one mindanao - march 6, 2012

Cover Story

Nipa sugar production seen to boost Caraga’s economy

Robert E. RoperosCaraga Region

Today’s issue...Tuesday, March. 6, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 205

page 4

“I love Philippines, I Pay Taxes” launched in Zambo CityMichael Vincent D. Cajulao, Western Mindanao

PDLWC launches search for inspiring stories and women ambassadors 16Jasmine Alexandra, Northern Mindanao

ARMM policymakers formulate action plan for reform17Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

DOST chief backs development of halal industry 23Giselle Eve Ortega-Siladan, Central Mindanao

PDEA confident that PAGCOR support will boost country’s anti-drug campaign 9DOLE doubles SPES budget this year to benefit more deserving students 11 Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Travel expo proves vibrant Davao tourism21Frances Gevera Macapagat, Southern Mindanao

3 brgy sa Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat tumanggap ng tulong mula sa Japan24Giselle Eve Ortega-Siladan, Central Mindanao

13

PBCC bares blood collection and usage for the year 201128David M. Suyao, Caraga Region Photo Credits:

http://eatingasia.typepad.comhttp://doonposaaminlaksoyatoinikadyawaonta.blogspot.com/p/focus-study.html

Anti-trafficking committee created29 Eldie N. David, Caraga Region

7 10 14

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

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

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

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EDITORIAL BOARD

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4 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

It used to be that all sugars came from cane and nobody knew any better. But with the changing

lifestyle and the rise of specific diseases caused by food, there is today a concerted effort to plan what one eats. “The nipa sugar production is a good potential to boost the economy of Caraga Region,” said Foundation

for Rural Enterprise and Ecology Development of Mindanao (FREEDOM) Executive Director

Antonio Peralta during a recent roundtable discussion with PIA-Caraga personnel.

Cover Story

Nipa sugar production seen to boost Caraga’s economy by Robert E. Roperos

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Peralta said since Caraga Region is a

coastal region where nipa tree

is abundant,

there is a potential of economic development as this can also be a substitute for coco sugar. The official said the processing of the nipa sugar is the same with coco sugar but some modifications are still needed to produce sugar which has the same quality with that of coco sugar. Dir. Peralta further said since nipa trees belong to the same family as that of the coconut tree, the produced sugar has low glycemic index, and according to international standards, if the glycemic index is within 50 or below 50, the product is good for the body. He added that for coco sugar, the glycemic index is about 35 and for the nipa, it is lower than that of the coco sugar. However, he said this has to be verified first by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). According to http://www.glycemicindex.com, the glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly

digested and absorbed and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health. Low


GI diets have

been shown to improve both glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). They have benefits for weight control because they help control appetite and delay hunger. Low GI diets also reduce insulin levels and insulin resistance. Recent studies from Harvard School of Public Health indicate that the risks

of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease are

strongly related to the GI of the overall diet. In 1999,

the World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n

(WHO) and

Food and Agriculture O r g a n i z a t i o n (FAO) recommended that people in industrialized countries base their diets on low-GI foods in order to prevent the most common diseases of affluence, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

With these developments, Peralta is hopeful that entrepreneurs will invest on nipa sugar production as sources of nipa trees are abundant in this coastal region of northeastern Mindanao.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino opens trading day at Philippine Stock Exchange

Philippine trading began on a jubilant atmosphere on Tuesday morning after the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), the barometer of the country’s economic health, hit a historic high of 5,030.80 points at the close

of trading hours on Monday.

No less than President Benigno S. Aquino III spearheaded this historic and joyous occasion by ringing the bell at the trading floor of the PSE in Ayala Avenue, Makati City to formally open the stock

market’s business day.The President was

joined in expressing the nation’s exuberance during the historic event by Finance Secretary Cesar

Purisima, PSE chairman Jose Pardo and PSE director Eusebio Tanco.

In his welcome remarks, Pardo said this robust performance of the PSEi was a direct result of the optimism the country’s

8 Tuesday, March 6, 2012ONE MINDANAO

investors see and feel about the Philippines under President Aquino’s administration.

