6.9 magnitude quake felt in over 40 areas of the country 32

Aquino says, no day off for him on his birthday

DSWD’s “TATSULO” convergence program set to benefit thousands in Northern Mindanao

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

DENR-ARMM to embark on massive tree production 22

18

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4 Tuesday, February 7, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StorySiocon lass wins Regional STEP competition

Kung unsa man ang mga butang nga akong gitan-aw nga dili nako makaya , akong gipaningkamutan nga mahimo. Ug kung

asa ang butang nga akong gilisdan, ako kining tun-an ug paningkamutan nga masulbad. (whatever difficult things that I think I cannot achieve, I make every effort to succeed. And those things that I find hard to do, I will study and decipher it).

by Gideon C. Corgue

5 Tuesday, February 7, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Thus declared the 15-year old Zoe Mnemosyne Ferrer, the 2012 regional champion of the Golden Wedding Cake Decoration Contest in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) IX during the recent Regional Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines (STEP) skills development competition at Teacher’s Center, barangay Dao, here. Zoe, a senior high school student of Siocon National High School, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte is the eldest and timid daughter of the three (3) siblings of Noreinete Alta, a school nurse and Mayvelyn, a home economics teacher of the said institution, who are both experts in baking cakes. Zoe, who was among the four (4) provincial skillful contestants, with much confidence displayed her rare and matchless talent in cake decoration over contenders in a 4-hour challenge, unanimously captured the judges’ hearts. Dako kaayo nako nga dungog ang

pagkaangkon ning maong award. Dili lang ni akoa, kung dili dungog usab kini sa eskwelahan nga akong girepresentahan ug ingon man sa akong mga ginikanan nga nagsuporta kanunay kanako (It is a big honor to receive this award. This is not only for me, but also for the school that I represent, and for my parents who have been very supportive), Zoe proudly said. Zoe recounted that when she was 9 year old, she perceived her potential in cake making saying that by the time her parents prepared a cake, she used to observe and subsequently played with the left- overs. It was in her freshman year in 2009, when she joined the first cake decoration contest organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), Regional Office IX in Kabasalan National High School (KBNHS), Zamboanga Sibugay where she ranked second; In 2010, her second attempt was in Pagadian City Pilot School, San Jose District where she bagged the second prize; In 2011, on her third attempt again


in KBNHS where she finally capped the first prize. As a regional contestant, Zoe participated during the national level competition held in Baguio City where she landed 5th from among the 16 contestants from all over the Philippines. “ I did not expect that I will be chosen in the top 5 because the competition was very stiff. It was already a great honor for me to join the national level competition, never expecting to win , “ Zoe said in Filipino. With her second attempt in the national finals this month, Zoe hopes to cap the top prize by reading magazines, learning difficult strokes, and listening to advices from her parents and friends. “Zoe is truly a blessing to us,” said her father, Norie who is both her escort and coach in every competition. “She is likened to me,” Norie proudly said adding that Zoe “learned my skills” in cake decoration. In every competition, Norie said ‘‘I taught her difficult strokes to impress and overwhelm the judges. Applying complicated strokes in the contest certainly became her competitive edge against other contenders,” Norie added. Zoe is now busy preparing for the national competition this month.

The beautiful lass, a consistent second honor student, aspires to take up medicine when she graduates from high school. Asked why she prefers to take up medicine, when in fact, her passion is cake decoration, Zoe said it is her dream to be a medical doctor someday. “My favorite subject is Science and with that I have every good reason to take up the said course, she concluded.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino goverment attends to needs of earthquake victims in Visayas region

Malacañang assured that the Aquino government is exerting all out efforts to attend to the needs of the victims in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that jolted several provinces in the Visayas region on Monday as it

echoed President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call to the people to stay calm and cooperate with the concerned authorities in their respective area.

In a statement he read during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that various government agencies were already

directed by the President to

perform their duties and services to the people.

“The President is deeply concerned about our countrymen in the affected areas. He is focused on ensuring that services resume at the soonest possible time. He appeals to everyone to remain calm and to cooperate with the

authorities as they work to bring these areas back to normaly,” Valte said.

“President Aquino has already ordered concerned agencies to activate their response teams to aid the victims. The Department of Social Welfare and


Development (DSWD) have placed their quick response teams on standby ready for deployment, and have at least 2,000 family packs ready for augmentation. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) units have initiated evacuation efforts, search and rescue operations; and helped in relief operations, alongside the assets of the Philippine Navy (PN),” she said adding that “together with the affected local government units (LGUs), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been conducting Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) in the affected areas, as instructed by the President”.

Valte further said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been conducting clearing

and re-routing operations

i n

roads and bridges rendered impassable.

R e h a b i l i t a t i o n efforts, she added, are also underway for infrastructure that has been substantially damaged apart from the continuous work being done by the Department of Energy (DoE) to restore power in the affected areas.

