one mindanao - march 2, 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

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. 0908-8843404E-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

VICTORIANO B. VILLACRUZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

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

CONTENTSTboli LGU, DOT-12 invite adventure seekers for “The Great Lake Holon Trek”

Scholarship allocation for Caraga up by 63.4% in 2015

Tabak to turn over collected plastics to GMA’s “Eat Bulaga”

Dipolog to host 24th MinBizCon

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Inland fish farmer bags 2014 TOFARM awardsBy: Franklin P. Gumapon

WB commends DA implementation on PRDP

Mindanao power body pushes for more RE

Bislig OFW dependents join values formation, financial literacy seminar

DTI 10 consumer welfare division reviews QMS-enrolled processes

Kapatagan town hosts rural impact sourcing confab

By: Robert E. Roperos

9By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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2526 NorthCot LGU enhances skills of cacao

farmers

By: Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Mary May A. Abellon

By: Paul Lagura

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

22 DPWH sets 87 projects for ComVal in 2015By: James Labrigas

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4 MARCH 2, 2015One Mindanao

He is an ordinary man with extraordinary achievements. By: Franklin P. Gumapon

Inland fish farmer bags 2014 TOFARM awards

For the second time Velly Marcial Naciongayo, 38, of Sebucao, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur emerged as one of the winners of the 2014 Search for The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines or TOFARM Awards sponsored by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines and the Universal Harvester, Inc.

Velly, as fondly called by relatives and friends, is a cogent proof that outstanding people do not only come from the ranks of prominent personalities but from ordinary folks as well.

5MARCH 2, 2015 One Mindanao

He received his

award on Jan. 30, 2015 at Makati Shangri La, Makati City after beating other nominees in the “ best bid book” category for the 2014 TOFARM awards.

Togetfirsthandinformationfrom Velly about his new award, this writer visited him at his residence with Alma Tingcang, Gideon Corgue, Victoriano Villacruz and Juan Pestañas in company. The group arrived at Velly’s house at around 9:30 a.m.

As we alighted the vehicle, Velly’s wife, Ardilyn - in wet

clothes as she just started to bathe - met us and had us sit on a wooden bench near a pond teeming with Koi fish. A fewseconds later, Velly joined us and obliged every question with direct and clear answers.

Best Bid Book

Velly’s new “outstanding f a r m e r award” is a sequel to a similar citation he received in 2013 from the JCI Phi l ippines and the U n i v e r s a l Harvester under the fisher folkcategory for promoting inland freshwaterfishfarming.

In an article written by Alma Tingcang about his 2013 TOFARM award, Velly was recognized for raising fresh water andornamentalfishparticularlythe “Koi fish” from which he isearning for a living.

The board of judges also took note of his efforts at organizing the Backyard Aquatic Gardeners


Association (BAGA), which has more than 20 members now, as an indicator that Velly is creating a positive change in the community.

In 2014 his write up about aquatic farming has earned him the outstanding farmer award under the “Best Bid Book” category. The board of judges foundthisyoungfarmerunselfishin sharing his practical knowledge and skills in raising fresh water andornamentalfish.

Biggest sale

“Raising Koi fish is fun

because you will enjoy their colorful features and they command a better price,” said Velly.

VellyissellingaKoifingerlingat P10 each and the big one at P1,000 each. But the “breeder” is sold at P30-50 thousand each. And the biggest sale he got in one deal was P120 thousand.

Money in farming

Right after he finished hisBachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, he went to Manila to find employment in shippingcompanies, but to no avail. He went home empty-handed.

Although Velly still entertains the idea of working for any shipping company, he busies himself with his aquatic farming, which started out as his hobby in high school that became a thriving industry. He really believes that


there is money in farming.

LGU support

The municipal government of Dumalinao has always been extending its support to Velly. In fact, Municipal Agriculturist Ponciano Edano always visits his fishponds andgives him pieces of advice rangingfromfishbreeding,feeding to harvesting and marketing.

To make every farmer in this town productive, Mayor Ace William E. Cerilles is putting premium on the development of agriculture in the area. Achievements of any farmer are duly recognized by the municipal leadership in order to encourage others to follow suit.

Velly is an epitome of an ideal farmer in his community, setting a very good example to his fellow farmers. And this is his biggest contribution to his town.


MANILA - The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing, arrived, Sunday, for a weeklong official visit in the Philippines, the Palace announced Sunday.

Malta’s Prince arrives Sunday for a weeklong Philippine visit

Fra’Festing,whoseofficialvisit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malta, will stay in the country until March 7, Presidential Communications Operations Office SecretaryHerminio Coloma Jr. said.

He is scheduled to meet with President Aquino to discuss bilateral relations before proceeding to Eastern Samar to see the ongoing shelter projects there funded by Malta.