“This historic rise of the index is a strong testament to the growing investor interest in the Philippines, the continued strengthening of our macro-economic fundamentals, positive outlook on the growth of our listed companies and more importantly, confidence in the administration’s good governance drive, among others, have been catching

the attention of investors in both local and global markets,” Pardo said.

He added that since President Aquino took over the reigns of government in 2010, the PSEi’s historic rise “marks the 11th time this year and the 19th time under the present administration that the index has set new highs.”

“Since the first day of the President’s administration or in a matter of only 20 months, this index has already climbed by 52

percent,” Pardo stressed.He vowed to work

towards inviting more investors to invest in the Philippines in order to improve the index’s performance to breach the 6,000 point mark.

“Moving past the 5,000 (mark) signals the beginning of our journey to what I understand, Mr. President, was your requested commitment from our (PSE) Director (Eusebio) Eusi Tanco for the index to breach, not the 5,000 (mark) but the 6,000 level,” Pardo said.


PDEA confident that PAGCOR support will boost country’s anti-drug campaign

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) expressed confidence that the continuing support extended by the different sectors of society to the national anti-drug campaign is a big boost to rid the country of illegal drugs.

In a release, PDEA Director General Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. said he is hopeful that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) would consider the possibility of expanding its support to law enforcement.

During the commencement rites for the 199 new drug enforcement officers last February 24, PAGCOR President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Atty. Jorge Sarmiento extended his admiration to the new agents

for choosing a noble profession.

Sarmiento also conveyed his intention to propose to PAGCOR board members the possibility of expanding its support to include law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez officially deployed the new agents nationwide to augment the manpower requirement of operating units, particularly in the regional offices.

“I look forward to seeing them in action and contributing to the

attainment of the vision of establishing drug-free communities to the Filipino people. I am confident that the idealism of this group would infuse a new commitment and dedication in their duties and responsibilities as anti-drug front-liners,” Gutierrez said.

The PDEA chief also assured that the new agents are ready.

“They are ready because we have prepared them well. But the real classroom that can give them the best training is out there in the field,” added Gutierrez.


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P olice authorities will strengthend their security operations at the Dipolog City Airport to avoid any untoward incidents.

Police to tighten security at Dipolog City Airport

treklens.com

By Alfonso T. Ruda


This was reached in a security council meeting held recently at the said airport attended by the representatives from Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, Provincial Information Office, and City Information Office. Relative to this, all concerned authorities are directed that all policies and security measures implemented to ensure smooth operation inside the airport compound. Ms. Erlinda de los Reyes, Civic Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Dipolog City Airport Manager said, purchase of plane tickets at the airport will no longer be allowed in the morning, especially on the days when there are flights, so as not to disturb the riding public and security at the airport compound. Among other matters discussed during the meeting was the letter of

Engr. Reyes to Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, dated February 28, 2012, concerning the obstruction at the Restricted Area of the Approach Runway 02(going to Dipolog City portion), like the docked fishing boats, private residents with cassava plantation inside the airport complex, and the damaged stop-way markings. She also reminded concerned agencies of the government, private sector, and other stakeholders to similar letter-request to the CAAP for any arriving visitors that need assistance for their smooth accommodation. It maybe recalled that the CAAP has limited the number of welcoming parties inside the arrival area to avoid congestion and for easy implementation of security measures inside the terminal building. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

DOLE doubles SPES budget this year to benefit more deserving studentsBy Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) is now implemented the whole year and not just during summer.


Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano disclosed this when he came over to Pagadian City during the turn-over of Kabuhayan Starter Kits to 81 beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Sur on February 28, saying that the SPES budget for this year has been doubled to benefit more poor but deserving students in the region. ‘‘Students are given a maximum of 52 working days, with 60% to be shouldered by the partner agency or local government unit and 40% from DOLE. Not only regular students can avail of this but the out-of-school youth as well. If the OSY are given skills training by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or other agencies, DOLE will still give 40% share of the minimum wage for the duration of their training,’’ Cano explained. However, he said some

innovations have been made in the employment of students such that partner local government units and private sector will engage them in greening activities. “If they will employ students, these will be assigned in plant nurseries, preparation of seedlings, cleaning and waste segregation and other similar activities so that we will likewise protect the environment. This is one move which will be for the benefit of everyone,” RD Cano said. Meanwhile, Assistant Regional Director Virginia l. Bonbon said this program, implemented by the present administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III and DOLE Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, is their commitment to the public. At the ground level, they are only implementers, to ensure that this be received by its intended beneficiaries. (JPA/ALT-PIA 9 Zambo Sur)


“I love Philippines, I Pay Taxes” launched in Zambo City by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Bureau of Internal Revenue yesterday launched its new tag line for its intensified tax campaign with the aim of meeting or even surpassing their tax collection target this year. Dubbed “I Love Philippines, I Pay Taxes”, BIR hopes to urge all tax payers to diligently pay their taxes to help the government implement programs and projects that will benefit the general public.

Z a m b o a n g a City 2nd District Representative Erico Basilio Fabian lauded the bureau for its initiatives in collecting taxes.

In a message delivered by his representative, Fabian said, “Let me commend the men and women of our local BIR office. You have been doing an exemplary job the past years”. He also lauded the public for paying their taxes; the lifeline of the government and for cooperating with BIR here that made them one of the top collection units nationwide for two successive years. Similarly, Lobregat called specifically on the business community and the professionals to pay the right and correct taxes. To set an example, Lobregat said that even the local government

paid P79.8 million worth of taxes last year to the national government. Lobregat pointed out that the budget of the local government also depe To enlighten the public on the utilization of taxes collected, Lobregat said 60% of it goes to the national government, while 40% goes to the local government units in the form of IRA. Lobregat further explained that of the 40%, 23% of it goes to the provinces, another 23% for the cities, 34% goes to the municipalities, and 20% is allocated for the barangays. With this explanation, Lobregat reiterated the importance of collecting the right and correct taxes by the local government units, and it is only possible thru the cooperation of the tax payers. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST)


VP Binay awards house and lot to “I Do. I Do. Araw Ng Pag-IBIG” grand prize winnerby Apipa P. BagumbaranVice

President and Chair of

the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Jejomar C. Binay together with Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe led the turnover and awarding of the house and lot package last March 3 to the couple who won grand prize winner in a raffle during the recently concluded Araw ng Pag-IBIG - Kasalang Bayan Program.

Mr. and Mrs. Reynaldo Evangelio, the couple who won the grand prize, are among the 2,200 couples who participated in

the mass wedding sponsored by Pag-IBIG Fund last Feb. 14. The family is a resident of Barangay 13, Isla de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City


whose house was totally destroyed during typhoon Sendong. Five of their immediate family members died during the tragedy and in the aftermath brought about by the disaster, Reynaldo also became a victim of the leptospirosis outbreak. They are presently staying in the Tent City, one of the evacuation centers located in Calaanan, this city. Mr. Reynaldo Evangelio is an employee of Asia Pro, a manpower service company based in Cagayan de Oro City, and became a member of Pag-IBIG Fund in July 2009. According to Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Atty. Darlene Berberabe, the grand prize is a 36-square meter house built in a 100 square meter lot located in Pag-IBIG Citihomes - Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental. T h e “Araw ng Pag-IBIG” Kasalan Program was a pilot program implemented by Pag-IBIG Fund last Feb. 14, simultaneously celebrated at the SM Mall of Asia and at SM Malls in Baguio, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de

Oro Similar events were also held in Calamba and Kidapawan, co-sponsored by their respective local government units. More than helping the couples undergo the rites of marriage, Pag-IBIG hopes to use the event to promote financial literacy and greater appreciation of the concept of savings among the newlyweds. “The event is one way for us to reach out to our members, helping them maximize their membership by informing them of the benefits of being a Pag-IBIG member,” the CEO added. Aside from the grand prize of one house and lot package from the Pag-IBIG Fund’s pool of acquired assets valued at around P400,000, lucky participating couples also won exciting raffle prizes, including


