one mindanao - march 19, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

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 and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

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ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

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Cover Story

Kaamulan Tree Park— an evergreen nature garden

Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Monday, March 19, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 218

page 4

CSC-10 to conduct seminar on administrative justice in CdOApipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Province-wide simultaneous tree planting and tree parenting marks celebration of International Women’s Day in Mis. Occ.

12Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Samal casino to re-open this year

19Frances Gevera Macapagat, Southern Mindanao

S. Cotabato LGU, Mahintana Foundation mamimigay ng 900 na wheelchair20DEDoguiles , Central Mindanao

Aquino announces that some 3,000 more sitios will benefit from nationwide electrification project 8

Solon’s PDAF distributed to implement projects in Sarangani CT Apelacio, Central Mindanao

Davao City to host 28th GSP reg’l encampment 23 Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

11

DCCI bats for environmental protection 29 Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

People asked to conserve water in summer24 Caraga Region

15

Root crops, corn help prevent diseases 28 May Ann R. Devanadera, Western Mindanao

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4 Monday, March 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Teeming with lush foliage, tall pine trees, and cool breeze, Kaamulan Tree Park is one perfect place to go

when the annoyances of everyday life start to rout.

Cover StoryKaamulan Tree Park— an evergreen nature garden

Located at the rear side of Bukidnon Provincial Capitol in Malaybalay City, the park is perched on rolling hills with wealth of sylvan beauty and other natural

resources. Its proximity to the main city makes it an ideal

place for trail hiking, sightseeing and

nature trekking. Its

unstirred g r e e n

grasses and ethnic-inspired cottages also allow you to relax and be alone in an ambiance of quietness. Apportioned into various zones, this 500-hectare tree park has protected areas. It has educational, scientific, and heritage parks. The area is also home to hundreds of distinct species of natural grown and planted trees. This has inspired Governor Alex P. Calingasan and environmentalists to include in their program the establishment

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Monday, March 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

o f an arboretum

to exhibit collections of not only Philippine trees of indigenous species, but also exotic forest trees. Data showed that the provincial government allocates 1.5 million pesos each year for Kaamulan Park’s development to best meet the needs of Bukidnons and sustain its mix of uses—watershed protection, research and recreation. Cecille Egnar, Bukidnon Environment and Natural

Resources Office (BENRO) Research Officer, said the

annual fund also helps maintain the park’s

very quality that defines it as

wilderness a n d

forest reserve. There are countless reasons why outdoor life buffs left footprints in the Kaamulan Tree Park. Find time to come and visit the gardens in the greenwoods, and view its wonderful sights.

6 Monday, March 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino says measures strengthening Anti-Money Laundering Act will be passed

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence on Sunday night that both Houses of Congress would be able to pass several measures strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering Act

(AMLA) before the deadline set by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body tasked to develop and promote policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

8 Monday, March 19, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Aquino announces that some 3,000 more sitios will benefit from nationwide electrification project

Some 3,000 more sitios will benefit from the administration’s nationwide electrification project this year, after the government achieved its initial 1,520 target, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Sunday.

T h e President

told media p rac t i t i one r s

over coffee at The Mansion in Baguio

City that leaders and members of the House of Representatives and the Senate were fully aware of the importance of passing these measures in order to prevent the country from being “blacklisted.”

He said the lawmakers also knew of the “weaknesses in the current law that…

inhibits the Anti-Money Laundering Council from fulfilling its job.”

“(So) we have already asked them to expedite the whole process (and)…we have communicated both to the Senate President and to the Speaker of the House and other members of both chambers’ leadership of the importance of strengthening the AMLA” the President said.

“And we look up on them as partners who know the gravity of the situation and the importance of

this particular measure,” he added.

