one mindanao - march 11, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)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]

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

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

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Davao City’s MICE Con 2013Rudolph AlamaSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, March 11, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 142

page 4

President Aquino elated over release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers in Syria 9

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

LGU taps schoolchildren for greening program 20DOT-XI cites MICE Con 2013 gains

376 pupils in Tupi, S. Cotabato complete DARE program

Policy Framework of RA 10354 set today in Surigao del Sur

Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao14

2225

Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

DENR pursues geotagging of logs in Caraga Region 26

Joanne L. Olson, Northern Mindanao

DA to award NorMin’s outstanding rice achievers 35

Groundbreaking of major infra projects caps legislator’s birthday Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

32Eric F. Gallego, Caraga Region

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

NorMin to further strengthen anti-child labor program 36

7 11 13 16 19 23

Monday, March 11, 20134

Davao City’s MICE Con 2013

Last March 6- 9 Davao City hosted MICE Conference

2013, one of the largest gatherings of tourism industry players which the city hosted since the 2006 Asean Tourism Forum was held in the southern metropolis.

CoVer StoRy

MICE is an acronym referring to Meetings Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits, it is used to refer to a particular

type of tourism in which large groups, usually planned well in advance, are brought together for the mentioned

particular purpose.The MICE industry is one of the fastest growing tourism industry in the world generating millions of dollars in revenues for host cities and countries. For example in Singapore out of 13 million registered visitors for the island state about a third

By Rudolph Alama

Monday, March 11, 2013 5

Davao City’s MICE Con 2013

were MICE-related tourists. According to date MICE tourism commands 50-million visitors globally with Asia becoming the most sought location for MICE. Hongkong, Singapore and Seoul South Korea are the top destinations for MICE visitors.But current trends indicate that the MICE market is looking towards other areas other than the well-established cities in the region. One of the countries’ is the Philippines. “M.I.C.E. is a lucrative market segment in the Philippines primarily because of our competitive advantage in terms of convenient location, a friendly English-speaking people, low cost labor, and world-class natural attractions.” This according to former Department of Tourism Secretary Albert Lim during his speech on the opening program 2011 MICE Con in Cebu.Thus seeing the potentials of the MICE industry, the national government is now focusing on

repositioning the country as a favored MICE destination. “We in the Philippines have long wanted to explore other avenues for growth. In fact, my administration has been actively campaigning to host some events in the next few years—events that typically involve the participation of top global leaders in both industry and government.” President Benigno Aquino III said in his keynote speech at the 2013 MICE Conference held in Davao City. “This is the first time that thePresident is opening the MICE Con” says Department of Tourism Regional Director Art Boncato, underlining the importance of MICE to the new tourism strategy of the government and the tourism stakeholders. In his speech the President noted growing interest in the private sector to tap into the MICE market this with new hotel rooms and convention facilities, a prime example is the SM Lanang Premiere Complex in Davao City. It is a masterplanned 10-hectare


mixed use development anchored on a 145,000 square-meter mall which houses the 5,400 square meter SMX convention center which can accommodate up to 5,000 people. Also within the complex is Park Inn by Radisson Davao a 204-room midscale hotel connected by bridgeways to the mall. The facility gives Davao City a distinct advantage of now having convention facilities that can accommodate more than 3,000 visitors. “Some of you may ask: what gives ustheconfidencetobesoaggressivein making these bids? It is because we know that we have the facilities, the skills, and the competence to get things done.” President Aquino said during the keynote address growing

confidentofthecountry’snew capability to host more events and visitors. For his part DOT Regional Director Boncato said that the hosting of the 2013 MICE Conference is a proof that Davao City is now capable of hosting bigger conferences. He said that Davao is gearing up by slowly bidding for international events. Next month the City will be hosting the Technical Working Group for Climate Change meeting next month and they are also bidding for the World Ecotourism Forum. The 600 delegates of the MICE Con is said to be the largest in the history of the conference, the hosting is also part of the region’s strategy to promote itself as the next generation destination for MICE Con.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino cites contribution of Presidential Security Group to national development

President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked the members of Presidential Security Group (PSG) that served the administration of his mother, the late President Corazon C. Aquino, as he recognizes the group’s contribution to

national development.“Gagamitin ko na rin po ang

pagkakataong ito upang ipaabot ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat sa pagbabantay ninyo sa aming pamilya at sa pakikibalikat ninyo sa pagsisikap naming magdala ng pagbabago sa ating bansa,” the President said in his message during the PSG Reunion circa 1986

to 1992 at Camp Aquinaldo Saturday night.

