one mindanao - july 22, 2014

DOT sets packages for touring SOCCSKSARGEN Region Danilo E. Doguiles CENTRAL MINDANAO

TUESDAY, JULY 22 2014 Vol. 3 No. 225

Philippine government working hard to repatriate Filipinos from Libya

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CEB’s Tigerair Philippines launches Manila-Cagayan de Oro flights

DOST college scholarship now open for application

Carageños unite in marking 111th anniversary

PRO-ARMM police chief assures Basilan of police security amid rumors of firearms pullout

DSWD conducts assessment on CBLA implementation

DSWD-13 conducts debriefing to victims of conflict

Aussie dignitaries visit DFAT project in AgSur

Cotabato City creates study group on septage management

LGU Tacurong to host PMA exam

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Information to Empower Filipinos

7Tigerair Philippines

Karen Lou Deloso

Rene V. Carbayas

Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Theresa D. Barsobia

Eunice G. Montaos 10

12

Tess Superioridad Baluyos

Danilo E. Doguiles

Danilo E. Doguiles

DOT sets packages for touring SOCCSKSARGEN Region

DOT sets packages for touring SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Tourists coming to SOCCSKSARGEN Region could soon enjoy the 12th Paradise

in packages that assure unforgettable experience at best value for their money.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) 12, headed by Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera, launched Friday seven tour packages that would bring local and foreign tourists to the leading culturally and naturally rich eco-tourism sites across the region. “Everything in the value chain of tourism are already connected with one another in these tour packages,” said Dillera, adding that these are being offered to tour operators who will be the ones that would sell these to their patrons. DOT 12 and travel and tour operators are currently negotiating

to s e t a uniform price for each tour package, another official of the agency said. Dillera explained the initiative is in line with the DOT-led Visit Philippines Year 2015 as well as the APEC Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit in 2015. “While any place in Mindanao has not been booked for any of the activities of the APEC Summit next year, we hope that we can entice the

by Danilo E. Doguiles

COVER STORY

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participants and their relatives and friends to come to Mindanao,” she said. “This is why the DOT National Office has required all regional offices to set tour packages.” She explained further that besides the aforementioned reason, establishing these tour packages is particularly geared toward their advocacy to promote SOCCSKSARGEN Region, which Regional Tourism Council chairperson Michelle Solon described as “the next big thing” in tourism. “It’s unique, It’s new. It’s fresh,” Solon said, referring to SOCCSKSARGEN Region. “A lot of people have been everywhere, so they are now looking for new places to go. This is our time,” she said in her message at the tour packages launching ceremony at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City. These tour packages include: 1) Gensan-Lake Sebu Tour Package , 2) Half-Day City Tour in Gensan, 3) Gensan Fishport – Maitum Tour Package, 4) Tboli Cultural and Eco Escape in South Cotabato, 5) Eco-Industrial Tour in Sultan Kudarat, 6) Cultural Charms Escape in Cotabato City, and 7) Path to the Peak Adventure in Mt. Apo. Gensan – Lake Sebu Tour This tour package brings

visitors to the General Santos’ industrial pride, the Gensan Fishport Complex where they could experience firsthand the country’s largest tuna catch. The complex also features a facility where visitors could try the freshest sashimi and sushi. The tour proceeds to the Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant, which takes pride of its paradise garden featuring various bonsai and other plants perched atop a hill overlooking the Sarangani Bay. The group then visits the mansion of world boxing champion

Manny Pacquiao. From the city, the group takes more than an hour ride to South Cotabato’s prime eco-tourism site, Lake Sebu where they could try conquering their fear by riding the over 600-ft Seven Falls Zipline, enjoy the scenic view of the Seven Falls, experience over 30-minute boat ride around the 354-hectare lake, and taste the different tilapia recipes in a floating restaurant. Tourists could also immerse in the fascinating Tboli culture in the area and bring home souvenirs, traditional beadworks, brass wares, wood carvings and many others from the Tboli Museum and Pasalubong Stores in the area.

Half-Day City Tour Like the tour package above, this travel starts with the Gensan Fishport Complex but proceeds either to the paradise garden of the Sarangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant or the Mt. Sabrina Mountain View Resort where visitors are treated to a view of the city’s skyline and the gleaming Sarangani Bay. From there, the tour goes down to the Pacman’s stadium, mansion and hotel before proceeding to the Gen. Paulino Santos Museum where they could learn the city’s glorious history. Last stop, the Gensan

Pasalubong Center where various local products – local delicacies, handicrafts, etc. – are sold.

Gensan – Maitum Tour Package Tourists who are interested in water adventure should take this tour package. Like the abovementioned tours, this package kicks off at the Gensan Fishport Complex and the Sarangani Highlands where they take off for Maitum, Sarangani Province where thy go wet and wild with the 1.6-kilometer water tubing adventure at the cool, white and clear water of Pangi River. They will also visit the “Faces of Maitum” Museum where human shaped burial jars, century old potteries and products of local artists are on display. From there, the group proceeds to the Pawikan Sanctuary of Maitum where they might experience releasing baby marine turtles to open sea.

