one mindanao - may 16, 2013

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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 & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII Thelma B. Olivar Regional Director, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

‘Banig’ weaving—entwining tradition with art

Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, May 16, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 185

page 4

Palace sees winning governors from opposition to support government reform agenda 8

DOST 10 scholars now in summer classes 15

Iligan City’s midterm elections 2013 generally peaceful, says PNP Iligan chief

Surigao Norte celebrates 112th founding anniversary

DA 12 uses geo-tagging to monitor development projects 14

21Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Aurell P. Arais, Caraga Region

University on the Air Program for Corn Production soon to be heard in Caraga Region 19

Lorry V. Gabule, Northern Mindanao

Teresita S. Baluyos, Northern Mindanao

Aurell P. Arais, Caraga Region

28

6 10 12 18 26 31

Guiani re-elected as mayor of Cotabato City Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao29OSPC major players convened to address plight of displaced personsAlma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao32

Thursday, May 16, 20134

Tikog (Fimbristylis utilis), belongs to the grass family. It has been popular as an excellent material for weaving quality mats which are abundant in most areas of Bukidnon. It is one of the indigenous materials also used in making handbags as alternative for plastic shopping bags.

In Barangay Can-ayan, some

five kilometers northeast of Malaybalay city proper, old women spend the day weaving “banig” inside their huts while their husbands prepare the “tikog” materials they will use. With its lush colors and attractive designs, the mats made in Can-ayan is the most ubiquitous in town.

Enhancing weavers’ skills

In order to help enhance weavers’ skills with new techniques, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry here conducted series of trainings in selected towns involving farmers’ cooperatives and women’s organizations.

‘Banig’ weaving—entwining tradition with art

Banig” (sleeping mat) weaving is an old cottage industry

in the province’s hinterlands, with many of its villages engaged in the craft using the reed locally known as ‘tikog’.

CoVer StoRy

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Thursday, May 16, 2013 5

Some of the beneficiaries are the Impasug-ong Women’s Organization, the Dahilayan Farmers’ Multi-purpose cooperative in Manolo Fortich and the Pigtauranan Rural Improvement Club of Pangantucan. The program follows through basic skills trainings, product development and marketing, dyeing techniques and product designs resulting to an improved product line tailored to the contemporary market trends.

Augmenting family income

Many trained women are busy weaving mats that they would later sell in town to augment income of their spouses. Others sell their mats to entrepreneurs who would bring them to be sold in neighboring towns and provinces. Designs of the ‘banig’ feature irregular arrangements of geometric forms set off in different colors. But the usual designs are checkered and embroidered. The sizes also vary.

Keeping the tradition alive

Craft tradition handed down from generation to generation bind people to their past and connect them to their future. ‘Banig’ weaving combine utilitarian role with aesthetic beauty, entwining their makers to the community and their people. For Teresita Sumagaysay, a ‘tikog’ mat weaver from San Jose village in San Fernando town, carrying on this art form is not just a way to connect with her family. It is also a way to keep a tradition alive.

Sumagaysay explained that ‘banig’ weaving is some sort of a magic charm pinned with hard work, determination, and patience. “I saw that there were decreasing numbers of people interested in doing our tribal crafts. But I love this work because this is one way in making use of the flourishing ‘tikog’ reeds we have in our forests and keep my traditional craft alive,” she said.

6Thursday, May 16, 2013

ACROSS THE NATION

The government’s quest to provide quality education for all Filipino students remains a top priority as it continues to introduce reforms and programs designed to uplift and improve the delivery of knowledge and learning of

schools, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.

Speaking to authors, co-authors, development partners, the steering committee and technical working group, teachers and students after signing into law Republic Act No. 10533 otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act or the K to 12 Basic Education Program in Malacanang, the President

said that since he assumed Office in 2010, his Administration has been working towards creating quality education for Filipino students.

He said by steadily increasing the budget for education and by fully supporting scholarship programs such as the Training for Work Scholarship

President Aquino says government remains focused in providing quality education for Filipino students


Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as well as implementing the Public Higher Education Roadmap of the Commission on Higher Education, teachers, students and schools are now better-equipped to impart and receive lessons.

