one mindanao - july 8, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

LAYOUT ARTISTS

GIDEON C. CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

DTI, LGU Sto. Niño jointly conduct roving academy for SMEs

NorthCot LGU encourages young farmers to take qualifying exam for training in Japan

BSP opens Money Matters for Kids Exhibit in Davao City

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T’nalak Festival showcases authentic culture – Gov. Fuentes

COMELEC reports ‘impressive’ registration, validation turnout in malls

ARMM’s initiatives to be featured in 1st Mindanao Halal Fest in Davao

WEM-RIC culminates 2015 Women’s Month celebration

SurSur LBP exec warns public on “fake bills”

OWWA launches search for 2015 Model OFW Family in Caraga

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By: Aida C. Agad

By: JSta.Cruz

By: BPI/APB

By: Claro A. LanipaBy: Greg Tataro, Jr.

By: Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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DTI Camiguin CARP conducts training for DTI-DAR synchronization planSEARCA, Misamis school train farmers on scientific, organic chicken breeding

By: Zita M. Abellare

By: SEARCA

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

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17 25

34 38

OUR

CO

VER

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Contents

4 July 8, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

The selling point of our festival is our culture. It is really about the

uniqueness of our culture,

“ “

5July 8, 2015 One Mindanao

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

said Governor Fuentes when asked why people from outside South Cotabato and foreigners should come here for the 10-day T’nalak Festival. The 16th T’nalak Festival and 49th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato will kick off with an interfaith thanksgiving celebration Thursday afternoon and T’nalak Festival opening

ceremonies on Friday morning, both at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.

“Our T’nalak Festival may not be as merry and loud as other


festivals but our celebration showcases the cultures of the different tribes that have settled in South Cotabato,” Gov. Fuentes emphasized. “That’s what makes our festival unique.”

Inhabitants of the province include the indigenous tribes of Tboli and B’laan, Muslims, and Christian settlers.

This mix of culture is also the inspiration of the tri-people grand parade at the festival day on July 18 where participating groups are categorized into three competitions: Madal Be’lan for the IPs , Kadsagayan a Lalan for the Muslims and Kasadyahan sa Kadalanan for the Christians.

Referring to this tri-people grand parade, Fuentes emphasized, “we are showing

authentic culture, authentic steps and authentic musical instruments.”

In fact, she added, since traditional instruments are not as loud as instruments used in other festivals like Bacolod’s Masskara and Iloilo’s Ati-Atihan, the provincial government has purchased microphones to be installed in every musical instrument of the participating groups.

“Unlike Masskara and Ati-Atihan, which are mostly merrymaking, our festival is a showcase of our unique culture,” she said. “For example, you won’t witness Ati people performing in the Ati-Atihan Festival.”

Gov. Fuentes also emphasized culture has been a major tourism attraction in the province.

“Our culture is the reason why more culturally appreciative crowds visit Lake Sebu. They do not go to Lake Sebu to see the lake because there are better lake than ours,” she said. “They go to Lake Sebu to witness the weaving of T’nalak cloth and the culture of the Tbolis.”


“Other events in the T’nalak Festival are added attraction to cater to the preferences of the visitors,” she said.

Important events of the 16th T’nalak Festival and 49th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato include:

Continuing Events:

* Regional Industrial, Technology and Trade Expo 2015* Trade Fair and Exhibit* Agro Trade Fair and Plant Exhibit* T’nalak Food Garden * Bahay Kubo and Plants and Products Display of the local government units

* LGBT Rise and Shine Skills Enhancement Seminar - July 8 * Food Conference - July 9 – 10 * Motocross – July 11 – 12* LGBT Freedom Night Celebration – July 11* Marathon and Fun Run – July 12* Golf Tournament – July 12 * Inter-LGU Basketball and Women’s Volleyball Championship - July 12* Practical Shooting Competition – July 12* Mountain Bike Challenge – July 12* Cheerleading Competition – July 13 * Musical Pop Solo Voice Competition – July 14 * Hip Hop and Team Ballroom Competition – July 15* Awit Dula Sayaw Competition – July 16 * Mutya ng South Cotabato – July 16 * The Governor’s T’nalak Charity Ball – July 17 * T’nalak Festival Tri-People Grand Parade - July 18 * T’nalak Foundation Anniversary Program -- July 18.

A fireworks display will cap the celebration at 10:00 p.m. on July 18, which also kicks off the yearlong countdown for the Golden Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato.