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Across the NationGovernment still on alert for typhoon ‘Henry’The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

(NDRRMC) is on blue alert status as Typhoon ‘Henry’ is still in the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Monday.

Under the blue alert status, half of the personnel of all regional and municipal disaster risk reduction management offices, regional civil

defense offices, and other concerned government agencies in would-be affected areas should be at their posts to monitor the situation.

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The areas of concern for this alert are the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya and Batanes.

Lacierda said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is continuously monitoring the situation and disseminating weather bulletins and flood advisories, while the Department of Social Works and Development’s (DSWD) Municipal Disaster Response teams and Social Welfare Assistance and Municipal Development teams are on alert to be readily available for duty.

He noted that a P2,754,274 fund has been set aside and a total of 5,715 family food packs have been readied for distribution to evacuation centers.

The Department of Public Works

and Highways (DPWH), he said, is ready to clear roads in landslide- and flood-prone areas while the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has instructed its regional offices to roll out the pre-disaster risk assessment meetings, and advise governors to participate in such meetings.

The Philippine Coast Guard meanwhile has issued warnings to fisher folks to refrain from venturing into the sea, Lacierda said, adding that military and navy units in Tacloban are standing by for possible rescue operations.

As of 4 a.m. on Monday, the PAGASA has issued public storm warning signal no. 1 over the Batanes Group of Islands, Cagayan, Babuyan and Calayan Group of Islands. PND

Philippine government working hard to repatriate Filipinos from Libya

The Palace said the government is doing everything to help overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) who want to leave Libya

because of the worsening security situation there.

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“Ginagawa ng Department of Foreign Affairs ang lahat ng makakayanan nito. Nagpadala na o nagtalaga na ng rapid response teams at pinagtutulungan ito ng lahat ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa Gitnang Silangan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.

Among the major complaints of OFWs in Libya is safety during travel, with many fearing being kidnapped or taken hostage.

Coloma said the government recognizes the concerns of OFWs in Libya, and that is why it is working hard to bring them out of harm’s way.

Due to the grave security situation there, the Department of Foreign Affairs has issued Alert Level No. 4, according to Coloma.

The Palace official said the Philippine government had faced a similar situation before, when it hired a ship to ferry Filipino workers from a conflict area in the Middle East.

Embassy officials face mounting challenges in bringing OFWs from conflict zones because they have to transport them to safe

areas by land, he said, noting that arranging for transportation is very difficult in danger zones.

The Philippine government is also working with other governments to evacuate OFWs in Libya, he said.

Coloma said that Philippine embassies normally have 25 to 30 personnel and they could hardly accommodate the repatriation of 13,000 Filipinos in Libya.

“Kaya humihingi po tayo ng tulong sa iba’t ibang mga bansa, katulad ng Indonesia na meron ding mga nationals sa mga lugar na ‘yan, para mabawasan ang panganib sa ating mga mamamayan.”

Last week, the United Nations said it was evacuating its remaining staff from Libya because of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

The Libyan government has indicated that it is considering calling for international forces to help re-establish security after deadly clashes closed Tripoli airport. Attacks have severed air links with the outside world.

Liberals and Islamist militias have been fighting for control in Libya since the overthrow of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. PND

10JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Four-month SSS collections in Mindanao jump 13 percent to P 3.2-B

The Social Security System (SSS) has collected P3.2 billion in members’ contributions in Mindanao from January to April this

year, up by 13 percent from P 2.9 billion over the same period in 2013, with nearly 80 percent of overall collections coming from the employed sector.

Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo, SSS Assistant Vice President for Western Mindanao, said the contributions from regular and household employers from Mindanao rose by 13 percent to P 2.5 billion. About P1.6 billion of these payments were from “large account” employers, or

businesses with at least 100 workers.“Meanwhile, contributions from the

smaller ‘branch account’ employers reached P959 million during the four-month period. Double-digit collection growths were attained for both large and branch employer


Four-month SSS collections in Mindanao jump 13 percent to P 3.2-B

accounts in Mindanao at 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively, which attests to the sustained efforts of SSS branch offices to promote employer compliance in the area,” he noted.

Filoteo, along with other senior officials headed by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr., are in Dipolog City on July 21 and 22 to meet employers, branch heads and employees in Western Mindanao as part of management’s continuing drive to promote closer ties between SSS and its stakeholders.

The SSS has over 135,000 registered employers in Mindanao, of which 99 percent – including some 33,000 household employers – fall under branch accounts, while about 1,400 employers are classified as large accounts. In terms of number of covered employees in the area, 2.9 million members are employed by businesses, and about 7,300 more are household workers.