Valte likewise said the continued monitoring efforts of the NDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) on the situation in the areas of concern to make sure that advisories and bulletins will be disseminated properly and on time.

“The NDRRMC, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the DOST-PHIVOLCS and their corresponding regional offices will

continue to monitor the situation and disseminate advisories and bulletins to the public, particularly to coastal communities in Negros Oriental and Cebu that need to be watchful of sea level changes due to aftershocks,” Valte said.

As of 12:30, Tuesday morning, the NDRRMC has already accounted 15 fatalities, 52 injured, and 29 missing individuals following the destructive natural calamity.

Recent reports bared the powerful quake hit a narrow strait between the provinces of Cebu and Negros which caused damage to buildings and other infrastructure and brought down the power supply in the area.

The Philippines is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a belt around the Pacific Ocean where friction between shifting tectonic plates that usually causes frequent occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activities. (JCL)


President Benigno S. Aquino III intends to keep himself busy with various works when he celebrates his 52nd birthday on Wednesday, February 8.

Aquino says, no day off for him on his birthday

“It’s the same day for me. On Wednesday I intend to work fully. I intend to spend the evening studying other matters that need my attention,” President Aquino said in an ambush interview following his attendance of the 110th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Bureau

of Customs (BoC) at the BoC Social

Hall, Port Area

in Manila on Monday.Aquino is expected to

celebrate his birthday with a thanksgiving mass offered by his family, friends and co-workers in government in Malacanang.

“Kung may mga magdadasal para sa akin eh ‘di thank you. Kung may babatikos sa akin, ganoon talaga…. Wala namang day off sa birthday, thank you,” the Chief Executive said.

President Aquino has no particular wish for his birthday. “Alam n’yo, ang chief public servant… ‘yung wishes mo hindi masyadong importante, lalo na on a personal basis,” he said.

“Pero kung tahimik ‘yung araw na ‘yon, baka mababawasan ang ipapasang concern sa atin, eh di thank you. Pero kung hindi, ready naman tayo,” he said. (JS)


PNP, PADPAO forge partnership on force multipliers by Elaine O. Ratunil

The Philippine National

Police (PNP) in Northern Mindanao has established an innovation in advancing the capabilities of law enforcement in fighting criminality by

utilizing and mobilizing the strong private security guards in the region as police deputies in maintaining peace and order.

Hence, Police Regional Office(PRO)-10, headed by Police Chief Superintendent Jufel C. Adriatico, inked up a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Deputization of Private Security Personnel as Force Multipliers of the PNP, today, with the Philippine

Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators, Inc. (PADPAO) in Northern Mindanao, represented by its president, Nicolas S. Raagas, to tap the security guards as partners in law enforcement. PNP Chief Police Director General


Nicanor A. Bartolome, on the other hand, cited security guards play an important role in securing safety and an effective tool for the PNP to ensure the community is safe. PDR Bartolome said security guards may initiate arrest through citizen arrest. Among others, the terms of reference in the MOA stipulate that during duty, deputized security guards within the bounds of the property or compound with whom they are detailed may affect arrest when in his presence the person to be arrested has committed, is actually committing, or attempting to commit a crime. They can also arrest a person when a crime has just been committed and he has probable cause to believe based on personal knowledge of facts and circumstances that the person to be arrested has committed the

crime. A deputized private security guard can also arrest a person if the person is a prisoner who has escaped from a penal establishment or place where the latter is serving finaljudgment or temporarily confinedwhile his case is pending. That in case of arrest as allowed under the rule of court, private security guards should turnover the arrested person to the police authorities including all evidence gathered. Further, part of the terms of reference is for private security guards to report immediately to the nearest police station any information or incident of kidnapping, bomb explosion, carnapping, bank robbery or any threat to the peace and order o the community. Meanwhile, PCSupt. Adriatico said at the onset of typhoon Sendong


a number of security guards were mindful of the safety of the residents and have helped in saving the lives of those people affected. For his part, Raagas assured the steadfast commitment of PADPAO in the pursuit of protecting the community regardless of the costs. Under the law, Republic Act (RA) 5487, private security guards are

placed under the general supervision of the police. The concept of utilizing blue guards for PNP’s peace and order drive is related to the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary that the Armed Forces has organized, trained and deployed to compensate for the augmentation that government troops needed in its anti-insurgency campaign.


The U.S. Embassy in Manila invites everyone to take part in its photo contest, the Sakay Na! Jeepney Photo Challenge.

Interested are required to submit their best original photos featuring Philippine Jeepneys to compete for a chance to win prizes. “We see the Jeepney as a symbol of U.S.-Philippine friendship,” said U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer RobinDiallo. He said the earliest Jeepneys were constructed from jeeps brought to the Philippines by the United States during World War II, but since that time, they have evolved in beautiful and creative ways. Further, jeepneys express the unique culture of the various regions of the Philippines, as they differ in style and design from place to place.

