one mindanao - july 23, 2014

More tour packages to enjoy in the 12th Paradise Danilo E. Doguiles CENTRAL MINDANAO

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 2014 Vol. 3 No. 226

Government might consider proposal for Bataan Nuclear Power Plant conversion, Palace says

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

CENTRAL MINDANAO

Hydromet stations distributed in strategic locationsin northern Mindanao

Local council files resolution supporting Vigan City’s declaration as 7th WCW

Tagum receives rescue equipment from US

MCN to conduct infocars in Sominot, Talusan towns

Tambulig launches Climate Change Advocacy Campaign

Smoking ban starts in SurSur capitol

Science chief reports on two-year performance of Project NOAH; 5,060 barangay flood hazard maps done through LiDAR technology

DOLE 12 inks agreement with Gensan village for child labor-free barangays

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33 35 36

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Information to Empower Filipinos

8Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Louie Lapat

Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Claro A. Lanipa

Greg Tataro

DOST 11

13

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Danilo E. Doguiles

More tour packages to enjoy in the 12th Paradise

More tour packages to enjoy in the 12th Paradise

Tourism officials assure touring the 12th Paradise, that is SOCCSKSARGEN Region, offers varied

destinations for everyone, from those needing respite from the busy city life and seeking educational immersion on the very rich cultures in this area of the Philippines to those searching for opportunities to invest and those going for adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Following are the rest of tour packages launched last Friday, July 18, by the Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 at the 15th T’nalak Festival of South Cotabato

Tboli Cultural and Eco Escape In this two-day–one-night tour, visitors travel from General Santos City to Lake Sebu, with stops at the vast plantation of the pineapple giant Dole Philippines and the Tupi Fruit Park in Polomolok and Tupi towns, the

Kablon F a r m s

Pasalubong Center in Koronadal City that sells a wide array of processed products made from organically-grown fruits and the Tri-People Monument in Surallah town

by Danilo E. Doguiles

COVER STORY

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designed by acclaimed artist Kublai Millan. In Lake Sebu, the visitors get an education of the Tboli culture with visits to the Tboli School of Living Tradition, the Lang Dulay T’nalak Weaving Center, and the House of Gongs and Tboli Museum. The School of Indigenous Knowledge and Tradition (SIKAT)

serves as a second home to Tboli children in the area where

they learn the rich culture of their indigenous

community, a means of preserving

the traditional practices. Lang Dulay, named a National Living Treasure by the National C o m m i s s i o n for Culture for Culture and the Arts is the

most famous d r e a m w e a v e r ,

weaver of the Tboli cloth T’nalak.

On the other hand, the House of Gongs and

Tboli Museum takes pride in having a wide collection of

oldest tribal gongs as well as Tboli brass wares and instruments. Tourists joining this trip get accommodation and food from

Dolores Lake Resort and Fortune Field Resort also known for their delicious recipes of tilapia and catfish and other local cuisine. A very exciting side-trip to this package offers a serene tour to the scenic Seven Falls Eco-Tourism Park and adrenaline-pumping ride at Southeast Asia’s highest (over 600 ft) zipline.

Eco-Industrial Tour in Sultan Kudarat Focused on the industrial prowess and eco-tourism destinations of Sultan Kudarat, this package features the imposing and stately capitol buildingwith its golden dome in Isulan town and the Baras Bird Sanctuary just a few kilometers from Tacurong City which is home to over 20,000 birds, notable among these are the Black Crowned Night Heron believed to have originated from Japan as well as the Glossy

Ibis and cattle egrets.

Destinations also include processing plants of important industries in the province such as oil palm and organically-grown muscovado sugar. The tour also covers a dip at the hot and cold pools of the Marguez Hot Spring in Esperanza town where the travelers may also have a soothing t r a d i t i o n a l massage and an excursion to a nearby T e d u r a y village to learn their ways of living. Visitors are also treated to local delicacies made from rice such as tupig, bibingka, espasol, and others. A 2-day-1-night option to this package also includes a tour to the province’s coffee industry from nurseries to processing plants as well as caving at the world-class Lagbasan Cave in Sen. Ninoy Aquino municipality. DOT 12, however noted that Lagbasan Cave, per order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is only open to researchers, scientists, and professional cavers and photographers.