“Totoo po na hindi nalilihis ang tutok natin sa pagsusulong ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Mula nang tayo’y manungkulan, taon-taon nating inaangat ang budget ng basic education. Sa katunayan mula sa mahigit 161 billion pesos na budget noong 2010, naitaas na natin ito sa mahigit 232 billion pesos ngayong 2013,” the President said.

“Sa Technical Education naman, nariyan ang Industry Based Training for Work Scholarship Program ng TESDA, na may higit sa 150,900 scholars nang hinasa at natulungan sa pamumuno ni Joel Villanueva,” he added.

“Samantala, para sa ating mga state universities and colleges, umaarangkada na ang Public Higher Education Roadmap ng CHED na ang isa sa mga layunin ay paunlarin ang mga pasilidad panturo ng ating mga State Universities and Colleges,” the President said.

HE pointed out that under the helm of Education Secretary Armin Luistro,

the textbook and table and chair gap has been already addressed while the classroom shortage of 66,800 will be fully complied with by the end of 2013.

“Walang duda: ang K to 12 Act ay bunga ng ating patuloy na pagsisikap na itulak ang makabuluhan at positibong reporma hindi lang sa sistemang pang-edukasyon sa ating bansa, kundi maging sa lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan. Ito’y tagumpay na sumasalamin sa ating nagkakaisang hangarin na mamuhunan sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman—ang mamamayang Pilipino. Patunay ito sa isang panata: na walang maiiwan sa pagtahak natin sa landas tungo sa kaginhawaan,” the President said.

“Sa ating mabuting pamamahala, abot-kamay na po ng bawat Juan at Juana de la Cruz ang mga pangarap na dati’y ‘di man lang natin matanaw. Patuloy po tayong humakbang sa iisang direksyon at sama-sama nating iangat ang ating minamahal na bayan. Sa paglalatag natin ng tamang balangkas para sa ating sistemang pang-edukasyon, nilalatag din po natin ang saligan para sa isang Pilipinas na maunlad, mapayapa, at bukal ng pagkakataon para sa bawat Pilipino,” he concluded. PND (rck)

8Thursday, May 16, 2013

In a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said they expect winning governors coming from the opposition to welcome the reform agenda of the Aquino administration because it aims

to uplift the conditions of the poor.The President campaigned

hard to rally support for the administration’s gubernatorial bets in the provinces of Laguna, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Pangasinan but

Palace sees winning governors from opposition to support government reform agenda

Malacanang expects winning local executives belonging to the opposition to support its agenda on reform and good

governance as it benefits everyone.


they lost during Monday’s election.“I think whoever will become the

governor will certainly believe in our campaign for good governance. There is no reason for them not to adhere to our program of good governance. So it will profit them as well to walk along the path of ‘tuwid na daan’,” Lacierda said when asked if they were dismayed by the loss of the administration bets in those areas.

“I’m sure they will welcome the agenda of good governance. No politician will defy any program that will support our programs for the poor, for the economic upliftment of our countrymen.”

On Tuesday, Malacanang expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections, saying the Commission on Elections and its “deputized agencies came together and did their utmost to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.”

In a statement read during his regular press briefing, Lacierda lauded the Filipino people whom he said “undertook this exercise and the right of suffrage with tenacity and good cheer.”

Comelec said nine out of the 12 seats for senators are from the ruling party—the Liberal Party, also known as Team Pnoy.

Lacierda said the strong showing of Team Pnoy “is a renewed mandate

for tuwid na daan, and a vote of confidence for good governance, the continuity of reforms, and a brighter future to come.” PND (as)


MinDA assures support for DA’s rice export program

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has assured the support of the agency to the rice export program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Romeo Montenegro, MinDA communications officer, said the need to improve further the infrastructure in Mindanao to fast-track its export potential which is currently one of the

policy advocacies of the MinDA.Montenegro announced this during

the ceremonial sendoff of another three-ton shipment of black, red and brown rice to Hong Kong from the


MinDA assures support for DA’s rice export program

Don Bosco Multi-purpose Cooperative in M’lang, North Cotabato held at the Tefasco Wharf in Panacan, Davao City this Wednesday morning.