Given the historical connection of the Jeepney to the United States, the U.S. Embassy is launching the Sakay Na! photo contest to celebrate this unique and colorful cultural icon. Winning submissions will receive


DSWD’s “TATSULO” convergence program set to benefit thousands in Northern Mindanaoby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 63,998 households in Northern Mindanao are set to benefit from the “TATSULO” convergence program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this year.

Under the Strategy on the Convergence of the DSWD Core Social Protection Programs, these beneficiariesunderSet1and2ofthePantawid Pamilya will come from 608 barangaysof 27municipalities/citiescovered by the program, from the region’s four (4) provinces with the following breakdown: Bukidnon, one (1), Lanao del Norte, 15, Misamis Occidental, nine (9)andMisamisOriental,two(2). This, as DSWD has developed a convergence framework that aims to maximize the impact of poverty reduction program through an effective targeting system and

a holistic community development approach. Known as the “Tatsulo” or the “Tatlong Sulo,” (3 torches), the convergence consists of the three (3) key programs of DSWD, namely: Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K). Thus, the Regional Development Council, region 10 (RDC-X), during its full council meeting, here, recently, has enjoined the support from the

a Kodak Pocket Camcorder and an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to a special event. In addition, the winning photographs will be part of a special exhibit at the U.S. Embassy. To enter the contest, visit the U.S. Embassy Manila Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/manila.usembassy, click on the “Sakay Na! Jeepney Photo Challenge” link, and follow the instructions.

The contest is open to anyone residing in the Philippines who is at least 13 years of age. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 19 and the public is invited to vote via Facebook for the top three (3) entries during the voting period from February20toFebruary25. “Join us in celebrating the Jeepney, and send us your photos from around the Philippines!” said Diallo. (US Embassy)


various government agencies, non-government/public organizations(NGO/PO’s), civil society and localgovernment units (LGU’s), to ensure efficientandeffectiveimplementationand monitoring of the TATSULO. Meanwhile, thefirst componentof the TATSULO aims to secure the chronic poor by providing assistance in education and health services through the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, known as the 4Ps. The second component, the KALAHI-CIDSS, seeks to improve the financial access of the transitionalpoor through direct support to communicate for local development by adopting the community-driven development approach. The KALAHI-CIDSS program provides technical assistance to communities for the construction of social infrastructure projects, such as, potable water systems, footpaths, bridges, roads, health facilities, day care centers and classrooms. The third component, SEA-K, supports the economically active poor by providing technical assistance and non-collateral, non-interest loans to the entrepreneurial poor. The private sector partners complement government initiatives through assistance in the following areas: Skills and enterprise development, community building, micro-finance,businessdevelopmentservices and market matching. A combination of these three (3) programs is extended to the municipalities and barangays identified through the National

Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). The Regional Management Committee (RMC), chaired by Atty. Araceli F. Sollamillo, Regional Director of DSWD-10 will directly relate with the LGU’s at the provincial, city and municipal level through their SWD offices to adopt this convergenceframework. For inter-agency coordination at the regional level, the RDC X–Social Development Council will be tapped as venue for the deliberation of policy issues concerning the convergence framework with the DSWD-X providing technical support, Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and RDC-X Vice-Chairperson, said.


Davao City launches One-minutevideo competition by RG Alama

In time for the 75th anniversary of its cityhood,

the City of Davao is launching a one-minute video competition which aims to complement its Life is Here branding campaign. “We are inviting filmmakers, video artists, wedding videographers, graphic artists, animators, vloggers (video bloggers), mass communication students or any interested person to join this competition; this is in a way helping to promote Davao in their own creative style.” Says Rjay Sta Teresa Davao-in-a-Minute project coordinator. The videos can be in any form (short films, music videos, commercials, slide shows, audio-visual productions, documentaries, animations etc) as long as the body of the video does not exceed 60 seconds or one-minute. The video must also conform to the theme; Davao City Life is Here.


“We wanted the video competition to be this year, these one-minute video works can easily be uploaded, is audience and media friendly and with the potential to be viral since it can easily be shared. ” Sta. Teresa said. “Also making one-minute videos is also an exciting artistic challenge for the makers to conceptualize, create their stories and compress them in one minute. That is why the limitation of the concept rests upon the creative juices of the makers.” Sta Teresa added. For those interested in joining the competition registration is required. “The registration is absolutely free.” Sta Teresa said. For now registration forms are available at Duaw Davao Festivals FoundationOfficeatRoom12,2ndFloor Davao City Hall Bldg and the Mindanao Film and Television Development Foundation (MFTDFI) Office 59-A Aala Bldg, F. Inigo St. Davao City Hall. For inquiries you may call the organizers at 225-3456 (MFTDFI office) or email them at [email protected]. Deadline for video submission is on March 9 at 3:00 p . m . ,

