one mindanao - may 13, 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

VENUS L. GARCIA, 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

DTI intensifies consumer protection, turns over 30 calibrated weigh scales in AgSur

Gensan gathers youth for summer fest

SurSur Local DRRM members attend PDRA orientation

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Bayog town turns 48, pushes for environmental protection, peace promotion, people empowerment

DepEd publishes partial list of schools that will offer SHS nationwide

GPH peace panel thanks Marcos for Mindanao consultation on BBL; reiterates Zambo City not part of Bangsamoro

Pantawid Pamilya vocational graduates to work overseas

SSS encourages OFWs to make saving a priority thru Flexi-fund Program

DSWD pilots program for recovering drug dependents

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By: David M. Suyao

By: IJ Lagare

By: Grace Barcena

By: Charmaine Suzette Leonore P. Tadlas

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

26 DFA conducts special passport service in PanaboBy: Erick Etis

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32 OUR COVER

Contents

By: Claro A. Lanipa

4 MAY 13, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story Bayog town turns 48, pushes for environmental protection, peace promotion, people empowermentA bustling town nestled in the green valleys surrounded by verdant hills and mountains is now pursuing certain programs to preserve and protect its environment, develop its people and promote lasting peace for progress and development.

5MAY 13, 2015 One Mindanao

Bayog town turns 48, pushes for environmental protection, peace promotion, people empowerment

By: Claro A. Lanipa This is now the focus of the municipal leadership under the aegis of Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr., as Bayog town marked its 48th founding anniversary last May 8.

Banking on the relentless support and cooperation from the municipal and barangay officials, the business community and the people, Mayor Babasa vowed to steer this interior municipality of Zamboanga del Sur to tangible growth and development where the environment nurtured and preserved.

The beginning

It was in 1953 when a large number of immigrants started settling permanently in Barrio


Bayog, which was then sparsely populated by the natives called “Subanen.” This village was part Malangas town.

Bayog was adopted as the official name of the barrio, as “Bayog” trees abound in the locality.

On November 14, 1964, Bayog was created into a municipality through Executive Order No. 112 by then President Diosdado Macapagal. However, on February 15, 1966, the infant municipality was dissolved and reverted to its former status and became one of the barangays

of the municipality of Buug by virtue of a Supreme Court decision in a petition filed by then Congressman Emmanuel Pelaez stating that “the creation of a new municipality through


an executive order was against the law as the same was the sole prerogative of the Congress.”

Finally, Bayog was born into a separate and distinct municipality on May 8, 1967 by virtue of Republic Act 4872 authored by the then Representative Vincenzo Sagun of the lone district of Zamboanga del Sur.

Through the years, its growth weathered numerous obstacles and various challenges to reach what Bayog is today.

Today, Bayog is a third class municipality belonging to the province’s second congressional district.

Mayor Babasa, who is now on his second term as the town’s chief executive, has been grateful and elated over the support and cooperation of his constituents over the years.

“Let us not forget to pay tribute and give honor to our former leaders who help transformed our town of what it is at present,” he said.

This year’s founding anniversary theme is “ Kinaiyahan Amumahon, Kalinaw Palungtaron, Katawhan Palagsikon aron Kalamboan Maangkon” (Preserve the Environment, Promote Peace, Motivate People for Progress).


“Our anniversary theme always involved three things: environment, people and peace which means that the people needs the environment and peace so that progress and development that we always dream off will be attained in our community,” Babasa pointed out.

“Let us continue to protect and preserve our environment. Let peace and order always prevail now and in the future so that all of us not only the municipal officials, barangay officials, and the municipal employees but everybody residing in this municipality will attain progress and growth that all of us want to achieve in the future,” the mayor urged his constituents. To highlight the annual celebration, a Palad-Palad Festival was conducted is as the people’s expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for all the blessings they received in the previous years, as they hope to receive the same in the coming years. The festival, which is a showcase of local tribal dances with colourful costumes matched with props made of indigenous materials, was participated in by the high school students of the municipality’s 28 barangays

which were grouped into clusters.