The sendoff was attended by Agriculture Undersecretary Dante Delima, regional director of the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) Amalia Jayag-Datukan, regional technical director of DA 11 Dr. Rafael Mercado, and the officers and members of the Don Bosco MPC.

Jayag-Datukan cited the effort of the farmers, irrigators and the DA 12 for the realization of the national rice program which gears towards rice sufficiency and export of premium rice.

She said the premium rice exportation is a way for government to balance its rice importation which falls under its commitment to the World Trade O r g a n i z a t i o n (WTO).

Jayag-Datukan said the colored rice is expensive even if it is sold and available in the local market because it is healthy and

nutritious.She expected more rice exports in

the coming days from South Cotabato via Makar Wharf in General Santos City.

“It is great to see that we are now exporting a Filipino food,” Jayag-Datukan said.

The activity was preceded by the ceremonial sending off led by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at the Manila Harbor Center on May 6, 2013 of the 35 metric tons of aromatic and organic black rice to Dubai.

The black rice weighing 15 metric tons was also produced by the farmers of M’lang, North Cotabato. (PNA)


New elected officers proclaimed in CdeOby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Board of Canvassers after reaching 96.94% election returns finally decided on Tuesday, May 14, night to proclaim new elected leaders here.


For City Mayor, incumbent Misamis Oriental governor Oscar S. Moreno won the race with 109,886 votes over incumbent city mayor Vicente Y. Emano with 92, 033 and other candidates namely Elmer B. Francisco with 582, Jasper F. Uy 479, Jerremiah J. Agbong 259, Suipicio B. Illana 234 and Laurence Edgardo A. Del Puerto 191. The slot for 1st district representative here went to incumbent barangay Carmen chair Rolando A. Uy with 48, 026 votes against second highest rival former representative Jose Benjamin A. Benaldo with 27, 482 votes and other candidates particularly Constantino G. Jaraula with 10, 195, Alvin R. Calingin with 6,248 and Ricarte A. Nagac with 226. Meanwhile Rufus B. Rodriguez was re-elected for the 2nd district here with 87, 071 votes against rivals Ian Mark Q. Nacaya with 18, 963, Eric P. Saarenas 335 and Leodegario A. Lagrimas 216. For vice-mayor, incumbent vice-mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas was re-elected in the city against contenders Edgar S. Cabanlas, Ofelio Z. Sabud and Ramil U. Sia. Atty. Palmer P. Palamine, city election officer and acting chairman of the city board of election canvassers here checked and re-checked transmitted election returns from all barangays before making such proclamation. According to him, the remaining four compact flash (CF) cards that could not be read in the canvassing and

consolidation system (CCS) because of technical malfunction could not and will not affect the result. However, he assured everyone and parties involved that they will continue to manually audit them and finish counting today. He reiterated Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution 9700, wherein municipal, city, provincial, district and regional boards of canvassers may proclaim winning candidates on the basis of the last “grouped canvass report” generated by the CCS even if not all results are received, provided that the standing of candidates will not be affected by the results not yet transmitted to and received by the CCS without prejudice and ranking of the winning candidates. City councilors will be proclaimed later as soon as they finish manual audit and ranking, according to Atty. Palamine.


Iligan City’s midterm elections 2013 generally peaceful, says PNP Iligan chief

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The midterm elections in Iligan City was generally peaceful according to a police official here.

by Lorry V. Gabule

P/SSupt. Cristeto Rey Gonzalodo, acting city director of the Philippine National Police here, said close coordination with partners like the Philippine Army-2nd Mechanized Brigade in securing the area, and the support of the Commission on Elections in the implementation of election guidelines, rules and election bans have resulted in fair and orderly here. The police had an augmenting force of 32 policemen from the

Regional Police Office 10, backed by national support unit. “We established a police assistance center in every school where precincts have been put up as voting center in the city proper and in the hinterlands, as well,” Gonzalodo said. “We also intensified the Roving Mobile Patrol and the Quick Response Teams composed of ICPO elements and the Safety Company. Stand-by reserved teams have been advised on call as the need arises.”