The region was ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, killing thousands and destroying people’s livelihood.


MANILA - TThe World Bank (WB) has commended the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the successful kick-off of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), which has already allotted at least P11.4 billion (B) for sub-projects by early January.

WB commends DA implementation on PRDP

Malta’s visiting prince will also hand over the symbolic key for his country’s donation of core shelters--540 finishedhouses, 64 ongoing, and 96 to be constructed. The shelter project isexpectedtobefinishedbytheend of May 2015.

Aside from meeting President Aquino in Malacanang, Fra’ Festing’s official delegation will also meet with Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin.

On March 5, Thursday, Fra’ Festingandhisofficialdelegationwill visit Basey, Samar and see the 350 core shelters donated by Malta. Malteser International, Malta’s humanitarian, has been actively working in the Philippines providing assistance in areas like healthcare, hygiene and sanitation.

The organization is also involved in feeding programs, the provision of food supplements and medical supplies and disaster relief and rehabilitation. (PCOO/PND (as)


WB Task Team Leader Carolina Geron lauded the partnership of the DA and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in implementing PRDP, during a meeting with Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and other DA and WB officialsonFebruary13inQuezonCity, DA said in a statement. “With just two months, the project has already mobilized implementing units which resulted in a substantial pipeline,” Geron said as quoted in the DA statement.

PRDP was declared effective on December 3, 2014. DA said that according to Geron, representatives from other countries including Mongolia are interested to visit the Philippines to see the good strides of what the DA is doing in PRDP. The WB team has recently completed a series of reviews in four clusters namely—North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to check the on-going preparation of sub-projects


under the PRDP and assess the readiness of both the DA and the LGUs in executing the project. Alcala likened PRDP’s conception into a “healthy baby” who has grown so fast, adding that the national government has a good projection of the project. Alcala also recognized the importance of collaboration with the LGU, World Bank, national agencies and other stakeholders, for the successful implementation of the project, stressing that the project would not be successful if DA has to do it alone. He added that more than providingfinancialassistance toLGUs, the project will offer “out of the box” solutions to promote efficientimplementationofruraldevelopment projects from the nationalofficedowntotheregionsand LGUs, which the DA can also share to other countries. One of the tools used and promoted under the PRDP is the “geo-tagging” of sub-projects, which promote correct and transparent implementation of projects on the ground. In a separate interview, Alcala stressed the importance

of geo-tagging in implementing farm-to-market road (FMR) projects. “Before, FMRs were executed without proper basis, but with geo-tagging we see to it that all proposed FMRs should connect to the national road networks,” he added. Because of the unprecedented success of geotagging, DA has been tapped by other national agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways and National Irrigation Administration—“so they can adopt the same technology.” PRDP, a P27.48-billion project, implemented under the DA has funding support from a World Bank loan, the national government and LGU. It aims to develop the economy in the rural areas while increasing incomes of rural farmers and fishers.(DA)


DAVAO CITY - Key power players from the government and the private sector are mapping steps to provide Mindanao with a greener and renewable power supply in the next five years.

Mindanao power body pushes for more RE

During the 5th principals meeting of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) held last week at the National Power Corporation Board Room, top officialsfromthepowerindustryunderscored the importance of advocating renewable energy

(RE) as a prominent source of electricity for the island-region.

“There are good things coming in for Mindanao and power is one of them,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of the Mindanao Development


Authority (MinDA) in her opening statement.

Antonino said that compared to the situation last year and the years before, the state of Mindanao power today had seen significantimprovementwiththeimmediate and medium term measures, stressing that even with the ongoing maintenance shutdown of Steag’s 200MW coal-fired power plant,majorityof Mindanao did not have rotating brownouts as reported by the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO).

She added that the Mindanao supply situation is even expected to have excess supply this year for the first since 2009, withthe expected coming online of Therma South 300MW and the first100MWoutof200MWfromSarangani Energy Corp.

Antonino, however, noted that the expected entry of more baseload capacities from coal-fired power plants totalling2,000MW until 2018 should be complemented by accelerated deployment of renewable energy projects such as hydro, biomass, geothermal, and solar, among others.

She added that the One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring of MPMC currently tracks a total of 231 RE projects spread across Mindanao that could potentially generate at least 2,419MW of sustainable power for the region between 2020 and 2025.

The surge of RE power applications can be attributed to the One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC) Web Portal, an online database developed by MinDA and the Department of Energy (DoE) with the assistance of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Launched in October last year, the web-based mechanism aims to accelerate the duration of the permitting process for RE projects to one to two years instead of the usualthreetofive.


The same online monitoring facility initiated in Mindanao was also adapted by DoE that led to the formulation of the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), which will also provides the same services for power proponents in Luzon and Visayas regions.