Among the measures undergoing review are Senate Bill 3009, which allows the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to inspect bank accounts it deems suspicious even without informing the depositor first and SB 2676 or the Terrorist Financing Suppression Act, which expands the coverage of the anti-money laundering act to include terrorist financing. (RCK)


President A q u i n o

made the announcement

on the sidelines of the Philippine

Military Academy (PMA) graduation rites of Bagwis Class of 2012 here, adding that this particular endeavor would help the nation’s newly-minted soldiers to better defend the country from unwanted elements. Based on the data held by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), almost 36,000 sitios were literally “kept in the

dark” by the previous administration — a problem that was left for President Aquino to address. But the government responded by allocating 1.3 billion pesos to help electrify its initial target of 1,300 sitios just this last quarter of 2011, which even yielded better results since both the DOE and NEA managed to provide electricity for 1,520 sitios in just 90 days. “Ang dating umaabot ng isang milyong piso kada sitio, nagawa lamang po natin sa halagang humigit kumulang 700,000

pesos bawat sitio. Patunay lamang po ito na sa tuwid na daan, natutugunan natin ang mga pangangailangan ng mga Pilipino, hindi in due time, kundi ora-mismo,” the President said. “Sa madaling salita po, ‘yung dating tinatayang one million, naging 700,000 pesos na lang, nagkaroon po tayo ng savings na halos kalahating bilyon; idadagdag po ito sa pondo ng pailaw sa taong ito. Hindi po bababa ng 3,000 na mga sitio ang maikakabit natin sa national grid,” he added. (HDC)


BFP, Kitaotao LGU ink MOA on the establishment of fire stationby Noli P. de la Rita

Fhe Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Northern Mindanao bolstered its firefighting capacity with the establishment of its new fire station in the province of Bukidnon.

During this year’s observance of Fire Prevention Month, BFP-10 representatives headed by its Regional Director, Supt. Lindy Lauzon signed a memorandum of agreement with the municipal government of Kitaotao

represented by Mayor Rodito Rafisura to seal off the intention to establish a fire station in the said town, held at the municipal building March 7. “The latest development leaves Bukidnon to only 10 percent short of


CSC-10 to conduct seminar on administrative justice in CdOby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Civil Service Commission, Regional Office 10 (CSC-10) will be conducting a seminar on administrative justice on March 27 to 28 at the Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center here.

Target participants are legal officers/practitioners or any government official/employee assigned to conduct administrative investigation and/or handle non-disciplinary cases, said CSC-10 Regional Director Lourdes Clavite-Vidal. Topics lined-up for the two-

day seminar include the jurisdiction of the CSC, head of agencies and Office of the Ombudsman as disciplining authorities, the revised rules on administration cases in the civil service, and the offenses and corresponding penalties to be imposed relative to administrative cases.

completing our mission at least one fire station in every municipality within our area of responsibility (AOR),” said Supt. Lindy Lauzon.

Among the 20 towns of the province, there are now only two left without a fire station: Baungon and Damulog. The local government of Kitaotao and the BFP vowed to be partners in providing fire protection and various emergency services such as rescue and evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents, and in

general, all fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety and of life and property of the people.(BFP)


Province-wide simultaneous tree planting and tree parenting marks celebration of International Women’s Day in Mis. Occ.by Rutchie C. AguhobOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - A province-wide simultaneous tree planting/tree parenting activity marked this year’s celebration of the International Women’s Day in Misamis Occidental.

Anchored on the theme “Women weathering climate change: governance and accountability, everyone’s responsibility,” the activity was participated in by the different groups of women in all the three cities and 13 towns of the province. These cities are those of Ozamiz, Tangub and Oroquieta, while the municipalities include those of Bonifacio, Clarin, Tudela, Sinacaban, Aloran, Jimenez, Lopez-Jaena, Calamba, Don Victoriano, Concepcion, Baliangao, Plaridel, and Sapang Dalaga. In Ozamiz City, the women’s groups led by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) targets to plant some 1,500 banyan trees in the Gawad Kalinga Village in Barangay Bongbong, relocation site of some 200 families about 10 kilometers from the city proper. About 100 of these trees were planted today, while the rest will be planted throughout the month of March. In his message, Punong Barangay Jesus Salvador of Bongbong thanked the women for