The support of the Special Action Force composed of eight for every team, has also made our security strong, in coordination with our five (5) Police Station Precincts of the city. During the canvassing, four (4) teams have been deployed to secure the area at the Sangguniang Panglungsod session hall, city hall.


DOST 10 scholars now in summer classesby Teresita S. Baluyos

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Incoming DOST scholars from Region 10 are undergoing summer classes beginning May 6 up to June 1.

The 30-day program is being held at Mindanao University of Science and Technology this city and at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City. This Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP) is designed to increase the knowledge and skills of DOST scholars in English, Mathematics and Physics. It also aims to prepare them in their adjustment to college life and to imbue in them the proper study habits and other techniques that will lead to their success. The refresher course focuses in four areas -- Basic English (Grammar, Usage and Technical Writing), College Mathematics (Algebra, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry), Physics, and

Psycho-social Skills Development. A corresponding allowance is to be given to the scholars for the summer program. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gives out about 4,000 college science scholarship slots every year for those who wish to pursue careers in science and technology. For this year, Region 10 has 149 new scholars added to the existing scholars who are now enrolled in DOST-accredited colleges and universities all over the Philippines. For more information email or call Tess Superioridad Baluyos at [email protected]/09277559972.


Photo Gallery: Election 2013

Senior citizens are given the privilege to vote in a timely manner through the express lanes provided by the Commission on Elections at City Central School.

Voters with precinct assignments at City Central School take their exit-- assisted by peace and order volunteers, as they cast their votes at around 10AM.


Election in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental is generally peaceful according to the latest update. There are 18 PCOS machines fixed and resolved, 8 are advised to replace and 6 PCOS not functioning. Casting of votes is still ongoing despite technical breakdown.

Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) are checking their list to make sure eligible voters can vote at West City Central School, brgy. Carmen Cagayan de Oro City.


Ecleo mom re-elected, defeats daughter by slim margin in Dinagat Islands

BUTUAN CITY -- incumbent Glenda Ecleo edged out daughter Geraldine in the local polls to remain governor of Dinagat Islands.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by Fryan E. Abkilan

The elder Ecleo, who ran under the Nacionalista Party, was proclaimed winner on Tuesday, May 14.

She got 23,385 votes against her daughter’s 22,760.

Public Information Officer Rosario Roxas said Geraldine, who is the incumbent vice governor and the Liberal Party bet, conceded 11 a.m. yesterday.

Photo Credit: Rappler


The radio course will be carried out through the expertise of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (Rafid) with support of its “farmcasters” from the local government units (LGU).

Last April 16-18, a series of

mass briefing and enrollment was conducted in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and in Butuan City.

Around 500 farmer-students were officially enrolled in the program in the whole region.

University on the Air Program for Corn Production soon to be heard in Caraga Region

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands -- Recognizing the power of radio, the AgriPinoy Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture-Caraga will conduct the University on the Air (UOA) on White Corn Production.

by Aurell P. Arais


The UOA on White Corn Production will be aired one hour per week from June to August 2013.

Enrolled farmers will just need to tune in to the radio program and learn the lesson based on the course module to be discussed on air.

The program will be anchored by the respective “farmcasters” with support of the LGU-based corn coordinators.

Outstanding farmer-students will be selected based on their class performance and examinations. They will be recognized during the mass graduation tentatively set this September.

During the enrollment,

Rafid OIC Rebecca Atega said that radio is the cheapest means of communication and is a powerful tool in disseminating the right technology by reaching target audiences even in the remotest place.

Caraga AgriPinoy Corn Program Coordinator Abel Wagas also expressed optimism that the UOA on

White Corn Production could help improve farming practices.

White corn is being advocated for human consumption as identified under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program.


This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Celebrating our Rich Heritage and Sustaining the Gains of Development Onwards - Ang Bag-ong Surigao.”

Series of activities will be conducted to showcase the rich history and culture of Surigaonon as well as its natural bounties.

The activity kicked off this

morning with a motorcade around the city. It was followed by a Eucharistic Mass at the Provincial Sports Complex.