PNoy administration gears up for 2016 budget; spending reforms to boost economy

MANILA - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday said they are gearing up for the government’s 2016 spending plan, which is double the Aquino administration’s P1.541-trillion budget in 2010, following the approval of the P3.002-trillion proposed national budget by President Benigno S. Aquino III and the members of the Cabinet, Monday.


The proposed budget for 2016 which is 15.2 percent higher than the P2.606-trillion 2015 national budget is the Aquino administration’s blueprint for greater inclusive growth and reform expansion in the country.

“With this proposed budget, we can build on our reform successes over the last five years, as well as take on the challenges in our bid for inclusive development. This is a sizeable budget proposal however, so our focus now is to help our agencies make optimal use of their allocations. This includes enhancing their capacities for budget planning, procurement, and project implementation, all of which are key to the prompt

delivery of public services and the continuing growth of our economy,” Budget Secretary Florencio ‘Butch’ Abad said.

“Overall, the proposed 2016 Budget will play an instrumental role in empowering our citizens, be it through antipoverty programs, our good governance campaign, or our broader socio-economic development strategy. In proposing this budget, we continue to hew to the principle of ‘Daang Matuwid’, where leadership is fully expressed as transparent, accountable, and participatory,” Abad added.

Based on the Budget Priorities Framework for 2016, programs and projects that support the Aquino Administration’s goal of rapid, inclusive, and sustainable growth were given high importance in the proposed budget. These include programs and projects that focus on basic education, road and transport infrastructure, territorial defense, peace and order, health and


social protection, food security and environmental integrity, and the improvement of the country’s business climate.

Likewise, government expenditures under the proposed budget is expected to increase to 19.5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). This is a larger share of the economy than the 2015 and 2010 budgets, which respectively comprised 18.7 percent and 16.4 percent of GDP.

Personnel Services will continue to corner the largest share of this budget with 27.6 percent, followed by Infrastructure and other Capital Outlays with 21.8 percent. Meanwhile, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) will have a share of 17.1 percent.

A quarter of the proposed budget (almost 28 percent or P837.9 billion) will be shared

between the departments of Education (DepEd) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The DepEd will receive a budget of P436.5 billion, while the DPWH will receive P401.4 billion, an increase of 15.6 percent and 32.0 percent, respectively.

The proposed budget also has fiscal space amounting to P580.9 billion, which will be allocated for new programs or projects and the expansion of existing projects for 2016. This is double the fiscal space in the 2015 National Budget of P287.3 billion.

“We’ve shown that in the last five years, good governance—especially in the management of public funds—leads to better government performance and real benefits for our people. As such, the proposed 2016 National Budget will continue to support good governance beyond 2016 to create sustainable prosperity for all,” Abad said. (DBM)


COMELEC reports ‘impressive’ registration, validation turnout in malls

MANILA - The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported a high turnout during last weekend’s pilot testing of satellite voter registration and validation in Metro Manila’s major malls. According to COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista, a total of 5,229 registered and/or validated their voter registration records via the COMELEC satellite registration booths set up inside Ayala Malls

and SM Supermalls last July 4-5, 2015.

“In spite of the rains over the weekend and the relatively short notice, the first salvo of our weekend mall registration


turnout was impressive,” said Bautista.

Data from the COMELEC’s Education and Information Department show that 2,952 voters registered and validated in the said malls last Saturday, while 2,277 voters listed-up the next day, Sunday.

Buoyed by such figures, Chairman Bautista said the poll body is now considering forging similar tie-ups with other malls such as Waltermart and Gaisano in order to reach out to more voters.

“The COMELEC is voter focused and is looking for ways to

enhance the voting experience,” said Bautista who emphasized that the COMELEC is determined to find ways to improve its service to the public.

The COMELEC chief earlier said that some 500,000 registered voters in the National Capital Region (NCR) are still without or with incomplete biometric data. These voters, he said, stand to face disenfranchisement in 2016 unless they submit themselves for voter validation, the process of digitally capturing a voter’s photograph, fingerprints and signature to complete his registration record.

He also invited voters to inquire on the status of their voter registration record using the Precinct Finder platform in the official COMELEC website www.comelec.gov.ph . A list of voters without biometrics may also be accessed at the poll body’s website, he said. (COMELEC)


ARMM’s initiatives to be featured in 1st Mindanao Halal Fest in Davao

MARAWI CITY - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will feature good governance initiatives on halal foods and other halal-certified products during the 1st Mindanao Halal Festival on July 15-16, 2015 in Davao City.


