one mindanao - march 27, 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. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

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

CONTENTS

93 Grade 6 pupils pass PSHS qualifying exam –DOST 12

Gensan beefs up calamity response in communities

Tagana-an women undergo training on seaweed processing

Ipil SPED Center moms trained on banana chips making, buko juice processing

13

25

2829

18

5th Mahin Festival kicks off summer in Sarangani

DepEd, educ partner to equip OSYs with ICT skills through ALS

Book launching to mark Bangsamoro peace deal’s first anniversary

AgNor creates council of sectoral leaders

DA hosts first regional rabies confab in CDODENR, PIA award KalikgKASAN Band Search winners in NorMin

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

By: Aimee B. Sienes

10

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: SVillacastin

173638

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

By: opapp.gov.ph

By: Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

By: RPAO-DENRBy: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Charisse P. Salarda

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

33 Civil Service conducts ARTA Watch at BIR RDO 112- Tagum CityBy: Rudolph Ian Alama

8

13

1535

23

27

32

4 MARCH 27, 2015One Mindanao

5th Mahin Festival kicks off summer in SaranganiBy: Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

Another beach bash in the municipality of Glan is about to unfold with the local government now on its peak of preparations for the 5th Mahin Festival which is gaining prominence as Sarangani province prelude to the summer season.more

young people to get into farming as a profession, Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

5MARCH 27, 2015 One Mindanao

Another beach bash in the municipality of Glan is about to unfold with the local government now on its peak of preparations for the 5th Mahin Festival which is gaining prominence as Sarangani province prelude to the summer season.more

young people to get into farming as a profession, Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

Lodar Escobillo, municipal tourism officer of Glan revealed various lined-up activities in place for the three days beach festival on April 17-20, 2015 which include beach zumba, men of summer bodybuilding competition, concert by the bay and foam party, bancarera, beach games, Mahin bodies bikini open (men women), concert at the bay with 6 Cycle Mind band, grand fireworks display, and jetski competition as highlight activities.

Contrary to the much bigger and more popular Sarangani Bay (SarBay) Festival in May where over a thousand tourists flocked the white sand beaches of Gumasa, Escobillo clarified that Mahin Festival is not pure and simple summer fun but also features the rich culture and tradition of the people of Glan or “Glanians.”

“We have included culture-inspired activities unique to Mahin Festival such as the laro ng lahi which we played during our childhood years. We also have horse


fight/race, dog race, palupad tabanog or kite-flying contest, and the sand and coconut sap painting competitions which will showcase the works of our local artists,” she said.

Escobillo also disclosed that the three days Mahin Festival is free with “no entrance fee” the way Mayor Victor James “Tata” Yap Sr. wanted it to be.

“Mahin is the B’laan term for beach, ocean, or sea. The mayor wants to show our hospitality through the Mahin Festival which is “Glanians” way of celebrating and giving thanks to the beauty and bounty of our ocean,” she pointed out.

Avelmar Manansala, Social Media Consultant and Google Evangelist, described Mahin 2015 Beach Festival in his blog as “three days of fun, frolic and festivities right in Gumasa, Glan, the same activity area of SarBay Fest.”

Mayor Tata Yap “promised a cavalcade of events for visitors and locals alike on a much grander scale compared to years past and thus, vowing a #PerfectSummer for everyone,” he posted.

Manansala said netizens can see feed of posts and help promote Mahin Festivals through the hashtags #PerfectSummer, #SummerStartsHere, and #MahinBeachFest. Meanwhile, Escobillo explained that two days prior to the said festival, organizers and local residents will carry out a coastal cleanup to prepare and ensure cleanliness in the activity area.

She said another coastal cleanup will also be conducted a day after the celebration to remove trash and recyclables from the oceans and shores as part of the town’s environmental protection campaign.


“For more information about Mahin Festival 2015 please like its official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mahin-Festival/ and follow it on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MahinFestival.”


MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa signed and exchanged notes on four Official Development Assistance (ODA) grant projects amounting to JPY 2.789 billion (approximately PhP 1.195 billion) and two yen loan projects amounting to JPY 19.5 billion (approximately PhP 8.356 billion).

Philippines, Japan sign agreements on six ODA projects


Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa also signed the two yen loan agreements.

The Grant Aid program for the Project for Community Development in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao worth JPY 1.117 billion will be implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to promote conflict prevention and peace-building in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao.

The Grant Agreement for Mini-Hydropower Development Project in the Province of Ifugao worth JPY 893 million was increased to JPY 922 million. It will be implemented by Department of Energy (DOE) to determine the technical feasibility and economic viability of hydropower projects along irrigation canals administered by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). It also supports the hydropower development program of the DOE and helps it attain its “Renewable Energy Policy Framework” target.

The Non-Project Grant Aid for Provision of Japanese

SMEs Products worth JPY 250 million will be implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration - Department of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST) to support the procurement of weather, rainfall and river observation systems by PAGASA-DOST and various equipment and machinery by DPWH.

The Non-Project Grant Aid on the Provision of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Equipment and Facilities 2014 worth JPY 500 million will be implemented by various agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to support and assist the national and local governments in responding and adapting to climate change and disasters.

The two Yen Loan Programs for Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project (MICP) Phase VI worth JPY 7.9 billion (approximately PhP 3.345 billion) and the Flood Risk


DepEd, educ partner to equip OSYs with ICT skills through ALS

PASIG CITY - True to its commitment of ensuring education is for all, the Department of Education has partnerd with an educational institution to reach out to Out-of-School Youths (OSYs).

Management Project (FRMP) for Cagayan de Oro River worth JPY 11.6 billion (approximately PhP 5.011 billion) will be implemented by DPWH. The MICP’s objective is to alleviate serious traffic congestion and enhance transportation capacity and efficiency around Metro Manila through interchange/flyover construction, thereby contributing to socio-economic development of Metro Manila and the surrounding suburbs. The FRMP aims to mitigate flood risk in Cagayan de Oro River

Basin through the construction of new dikes and improvement of existing bridges in Cagayan de Oro, among others.

Japan continues to be the Philippines’ top source of official development assistance. Japan’s assistance, through loans, grants and technical cooperation, covers a wide range of areas, including public works, socio-economic infrastructure, transportation and communications, agriculture, and capability-building, among other areas. (DFA)


“The bigger mandate of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to look out for those who cannot be in school, those who dropped out of school, and those who dare not dream of entering a school. The real mandate of the Department is to be in search of those who cannot, in one way or another, enter the system,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said during the signing of the memorandum of agreement with STI Education Services Group, Inc. for the 36 STI campuses that will serve as community learning centers (CLCs) for Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) nationwide.

STI shall provide physical space in its 36 head-office owned campuses nationwide to accommodate OSYs who intend to finish their secondary education. STI campuses will serve as CLCs in the delivery of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) under the Abot-Alam program.

Aside from the classrooms, STI will also provide necessary computer units and other equipment for the conduct of eSkwela and will offer assistance or manpower to conduct

ALS sessions on Information Technology.

STI President Monico Jacob said, “We think that time has come for us to really elevate our students not only to be at par with the world but to be similarly equipped when they graduate.” Jacob added that DepEd’s effort to go beyond the four walls of a classroom and venture out to the OSYs is an innovation and an act of boldness he has not seen before in the Department.

The pilot area of CLC for OSYs will be at the STI Ortigas-Cainta campus. Earlier this month, DepEd and STI held an orientation meeting for OSYs mapped under the Abot-Alam program in the district of Cainta who expressed their interest in completing their basic education.


Going beyond the four corners of a classroom

DepEd and STI have also entered a partnership called “Computer Laboratory on Wheels” (STI Mobile School), which aims to provide students with a foundation on computer literacy and to teach them to use basic information and communications technology (ICT) tools.

