one mindanao - july 19, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive 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

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Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

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Cover StoryPackaging design for global marketing of South Cotabato’s T’nalak cloth revealed

Dani DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, July 19, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 304

page 4

Aquino meets with Foreign Minister of Canada in Malacañang 8

Lorebeth C. Requiroso, Northern Mindanao

Proposed law to regulate operation of amusement rides tackled

22 Noel Baguio, Southern MindanaoDavNor on track in eradicating malaria

ARMM Gov gives cash assistance to Basilan ambush victims, vows justice26

Caraga disaster council to formulate reg’l risk profile 34

Rene V. Carbayas, Armm

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao15 ZaNorte’s business climate improving – DTI

19 Peleta B. Abejo, Northern MindanaoNEDA-X receives BSP recognition

Sarangani, partners, stakeholders ink “manifesto of support” to eliminate malaria30Beverly Paoyon, Central Mindanao

DENR revitalizes agencies to fight illegal logging35Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region

Eric F. Gallego, Caraga Region

7 10 12

21 24 28 32

17

4 Thursday, July 19, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryPackaging design for global marketing of South Cotabato’s T’nalak cloth revealed

The design of the T’nalak packaging box was presented to the public yesterday during the DOST-12’s technology forum at the Regional Industrial Technology and Trade Expo of the 13th T’nalak Festival of the province. Dr. Zenaida Hadji-Raof Laidan, regional director of Department of Science and Technology-12 said, the project is in line with the department’s efforts for country branding of distinctive Philippine products with hope to find a niche in the international market. “We have coordinated with the Industrial Technology Development

Institute (ITDI) – DOST for the development of packaging to give local products identity and help local producers find markets not only in other parts of the country but more especially abroad,” she said. “This ‘world-class’ packaging could further enhance the marketability of our already famous T’nalak cloth.” In an interview early this year, Laidan announced that South Cotabato’s T’nalak cloth and Kafé Balos (civet coffee) were among eight products in the entire Philippines for export packaging

South Cotabato’s famous T’nalak cloth

would soon be displayed in airports, trade fairs and other gatherings in an elegant “world class” package in a bid to boost the local product’s global marketability.

by Dani Doguiles

Thursday, July 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

development. Tnalak box designer Aya Mulimbayan of the Packaging Technology Division of the ITDI-DOST said, “T’nalak is one of the only four unique Philippine products we have considered for country branding this year.” The other three, she said, are the Philippine coffee, raffia palm bags and mats and a certain bags and accessories line. Four more products will be considered for branding on the second year of project implementation. “With an elegant packaging, T’nalak cloth can be displayed in airports and business gatherings like trade fairs,” Mulimbayan

said, “thereby increasing public accessibility to the product and enticing buyers, including foreign tourists.” Dr. Laidan said the package presented yesterday was intended for use by the Kenhulung Handicraft Federation Inc. based in Lake Sebu town. The dark chocolate-colored T’nalak box is more than 20 inches tall and about 5 inches wide and made of sturdy paper board. The top cover has a handle for trouble-free carrying. The front panel of the box features a gold product label “DREAMWEAVE” with a red caption “The Traditional T’nalak of the T’boli” under a photo of a T’nalak cloth. Another panel explains the heritage of the T’nalak cloth. T’nalak is a cloth made from dyed abaca fibers. T’boli women weave the abaca fibers into T’nalak without design drawings and guides; they design the cloth from a mental picture, which according to tradition is given to the weaver by the spirit of the Abaca Fu Datu through dreams, thus, the regard of T’boli women as “weaver of dreams.” No payment was required


from the people’s organization for the development of the package design, Director Laidan said. “Besides the branding support, the federation is also a beneficiary of our MPEX program to increase their productivity as well as their global competitiveness,” Dr. Laidan said. MPEX is a program of DOST that promotes productivity of manufacturing firms for a more competitive product in terms of quality and price in both local and export markets. Assistance includes productivity consultancy services, business audit, technical assistance, training, venture financing, and prototype development. “Additional support for the Kenhulung Federation include provision of appropriate technology and acquisition of necessary machineries and equipment to hasten the weaving process,” she added. “While we provide them

with equipment,” Laidan emphasized, “we also see to it that the integrity of the cultural and traditional aspect of the T’nalak cloth production is preserved.”

She added, the federation could ask DOST 12 for assistance in the mass production of the boxes.