winning videos will receive P30,000 (first prize), P20,000 with trophy(second prize) P10,000 plus trophy (3rd prize), also five videos will receive consolation prizes of P5,000 each and a people’s choice award will be given an additional cash prize of P5,000. The top one-minute videos will be exhibited in roving exhibitions along the major malls in the city. The awarding of the winners will be held on March 13 during the Mayor and Vice Mayor Appreciation program. The first Davao-in-a-Minute Video Competition is organized by the Duaw Davao Festivals Foundation in partnership with the Mindanao Film and Television Development Foundation Incorporated (MFTDFI), organizer of the annual Davao City-based Mindanao Film Festival, one of the continuous longest running indie film festivals in the country. The One-in-a-Minute video competition is one of the many activities in the occasion of Davao City’s diamond anniversary as a City. The City was inaugurated into a chartered city in March 16, 1937. (PIA/RG Alama)

facts and figures

96Soledad “Nanay Soling” Roa Duterte, widow of the last Davao Province Governor Vicente Duterte, mother of long-time Davao City Mayor current Vice-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and grandmother of current Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. A staunch supporter of freedim and democracy during the darkdaysofmarttiallaw,ShepassedawaylastFeb.4,2012.


35,622 DavNor voters still w/out biometrics validation-ComelecDAVAO DEL NORTE - The Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor in Davao del Norte has registered a total of 35,622 voters who have yet to submit biometrics data including those with incomplete data. In her Consolidated Progress Report on voters who applied for validation and voters with biometrics and without biometrics, Provincial Election Supervisor Gay Enumerables showed that only a total of 1,254have applied for validation among those listed as either without or lacking biometrics data. The COMELEC provincial officethis morning explained that those found without biometrics are still considered as registered voters, however it warned the possibility that they would be “disenfranchised if Congress would approve the bill disqualifying those without biometrics.” TheCOMELECprovincialofficemonitored the largest number of voters without biometrics in Tagum City with 6,708; Panabo City got next with 5,942; Kapalong, 5,814; Sto.Tomas, 4,661; Island Garden City of Samal,4,205. To avoid rush before the deadlineonOctober31,2012,Atty.Enumerables is calling on those without biometrics and those who

have yet to register to visit their municipal COMELEC offices or towatch out for the off site visits of COMELEC in their barangays. The on-going registration and validation of voters which will end onOctober31,2012ismandatedinCOMELEC Resolution 9149. Aside from validation and completion of biometrics, voters’ canalsofile for transferof records,correction of entries and change of status. Based on the latest election registration hearing, Atty Enumerables reported a total of 440,138 registered voters in Davao del Norte. However, only a total of 404,516 were registered with valid and complete biometrics. (Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, PIA-11)

by Jeanevive Abangan


KORONADAL CITY -- “It was an overwhelming success,” says Dr. Miriam Cynthia Pamonag, Philhealth 12’s field operations chief, referring to the Philhealth Fun Run - The Mindanao Run for Hope held here Sunday.

Philhealth Fun Run “an overwhelming success”By Dani Doguiles


Some 3,667 runners had registered for the 3K, 5K, 10, and 17K runs in Koronadal City. Hundreds more were allowed to join the fun run despite failure to register. Philhealth 12 only

aimed to gather 2,000registered runners for the activity.

Among the runners are children, students, marathon runners, athletes, employees of government and private offices, and localgovernment officials

of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.Localofficials

were led by South Cotabato G o v e r n o r Arthur Pingoy Jr. and K o r o n a d a l Mayor Peter Miguel who both took the three-k i l o m e t e r run along with other councilors from Koronadal and Isulan town.

Also present were Mayors Efren Piñol

of Magpet, North Cotabato; Romulo Solivio of Surallah, South Cotabato; and Diosdado Pallasigue of Isulan, SK.

The biggest contingent came from the 1002nd Brigadeof the Philippine Army based in Malungon, Sarangani.

“Beyond the number of participants we are more elated by the fact the people enjoyed the activity,” Dr. Pamonag said.

“They are happy because they know that they ran not only to have fun but also to save lives of children suffering from cancer,” she added.

Part of the proceeds of the fun run will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Center and Blood Diseases Unit of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

SPMC, located in Davao City, is the largest tertiary hospital in Mindanao and the only hospital facility in the island that can deliver multidisciplinary care for children with cancer

The Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth situated in Tupi, South Cotabato will also receive donations from the proceeds of the fun run.

RRCY is being managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development-12(DSWD).It is a residential facility for children and youth in need of interventions such as children in conflict with law andthose who are victims of abuse, drugs, and those in similar situations.