STI Mobile School is a complete laboratory with internet access contained within a motor bus. Each mobile computer laboratory has 24 computer units. Teachers of STI Mobile School will teacher public school students about Computer C o n c e p t s ,

Application Software, and ICT training.

This partnership shall benefit a minimum number of 100 public schools and a minimum number of 15,000 students for the duration of five (5) school years.

Luistro emphasized the need for innovation in delivering quality education to Filipino learners and in promoting real learning. “We cannot just deal with the current. We cannot just stay in the path that is tried and tested. As educators, we have to take risks outside of the normal confines of where we are comfortable. Sometimes, we make mistakes. If we don’t take that risk, we would not have made a difference.” (DepEd)


Book launching to mark Bangsamoro peace deal’s first anniversaryA compilation of peace essays, speeches, and statements bound into two books and a magazine will be launched on Friday to coincide with the commemoration of the first anniversary of the signing of the landmark Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will hold the book launching at the


Baluarte de San Diego Gardens, Intramuros, Manila on March 27. The event is open to the public.

Entitled “Getting to Peace: Opening Statements from the GPH-MILF Peace Talks (2011-2014),” the book is a compilation of statements that were delivered by the chief negotiators–Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal–during the formal peace negotiations under the Aquino administration.

The book “In Defense of the Bangsamoro Basic Law: Selected Essays,” are composed mainly of speeches and essays articulated in several peace forums and discussions on the southern Philippines peace process. The authors are Ferrer, peace panel member Senen Bacani, GPH Technical Working Group head Jose Luis Martin Gascon, the head of peace panel’s legal team Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, University of the Philippines College of Muslim Affairs Dean Julkipli Wadi, retired Justice Adolf Azcuna, and the framers of the 1987 Constitution. Along with the books, the “Kababaihan at Kapayapaan Magazine” will also release its third edition with stories of

women advocating peace in the country.

The launching of the book comes with a renewed sense of commitment to ensure the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to cap the years of negotiations for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, Coronel-Ferrer said.

She noted that proponents of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF want to reaffirm their commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s declaration at the signing of the CAB a year ago to “not let the peace that we have all worked for be snatched from our people again.” Coronel-Ferrer added that the event is likewise a call to the Filipino people to support the peace process.

“We want to emphasize that while the congressional deliberations have been delayed by the Mamasapano incident, the peace process continues. We are confident that members of our Congress, with the commitment of its leaders, would ensure passage of the BBL in line with their own commitment to the success of the peace process,” Coronel-Ferrer said. opapp.gov.ph


AgSur guv inks MOU with AMRI president for scientific study of Agusan River By: David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR - Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza with Adnama Mining Resources Inc. (AMRI) President Fernando Borja signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the start of the scientific study regarding the proposed dredging of Agusan River.

AMRI has filed their intention to voluntarily help in the conduct of the scientific study a year ago while the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), thru the Agusan del Sur Environment and Development Council


(ASESDC) has made a thorough study and review on the documents. One of the highlights of the study said AMRI will be taking samples of soil while digging around a foot deep and a kilo of specimen gathered at random mostly along the upstream of Agusan River. “On the process of our study and collection of specimen and samples, if ever we encounter some artifacts, valuable minerals and other valuable materials, we will turn them over to the provincial government with explanation. We will also assure you that one member of our team that will conduct the study will be coming from PGAS so that every move we make will be transparent to the government. We would like to inform you also that the thorough scientific study will last for two years if needed,” Juanito Manzano, AMRI exploration manager said. After series of deliberation done by the ASESDC, the application to conduct the study submitted by the AMRI was forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for another review and upon determining that the intention of the study is beneficial to the government and the people of Agusan del Sur,