their concern in addressing climate change issues, particularly, disaster risk reduction, among the tree planting and parenting done today. Meanwhile, a women’s summit will be held at the Ozamiz City Gymnasium, this coming March 14 and the Advocacy Forum on the Magna Carta for Women on March 23. Ludie Salud A. Raras, CSWD officer, said lectures on gender sensitivity, Magna Carta for Women, and disaster risk reduction and management have been scheduled to be attended by the leaders of the different women’s groups of the city on March 30.


Multi-sectoral consultation to tackle agri-fisheries modernizationby Carina Cayon

Fhe Department of Agriculture in the region

will be spearheading an area-wide public consultation on March 22 here to gather views and recommendations towards modernizing the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The DA in partnership with the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) will hold the multi-sectoral conference at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, this city.

DA-XI regional director Dr. Oscar O. Parawan said that the consultation seeks to generate comments, reactions and recommendations on the draft regional Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) for 2011-2017, before the same will be finalized and consolidated into the national AFMP. The consultation expects participation from officials

and representatives of the national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, private sector led agricultural and fishery councils and state universities and colleges. Parawan raised the importance of this multi-sectoral conference in an invitation to the Philippine Information Agency, saying that the various significant inputs from the participants “will surely help in advancing agriculture and fisheries modernization.”


He said that DA is leading the updating of the AFMP 2011-2017 in accordance with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) which mandates DA to formulate and implement a medium and long-term AFMP. This, he added, is in consultation with farmers, fishers, private sector, non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), and the appropriate government agencies and offices. Parawan said that the AFMP will

ensure that all DA’s regional field units, agencies, bureaus and offices will have an action program that is cohesive, reinforcing and consistent with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), AFMA and other national policy directives. The AFMP will be utilized by the agri-fisheries sector as an instrument to sharply focus programs, projects and activities towards modernizing the agriculture and fisheries sector, he stated. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

regional gallery

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte sits beside a frame of the 75th anniversary commemorative stamps issued in time for the City’s diamond anniversary.


Samal casino to re-open this year

DAVAO CITY– Island Garden City of Samal mayor Aniano Antalan announced the re-opening of the casino resort, Ekran Berhad in the island as targeted this year. During the Visit Samal launching held at Paradise Resort Saturday (march 17), the local official confirmed reports that the 250-hectare casino resort will finally help the island gather more tourist arrivals. It was in 1997 that this resort started operation offering hotel accommodation of up to 300 rooms. “ I have talked with the management of Ekran Berhad and they have confirmed its re-opening this year. The island will get P2 million per year from revenues.” Antalan said. With the coming in of new investments, the Department

of Tourism with the local government of Samal is pushing for a central point of entry for guests coming from Davao City . Admittedly, both offices believe that access remains a challenge for tourism to fully flourish in Samal. “We are eyeing the Davao Sta. Ana Wharf as a common jump off point. The Davao LGU is in the process of working on the documentation of ownership and the local chief executive expressed the

desire to take over.” said DOT regional director Art Boncato Jr Samal, although a city part of the Davao del Norte Province, holds most of its several jump-off points in Davao City. Davao visitors have always included Samal Island as a point of destination the moment they set foot in Davao. Thus, Boncato stressed the need for the complementation of both Davao and Samal in the aspect of tourism promotion as both would benefit from the growth of the other. Samal city administrator Cleto Bravo Gales said both cities share a common resource which is the Davao Gulf. This makes one good reason for both cities to plan and work together. (PIA/Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat)

by Frances Gevera Macapagat


Athletic meets instill values – DepEd officialby Dani Doguiles

KORONADA CITY, South Cotabato -- “Aside from sifting the best athletes in the regions, athletic meets provide an opportunity to instill within our young people the most important values that will keep out country moving forward: excellence, discipline and nationalism,” Dr. Jesson Butcon said yesterday.