PDLWC launches search for inspiring stories and women ambassadorsby Jasmine Alexandra

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Digital Literacy for Women Campaign (PDLWC) is launching the search for 100 Inspiring Stories campaign in a bid to inspire countless women with stories of transformation and success. A total of 100 stories from women all over the country will be gathered and recognized before the year ends.

home appliances. Membership to Pag-IBIG Fund has become mandatory to all Filipino workers, in the country and overseas, land-based or sea-based. The Fund opened its doors even to income-earners from the informal sector, enabling those earning at least P1,000 monthly

to savor the advantages of being a Pag-IBIG member. By reaching out to its members through events like the Araw ng Pag-IBIG, the Fund actively participates in nation-building as it increases its members’ awareness and capacity to save for their current and future needs.

Stories can be submitted by any woman, regardless of whether or not she has undergone training through the PDLWC. Stories should be about women benefiting from the opportunities made possible by digital literacy and whose lives have been transformed for the better by information and

communication technology (ICT). The conduct of this search will also pave the way for the identification of the women ambassadors who will represent the PDLWC to the grassroots community throughout the duration of the campaign rollout. The ambassadors will be the


ARMM policymakers formulate action plan for reformby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Regional policymakers are now in the process of fine-tuning development plans in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to make way for the key reforms being set up by officer-in-charge (OIC) Governor Mujiv Hataman.

According to Diamadel Dumagay, executive director of the Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO)-ARMM, officials and chief planning officers of different ARMM agencies convened in a two-day workshop at the start of this week to set out on the formulation of an action plan aimed at introducing open governance and reforms in the region. The plans should be attuned to the three areas of reform that the present caretaker ARMM administration have been tasked

to attain namely on governance, peace and security, and economic reforms, he said. The caretaker government of Hataman has at least 14 remaining months to institute needed reforms in the ARMM, Dumagay said. Lawyer Anwar Malang, ARMM executive secretary, said that with the right platform and agenda at hand, “the best time to reform ARMM is now.” He said thru convergence and clustering of efforts, agencies have better chance of attaining targets within the limited timeframe.

women behind the 12 best and most inspiring stories chosen by a panel of judges from amongst all the stories collected. Aside from collecting stories of inspiration and identifying campaign ambassadors, the search will also recognize the efforts of community e-center (CeC) managers and knowledge workers who will facilitate the submission of these stories.

Moreover, Intel Philippines will be giving a special award to the manager/knowledge worker who submits the most inspiring story of a woman using Intel @ Easy Step, the most number of Intel @Easy Step stories, and the best Intel @Easy Step story. Deadline for the nominations for the first 20 stories is on March 15. (PR)


Malang said they want to make it a point that individual agency efforts would be complementary to each other. Citing encouraging developments in the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Malang said the programs of present ARMM leadership are congruent and supportive to the peace process. He underscored the need to establish meaningful reforms in ARMM to complement progress in the peace efforts in Mindanao. The plan that will be formulated in the two-day workshop, dubbed the ARMM Strategic Action Plan for Governance and Reform,

shall serve as the guideline of introducing actual reforms in ARMM. Economic specialist and former director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, Cielito Habito, who also led the crafting of the Mindanao 2020 plan, lauded what according to him are good plans that ARMM agencies have but cited lapses in their implementation. Habito told regional planners to take the challenge of the Hataman administration’s interim 15 months to institute reforms, urging them to arrive at a short-term agenda achievable within the timeframe but “still contextualize the longer-term pursuits”.