“A diversified mix of fossil and renewable energy sources is integral to our overall strategy of pursuing balanced and holistic economic growth in Mindanao,” said Romeo Montenegro, MinDA’s director for Investment Promotions and Public Affairs.

He added that pursuing RE development is also aligned with the MinDA’s Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, which recognizes power as a major enabling factor for socio-economic development.

Headways on LASURECO reforms

Meanwhile, also highlighted in the meeting were updates on the reforms and electrificationprogram made by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO), whose management was taken over last year by a task force led by the Department of Energy (DOE).

DOE assistant secretary Matanog Mapandi, who concurrently serves as interim General Manager and President of LASURECO, reported that some 4,271 kWh meters have been cleaned and around 1,759 kWh meters installed to new member-consumers, while about 1,851 kWh meters have been calibrated and awaiting certification from the EnergyRegulatory Commission (ERC).

Mapandi revealed that a new meter reading and branding system had also been implemented to ensure a more efficient and effective collectionof payments from among consumers.

Last year, DOE activated a rehabilitation task force to undertake reforms within the LASURECO, which through the


years had been confronted with collection efficiency problems,operations losses and ballooning debts.

According to Mapandi, the new measure includes a snap photo of every meter read which is also reflected in themonthly billing statements of the consumers. The move is in response to the inherent lack of accurate metering scheme which has led to financial constraintsthatgreatlystiffledLASURECO’soperations.

Established through Executive Order No. 81, MPMC plays an active part in spearheading and coordinating efforts of local, regional, and

national government agencies and key power industry players to improve the overall power situation in Mindanao.

The MPMC is composed of officialsandrepresentativesfromthe DoE, MinDA, ERC, National Electrification Administration(NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Grid Council of the Philippines (NGCP), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO), National Transmission Corporation (Transco), and Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA). (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


DSWD: Adopted children have equal rights as bio ones

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - With the theme, “Legal na Ampon Ako: Anak na Totoo” (A Child Finds Worth in Legal Adoption), The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) emphasizes that adopted children have the same rights as biological ones in celebrating the Adoption Consciousness Week on February 17- 28.

By: Recthie T. Paculba

Several activities were lined-up by the department to enable children in crisis restore their normal function towards family reunification andcommunity reintegration through adoption and these include the Alternative Family Care Forum, Parenting


Skills Enhancement for Adoptive and Foster Parents, press conference, and radio program. During the press conference held on February 25 at the Philippine Information Agency-10 office, SeanPamela Balais, Adoption Focal Person of the Protective Services Unit, said that they aim to highlight the various issues on adoption and generate public awareness and support for the legal adoption program. She also added that in order to contribute to this campaign, people must not resort to simulating birth certificates where adopting parentshave their names written as the parents on their children’s birth certificatesasthisisalsoconsidereda crime. Under Philippine law, those found guilty of simulating birth may be penalized with imprisonment of six years and one day to 12 years, and/orafinenotexceedingP50,000. Meanwhile, Delia Maravillosa, socialwelfareofficerIIoftheRegionalStudies and Reception Center for

Children (RSCC), said that DSWD provides a r e s i d e n t i a l facility on a temporary basis to children whose needs cannot be adequately met by their own families and relative over a period of time and to

those children who were abandoned or voluntarily relinquished due to reasonable cause. As of February 2015, RSCC caters to 47 children including those who were physically neglected and sexually abused. Gloria Mosqueda, social welfare officer III of the Protective ServicesUnit, also mentioned that they continuously conduct an advocacy forum to let the local government units know about the process of adoption. “Because there are a lot of people in the community who don’t know about the adoption process and didn’t know where to go if they have the intention to adopt,” Mosqueda said. Thus, Balais added that people cangodirectlytoDSWDFieldOfficefor more information or they can call (088) 858-1663 or (088) 858-8134 or visit their website at www.fo10.dswd.gov.ph to know more about the adoption process and requirements.


The reviewed service processes were the following: business name registration (eBNRS, FIA & AVCO), sales promo, PETC, product standards, price monitoring, service and repair shops accreditation, consumer welfare desks, case resolution, enforcement of Fair Trade Laws, DTI BAGWIS Program, consumer education, and constituency building. DTI 10 regional director Linda Boniao said there were revisions in the process flows, activity details,and record requirements inorder to deliver customized service, based on what the Consumer Act and other trade laws provide. “These were made after discussions with DTI heads and representatives from different provinces namely: Carlos Labis (Bukidnon), Eriberto Taban-ud (Bukidnon), Varry Labial (Camiguin), Angelo Devero (Lanao del Norte), Minda Usman (Lanao del Norte), Maritess Alcampado (Misamis Occidenta), Arim Mira (Misamis Occidental), Susan Pakino (Misamis Oriental) and Almer Masillones (Misamis Oriental). In 2009, DTI Region 10 established its QMS under the International