Meanwhile, Nida Bacaling, leader of the Kenhulung Handicraft Federation, said that they are grateful for the support provided by DOST for their products and that their 450 members are excited to use the packaging box in the upcoming fairs where their T’nalak products will be on display. Director Laidan announced the T’nalak cloth with its new packaging box could find its first public exhibition during the Mindanao Cluster MSME Fair in General Santos City slated on October 10 – 14. She also assured them of support in finding buyers for their products.


ACROSS THE NATION

In a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday, President Aquino met with Minister McCully and his party where they exchanged views on important issues of concern including the efforts to further strengthen the cooperation of both countries in the

fields of defense, geothermal energy, dairy industry, labor, development cooperation, environment and disaster preparedness and mitigation.

It was Minister McCully’s first visit to the Philippines as New Zealand’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Joining McCully during the courtesy

Aquino receives Foreign Affairs Minister of New Zealand in Malacanang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully who is on an official visit to the country upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert

del Rosario to discuss the advancement of economic ties and various areas of cooperation between the two countries.


call were New Zealand Ambassador

to the Philippines Reuben Levermore, acting director of

Southeast Asia-Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stephen Harris, New Zealand Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Head of Mission Andy White, Incoming Deputy Head of Mission of New Zealand Embassy in the Philippines Justin Allen, Defense Attache Captain Wilson Trumper, and

Minister McCully’s private secretary Amanda Vercoe.

For the Philippine side, also present were Secretary del Rosario, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavides, among others.

The Philippines and New Zealand have been enjoying 46 years of bilateral relations. (JCL)

Aquino meets with Foreign Minister of Canada in Malacañang

PPresident Benigno S. Aquino III met with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird who paid a courtesy call on him at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace, Wednesday morning.


Minister Baird is in the country for a four-day visit

upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario that would involve talks with major business groups of the Philippines to broaden the political and economic interests in the region.

Accompanying Minister Baird were Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley, Consul and Trade Commissioner Robert McCubbing, Political Counselor James Christoff and Executive Assistant to the Minister Jonathan Ballingall.

Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, among others.

The Department of Foreign Affairs noted that the year 2012 marks the 63rd year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada which was established in December 1949.

Since the year 2010, the DFA further said that the Philippines had been Canada’s largest source of immigrants and temporary workers, with more than 842,741 Filipinos living in Canada. It said that the Filipinos comprised of a mixture of former Filipinos who have acquired Canadian citizenship, permanent migrants, live-in caregivers, nurses and other professional and skilled workers.

In 2011, remittances from Filipinos in Canada amounted to $2.07 billion or 10.3% of total remittances for the year, it added. (JCL)

10 Thursday, July 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Malacañang condemns recent bombings in Mindanao, government not deterred by violence in carrying out reforms in ARMM

Malacañang condemned Wednesday the recent bombing in Mindanao saying the Aquino administration

wouldn’t be deterred by violence in carrying out reforms in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Another bomb attack was reported in the ARMM on Monday injuring two, which authorities said may be linked to the ongoing voter’s registration in the region. In a press briefing in

Malacañang, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said

the Palace acknowledged that there will be people who will oppose reforms in the ARMM and will try to maintain the status quo.

“We are going after reforms and therefore, I understand that there would be people who will


find discomfort in that. But weare serious with our reforms,” he said. “We condemn the bombing. We condole with the family of the murdered victims.”

With regards to police and military officials who apparentlyfailed to stop the attacks, Lacierda said the Palace will leave it to the police and armed forces leadership to sack commanders who have been negligent in their duties.

“We leave that with the leadership of the AFP. They are in the process

of investigating this incident. And it’s too presumptuous for us to immediately demand removing them until we make sure that we investigate the incident properly,” he said.

On Tuesday, authorities said they are convinced the two grenade attacks that rocked villages at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak and Datu Hofer in the past two days could be related to the ongoing registration of voters in the ARMM. (as)

Registrants outside the Taraka town hall in Lanao del Sur. MindaNews photo by Froilan Gallardo


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34th NDPR Week kicks off in Pagadian CityBy Alma L. Tingcang

A s the whole nation observes the 34th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week with the theme, “Mainstreaming Persons with

Disability in Economic Development,” activities in Pagadian City started with radio guesting of the Department of Labor and Employment which spearheads this year’s celebration, together with Hangop Kabataan Foundation Inc. (HKFI), a community-based rehabilitation center for special children.