Other activities lined up for today’s celebration include an anniversary dinner in honor of great Surigaonons, agri-aqua skills competition, trade fair and recognition of outstanding farmers and fishers.

Surigao Norte celebrates 112th founding anniversary

SURIGAO CITY -- The provincial government of Surigao del Norte will celebrate its 112th founding anniversary dubbed “One Surigao” today.

by Aurell P. Arais

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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Help continues for the recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) even as they “graduate” from the national government’s conditional cash grant, government officials here assured.

CCT beneficiaries assured of aid after “graduation” from 4PsBy Danilo E. Doguiles

From December this year until April 2014, cash grants for almost 14,000 households under the CCT program’s Set 1 and 2 in Soccsksargen Region would cease as they complete the five-year duration as beneficiaries.

Set 1 is comprised of 2,253 households in Maasim and 3,664 in Malapatan both in Sarangani province. They will graduate from the program in December.

Set 2, which includes 4,166 households in Lake Sebu and 3,850


in T’boli in South Cotabato as well as 2,757 Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat province, will follow in April 2014.

“We do not want that these families would return to their former state as the poorest of the poor after they have graduated from 4Ps,” said Gemma Rivera, assistant regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

To ensure this, she added, DSWD is strengthening partnership with national government agencies as well as non-government organizations and other stakeholders that could provide the needed interventions that could further help elevate the socio-economic conditions of the 4PS members.

Early this month, DSWD 12 signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment- 12 in a bid to complement programs specifically for the 4Ps beneficiaries.

Through this MOU, she said “ DOLE and its attached agencies will provided our Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries economic activities, which could include but not limited to livelihood and skills development.”

On her part, DOLE 12 regional director Ofelia Domingo said the agency “commits to this partnership by providing financial assistance to workers’ association or members who would like to avail of our services especially those who have

small enterprises or business and help their businesses prosper.”

“Our partnership with DSWD signifies our strong commitment to help poor families improve from their current situation and become empowered part of the community,” she added.

Meanwhile, senior labor officer Willie Concepcion, also of DOLE 12, explained further that they intend to organize 4Ps families into organizations link with DOLE through project proposals that the agency could fund.

Apart from DOLE, three other NGAs and a transport group have also signified cooperation for the 4Ps families.

These include the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-12, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 12, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 12 as well as the Koronadal City-based United Transport Operators and Drivers Servicing Cooperative (UTODCO).

TESDA 12 Regional Director Zeus Ampuyas said, they could carry out Cash for Training Program (C4TP) particularly for 4Ps families.

“The training program will include allowances and training services on employable skills based on the existing needs of the families,” he said.

BFAR 12 Director Ambutong Pautong they would also provide livelihood opportunities pertaining


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Progress and status of development projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 implemented under the Mindanao Rural Development Program - Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) could soon be accessed using the worldwide web.

to fisheries and aquaculture. Maasim and Malapatan are coastal towns while Lake Sebu is popular for its tilapia products.

DTI’s contributions would focus on training the beneficiaries in developing and managing

microenterprises, Director Ibrahim Guiamadel said.

Nestor Lumawig, president of UTODCO said their group could train interested members of 4Ps families in diving as employable skills. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

DA 12 uses geo-tagging to monitor development projectsBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Recently, the DA 12 gathered municipal focal persons of local government units implementing MRDP-CFAD projects for a seminar

workshop on geo-tagging.Geo-tagging is a web-based

technology the MRDP has employed to promote efficient management


COTABATO CITY -- Japal Guiani Jr. is given a fresh mandate as local chief executive of Cotabato City.

of community-driven projects in remote and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao

It involves a process of marking video, photo, short messaging service and other media with location-specific information such as geographic coordinates.

Location-based news and other media feeds can also be created with geo-tags by combining applications like Google Maps with geo-tagged blogs, news articles and photo-hosting sites.

Information on latitude and longitude coordinates, distance, accuracy data, names of places and others can also be added on media files.

The technology has recently gained popularity with the increased use of internet-capable mobile devices.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said, they are currently working on the immediate

implementation of the technology among local government units, project implementers and partners.