Internet Voter Registration System rolled-out for Filipinos in the Middle East and Africa

MANILA-- The Department of Foreign Affairs - Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) announced that effective May 08, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in collaboration with the DFA-OVS has rolled out iREHISTRO for implementation by the following

Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) in the Middle East and Africa: Philippine Embassies in Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Doha, Kuwait, Manama, Muscat, Nairobi, Pretoria, Riyadh, Tehran plus the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and Jeddah. On May 05, FSPs in Europe and Israel rolled out the iREHISTRO system for overseas Filipinos in their respective areas.


iREHISTRO is an online system that provides another way of accomplishing forms for voter registration related process. Prospective applicants still have to appear personally at Foreign Service Posts or Mobile/Field registration sites, to sign and submit their duly accomplished printed form, and for biometrics capturing. In addition, the processed applications still have to be approved by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB).

Commissioner Al A. Parreño, who conceptualized and is in charge of the COMELEC’s implementation of iRehistro, offered the technology to the Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) last September 2014. As a result, a pilot project was initiated with the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, Spain, in November 2014, and was successfully concluded in January 2015.

Based on the Philippine Embassy in Madrid’s recommendation, with a favourable endorsement from DFA-OVS, the COMELEC approved the implementation of iREHISTRO for all Foreign Service Posts. Regional training for Voter Registration Machine Operators in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Americas region has just been successfully completed. Roll-out of iREHISTRO for the Americas region is imminent. Training and rollout for FSPs in the Asia Pacific region is being


planned for the end of this month.

Overseas Filipinos in the Middle East and Africa now have the option of filling up the forms from the comfort of their homes, workplace, internet café, or anywhere they have access to reliable internet connection. The optional appointment feature of the system allows for better time management since it provides them an easy way to schedule voting period for the

2016 Presidential Elections, at least 18 years old on May 09, not otherwise disqualified by law and who would like to be among the first overseas Filipinos to become part of this historical evolution of the Philippine overseas electoral process, may now go to www.irehistro.comor www.comelec.gov.ph to access the iREHISTRO System to register as an overseas voter. The voter registration period ends on October 31. (DFA)


DepEd publishes partial list of schools that will offer SHS nationwide

PASIG CITY --The Department of Education (DepEd) has released the initial list of Senior High Schools (SHS) online, as part of its continuous preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program.


The list comprised of DepEd and non-DepEd schools, higher education institutions (HEIs), technical vocational institutions (TVIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), Dep Ed said.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that “the 2014 and 2015 budgets already have allocations for 30,000 classrooms for SHS.” He also mentioned that the initial target for the proposed 2016 budget, which is subject for approval, is over 20,000 classrooms for SHS. The government shall further allocate investments for SHS.

The partial list shows

3,839 public schools that were submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for funding and to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for bidding and construction.

Also included is the initial list of the 1,866 non-DepEd schools, which include private schools, HEIS, TVIs, LUCs, and SUCs that have been cleared to offer SHS come June 2016. There are still applications being processed, DepEd said. The list may be viewed at www.deped.gov.ph/datasets.(DepEd)


GPH peace panel thanks Marcos for Mindanao consultation on BBL; reiterates Zambo City not part of Bangsamoro

MANILA-- The government peace panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) lauded the Senate Committee on Local Government chaired by Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. for organizing public hearings on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Jolo, Sulu and Zamboanga City today, May 13, and tomorrow, May 14, respectively.

“We thank Senator Marcos for steering the various public consultations on the BBL, particularly in these areas in

Mindanao. We appreciate his efforts to expedite the completion of his committee’s report,” government peace panel chair


Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said.

Ferrer recalled that one of the big compromises in the agreement with the MILF is the exclusion of Zamboanga City in the prospective core territory of the Bangsamoro.

“We are happy to inform the good senator that in consideration of the results of previous plebiscites on the issue of inclusion in the autonomous region and in consideration also of the position undertaken by the leaders of Zamboanga City led by Rep. Celso Lobregat and Mayor Beng Climaco, the government and the MILF agreed not to include the city of Zamboanga in the plebiscite for the creation of the Bangsamoro,” she added.

Ferrer and panel members former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao, and lawyer Anna Tarhata Basman met with the senator last Monday to discuss pending concerns on the draft law.

“We had a frank discussion on an issue that particularly concerned the good senator, that is, what happens to non-

contiguous barangays in North Cotabato that opt to join the Bangsamoro and the practical difficulties of administering such outlying barangays,” said Bacani. “We recommended text that may be introduced such as the incorporation of these barangays to the nearest municipality on the Bangsamoro,” he added.