SP member Hazel del Rosario, chairman on Environment Committee of the SP sponsored Resolution No. 974 “Authorizing Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with AMRI” while AMRI on its part issued Corporate Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the corporation’s President Fernando S. Borja to sign the MOU representing the AMRI. “Even though this is just an initial move of PGAS to dredge Agusan River as the main project to control floods, I want everything to be transparent. That is why we deliberated the application of AMRI passing thru technical and legal teams in order come up with the best decision. Now here we are, entering into Memorandum of Understanding with AMRI, in order to signal the start of the scientific study,” Gov. Plaza said. On AMRI’s part, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Jeremias Dolino said AMRI is glad to be part of the safety plan and development of Agusan del Sur. He also assured Gov. Plaza and all those who witnessed the signing of the MOU that AMRI will abide by all the provisions stipulated in the MOU and


deviation or violations of the MOU will mean termination of

the project and the contract.

Tagana-an women undergo training on seaweed processing

SURIGAO CITY - A group of women from the municipality of Tagana-an underwent a seaweeds processing training held on March 17 to 19, 2015 at the Womens Training Center, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte.

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

The ultimate goal of the seaweeds processing project is to increase the income of the target family beneficiaries that can help improve their economic well-being. It is also one of the required deliverables of the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) funded Seaweeds Processing Project of which fund was released last year to the Tagana-an municipal government by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

A total of 25 participants learned the skills on how to prepare various food products from seaweeds such as fresh and dried seaweeds pickles, flour jelly, jam, cookies, polvoron and fruit pie, among others. Vital inputs on good manufacturing processes, food sanitation and packaging technique were also taught to the participants for them to be able to produce good quality processed seaweeds food products.


The training was conducted by technical personnel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional and provincial offices headed by Fisheries Post Harvest and Marketing Division officer-in-charge Helen L. Suarez. In his message, Tagana-an mayor Cesar Diaz encouraged the participants to make use of their learning and enhance their skills to develop locally processed products made out of seaweeds and make it a viable business undertaking. On his part, Tagana-an vice mayor Falcone D. Aristan expressed his thanks to the BFAR technical team and DTI personnel for helping their local constituents. As a coastal town, Tagana-an has a wide coastal area ideal for seaweeds production. At present,

local seaweeds producers are selling their fresh and dried seaweeds to buyers within the province and the neighboring provinces. Hence, the local government aggressively promotes the seaweeds production and processing hoping that it will eventually be developed as a thriving local industry that can create more jobs and income opportunities. The processing project is expected to create added value to the raw seaweeds produced in the municipality. Aside from DTI, other agencies including the Department of Agriculture (DA), BFAR and Surigao del Norte Provincial Agriculture Office supported the seaweeds development effort of the municipality by providing needed financial and technical assistance.

AgNor creates council of sectoral leadersBy: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Agusan del Norte created recently through Provincial Ordinance No. 384-2015 the Council of Sectoral Leaders in the province of Agusan del Norte, defining its

composition and functions and for other purposes.


The brainchild of Vice Governor Ramon “Rambu” Bungabong, the ordinance aims to establish and strengthen a council of all sectoral leaders in the province that shall assist the province in its development planning and in the implementation and monitoring of local government socio-economic development projects based on the Grassroots Participating Budgeting Process/Bottoms Up Budgeting (BUB) process. Under the said ordinance, the council shall be composed of elected leader representatives from various sectors and federated non-government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) duly accredited by the provincial government in the manner prescribed by law, circular and/or provincial ordinance or executive order. Among the functions of the council include identifying issues and concerns, in consultation with the city/municipal levels, and submit a three-year plan to the provincial governor and the SP to cater the needs and full development of all sectors to achieve total development of the province.

The council also serves as advisory council of the province and the SP and the leaders may be invited to attend committee meetings to solicit their comments or opinions on referrals or any concern pending therein. Elected leader representatives from the identified federated NGOs, POs and CSOs in the province from various sectors shall elect its officers among themselves. The term of office of the elected officers shall be three years with the right to one re-election. Their term of office shall commence on the first working day of September following the month of the election of no representative and shall expire on June 30 of the third year or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified. For the effective implementation of the ordinance, the province will appropriate P100,000.00 starting next calendar year 2016 and every year thereafter to shoulder the cost in the organization and meetings of the council.