Standard of ISO 9001:2008. This resulted to itsbeingcertifiedby theAnglo-Japanese-American Registrars, Ltd. RD Boniao said she called the DTI 10 conference, as well, to improve the quality management system in its Consumer Welfare Division. Jill Marie Tadlas, Nelson Catubig, Engr. Eric Bicar, Almer Masillones, Eriberto Taban-ud and DTI Region 10 OIC CWD chief Atty. Fel Brillantes were the facilitators of the event. (EAT,Jr. CTIDS-DTI/RLRB, PIA 10 Bukidnon)

DTI 10 consumer welfare division reviews QMS-enrolled processesMALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) Region 10 Consumer Welfare Division (CWD) reviewed Wednesday, February 25, the service processes enrolled under its Quality Management System (QMS).


The workshop composed of students, college graduates, out-of-school youth, Department of Education (DepEd) administrators and information technology (IT) coordinators, industry partners, academe, investors, government agencies and online workers. It aims to educate Kapatagan residents on economic opportunities that can be obtained through home based online jobs. The workshop featured talks from two online job and training platforms: Freelancer.ph and Online Jobs University. Local leaders of the Northern Mindanao ICT scene also discussed topics relevant to Rural Impact Sourcing and ICT (information, communication, technology) for development. The workshop concluded with the awarding of training programs from Online Jobs University to two participants. The activity is in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-ICT Office in partnership with the local

government of Kapatagan and the provincial government of Lanao del Norte. Kapatagan is a first-classmunicipality with farming as main source of livelihood but our town boasts its economy progressively with digitally-inclined citizens, said mayor Benjie Y. Baguio. We prioritized projects like ICT, develop our youth through e-commerce, with employment online, mayor Baguio added.

Kapatagan town hosts rural impact sourcing confab

KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte - More than 300 participants attended the first leg of Impact Sourcing Workshops in the municipality of Kapatagan, this province, Feb 20.

By: Paul Lagura


Tagum Mayor calls for aggressive tourism promotion amidst ASEAN integration

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon Sat-urday opened the Musi-kahan Festival with his call for aggressive promotion of the city’s tourism industry as the country opens its doors to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Na-tion) Integration. He called on local

prime-movers of the city’s tourism industry to move ahead and not wait for the national govern-ment to promote “our place and (our) festivals as tourism destination.” “We must initiate aggressive campaign to forefront our local tour-ism industry especially to international market,” he said in his Musikahan Festival opening remarks


Saturday, during which he unveiled the musical note marker to signal the start of the trio-event to unfold this week in Tagum City. Aside from the Musikahan Fes-tival, the City of Tagum will also be celebrating its 17th Founding An-niversary and will be staging Tagu-menyo Bisa’g Asa which is a cel-ebration of “successful and united Tagumenyos worldwide”. Rellon revealed that efforts to position Tagum as the music capital of the south and the city of festivals “has gained international recognition and appreciation” leading the city to foster sisterhood relations with Ver-mont of the United States through exchanges in music and arts. “This will be a promising future venture to boost our local tourism industry,” he said. He also expected the city of Tagum to draw international atten-tion in 2016 as it is being consid-ered to host the International Brass Band Competition next year.Meanwhile, Rellon aired his call for Tagumenyos to continue creating festivities to hand down to the next generation the tradition of celebrat-ing success, culture, joy and happi-ness. Bringing the involvement of children and youth at the forefront of this year’s Musikahan Festival, the organizers will feature the hun-dred voices concert of the city’s local choral groups which are both school and community-based.

Anothersignificantfeatureofthe Musikahan is the string instru-ment concert which will bring to-gether,forthefirsttime,allgradu-ates of the Music Makers Program to render a series of special musical rendition. “We call it a reunion of music maker graduates in one concert,” Rellon said. Rellon also revealed that inno-vations were made in holding some of the Musikahan competitions and that new ones were introduced to go with the trend in music competi-tions and to level up to international standards. Hewasconfidentoftheachievement of such objectives with the guidance and mentorship Mae-stro Arnel Feliciano, a national icon of the National Cultural Commis-sion for the Arts and President of the Pambasang Samahan Ng Mga Banda ng Pilipinas (PASAMBAP). (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