The leaderships of the Senate and the House of Representatives believe that the BBL will be enacted by June before Congress goes into a long recess. President Aquino said he hopes to sign the bill into law immediately after Congress has passed it. The organic law will then be submitted to the electorate of the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi plus a few other municipalities in Central Mindanao for ratification in a plebiscite expected to be held in September.

Next week, Senator Marcos will consult with the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front, the various sultanates and royal houses and other indigenous groups to get their sentiments on the BBL.

113th Labor Day Celebration in Bukidnon confirms strong Tripartism

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 10, Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (BPFO), recently facilitated the 113th Labor Day celebration through a parade on 1 May 2015 in the city together with the Bukidnon Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (BTIPC) of the Province of Bukidnon.

by Reyna L. Tagailo

Some 3,314 attended, of which, 1,937 participants from the government sector and 1,377 representing the management and labor sectors.


The government sector was supported and attended by Malaybalay City Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri; Provincial Administrator, Atty. Nestor E. Cajes; and the Municipal Mayors and Vice-Mayors of Cabanglasan, Impasug-ong, and Lantapan towns. “This Labor Day celebration is a timely depiction of every Filipino worker’s full commitment for nation-building and development,” as inspired by Mayor Zubiri during his speech at the Freedom Park after the parade. His message is anchored with the 113th Labor Day celebration theme, “Disenteng Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan.” Meanwhile, a livelihood grant, under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) amounting to P2,962,175.00 was released to some eight beneficiary-associations, as reported by DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante. Among the projects given included livelihood formation on starter kit; enhancement of marketing enterprise; general merchandise and rice trading; therapeutic massage clinic; cattle fattening; salon, body massage

and refreshment project; and canteen services project. Director Agravante said the DILEEP is the DOLE’s contribution to the governments’ agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers. The grant is released through a livelihood or KABUHAYAN Program, which is an assistance for capacity-building on livelihood for the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers. “We commend the sincerity and commitment of DOLE-10 Bukidnon in uplifting workers’ income and maintain industrial peace, through strong tripartite relationship with labor, management, and government sector,” said Atty. Jay S. Albarece, SP Committee and ALU-TUCP Representative. Albarece also said they appreciate the new concept of Labor Laws Compliance System which is voluntary and developmental in nature. Simultaneously, a bloodletting activity, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross - Bukidnon Chapter


Pantawid Pamilya vocational graduates to work overseas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Eight hundred eighty beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program are now set to work overseas after finishing vocational courses handled by the Skills Mastery Institute (SMI), a partner of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in implementing Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in Cagayan de Oro.

According to SMI, of the 880 beneficiaries, 444 of them have already passed employers’ requirements and are now waiting for their schedule to depart from the Philippines to work abroad.

The rest are also completing their requirements for overseas employment. The Sustainable Livelihood Program is the national government’s assistance to poor

by Charmaine Suzette Leonore P. Tadlas

and the Bukidnon Federation of Family Welfare Committees, was provided. It was supported by some 56 blood donors. Likewise, a Livelihood Fair, which displayed various products of seven DOLE-10 assisted livelihood projects, was showcased. Products like dairy goods, tiger-grass brooms, native hats, coin purse, woven accessories and other handicrafts

were for sale at a reasonable price. Director Agravante further informed that its Bukidnon PFO’s Labor-month celebration included Project Angel Tree and tree growing. Job Fairs will be conducted on 12-13 May 2015 in Malaybalay City and on 28 May 2015 in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.


DSWD pilots program for recovering drug dependents

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Recovering drug dependents are now part of the priorities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as it has piloted the Strategies Towards Acceptance, Reintegration and Transformation (START).

In partnership with the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers Committee of the

Dangerous Drugs Board, the DSWD has piloted the START implemention in Cagayan de Oro

households by enhancing their employability and productive capacity. The main intervention strategy is to provide community-based trainings along employment and micro-enteprise development tracks. These Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries have completed vocational courses on household services, housekeeping, massage therapy, beauty care, cookery, food processing, food and beverage services, plumbing, shielded metal arc welding, and carpentry. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human

development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children aged 0-18 years old. The beneficiaries of the program are those who are under the Listahanan (also known as the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction), a system that generates data of who and where the poor are in the Philippines. The DSWD is continuously partnering with other private organizations that are willing to provide various services for the poor in Northern Mindanao.

by Charmaine Suzette Leonore P. Tadlas


and Iligan cities in 2014, which gives psychosocial services to rehabilitated drug users and their families, and livelihood assistance and other support services to increase their economic capacities and develop their life skills. According to Merly Waban, DSWD focal person for START, there are now about 12 drug dependents who were assisted

by the DSWD under the program. “They were given various assistance such as livelihood, education, and transportation.” Having launched its pilot implementation in April 2014, the START is expected to end in October this year, and an evaluation of the program will be done by implementers to see the effectiveness and impact of the program to its beneficiaries.