MARGOSATUBIG, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) – To extend social security protection coverage to all contractual and job order employees of the Margosatubig Regional Hospital, the Social Security System (SSS) has launched here yesterday, March 26, the e-alkanSSSya program.

SSS launches e-alkanSSSya program in Margosatubig townBy Claro A. Lanipa


“All contractual and job order employees of the said hospital who are excluded from the mandatory coverage of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) are expected to avail themselves of the program,” said James Buckly, branch head, SSS-Pagadian City. To ensure sustainability of the coverage, SSS represented by its Assistant Vice President for Western Mindanao Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo and James Buckly have inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the hospital

management represented by the chief of hospital Dr. Richard Sison, who agreed to support the program. The e-alkanSSSya scheme employs automatic deduction of the personnel’s contribution to the SSS from their salaries. The hospital management will facilitate the collection through payroll deduction and remittance of the monthly contribution to SSS. The minimum monthly contribution under the program is P330 or based on the actual monthly income compensation that the employees receive, but


not exceeding the maximum salary credit under the

contribution of its members, Buckly said. In the same occasion, a ceremonial turnover of alkanSSSya key from SSS officials to the hospital management was held with Mayor Roy Encallado.

Ipil SPED Center moms trained on banana chips making, buko juice processingBy: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Photo courtesy : www.hindu.com


“The project is conceptualized

not only to provide service or

donate materials but also designed

to empower and encourage our

women to take pride in their work,

to be self-sufficient and to provide

for themselves,” said Ms. Francis

Melanie T. Temonio, science research

specialist of DOST-Sibugay.

Dubbed “livelihood assistance

to support women in building

their skills and capabilities for self-

employment,” the two-day training

was attended by some 22 mothers,

who were all members of the Ipil

SPED Parents Association.

“The activity is a project aimed

at curbing malnutrition and poverty,

as one of the few deep-seated

problems in most depressed and

poor communities,” said Temonio.

She explained that very low-

income families were forced to

sacrifice their daily food intake

with cheaper alternatives and low

nutritional values that often leads to

malnutrition and, in extreme cases,

to severe sickness and even death.

“Income made from sales

represents a significant sum for

these women who have no other

source of income and enable them

to purchase additional needed food

for their children.”

Ms. Temonio furthered that

having contributed to the household

income; the program would improve

the women’s self-esteem and realize

their potential in business.

According to Ms. Temonio, raw

materials used during the training

were provided by DOST including

the meals and snacks for the two-

day activity.

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – In keeping with the women’s month celebration, the mothers from Ipil Special Education (SPED) Center have undergone banana chips making and buko juice processing conducted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the SPED Center in Barangay Poblacion here recently.

Northern Mindanao gender advocates encourage women to be decision-makers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - With the theme, “Juana, ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” the Gender Advocates in region 10 (GA-10) celebrates the Women’s Month by recognizing the empowered women who take the lead in the society be it in the office or home.

By: Recthie T. Paculba

During a media forum, Talakayan sa PIA, on March 25, GA-10 president and Parole and Probation Administration-Department of Justice (PPA-DOJ) regional director Rosa H. Lacanglacang said that only few women hold key positions in the decision-making body


DA hosts first regional rabies confab in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - In celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month with the theme: Bakunadong Pusa’t Aso, sa rabis protektado, sama-sama nating labanan ang rabis, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and the Department of Health, holds the first Regional Rabies Summit on March 25-27, 2015 in the City.