Collections from self-employed and voluntary members amounted to P698 million, reflecting an increase of 13 percent from the P 618 million within the first four months of 2013. The SSS has 1.2 million covered self-employed and voluntary members in Mindanao.

The AlkanSSSya Program helped contribute to the increase in collections from informal sector workers, who are covered as self-employed members. As of April 2014, a total of 110

informal sector groups representing 11,735 workers in Mindanao have already joined the AlkanSSSya. Workers enrolled in the program are given their own secure compartment in their organization’s AlkanSSSya unit, where they can store their daily SSS savings until these are collected, counted and remitted by their ISG to an SSS branch or collection partner at the end of each month.

Filoteo said another option for interested ISGs or associations is to enroll in the e-AlkanSSSya Program, which entails the automatic deduction of contributions from workers’ salaries and wages that will be remitted monthly by the organization to the SSS.

“The e-AlkanSSSya Program addresses the social protection needs of job order and contractual workers in barangays and other government offices who are excluded from the mandated coverage of social security institutions for regular public sector employees,” he explained.

The SSS has 31 branch and representative offices as well as eight Service Offices in Mindanao. Its operations in the area are supervised by four SSS division offices stationed in the cities of Cagayan de Oro (Mindanao North), Davao (Mindanao South 1), General Santos (Mindanao South 2) and Zamboanga (Mindanao West). (PNA)


Kadsagayan A Lalan champs This ensemble of students from the Edwards National High School in T’boli, South Cotabato went home with P150,000 prize as champion of the 15th T’nalak Festival Street Dancing Competition - Kadsagayan A Lalan Category. Kadsagayan depicts the cultures of the Mus-lim inhabitants of South Cotabato, which celebrated its 48th Foundation Day Friday, July 18 (Photo by DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato —To further strengthen and prepare the members of the emergency response team of the provincial government, bomb and fire drills were conducted recently in line with the celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July.

NorthCot LGU observes National Disaster Consciousness MonthBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center (PDRMMOC) head Cynthia Ortega said that the drills are important in preparing the volunteers for immediate response in times of emergencies.

She noted that the drill also engaged the rescuers and volunteers in vehicular accident scenario where victims were retrieved from the accident site and given immediate first-aid treatment.

Also, she explained that elements of the Explosives Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) demonstrated the course of action done in handling threats of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), diffusion and in the event of IED explosion.

“On the other hand, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) performed fire-fighting method and rescue operations,” Ortega said.

She also explained that activities conducted became a refresher and retraining for NCERT members who

constantly update themselves with new trainings and rescue gadgets and devices.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmylou Mendoza stated that the provincial government is intensifying the trainings and skills development of the volunteers of the province as well as the upgrading of rescue equipment.

“Our search and rescue team must always be ready to respond to any calamity at any given point in time. In this regard, we ensure the readiness of our personnel by providing them the necessary support”, Mendoza said.

Apart from the drills, the PDRMMOC is set to conduct other activities in line with this month’s disaster consciousness advocacy.

This year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month centers in the theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan Pundasyon ng Pamahalaan”. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz&RASotto-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


COTABATO CITY -- After establishing partnership with the Be Secure Proj-ect of USAID on the upgrading of its water system, the local government unit here has created a group that would look into the septage manage-ment program of city.

Cotabato City creates study group on septage managementBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Mayor Guiapal Guiani Jr., issued on July 10 Executive Order No. 114 creating the study team for the proposed Septage Management Program for the Cotabato.

The team, led by Assistant City General Services Officer Engr. Crisanto Saavedra, will work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Be Secure Project and the Metro Cotabato Water District (MCWD) on this initiative to safeguard the water sources in the area and the health of its residents.

Other members of the team are Assistant City Planning and Development Officer Engr Adela Fiesta, Planning Officers IV Diosdado Oro of the Office of Health Services, Engr. Edna Delicano of the Office of General Services, Engr Oscar Rendon of the City Planning and Development Office, and Engineer II Engr. Julieta Zambrano of the City Engineering Office.

Per order, the study team is directed to evaluate and propose action plans and activities on septage management and work with Be Secure on the conduct of a

feasibility study.It is also mandated to look into

the possibility of a public-private-partnership in the implementation of a Septage Treatment Facility for the city as well as study and recommend most appropriate promotion system or mechanics for a Septage Management Program intended to encourage public understanding and acceptance.

In the said order, Mayor Guiani noted that the creation of the study group was anchored on Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, which requires among others, the safeguarding of water sources.

Lack of septage management in a 55-year old city like Cotabato where the population is remains on the rise could cause contamination of water sources, he pointed out further, thus, prompting the creation of the study team.

In relation to this undertaking, the team visited Alabel town in Sarangani on July 14 for a study tour in the area.