The ARMM’s Department of Science and Technology, the lead agency in the Halal-Technical Working Group, will serve as over-all in-charge in the promotion of the region’s halal-related policies.

The two-day event will feature food, apparel, fashion accessories, food-processing techniques, and other products and services that are halal-certified.

The festival will also provide entrepreneurs producing halal products new market opportunities. It will also serve as a key focal point for education about the real halal practices, what it means and to improve business integrity through values perpetuated by truly halal role models.

Among the highlights of the festival is the launching of Halal Ordinance of Davao City,

the country’s first, and the Mindanao-wide Qur’an recital competition.

The Halal Food Industry Development Plan is a major initiative for Mindanao under the 2004-2010 Medium Term Philippine Development Plan, which specifically provides that the ARMM shall be the country’s halal-production base.

The plan also supports the development of the ARMM as halal food production and processing center.

Meanwhile, several initiatives of the regional government pertaining to the promotion of the halal industry are already being implemented such as adoption of the Regional and Provincial Halal Food Industry Plan, and the passage into law of the Muslim Mindanao Act No. 254 also known as “ARMM Halal Labeling Act of 2005”.

Halal means permissible and Islam requires Muslims to consume only halal foods and drinks. Lots of commodities, both food and non-food items, in the domestic market are now halal-certified. (BPI/APB)


AgNor solon calls for vigilance as the nation observes disaster consciousness monthBy: Lawig Katawhan

BUTUAN CITY – Agusan del Norte first district representative Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun calls for relentless awareness, synergy, and vigilance, as the nation celebrates the whole month of July as the “National Disaster Consciousness Month.”


Backed by Executive Order No. 137, s. 1999, the whole month of July of every year is declared as National Disaster Consciousness Month to be collectively observed by all Filipinos throughout the country through the conduct of fitting activities for the occasion. Earlier, Proclamation No. 296 dated July 29, 1988, declared the first week of July of every year as Natural Disaster Consciousness Week which aimed to increase the awareness of every Filipino to the ever threatening disasters for a better appreciation of the government’s disaster preparedness programs. Last 2014, Fortun has co- authored a substitute bill that will modernize the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) otherwise known as the “PAGASA Modernization Act of 2014.” The said legislation affirms PAGASA’s critical role as the government’s primary agency tasked to monitor and report weather conditions to the public. PAGASA also takes a very crucial role in conveying precise weather information that forms part and parcel of disaster preparedness

and risk management for the government. “Damage can be prevented and lives can be saved if we are scientifically informed and appropriately prepared,” the explanatory note of the bill aptly stated. Because of this critical role, it is pertinent “to elevate its technological and operational capacity to effectively and efficiently perform its mandate.” The house bill finds impetus with the experiences of the country being located in a typhoon belt and “ocean-encircling belt of active volcanoes and earthquake generators.” Just last 2013, regions of central Philippines have experienced the havoc of one of the world’s strongest typhoon. “We have seen the most damaging calamities that hit our country with super typhoon Yolanda and the strong earthquake which devastated the Visayas region and left thousands dead and millions of pesos in damages. With these occurrences, I really see the need to modernize PAGASA for them to give timely and accurate forecasting so as to make us more prepared when calamities hit,” Fortun said in co-sponsoring the bill. As with this year’s


By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

SurSur LBP exec warns public on “fake bills”

Herbert Luna, branch manager, said they have already encountered at least four

incidents of counterfeit P1,000 bills through their tellers in the span of a month just recently.

TANDAG CITY – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) branch, this city, has warned the public to be extra careful of the money in circulation.

celebration, the solon reiterates his message during the Typhoon Agaton’s relief mission: “The cooperation, the help and the volunteerism showed by our people affirms that the spirit of ‘Balangayan’ is alive in each one

of us especially in these times of calamities and for that, I am truly grateful for everyone. I’m sure that with this spirit we can surmount any difficulty that is yet to come.”


The bank official also expressed strong belief that other banks in the locality, both commercial and rural, have stumbled upon the same experience. Reportedly, in the city alone, over 10 cases have been put on blotter. However, city police chief P/Supt. Jeffrey Lawrence Mauricio said he has yet to verify the matter. Manager Luna, meanwhile, advised people to be cautious

about money transactions, adding that ultra violet devices are not foolproof in detecting fake from real ones especially nowadays that technology has already gone too far. On the other hand, the bank manager was glad to note that the local government unit (LGU) here through city administrator Alexander Pimentel has been quick enough to issue a public warning in this regard.