“Alam ko pong mahihiya kayong iangat ang sariling bangko at sasabihin ninyong ginagawa lang ninyo ang inyong tungkulin. Pero ang totoo po, hanggang sa ngayon, tinatanaw naming pamilya ang napakalalim na utang na loob dahil

8Monday, March 11, 2013

sa mga sakripisyong dinaanan ninyo noong mga panahong ‘yon.”

During the birth of the PSG after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, the President said it was also the dawn of the promises of new democracy in the country, giving the momentum for the country’s progress.

“At habang may PSG masisiguro nating hindi matitisod, hindi malilihis; tuloy-tuloy ang arangkada ng mga plano’t paninindigan natin upang sa wakas ay mapitas na ang bunga ng mga pangarap na ipinunla ng taumbayan noong 1986,” he said.

The PSG then overcame so many adversities given its meager resources, manpower and capability, the President said. Personnel providing security to the former president have to operate using unconventional techniques to be effective, the President stressed.

According to the President, during the coup d’etat in 1987, the PSG defended the Palace grounds with antiquated equipment, mainly by using World War II era weapons adding that despite the odds, they were able to perform their duties well in defending the Aquino family and the country’s democracy.

The PSG’s years of facing adversities and challenges made it a stronger, dependable and formidable organization today, the President said.

“Binigay sa atin itong mga eksperyensang ito, lalo tayong tumibay, lalo tayong humusay, lalo tayong gumaling dahil nga may mahalaga kayong bahagi para sa pagsasaayos ng bansang ito,” he said.

The organization is also well-respected because it also produced leaders in the military.Many of the officers from thePSG rose to later become chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), chief of the Philippine National Police and many other positions.ManyofficialsofthePSGalsobecame

members of the civilian government and some are serving as local executives and leaders.

The group providing security to the President was originally organized by President Emilio Aguinaldo after he was elected president in 1897.

The then Department of War, the forerunner of the Department of National Defense, set up the El Cuerpo


dela Guardia Presidencial or the Corps of Presidential Guards.

It became the Malacanang Guards during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon. During the presidency of Sergio Osmena it was called Presidential Guards Battalion. And during the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay it was changed to Presidential Security Force.

When Ferdinand Marcos assumed power, the Presidential Security Agency

was expanded to the Presidential Security Command.

President Corazon Aquino disbanded the Presidential Security Command in 1986 and replaced it with a leaner PSG with then Army Col. Voltaire T. Gazmin as its chief.

Gazmin is the current secretary of the DND under the present Aquino administration. PND

President Aquino elated over release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers in Syria

President Benigno S. Aquino III

expressed elation over news relayed to him on Sunday that the 21 Filipino peacekeepers abducted in Syria four days ago have been released, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

10Monday, March 11, 2013

In a news briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Valte said the Philippine officials are now in close coordination with their counterparts in the United Nations over the next steps to take for the freed hostages.

“We received the news, I think, early this morning today and now we are very happy to note that our peacekeepers have been released, they’re safe and I think they are now still in Jordan when they were handed over in the Syria-Jordan border, Valte said.

“ N a - u p d a t e naman ang Pangulo tungkol sa pagka-release sa ating 21 Filipino peacekeepers at talaga pong natuwa naman po ang Pangulo. Of course he was very happy to receive the news,”

she added.Valte said the President was very

concerned with the plight of the 21 Filipino peacekeepers and was relieved upon learning that they had been released.

“…of course he was very concerned and he welcomes the news; maganda naman pong balita po ito,” Valte said.

“As to kung uuwi po sila or will they have to complete their tour of duty, our people are in close coordination with the UN as to what will happen next to them,” she said. PND (rck)


President Aquino urged to declare emergency power crisis in Mindanao

The local business group is calling on President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to declare emergency crisis amid the worsening power situation in Mindanao.

Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc (ZCCIFI) President Pedro Rufo Soliven said President Aquino is empowered to declare emergency crisis situation under Section 71 of the Republic Act 9136 otherwise known as the Electric

Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.

Soliven said that Section 71 of EPIRA provides that “upon the determination by the President of the Philippines of an imminent shortage of the supply of electricity,


Congress may authorize, through a joint resolution, the establishment of additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve.”

“We Mindanaoans deserve extra ordinary solution and attention, and Section 71 provides that power to the President to solve the power crisis,” Soliven said citing Mindanao is in a desperate power crisis situation.