In Alabel, the team met with Municipal Environment and


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Hundreds of applicants are expected to troop to the city gymnasium of Tacurong on August 3 for the entrance ex-amination of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Natural Resources Officer Engr. Allan V. Rivera, who presented the LGU’s septage treatment facility and explained how they were able to acquire a grant for this particular project, its operation and maintenance as well as the challenges that they have encountered in the implementation of the program.

On July 15, the team met with Engr. Jay Yu Tecson, USAID Be Secure Partnerships team leader, in General Santos City.

Tecson discussed the basics of

septage management such as septic tank standard plans, problems with septic tanks, Clean Water Act, elements of comprehensive septage management program, project promotion campaigns strategies, socio-cultural-political issues, environmental issues and experiences of other local governments on septage management as well as experiences of other countries on STF operations. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

LGU Tacurong to host PMA examBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


It would be the third time for the city government to host the annual examination for the country’s premier military institution.

In this regard, the city government here announced application forms for the said examination are still available at the Tri-Media Room of the Office of Mayor Lina Montilla.

Interested individuals may also access PMA’s website www.pma.ph for online application.

Deadline for the submission of application forms and documents will be on July 25, Monday. However, walk-in applicants may also be allowed to take the examination on August 3, provided that they bring with them all the required documents and as long as examination booklets are still available.

To qualify for the examination, an applicant must be: 1) a natural born Filipino citizen; 2) single and has never been married nor pregnant nor has a legal obligation to support a child or children; 3) born from April 1, 1993 to April 1, 1998; and 4) at least a high school graduate.

High school students who were born from April 2, 1998 to April 1, 1999 may also take the exam but will be processed for admission the year following the examination.

The entrance examination will cover several areas that would test the applicants mental ability, to wit: Mathematics (Algebra and Geometry), English (Grammar, Composition, and Reading and Comprehension) and Abstract Reasoning which is called SPMA (Verbal and Numerical

Reasoning and Pattern Analysis).Applicants who will pass the written

examination get the chance to become part of the cadet corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Mayor Montilla is grateful to the PMA for continually selecting Tacurong as one of the more than 30 examination centers in the country.

She said that the accessibility of the testing center gives many promising individuals in the city the opportunity to take the examination.

Last year’s examination in Tacurong produced few passers. One of them, Kathleen Ea of Barangay San Pablo, already got invited last month to undergo the physical examination in Baguio City.

Major Raul Verceles, PMA Acting Director of the Office of Cadet Admission, is closely coordinating with the city officials regarding the preparations for the examination in Tacurong.

Meanwhile, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peace and Order Chairperson Rodrigo Jamorabon said that the city is already prepared to accommodate hundreds of examinees coming from different parts of Region 12.

The entrance examination was originally scheduled on August 31 but was moved to an earlier date, August 3, to allow enough time to properly screen successful examinees that will go through the complete physical examination. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU Tacurong City Information)


166 Misamis Oriental, Camiguin ARBs finish agricultural enterprise dev’t course by Florence A. Ramos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Some 166 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from selected municipalities in Misamis Oriental and Camiguin recently completed the Agricultural Enterprise Development (AED) training course conducted by Xavier Science Foundation (XSF) under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project in Region 10.


The graduates are members of the agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Laguindingan (Lapad Agrarian Reform and Farmers’ Cooperative) with 28 graduates, Taglimao (Taglimao Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative) with 22 graduates, Indahag (Indahag Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative) with 27 graduates, Alubijid (Centro Sampatulog Farmers’ Consumers Cooperative) with 23 graduates, Balingoan (Kabangasan-Mapua-Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community) with 29 graduates, Agoho (Agoho Multi-Purpose Community) with 23 graduates, and Sagay (Bonbon-Sagay Upland Farmers’ Association) with 14 graduates. The Laguindingan, Taglimao and Indahag ARBOs are currently engaged in corn production. Those in Alubijid and Balingoan are into cassava, while the ARBOs in Agoho and Sagay are producing abaca. The ARCCESS project is conceptualized and designed by the

DAR as a government-led initiative that provides strategic and sustainable support services to increase farm productivity, improve household incomes and provide sustainable livelihood for agrarian reform beneficiaries through the organization of agri-related enterprises. In partnership with the Department of Agrarian Reform in Region 10, the XSF has provided agri-technology and agri-extension services in an institutionalized manner to the identified ARBOs that followed the key criteria approach of ARCCESS. These services include trainings for farmer technicians and ARBs, common service facilities management plan, farm production management plan, preparation of training manuals and modules, among others. The DAR-XSF partnership started on August 1, 2013 and will conclude on July 31, 2014.

CEB’s Tigerair Philippines launches Manila-Cagayan de Oro flightsby Tigerair Philippines

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Cebu Pacific Air (CEB), through its network made wider with Tigerair Philippines, expands its domestic network with the launch of Tigerair Philippines’ Manila-Cagayan de Oro flights last 15 July 2014.