DPWH sets 87 projects for ComVal in 2015

NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, - A total of 87 national and local projects are set in Compostela Val-ley in 2015, a high-ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said. Director Mariano Alquiza of DPWHRegionalOfficeXIrevealedduring the press conference on Feb-ruary 24 hosted by DPWH ComVal DistrictOfficeinNabunturanthatthese projects amounted to around PhP616 million. Alquiza said around PhP389 million of this budget is allocated for national projects which include con-struction and rehabilitation of na-tional roads and other infrastructures while approximately PhP225 million is allocated for local projects. DPWH ComVal District Engineer Joselito Caballero said that 76 of these projects are already completed while 11 of these projects are ongo-ing. On the other hand, ComVal ProvincialTourismOfficerChristineDompor said during a separate press conference that Compostela Valley isarecipientoffivetourismroadprojects under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP) of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with DPWH. With an allocation of PhP330 million, these TRIP road projects will

be implemented this year which are aimed at connecting hard-to-reach tourism destinations. Dompor added the DPWH will develop these road projects regard-lessofclassificationandsaid“evenifthe road is a provincial or barangay road, the DPWH can still improve on it thru the TRIP.” Among the TRIP projects in ComVal include the concreting of Nabunturan Public Market Road and the concreting of Brgy Pindasan, Mabini Circumferential Road leading to Kopiat Island, Lunod Island and Mabini beach resorts. Also included are tourism road projects that connect to the prov-ince’s major waterfalls such as the Tagbibinta and Maranging falls in Maragusan and Tadja Falls in New Bataan. Another road project would lead to the White Peak Mountain in New Bataan. (james labrigas/ids comval)


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Mar 2 -- “For me, this Ugnayan ng gga Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) is timely. This could really strengthen the grassroots,” said Elvira Parreño, 64, an official of one of the Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) in Barangay Griño, this city.

Tacurong residents, officials welcome UBAS ProgramBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Nanay Elvira arrived early at the Tacurong City Cultural and Sports Center Thursday, February 26, eager to witness the launching of UBAS Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Gov-ernment with GKKs and the faith-based groups here.

‘UBAS as a movement aims to instill the impor-tance of active people’s participation. With UBAS, ourparticipationwillplaysignificantroleintheissue of good governance,” Director Leocadio Trovela of DILG-National Barangay Operations Of-ficeexplained.

In an earlier communication sent to Philippine Information Agency, DILG 12 Regional Director Reynaldo Bungubung explained that “UBAS is a tripartite collaboration among inter-faith groups, Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, and the DILG to strengthen participation in the grassroots lev-el especially in the implementation and monitor-ing of the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) projects.”

BuB is also known as Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP)

Bungubung emphasized this program is anchored on the government’s trust on the church and religious group as a major player in empowering communities, particularly in ensuring


transparency, accountability, re-sponsiveness and honesty in their respectively locality.

At the launching, Director Trovela as well congratulated Tacurong for being one of the pioneers of UBAS in Mindanao. He was here on behalf of Sectary Manuel “Mar” Roxas.”

During the launch, the DILG, Arch-diocese of Cotabato, Interfaith Group of Tacurong, and Liga ng mga Baran-gay signed a memorandum of agree-mentthatwouldofficiallykickoff the implementation of UBAS Program in Tacurong City and in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Signatories included Director Trovela for the DILG, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo for the Archdiocese of Cotabato, Bishop David Salazar signed for the Interfaith Group; and Hernane Fermo for the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Tacurong City Mayor Lina Mon-tilla, Director Bungubung, City DILG OfficerAlbertoSeroJr.,thecity’s

barangay chairpersons, city council-ors, Islamic Center representatives, interfaith group leaders, and parish priestsofTacurong,PresidentQuiri-no, Lambayong, Isulan, and Esper-anza witnessed the MOA signing.

Following the forging of the part-nership, Trovela handed to Bishop Bagaforo a list of approved projects that will be implemented under the GPBP in 2015.

Said list will aid UBAS advo-cates in monitoring the programs and projects at the community level.

GPB projects were determined and proposed by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team of the City of Tacurong which is composed of LGU officialsandrepresentativesfromCivil Society Organizations.

Before the activity ended, at-tendees signed a replica of the Unity Statement to signify their commit-ment in sustaining UBAS in their respective communities.

Prior to the launching, UBAS was


TBOLI, South Cotabato, Mar 2 – The municipality of Tboli and the Depart-ment of Tourism 12 invite adventure seekers to take a journey and join the first ever pilgrimage to Lake Holon on March 13-14(Friday and Saturday).

introduced to the 20 barangay coun-cils and residents in Tacurong during their respective general assembly on October 2014.

Also, orientation-seminars were conducted on February 17 and 24 for lay cooperators and members of the GKK.

The late SILG Jesse Robredo initi-atedUBASin2011,firstreachingoutto archdioceses in the Greater Manila Area. Robredo envisioned a strong partnership between barangay gov-ernments, DILG, and the Church to create enabling environment for active people’s participation in the

implementation and monitoring of development projects.

On September 12, 2014, Sec. Roxas and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle signed a memorandum of agreement that started the implementation of UBAS in the country.