Philhealth12’sRegionalVice President Ramon Aristoza Jr., said, besides raising funds for SPMC’s cancer and blood diseases unit, the activity was also geared to promote running as an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

“We believe that in this effort, we need to involve the private sector under the concept of corporate social responsibility,”

he said.For the fun run in

Koronadal Philhealth was assisted by several sponsors including ABS-CBN, Dole Philippines, All Card Plastics Philippines, Nature’s Spring, Rite Med, Smart Communication, KCCFI - a cooperative based in Zamboanga City, Ace Centerpoint, St. Elizabeth Hospital of Gensan and many others.

Philhealth also got support from professional basketball star Kenneth “Captain Marbel” Duremdes who stoodasPhilhealth12’sposter model for the activity.

Philhealth Fun Run – The Mindanao Run for Hope was simultaneously conducted in six cities: Koronadal, Butuan, Cagayan de oro, Marawi, Zamboanga, and Davao. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Student, coach win Philhealth fun run in Koronadal CityKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - An education student and a track and field coach reaped the top prizes of the Philhealth Fun Run – The Mindanao Run for Hope here on Sunday.

James Castillo, 19, an BS Education student of the University of Mindanao in Davao City clocked the 17-kilometer runat1:00:23,afractionof time ahead of Gilbert Maluyo of Kidapawan Citywhofinishedtheraceat1:00:24.

Castillo, who comes from nearby Digos City in Davao del Sur, said

he is a veteran runner and studies at UM on a sports scholarship.

Bobby Tanlas of Bukidnon Province took the third place and timed at 1:04:00.

Meanwhile, Monaliza Ambaza, 28, won thewomen’s race for the 17K run at 1:16:06. At her heels were April Rose Diaz of General

Santos City and Karen Franco of Koronadal City whofinishedtheraceat1:17:00 and 1:18:10, respectively.

Ambaza said she worksastrackandfieldcoach at Brokenshire College , also in Davao City.

“I had only two weeks to prepare for the this fun run.


Although I am used to marathon running, I just came in from a three-month rest because of an injury,” she said.

Castillo and Ambaza won P6,000 each for winning the top place in the 17 K run. Second and third places won P5,000 and P4,000 respectively.

More than 4,000 runners joined the 3K, 5K, 10 K and 17k races here. Of these 3,667 were registered ; hundreds more were allowed to participants despite failure to register.

South Cotabato Gov. Pingoy, who ran the 3K race, said he was encouraged with the

participants, which he said could be one of the biggest fun runs ever held in the city.

“Maybe we could also start the coming CRAA (Cotabato Regional Athletic A s s o c i a t i o n ) meet, with a fun run like this,” he said.

Pingoy along with basketball s u p e r s t a r K e n n e t h “Captain Marbel” Duremdes and other local g o v e r n m e n t officials presentdonated a total of P10,000 as additional prize fortheraffledrawthat followed the

fun run.Raffled off to

participants were products of a local food producer, home appliances and cellular phones.

RiteMed, one of the sponsors of the fun run gave loot bags containing medicines and vitamins to each participant.

Besides Koronadal City , the Philhealth Fun Run was also held simultaneously in Butuan, Cagayan de Oro , Davao, Marawi, and Zamboanga cities.Itsprimarybeneficiary


and Blood Diseases Unit of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.

Part of the proceeds will also go to the Regional Rehabilitation for Youth in Tupi, South Cotabato being operated

by the Department of Social Welfare and Development -12 (DSWD-12 /DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

DENR-ARMM to embark on massive tree productionby Perlita ChangcoCOTABATO CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) will undertake massive seedling production to meet the needs of concerted tree planting campaign in the autonomous region. D E N R - A R M M Regional Secretary Kahal Kedtag said the agency with the support of local government units (LGUs), n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations, national line agencies, private sector and stakeholders hasidentifiedprogramsand projects to reinvigorate and protect the forests and environment. Kedtag said while operationsof12sawmilland amining firm aresuspended with the implementation of the total log ban in the wake of the massive disaster brought about tropical storm Sendong due to illegal cutting of

trees, DENR-ARMM is embarking on massive seedling production. Earlier, Kedtag identifiedtwogreeningprograms, “Adopt a Mountain” and “505” which the agency prioritizes to address problems on forest denudation through massive tree planting activities as only 48 percent of the more than 1,000 hectares forest cover remains in the autonomous region. “Only 48% is left of forest cover of ARMM which is very alarming so we need more planting materials; we need to plant within 505 days,” Kedtag said.

Kedtag said, he has created a team to conduct immediate investigation on the extent of denuded forest, inventory of planted species and submit recommendations in an effort to protect the environment and conserve the forest natural resources. K e d t a g likewise said, he is recommending hiring of additional forest rangers to augment the current number of286guardingmorethan 1,000 hectares of ARMM’s forest cover to curb illegal cutting of trees.


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Surigao Sur gets Agri-Pinoy Award; P4M reward by Greg Tataro, Jr.

Surigao del Sur is one of the top 10 provinces in the country that will receive P4,000,000 reward being an Agri-Pinoy Awardee on Friday, February 10, at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).