Butcon, Basic Education Sector Reform Agency coordinator of Department of Education Central Office, was here as keynote speaker during the opening program of the Cotabato Regional Athletic Association

(CRAA) Meet held at the South Cotabato Sports Complex, in this city.

He said through sports as an extra-curricular activity, students are encouraged to be faster, higher, and stronger.

“But this is not about

being better than others but about improving ourselves and our athletes to go as far as their limits allow them and to be able to take a step further and doing so may require discipline,” he told the athletes, and sports officials present.

He said through the series and levels of sports competitions DepEd is honing students “to develop more than the skills to win but the heart of champion.”

“A real champion is one who has the heart that aspires to win for his country,” Butcon said.

Addressing the athletes, he said, “ang pagiging atleta ay higit pa sa pagtutuos at pagwawagi. Layunin nito ang mapabuti at mapaunlad ang kakayahan ng isang bata bilang isang manlalaro at higit sa lahat bilang isang tao upang mapabuti ang kanyang kamalayan sa sarili, sa kapwa, at sa bansa.”

At least 4,000 athletes, coaches and chaperons have converged here today for the four-day regional sports


competition that intends to select Soccsksargen region’s delegates to the Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan later this year.

Competitions include athletics, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, gymnastics, swimming, arnis, badminton, sepak-takraw, football, archery, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, boxing, and chess.

On his part. Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. said he agreed to host the CRAA meet for two consecutive years not only to show the modern sports facilities of the province, but also to promote South Cotabato and Soccsksargen Region as a peaceful and secure place.

In 2011 Palarong Pambansa Soccsksargen Region only ranked 6th in the regional standings but placed 2nd as most disciplined delegation and 3rd jolliest delegation.

“We would like to add ‘most peaceful region’ to this award,” Gov. Pingoy said.

“I hope that when

Dr. Butcon returns to Manila he would become one of our ambassadors of goodwill who would tell other people that there is no truth to the perception that South Cotabato and Region 12 are not peaceful,” he added.

He has also been open about his plan to bid for the hosting of 2014 Palarong Pambansa. The national sports competition was held in South Cotabato in 1996 and 2007. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Solon’s PDAF distributed to implement projects in Saranganiby CT Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Congressman Manny Pacquiao has fulfilled his promise to uplift the living condition of his constituents by downloading funds for the implementation of various community projects in his province.

Pacquiao recently distributed the amount of P52 million under his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to the local chief executives (LCEs) in the seven municipalities of Sarangani.

In Malungon, municipal engineer Rodrigo Palec said the town received P11.4 million to jumpstart the implementation of diverse projects that will greatly benefit the town’s constituents, including the installation of electricity worth P600,000 from sitio Malinis to sitio Ambang in barangay Tamban.

The municipal engineer said it’s about time to energize the areas to boost the economic activities of the people living in the two sitios.

O t h e r projects in the pipeline include the construction of 580 meters c o n c r e t e p a v e m e n t in barangay M a l a n d a g amounting to P3 million; t e r m i n a l building and roadway in P o b l a c i o n , P 2 . 7 million; and technical and v o c a t i o n a l building in b a r a n g a y Banate worth P1.0 million, all in Malungon municipality.

Palec said the remaining fund will be spent for the construction of P3- million worth of school buildings for the

barangays of Malalag Cogon and Malandag while P1.1 million will be used for the concreting of the national highway to barangay Poblacion.

Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said Pacquiao’s


distribution of development funds manifested strong partnership, unity, and commitment with local chief executives in the seven municipalities, all for the development of

Sarangani. “I think this is

now the result of our congressional, provincial, and municipal officials’ collective planning and everybody’s

active participation to develop and strengthen the socio-economic condition of the underprivileged sector in our respective areas,” he said. (CTA - PIA General Santos City)

S. Cotabato LGU, Mahintana Foundation mamimigay ng 900 na wheelchairKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Mamimigay ng daan-daang wheelchair ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng South Cotabato at ang Mahintana Foundation Inc., ng Dole Philippines, Inc.

Inihayag ni Rudy J i m e n e a , e x e c u t i v e assistant ni Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr., sa programang pangradyo ng provincial LGU kahapon, na aabot sa 900 na wheelchair ang nakatakdang ipamahagi sa mga residente na may kapansanan at may sakit sa buong South Cotabato.

Kaugnay rito, nananawagan si Jimenea sa mga indibidwal na maysakit o karamdaman o may kakilalang nangangailangan ng wheelchair na makipag-ugnayan lang sa tanggapan ni Gov. Pingoy para sa kinakailangang

evaluation. Maari ring makipag-

ugnayan sa tanggapan ni Vice Gov. Elmo Tolosa, Board Member Dr. Ervin Luntao at iba pang miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Payo nito sa mga nagnanais mabigyan ng wheelchair magpadala ng medical abstract ng pasyente o ano pa mang katibayan tulad ng larawan na magpapatunay sa kondisyon ng taong ninanais matulungan.

Ang Mahintana Foundation ay kabahagi ng Dole Philippines na matagal nang katuwang

ng pamahalaang p a n l a l a w i g a n sa pagbibigay ng makabuluhang serbisyo sa mamamayan ng South Cotabato.

Kabilang sa mga programa kung saan magkaagapay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at Mahintana Foundation ay ang supplemental feeding, Botika sa Barangay, Health Plus, Chairs for Trees Program, pamamahagi ng mga binhi at seedlings para sa greening program, Barangay Justice Advocates, at marami pang iba. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Monday, March 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 21www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

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P802-M budget to make Siargao a prime tourist destination

Finally, the Eden-like island that is Siargao Island has been noticed, and big time at that. In an objective to make the “paradise island” of Siargao

the country’s modern tourist destination, a proposed P802-million budget for 2013 was strongly endorsed on Friday.


Surigao del Norte Representative Francisco T. Matugas made the endorsement as he briefed Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas during the inauguration of the newly completed P25-million Sayak Airport terminal here. Matugas said the proposed budget will make Siargao Island and other tourist destinations in the province more globally competitive.He said the proposed fund will be used to complete all road networks to the various tourism sites. “We hope this budget proposal will be given priority next year because we are really aiming high to make this part of Mindanao globally competitive,” stressed

Matugas. Currently, in prepping up Siargao for bigger things, more than P100 million worth of various infrastructure projects such as roads, municipal and barangay (village) ports, and other national government offices are undergoing construction on the island’s nine towns. The provincial government is also preparing for a five-day global fishing competition slated from April 28 to May 1, this year in Pilar town. In another development, the Region-9 office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-9) said that President Aquino is expected to lead the inauguration of the P342

million Sanga-Sanga – Lapid-Lapid steel bridge in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi early next month. Bridge Project Engineer Jul-Arab Kong of the DPWH-9 said that by April of this year, the bridge will be made opened to the public. DPWH-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) Secretary Emil K. Sadain pointed out that after decades at attempting to construct the bridge project, “it is only now that we are to realize it.” The steel bridge is expected to spur economic growth and boost the social transformation of Tawi-Tawi. The bridge, one of the priority projects of the national government, will connect the capital town of Bongao to the municipalities of Panglima Sugala, Sapa-Sapa, Tandubas, and Lunguyan. “Most people in this province are eagerly waiting for the completion of the bridge since it will reduce travel time to this (Bonago) town,” Sadain was told.


Davao City to host 28th GSP reg’l encampment by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- Davao City will host the 28th Regional Encampment of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) on April 10-15, 2012.