ARMM climbs two ranks higher in Palarong Pambansa 2015

The Autonomous Region in Muslim

Mindanao (ARMM) finished 14th in the recently concluded 2015 Palarong Pambansa, two notches higher from its rank in the annual games last year.

The ARMM delegates bagged a total of 10 medals in the regular sports and three medals in the demonstration games. The region’s taekwondo team grabbed two gold medals, two silvers and five bronzes while the athletics team bagged another gold medal. For the demonstration game, the wushu team grabbed one silver and one bronze medal while the region’s

beach volleyball took home the gold medal. Al-Trekee Dayan, director of ARMM’s Regional Sports Coordinating Office (RSCO), attributes the slight improvement in the region’s ranking with the strong collaboration of his office with the Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM. He said intensive preparations were conducted for the athletes.


Dayan said they conducted home-based trainings for the athletes after the ARMM’s regional athletics meet on 26 February to 01 March 2015 and in-house trainings were held in Tagum City, 15 days before the actual Palaro. The RSCO also secured the athlete’s basic amenities like food, transportation, vitamins and uniforms among others. The DepEd, on the other hand, provided P3,000 allowance for each athlete. The ARMM contingent was composed of approximately 500 athletes. The head supervisors of ARMM’s five component provinces together with the RSCO and the DepEd-ARMM are currently evaluating and assessing the overall performance of the region in this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Dayan said results of the evaluation can help improve the

performance of the region in next year’s games and in other sporting events. He said ARMM aims to be in the top 10 in the next Palarong Pambansa. He also emphasized the need to inculcate to the youth the value of sports and its role in fostering peace. ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia said the regional government fully supports the programs on sports development in the region. “Sa susunod na Palaro, mas malaki ang suporta na ibibigay natin sa mga atleta. We will emphasize on the sports na may edge tayo,” she said. The 2015 Palarong Pambansa was held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on 3 to 9 May with the theme “Breaking Boarders, Building Peace”. (Bureau of Public information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)


PHOTO GALLERY

ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia discusses updates on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with the media practitioners on Monday May 11, at the Office of the Bangsamoro People in Cotabato City. Alamia once again reiterated the full support of the ARMM government to the passage of the BBL, saying that the envi-sioned Bangsamoro government would be a much stronger autonomous political institution.Also present at the event are Rasol Mitmug Jr., the ARMM governor’s chief of staff, and other ARMM officials. ( Bureau of Public Information-ARMM)

Officials and employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) show their support to the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in a short program held after the flag raising ceremony on Monday, 11 May, at the ARMM compound in Cotabato City. The 75 members of the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL has began voting on the provisions of the BBL and endorsement to the plenary. ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia said the BBL is the highest expression of the right to self-determination of the Bangsamoro. (Bureau of Public Information)

Davao gymnasts’ honesty highlights Palaro closing program

DAVAO DEL NORTE- Al-though none of them got medals in their sports, three Davao Eagles gymnasts were spotlighted on Sat-urday (May 9) during closing program of the Palarong Pambasa 2015 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tour-ism Complex for their act of honesty. Brian Albert Buhi-an, Janliver Estabaya and Louie Villacorte Jr. received a commenda-tion from the provincial government of Davao del Norte enlarged and sealed in a frame along with computer tablets from Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo Del Rosa-rio for returning P50,000 cash, which they found outside the billeting quarters, Tagum National High School on April 18. “They are proof that Sports really teaches honesty among other ad-mirable virtues,” Gov. del Rosario said.