This year, the national govern-ment has earmarked P20.3 billion for the implementation of Grass-roots Participatory Budgeting proj-ects in 1,600 local government units across the Philippines. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Tboli LGU, DOT-12 invite adventure seekers for “The Great Lake Holon Trek”By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

The event dubbed as “The Great Lake Holon Trek” is one of the main highlights of the 17th Seslong Festi-val and 41st foundation anniversary of the town.T’boliMunicipalTourismOfficer

Rodel Hilado said interested groups or individuals may contact them for bookings and reservations via (083)237-1014 or 09075614600 and 09178776091.

Hilado also noted that they are

only offering a limited slot of 150 persons.

He added that the 17th Seslong Festival and 41st Foundation An-niversary of T’boli which runs from March 5-16 was chosen by the De-partment of Tourism 12 as the re-gion’s entry for Visit Philippines 2015.

Aside from the pilgrimage, the activities will also include a tribal day which will showcase T’boli Arts and


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar 2 —In order to promote the devel-opment of cacao farming and cocoa production in the province, the provin-

Culture.Other events include mountain

bikechallenge,horsefight,agri-tourism exhibit, cultural village (which will showcase T’boli lifestyle), motocross, 4×4 offroad competition

and street dancing.“Seslong” is a T’boli word which

means “gather together” in a certain place for various socio-cultural heri-tage. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

NorthCot LGU enhances skills of cacao farmersBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme


cial government sent five cacao farmers to training at a cacao facility in Davao City.

Eliseo Mangliwan, provincial agri-culturist, noted that the participants tothefive-dayCacaoFarmDoctor’sTraining include Romulo Pacres and DaniloLemonerasfromtheOfficeofthe Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Miguelita Parcon of the Provincial Federation of Small Coconut Farm-ers Organization, Engr. Mario Flores, Kidapawan City councilor and the chair of the Committee on Agricul-ture of the Sangguniang Panlung-sod and Boy Genosos, president of Kidapawan Cacao Growers and Pro-ducers, Inc.

The training which was held last week in Mintal, Davao City was fa-cilitated by Cacao Industry Develop-ment Association for Mindanao (CI-DAMI).

About 50 cacao growers from dif-ferent parts of Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, General Santos City, South Cotabato and North Co-tabato attended the training which was aimed at providing agriculturists and farmers additional inputs, pro-mote opportunities in cacao farming and encourage them to plant cacao because of its current high demands locally and in the global market.

The trainees were given lectures all essential to cacao farming to in-clude cacao market prospects and investment opportunities, nursery management, plantation establish-ment, nutrient management, pest and diseases control measures and

post harvest technology.For her part, Governor Emmylou

Mendoza said that the event is an-other step towards the development of cacao industry in the province.

“Our cacao growers, given the right opportunity and support, will be the front liners in cacao and cocoa industry in the province in the near future,” Mendoza stated.

The governor emphasized that the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reported last year that about 1,800 hectares of land in Arakan townwillbeabeneficiaryofcoffeeand cacao farming projects.

Of the land area, DAR will imple-ment coffee project to 1,200 hect-ares and cacao to 600 hectares whichisseenasasignificantmoveto further advance cacao as a high value crop in the province. (SJDu-erme-PIA12/N. Cotabato Media Bu-reau)


DENR-13 set aside P71 million for mangrove rehab

BUTUAN CITY - DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo, on Monday, has announced that about P70 million was set aside for the rehabilitation of mangroves and beach forest in 1,938 hectares coastline and beaches in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Dinagat province and Agusan del Norte.

By: Eric Gallego

Director Tamayo said the DENR shall rehabilitate the mangrove and beach forests particularly in the disaster-risk areas since they


are considered effective natural defenses against calamities. He said several teams of forest technicians were sent in those provinces to conduct site development, assessment and mapping were the mangrove propagules will be planted. Even the beach owners along the coasts of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur including Siargao have been asked to participate in developing a beach forest. The rehabilitation program shall be supervised by the Ecosystem Research and Development ClusterOfficeheadedbyForesterMaricar Aguilos. The Department of Budget and Management is expected to release this month the P1 billion budget for the project on top of the P6.8 billion fund allocated for massive reforestation activities under the National Greening Program (NGP) all over the country. Director Tamayo said the DENR is pursuing the rehabilitation of mangrove areas considering the devastation caused by strong typhoons that hit 171 cities and municipalities in the Visayas and Mindanao in previous years. The mangrove forests extent in the country have dwindled to about 120,000 hectares over decades based on a study

“Mangrove Rehabilitation in the Philippines” conducted by J.H. Primavera and J.M.A. Esteban. The study cited the expansion of fish and shrimp culture andpressure from growing population as the cause of decline. The authors said there were attempts in the past years to rehabilitate mangrove forests but “the long-term survival rates have been founded to be generally low at 20 percent survival rates.” The poor survival was attributed to inappropriate species and site selections. “The favored but unsuitable Rhizophora are planted in sandy substrates of exposed coastlines instead of the natural colonizers Avicennia and Sonneratia,” the authors said. “A wider policy direction is also needed to make mangrove rehabilitation more effective,” the study said.