Utilizing an Aurbus A320 aircraft, the Manila-Cagayan de Oro maidedn


flight departed NAIA Terminal 4 in Manila at 10:00 a.m. and landed in Cagayan de Oro at 11:30 a.m. The return flight departed Cagayan de Oro at 12:30 p.m. and landed in Manila at 2:00 p.m. “Tigerair Philippines remains committed to providing the travelling public more travel options and low fares. The launch of firect flights to Cagayan de Oro increases accessibility to northern Mindanao,” said Atty. Leilani de Leon, Tigerair Philippines chief legal and corporate affairs. Cagayan de Oro is a key government, commercial anf tourism hub in the region. It is the gateway to eco-adventure atrracttions such as white water rafting and canopy walks,

and is a rapidly developing city with myriad shopping and hotel options. Tigerair Philippines now operates approximately 220 weekly flights to one international and eight domestic destinations:Hongkong, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Manila, Puerto Princesa and Tacloban. It utlizes a fleet of four Airbus A320 aircraft. For bookings and inquiries, please log on to www.cebupacificair.com or call reservation hotlines (02) 7020888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on Tigerair Philippines’ official Twitter (@tigerairPH) and Facebook (tigerair philippines) pages.

DOST college scholarship now open for applicationby Tess Superioridad Baluyos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) region 10 announces opening of application for scholarship.

Qualified to apply are natural-born Filipino citizens who belong to the upper 5 percent of the regular high school graduating class or a member of the graduating class of any DOST-identified or DEPED-recognized science high school, a resident of the municipality/district for the last four years, have not earned units in any

post-secondary or undergraduate course, have not previously taken any DOST scholarship examination, of good moral character, of good health and have no pending application for resident or immigrant status in any foreign country. The DOST college scholarship has two categories. Program A, also known


as Republic Act 7687, is designed for poor but intelligent high school graduating or high school graduate whose family gross annual income does not exceed P156,500 of which about 3,500 slots are available. Those with higher family income belong to Program B or Merit Category and are required to pay the non-refundable testing fee of P200. About 350 slots are available under this category. Applicants are required to submit an accomplished application form, two recent and identical 1x1 picture taken within the application period (one for the application form and the other for the test permit). Also required is a photocopy of the applicant’s birth certificate (original copy should be brought for double-checking). Scholarship application forms can be obtained from the DOST regional offices or the DOST provincial science and technology centers. It can also be downloaded at www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarships.ph. In region 10, accomplished application forms can be filed at the DOST regional office located at J.V. Serina St. (near JR Borja Memorial City Hospital), Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City or its provincial science and technology centers. The Bukidnon Provincial Science and Technology Center is located at Central Mindanao University, Musuan; Camiguin Provincial Science and Technology Center at Mambajao; Lanao del Norte Provincial Science and Technology Center at MSU-Iligan

Institute of Technology, Iligan City; Misamis Oriental Provincial Science and Technology Center is located at Telecommunications Office Building, Capitol Ground, Cagayan de Oro City; Misamis Occidental Provincial Science and Technology Center at Oroquieta City. Deadline for filing of application form is on August 22, 2014 at Cagayan de Oro City. Selection of qualified applicants is through a competitive examination which will be conducted nationwide on September 21, 2014. Successful applicants will enjoy tuition fees of not more than P10,000 per semester, an outright book allowance of P5,000 per semester, and PE uniform allowance of P500 for first year, first semester only, reimbursement of transportation expenses to and from residence before and after the school year, a group health and accident insurance, and a monthly allowance of P4,000 (P5,000 for those who will take up BS-Physics and BSE-Physics, BS-Geology, and BS-Mining Engineering) and a graduation of P1,000 for Program A. For more information you may call the DOST Regional Office landline at 858-67-90.


EMB underscores info officers’ role in communicating climate change By Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY- Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) assistant director Eva Ocfemia, as represented by EMB-Caraga administrative chief Grace Abella relayed to some 250 participating information officers the value of how they are able to effectively convey what climate change is all about and the mitigation and adaptation actions during the Information Officers’ Summit on Climate Change Advocacy held in this city on Wednesday.