Department of Edu-cation Assistant Secre-tary Tonisito Umali added that the children showed that attitude is more important in the sporting event. “Talent is not enough to win games but what is more important is that you should have great attitude,” ASec Umali said. The said cash was allocated as allowances for their fellow athletes in the Davao Region del-egation coming from Panabo City. (PIA11, Mi-chael Uy)


DFA conducts special passport service in Panabo

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte- Nearly 100 Panaboans benefited from the special passporting activ-ity conducted by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in partner-ship with Panabo Public Employ-ment Service Office (PESO). “This is a yearly activity that caters new passport application and renewal, one of the priority projects of Mayor James Gamao to aid resi-dents who want to work or travel abroad”, said Panabo PESO Manager Cherelle Espinosa. “Applicants have to submit their documents in the office a week be-fore the activity for pre-evaluation so that they may experience faster and smooth processing during the pass-porting day”, she added. Documents are evaluated in the PESO before the applicants will

proceed to the DFA Min-danao Office in Ecoland, Davao City. “This is my first time to apply for a passport so I grabbed this opportu-nity because I heard that that is it is more conve-nient. I am preparing for work abroad,” said Mela-nie Vistal, 21. Gloria Alilin, 69, a retired government em-ployee, said that she is happy with the service,

being in the first batch to finish the processing as early as eleven o’clock in the morning. She added that she is grateful that anytime after 30 working days, her passport will be ready in case her daughter living abroad will invite her for vacation. Espinosa revealed that they are preparing to conduct more special passporting activities this year and for the coming years. (Erick Etis - CIO / LGU – Panabo)

Bohol lawyer makes 1st solo swim of Sarangani Bay

GLAN, Sarangani, May 13 – A Bohol-based lawyer fought strong currents Sunday (May 10) in the first-ever solo swim of Sarangani Bay from Maasim to Sumbang Point.

Atty. Ingemar Macarine covered a dis-tance of 12.95 kilometers in 5:55 hours. He said it was one of his most difficult swims.

Strong currents kept pulling him off course so he had to change direction more than 16 times.

“I cried when I reached Sumbang Point because in swimming there is a possibility that you cannot reach your target,” Maca-rine said.

Sumbang Point is a place in Glan where Spanish navigator Ruy Lopez de Villalobos sailed in 1543 in search for provisions ac-cording to historical accounts.

“He said he felt that however strong he swam, the current is too strong,” said Tres Besana, videographer of Sarangani In-formation Office.

The average speed of Macarine, a pio-neer in solo channel swimming in the Philip-pines, was 2.65 kph with a brief stop every 30 minutes for energy drink or feeding. Af-ter covering 6.79 kilometers in 3 hours, his speed increased to 2.40 kph.

He constantly used freestyle and had no difficulty with his swimming techniques. He was calm and seemed just like practicing


throughout the course.Despite finishing the swim at

Sumbang Point instead of the original route in barangay Tan-go, a few kilometers away, Ma-carine still considers this swim a successful one because his in-tention was really to swim from Maasim to any point in Glan.

Atty. Macarine started the swim by reading the Bible and by praying.

While swimming, he said, he kept repeating Psalm 23 in his mind, and the thought of his wife and kids waiting for him to finish at the other side of the bay.

He was escorted by two boats. A small one carrying his navigator and a bigger boat loaded with press people, rescue team and staff of the Provincial Capitol.

His swim was meant to pro-mote tourism in Sarangani Bay and for clean seas and beaches.

“The swim this morning was my own little way of contribut-ing to the Sarbay tourism of your province,” he said.

“Thank you to the provincial government especially to Gover-nor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Ma’am Michelle Solon for spon-soring the swim. Without your


support, this event would not have been made possible.”

Sarangani Bay’s strong cur-rents have been bugging swim-mers who join Sarbay Festival’s Swim-Across-the-Bay Competi-tion each year.

The fastest time logged is 3:36:46 hours achieved in 2014. This swim relay of five members is one of the most awaited events of Sarbay , which will be held on May 15-16 this year.

The Swim-across-the-Bay is a brainchild of former Sarangani agriculture chief and marine bi-ologist Giuseppe Chew.

“When I made my suggestion to the floor when we had our first meeting to conduct the Sa-rangani Bay Festival, everyone was laughing at me,” Chew said. “The suggestion was almost killed.”

Chew said the Swim-across-the-Bay “turned out to be the best activity then and highly successful.”

He said it is “the longest open ocean swimming competition in the Philippines and probably in Asia.”

“Who would ever believe his-toric Sarangani Bay (mentioned in Antonio Pigafetta’s epic jour-nal of Magellan’s expedition),

the deepest bay in the Philip-pines, can be conquered with human prowess?” Chew said.