“By invoking Section 71, red tape can be cut and the lengthy procedure in starting a new power project, which normally takes around two years to process, can be shortened,” Soliven added.

He said the average demand growth of 4.28 percent here in Mindanao is due to rapid growth and urbanization as well as its industrialization.

He cited that the present dependable generating capacity to include that of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) is only 1,616 megawatts with 1,038 MW generated by the Agus and Pulangui hydropower stations.

However, he noted the Department of Energy (DoE) protocol requires a reserve margin of at least 21 percent of the peak demand.There is a shortfall of 112 MW since the total generation capacity should be 1,728 MW and the present dependable generating capacity is only 1,616 MW, he said.

He added that Mindanao power outlook is bleak, with a very low power reserve due to limited base load power generating plants. New ones will not come on stream until 2016.

Soliven as Chairman of Task Force ILP (Interruptible Load Program) also reiterated his call to the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) management to fast track the implementation of the ILP.

Soliven said that 15 industrial and big load commercial establishments have enrolled in the ILP scheme as part of their corporate social responsibility.

At least 8 MW can be generated for Zamcelco to distribute to member consumers badly needing the power.

“This can mitigate brownouts by at least three hours daily. The ILP scheme is an immediate mitigating measure for Zamcelco to undertake with a sense of urgency,” he said.

The power demand of Zamboanga City for this month is 79.821-MW and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and the Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) could only provide a combined power of 54-MW bringing the shortage to over 24-MW translating to at least 7-8 hours blackout daily in this city. (PNA)


Despite manpower lack, NBI-XI continues mandate

DAVAO CITY-The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has re-mained undermanned and under-staffed and yet it continues to per-form its functions efficiently. “We need more employees because the whole NBI XI is undermanned when it comes to investigative agents and

u n d e r s t a f f e d when it comes to administrative support,” NBI XI Assistant Regional Director Atty. Lauro Reyes said. However, the Bureau has to contend with the present number of employees considering the government’s freeze-hiring policy. Reyes said that despite this, NBI XI was named the Best

Regional Command in the entire country last 2011. He attributed this to the number of cases solved by the agency, a good rapport with the local community and close coordination with other law enforcement agency. Aside from its investigative function, the Bureau also issues

by Lovely Carillo


NBI clearances for domestic and international employment purposes. NBI XI issues up to 600 clearances every day, with most applicants lining up at the NBI XI gate in J.P. Laurel Avenue as early as 5 A.M. to meet the cut off. The NBI handles all types of cases that fall under the Revised Penal Code, Reyes said. They take on a case for as long as there is an interested party or complainant who is willing to sign an affidavit of complaint. “The complaint should be under oath and the complainant should be willing to back up the allegation,” he said. All the services of the NBI are offered for free, he added.

The complainant can either be a private or public citizen. What is required is the complainant is willing to come out in the open because “we do not entertain anonymous complaints,” he added. Reyes said they are also careful in accepting cases since they want to avoid duplicity and do not want to meddle with police work or cases already being handled by other law enforcement agencies. To decongest the regional office, NBI XI has opened a satellite office at the Bansalan Public Mall. Residents near the said area need not go to Davao for their NBI clearances because the satellite office can issue their clearance, he said.(RGA/LAC/PIA-XI)

DOT-XI cites MICE Con 2013 gainsDAVAO CITY- The recently con-cluded MICE Con 2013 (Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibits Conference) has brought tangible benefits to Davao this according to the regional office of the Depart-ment of Tourism. “We are now regarded as the next generation destination for MICE.” Said Art Boncato, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism during a luncheon held for MICE participants at Park Inn Davao at the SM Lanang Premiere complex where the three-day conference was

held. Boncato said that the mere fact of hosting the MICE Conference indicated that Davao City is ready to host more bigger conferences. The DOT-XI chief said that the MICE Conference is a high-level event with 600 delegates and with no less than President Benigno Aquino III and the Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez gracing the opening program of the conference. Also during the event several tourism buyers from across the

by Rudolph Alama


Asia-Pacific Region particularly from India and China and even as far from Russia attending. “These buyers are seriously looking at Davao as a destination for the MICE market,” Boncato said.Boncato said that during the business-to-business (B2B) sessions held in the last day (March 9) a participant told him that the sessions were very productive. The B2B involves meetings between sellers and buyers in the MICE industry. Another benefit would be that the tourism industry will be gearing up with Davao being eyed to host more international events. “Now we are slowly bidding for small meetings which is international in

nature and we are looking at the Asia-Pacific Region. “ Boncato said. Boncato said that Davao City will be hosting a Technical Working Group for Climate Change meeting next month and they are also bidding for the World Ecotourism Forum. Meanwhile the DOT-XI head said that MICE Con in Davao had many notable milestones. “First time na ang President ang nag keynote (First time that the President made the keynote), first time that all the sessions were in the plenary instead of having break-out sessions, because of the quality of the speakers, where everyone wanted to hear them and the first time that the delegates reached 600. (PIA-XI/RG Alama)