Brgy Officials urged to help woo rebels back to law by Jean Abangan

Top level official of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and local

government executives of Davao del Norte called on barangay officials of Igangon to help work for the return of rebels to the folds of the law. “Let’s help them live normal lives,” 1003rd commmanding officer, Col. Lysander Suerte told local

officials of Brgy. Igangon in San Isidro where the provincial government of Davao del Norte and the 1003rd Infantry Brigade recently brought the Peace and Development Convergence caravan of services. He also asked barangay officials to get in touch with families of rebels, and ask them to convince their relatives to leave behind their work with the NPA. “Let them realize na pwede sila bumaba,” he

told barangay officials. Suerte revealed the military presence in Igangon and in its nearby areas but the mission is not to harm those keeping alliance with the NPA but to persuade them to be with the government. “Hinahabol natin sila para makababa. (We are pursuing them


to come down),” he said Suerte bared that Igangon and six other nearby barangays in the municipalities of New Corella in Davao del Norte, and Laak in Compostela Valley, are areas where the New People’s Army (NPA) get a “very significant number” of their members spread in various rebel commands in nearby provinces. Igangon lies 25 kilometers away from Tagum City which is the capital town of Davao del Norte. It can be reached from Tagum passing through the rugged national road along Asuncion. Igangon is at periphery of Compostela Valley province. Still not completely nuetralized, Igangon is classified by Suerte as NPA influenced area where families of some NPA members are staying. He however, refrained from divulging the number of families with NPA members, saying immersion activity is still going on, and that he needs further details from the ground. “That’s why we brought the Convergence to Igangon with government services to show them that it’s good to come down,” he said. The Convergence for Peace and Development is a joint effort of the provincial government of Davao del Norte and the 1003rd IB. It is designed after the Peace and Development Program (PDOP) of the 10th Infantry Division which it has rolled out since last year in its intension to bring government services to areas with

peace and order concerns. (10)3rd IB is under the 10th ID) On the other hand, provincial Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio on the same occasion urged rebel members to put down their arms, and take on farm paraphernelia, in stead. “Ilabay ng mga armas (Throw away your arms.) We don’t need that. What we need are tools for agriculture,” he said in a dialogue with Igangon Barangay leaders during the Convergence. He also held barangay officials “accountable” in securing their barangay, and told them that they could do something to address insurgency. Igangon Barangay Captain Federico C. Juan admitted that insurgency is among the number of concerns in his barangay but he did not give his response to calls of Suerte and Suaybaguio. He instead enumerated a number of priority projects of his barangay. Among those were the completion of the barangay terminal, farm-to-market road, electrification, water system, land titling, construction of mini gymnasium; and the construction of perimeter fence, and Home Economics building. On behalf of Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario, Suaybaguio assured barangay officials that the provincial government would provide them their needs, in addition to what the 1st District Congressional Office can provide. (PIA 11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


Travel expo proves vibrant Davao tourism

DAVAO CITY– The high turnout of travel and tour operators that joined this year’s Mega Travel Sale as initiated by the Davao Association of Tour Operators (DTAA) only showed how tourists still believe in the Davao market. DTAA President Krizia Tan told the media that there are 60 tour operators that participated in the travel expo held from March 2 to 4 at Abreeza Mall. Sixty percent of which came from companies operating outside Davao while the rest are local operators. “ Last year’s participation was mostly companies based in Davao but we are happy now that many from outside the city joined and were happy with the turn out of the expo.”, said Tan. Apart from the different private tour operators that offered affordable rates for travel and tours, three tourism board also took the chance to introduce their tourist destinations to Dabawenyos. Tourism board of Sabah , Malaysia , and Indonesia were around to introduce money-value tour packages. It was also during the opening of the travel expo that Indonesian

Consul General in Davao City Eko Hartono announced the re-opening of the Davao-Manado connection. Two flights per week will soon be availed by local travelers going to Manado , the capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Tan and the rest of the local tour operators took it as a welcome development that would further boost tourism in the City. Meanwhile, the Sabah Tourism Board officials also visited the city to assess the viability of a direct flight from Davao to Kota Kinabalu. The entry of budget airlines like the newest AirAsia that flies Davao-Clark has also contributed to the increasing appreciation of Dabawenyos to travel both domestic and international. Tan explained that local tourists still chose HongKong as the most preferred international destination while most preferred domestic destinations are Bohol, Palawan , and Boracay. DTAA targeted a P10 million gross sales from the travel expo. Tan expects to surpass this target given that participating tour operators have been happy and satisfied with the turn-out during the first two days of the event.