OWWA launches search for 2015 Model OFW Family in Caraga By: Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

BUTUAN CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office Caraga announces the launching of search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in Caraga region. Now, on its 11th year, the annual MOFYA search is designed to give due recognition to outstanding achievements of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families in promoting best practices in managing family challenges albeit adverse effects of overseas migration on family solidarity and cohesiveness. Regional Director Samuel Madrid of OWWA Caraga is encouraging the following sectors: Non Government

Organizations (NGOs), Peoples’ Organizations (POs), Religious Groups, Community based Socio-Civic Organizations and


Local Government Units (LGUs) to send their MOFYA nominees. To be eligible for nomination, the family must be headed by an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), land-based or sea-based, formerly or presently working abroad with a formal or informal contract of employment or work permit, and must have a proof of OWWA membership. MOFYA nominees must conform to the following criteria: (a) 50 percent for wholesome OFW family; (b) 20 percent for civic/community involvement of OFW and family members; (c) 20 percent for success in children’s

or family member’s education; and (d) 20 percent for success in managing family finances. The selection process among MOFYA nominees will be held on October. Two families coming sea-based and land-based categories will be chosen as MOFYA regional winners and will represent the region to the national search. For more information about the program, kindly visit the OWWA Caraga office at Nimfa Tiu Bldg. II, J.P. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City or contact us at (085) 342-6178/2255989.


DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) – Zamboanga del Norte as well as its two component cities of Dipolog and Dapitan has passed the 2014 assessment of Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) conducted by the Department of Interior and Local Government, Governor Roberto Y. Uy reported in his state of the province address held here recently.

Zambo. Norte hurdles 2014 GFH evaluationBy Franklin P. Gumapon


“ Passing the GFH component of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) implies two good things – the province has satisfactorily complied with the accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations in our financial transactions, and our compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) on local budget finances, bids and public offerings,” Governor Uy stressed. Not only the provincial government and the two cities of Dipolog and Dapitan made it in the 2014 GFH but 19 of the province’s 25 municipalities as well. Uy also challenged the other towns, which fell short of the GFH assessment, by telling them “to step up with your peer local government units (LGUs) to make the entire province compliant with the principles and guidelines of good financial housekeeping.”

SGLG was formerly known as the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) initiated by the DILG in 2010 using the minimum criteria that the LGU has no unqualified and qualified COA (Commission on Audit) opinion, and it complies with the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP). SGH was used as a

requirement for an LGU to access national program windows like the Bottom-Up Budgeting Program and the SALINTUBIG program pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-066. Moreover, the governor also reported that in 2014 the provincial government had completed the concreting of 9.940 kilometers of provincial roads with a total investment of P69.485 million. The provincial government has also earmarked an additional investment for infrastructure projects in the amount of P68.898 million for the completion of 13 bridges and spillways, 31 water supply-related projects, lighting of 30 barangays and sitios, four school buildings, three barangay roads, three slope protection structures and 17 covered courts.


By Claro A. Lanipa

WEM-RIC culminates 2015 Women’s Month celebration

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – A grand culmination program capping the 2015 Women’s Month celebration was held yesterday, April 7, at the Amusement and Event Center, Capitol Complex in this city with Las Piñas lone district Representative Mark Villar as keynote speaker. Spearheaded by the Women

Empowerment Movement-

Rural Improvement Club

(WEM-RIC) in partnership with

the provincial government of

Zamboanga del Sur, the activity

aimed to instill awareness

on the role of women in the

family and community as equal

partners of men in development

and nation building.