Cultural Charms Escape in Cotabato City Dedicated in Cotabato City, this day-tour package includes visits to the impressive a r c h i t e c t u r a l

structures in the city including the People’s Palace, the city government center, with its Malayan-inspired façade and neo-classical interior; the Immaculate Cathedral, one of the churches and shrines in the area depicting the harmonious existence of various cultures; and the massive Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, the largest Islamic structure in the country, which construction was funded by the Sultan of Brunei. Visitors also visit the Barter Trade Center where they could purchase Maguindanaon malong, inaul fabrics and other local

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Maguindanao products; and the Al Jamelah Weaving Center where the traditional Inaul fabric are designed and woven by Maguindanaon artisans. They also get a taste of local Muslim delicacies like tinagtag, dudol, kumukunsi and pastil at the Tantawan Park and king crabs, prawns and milkfish in Kalanganan.

Path to the Peak Adventure An ultimate package for the brave and bold, this 3-day-2-night tour brings enthusiasts to the country’s highest mountain peak, Mt. Apo in Kidapawan City, with three choices for a trail each with equally impressive natural setting worth visiting. The Makilala trail in New Israel Makilala passes through the Moncadista village where they could enjoy Asia’s longest zipline, salad and flower g a r d e n s , horse riding, m o n k e y f e e d i n g , and dip at the healing river. On the other hand, the Lake Agco entry point through the Mandarangan Trail offers several interesting features, including the sulfuric streams, hot and cold pools,

springs and water falls. The Mt. Apo Geothermal Plant is also situated in the area. Meanwhile, the Bongolanon Trail features a picnic and camping ground beside the Tawsuvan Falls and near a Bagobo community known for the rituals and handicrafts. The area takes a lush forest for a background. An option to this tour package is a trip to the amazing Asik Asik Falls in Barangay Upper Dado in Alamada, which is unquestionably one of the most popular destinations in the province due to its picture-

perfect curtain of spring falls. In its brochures on these packages, the DOT indicated that once the prices are set these would already include airport

transfer, tour guide, entrance fees, porter fees for Mt. Apo climb, food, and accommodation.

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Across the NationPresident Aquino to tackle social welfare, peace and security in his State of the Nation Address on Monday

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday will focus on what is being done by the government to

improve the condition of Filipinos, a Palace official has said.“Katulad din po ng dati, nais

niyang malaman at maunawaan ng mga mamamayan kung ano ang mga ginagawa ng kanilang

Pangulo at pamahalaan sa iba’t ibang larangan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.

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Across the NationPresident Aquino to tackle social welfare, peace and security in his State of the Nation Address on Monday

said in a press briefing on Tuesday.The President’s upcoming SONA

is in line with the administration’s Philippine Development Plan, he said.

He will tackle such issues as livelihood, social welfare and social protection, security and peace and order, good governance and anti-corruption, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.

President Aquino will particularly focus on climate issues because of the devastation caused by Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ and the earthquake in

Bohol and Cebu, Coloma said.“Kaya’t iyan ang maaaring maging

tema ng nilalaman ng talumpati ng Pangulo na katulad noong mga nakaraang SONA ay naglalayung ipaalam kay Juan dela Cruz ang mga ginagawa ng pamahalaan para sa kanyang kapakanan,” he added.

As in the past, the President thinks of the concept of his SONA, does the outline of his speech, and lists the points he wants to convey to the people, Coloma said. PND

Government might consider proposal for Bataan Nuclear Power Plant conversion, Palace says

The government will look into proposals to convert the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) into a natural gas-powered facility

to ease the country’s growing demand for energy, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Tuesday.

“Mainam na pag-aralan ang panukalang iyan, kung ito ay posible at kapaki-pakinabang,” Coloma said when asked if the government is willing to consider a proposal in Congress to convert the mothballed nuclear plant into a gas-fired plant.

The suggestion to convert the

BNPP has been raised before, he said, adding that there is a need to reassess a previous study to know if the proposal is viable for the government and interested investors.