Scholarship allocation for Caraga up by 63.4% in 2015

BUTUAN CITY - Regional Director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga recently said the scholarship allocation for the region has increased to 63.4 percent this year when compared to 2014.

By: Robert E. Roperos

During the recent monthly press conference of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC)-Caraga held in one of the local establishments here, Dir. Sunico pointed out that TESDA Sec. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva

has made this commitment to Caraganons during his recent visit to the Region last year. “Our Director-General, Sec. Joel Villanueva has already committed this to us last year during his visit here in the


region, saying that the budget allocation is for the two regular scholarship programs of the agency: Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Private Education Students Financial Assistance (PESFA) to ensure that more Caraganons especially the youths can avail of technical vocational training for free, thus, supporting the Education For All (EFA) program of President Benigno S. Aquino III,” Dir. Sunico explained. The official stressed thatfor the TWSP, a remarkable 92 percent increase was noted this year. “Specifically, in 2014, the TWSP allocation was P21,124,000 and this year, it is almost doubled to P40,544,000,” Dir. Sunico said. Sunico further said though thereisasignificant increaseinTWSP, the allocation for PESFA has decreased to 12 percent. “From P10,418,000 in 2014, it went down to P9,153,000 this year. He likewise explained the TWSP budget can cater 4,268 beneficiaries-scholars region-wide, while 963 Caraganons can benefitfromthePESFA. Under the TWSP, the budget allocation for the Agriculture sector is P5,913,000; Tourism – P10,925,000; IT-BPM – P2,948,000; Semi-conductor

and Electronics – P673,000; Automotive – P796,000; General Infrastructure/Construction/Housing – P6,033,000; Manufacturing – P7,653,000; Logistics – P255,000; New and Emerging Sectors – P405,000; Trainers’ Methodology/Skills Upgrading – P2,960,000; Language and Culture – P450,000; and the National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) –P1,533,000. The TWSP provides immediate interventions to meet the need for highly critical skills. The program has two-fold objectives: 1) to purposively drive TVET provision to available jobs through incentives and appropriate training programs that are directly connected to existing jobs for immediate employment, both locally and overseas, and 2) build and strengthen the capacity and capability of TVET institutions in expanding and improving the delivery of quality, efficient andrelevant training programs that meet job requirements, including programs for higher levels of technology. The program was launched in May 2006 with funding from the Office of the President andmainstreamed in the regular


budget in 2008. This program is a response to the clamor of industry to address the critical skills shortages in priority sectors, particularly the Business Process Outsourcing, metals and engineering, construction and tourism, among others. PESFA, on the other hand was established through Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8545, otherwise known as the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act. PESFA offers educational grants to qualified and deserving collegefreshmen both in degree and non-degree courses.

The program seeks to: 1) extend financial assistanceto marginalized but deserving students in post-secondary non-degree courses; 2) promote TVET; 3) contribute to the development of a competent skilled workforce; and 4) assist private institutions in their development efforts by assuring a steady supply of enrollees to their course offerings. The program directed the beneficiaries on the choicesof careers to the critical skills requirements of in-demand jobs in the labor market. It also allows for equity distribution of the opportunities made available through government subsidies.

Bislig OFW dependents join values formation, financial literacy seminarBy: Jean Mary G. Ronquillo

BUTUAN CITY - Some 20 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) dependents actively participated in the Values Formation and Financial Literacy Seminar facilitated by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga recently held at Florland Resort, San Vicente, Bislig City.


OWWA Programs and Services OIC Chief Ma. Ireen Cambaling said “the activity aims to provide the OFW dependents mainly the youth, insights on financial management and likewise to reorient them on essential values they can apply in their daily practice.” In her opening statement, Bislig City councilor Margarita Garay, Committee Chair on Women and Family, shared her insights on OFW family relations. “Being an OFW is never easy but because of their love for the family, they chose to work overseas in order to provide the needs of their loved ones. However, some OFWs lost love and time in exchange of money,” expressed Garay, who is also a mother of an OFW. Aside from being a successful entrepreneur herself, Garay also added inspiration to the youth by citing a story of a utility worker who turns into a successful entrepreneur. “Success comes when you put your creative idea into action,” Garay claimed. To provide the participants deeper understanding on Financial Literacy, Cambaling also facilitated the workshops. Moreover, Rev. Fr. Edwin Decena focused his lecture on

Values Formation by giving emphasis on the essence of Family Values. Decena conveyed that, the family is the most important bond where everyone can findthe sense of belongingness. “It is the family who takes care of our well-being and also who gives us teachings that guides us throughout our lives and these are the values we carry everywhere we go,” added Decena. Sylvia Daroy, President of the Youth OFW dependents organization in Bislig and also an OWWA scholar, opined that the seminar drawn her to realize the value of the family in molding them to become better individuals. Similarly, Rexchele Ilamina articulated, the activity instilled in them the importance of saving and managing finances notonly for the present but also in preparation for the future.