On Monday, a motorcade was held around the city with the participation of stakeholders and concerned government agencies after which a brief program was held at the HKFI Center in Gatas District. “Civil society organizations are working with renewed vigor towards the goal of equality following the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” Ms. Dinah B.Marasigan,VicePresidentof the Executive Board ofHKFI said in her opening message. Marasigan said there are approximately 650 million persons with disabilities in the world, or 10% of the global population. Efforts to incorporate persons with disabilities into economic development activities have been gaining momentum over the past decades. Thus, she said the integration of persons with disabilities in all development efforts should not be limited to the benefits theycan derive from development alone. Rather, is it also imperative that they are increasingly represented in management activities of organizations at all levels. Factors in ensuring that PWDs benefit fromdevelopment on an equal basis with others include promotion of decent work, access to education and


access to micro-credit schemes and entrepreneurial opportunities as well as better health care. DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon ablyrepresented by Ms. Lourdes Floriza said, “As partners, I believe we can help improve the living condition of our differently-abled brothers and sisters. DOLE has the so-called TULAY 2000 or the Tulong Alalay sa Taong May Kapansanan Program.” “This aims to assist in the integration of persons with disabilities into the society by providing them access to training and employment opportunities both in the formal and informal sector,”ARDBonbonsaidinhermessage.

“Actually, we have projects in

the municipalities: for Pitogo, Tigbao, Tambulig, Mahayag and Midsalip – Cattle Raising and Dispersal; Bayog – Broiler andLayering Production managed by the Kapisanan ng May Kapansanan sa Bayog and thelatest to receive is Kumalarang,

Zamboanga del Sur with 6 beneficiaries of the KabuhayanStarter Kit amounting to P60,000 for the PWDs,” she further added. A medical-dental outreach was also held yesterday to benefit the students of HKFICenter. The doctors who made themselves available and rendered commendable service to the


of society were the following: Dr. Gemma Dacanay-Santos – President of the Yllana Doctors Association; Dr. Corazon Soriano-Punzalan – President of the Philippine Dental Association ZDS Chapter; Dr. Gennie Cabrera; Dr. Vicente Cajoy; Dr.Minelio Yosoya; Divine Grace Orong – nurse and Joefel Mae Soriano –

dental aide. A total of 70 persons availed of the medical-dental outreach who were provided with free medicines. The HKFI is managed by Admin-In-ChargeVirginiaB. Pestanaswith8teachers and support staff. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Department of Trade and Industry – Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director Noel Bazan said business climate in the province has improved compared to last year.

ZaNorte’s business climate improving – DTIby Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

In an interview during the 2nd leg of the 2012 Enhanced SME Regional Caravan held in Dipolog CitylastJuly4-5,Dir.Bazansaidtheprovince’s existing major industry, bottled sardines, still maintains its strong sales in the market. “Wedon’t have thefigures asto how much our bottled sardines manufacturers earn as they do not divulgeit.Butwithbigimprovements

implemented in their manufacturing plants and facilities observed, it only shows that the industry is still strong andimproving”,Bazansaid. Bazan said the government-imposed closed fishing season inDecember 2011 and was lifted last March played a big role in the improvement of bottled sardines industry. “Thefishingbanimplemented


early December until March this year has helped in the increase of fish supply, as it gave time for“tamban”(herring)fishtospawnorreproduce”, he pointed. Aside from bottled sardines, Bazanalsomentionedanumberofemerging industries seen to improve the province’s over-all economy. “We also have bright agri-product prospects that will help spur economic development in the province. These are rubber and jathropa”,Bazanrevealed. Accordingly, more and more farmers are now engaging in jathropa propagation primarily for its oil. “We have a sure market for ourproduct, theBIONASCompanyfrom Malaysia. Retired Department of Department of Education-9 OIC-Asst. Regional Director Habib Adzhar Sarahadil has actually brought in the company here using the name BIONAS-Philippines”,Bazansaid. Bazan said farmers are nowvery interested to plant jathropa as buying price increased since it was introduced in the country. “BIONAS will be buying driedjathropa seeds for P11.00 per kilo. Before the buying price was only