This was the message of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas at the occasion of the 39th Founding Anniversary of Basilan Province, Thursday, as he lauded the convergence efforts of the Provincial Peace and Development Coordinating Committee also known as Team Basilan. “Higit akong natutuwa sa

inisyatibo ng mga taga-Basilan na isulong at magpunyagi upang ipakita sa buong mundo ang tunay at totoong anyo ng ating magandang lalawigan,” (I am too happy about this initiative of the residents here to show to the world the true picture of this beautiful province) Roxas said. He said that “the celebration dubbed ‘Pakaradjaan 2013’ is a

DILG Sec Roxas lauds Team Basilan’s convergence efforts

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – “Kahit na ‘water boy’ lang ako sa Team Basilan, karangalan ko pong sumali at makibahagi sa inyung samahan sa probinsiya.” (Even if I’ll play the role of a water boy in your Team Basilan, it would be an honor for me to take part in your convergence in the province.

By Rene V. Carbayas


laudable initiative to showcase the beauty and rich culture of the people of Basilan, including the persistence and aspirations of the people united.” “ Tamang- tama at eksaktong-eksakto ang celebrating convergence in Basilan bilang tema ng ikatlong pagdiriwang ng Pakaradjaan, na sa salitang Tausug at Yakan ay ibig sabihin ang sabi sa akin ay okasyon o kasayahan nagpapakita ng ating mga tradisyon at pagpapasalamat,” (Your theme, c e l e b r a t i n g convergence in Basilan, suits your third year Pakaradjaan celebration, showing a tradition of thanksgiving) he said. Although, Basilan celebrates its 39th founding anniversary as a province, Pakaradjaan festival was only adopted three years ago. “Anyayahan natin ang lahat na tunghayan ang nagaganap na pagbabago dito sa Basilan at kabuuan ng Mindanao,” (Let’s invite them to witness the


changes happening here in Basilan and the whole of Mindanao) he added. The DILG chief said that “Basilan is a perfect example of convergence of people coming together for one goal, which is the only path towards peace and progress.” “Iba-iba man ang ating kultura at pinagmulan—Tausug, Yakan, Tagalog, Muslim, Kristyano, binibigkis tayo ng iisang mithiin na naging maayos at maunlad ang buhay ng bawat isa sa Basilan. Dahil higit kailanman sa ating kasaysayan ngayon, pinakamahalaga ang pagkakaisa natin na samasamang pagtahak sa daan matuwid ni P-Noy,” (Although we come from different cultures and tribes – Tausug, Yakan, Tagalog, Muslim, Kristyano – our common aspiration is better life for all. The most important thing nowadays is that we will be one in treading on the straight path of P-Noy) he said. He told the people of Basilan that a significant change had been achieved by the province under the Aquino administration and because of the united stand of the local leaders and the people to work for peace and development. “Dito lamang sa Basilan, nakita ko po ang istatistika. Nakakainggit po talaga kayo. Biro niyo po, ang project niyo dito ay higit sa tatlong bilyung piso ang imprastraktura na nagmumula sa central government na ipamamahagi dito lamang sa probinsya ng Basilan,” (Statistics would show that for Basilan alone, the infrastructure projects from the

central government already reached to P3 billion) he noted. “Ito nangyayari dahil una matuwid ang pamamahala sa Kamaynilaan sa ilalim ng Pangulong P-Noy at ganon din po dito, kayo po ay naging united, lahat ng pagsisikap, lahat ng pagpapapawis, at pagsasakripisyo na tutungo sa kaunlaran at hindi sa pag-aaway-away o sa mga intrigahan sa pangkalooban. May kasabihan sa Ingles na “A family united will stand strong,” (This only happened because of the straight leadership of PNoy, complemented by your efforts and sacrifices toward progress and not by petty intrigues and skirmishes) he said. He further urged the people not to let spoilers of development to succeed in pulling the country back to a state of disunity and corruption of the past, urging Basileños to strengthen unity, cooperation, and compassion with one another. He promised that the Aquino administration will continue to support and assist in every way the convergence efforts of Team Basilan in its aspiration towards peace and progress. Team Basilan is a convergence group organized by the Provincial Government of Basilan that would plan, organize, and co-implement programs and projects for peace and development. Members of the convergence come from the local government units, government line agencies, civil society organization, academe, religious, media, military and police, among others.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At least 290 families, mostly farmers, are now benefiting from the newly constructed bridge in Barangay Tablao, the remotest village in town of Kiamba, Sarangani Province, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported.