Proponents of the conversion of the BNPP have said that operating the plant would be easy because the

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country has natural gas in Palawan. Instead of spending P26

million annually on the plant’s maintenance, the government could convert it to produce 1,800 megawatts of power, they said.

“Ito ay naimungkahi ng ibang mga private investors, at dahil

sa mga kadahilanang ito ay napapanahon na bigyan ito muli ng masusing pag-aaral,” Coloma said.

A South Korean firm has also reportedly shown interest in converting the BNPP into a coal-powered plant. PND

11JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

DAP supports reform programs in ARMM, PHL peace process

The regional government has undertaken significant reforms and development initiatives in the Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao (ARMM), including ensuring quality road infrastructures in the region, through the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman, during Monday’s general assembly of employees and staff of the Office of the Presidential

Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), said reforms in the region include validating licensed teachers to weed out ghost teachers.


Hataman said these are also capacity-building programs for ARMM agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Education towards the goal of having ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certification for these offices, which used to be very susceptible to corruption.

He said the ARMM regional government aims to attain positive results and benchmarks before its elected officials step down once the Bangsamoro region is created with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The regional governor added that the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) also helped boost investments in ARMM this year.

“In 2014, the target investment was 2.5 billion. After the CAB was signed, we reached P2.7 billion by early June,” he said in a statement.

“Reforms are very important for the region,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, for her part, said.

In terms of the peace process, Deles noted that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) received additional allotment from the DAP amounting

to P1.82 billion in 2011 and P248 million in 2012.

She said the amount supported its crucial work on achieving negotiated political settlement of armed conflicts and peace and development initiatives as a complementary track under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

“The funds were utilized for priority development projects for communities nationwide affected by and vulnerable to armed conflict as well as areas covered by existing peace agreements,” Deles said.

These include the provision of immediate and livelihood assistance to former rebels, the consultation and capacity-building interventions in support of addressing women’s issues in situations of armed conflict through the “Localization of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security”; and the conduct of information, communication and monitoring activities in line with the peace process.

Deles said these programs benefited the people in the desire for inclusive peace and progress.

“As OPAPP is not an implementing agency, the funds were transferred to line agencies and local government units who signed memoranda of agreements with OPAPP, for the implementation of the projects,” the peace adviser noted. (PNA)


MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato, July 23—Three pupils of Midsayap Pilot Elemen-tary School (MPES) in this town will represent the province of North Cotaba-to in the International Mathematics Guild in Singapore on August 1 to 4 and in the World Mathematics Invitational Competition in Taiwan on August 9 to 13 of this year.

3 kids from NorthCot to join int’l math competitionsBy Shahana Joy Duerme


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- In line with its advocacy for child labor-free barangays, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the barangay gov-ernment and other stakeholders in Barangay City Heights in nearby Gen-eral Santos City.

Sophia Helen S. Gador, grade 4, will go to Singapore for her endeavor of topping other math wizards of different countries while Phillaeus Matthew P. Ostique and Jerson A. Austria, grades 3 and 5 respectively will go to Taiwan and will try to bring home the medals of the prestigious World Mathematics Invitational Competition.

With this chance to prove that they belong to the world’s bests in mathematics, the three are currently undergoing practice that would ensure that they are all mentally and physically prepared for the contests.

Meanwhile, the provincial government also assured support to the pupils in their aim of bringing glory to the province.

In a recent courtesy call to the provincial government recently, Governor Emmylou Mendoza handed the kids P10,000 each.

“The financial assistance from the provincial government will help the participants settle their processing fees and travel expenses abroad,” Mendoza said.

The governor is also optimistic that the three would bring honor to the province just like what other

Cotabateños have achieved.

“We have a Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2014 in the person of MJ Lastimosa who hails from Tulunan, Ivory Claire Dequilla, regional winner of Miss Teen Philippines who resides in M’lang, Eduard Pagtulon-an, top 1 in the Licensure Examination for Teachers who is a native of Banisilan and many other youths who brought us pride and glory,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, just a week before the visit of the three pupils of the MPES to the governor, brothers Michael Jessie and Jesse Uriel Anulao of Kabacan municipality also came to the governor’s office and met with Governor Mendoza.