P4.00 per kilo. This has encouraged our famers to engage in jathropa planting”. According to Dr. Sarahadil, by the end of this year they can start producingjathropaoil,Bazansaid. DTI has also noted an increase in rubber planting in the province, once propagated mostly in Zamboanga Sibugay Province. “We were surprised to learn that there are now rubber plantations in almost all of the municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte. For so longrubber is mostly grown in Zamboanga Sibugay,butZamboangadelNorteis slowly catching up. We have yet to identify the land areas used for rubber though, but this is really a verygoodsurprise”,Bazansaid. He also added that abaca planting is gaining grounds in the province. “With the help of the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), our farmers here were introduced to abaca. Farmers inter-crop abaca with rubber. These are our emerging agri-products in Zamboanga del Norte, andwe arevery optimistic with its potentials”, Bazansaid.(MVC/PIA9)


Federation to build Co-op Ville in CdO for Sendong victims

Help for tropical storm

Sendong survivors continue to come.

Mayor VicenteEmano said the Federation of People’s S u s t a i n a b l e D e v e l o p m e n t Cooperative headed byDirectorDr.BillyTusalem will be constructing 300 houses in barangay Mambuaya, this city, for the calamity survivors. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Co-op Ville (Co-operativeHousing and sustainable community) was held today, July 17 at the project site. Partners and stakeholders primarily composed of Cooperative Development Authority (CDA),

Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC), Ating Co-op Party List, Society of St. VincentDePaulNationalCouncil ofthe Philippines (SSVP), PhilippineObstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) and Asian Rural-Urban Development and Peace Institute (ARDEP) graced and witnessed the event. For his part, Mayor Emano


welcomes this donation saying it will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the Sendong survivors. “Sa ngalan sa kagamhanan sa dakbayan sa Cagayan de Oro, mapasalamaton ako’g dako sa tabang ug kaikag ni Dr. Tusalem sa pagtukod og dugang kabalayan alang sa atong mga kaigsoonang nawad-an og panimalay tungod sa trahedya,” (In the name of the city government of Cagayan de Oro, I am deep thankful for the enthusiasm of Dr. Tusalem in building new houses for residents who are left homeless because of the tragedy) said Mayor Emano in a press statement. (CdeOSP)


by Lorebeth C. Requiroso

These include amusement rides, carnivals and circuses, outdoor concerts, shows, sports, and other entertainment activities or utilizing transportable or movable stage or platform, bleachers,

canopy, and similar structures The proposed legislation was introduced by Councilors Ramon G. Tabor, Alexander S. Dacer, and Emmanuel D. Abejuela, upon noting incidents of physical injuries and

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A proposed law regulating the operation of amusement rides and entertainment activities will be tackled by the city council during its regular session today to be presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas.

Proposed law to regulate operation of amusement rides tackled

TheBSPrecognizesinstitutionalpartners all over the country that have provided exemplary support to the BSP’s various statisticalinitiatives, information requirements and advocacy programs. The award, signed by BSPgovernor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr, washandedbyBSPCagayandeOrobranch deputy director Thelma C. Pantig to NEDA-X regional director

Leon M. Dacanay, Jr last July 16 during theNEDA-Xmanagementcommitteemeeting at theNEDA regional officein Cagayan de Oro City. NEDA-X is theonly recipient ofthisawardamongtheNEDAregionalofficesinMindanao.(KMD,NEDA-X)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has awarded the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office X (NEDA-X) a recognition for information sources on regional economic development reports.

by Peleta B. Abejo

NEDA-X receives BSP recognition


damages to properties in some cities due to malfunctioning amusement rides. The authors believe that it is necessary to determine the mechanical soundness of these rides, facilities, and structures to ensure the protection of the public and to preclude accidents. The proposed legislation also prohibits any person or company from operating amusement rides without first securing a business permit orspecialpermit fromtheofficeof thecitymayor. A safety certificate shallbeissuedbytheOfficeoftheBuildingOfficial after conducting electrical,structural, and mechanical inspection of these establishments. Once the permit has been approved, the owners will be required to post this in a conspicuous place at the entrance of carnivals and

amusement places. Owners shall be required to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the premises; to conspicuously display the rules and regulations and safety precautions of the amusement rides especially to the minors and to comply with the maintenance bulletin and the service manual, including mounting instructions issued for the ride by the manufacturer. Owners should also ensure that no safety devise is removed or altered without the manufacturer’s authorization. Those issued permits will likewise berequiredtohaveafirstaidkitonthesight, a means of communication with emergency services and to establish emergency procedures. The proposed ordinance imposes penalties to violators. (CdeoSP)