Hilbert T. Estacion

DSWD infra project benefits 290 families in remote village

DSWD-12 assistant regional director Gemma N. Rivera said that villagers are now smoothly transporting farm products from Tablao to town proper and need not to transfer it from one riverbank to another.

“The unreliable existing decrepit bridge cannot anymore accommodate vehicles for transportation, for this, products of villagers needed to be hauled, which means additional labor cost for farmers” Rivera said.

Aiding the village now is the P1.48 million bridge constructed through the DSWD anti-poverty project, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), seen by village officials to be the largest contributing factor for the rapid development of the community.

The newly constructed bridge in the community, is expected to help increase the

households’ income and will link residents to access other government social services.

Rivera added that the rough road and lack of bridge compromised the quality of agricultural products like fresh fruits before eventually reaching the market, leaving farmers with no choice but to sell it in a very low price, killing their supposed profit, resulting to a loss of substantial income to many families.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- South Cotabato’s provincial govern-ment is enlisting schoolchildren in its activities for the re-greening of the upland areas.

A DSWD-led commun i ty-d r i ven development project, K a l a h i - C I D S S aims to empower communities, improve local governance and reduce poverty.

Poorest barangays are given access to and control of key development decisions and resources through a guided process of community mobilization. Villagers are given opportunities to analyze their

own need, manage resources and implement project that will answer identified problem.

Tablao is one of the villages who identified construction of bridge as the most pressing need of community and required immediate solution. The project was then realized with the financial support from World Bank.

Kalahi-CIDSS has been implemented since 2003 and

constructed 16 bridges across the region amounting to P18.46 million benefited mostly by farmer and transport sectors of hard-to-reach communities.

Aside from bridges, DSWD through Kalahi-CIDSS also constructed schools, health stations, roads, water system, electrification and other economic and livelihood support. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Hilbert T. Estacion- DSWD-12)

LGU taps schoolchildren for greening programBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, acting chief of the Provincial E n v i r o n m e n t Management Office (PEMO) said they have devised a scheme where schoolchildren could help in the reforestation program in the provinces’

Upper Valley area and receive school supplies in return.

The initiative will be implemented in cooperation with schools, private groups and industries that have adopted the provincial government’s tree-

growing efforts.Under the program,

Flaviano explained, pupils in Grades 4 to 6 will be encouraged to participate in tree-growing activities.

“For at least ten trees that they will plant -- and successfully grow


-- these schoolchildren will receive incentives in the form of notebooks, papers, pencils, pens and other school supplies,” he said.

Seedlings for the project will be provided by the PEMO, so that the children’s responsibility will only be to plant the trees and make sure that these won’t wither and die.

“In a way, we educate the children how to care for the environment,” he said.

Flaviano added that a project coordinator will monitor the number of trees planted as well as count the number of trees that have successfully grown after about a year; the number of live trees will be used as basis for the corresponding number of school supplies that a child could receive.

Distribution of incentives will be done at the beginning of the next school year such that those who planted trees

while they were still in Grade 4 will receive their reward school supplies when they enter Grade 5. Those in Grade 6 will receive their incentives before graduation.

Initial co-operators of the project include elementary schools in villages of T’boli town such as those in Kematu, Salacafe, and Lamhako, as well as the T’boli National High School. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Some 376 Grade 6 pupils from the North District of Tupi, South Cotabato have recently completed the course under the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.

376 pupils in Tupi, S. Cotabato complete DARE programBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

The 17-week program was led by the local government unit (LGU) of the municipality in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Under the program, the children were taught various ways of recognizing and resisting the pressures influencing them to experiment with drugs, gangs and violence and likewise boosting their self-esteem, interpersonal and communication skills and decision making.

The activities were facilitated by Philadare officer PO2 Anabelle Deita of Tupi PNP.

Meanwhile, Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., expressed his support

and appreciation to the participants for successfully completing the program.

Tamayo said the children are the key in order to develop a progressive and productive locality.