They will be joining the International Swimming Competition in Singapore on August 2 to 3, 2014.

The provincial government extended P5,000 each as financial assistance to augment their funds for travelling and documentation.

Also, North Cotabato LGU will facilitate their exemptions for travel taxes. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz&VBacarat-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

DOLE 12 inks agreement with Gensan village for child labor-free barangays By Danilo E. Doguiles


DOLE 12 Regional Director Ofelia Domingo also led the release of livelihood assistance and educational kits during the event.

At least 43 child laborers and 17 minors at risk of becoming child laborers were identified in the area. The families of these children received livelihood aids aimed at providing them opportunities for income-generation under a condition that they would refrain from requiring their children to work and earn income for the household.

Director Domingo, in her message, expressed optimism that the recipients of the assistance would not waste the opportunity provided to them by the government.

“I hope the livelihood given to you would prosper and that in the future the mini-carenderia would turn into a restaurant,” she told the beneficiaries.

Director Domingo signed the MOU Barangay Chairperson Lourdes Casabuena and Sister Socorro Del Monte, directress of the Ma.Goretti Home for Girls Directress.

Witnessing the agreement signing were representatives of the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL), city government,

Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Barangay Social Welfare and Development Office (BSWDO), Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and Occupational Safety and Health Networks (OSHNET) 12.

At the event, DOLE 12 released livelihood checks amounting to P243,280 for the starter kit projects for the 41 parents as initial investment for the families of working children.

The grant assistance is comprised mainly of P2,000 worth of livelihood materials for each of the recipient families as well as basic training on entrepreneurship needed to sustain the micro enterprise entrusted to them.

The Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL) is a network of mutually enabling social partners, works towards the prevention and progressive elimination of child labor through protection, withdrawal, healing and reintegration of child workers into a caring society.

PPACL works to transform the lives of child laborers, their families, and communities, towards their sense of self-worth, empowerment and development. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)


Nutrition body: Ensure to consume clean, safe food during disastersby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Make sure the food you consume during disasters is clean and safe.


Nutrition body: Ensure to consume clean, safe food during disasters

This is one of the key messages that the City Nutrition Committee has emphasized in its information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on the National Nutrition Month (NNM), which is observed, this July. During natural disasters, it may be impossible to cook due to the lack of facilities on fuel and poor sanitation, including the lack of safe water and toilet facilities, compounds the risk. “Food safety risks are mainly linked to unsafe food storage, handling and preparation,” Lelita G. Navarez, city nutrition action officer (CNAO), said. “As persons suffering from the direct effects of the disasters may already be at risk due to malnutrition, exposure, shock and other trauma, it becomes

essential that the food they consume is clean and safe,” Navarez said. Meanwhile, the month-long NNM activities of the city are focused on the theme: “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan! (Disasters Preparedness Prevents Hunger and Malnutrition!), one of which was the establishment of the Pinoy Nutrition Hub (PNH), using local wisdom and resources for treating and preventing malnutrition. An adaptation of the Positive Deviance Hearth (PDH) in the Filipino context, the PNH was set-up in the following selected barangays, where malnutrition is prevalent: Maningcol, Do?a Consuelo, Gango, San Antonio and Bacolod, Navarez added.

Hydromet stations distributed in strategic locations in northern Mindanaoby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) region 10 bared that hydrometeorological devices are already distributed and installed in strategic locations in northern Mindanao to prepare communities for incoming weather disturbance or natural disasters.