“With the emerging ex-treme climate events, com-municating climate change well with the ultimate aim of changing behavior and lifestyle may mean saving lives, saving properties, and saving econom-ic costs,” emphasized Abella. She also said that com-municating climate change ef-fectively is certainly a great challenge for most people who are not really climate experts and that “there is a need to translate technical terms into simpler words that can easily be understood by the public.” Abella added that com-municating climate change should not be threatening or result in confusion. She said that it should facilitate sound decisions, promote systematic and coordinated actions, and

ultimately catalyze behavioral change among the citizenry. “This is where the crucial role of our information comes in. While we could say that at pres-ent we have already reached a significant level of aware-ness on climate change, there is still a need for a more pro-active advocacy and informa-tion campaign that would rally be instilled in every person’s heart and mind,” bared Abella. With the various forms of climate information provided by relevant climate agencies and research institutions covering climate trends and projections per province, assessment of the country’s climate change, regular updates on the weath-er, and more, the challenge now is how to translate these data and integrate these in plans


and programs, said Abella. “We understand that knowledge and skills will lead us to better and resilient mea-sures in cushioning the im-pacts of climate change and that is done through an ef-fective communication plan implementation with the sup-port of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) specifically here in Caraga region,” said Abella. The two-day summit is

organized by PIA and DENR-Caraga and sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Min-danao Development Author-ity (MinDA), and Regional Tri-partite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). Partners from the private sector such as Mary Kay, PLDT-Philcom and Bayan Telecommunications also contributed to the activity.

DSWD-13 conducts debriefing to victims of conflictBy Theresa D. BarsobiaBUTUAN CITY- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga conducted Psychosocial Processing (PSP) to 30 civilians affected during the conflict in Brgy. Hamogaway, Baguyan City and Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Wednesday.

These were the civilians composed of 15 adults, 11 of whom were female and 4 were male and 15 children (8 female and 7 male) of different ages who had unexpectedly suffered a trauma event as they had witnessed the exchanged of gun fires and had seen dead armed men right before them.

The department was able to provide these civilians the Psychosocial Processing (PSP) on July 16, 2014 at the Field Office within 42-hours following the said incident. They were afforded with such service to give

them a venue wherein they will feel secure and they can freely share their experiences, thoughts and feelings, and gradually be relieved from emotional, psychological, and physical suffering caused by the traumatic experience. They were handled by licensed psychologists and registered social workers.

It can be recalled that on July 15, 2014 the province was confounded with series of rebel attacks in Brgy. Hamogaway, Bayugan City and Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.


Aussie dignitaries visit DFAT project in AgSur BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga has facilitated recently the high-level visit in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur of some Australian Government Representatives in the persons of Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Maritime Division Allaster Cox of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and His Excellency Bill Tweddell, Australia’s Ambassador to the Philippines.

By Eunice G. Montaos

According to Ambassador Tweddell, the purpose of their visit is to learn more about Australia’s support to the Province of Agusan del Sur and the site visit in El Rio was the first leg of their whole trip. “We want to look at the completed classrooms and interact with the community beneficiaries,” he said.

The community volunteers in Sibagat showcased a completed school building with two classrooms in Barangay El Rio. This sub-project was funded by the previous grant from the Australian Aid for Development (AusAid), now DFAT, coursed through the KALAHI CIDSS- National Community-Driven Development Program (KC-NCDDP) of DSWD.

The high-level visitors, escorted by Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) Counselor Geoff King, Governance Adviser Paul Hutchcroft, Human Resource and Organizational Development Facility (HROF) Portfolio Manager Erika Geronimo, and DFAT Senior Program

Officer Rosela Agcaoili, inspected the classrooms and checked the facilities inside including the arm chairs, the comfort rooms, and others.

“I am really impressed with the completed classrooms; the grant was apparently judiciously managed by the community volunteers,” Twedell added.

“The visit was very enriching and we are very thankful for the DSWD, the local authorities, and the community residents for the wonderful partnership,” quipped Assistant Secretary Cox.

DSWD Caraga regional director Minda Brigoli briefed the visitors and the participants on the accomplishment of the Field Office for the Aussie-funded project implementation. “In the region, about 68 sub-projects comprised of 18 day care centers and 50 school buildings (91 classrooms) worth P 88.44 M, from the P 72.74 M AusAID grant and P 15.70 local counterpart contribution (LCC), were implemented through the funding


support of Australia,” she shared.“The site visit of our high-level

visitors who are also our development partners affirms the thrust towards convergence as the beneficiaries of the school building construction are also Conditional Cash transfer (CCT) beneficiaries,” said Brigoli.

Mayor Thelma Lamanilao expressed her thanks to the Australian government for trusting their municipality and giving the grant for the construction of the classrooms which were now utilized by grade 2 and 3 pupils. “The sub-project is indeed the basic social service greatly needed by the residents in El Rio as this will provide an avenue of learning for their children,” she quipped.

The key Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) staff, led by regional program manager and assistant regional director for Operations Mita Lim, were also in full-force in facilitating the said visit.

During the dialogue with the community volunteers, local government unit (LGU) officials, and the RPMO workers, Allaster Cox asked the volunteers about the plans for the sustainability of the projects.

“The community organized an operation and maintenance group who are responsible in sustaining the sub-project. The parents and the organization agreed

that they will require a collection of 2 pesos per household which will be used for minor repairs of the school building,” answered Dolores Padin, Barangay Sub-Project Management Committee (BSPMC) chairperson.