By: Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – In preparation for the May 3-9, 2015 Palarong Pambansa in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, the Department of Education (DepEd)-9 has just concluded the conduct of the 2015 Zamboanga Peninsula Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Meet hosted by the city government here. Eight athletic delegations from the provincial schools divisions of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and ZamboangaSibugay, and the city schools divisions of Dapita n, Dipolog, Pagadian, Isabela and Zamboanga converged here last week to vie for the different sports competitions.

2015 ZPRAA Meet held in Pagadian City


The overall results of the four-day sports competitions showed that Zamboanga del Sur emerged as champion in the secondary level followed by Zamboanga City and Dipolog City.

In the elementary level, Zamboanga City got champion followed by Zamboanga del Sur and Dipolog City.

In an interview with Dr. Malcolm S. Garma, officer in-charge of DepEd-9, he said that the winning athletes, who will be sent for the PalarongPambansa, would have their training at the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government Sports Complex at Dao, Pagadian City, as Governor Antonio H. Cerilles had acceded to DepEd’s request to hold such training there.

Garma also bared that region 9 was second to the last among the 17 regions in last year’s PalarongPambansa in Laguna. But he was quick to cite certain factors affecting the preparation of the athletes in this region such as language barrier, religion, inadequate training and other socio-cultural factors. “It’s only here in region 9 where people speak so many kinds of languages – Chavacano, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Tagalog, Tausog, Subano, Kalibugan, etc. – which somehow affect teamwork among athletes,” Garma explained.

He, however, expressed optimism that region 9’s ranking in the May 2015 PalarongPambansa would improve.


Tabak to turn over collected plastics to GMA’s “Eat Bulaga” By: Gideon C. Corgue

QUEZON CITY – For actively supporting its “Plastic ni Juan” project, GMA7 has invited the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army (PA) based in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur to watch live its noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” right at the Broadway Centrum here tomorrow, March 3. Twenty-five officers and members of the division are said to be attending the show in response to the invitation extended by the Eat Bulaga management, said Lt. Col. Augie Mongao, commander of the 1st Civil-Military Operations (ICMO)

“Plastic ni Juan” is GMA-7’s project aimed at collecting waste plastics to be recycled into plastic chairs that will be donated to the public schools.

More than 100 kilos of empty plastic containers placed in customized maong bags will be turned-over by Tabak commander BGen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr. to the “Eat Bulaga” management.

Mongao said: “the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also need to unwind by watching/attending entertainment shows in which they can participate and show off their talents.”

“The Tabak troopers are not

just spectators but actors as well. We will actively participate in the television network’s noble project by collecting waste plastics in the different line units to help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and global warming,” added Mongao, an advocate of environmental protection and conservation program.

Mongao said it is a rare opportunity for the Tabak troopers to be watching a live entertainment show right at the studio as they are assigned in the different parts of the country.

Mongao also disclosed that the turnover of empty plastic containers will be the first batch of the collected plastic containers by the division.

“There will be more batches to follow, as the division continues to support the project and to help produce more plastic tables and mono bloc chairs for the public schools in the remote areas.


The 24th MinBizCon was officially launched on Tuesdayat Dipolog City Airport with City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Mindanao Chapter, Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the business community, the different national officesandmembersofthemediain attendance.

Mindanao PCCI Vice President Annie O. Ty explained that Bukidnon is the co-bidder of this 24th MinBizCon, but they had chosen Dipolog City for the

following factors: peace and order, facilities and amenities, hotel accommodations and especially the support from the city and provincial governments.

“On September all roads will head to Dipolog City. We will put Dipolog in the business journal of businessmen and investors,” Ty said.

Meanwhile, when asked about their stand on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Ty expressed her views that BBL

Dipolog to host 24th MinBizConBy: Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in cooperation with the city government of Dipolog and the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte will host the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) to be held here on Sept. 2-4, 2015.


is not the solution for peace in Mindanao.

“We want peace in Mindanao, who would not want? But most of us will say that BBL is not the solution for peace. There are different groups involved like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF),” she stressed.

“We are not sleeping on the issue of BBL. Let’s work together as one in Mindanao in order for us to achieve the peace we dream of,” she added.

On the other hand, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said that with the hosting of this 24th MinBizCon, Dipolog City would receive infrastructure projects and surely all hotels will be fully booked and the business economy in the city will boom.

Atty. Paul G. Gudmalin, president of DCCI, asked the members of the media to spread the information that Dipolog City will host the said big event.

This year’s theme for the MinBizCon is “Winning the ASEAN, Gaining the Global Market.”

one mindanao - march 2, 2015

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