Michelle Solon, chair of Saran-gani Provincial Tourism Council and Region XII Tourism Council hope that the solo swim Of Atty. Macarine would bring more at-tention to Sarbay.

“Atty. Macarine has his ad-vocacies. He is advocating for clean seas. We in Sarangani have the same objective,” Solon said.

In 2006, then Board Member Rommel Tomas Falgui authored a resolution at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan making Sarangani Bay Festival a tool for environ-mental awareness.

Governor Solon echoed the advocacy of Macarine and noted that Sarangani Bay is a pro-tected seascape through Presi-dential Decree 756 declared in 1996.

“We are happy that the advo-cacy of Atty. Macarine is also for clean seas, clean waters, clean beaches and the protection of the environment,” the governor added.

A Surigaonon by birth, Atty. Macarine is now based in Tubi-gon, Bohol. He is currently the Election Officer of the Municipal-ity of Tubigon.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, May 13 – City Population Management Of-fice (CPMO) head Judith Janiola said everything is set for the 2nd Gensan Summer Youth Festival.

Gensan gathers youth for summer fest

He has finished at least four marathons and four triathlons here and abroad.

Atty. Macarine is the first Fili-pino to swim from Alcatraz Is-land Penitentiary to San Francis-co City, California, USA (2.7km in 1hour on April 7, 2014).

Before his Sarangani Bay swim, the latest in his 10 long-distance swimming feats was the Santa Fe, Bantayan Island to San Remigio, Mainland Cebu swim with a distance of 19.99 km in 7 hours and 45 minutes last April 12, 2015. The swim was to promote climate change

awareness and tourism in San Remigio.

Atty. Macarine follows the Marathon Swimming Federation Rules (such as no floating aids of whatever kind, regular swim suits only, and no physical con-tact with another human being or with the boats).

Among his future plans is a solo swim of the 10km-San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge on May 22, 2015. (MCosep and BPaoyon-Saran-gani Information Office/DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)

Janiola said, all departments have been busy for the past months in preparing for the events and activities for the youth festival.

“We have constantly been preparing for this since last year. Things were not always smooth for us because we have to settle the budget, events,

and participants,” Janiola said. “But I am assured that we are now ready.”

The City Population Manage-ment Office, City Economic Man-agement and Cooperative De-velopment Office, Youth Affairs Division Office, and Integrated Barangay Affairs are the main departments and offices tasked


by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to organize the Gensan Summer Youth Festival.

These offices have already fi-nalized the schedules of the dif-ferent events for the festival.

Some of the featured activi-ties are the Youth Camp (May 12 – 15), Balay Tinun-anan (May 13 – 14), Hinabang Cara-van (May 13 – 14), It’s Gensan Now Tour (May 13 – 14), and U4U (May 12 – 15).

A neon fun run highlighted the event’s opening on May 11.

A series of night parties and shows in the Oval Plaza will also be taking place, starting May 12 to 14, to enliven the Gensan Summer Youth Festival.

Food stalls managed by youth entrepreneurs have already been installed at the Oval Pla-za. Mayor Rivera included this scheme in the Gensan Summer Youth Festival to encourage the youth to develop their skills in entrepreneurship.

“While they are away from school, we can teach them to do business and learn how to earn from it. In this way, they can create opportunities on their own,” Mayor Rivera said.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office will deploy personnel to the plaza

to maintain the cleanness of the area while the safety of the participants is assured the Phil-ippine National Police, Joint Task Force Gensan, and the City Se-curity Unit.

Personnel from the City Disas-ter Risk Reduction and Manage-ment Office will also be mobi-lized in case of emergency.

“We really want this (Gensan Summer Youth Festival) to tran-spire here in the city so that we can give the opportunity for our youth to participate in many ex-citing events, plus, giving them the chance to develop their skills,” Mayor Rivera explained.

He also revealed that plans for institutionalizing Gensan Summer Youth Festival as one of the city’s regular annual festi-vals is underway.