Also, the official is expecting that the program will bear good results in their community and into the lives of the children.

The DARE program is implemented under

the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) under the supervision of Municipal Security Welfare and Development Officer, Anastacia Hatulan.

This program is aimed at educating the children on ways to combat the use of illegal drugs.

It is anchored with the theme, “All for One Against Drugs for A Brighter Tomorrow”. (SJDuerme-PIA12/Tupi-LGU)


March is Rabies Awareness Month

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Health-Center for Health (DOH-CHD)-Caraga is commemorating rabies awareness month this March.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by DOH-CHD


During the media forum held here recently, Rabies Nurse Coordinator Ms. Lourdes Plaza said rabies remains a public health problem in the Philippines. The annual incidence of rabies from 1987 to 1997 ranged form five to nine cases per million population.

Approximately 300 to 600 Filipinos die of rabies every year. In Caraga Region, nine rabies deaths occurred in 2011 and 3 in 2012.

Plaza also said the decline is attributed to the following factors: increased level of awareness among the public where and when to seek immediate treatment, establishment of Animal Bite Treatment Centers in strategic areas regionwide with trained doctors and nurses, good referral system, intensive advocacy on Responsible Pet Ownership, close collaboration with partner agencies, strong support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), and enforcement of RA 9482 or Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.

The Department of Agriculture also strengthened their dog vaccination activities.

March of every year is celebrated in the Philippines as Rabies Awareness Month to create and focus the public’s consciousness with this fatal disease. For this year’s celebration the theme is

“Working together for a Rabies-Free Philippines: Register and Vaccinate your Dog.”

With the aim of eliminating rabies and declaring the Philippines Rabies-Free in 2020, the Department of Health through its Centers for Health Development, provides technical assistance, logistics and health promotion activities to LGUs, partner agencies and the community to ensure full implementation of the Law especially on Responsible Pet Ownership.


Policy Framework of RA 10354 set today in Surigao del Surby Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Surigao del Sur -- The provincial government of Surigao del Sur under Governor Johnny Pimentel through the Provincial Gender and Development (GAD) focal person led today, Friday, a Policy Forum on Legal and Policy Framework of RA 10354 held at Seminar Hall, Capitol Hills, this city.

The activity commemorates International Women’s Day and Women’s Month Celebration with the Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development – Local Advocacy team as facilitator.

The forum tackles issues and challenges at the level of the local government unit (LGU) implementation after RA 10354, otherwise known as Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive

Health Act of 2012, was signed last December 2012.

Participants are employees of the LGUs (Provincial & Municipal representatives) & national government line agencies within the province, women’s group representatives from different CSOs and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Blood Donations & Free Blood Typing activity of the Philippine Red Cross and the Free Medical and Dental Consultation in


coordination with the Philippines Medical Association & Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center were successfully conducted Thursday. The provincial office of Tesda also

extended free services on beauty care like hair cut, manicure/pedicure and massage on the same day.

DENR pursues geotagging of logs in Caraga Regionby Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY -- The DENR is pursuing “ Project Geo-tagging “ in Caraga Region, a strategy to efficiently monitor the movement of logs sold to various wood-processing plants and hopefully, erase the stigma of the region as “source of illegal logs.”

Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media such as

a geotagged photograph or video, websites, SMS messages, QR codes or RSS (Rich Sites Summary)


feeds and is a form of geospatial metadata, according to Wikipedia.

“A Geospatial metadata or simply metadata is applicable to objects that have an explicit or implicit geographic extent, in other words are associated with some position on the surface of the Globe. Such objects may be stored in a geographic information system (GIS) or may simply be documents, datasets, images or other objects, services, or related items that exist in some other native environment but whose features may be appropriate to describe in a (geographic) metadata catalogue (may also be known as a data directory, data inventory, etc.)”.

DENR 13 OIC, Regional Executive Director Nonito M. Tamayo said the top management of the DENR backs up the implementation of the geo tagging project in Caraga Region being a pilot area considering the rich experience of the region in logging activities. “We are reviewing the process and procedure in implementing the geo tagging to ensure its success,” Tamayo said.

According to Tamayo, all PENR and CENR officers have been equipped with digital tablets in which they can easily access to the data, in this case, the logs being transported to its destination can be located at a flick of a finger.

“We hope this strategy can

eliminate, once and for all, the movement of illegal logs in the region which has been considered a perennial problem,” Tamayo said.