The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aims to dis-

pense hundreds of rain and water-level sensors to local government units as part of its disaster risk-re-duction and management strategy During a press conference of the Regional Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council held yesterday (July 18) at thePhilippine Information Agency XI office in Davao City, DOST-XIRegional Director Anthony Sales said that the Department is planning to give and install 400 water-level sensors and 600 automated rain

gauges throughout the country by 2013. So far the DOST has installed 25 water level sensors and 186automated rain gauges across the country. Sales said that these gauges were developed by DOST’s Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), an automated rain gauge costs around P100,000 per kit while a water-level sensor is priced at P200,000. The equipment are part of Project Noah (NationwideOperational Assessments of Hazards) which according to Sales brings to the barangay level the readiness and resilience of residents to disasters. Project Noah with an estimatedbudget of P1.6 billion gives a real-time warning and information to the public on impending calamities and weather disturbances. The cost includes the procurement of Doppler radars

Rain, water-level sensors to be given to LGUs


DavNor on track in eradicating malaria

TAGUM CITY- The Province of Davao del Norte moves closer to reaching its goal of eliminating malaria, as it sustained momen-tum in sizably reducing prevalence of the disease. Vice Governor VictorioSuaybaguio, Jr. hoped the province would soon become

malaria-free considering the notable accomplishment of the province in bringing down incidence of the parasitic illness. The vice governor expressed his optimism after signing the manifesto of support and accepted the traveling insecticide-treated mosquito net(LLIN),asawayofpledging

the provincial leadership’s resolve to attain the goal of becoming malaria-free before the year 2020. The head of the legislative body made the commitment during the conduct of the recent 15th peace and development

by the end of 2012. The DOST is planning to install the weather radars in Tampakan in South Cotabato, AparriinCagayanValleyandBalerin Quezon Province. T h e country presently has six Doppler radars inBaguio,Subic,Tagaytay,Virac,MactanandHinatuan. Sales said that the Doppler radar and Hinatuan and the planned radar in Tampakan will cover the region. TheDOST-XIhassetupsixautomated weather stations in the region, these are in Mati City

andBaganga inDavaoOriental,Jose Abad Santos in Davao del Sur, The Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, thePAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration) weather stationinDavaoCity,NabunturaninCompostelaValleyProvince.Some of the rain gauges will be installed in Smart and Sun cell sites as part of its partnership with these telecom companies.(PIA/RG Alama)


convergencemissioninBarangaySan Miguel, San Isidro town. Provincial Sanitary Inspector Engr. Jose Alvic P. Suaybaguio, who is the son of the vice governor, revealed there were only six cases of malaria infection detected from January to June this year in the three endemic towns left in the province. The younger Suaybaguio said this augurs well for the provincial government’s goal of reducing the prevalence of malaria from 19 cases in 2011 to 10 cases in 2012. Myra Macla, Cluster Head of the PSFI Global Fund for Regions 10 and 11, also shared the optimism the province will attain its objective, noting the strong support of the various local government units. It can be recalled that Gov. del Rosario ordered the Provincial HealthOffice(PHO)tostrengthen

its vector control program by distributing treated nets, among other measures, when malaria cases grew by 69 percent to almost 600 in 2007. The PHO noted a steady plunge in the incidence of the disease after the province built up its capacity to manage and sustain its malaria program aimed at controlling, preventing, and eventually eliminating the disease. ProvincialHealthOfficerDr.Agapito Hornido earlier bared the province has distributed some 40,911 mosquito nets to endemic areas last year. The PHO has also sprayed insecticide to 4,902 houses; treated 2,171 bednets; examined 855 patients suspected withmalaria; examined 773 malaria blood smears; and, distributed 82pregnantpackagekits(Noel Baguio)

did you know...ThataccordingtothePhilippineVolcanologyandSeismology(Philvolcs)thecatastrophic tsunami that struck Japan in March 11, 2011 reached Davao’s shores, however the magnitude of the tsunami that reached the region was minimal Philvolcs recorded the tsunami waves at a mere 40 centimeters


4CRG personnel, dependents plant fruit trees in support to CRS’ tree-growing program by Rene V. Carbayas

The 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (4th CRG, CRSAFP) personnel and their dependents actively participated in the Tree Growing

Program of CRSAFP which started early June this year.