If this happens, Gensan Sum-mer Youth Festival will be listed under the annual festivals that the city celebrates such as Ka-lilangan, Tuna Festival, Yaman Gensan, and Paskuhan sa Gen-san. (IJ Lagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Butuan dad bares Vision 2020 updatesBy: Daisy Jane M. Apit

BUTUAN CITY - City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., MD bared on Tuesday the progress on the Vision 2020 during the Balik Butuan, the Grand Reunion at Brgy. Baan, this city. “In a span of one and a half years, the vision of everyone, our vision, Vision 2020 had already taken a leap in the city’s journey to become a model of sustainable development. Butuan had been tagged as the fastest Public Governance System (PGS) achiever. Through this, we believe that by 2020, our city will have


the highest per capita growth in Mindanao or even in the whole Philippines,“ Mayor Amante said. He added that among the nine local government units which adapted the PGS of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), the city is the youngest member. The said vision was made to create the city as an agent of resilient environmentally sound economic growth and development. It had combated the city’s issues on food and water security, environment conservation, eco-tourism, renewable energy source, livelihood opportunities, climate change adaptation and poverty reduction. The mayor also disclosed the city’s breakthrough goals which included growing and nurturing 5 billion trees by June

2015; establishing of four forest parks through public-private cooperation by June 2015, which the master plans and transformation of the dumpsites to eco-park with the aid of PhilHealth-Butuan had already taken actions; and organizing farmers for the integrated cacao seedlings farming to 1,000 hectares city land. “Butuan had also received the silver trailbrazer award for its development proficiency at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) last May 4 and this coming November, we are still waiting for the results of the evaluation made for the Island of good governance rating for us to be included in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC),” Mayor Amante said.


According to DTI Agusan del Sur provincial director Lolita Dorado, the distribution should have taken place last month so that the program should have been implemented earlier but because of late arrival of some weigh scales, it took place only today. In his message, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said he was glad

that the DTI had brought the program into action because aside from increasing prices of basic commodities that confront the people, many businessmen are taking advantage of cheating the consumers through uncalibrated weigh scales. “This is a very good move by the Congress and the DTI in order to support, protect and

DTI intensifies consumer protection, turns over 30 calibrated weigh scales in AgSur By: David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Some 69 youth identified to become frontline volunteers in times of calamities convened recently at the covered court here in order to gain the skills designed for them to become effective in extending their roles in times of calamities thus, realizing the aim to have zero casualty and less damages on properties.


promote the general welfare of the consumers against unscrupulous businessmen. I am calling all of you who are here, the Bantay Presyo group, and all Agusanons to support and help the initiators of the project so that it will really serve the purpose. For those who are recipients of these weigh scales, please dedicate few of your precious time in checking the condition of the weigh scales so that they will last longer than expected. I also hope that this will serve as initial tools for more calibrated scales to be used so that our unscrupulous businessmen will have their lessons,” Gov. Plaza said. For Talacogon Mayor Jesryl Masendo, he said that it is not the monetary value that matter most in the distribution of the weigh scales but it is the message that it delivers. “It is not how much the weigh scales cost but the message that it delivers to the businessmen. The message says, “you have to be honest from now on to sell good and efficient product commodities to your customers, or your bad practices will return to you,” Mayor Masendo said.

Bayugan City received four timbangans, Bunawan two,

Esperanza two, La Paz one, Loreto one, Prosperidad three, Rosario two, San Francisco five, San Luis one, Sibagat two, Sta. Josefa three, Talacogon one, Trento two and Veruela one with a total of 30 timbangans for the entire province. The Timbangan ng Bayan is a government project initiated by the House of Representatives through House Bill No. 874, (An Act providing for the establishment of a Timbangan ng Bayan center in all public markets nationwide). The approved budget of the project is P42.7 million.


The PDRA is a process to evaluate a particular hazard’s characteristics and its impact to the population. It also further determines the appropriate level of response of corresponding actions from concerned agencies,

LGUs, and other stakeholders. On August 18, 2014, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued Memorandum Circular 17 calling for the institutionalization of the PDRA

SurSur Local DRRM members attend PDRA orientation

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) officers from the two cities and 17 municipalities with some members of the Provincial DRRM council in Surigao del Sur convened recently for a one-day Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) orientation held in this city.

By: Grace Barcena


in all concerned agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to include the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) to include the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau (MGB) and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA); and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD). The issued memorandum circular shall apply accordingly to all the DRRM councils and other agencies concerned that are responsible for execution of preventive and mitigating measures into preparedness and emergency preparedness activities, said Catedral.