Another AUD 12 M grant was provided by the Australian government to the country. This grant shall be used for the construction of day care centers and school buildings thru the KC-NCDDP community-driven development approach.


Mt. Hamiguitan no longer open to climbers

DAVAO CITY- Mt. Hamiguitan will be closed to climbers as part of efforts to conserve the newly in-scribed World Heritage Site. According to Cynthia Rodriguez, tourism consultant to the provincial

government of Davao Oriental, the mountain will be institutionalized as a conservation and protection site. Only scientists and researchers are allowed to climb the mountain and it will have strict carrying capacity of 30 scientists/ researchers climbing a


Carageños unite in marking 111th anniversaryCARAGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL— It’s not just the colorful embellish-ments, charming performances, and heaving happenings that drawn crowds together in Caraga’s 111th Founding Anniversary last Tuesday (July 15) but also the spirit of unity and the ‘bond’ as a community. Bannered by this year’s theme,“A call for unity towards achieving greater goals”, Carageños celebrated the town’s more than a century of existence with the spirit

of oneness, especially now that Caraga is rapidly taking strides towards development. Delighted over the solid support and participation of the people for the town’s most important occasion, Mayor Alicia B. Mori, said it was also an opportunity to bring together communities, officials, and the townspeople as a whole to call for one development direction. “Gone are the days that we have been divided as a people. We, as stewards of our town’s

month. Rodriguez said these policies are to ensure the protection of the unique flora and fauna of the mountain. The mountain contains about 1,380 identified species of which 341 species of flora and fauna are endemic to the region. This is a significant value considering the small size of the property. The mountain was inscribed last June 23 in Doha, Qatar to the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage List, the 6th site in the Philippines and the first in Mindanao. Rodriguez said conservation and protection is the topmost priority and there are plans to beef the strength of Bantay Gubat (forest guards) in the area.

Another plan is the setting up of an extension laboratory of the Central Mindanao University whose scientists led by Dr. Victor Amaroso conductd a comprehensive study of flora in the mountain range located within the towns of San Isidro, Governor Generoso and the City of Mati. Rodriguez said another plan is to build an interpretative site possible in San Isidro, the site will showcase the unique flora or perhaps fauna found in the mountain. She said that these are part of the development to make Mt. Hamiguitan a learning and science mountain. For mountain climbers who will have one less mountain to climb and explore, Rodriguez said they are opening the foothills found in the Mt. Hamiguitan Range. (PIA/RG Alama)


future generation ought to work in unison to make headway onour developmental goals,” Mayor Mori told her audience during the anniversary program. Meanwhile, recognizing culture as one ‘bonding element’ of a town, the municipal government also encouraged its people to help preserve and conserve the priceless cultural heritage as culture plays an important role for economic and social development of the municipality. EVIDENT DEVELOPMENT While considered a haven of

diverse cultural richness of the Mandaya culture intertwined with the touch of Spanish heritage, Caraga holds a potential of being a premier travel and educational site in the country. And now that the province hosts one of the country’s World Heritage Sites—the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, tourists are becoming more eager toexplore all treasures it has to offer. This had prompted the provincial government to set needed structures in preparation forthe influx of tourists. “We have to make sure that everything is in place before visitors start to come,” says


Davao Oriental Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, who now fast tracks implementation of projects bent to support primarily the province’s tourism industry, to include the culturally-rich town of Caraga. Among these structures is the ongoingroad project tothe town’s historical landmark— the Pusan Point. Situated at the southernmost tip of the Philippines, this is where the first sunrise shines in the country. Funds for the project wassourced out from the office of firstdistrict representative, Congressman Nelson Dayanghirang, which was also counterparted by the provincial government. ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS Officially opened last July 7, the week-long celebration in time for the 130th Parochial Feast was packed with a diversity of attractions and entertainment, which include among others, motorcross, a carabao show, swimming completion, banca race, and evening shindigs intended for different community groups. While clad in colorful ornaments, the bucolic town of Caraga came alive as crowds flooded the main streets to spectate performers during the street dance parade. Known for its various, unique products that range from exotic foods to processed goods and furniture to novelty items, the municipal

government also featured an agri-fair that highlighted products of small farmers and entrepreneurs, which drew a lot of interest to residents and tourists alike. Among the products highlighted during the fair were the chili foodstuffs under the brand name ‘Hot Pablo’. Backed with the support from the local and national government for farmers in the province’s east coast towns, the brand is now widely-known in the international food industry. Aside from the week-long agri fair, the municipal government also observed the celebration with cultural performances, replete with Mandayan music and dances. With more than a handful of attractions which includes among others, caves, the century-old San Salvador Parish Church, series of falls and beaches, a Philippine Eagle Sanctuary, and the Pusan Point, the municipal government launched its official tourism music video that features footages of its must-see travel destinations. Not only giftedwith richness in culture but also with acurnocpiaof natural treasures, the municipality of Caraga is convinced that with one development direction, these vast wealth can be efficiently tapped, thus, would help shape the town’s long-desireddevelopment. (Karen Lou Deloso/ PIO DavOr photo from LGU Caraga)


IP students taught writing stories on climate change By Gideon C. Corgue

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Twenty-three college students and out-of-school-youths (OSYs) belonging to Indigenous People’s (IPs) paticipated in two-day journalistic writing worskshop held on July 17-18, at Casa Mea Hotel here.