In a press release, 4CRG Group CommanderLt.Col.ERWINA.ALEA(GSC) (PA) said that the activity involves the planting of fruit bearing trees of CRSAFP personnel not only at specified areas but also withintheir homes’ respective backyards. “This activity is in line with CRSAFP’s advocacy of involving its personnel both military and civilian employees to include their dependents in the “Greening” program and subsequently project the AFP’s IPSP strategic objective on environmental protection and disaster risk reduction and management,” he explained. He added that the primary intent of the program is to make a substantial and significant impactnot only towards addressing the adverse effects of global warming and climate change but more importantly in generating a concerted effort to address this global concern. “With this program, CRSAFP

would be able to project the relevance and collective commitment of its personnel and their dependents for the environment,” he said. The program is to be implemented in three successive phases. He said that preparation, education and program orientation is done under phase one, while the tree planting proper under phase two was recently implemented by organic personnel, civilian employees and the dependents of 4CRG. Alea said most of the dependents enjoyed the activity. Among them is thefiveyearoldsisterofArmyPrivateFirst Class Raymond Ferdinand Quin, NeeshkaQuinwhoactivelyinvolvedherself during the tree planting and growing activities at 4th CRG headquarters. Alea further shared that when the little girl was asked if she like planting trees, she innocently replied with a wide smile using local vernacular, “Dol ta huga lang iyo mientras ta shembra pono” (It’s like I’m playing while planting trees). “We are encouraging not only our personnel but everyone to get involved with this kind of activity becauseasidefromthebenefitthatwe are giving the environment, this would also be a nice moment to spend leisure time especially for parents when they want their children to learn, appreciate, and value the importance of a greener mother nature,” Lt. Col. Alea said. He also revealed that the tree-growing program will culminate on August 31, 2012. (4CRGAFP/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


ARMM Gov gives cash assistance to Basilan ambush victims, vows justice by Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman gave cash assistance to the victims of the July 11 Tumajubong ambush in Basilan. Regional Governor Hataman, together with Basilan BishopMartin Jumoad and 104th BrigadeCommander Col. Arthur Ang visited the wounded victims at the Infante Hospitalandthecadaverofthefiveof the six victims at the BasilanMemorial Chapel in Isabela City. Hataman handed envelopes containing some P20,000.00 to each of the wounded victims and some P50,000.00 to the families of those who died in the incident to help defray

the cost for medical treatment and funeral services, respectively. Reports said that at least six peoplehavedied,fiveof themarecooperative workers, and some 20 were wounded, mostly rubber plantation workers in the ambush on Wednesday morning in Tumajubong, SumisipinBasilan. Most of the victims were said to have become victims too of the similar ambushes last October 2011 and April 2012 that also claimed


lives and wounded others. In a report, Hataman assured justice for the victims. He also directed the Department of Agrarian Reform-ARMM to investigate and look into the case of the Tumajubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries IntegratedCooperative (TARBIDC), which hasbeen the target of harassment by

lawless elements in the area. BasilanArmyChiefCol.Angsaidthat the military’s pursuit operation against the perpetrators is going on in the area, which is also part of the tightened security being conducted in the province in connection with the ongoing ARMM voters registration. (RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


Villanueva tells So. Cotabato youths, choose TESDA trainingBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Secretary Joel Villanueva urged the young people of South Cotabato to choose career being offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).


Villanueva wasguest of honor at anniversary program of South Cotabato’s 13th T’nalak Festival at the South Cotabato Sports Complex yesterday.

“TESDA is like a school that offers work. Every training and every course in TESDA is assured of jobs,” he said.

In his challenge to parents and youths, he said: “I hope you get rid of the popular perception that the key to success is to complete a college course.”

“That is not true,” he emphasized.

“Although a college education is still important, what I am saying is that in TESDA you have several choices,” he continued. “You can pursue a college education or you complete a technical vocational (techvoc) course. You can choose to be self-employed or to work for a wage employment. You choose can stay in the country or work abroad.”

“Although a college education is still

important, what I am saying is that in TESDA you have several choices,” he continued. “You can pursue a college education or you complete a technical vocational (techvoc) course. You can choose to be self-employed or to work for a wage employment. You choose can stay in the country or work abroad.”