In his message, Rep. Mark Villar said: “This year’s theme, ‘Juana, Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan sa Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!,’ is very appropriate reminder to women, that your decision counts and as decision- makers, you have an impact in our homes, community, work places, our society and the country.” “Empowerment is the core message of this celebration that as women, you should all celebrate your power, your influence and your importance. Our nation needs more empowered women to help in nation building,” the young lawmaker emphasized. ”Because when we empower women, we empower families and we empower generations of people,” Villar added. Meanwhile, Junaflor Cerilles, WEM-RIC president said “we have several goals and the first goal is to make this organization credible and active.” She declared that this goal was achieved with the help and participation of each and everyone, saying “it is not only

us, the officers who run this organization but all of us.” Cerilles, who is the first lady of Dumalinao town, was proud to announce that the WEM-RIC started with only 10 thousand members and grew to more than 40 thousand active members throughout the province right now. Twenty-seven women’s groups from the 26 towns and one city came over not only to attend the culmination program but also to show off their dancing prowess in the Zumba dance showdown to the delight of the


Communicators’ network info corner opens in CDO national high schoolCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM) in Northern Mindanao officially opens its Information Corner at the Cagayan de Oro National High School on 3 July 2015 as a way to promote and disseminate government programs and projects especially to the students.

by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat


The facilities turned over to the school included 32” flat TV, dvd player, bookshelves, study table with four chairs, wall clock and information materials. RAGCOM president and Information officer of PHLHealth region 10 Merlyn H. Ybañez said that this is the first time the group has brought government closer to the people especially the young ones. “RAGCOM info corner is the fruit of our labor from the RAGCOM Golf Tournament in October last year. This is a good venue for the students to learn about the programs and projects of the national government agencies. This project will house the publications of the different government agencies. And we hope, with the support of the active principal, the students will get this opportunity to expand their privileges as Filipinos and to appreciate government efforts in providing brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow,” Ybañez said. Special Projects Officer, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 4th Infantry Division Major Christian Uy said that the proceeds of the Golf Tournament hosted by RAGCOM last year were the info corner to be established

in schools. “The aim to create awareness,” Major Uy said. He said that we have a lot of government agencies that can offer help but people do not know what help these agencies can provide. Hopefully, he said all secondary schools in the region can be provided with the RAGCOM info corner. Meanwhile, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional director Thelma Oliver said that the challenge is to update this corner such as monitoring and updating regularly of materials. Oliver said the materials are not just in print but also include institutional video for the students to learn about the various government agencies. “We are more on the developmental information. There is a lot of good news in government,” she added. Meanwhile, school principal Gina F. Labitad thanked RAGCOM for the noble project. She said, “This afternoon marks the beginning of our partnership. We are very thankful. With the 158 teachers and non-teaching personnel, through this initiative, students from grade 7 to 10 could access any information from the different


DTI Camiguin CARP conducts training for DTI-DAR synchronization plan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Camiguin Provincial Office Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) has conducted 12 trainings for the 1st semester (January to June 2015) as covered in the DTI-Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) synchronization plan.

by Zita M. Abellare

government agencies. I hope this is not just the beginning but this would last. And we hope you could extend this project to the rest of secondary schools in Cagayan de Oro.” RAGCOM Northern Mindanao, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registered association, is an organization of info officers of the different line agencies in Northern Mindanao. This network acts as venue

to strengthen communication lines in government agencies, as well as provide means to improve skills related to their line of work. RAGCOM 10 is involved in outreach programs, such as adopt an orphan for a day in coordination with DSWD, gift giving to street children in coordination with DOLE, and jail visits and gift giving to prisoners during prisoners’ awareness week among others.

The training program implemented six basic and upgrading technology/skills trainings, three entrepreneurial development trainings and three productivity enhancement trainings that benefitted 113 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

(ARBs) coming from five Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the whole province of Camiguin. One of the techno/skills trainings conducted are on bamboo processing and the ARC beneficiaries of these training include the Quiboro Multi-


OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental -- Experts from the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) will train farmers in the university town of Misamis Oriental on the organic and scientific techniques for breeding native chicken.

SEARCA, Misamis school train farmers on scientific, organic chicken breeding

Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in the municipality of Mambajao for bamboo fans making, San Miguel MPC in the municipality of Mahinog for sawali or amakan making and 2 in the municipality of Sagay which are the Cuña MPC and Bacnit MPC both for sawali/amakan making. Still alongside with the DAR Provincial Office, DTI-Camiguin also conducted a series of Entrepreneurial Development (EDT) and Productivity Enhancement Trainings to the ARBs benefitted of the techno trainings. The EDT meant to utilize the newly acquired skills in making Bamboo Amakan into possible individual business and also to enhance their potentials as

leaders, as well as to orient the core values that a successful entrepreneur must have. The Productivity training like the 5s of Good Housekeeping aims to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and a systematized approach to organized work areas, keep rules and standards and maintain the discipline needed to do a good job for the business. The DTI-DAR synchronization work plan is a convergence program of the national government that implements programs and projects in the forms of trainings, service facilities and technical assistance to ARBs and ARCs.