Tamayo said that he had also found out during a recent conference of top DENR officials in Davao City last week that that log smugglers from other regions dump illegally cut logs from the Forest Mountains of Bukidnon, Davao Oriental, and Compostela Valley through the Agusan River because of its geographic advantage.

“Everybody thought that illegal logging activities are frequent in Caraga region owing to this activity,” Tamayo said. “We had become an object of ridicule because of this system,” he said.

He, however, was glad of the recent report of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) which cited an improvement in the campaign of the DENR-13 in the anti-illegal logging campaign through EO 23.

Last week, the PAOCC cited the “Decline of illegal logging activities by at least 75 percent compared from previous years.”

He said, “Geo tagging is helpful in finding a wide variety of location-specific information.” A CENR officer for instance, can now find images taken near a given location by entering latitude and longitude coordinates into a suitable image search engine, he said.


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This was the statement aired by Revenue District Office (RDO)-92 chief Atty. Nasrollah B. Conding during the kickoff of the 2013 tax campaign held last week at Hotel Camila here. Speaking before the 400

stakeholders, Conding acknowledged the tremendous contribution of the taxpayers to the government coffers saying “without you our dear taxpayers, it would be very difficult for the government to function and implement its various development

BIR-RDO 92 chief cites taxpayers’ contribution to economy PAGADIAN CITY – “Without the taxpayers, the nation will not exist.”

By Gideon C. Corgue


programs like roads, schools, bridges, hospitals, armed forces, police, etc.” This year’s BIR tax campaign carries the slogan “I love the Philippines, I pay taxes correctly.” “Who are those people who help realize the construction of government’s infrastructure projects? It is you,” Conding said referring to the taxpayers/stakeholders attending the event. Conding mentioned the Kennon road – the major access road to Baguio City from Manila and the provinces of central and western Luzon – which was severely damaged by a killer quake in July 1990. He said without people’s taxes, that road could not have been reconstructed immediately, as it needed $1 billion to pay the workers. “It’s the money of the taxpayers being spent for the

hiring of 1,000 workers,” Conding explained. Meanwhile, Conding beamed with pride to announce that RDO 92 had exceeded its collection target for 2012 by 21 percent or P144,770 million. RDO-92’s collection goal last year was P665,535,000 and its actual collection reached P810,305,000. Conding said the increase in collection was a result of the agency’s massive tax campaign program. He also attributed the high tax collection turnout to the remittances made by tax withholding agents and to annual registration payments of big taxpayers. The BIR chief also urged all taxpayers to disclose their true income and pay appropriate taxes within the current fiscal year.


Alan Bengua of the Dipolog City Information Office (CIO) told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that seven of these projects are in Dipolog City. These projects include the second, third and fourth phase of the expansion and improvement of the Dipolog City Airport with P112 million appropriation; the P25 million-road construction from the junction of Turno by-pass road to 3,003 step-Linabo Peak at Barangay Dicayas, a place frequented by local and foreign tourists especially during holy week; Purok Bulahan-Turno River Control Project at Barangay Turno with an allocation of P23 million; the P50 million-Dipolog City Boulevard expansion; P25 million-road concreting to Sungkilaw Falls at Barangay Diwan; and the widening of the Dipolog-Sindangan road, including the construction of a drainage canal from Barangay Sta. Isabel-Galas to Olingan with an allocation of P84 million. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has lauded the lawmaker’s initiative in complementing the city government’s efforts geared toward its “Swigapore 2030” vision, which seeks to make

Dipolog a combination of Singapore (a bustling commercial center in Southeast Asia) and Switzerland (a known green country in Europe). On the same day, the team also proceeded to Katipunan town for the groundbreaking of the P1.35 million-Multi-Purpose Building Project at Barangay New Tambo, the P10 million-farm-to-market road at Lipasan in Roxas town, the P10 million-farm-to-market road in Punta Blanca, Manukan, and the P130 million- road opening at Talinga-Dagohoy-Tinaplan-Titik road in the municipality of Sindangan. The ground breaking caravan ended at Siayan town and was capped by the ground breaking of the three projects, namely, the P2 million-electrification project in Barangay Pange, P1.6 million-electrification project in Barangay Balok and the P4 million-Siayan Diagnostic Health Care Center. Joining Cong. Labad-labad in groundbreaking caravan were Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn Uy, local officials and residents of the recipient-municipalities and some local media practitioners.

Groundbreaking of major infra projects caps legislator’s birthday By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Zamboanga del Norte second district representative Rosendo S. Labad-labad led the groundbreaking of major infrastructure projects in his district during his 48th birthday recently.