“What is disheartening,” he added, “is that despite availability of jobs many high school and college graduates remain jobless because of lack of required skills and knowledge.” Such mismatch, he implied is addressed in the training that TESDA schools give.Villanueva also told

South Cotabateños that TESDA allocated P17 million for the scholarship of at least 1,500 youths in the province in 2011 – 2012.

“And TESDA has not stopped there,” he said.“PresidentBenignoAquino III has allotted P1.3 billion for the

training of our out-of-school youths and to provide them with starter kits. Before he ended

his message, he also announced that Senator Pia Cayetano has pledged P1 million for TESDA scholarship in South Cotabato.

Rolly Palencia, designated information officer of TESDA-12here said, although they have been assured of Sen. Cayetano’s support, they have yet to receive details of the allocation.

Palencia said they will make a public announcement once the information have been made available.

In an earlier interview with a Bombo RadyoMarbel,Sec.Villanuevarevealed 60.9 percent of their trainees get hired immediately after they complete their training.

This, he said, is much higher compared to the hiring rate of institutions under the Commission on Higher Education. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Sarangani, partners, stakeholders ink “manifesto of support” to eliminate malariaBy Beverly Paoyon

ALABEL, Sarangani – Sarangani province has launched advocacy on Wednesday (July 18) for the campaign on the Travelling Net or “biyaheng kulambo” in pursuing efforts to free the Philippines from malaria.

P r o v i n c i a l administrator VicenteCamacho, representing Sarangani Governor Migs Dominguez, signed a manifesto of support with partners and stakeholders Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., Global Fund, Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. and the municipalhealthofficersfrom its seven component municipalities to support the advocacy.

The treated mosquito nets which are currently been downloaded to the municipalities and barangays of Sarangani reportedly came from Africa where the highest incidence of malaria had been noted.TonyBlairFoundation

turned-over these nets to the Philippines through the Department of Health (DOH) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, being

the country’s partners in its drive to eradicate malaria.

In the manifesto, Dominguez urged for the “institutionalization of themalariastratificationat the barangay level, including macro-zoning and strategic planning” in enabling the implementation of “specific malariainterventions targeting particularly malaria risk

situations,” to effectively eliminate cases of malaria at the barangays.

It also encouraged the “enhancement of malaria surveillance and response” as well as the “monitoring and evaluation systems” down to the respective barangays of each of its municipalities to ensure proper tracking of malaria status and the prompt and adequate


treatment of all cases and the prevention of its transmission.

Malaria has been the 9th leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines being the most common and persistent mosquito-borne infection in rural areas.In SOCCSKSARGEN

area, Sarangani ranked 2nd with the most number of malaria cases in 2009 next to Sultan Kudarat.

The same scenario

was reported in 2010. However, Sarangani’s record was pulled down to 15th rank in 2011 with only38 reportedcases.For the first semesterthis year, reported cases were trimmed down to only three.

Sarangani provincial healthofficerDr.AntonioYasana noted the significant support ofGlobal Fund, Australian Agency for International Development and World Health Organization in funding the Rollback

Malaria Program in the province effectively reduced incidence of the disease.

“Way back 2004, we started with 1,730 malaria cases and we have trimmed down as of June 2012 to only three cases,” Yasana said.

However he stressed the data should not create an impression of confidence.“Wearenotcomplacent about this one. Still, this is very challenging because we should not rest on our laurels with that three cases because that can multiply a thousand times.”“Basedonourrecord,”

according to Yasana, “we should now start thinking of eliminating malaria in Sarangani province and to align our focus also in the direction of the medium term malaria control program of the DOH in support to WHO and Global Fund through Pilipinas Shell Foundation that from (the) control prevention, it’s now towards elimination.” (Sarangani PIO/PIA-General Santos City)


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

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The status of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects under the Office of the Presidential

Adviser on Peace Process implemented in Agusan del Sur was presented to Agusan del Sur Governor Adolph Edward Plaza last July 13 as part of the evaluation process on how the projects serve the people in the community they are implemented and how the people perceived the projects.