The training, to be conducted in partnership with Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), will start on Monday, July 6. This activity, SEARCA said, is the second in a series of training courses under a project being implemented by SEARCA for the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) entitled “Production of Organic Feeds for Native Chicken: A Pilot Corn/Sorghum + Cowpea Intercropping Scheme Integrated with Village Feed Milling and Native Chicken Production.” SEARCA works to strengthen institutional capacities toward inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development (ISARD) in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries through graduate education, research and development, and knowledge management. SEARCA director Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr. said the training course seeks to strengthen the capacity of the cooperating farmers in producing organic feeds and raising native chicken. Major topics to be covered include: Overview of Philippine Native Animals: Status and Potentials, Science-enhanced

Native Chicken Production, Health Management of Native Chicken, Feed Production, and Organic Fertilizer Production. A total of 49 farmers have signed up for the training. The lead lecturers include: Dr. Agapita J. Salces, a poultry nutritionist cum animal breeder; Dr. Jezie A. Acorda, veterinarian; and Prof. Medardo G. Cosadio, MOSCAT university researcher. MOSCAT president Dr. Rosalito A. Quirino; Dr. Nelda R. Gonzaga, director for research and extension; Dr. Apolinario B. Gonzaga Jr., agronomist; Dr. Alma L. Cosadio, poultry breeder; and Renante D. Taylaran, community organizer, all of MOSCAT, will also provide technical assistance during the training. Supporting them are members of the SEARCA study team led by Dr. Arsenio D. Calub, project leader, with Charisse B. Constantino, project support staff of the SEARCA Project Development and Technical Services (PDTS) and Rheden V. Rebong of SEARCA’s accounting unit. (SEARCA)


DAVAO CITY-Micro, Small and Medium En-terprises (MSMEs) can now avail of a compre-hensive assistance in starting and managing with the launching and opening of the Negosyo Center Davao City on July 9 located at Door 6-7, Davao City Invest-ment Promotion Cen-ter, Magsaysay Park Complex, Davao City.

The establishment of the Negosyo Center is pursuant to Execu-tive Order No. 12, series of 2015, or An Order on the Establishment and Management of a Nego-syo Center in Davao City signed by Mayor Ro-drigo Duterte last May 3, 2015. This is in support also to Republic Act 10644 or An Act Promot-ing Job Generation and

Negosyo Center-Davao City opens to small businesses on July 9


Inclusive Growth through the Devel-opment of the Micro, Small and Me-dium Enterprises or the Go Negosyo Act authored by Senator Paolo Be-nigno “Bam” Aquino IV. Engr. Edwin O. Banquerigo, Provincial Director of DTI DCFO, said that MSMEs can avail of various as-sistance and services such as Busi-ness Registration and Licensing for Business Name and the Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise (BMBE); Business Advisory Services such as Training, Consultancy, Financing Fa-cilitation, Market Linkage and Trade Promotions; and Business Informa-tion and Advocacy such as Network-ing with other government agencies, information facilitation, among oth-ers. With a total of 110 square me-ters floor area, the Negosyo Center Davao City is the first local govern-ment unit based Negosyo Center which has a reception and working areas, mini-library, product show-case, consultancy area and training room. Cooperators and partners who will provide daily business advisory and counseling services in the Ne-gosyo Center are Mindanao Micro-Finance Council (MMFC), PhilExim, SB Corporation, Department of Trade and Industry Davao City Field Office (DTI DCFO), Department of Science and Technology City Science and Technology Center (DOST CSTC), Department of Labor and Employ-ment Davao City Field Office (DOLE DCFO), Department of Interior and

Local Government (DILG) Davao City, City Cooperative Development Office, City Treasurer’s Office, Busi-ness Bureau, City Tourism Opera-tions Office, City Planning and Devel-opment Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), Food Processors As-sociation in Davao City (FPAD), ICT Davao Inc. (IDI), Chamber of Furni-ture Industry Development (CFID) – Davao City Chapter, Floriculture In-dustry Development, Inc. (FIDI), and Metalworking Industry Association in Philippine (MIAP) – Davao City Chap-ter and Davao City Investment Pro-motion Center (DCIPC). Interested parties may call the Negosyo Center Davao City at tele-phone no. 2272860 and/or email to [email protected] (dti/pr)