By: Charisse P. Salarda

thus, she encouraged women to run for public office to have equality in representation. Moreover, she stressed that a woman should be given due recognition as to what she really wants in her life. Having a voice in the council is one of the ways for a woman to express her needs such as a separation of comfort rooms for men and women which some establishments do not consider. As the regional director of PPA-DOJ, Lacanglacang said that their office has shown progress when it comes to recognizing the abilities of women in decision-making having 12 women as heads in their 16 offices. She also added that gender and

development has been integrated in all of their programs and services to manifest the efforts in upholding balance between men and women. Despite the efforts in breaking the conservative mindset, Lacanglacang expressed that there is still disparity because the society thinks that women are not fit enough to preside; that leadership is not for women. However, she stressed that having women, even if they come short in number in the judicial, legislative and executive branches of government, is already a good start to encourage women’s participation in nation-building.


“With the country aiming for a Rabies-Free Philippines by 2016, there is a need to convene all stakeholders in the prevention and control of the disease to emphasize the urgency of eradicating rabies in the region and to formulate strategies to achieve this goal,” Dr. Ma. Teresa B. Roa, Regional Focal Person for Rabies of DA-RFO 10 said. The summit is participated by Local Chief Executives, Municipal Agriculturists, Veterinarians, representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Dr. Viralou L. Tuquib, Veterinarian II of the Regional

Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL-10) said that it aims to gather stakeholders to educate and deepen their knowledge on human rabies to be discussed by the DOH, and canine rabies to be tackled by BAI. She added that, Local Government Units (LGUs) will be more empowered to implement Republic Act 9482, otherwise known as the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 in their respective municipalities. At the end of the Summit, participants are expected to craft their own Rabies Control Action Program to be implemented in their respective cities and municipalities and their province, in general.

DENR, PIA award KalikgKASAN Band Search winners in NorMinCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - As part of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Region 10 awarded the winners of the KaligKASAN Band Search on March 19, 2015 at Cagayan de Oro City.


Among the 22 amateur bands who joined the contest, the Kolariah emerged as the grand prize winner with a song entitled “Tungo sa Pagbabago.”The Dislocated Boy was declared as the second prize winner with a song entitled “Pagbabago” and Adrian and the Astroboys garnered the third prize with a song entitled “Anak ng Umaga.” The consolation prizes were received by other bands who made it to the top 10 finalists which includes Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC), Generation Gap (G2), Talata, Deminions, The Cokeheads ft. Khey Hem, Dark Eternal and Lotusberry. The Deminions garnered the Social Media Special Award based on the number of likes and shares counted from the Official Facebook account of the PIA 10. The KaligKASAN Band Search aims to reach out and gain interest and support from the youth for the protection and conservation of the environment. It was launched on October 2014 encouraging amateur bands from Region 10 who have not signed up any recording contract to compose original and environmentally-motivated music. “Your music will teach

the public that everyone is accountable for the impacts of climate change. Your lyrics will help improve people’s perception on their roles in environmental protection,” said DENR 10 regional director Ruth M. Tawantawan during the awarding ceremony. RD Tawantawan also discussed the causes and effects of climate change and what the DENR has done in response to this phenomenon which is the National Greening Program (NGP). PIA 10 regional director Thelma B. Oliver, meanwhile, welcomed the guests and participants to the KaligKASAN Band Search, highlighting on the activities and achievements of the DENR 10 and PIA 10 in line with the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign. DENR 10 assistant regional director Ester A. Olavides of the Management Services represented by OIC, chief Lina D. Calvez of the DENR 10-Regional Public Affairs Office likewise congratulated the KaligKASAN Band Search winners and encouraged them to re-echo their voices to all the people for a cleaner and greener environment through music. The grand prize winner


received a cash prize of ₱50,000, 2nd place received ₱30,000 and the 3rd place received ₱20,000. The judges of the KaligKASAN Band Search include station manager Mercedes Edmilao-Gualberto of the DXIM-Radyo ng Bayan, Maria Salome Roxas of 4K Children’s Choir and Rosemarie A. Bajao of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Region 10. The criteria for judging include Originality and Creativity, Lyrics, Melody and Overall Appeal.