by Frances Gevera Macapagat


DENR-ARMM to hold environmental summitBy Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY-- Preparations are underway for the conduct of an environmental summit in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

DENR-ARMM regional secretary Kahal Kedtag said the summit to be held in Marawi City will be participated by agency employees and officers, local government officials, civil society organizations

representatives and other stakeholders in the region.

The summit primarily aims to discuss and explain programs and projects, and measures aimed at the conservation and protection of the

environment to prevent disaster and calamities similar to destruction brought about by tropical storm Sendong.

Kedtag added, the activity forms part of the intensified efforts of the regional government to elicit and generate public support particularly the local government officials in the campaign against illegal logging operations and unauthorized cutting of trees and forest products including those in the privately-owned lands.

Cognizant of the critical participation of local officials and other stakeholders in the environmental


protection campaign, Kedtag said part of the process being undertaken by the DENR-ARMM is the inventory of the number and species of trees planted in private lands.

“Wala tayong data sa bilang at species ng mga punongkahoy na nakatanim sa mga private lands so kailangan ang

inventory at seryosong tinututukan ARMM government na matigil illegal na pamumutol ng mga puno kaya mahalaga ang partisiipasyon at tulong ng mga LGUs dahil sa pinatutupad na total log ban,” he said.

Alongside, Kedtag said, ARMM OIC-regional governor Mujiv Hataman has initially release

fund allocation to areas under the autonomous region to fast track implementation of national government’s Greening Program in partnership with other agencies, military, police, LGUs, non-government agencies civil society groups and the communities. ( p b c h a n g c o / P I A Cotabato City)

DOST chief backs development of halal industryby Giselle Eve Ortega-Siladan

COTABATO CITY -- Science and Technology Secretary Mario G. Montejo is strongly backing the initiatives to develop the halal industry and make it a national program due to its huge potentials to help the country’s economy, a top regional official said yesterday.

In a recent meeting with the regional directors of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the secretary singled out the need to strengthen the halal industry in consonance with the National Science and Technology Innovation Plan.

“I recognize that halal is an important

industry and I support it. We will make it a national program and we will start in Mindanao,” he told the regional directors.

Dr. Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan, DOST-12 director, said she was instructed by Sec. Montejo to continue with the initiatives to make halal a stronger industry in the country.


“Secretary Montejo considers it important to support the development of the halal industry because it is rapidly growing due to the strong demand for halal-certified products especially in the foreign market, she said.

President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III earlier identified the halal industry as one of the key investment areas that the government wants to give focus owing to the vast global market.

In the last few years, Dr. Laidan said the

DOST-12 has been working to develop the halal industry through its Philippine Science and Technology Program for the Development of the Halal Industry.

Ms. Laidan said it is important for the Philippines to establish integrity and credibility with its halal industry given that the nation is a non-Muslim country.

“That, we can do through science- and technology-based approaches alongside the religious requirement,” she noted.

So far, the DOST-12 operates a halal laboratory in Cotabato City. It is also building a larger state-of-the-art laboratory facility that shall be called the Philippine National Halal Laboratory and Science Center in Koronadal City, the seat of government of Soccskargen Region (Region 12).

The center was c o n c e p t u a l i z e d to become the clearinghouse of halal products coming in and out of the country.

She called for the complementation of efforts among other government agencies and the private sector to strengthen the country’s halal industry and to make it sustainable. (DOST-12/DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

3 brgy sa Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat tumanggap ng tulong mula sa JapanKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Pinasalamatan ng pamahalaang bayan ng Esperanza sa Sultan Kudarat ang pagkapili ng tatlong barangay nito na makakatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal mula sa pamahalaan ng bansang Japan.