Status of PAMANA projects in Agusan del Sur baredby David M. Suyao


The first project presented is the Sta. Irene-La Purisima-Gacub farm-to-market road (FMR) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, with a cost of P2.25 million. Agusanon Para sa Bag-ong Pilipino (AGUS PINOY), an accredited NGO by the PAMANA and the provincial government, said the Sta. Irene-La Purisima-Gacub FMR has incurred cracks on its concrete sides, while some road surface has been washed out due to heavy rainfall experienced in the province. According to report, motorcycle drivers’ feedback said that although the road situation is presently better compared to previous years, the road network should be completed until Gacub so travel will be easier and more comfortable. In a report that Plaza conformed, the rehabilitation budget covers only 1,040 linear meters from Sta. Irene, while the rest of the road were not yet s chedu l ed . This is the r e a s o n t r a v e l l i n g after the rehabilitated road is still

uncomfortable. The cohesion survey result said the construction and rehabilitation of the road address the need of the people in the area as signified by 95 percent of interviewed respondents. The provincial engineering office is also undergoing repairs on the defects of the road. On the Bitan-agan-Lucac FMR in San Francisco town with P2.25 million cost, accredited NGO People’s Alternative Center for Environmental and Sectoral Services, Inc. (PACESS) reported that minor defects were observed, such as cracks on the mouth of the culvert canals and some portion of the road washed out due to heavy rainfall. Overall overall findings based on the survey is good. Some PAMANA projects are still on-going to address the need of the people, especially in conflict areas.


According to Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga regional director and RDRRMC chairperson Dr. Blanche Gobenciong, the formulation of the risk profile form is part of the five-year Comprehensive Regional Strategic Action Plan that will provide detailed information on

the various elements of risk and vulnerabilities of the region. The activity will be participated by the RDRRMC Technical Working Group coming from the different line-agencies of the government spearheaded by OCD.

Caraga disaster council to formulate reg’l risk profile by Danilo S. Makiling

AGUSAN DEL NORTE -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-Caraga Region is conducting a writeshop for the formulation of regional risk profile on July 31 to August 1 at Tavern Hotel, Surigao City, in time with the celebration of the month-long National Disaster Consciousness.


DENR revitalizes agencies to fight illegal loggingby Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY-- To strengthen the anti-illegal logging campaign in the region, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has revitalized the operations of the Port Integrated Clearance Office (PICO) and the Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Council (MSFPC). “We need the support of the regional multisectoral body that will work alongside with the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force headed by Retired Marine General Renato Miranda in the all-out operation to stop illegal logging and mining activities in the region,” DENR-Caraga Region Assistant Secretary Marlo D. Mendoza. He said the regional MSFPC “would hopefully boost this campaign and eliminate public misconception about irregularities which are oftentimes taking place in the anti-illegal logging operations.”

He said in the absence of a clearance to transport goods and other products, PICO can confiscate a closed van cargo at the exit and entry ports throughout the country. Under the agreement, DENR, thru its regional offices and/or its appropriate offices, will continue to issue clearance, including transport permit for forestry and wildlife products, flora and fauna intended for loading on board domestic vessels. The agreement further stated that “when necessary, the


concerned DENR officer shall be present in the loading of forest and wildlife products, flora and fauna and other natural resources products at the port of loading to ensure strict monitoring and the implementation of Environment and Natural Resources laws, rules and regulations on such goods and cargoes.” Mendoza said a meeting is expected to be held between DENR officials and operators of all shipping companies to come up with an agreement relative to the shipment of closed cargo vans only with secured clearance from DENR through PICO. Mendoza also said he has refreshed the operation of the dormant Multi-Forest Protection Council (MFPC) in the region as an effective strategy for forest protection. MFPC was created in 1995 when DENR sought assistance with the World Bank to finance the Environment and Natural Resources Sector Adjustment Loan (ENR-SECAL) that aimed forest protection and upland development. It was conceived with the Monitoring and Enforcement Component (MEC) of the program as forest protection strategy.

The number of MFPC grew to 64 in 1995 to 314 in 1999. Its members were initially selected from several government organizations, non-government organizations, media, church, indigenous communities, local communities, local government units, academe, youth groups and civic groups. Despite this achievement, most MFPCs have folded when the ENR-SECAL Program closed in 1999 due to inadequacy of funds. Mendoza said he will bring all concerned sector into a conference to organize the members along with sustainable sources of funds. He said he is working a scheme aimed at paving good working relationship among DENR and key players particularly local government leaders to sustain the funding sources of MFPC. “The local government leaders with the political will to neutralize illegal forestry activities hold the key to the success of the campaign,” he said.

one mindanao - july 19, 2012

Documents

pia surigao

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga region richard

pia caraga region officer

pia region ximanaging

pia region x rudolph

cellphon pia agusan

edaga regional director