As of June 2014, a total of 35 stations of Automated Rain Gauges (ARGs), 14 Water Level Monitoring Stations (WLMS) and 10 tandem of ARG and WLMS are stationed in viable areas in the region, especially in the heart of Mindanao, Bukidnon province according to DOST Regional Director Alfonso P. Alamban. In Misamis Oriental, areas placed with these instruments are Gingoog City, Pigsag-an, Cagayan de Oro City, Kibunsod Bridge, Magsaysay, Mintabon, Talisayan, Guinalaban, Salay, Quezon, Balingasag, CES, Lanise Claveria, Tagoloan bridge in Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro and San Simon Bridge. In Bukidnon, ARGs and WLMS are placed in Malayabalay, Quezon, Maramag, Valencia, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich and Oroquieta in Misamis Occidental, among others. Further, they are also installed in Sagay and Mambajao in Camiguin and Iligan City and Tubod in Lanao del Norte. During the Talakayan sa PIA, Alamban said that the technology now provides easier understanding of terms. He said they continue to learn from the feedback of people from the field to make is user friendly and have made these instruments satellite based. Moreover, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to generate enhanced topographic maps in the country is still ongoing, said

Alamban. The result will be hazard forecasting and flood modeling. It will forecast intensity of heavy rains and when it will flood. There is already a 3D map in Cagayan de Oro City and soon that of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte will be incorporated to complete the picture, added Alamaban. Another initiative is the installation of landslide sensors in vulnerable areas. The DOST-Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) identifies areas vulnerable to landslides to put equipment or instrument to provide ample warning if possible landslide will occur given the intensity of the rain. On the other hand, the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao through DOST’s support have developed biodegradable plastic. It can easily rot but it will not cause flooding. The raw material is starch which can be found in Lumbia. Alamban said that the technology is here, waiting to roll out and eventually commercialize. Meanwhile, Forest Product Research and Development Institute developed portable houses or cottages that may be assembled immediately in the event of flood or other natural calamities. The technology is already here, said Alamban. However it is not utilized because bunker houses are perhaps cheaper, he added. They also have technology on rescue boats to address disaster reduction.


Local council files resolution supporting Vigan City’s declaration as 7th WCW by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The City Council, here, has filed a resolution appealing for support in declaring Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, as the 7th Wonder City of the World (WCW).

Resolution No. 2014-06-533 of the Oroquieta City Council filed last June 6, appealing for support from all concerned to cast their vote on line declaring Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, as the 7th Wonder City of the World by visiting website: www.new7wonders.com/en/cities. S u c h resolution was presented by councilor Ruvy D. Alabased on the letter of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) asking for support in declaring the City of Vigan, Philippines, as the 7th WCW. Vigan, the only competitor from the Philippines, at this time, is among the finalists in the search for the 7th WCW and its achievement as one of

the finalists brings honor, not only to the residents of Vigan, but to the whole country, as well.T hus, copies of the resolution were furnished to all local officials, members of the LCP, through its President, DOT, all departments of the national government agencies, schools, student councils, both public and private, organizations/ associations, barangays and media outlets for consideration and support.


Bishop leads in praying for environmentBy Noel NajarroBUTUAN CITY- Most Rev. Zacarias Jimenez, D.D., auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Butuan led the prayer for the environment during the recent 2-day government information officers summit on climate change held at a convention center here.


The environmental prayer was one of the highlights of the Regional Information Officers Summit On Climate Change Advocacy held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Dotties Place and Convention Center, with the theme: “Strengthen-ing Partnership Among Com-munities For Climate Change Adaptation.” The solemn activ-ity itself was highlighted with a message on environmental care and concern by the bishop, a candle lighting and the prayer, the pledge and the sprinkling of holy water to all those who participated by Bishop Jimenez.

In his message, Bishop Jimenez pointed out that the earth and nature which were God’s creation were origi-nally created “true, good and beautiful.” He emphasized that God’s mandate of “dominion over creation” by man does not give man the license to exces-sively use or abuse God’s cre-ation, but to care and maintain its truthfulness to the divine plan and design and to en-hance its goodness and beauty. The summit was initiat-ed by the Philippine Informa-tion Agency 13 (PIA), and the Department of Environment


and Natural Resources 13. It was sponsored by the Depart-ment of Science and Technol-ogy (DOST), Mindanao Devel-opment Authority (MinDA), and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB). Private partners also supported the activity such as the May Kay, PLDT-Philocm and Bayan Telecommunications. Butuan City Mayor Ferdi-nand M. Amante, Jr.; DENR 13

Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo, Jr., OXFAM Mindanao Coordi-nator Dante Dalbajan, DOST 13 Reg. Director Dominga Mal-longa, RTWPB Board Sec. Earl Dela Victoria, EMB-Caraga Dir. Grace Abella, PIA Caraga Dir. Abner Caga, PIA 11 Dir. Efren Elbanbuena, PIA-10 Dir. Thel-ma Oliver and PIA-9 Dir. Noemi Edaga also served as speak-ers during the summit. (PNA)


Science chief reports on two-year performance of Project NOAH; 5,060 barangay flood hazard maps done through LiDAR technology MANILA - Two years after the launch of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH in July 6, 2012 in Marikina City, the program has considerably made significant milestones in the area of disaster preparedness and mitigation.

By DOST

After the directive of President Benigno S. Aquino III for government to implement a comprehensive disaster preparedness and

mitigation program that would allow warning agencies to deliver information on weather through early warning for early action,

Smoking ban starts in SurSur capitolBy Greg TataroTANDAG CITY - The smoking ban within the Provincial Capitol Complex has already started to take effect.

Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel issued on July 14 Memorandum No. 37-14.

The said memo carries the information regarding “Executive Order No. 08 Series of 2014, providing for the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Ordinance No. 03-2004, Regulating Smoking in Public Places.”

Last week, Gov. Pimentel warned that any area within the capitol complex, including that of the Tanggapan Ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (TSP), is going to strictly prohibit cigarette smoking, admitting that he was embarrassed on seeing cigarette butts at some nooks and crannies

of the capitol building during the conduct of assessment for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) team on June 30.

“Capitol Complex includes all building, offices, and surroundings owned and controlled by the provincial government,” the memo defined.

With the strict implementation of said ban, the “upkeep” of the entire capitol complex is not only maintained from cigarette butts’ litters, but healthy lifestyle is likewise simultaneously promoted, the governor indicated.


the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) created the Project NOAH.

“It is the aim of Project NOAH to provide accurate and timely weather information that will allow us a six-hour lead time and rainfall forecast to give the people enough time to evacuate and do the necessary actions to prevent damage to properties and loss of lives,” Secretary Mario G. Montejo said.

During the 2nd anniversary celebration of Project NOAH at the PAGASA Main Lobby Sec. Montejo also disclosed that Project NOAH was created made using local technology and developed by Filipino scientists for the Filipino people.

“We are able to harness Filipino talent in Project NOAH particularly in the hydromet sensors we have installed all over the country. The Advanced Science and Technology Institute of the DOST is the one responsible for the local fabrication of almost 1,000 automated rain gauges, water level sensors and weather stations installed in the 18 major river basins,” Montejo said.

Also in attendance was the DRRMO Head of Marikina City Dr. Val Barcinal who gave his testimony on how NOAH was instrumental during the habagat episode and succeeding typhoon events in achieving zero-casualty in the city.

“The Project NOAH website is one of the information

dissemination platforms designed by the government to mitigate and prevent disaster. These benefits were obtained from Project NOAH. Like in the Book of Genesis, it was a saving grace for the City of Marikina,” said Dr. Barcinal.

With the Disaster Risk and Exposure Assessment for Mitigation or DREAM project under the Project NOAH, all the 18 major river systems have been surveyed and data collected to create flood hazard maps. To this date, 5,060 barangays have already flood hazard maps out of the 18,000 barangays covered by the LiDAR data gathering.The flood hazard maps will help barangays pinpoint the specific areas in their locality that are safe and unsafe for evacuation and relocation sites.

Another project under NOAH, called Weather Information-Integration for Systems Enhancement or WISE, now provides 7-day weather forecast enhanced from data gathered from PAGASA. NOAH WISE committed to soon come up with seasonal forecast six months in advance.