Ayon kay Esperanza municipal secretary Antonio Fornan, mapalad na napili ang barangay Ilian, Numo at Pamantingan na maging benepisyaryo ng proyektong pang-agrikultura dahil malaki ang maitutulong nito sa mga residenteng magsasaka.

Ang proyekto na kinabibilangan ng pagsemento ng isang kilometrong irrigation canal, storage house at dryer ay inaasahan ding

magpapataas ng ani at kita ng mga magsasaka ng tatlong nabanggit na barangay mula sa kanilang produktong mais at palay.

Ito ay ipapatupad ng Oxfam Japan sa pamamagitan ng grant contract na “Construction of Small-Scale Agriculture Facilities for Climate Change Adaption” sa ilalim ng Official Development Assistance (ODA) ng bansang Hapon.

Dagdag pa ni Fornan, pinasalamatan din ni

Mayor Helen Latog ang Oxfam Japan dahil sa pagkapili ng bayan na bibigyan ng tulong na pondo.

Habang isinasapinal pa ang konstruksiyon ng mga nabanggit na proyekto, umaasa ang punong-bayan na ang proyekto ay pagtulungang bantayan ng mga residente upang kanila itong m a p a k i n a b a n g a n at makatulong sa pagpapabuti ng kanilang kabuhayan. (Ac Agad PIA12)


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Butuan PNP reports peace and order situation

PSupt Zosimo Duarte stressed that they have been continuously intensifying their campaign against illegal drugs and gambling, and apprehension of wanted persons, among others.

According to the PNP report, from Jan. 1 to Feb. 27, the crime volume decreased to 23 from 29 of the same period last year.

On its campaign against illegal drugs, five

positive operations were conducted by BCPO that resulted to the arrest of six persons.

For illegal gambling (PD 1602), 26 positive operations were conducted that resulted

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

The Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) reported its accomplishments on peace and order of the city from Jan. 1 to Feb. 27 this year, during the recent City Peace and Oder Council (CPOC) meeting.


to the apprehension of 14 persons and the confiscation of eight units of Fruit Game Machines, four units Video karera machines, and cash bet money for lotto/swertres, and several gambling paraphernalia.

On accounting of wanted persons, a total of 46 persons were arrested for the same period, all covered with warrants of arrest. Also, on its campaign against illegal possession of firearms (Republic Act 8294), three positive operations were conducted which resulted to the arrest of two suspects and confiscation of two units cal. 45 and one unit .357 cal revolver.

BCPO also bared that they had conducted 424

checkpoint operations, implementing the “No Plate No Travel Policy”, Republic Act 4136 (Traffic Rules and Regulations) and verification of the authenticity of the Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR) and Driver’s licenses which resulted to the issuance of 688 Traffic Citation Tickets (TCTs). This has also been done to check suspicious looking persons riding in motorcycles that might create criminalities in the city and to prevent cases of carnapping.

Duarte also said they are continuously conducting round-up of minors operation within the vicinity of Butuan. For the period covered, a total of 57 minors were accosted.

Said minors were turned-over to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) for proper disposition.

It was also learned that BCPO is continuously conducting tree-planting activities in support of PNPs project dubbed “Pulis Makakalikasan: 10 Milyong Puno Pamana sa Kinabukasan.”

Meanwhile, Duarte expressed that Butuan City is still peaceful and manageable despite the petty crimes incidents while intensified conduct of checkpoint/chokepoint, anti-drug operations, illegal gambling and other police operations are successfully accomplished by their office to curb the increase of crimes and to thwart lawlessness and threat groups.

With these developments, BCPO encourages the general public to help them in its campaign and report any noticed suspicious activities to prevent any crimes.


AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The Provincial Blood Coordinating Council (PBCC), through the technical person of the Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chapter (PRC-AdS) presented last week the status PBCC’s performance in blood collection and usage for the year 2011.