According to Governor Johnny Pimentel, this was due to the “good performance” through the implementation of programs and projects that contributed to the increase in rice production in the province. Pimentel told Capitol employees during the flag ceremony program on Monday, 40 provinces

were nominated for the Agri-Pinoy Award but only 10 among the 16 finalists have made it — one of which is Surigao del Sur. He stressed, he is set to leave along with Provincial Agriculturist Marcos Quico for said occasion of which Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala will give the award.

He clarified the financial reward will be allocated for projects that will enhance rice productivity such as dryer, multi-purpose pavement, sprayers, and the like. Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga Regional Director Edna Mabesa already congratulated the province for yet another feat.

2013 Budget Process Starts in Februaryby Ian G. Miculob

BUTUAN CITY -- Agency regional offices (AROs), state colleges and universities (SUCs) and special development authorities will prepare anew their respective annual budget for FY 2013 after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) 112 on December 29, 2011.


Under NBM 112, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Caraga as the secretariat of the Regional Development Council (RDC) will formulate the guidelines in budget preparation in consultation with the DBM regional office. The budget allocated for strategic programs and projects of the AROs and SUCs in the region in 2013 must respond to and support the following: President Aquino’s five areas of priorities of the “Social Contract with the Filipino People,” Caraga Regional Development Plan 2011-2016, Millennium Development Goals, and other development frameworks. Adopting the bottom-up budgeting approach, the AROs and SUCs are required to consult the civil society

organizations and the poorest municipalities of the region in the preparation of the agency budget. The Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development identified the 44 poorest municipalities in the region. For the 2013 budget preparation, the agency can utilize its lump sum fund, augmenting the budget for every program or project. The agency sets the budget ceiling in every program and project and may utilize the lump sum fund to maximize the scarce resources while providing more to the needy beneficiaries in the countryside. The RDC, which serves as the venue for budget consultation, is slated to review and deliberate the agency budgets in March during its Full

Council Meeting prior to endorsement to the agency’s respective central offices. Sectoral meetings are scheduled to conduct the initial budget review on the following dates: February 21 (Social Development Committee Meeting), February 22 (Economic D e v e l o p m e n t Committee Meeting), and February 24 ( D e v e l o p m e n t A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Committee and I n f r a s t r u c t u r e D e v e l o p m e n t Committee Meeting). Last year, the RDC endorsed the P21.8 billion 2012 budget of 20 AROs and four SUCs for the different programs and projects in Caraga Region. The Aquino administration, on the other hand, through Congress, approved a 37.9 percent increase which amounted to PhP30.2 billion budget for Caraga in 2012.



BUTUAN CITY - The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have expressed support to strengthen sports development in the elementary division.

PAGCOR chair Cristino Naguiat announced in his speech Friday during the ceremonial turnover of school armchairs here that they have been coordinating with DepEd to develop new generation of athletes that will bring honor to the country in the future. According to Naguiat, plans have been ironed out between PAGCOR and DepEd through Sec. Armin Luistro on the activities to be conducted. He added this was already

discussed with the Philippine Football Federation and they have agreed to conduct football festivals to ages 8 to 12 nationwide. He said PAGCOR will take care of all the expenses that will be participated by elementary pupils in all the regions nationwide. He added that PAGCOR’s priority project is focused on education and sports development of schoolchildren, which is also supported by President Benigno Aquino III as he believed that

the future of the country is with the youths. Further, Naguiat said this project is called “Batang Azkals” in honor of the Philippines’ national football team “Azkals”, who has been making name recently in the world football league. With this he said PAGCOR, DepEd and other concerned agencies is strongly supporting this project of the national government to prepare the youth for the country’s future in world sports.

by Robert E. Roperos


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DAR exec visits rubber coops in Sibugay Province by Adolfo Lopez, Jr.

With the theme “PADAYON…GOMA PALAMBU-ON”, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio R. de los Reyes recently led the ceremonial cutting of ribbon

and tapping of rubber trees in celebration of Rubber Harvest Festival at Goodyear Agrarian Reform Multi-PurposeCooperative (GARBEMCO), Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.


The idea of urging the top ranking official of the Departmentof Agrarian Reform (DAR) to visit Zamboanga Sibugay was initiated by theRegionalandProvincialOfficesofDAR spearheaded by Regional Director Julita Ragandang and OIC-PARO II Rizzel Villanueva, CESE which was finally carried out by joining forceswith Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) .The joint endeavor of the LBP and DAR was primarily aimed to spur rural development among rubber-based cooperatives of the agrarian reformbeneficiariesoftheprovince. The highlight of the secretary’s visit was the granting of financialassistance to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose

Cooperative (ARBEMCO) in the amountofPhp22,900,000.00,thruCredit Assistance Program-Program Beneficiaries Development (CAP-PBD) Window II. During the event, chairmen from different rubber-based cooperatives, which included Isabela City as part of DAR Sibugay, gave their testimonials of their experiences during the rough time when they went through the ordeal and sacrifices as newly-organized cooperatives. The said chairmen also paid tribute to the Department of Agrarian Reform for their help in regaining back their economic stability thru the assistance extended by the DAR adjunct by its financial arm, the LBP and theinseparable support of other line agencies. De los Reyes emphasized that CARP is distinctively different under the present administration as it mainly considers the importance of strengthening the organizations of the agrarianreformbeneficiaries.Hesaidthat, “Ang isang malaking bagay na panibago sa pamumuno ni President Noynoy ay yung pagkapatatag ng mga organisasyon ng ating agrarian reformbeneficiary.” He reiterated that strengthening

ARB organization enhances its bargaining power to access inputs and financial assistancenot only in CAP-PBD. The secretary also stressed the importance of Agrarian Reform Community


and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) being an innovative program of the government to strengthen ARB organizations/cooperatives byproviding professional services in terms of management and farm equipments. De los Reyes also said, “The second important mandate is to strengthen collaboration among the three government agencies of the DAR, DA and DENR with the LGUs in the delivery of basic services to our ARBs and the ARCESS program.” “Collaboration among concerned government entities is essential to implement the program as its primordial mandate,” he added. The agrarian reform secretary likewise foresaw the necessity to discuss with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) regarding the treatment of collective CLOA of the coops as he recognized that most ARBs of the coops are already in their advanced age. “Kailangan po nating sagutin at harapin ang mga isyu tungkol sa paglilipat ng coop shares o yung lupa o yung mga karapatan n’yo sa kooperatiba,’’ the secretary said in

his conversation with DAR officialsandAgrarianReformBeneficiaries. Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Governor Hon. Rommel Apolinario Jalosjos also graced the occasion and expressed his commitment to support development in the province especially in rubber industry in its ultimate aim of alleviating economic standard of its constituents. Local government officials inthe province were also present in the occasion to show their support to the program of the government in strengthening rubber-based cooperatives. DAR-Sibugay also thanked Congressman Romeo “Janjan” Jalosjos for his valuable support in all the activities and projects involving rubber-based cooperatives in the 2nd district of Zamboanga Sibugayprovince. Also in attendance during the event were dignitaries from the Land Bank of the Philippines, Dir. Crispin T. Aguelo and Dir. Tomas T. De Leon, Jr. and directors from other line agencies. After a festive lunch, Secretary de los Reyes made an effort to visit the Land Bank ACCESS Project


ISAWAD opens 1st “Botika Para sa Taumbayan” in ZamPenISABELA CITY – Living up to its mission to improve the quality of life of Isabelaños in Basilan, just like providing every household a safe drinking water, the Isabela Water District (ISAWAD) opens last January 30 the first “Botika Para sa Taumbayan” in Zamboanga Peninsula.

by Rene V. Carbayas

supporting the ARB rubber plantation cooperatives at Philippine Pioneer Rubber Product Corporation (PPRPC), a rubber processing plant located in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. Accompanied by OIC-PARO Villanueva and officials fromthe DAR Regional and Provincial Offices, Secretary de los Reyespersonally witnessed the processing of raw rubber to his delight and

satisfaction. Before going to Zamboanga City to catch his flight for Manila,Secretary de los Reyes expressed his gratitude for the warm accommodation he received during his visit and parted ways with the local officials with great hope andexpectations for future projects and developments involving the rubber industry in the province. (JPA/CAL/AL/DAR/PIA Zamboanga del Sur)


General manager Aleli Almodovar reveals that she feels very lucky for being entrusted with this project because it is her way ofaddressingthefinancialneedsofher employees by providing cheap medicines they can buy. She said the Botika Para sa Taumbayan (BPT) is managed by their employees’ cooperative and is intendedessentiallynotforprofitbutfor every employees health needs. She added that the BPT is open for sale to their concessionaires. Almodovar said the project is a one-time grant of medicines worth P50,000.00 given by the Department of Health. As recipient of the goods, the organization is allowed a marked up of 30% for every item of medicine sold by the coop. And they have to revolve the funds and replenish the goods from recommended manufacturers or distributors. “The motivation and intention of this project is primarily for service andnotforprofit,”shestressed.“Andthis is clear to the cooperative.” “Like water, it is much related to our objective of health and sanitation that is why we applied for the project,” she said. The ISAWAD manager was confident that the BPT will bepatronized because for one “it is supported by DOH, thereby assuring that the medicines sold were safe and of good quality.” ISAWAD was recommended by the Civil Service Commission in Isabela to be the recipient of the project based on the organizations capacity and managerial successes

that is crucial to the implementation of BPT in Isabela City. Medicines available for sale at BPT-ISAWAD are varied ranging from those for maintenance of the blood and hypertension to vitamins for all ages. Ma. Vic-vic Camaonay, BNB Program Coordinator of DOH 9 disclosed that the BPT is a variant of Botika ng Barangay which was intendedforthefar-flungbarangays.The BPT’s creation, however, was the result of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into between the secretaries of DOH and CSC for the purpose of health for all Filipinos, “not necessarily they are poor but especially for the ‘manggagawa’ (civil servants).”