“With the 7-day forecast we are able to provide valuable information to the public that will be very useful in the everyday life of Mang Juan and Aling Maria. Later when we can do seasonal forecasts, our farmers will be informed of what crops to plant and when is the best time to plant, thereby increasing agricultural productivity,” Montejo stated.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


Coke, TESDA ink agreement on sari-sari store improvement

DAVAO DEL NORTE- The Coca-Cola Philippines and Technical Educa-tion and Skills Development Au-thority (TESDA) signed yesterday (July 21) at Big 8 Corporate Hotel the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program in the province. Atty. Adel Tamano, vice president

for public affairs and communications of Coca-Cola Far East Limited, revealed that Davao del Norte is the 26th recipient of the STAR program in the country. Atty. Tamano said that in partnership with TESDA, the program helps women retailers overcome the barriers they face to succeed in their businesses by

providing them access to business skills and life traning; access to business resources and assets; and access to peer mentoring support. He added that they targeted the women since they are the pillars of the community. “Basta matatag at healthy ‘yong sektor ng kababaihan, matatag din ‘yong komunidad,” he


said. Tamano said that the STAR program aims to empower 5 million women in the whole world by 2020, in which the Philippines will contribute 200,000 women. “Since 2012, we have a total of 21,150 women sari-sari store and food stall owners, who graduated in our program,” he said. Tamano also said that the program will not give materials such as cooler or refrigerator to the recipients, instead it will give them the knowledge to sustain their business. “The real empowerment is not by giving them the coolers or other materials from the company, instead, we will give them the knowledge and skills to make them succeed in their own business,” he added. Tamano disclosed that according to their data on their previous trainees, the average income of the sari-sari store owners grew up to 40%. Regional Director Gaspar Gayona of the TESDA-XI said that the program will create leader-workers not follower-workers. “The program will improve their business skills as this will change their perspective in journeying towards their success,” Gayona said. For Davao del Norte, the STAR program enrolled 1,000 sari-sari store owners, who are members

of the Tagum City Council of Women, Inc (TCCWI). Alma Uy, chairperson and president of the TCCWI, said that she heard and read about the STAR program and since then, expressed her eagerness to the Coca-Cola management to bring to Davao del Norte. May Ann Casinto, one of the STAR trainers, said that aside from gender sensitivity program, the program will teach the women in managing a business, simple bookkeeping, basic customer service and even inventory management. Casinto is one of the eight TCCWI members, who undergone Trainer’s Training in Manila by Coca-Cola and TESDA. She graduated as valedictorian in their batch during the training. Uy said that the 1,000 beneficiaries will be trained in weekly schedule from August to November this year. She said that she envisions the women in the society to be of help to the government and not to be reliant on it. As part of the access to resource, the Coca-Cola partnered with the First Community Cooperative, to provide micro-financing to qualified trainees with peer mentoring services. (PIA 11, Michael L Uy)


Tagum receives rescue equipment from US

TAGUM CITY—The City Govern-ment formally received various do-nated life-saving equipment direct from the United States on Monday, July 21, 2014, which is expected to boost the local government’s operation on disaster risk reduc-tion and management. The equipment includes (10) sets of brand-new inflatable rubber boats with outboard motors; one (1) used speedboat with outboard motor and one (1) unit of Rescue Emergency Medical Service Vehicle considered to be a Type II Ambulance. The said equipment was donated by Am-Phil Equipments and Logistics, LLC based in the State of Massachusetts in the United States as represented by its owner, US-based Filipino Mr. Oliver Lagare.

Said donation was secured through a thorough online research conducted by the Office of City Administrator Giovanni L. Rellon who also acts as the Action Officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Estimated cost of the said donation amounts to P7 to P10-million, according to City Administrator Rellon. Mayor Allan L. Rellon extended the local government’s gratitude to Am-Phil, adding that said equipment will add vigor to the city’s trained organic personnel in the Waters Safety Rescue in case of flooding and to heighten the response to any eventualities by the 24/7 Active Lifesaver and Emergency Response Team (ALERT). (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)


Sibugay IP studes elect YCC officers By Gideon C. Corgue IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Indigenous People (IP) college students joining a two-day journalisitic writing workshop conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-9 here at Casa Mea Hotel on July 17-18 have elected their officers for the newly formed Youth for Climate Change (YCC) advocacies.