The project, which started in 2008, has five components – the upgrading of the 7.6-kilometer Sanga-

Sanga Road, upgrading of the 8.45-kilometer Lapid-Lapid Road, construction of Sanga-Sanga Bridge, construction of the Lapid-

Lapid Bridge, and the implementation of the Bakhaw Dakula Link Road.

In a phone-patch interview this morning, Juzette Nemenzo, GSP Agusan Council executive said the regional encampment will be participated in by some 13 councils in the Eastern Mindanao regions composed of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City,

Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao City, General Santos, and South Cotabato. Nemenzo added the National GSP enjoined all council members

to send at least 100 delegates symbolizing the concluding celebration of the centenary year of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). The council executive here also said this year’s encampment is anchored on the theme: “Together


People asked to conserve water in summer

BUTUAN CITY -- The government on Saturday cautioned people to conserve water particularly this summer season. “Let us put into practice what we’ve learned about conservation of water so that the next generation may continue to enjoy an unlimited supply of water resources,” said Region Xlll Regional Executive Director (RED) Leonardo R. Sibbaluca of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Use water “wisely and intelligently,’ he added.

He made this reminder even as the DENR prepares to celebrate activities for the World Water Day on

March 22 with the theme, “Katiyakan sa Tubig, Katiyakan sa Pagkain.” He said some people have the practice

of throwing wastes into waterways which pollutes rivers, lakes, estuaries, and other water bodies which can affect our food

we say: I change myself to change the world.” A P1,800 registration fee shall be collected from the participants. Nemenzo said the participating Girl Scout will shoulder the said fee. The annual gathering

of Girl Scouts in Eastern Mindanao regions will be held at Camp Alano, Toril Davao City. With this, Nemenzo is enjoining Girl Scouts in the region to participate in this annual encampment as this will serve as training ground for them to

increase the participants’ self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, trust and unity. For interested participants in the city and in Agusan del Norte, just contact the GSP Agusan Council through telephone number.


resources. “Let us stop this bad habit of dumping wastes into the rivers, creeks, and esteroes to preserve our resources,” RED Sibbaluca said. “We think it’s just a little matter when we see a busted pipes where fresh water leaks on the street but consider the volume of resources that are being wasted away which are considered precious to the people in other parts of the world suffering from inadequate water,” he added. According to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary

Ramon JP Paje, the DENR has lined up activities focused on increasing public awareness to conserve water resources, “ Because it is an important component of our life.” Secretary Paje said, “water is very much incorporated in the food supply chain, whether in irrigation and fisheries or producing feeds for our livestock,” Paje said. The World Water Day 2012 will also look on how the swelling population can cope with the increasing pressure on available water resources by consuming

less water-intensive products and reducing food wastage, which translates to lost water, according to him. “This is the concept of measuring the ‘water footprint’ or the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed or produced,” Paje explained. A water summit dubbed “Water Knowledge Fair” at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City will introduce “knowledge products” focused on delivering water services particularly in rural areas. This will be participated by government agencies, local government units, water service providers, and other stakeholders. The participants will discuss different water-related programs and strategies. The event is being organized by the Philippine government, along with partners from the Millennium Development Goals Fund.


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Women play vital role in promoting progress and peace, says ZamboSur solon

by Gideon C. Corgue

Women played a vital role in the bringiong about peace, order, and progress and peace and order in the community.