BFP-10 upholds fire, accident preparedness in 2013 Fire Prevention Monthby Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 10 observes 2013 Fire Prevention Month through conducting various activities in the region that will educate the public on the importance of fire and accident preparedness, and environment care.

With the theme, “Sunog at Sakuna Paghandaan, Kalikasan ay Pangalagaan nang Matamasa ang Pag-unlad ng Bayan,” Supt. Lindy C. Lauzon, BFP 10 OIC-Regional Director, emphasized in a media forum conducted at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10 office that unlike the

previous years, they “are now in the forefront in responding to any forms of calamities not just on fire disasters or accidents.” Among the activities conducted by the BFP include the motorcade which was held on March 1, along the streets of the city and various competitions like poster-making contest in the barangay and city levels. “Such activities are

geared towards informing the public on the importance of fire safety and the importance of being a fire safety practitioner to minimize the course of destructive fires,” Lauzon shared. When asked on the implementation of securing fire safety


BFP-10 upholds fire, accident preparedness in 2013 Fire Prevention Month

Envisioning the country as a surplus supplier of rice with the year 2013 as its earliest target, the department lauded the towns, namely, Kapatagan of Lanao del Norte (LDN) and Opol of Misamis Oriental as the outstanding rice municipalities. Meanwhile, emerging as the commendable extension workers are Sagrada P. Alvarez (Oroquieta City),

Agnes Garcia Sue S. Butalid and Bonida A. Onos (Clarin) of Misamis Occidental. Other honorees of the former category also include Emerita P. Capayas, Fedelina M. Cuaresma, Manuel P. Sabillo, Fe A. Enriquez, Violeta B. Florin, Ma. Luisa Q. Gabutin, Estrella M. Morilla, and Josefina J. Sabillo of Kapatagan, Lanao del

DA to award NorMin’s outstanding rice achieversCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - For their meritorious commitment and performance in government’s pursuit to advance the rice sector, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will honor the 2012 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers throughout the country, including two municipalities and 11 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) from Northern Mindanao (Region 10), on March 15 at the Philippine Convention Center in Manila.

by Joanne L. Olson

device on establishments, Lauzon emphasized that they are enforcing the use of fire safety device such as fire extinguishers not just in business establishments but even in households saying, “we need to have that and we need to appreciate the value of this equipment.” In addition, Supt. Alan N. Aladano, BFP-10 Assistant Regional Director for Operation, said that they are also responsible in identifying the number of fire extinguishers needed in an establishment and where they will be located. To further foster public safety

from fires and accident, Supt. Shirley S. Teleron, Cagayan de Oro District Fire Marshall, said that when there is no fire in the city, their fire marshals and staff conduct fire prevention campaigns, seminars on fire safety awareness and fire drills to schools and barangays. Supt. Aladano also shared that 70% of BFP’s function is on fire prevention and only 30% on fire suppression that is why they are inspecting five establishments in a day to intensify their advocacy on fire prevention.


Norte. Exemplifying as excellent rice towns, the DA chose the above achievers based on the following criteria, but not limited to the following conditions: increased rice production, area harvested and percent contribution to the national/provincial rice production; total number of rice-related projects initiated and rice farmers served; and high quality rice seeds utilization. The department likewise selected the extension workers by going over through the services they

have rendered in terms of number of trainings/Farmers’ Field Schools conducted, trainings attended, among others. The municipalities will be awarded P1-million worth of agricultural projects while the extension workers will be granted P 20,000 each as cash incentive. The DA is hoping that more local government unit stakeholders become more responsive and conscientious in carrying out their respective functions and responsibilities.

NorMin to further strengthen anti-child labor programby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Child labor focal persons in Northern Mindanao will converge here to further improve and strengthen the region’s anti-child labor program.

Lawyer Johnson G. Cañete, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said member-agencies and program partners of the Regional Child Labor Committee (RCLC) will meet on March 13 to tackle child labor concerns in the region. Cañete, who also chair the RCLC, said the meeting will serve as a venue to discuss updates of the services, programs, and projects implemented by service providers in line with the Philippine Program Against Child Labor (PPACL).

The PPACL works to transform the lives of child laborers, their families, and communities, towards their sense of self-worth, empowerment and development. It envisions a child labor-free Philippines. The RCLC, on the other hand, is an institutional mechanism at the regional level which seeks to efficiently and effectively address child labor concerns in the region through intensified and collaborative effort of all program partners and stakeholders.

one mindanao - march 11, 2013

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