The Climate Change Advocacy Campaign is a partnership between the DENR and PIA to conduct an extensive campaign to raise awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation and to strengthen collaboration among communities to combat the impacts of climate change. The theme of the Climate Change Advocacy Campaign is “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago.” (RPAO-DENR 10/PIA)

Cloud Seeding eyed in Davao City farmlands

DAVAO CITY- The City Agriculture Office has sought the assis-tance of the Depart-ment of Agriculture in Davao Region to con-duct cloud seeding op-erations in Davao City farmlands to ease the onslaught fothe dry-spell brought by the El Nino Phenomenon. Acting City Agricul-turist Rocelio Tabay said standing crops in Paqui-bato, Marilog, Toril, Tug-bok and Baguio Districts need to be saved due to the drought.

Based on his letter to Acting Regional Direc-tor Remelyn Recoter of the DA 11, he said the drought might affect and potentially hit 7,057.15 hectares of ag-ricultural lands and would im-pact on the

livelihood of 11, 151 farmers. Rocelio said crops and hectarage are bro-ken down as follows: Corn (2,449.55 hectares), rainfed rice (481.67 hectares), fruits (2,718.46 hectares), industrial crops (506.56 hectares), legumes (12.60 hectares), vege-tables (317.42 hectares). (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Da-lumpines)


Civil Service conducts ARTA Watch at BIR RDO 112- Tagum City

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, March 26, 2015 - The Civil Service Commission Field Office-Davao del Norte (CSC FO-DdN), led by its Field Director Minda G. Ostique together with Ms. Reilee Jill Renee M. Villanueva, Senior HR Special-ist, conducted an ARTA-Watch at the Bureau of Internal Revenue RDO 112 Tagum City on March 25, 2015. ARTA-Watch is a spot check be-ing conducted by the CSC, usually during lunch time, with the purpose of checking the government offices’ compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9485 otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, relative to the posting of the Citizen’s Charter, observance of the No Noon Break Policy, the Anti-Fixer Campaign, installation of the Pub-lic Assistance and Complaints Desk and provision of Courtesy Lanes to PWDs, elderly and pregnant women. The observations during the ARTA Watch were conveyed to Ms. Nelia B. Demalata, CPA, MMTM, Rev-enue District Officer and Ms. Daisy Franco, Assistant RDO of BIR RDO 112 of Tagum City. The observa-tions will also serve as a support mechanism to the Report Card Sur-vey (RCS), a client-based survey, on the BIR RDO 112 compliance with RA

9485, as the Office is also set to be subjected to the RCS in the coming weeks. (CSC DavNor)

Drought causes over P6 M damage in S. CotabatoBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 27 -- Crop damage due to the dry spell in South Cotabato has already exceeded P6 million, according to the initial assessment of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Provincial Agriculturist Justina Navarrete said most affected were recorded in the municipalities of Polomolok and Tampakan where 236 hectares of rice and corn pro-duction areas covering 13 villages were rendered unproductive.

Some 152 farmers are affected by the drought.

Affected farming communities include Glamang, Lumakil, Magsaysay, Maligo, Polo, Rubber, Silway 7, Silway 8, Sulit, and Upper Klinan in Polomolok and Kipalig, Lampi-tak, and Liberty in Tampakan.

Meanwhile, at least 20 barangays in Polomolok, Tampakan, and Banga have also reported rat infestation.

Navarrete explained that although dry spells limit infestation of insect pests, these encourages activities of rats.

Rodents have already infested a com-bined 19.8 hectares of rice and corn ar-eas, she reported.

Navarrete, however, pointed out that the report is still partial as other municipali


ties in the province have not submitted data.

Regarding the possibility of cloud seeding, Navarrete said they are considering the option but admitted there are several factors that must be consid-ered such as the availability of clouds that can be seeded and the possible negative effects of rain on flowering fruit crops such.