She added that the grant was raised from P25,000.00 for botikasa barangay before to P50,000.00 for botika para sa taumbayan project today and that this amount is coursed through the CSC who in turnidentifiesgovernmentofficesasrecipients of the program. For Zamboanga Peninsula, 15 institutions were allotted by the program and just one for Basilan. Camaongay explained that DOH-9 takes care only of the training, licensing and the package, while the CSC takes care of the selection process. She said that twelve institutions attended the training-orientation for BPT and so far it is only ISAWAD, in the entire region, who have complied with the requirements and thereby granted the project. She underscored further that

the BPT is a way of raising awareness among civil servants and the public to patronize generics medicines as equally effective with those branded ones. Maria Asuncion Tan of the Civil Service Commission-IX said that they took consideration of the number of employees of would be recipient-institutiontobenefitfromtheproject.Initially, they have considered the DepEd in Isabela to be a potential recipient because of the vast number of employees. However, they are also considering the capacity of the organization to sustain the project. She said that eventually they chose ISAWAD because of its organized employees cooperative and its track record of good management potentials and capacity to comply requirements. (JPA/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)

6.9 magnitude quake felt in over 40 areas of the countryZAMBOANGA CITY - A 6.9 magnitude earthquake of tectonic origin was felt by people in over 40 areas of the country, but the strongest, mostly in the areas of Negros and Cebu, Monday, February 6 at around 11:49 in the morning, said Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)-Zamboanga City, Officer In Charge Allan Labayog.

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Labayog reported, the quake which was traced to originate West of Tayasan, (Negros Oriental Negros) sent seismic waves to various parts of the country including Zamboanga City. Not all Zamboangueños however felt the tremor. Some said they did not even know there was a quake while others claimed they got dizzy due to the earth’s movement. Report of intensities from Monday’s earth quake as gathered from Phivolcs officialEarthquakeBulletin/Information No. 3 revealed: Intensity 7 in Dumaguete City; and Vallehermoso,

Photos by: Mark Aranas


Negros Oriental; Intensity 6 in La Carlota City and La Castellana, Negros occidental; Argao, Cebu; Intensity 5 in Roxas City; Dao and Ivisan, Capiz; Ilo-Ilo City; Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Kanlaon City; Lapu-Lapu City; Guimaras; Cebu City, San Carlos City; Bacolod City; Sagay City; Tagbilaran City; Candoni, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental while the areas of San Jose de Buenavista, Pandan, Anini-y, Patnugon, Antique; Kalibo, Aklan; Dipolog City; Sipalay, Negros Occidental and Ormoc City reported to be under intensity 4. Intensity 3 for Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Legaspi City, Albay; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Taclobab City; Catbalogan; Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; Masbate, Masbate; and Cagayan De Oro City. The areas of Cabid-an, Sorsogon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; and Mambajao, Camiguin was reported under Intensity number 2 andPagadian City under Intensity 1. Labayog said Zamboanga City was not included in the report of intensities. Labayog refute claims of some individualsthatthis isthefirsttimein the country’s history that such tremor occurred simultaneously. “No, it’s not true. What is true isthatthisisthefirsttimethatabigmagnitude occurred simultaneously,” he explained. Labayog said Earthquakes happen every day, and in some occasions, earthquakes occur simultaneously, but the tremor

and the seismic waves are low that it is almost impossible to feel the shake. Zamboanga City for instance experiences a minimum of 20earthquakes a day, but people do not feel it. Yesterday’s earthquake was the firststrongmagnitudeoccurrenceor“big event” as Labayog termed to be experienced simultaneously. “Because of that big event, aftershocks are expected in the coming days,” Labayog said. He advised the public to stay calm and be prepared at all times, mentally and physically. He said to shun away from text care circulating around of a possible tsunami occurrence. He said such activities will only create or add uncertainties and anxieties. “When in doubt, contact only reliable or authorized agency who can give you accurate information,” Labayog quipped. “Always be ready with your flashlightsandhaveyourcellphonesfully charge,” this he advised as he said that in the event of a strong earthquake, the first thing to beexpected is the loss of electric power. “It is very important for one to have visuals, especially when the earthquake occurs at night time, so be readyalwayswithyourflashlights.” He said it is advised to keep your cell phones fully charge so that you may call for help in case of a disaster. As of 6:30 a.m, February 7, there were 734 aftershocks recorded by PhiVolcs but only around 55 were felt aftershocks events. (JPA/ PIA –ZBST)

one mindanao - february 7, 2012

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