Isabela City OSYs showcase skills, talents at Peace-ta(han) Youth Summit By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan– Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) from the 22 barangays of Isabela City in Basilan converged Friday at Farmland Resort in Lanote, this city for the one-day Peace-ta(han) Youth Summit. Robinson Wee, youth development specialist of the Education D e v e l o p m e n t Center (EDC) called the OSY as out-of-school youths no more, but “OutStanding Youth” now as they have completed

the technical skills training, some of TESDA, others are EDC-led short course skills training programs, and some are continuing education with the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd).


Wee acknowledged and thanked the different partner-agencies and organizations which formed the Out-of-School Youth Development Alliance (OSYDA) and helped the youth achieve a level of competency in their chosen field. The Peace-ta(han) Youth Summit last May 8 was the gathering of 346 young people from Isabela City that showcased their skills, knowledge, and friendship towards contributing to the establishment of peaceful communities. The Summit was also an opportunity for the youth

to have demonstrated what they learned from DepEd’s Acceleration and Equivalency/Basic Literacy program and skills training courses by participating in the knowledge and skills demonstration. The activity offered seven thematic sessions in which young people can participate such as skills demonstration on bread and pastry and food processing, Peace Advocacy through painting, music and song-writing, dance, novelty recycling, project proposal writing, and Quiz Bowl for ALS students. Speaking on behalf of the


OSYDA chairperson, former city councilor Nur Ladjagais said that as always, Mayor Cherry Akbar has a heart for the youth and “she wants to see our young people generate good education and be able to acquire and be productive to become part of our community development and be our first partners.” “She wants to congratulate those in the front lines for being instruments to catering to the youth to become part of our development process and not only for Isabela City but all throughout the province

of Basilan,” Ladjagais added. At the closing ceremony, the participants of each thematic grouping have displayed their output and thematic facilitators have awarded the best output so far from each thematic grouping. Moreover, EDC has awarded livelihood starter kits worth P98 thousand and distributed to NC-II holders. This include 2 welding machines, gloves, masks for NC-II passers in welding; 2 ovens, utensils, electric beater, etc. for bread and pastry; 2 burners and cooking utensils for


food processing; and 2 sewing machines and measuring tools for dressmaking. For dressmaking in Baluno, the office of the city mayor gave out 4 rolls of fabric and some zippers, tailor chalk, pins, needles, garter, and thread with a total worth of more than P12 thousand. Peace-ta(han) Youth

Summit was made possible with the funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev) program, which is managed by EDC in partnership with OSYDA and the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc.

SSS encourages OFWs to make saving a priority thru Flexi-fund Program By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY, (PIA) - The Social Security System (SSS)-Zamboanga encourages Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to make saving a priority for their future needs or to mitigate loss of income once they come home. With the SSS Flexi-fund Program, OFWs are guaranteed to an exclusive safe investment, risk-free vehicle design primarily for them and their family’s future. Flexi-Fund allows OFW SSS members to prepare for the future by encouraging saving

while they are employed overseas. The Flexi Fund, which is an innovation for OFW’s financial security, is a mechanism where an OFW can save more for the future by paying an amount aside from the regular monthly SSS premium.


It requires at least P200.00 paid in excess of current maximum salary credit of P16, 000.00. Entitlements from the fund are added on top of the regular membership benefits. The program is tax-free and members could avail of the fund as early as three years after membership date, or choose to leave the fund intact until the members retire. The members may also have the following options as to the utilization of the fund: avail of the accumulated balance in the provident fund to meet their financial needs; apply for early withdrawals to finance housing, education, or capital for business; hold the fund until retirement age, which can be drawn in the form of monthly pension, or a lump sum payment or both. In addition, all OFWs can be members to the SSS Flexi-fund Program with the following conditions: they were recruited in the Philippines by a foreign-based

employer for employment abroad; having a source of income in a foreign country; or residing permanently in a foreign country. A member who has reached 60 years of age is entitled to a retirement benefit, and upon the death of a pensioner, the beneficiary shall receive a lump sum benefit equivalent to the cash value of the remaining pension. Any member can also withdraw his contributions to the fund including interest anytime. Per data provided by the SSS, registered voluntary member OFWs as of 2014 was 1,028,252 but only an estimated 443,000 or 32.4% are paying SSS premiums and receiving benefits and based on the 2013 Philippine Statistics Authority’s survey, only two of every five OFWs are able to save from their cash remittances, thus the need of the OFWs to save or start saving for their financial security.