PBCC bares blood collection and usage for the year 2011

Julie Lapides, medical technologist of the PRC-AdS, presented that by December of 2011, the PBCC, together with the members of the team from the Provincial Health Office had collected 2,657 bags of 450 ml. blood through mobile collection in the municipalities and walk-in clients. “Of the 13 municipalities and one city, Prosperidad ranked as the number one donor, with 474 bags, followed by Bayugan City with 457 and San Francisco with 437. Rosario ranked 4th with 315 bags, followed by Bunawan with 210 bags. The least donor municipality is Lapaz with only one, and this is just a replacement of the blood

used by a patient from La Paz. The rest are 100 bags and below,” Lapidez said. According to report by the PBCC, the highest consuming municipality at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) is San Francisco with 310 bags, followed by Prosperidad with 232. Third is Bayugan City with 191 bags, while Lapaz, who recorded only one replacement bag has consumed 49 bags. Among other provinces who availed blood support, the highest is Surigao del Sur who is also the nearest province to the DOPMH, with 147 bags. PRC Surigao City had 10 bags, while PRC Tandag, 12. The Davao Medical Clinic who has a patient

from Agusan del Sur got two bags, while the New Bayugan Medical Hospital got three. Spoiled and reactive blood reached 312. These are blood reactive from Syphilis, HIV, HBsAG, UB, and expired blood and spoiled-chylous. But in spite of high cost and large expenses in processing the blood, PBCC has still incurred a surplus of P502,400 from financial assistance received. These financial assistance came from the shares per municipality and the lone city of Bayugan the amount of P50,000 each, and the financial aid from the provincial government totaling to P2,300,000 for the reagents.

by David M. Suyao


The measure is in line with City Government’s thrust of valuing the dignity of every human person and guarantee the respect for individual rights. The committee will be chaired by the city mayor and co-chaired by the chairman of the SP Committee on Social Services. Meanwhile, the members of the

council will include a representatives from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the City Social Welfare and Development office, the city director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the City Planning and Development Office, the City Health Office, the chairman of the Butuan

City Council for Women, City Legal office, the office of the Permit and Licenses Division, the president of the Liga ng mga Punong Barangay, president of the SK Federation and the accredited Non-Government Organization to be appointed by the City Mayor. Among the functions of the committee are 1) coordinate with city

Anti-trafficking committee created

BUTUAN CITY -- To intensify the country’s drive against anti-trafficking, the Sangguniang Panlungsod recently approved the creation of the Butuan City Anti-Trafficking in Persons Committee through the passage of SP Ordinance 3842-2012.

by Eldie N. David


government offices, other government agencies, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations and people’s organization of pertinent programs and activities; 2) propose or recommend plans, policies and measures; 3) monitor programs, projects and activities; and 4) conduct regular meetings. The committee shall also be mandated to have the following support services and programs: 1) implement applicable provisions of Republic Act 9208 (R.A. 9208), otherwise known as the “Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003” in the city; 2) train LGU personnel

involved in the programs against trafficking in persons; 3) ensure the effective prosecution of trafficking in persons cases including the documentation of such; 4) through the Permits and Licenses Division and upon the recommendation of the City Legal Office, effect the cancellation of licenses of local businesses and establishments which violate the provisions of RA 9208; 5) undertake information dissemination or campaigns through the Public Information office; 6) establish Migrant Advisory and Information Network (MAIN) desks in selected

areas or barangays; 7) encourage and support local community-based initiatives which address trafficking in persons; 8) conduct inspection in coordination with proper authorities of houses, building or business establishments suspected of being used for trafficking activities; 9) institute reward scheme for those who have provided any information that lead to the suspension/prevention of trafficking activities and apprehension of persons involved therein; 10) may extend financial support to NGOs and Pos which will undertake activities that will address the problem on trafficking in persons; and 11) undertake other related activities necessary for the prevention of trafficking in persons. The ordinance was jointly authored by all the members of the council led by Councilor Erwin L. Dano and Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun.

one mindanao - march 6, 2012

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