This was disclosed by Zamboanga del Sur 2nd district representative Aurora Cerilles during women’s month celebration on Friday, Mar 16,where close to 3,000 women from 26 groups of women in the city attended the event. The celebration carries the theme, “Women weathering climate change| A governance and accountability is everyone’s responsibility.” Cerilles acknowedged the presence of women in the celebration and asserted that it is a manifestation of the strong support they continuously show in the promotion of women’s rights. The lady legislator recognized the important contribution of women saying that they made a bold and courageous step in promoting their rights for the welfare of the community. This day. Cerilles said, is the story of simple women who served as strong pillars of our history. “The celebration is their challenge in actively participating community activities in promoting equality of rights of men and women,” she

added. Cerilles said women have the roles and responsibilities in promoting peace and order. “I challenge all women to be united and help each other to conquer the challenges and trials that we are facing now,” Cerilles said. Cerilles also stressed the importance of Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as Magna Carta of Women saying that through this law, all forms of discrimination and abuses against women will be given a solution. With the law, Cerilles said we will be protected and secured. “Our voice will be heard in times of crisis specially during calamities and difficult times, equality in the implementation of laws, education, benefits, etc,” she added. Meanwhile, Mayor Samuel Co said women are now happy because they can fully exercise their rights under the law. “The law is very powerful because all of women’s rights are recognized and protected,” Co added. (JPA/GCC-PIA9 Zambosur)


Root crops, corn help prevent diseasesby May Ann R. Devanadera

Root crops contain dietary fiber, Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron while corn is a good source of dietary fiber, B-Vitamins, ascorbic acid, folate and phosphorus. A study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) determined the effects of local root crops in lowering cholesterol levels among humans with moderately-raised cholesterol levels. The study showed that eating kamote and cassava significantly decreased the total cholesterol levels of adults. Specifically, cassava was shown to have significantly decreased LDL-cholesterol levels. The study concluded that root crops, due to their dietary fiber content, could have a significant role in the reduction of lipid biomarkers. Another study by the FNRI-DOST explained that dietary fiber

that is fermented in the large intestine (or colon) binds with toxins and is excreted in the feces. Toxins in the colon contribute to the formation of tumors and cancer.

Folate present in corn is good for the heart because it lowers the level of homocysteine, an amino acid responsible for damaging the blood vessels and increasing the blood clotting, which may lead to heart attack. Corn also contains carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which aids in lowering the chances of lung cancer. Other health benefits from corn include the increase in memory levels due to thiamin which is important in brain cell functions, and together with panthothenic acid, helps in energy production and stress reduction. Glycemic index is the individual’s glucose response to a food as

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) encourages public to include root crops and corn in their diet as root crops and corn are good sources of carbohydrates.


DCCI bats for environmental protectionby Franklin P. Gumapon

This was disclosed by DCCI President Atty. Paul Gudmalin during the 13th founding anniversary of said organization last Thursday. He stressed that a clean and green environment would usher in more opportunities for the business sector. Gudmalin said the chamber also aims to develop a culture of social responsibility and pursue internal strengthening to be financially viable and fully effective and functional business organization. City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, on the other hand, told the audience in the same gathering that the city

government would always support DCCI’s programs and projects in promoting the welfare and interest of the business community. She also said the city leadership “is now geared toward attracting and inviting investors to try their luck in the city.” A businessman, who asked not to be named, said more investors are eying to invest in the city because of its favorable peace and order condition. Aside from being the provincial capital, Dipolog is also known as the commercial center of Zamboanga del Norte. (FPG/PIA-ZamboNorte)

DIPOLOG CITY - As part of its five-year strategic plan, the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has embarked on certain projects aimed at preserving and protecting the environment.

compared to a reference food and tells whether and how a food will raise blood sugar levels. Root crops and the white variety of corn have low glycemic index at less than 60, which means that they are beneficial in the proper control and management of diabetes mellitus and in maintaining normal weight. Message 5 of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF), developed by a technical working

group (TWG) headed by the FNRI-DOST, states that one should eat more vegetables, fruits, and root crops. In the Daily Nutritional Guide for Lactating Women, it is suggested that they consume 6-7 servings of rice, corn, root crops, and their substitutes. Root crops and corn have a lot of nutritional and health benefits, so why not include them in your daily diet? (JPA/MARD/FNRI-DOST/PIA- ZBST)

one mindanao - march 19, 2012

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