She also disclosed that the Office of the Provincial Agri-culturist have prepared seed assistance to corn and rice growers who will be affected

by the dry spell. These seeds, however, will only be dispersed after the dry season and when farmers are ready to re-culti-vate their farms.

As to the rodent, infestation, the OPAg, she added, is pro-posing a food-for-work scheme with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Office where a certain number of rat tails will be ex-changed with a kilo of rice. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


93 Grade 6 pupils pass PSHS qualifying exam –DOST 12By: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar 27 -- Ninety-three graduating elementary students from SOCCSK-SARGEN Region have qualified to enroll at prestigious Philippine Science High School, the Department of Sci-ence and Technology (DOS) 12 announced Wednesday.

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, re-gional director of DOST 12 said these students were among those who took the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of PSHS National Competitive Ex-amination (NCE) on October 4, 2014 and are expected to en-roll as high school freshmen (Grade 7 in the K-12 education-al system) in June.

Of the said number, 29 are from South Cotabato, 28 from General Santos City 11 from North Cotabato, 8 from Cota-bato City, 6 from Tacurong City, 5 from Koronadal City, 4 pupils from Sultan Kudarat and 1 each from Kidapawan City and Saran-gani.

Dr. Laidan said the untir-ing support from partners and stakeholders is instrumental in the achievement of a remark-able continuous increase in the

number of passers seen every year.

All students of PSHS, also popularly called ‘Pisay’, are government scholars. They enjoy tuition-free high school education, monthly allowance, clothing allowance and free round-trip ticket for students from poor families residing in other provinces.


PSHS, which operates as an attached agency of the DOST, is a specialized public high school system that focuses on high quality science-based education and training, that continuously contribute to nation-building by creating a critical mass of scien-tists and engineers.

The PSHS-SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus (SRC) in Region 12 has started to operate in 2013. It is located at Baran-gay Paraiso in Koronadal City near the would-be state-of-the-art Philippine National Halal Laboratory and Science Center of DOST-12.

The campus features modern academic buildings, complete research and laboratory facilities as well as dormitories or hous-ing facilities, alternative learning centers within the campus that cater to the needs of other “gift-ed students” in the area.

PSHS is the country’s 12th and the third in Mindanao. The other PSHS campus in Min-danao are located in Baloi, Lanao del Norte and along Bukidnon-Davao Road in Davao City.

“The establishment of PSHS in SOCCSKSARGEN is part of the efforts to put up a PSHS


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 27 -- In an effort to strengthen community-level emergency response capa-bility in its jurisdiction, the General Santos City Govern-ment’s Integrated Barangay Affairs and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) have conducted a Rapid Community Response Program (RCRP) to train barangay volunteers for calamity preparedness.

Gensan beefs up calamity response in communities

The two-day training-work-shop equips barangay volun-teers of Baluan, Fatima, Lagao, San Isidro, San Jose and Sinaw-al with the basics of disaster preparedness and mitigation skills.

Bong Dacera, CDRRMC action officer, headed the the seminar and introduced the volunteers to the hazards their respective ba-rangays are prone to.

He also taught them how the CDRRMO analyzes community risk assessment and tools for hazard assessment.

A simulation drill was set on March 21 after the one-week planning.

“After the two-day classroom seminar, they will go down to the purok level and facilitate community organizing,” said Dacera.

“We give them one week to plan, before conducting the simulation drill of the first batch,” he added.

The RCRP is also part of the advocacy of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to attain environmen-tal security and rehabilitation through disaster risk resilience.

The city mayor plans to make the activity regular to empower barangays against disasters and emergencies. (SVillacastin-Gen-san CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

campus in every administra-tive region across the country to bring closer to the grassroots quality education highly focused

on science, technology and mathematics,” Dr. Laidan said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

one mindanao - march 27, 2015

Documents