BSP opens Money Matters for Kids Exhibit in Davao CityDAVAO CITY, July 7 (PIA) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas officials for-mally opened its 6th Money Mat-ters for Kids Exhibit at the BSP Regional Office which will be ac-cessible to the public up to July 17 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm including Saturdays and Sundays. Atty. Prudence Angelita Kasala, director of the BSP’s Financial Con-sumer Protection Department and Atty. Thelma Pantig, acting director of the BSP Davao Regional Office led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to for-mally open the exhibit. Kasala said the MMK is an in-teractive exhibit on financial literacy designed to provide young children aged 12 and below with a fun way of learning the concepts of money, sav-ing, wise spending and sharing. She said children are also taught the importance of saving for the future. Kasala said the bank’s financial literacy focus on children is grounded on studies that show those who be-gan savings habits as children, dis-play better attitudes towards saving than those who did not save in their childhood days. “We need to teach children the values of savings and wise spend-ing,” she said. Kasala revealed that follow-

ing its exhibits in Manila and Cebu, the MMK activity reached a total of 23,496 children and adult exhibit viewers. The exhibit is also a component program of the BSP’s Integrated Eco-nomic and Financial Learning Pro-gram that aims to empower financial consumers to make informed finan-cial decision and improve their finan-cial well-being. Pupils from the Palma Gil El-ementary School also graced the opening activity to view the interac-tive exhibit which features hands-on tools encouraging kids to play and study while exploring money-related themes. The exhibit gave them a chance to play the roles of bank managers and tellers and to know the concepts of deposits and withdrawal through a make-believe bank and a mock auto-mated teller machine. The exhibit also taught them how to budget and to differentiate between needs and wants in addition to distinguishing between genuine and fake banknotes. (PIA 11- Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


South Cotabato placed under state of calamity

By: Danilo E Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 8 -- South Cotabato’s Sangguniang Panlala-wigan has approved in its regular meeting Monday the resolution recommending the declaration of a province-wide state of ca-lamity.

The declaration was related to the damages that the province has sustained during heavy rains on June 24.

Board Member Agustin Demaala, chair of the committee on peace and order and safety confirmed the approval came after three local government units have sepa-rately declared state of calamity.

“Koronadal City, Tupi and Tantangan have declared state of calamity. For the province to declare a state of calamity requires only three LGUs to declare the same,” Demaala explained.

Koronadal City’s proclamation of a state of calamity was an extension in May due to the effects of long dry spell.

Mila Lorca, acting officer of the Provin-cial Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Council (PDRRMC) said the SP’s ap-proval of the recommendation means that the provincial government can immedi-ately use its Php19-million Quick Res


ponse Fund (QRF) for rehabil-itation and disaster recovery efforts.

In her July 2 report to then Regional DRRM Council , Lor-ca noted that the July 24 in-cident left over Php28 million worth of damage to crops and Php41.99 million worth of damage to infrastructures.

The RDRRMC reported on June 26 that the heavy down-pour killed three persons in Barangay Lunen, Tupi and dis-placed 1,032 families or 5,182 individuals in seven LGUs in South Cotabato.

Eighteen families in Sitio El Gawel in Barangay Saravia, this city, were forcibly evacuated

and are set to be relocation. The area where these families lived was earlier declared by the Mines and Geosciences Bu-reau (MGB) 12 as “high risk.”

Most sizable damage to in-frastructure was sustained by the 60-meter Namnama Bridge between Barangays Namna-man and General Paulino San-tos in Koronadal City that col-lapsed.

Said bridge connects the municipalities of Lutayan and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat to Koronadal City.

Initial estimate of the PDRRMC has pegged the dam-age to the aforementioned bridge at over Php45 million,


DTI, LGU Sto. Niño jointly conduct roving academy for SMEs

however, the amount was not indicated in the July 2 report of the council.

Flood also scoured the road pavement approach to the Leo-poldo Sanico Bridge in Baran-gay Concepcion, also in Koro-nadal City.

At the PDRRMC meeting on June 25, South Cotabato Gov. Daisy-Avance Fuentes directed local chief executives to en-force forced evacuation of families living along riverbanks and areas identified as prone to flood and landslide.

“The provincial government will help LGUs in purchasing lots that will be used as reloca-tion sites,” Gov. Fuentes said.