IP students taught writing stories on climate change

The activity, which is a joint project of Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9, National Commisssion on Idigenous Peoples (NCIP)-9 and the US Embassy, was the third in a series of workhops for IP students, starting in Pagadian City last July 3-4, and followed by Dipolog on July 10-11. PIA-9 Assistant Regional Director Franklin Gumapon said the activity was designed to help improve the writing skills of IP college students and OSYs in Zamboanga Peninsula so that they can help in advocating climate change. Gumapon said the participants were taught how to write news stories or feature articles on climate change to promote climate change adaptation in their respective

communities. “We are partnerning with IP students/OSYs in information dissemination since most of them are living in the remote areas vulnerable to disasters,” Gumapon explained.” During the workshop, partcipants were eccouraged to write articles and produce their individual output. Radzme Lindet, a senior college student, said he has little background in newswriting during his high school days and he found the workshop entirely different. “I learned a lot in the seminar especially the tips of writing effective news and feature stories. I am optimistic that I can apply the knowledge that I have acquired during seminar,” he added.


PRO-ARMM police chief assures Basilan of police security amid rumors of firearms pullout By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Police Regional Office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) has assured Basileños of full police security protection amidst reports of alleged pullout of long firearms under police custody in the island province of Basilan. During his visit to Basilan recently, Regional Director PCSupt Noel Orais Delos Reyes explained during a joint meeting of the Provincial Crisis Management and the Peace and Development Coordinating Committee (aka Team Basilan) that the rumored firearms pullout was actually an inventory of long firearms issued to the local police units and policemen in order to determine if these fire power and resources are equitably distributed in all police stations and units in the entire island. Authorities in Basilan have earlier expressed their concern over the safety of communities when the pullout pushes through. Legislative bodies of the province and Lamitan City have already filed resolutions requesting the PNP to defer the implementation. But Delos Reyes explained that there was no pullout and that the process is only part of the inventory. He said that Basilan has some

131 long firearms. And based on PNP’s paper audit, Basilan has an excess of 25 firearms. “These are unit firearms that were supposed to be at the police station and should not be brought home by policeman after duty.” However, the inventory team has discovered that some 25 firearms have tampered seals, of which 16 are M16 rifles, nine .45 caliber pistols, and 1 shotgun. These were submitted for ballistics to determine whether these tampered firearms were used. “Hindi namin pababayaan ang Basilan (we will not leave Basilan),” Delos Reyes said as he announced that the ARMM will put additional Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) to patrol critical areas in the remote areas of the province. Last June 13, the PNP-ARMM released a memorandum on no multiple issuance[s] of firearms, directing that “all uniformed personnel of the [particular] office/battalion have an issued firearm


PRO-ARMM police chief assures Basilan of police security amid rumors of firearms pullout

DSWD conducts assessment on CBLA implementationBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

DAPITAN CITY - Forty-six representatives of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from its field offices of regions 5, 7 and 9 recently gathered here to assess and evaluate the pilot implementation of the Cash for Building Livelihood Assets (CBLA) program of the department. During the assessment activity, stakeholders presented their evaluation on the CBLA program implementation in their respective region. Strengths and weaknesses or areas for improvement with regard to program implementation highlighted the presentation in said gathering. All the assessments presented per region were consolidated and will serve as a point of reference

in drafting the guidelines on the implementation of said program. Actual visit to the program sites in the municipalities of Siayan and Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte on the third day formed part of the workshop activity where participants from the other regions showed appreciation of the efforts of DSWD-9 with regard to CBLA implementation.

by June 30, 2014. This means that no PNP uniformed personnel of the office/battalion will have more than one issued firearms as long as there are still others without any issued firearms.” Moreover, the PNP-ARMM chief is bent on coming up with a true picture of criminality and situation of the ARMM and Basilan. He said that this picture is getting clear as to crime volume. He revealed that based on paper reports ARMM has the lowest

crime volume so far for 2012-2014. To boost security of the island, the PNP has been conducting highly mobile checkpoints. And Delos Reyes asked the LGU and the public to help them monitor their police and report abusive policemen. “All the policemen wanted to be a police and they know the job and the risks involved. So there is no reason for them not to perform and become effective police,” Delos Reyes stressed.

one mindanao - july 22, 2014

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