Sibugay IP studes elect YCC officers

MCN to conduct infocars in Sominot, Talusan towns By Jocelyn P. AlvarezZAMBOANGA CITY - Various agencies of government are going to troop down to the remote municipalities of Sominot in Zamboanga del Sur and Talusan in Zamboanga Sibugay in an information caravan on July 24 and 25, respectively.

The newly elected officers are were President – Radzme H. Lindet of Dr. Aurelio Mendoza Memorial College (Dr. A.M.M.C), Vice-President - Elvin Abucilas of Dr. A.M.M.C, Secretary- Shorla May Dela Cruz of Western Mindanao State University- External Studies Unit (WMSU-ESU) in Naga town, Treasurer- Diana Rose T. Utal of WMSU-ESU in Siay town, Auditor – Rico Sanggiran of WMSU-ESU in Ipil town, Business Manager- Syloyd Van Tulawa of Sibugay Technical Institute, Inc. and Public Information Officer - Reneibal Lumigis of Sibugay Technical Institute, Inc. Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 Assistant Regional Director Franklin Gumapon said the YCC would

serve as a multiplier in dessiminating bits of information on climate change in their respective communities. “We tap their services as our direct contact because IP communities are vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” Gumapon explained. “No one will be spared from the ill-effects of climate change, he pointed out. Gumapon said the negative effects of climate change are already beginning to be felt in every part of the world, and yet many people are ill-prepared for the possible effects of this weather phenomenon particularly on food and water supply as well as human health. The YCC was formed at the end of the two-day journalistic writing workshop.


Participating agencies will bring along their respective programs, projects and services direct to the townsfolk during the said activity. Immediate assistance such as free medical consultation, minor surgery and dental services will also be provided including distribution of medicines for common illnesses. Prior to this activity, a meeting with the Municipal Action Teams (MATs) of these municipalities was held to gather firsthand the specific needs and problems of the people in the area. These needs and problems are to be addressed during the information caravan by the government agencies concerned. In the need analysis, people from these towns have indicated that they need certain infrastructures, livelihood assistance and skills development training, medical and dental services, supplemental feeding and many more.

The information caravan is being spearheaded by the Mindanao Communicators’ Network (MindaComNet) Inc. in partnership with the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX through the Regional Communication and Advocacy Plan – Technical Working Group (RCAP-TWG).Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 Regional Director and MindaComNet President Noemi Edaga said close to 30 government agencies will be bringing in their services to these two municipalities. “Given that these municipalities are seldom visited by government agencies, we take this opportunity to deliver medical services as well as other available government interventions and programs,” she said.

Tambulig launches Climate Change Advocacy CampaignBy Claro A. Lanipa

TAMBULIG, Zamboanga del Sur – To get his constituents ready for the new weather phenomenon, Mayor Caridad B. Balaod of this town and other municipal officials have launched on Friday, July 18, a Climate Change Advocacy Campaign (CCAC).All the municipal officials and employees were wearing the CCAC brand T-shirt in the said activity, which joined by the personnel of the

Philippine National Police (PNP) led by Chief Inspector Benjamin Napigkit and the personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology


Tambulig launches Climate Change Advocacy Campaign

(BJMP) headed by the Municipal Warden, SJO4 AladinSalinding.The activity started by putting up and establishing CCAC brand billboards in strategic areas within the poblacion, the barangays along the national highway and at the municipal integrated bus/jeepney terminal, aimed at generating public awareness on climate change adaptation and resiliency. In the afternoon of the same day, the municipal officials and employees together with some 220 ROTC cadets from JH Cerilles State College brought along along CCAC brand streamers (PUNUAN), as

theyjoined the tree planting activity at barangay Upper Lodiong. Some 1,000 mahogany trees were planted along the road of said barangay.The event ended with a radio program “IkawugangPalibotKaron” (You and the environment today) hosted by Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer designate Nilo A. Munoz over DXDC-FM Radio, a local radio station operated by the LGU.CCAC radio plug, “Nagbabago NaangPanahon,PanahonnaparaMagbago…NagbagonaAko” is also being aired daily over the same station. (Nilo Munoz/PIO-Tambulig)

one mindanao - july 23, 2014

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