Affected farmers could also expect more seed assistance from the provincial govern-ment as Gov. Fuentes directed the Office of the Provincial Ag-riculturist to determine the

actual volume of rice and corn seeds required for planting per hectare of farm.

She also assured that lost livestock will be replaced via the provincial government’s animal dispersal program.

“For rehabilitation and con-struction of infrastructures that cost more than Php10 million, we will request funding from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council through its Quick Response Fund under the De-partment of Public Works and Highways,” she said.

Fuentes also ordered the PDRRMC to work closely with the DPWH in the preparation of documents, including engineer-ing plans, for the infrastructure projects that will be proposed to the NDRRMC. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 8 - The Department of Trade and Industry South Cotabato Office conducted \SME Roving Academy with 100 residents of Sto. Nino town, this province.

By: Aida C. Agad


NorthCot LGU encourages young farmers to take qualifying exam for training in Japan

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sto. Niño, South Cota-bato provided the trade and in-dustry office the all-out support in identifying SMEs representing the market vendors, crafters, food processors and other poten-tial entrepreneurs.At the academy held on June 30, 2015 at Sebastian Hall, Pobla-cion, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, the SMEs were given discussions on the four topics which include Reducing Expenses, Money Man-agement for Entrepreneurs, Man-aging Conflict and Promotion of Green Economic Development (PROGED).In his message Municipal Vice Mayor of Sto. Niño John Allan Villarin said that the activity was conducted primarily to help con-stituents of Sto. Niño become entrepreneurial as a way to gen-erate income and employment.Vice Mayor Villarin also stressed to the participants also need to be concerned about the environ-

ment.He briefly discussed about cli-mate change and enjoined every participant to plant more trees to help save the earth from further devastation.He made mention that on top of being entrepreneurial, exist-ing and emerging entrepreneurs have to make taking care of the environment a primary concern.DTI SoCot PD Flora P. Gabunales also emphasized to the SME par-ticipants, the need to have a le-gal identity of their business, as she said this could also pave a way for more government assis-tance and a way to help the local economy of Sto. Niño.She also urged the participants to work closely with LGU Sto. Nino in identifying and imple-menting projects for MSMEs.This is the first SMERA conducted in Sto. Niño and the 4th SMERA in South Cotabato in 2015.(AMPB-DTI-SoCot/ACAgad-PIA 12)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, July 8 -- The provincial gov-ernment, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) is now encouraging young farmers to take a qualifying examina-tion for a chance to undergo agricultural training in Japan.


This is after the Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Ja-pan (YFFTPJ), once again opened the opportunity for young farm-ers, in particular members of the 4H Club to be sent to Japan for an 11-month training.

Judy C. Gomez, agricultural technologist and 4H provincial coordinator, informed that the qualifying exam is scheduled at the Agri-Center Building, Capi-tol Compound, Amas, Kidapawan City on July 14, 2015 at 9:00am.

Gomez said the OPAg will fa-cilitate the examination.

The basic qualifications for in-terested applicants include the following – male, single, between 20-27 years old at the time of application; 4-H Club member for at least one year; high school graduate or college level; no oth-er occupation aside from farm-ing; and has at least two years experience in farming.

Applicants must also have at least 0.1 hectare of available land and or agri-based projects such as crops, livestock and others; no past due obligations to Agri-culture Training Institute (ATI); good community standing; can speak and understand English, physically fit and willing to learn Japanese language (Nihongo) and new farming technology.

They can access the qualify-ing exam application forms at

the OPAg Kidapawan City or they may call telephone no. 064-572-5019.

Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Eliseo M. Mangliwan stated that it is a good avenue for young farm-ers in the province to acquire ad-vance or modern technical knowl-edge and skills in agriculture as well as in cooperative manage-ment.

“As a highly agricultural prov-ince, North Cotabato farmers must obtain the necessary skills and techniques in farming and growing crops to ensure good harvest and production,” Mangli-wan said, adding that after the training in Japan, the farmers will apply their learning back in their own farms.

On April 2015, two members of the 4H Club of North Cotabato flew to Japan for the 11-month period training under the part-nership agreement of the Philip-pines and Japan in farming and agriculture technology.

Joel Belonio of Barangay Tam-bac, Tulunan and Ronald Ariate of Barangay New Israel, Makilala represented not only the prov-ince but also the entire SOCC-SKSARGEN region and will finish the training in March 2016. (JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Gov-ernment/SJDuerme-PIA12

one mindanao - july 8, 2015

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