Training of the more than 80 focal persons focused mainly on the use of the geo-tagging technology and apply this in monitoring the status and progress of the projects implemented in Soccsksargen Region.

The technology is also useful to avoid duplication as well as implementation of very similar projects within an area.

The official added that more trainings on the use of geo-tagging are expected soon in preparation for the implementation of the MRDP’s “expanded version,” the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) in August, this year.

Earlier, the World Bank commended MRDP for its use of geo-tagging technology in monitoring of projects. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Guiani re-elected as mayor of Cotabato CityBy Danilo E. Doguiles

City board of canvasser assistant chairman Johnny Balawag, proclaimed Guiani as winner of the mayoralty raise here at the adjournment of the canvassing around 6 p.m. yesterday.

Guiani garnered 25,685 votes against opponent former mayor Mus-

limin Sema who got 22,545 votes.Former councilor Abdullah Andang

was also proclaimed vice mayor.Nine councilors were also declared

winners, namely: Nasser Graham Du-mama, Madatu Datumanong, Kusain Taha, Sukarno Sema, Fred Ridao,


Cristina Chua, Jojo Cortez, and Popoy Formento.

Proclamation of the tenth member of the city council was suspended until the issue on the failure of election in Barangay Tamontaka 4 is resolved.

On the 10th and 11th positions are candidates Bruce Matabalao with 14,896 votes and Perry Palacala with 14,866, as of 5:30 p.m. yesterday.

Balawag said, with 30 votes dif-ference between them, placement of both candidates could still be affect-ed when COMELEC decides to hold a special election in Tamontaka.

Election paraphernalia, including official ballots, for Tamontaka 4 were inadvertently delivered to Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao.

Tamontaka 4 has 932 registered voters.

Acting city election officer Parok Asira said he has already re-ported failure of election in the barangay to COMELEC Cen-tral Office but could not ascer-tain whether a special election will be conduct-ed in the area nor the exact date of this spe-cial election.

“The deci-sion on the con-duct of a special election in areas declared with failure of elec-

tion rests on the Comelec en banc,” he explained.

In an interview this morning, Gui-ani, thanked the residents of Cotaba-bato for their support and trust. This is Guiani’s second term as mayor of Cotabato City.

“For my second term we will focus on peace and order as well as unite the members of the Sangguniang Pan-glungsod who should work together to for the benefit of the residents of the city,” Guiani said.

One of the most contentious is-sues during the campaign period was of Cotabato being listed among the poorest in the Philippines.

“We will also try to improve the im-age of the city in terms of collection of taxes; we will address the needs of businesses here,” he added. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)


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This was the message of Western Mindanao police director, Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño Jr. to all policemen in the region,

as he expressed satisfaction over the overall performance of the entire police force in helping make the midterm elections orderly and

Western Mindanao police chief lauds cops for Monday’s peaceful ballotingBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – “It is my great pride and honor to commend you for a job well done during the recently held 2013 midterm elections.”


OSPC major players convened to address plight of displaced persons By Alma L. Tingcang

peaceful. In a press release issued by the regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) 9, Vaño attributed the successful balloting to the men and women in uniform “who sincerely performed their election duties.” “Your efforts have immensely contributed to making the elections successful and relatively peaceful, manifesting sincere and dedicated performance of your election duties,” he said. “Despite criticisms from some sectors, we did our share in making (the elections in) Zamboanga Peninsula particularly Zamboanga City peaceful. I think we performed tremendously well,” Vaño pointed out adding, “our will and determination

must be stronger as we cannot afford to sit on our laurels and setbacks and let our guards down.” He promised to support his men if they do their job properly and, at the same time, warned those who might “cause dishonor and humiliation to the police organization” of punitive actions against them. Vaño also assured the public that he would use “all assets under him” to attain and maintain peace in the region more especially in Zamboanga City by making the police always responsive to any emergencies and needs of the community. “Any criticism leveled against the police for certain lapses will be regarded as a challenge to strive for a better police service,” Vaño concluded.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A special orientation on the government’s programs for displaced persons (DPs) and deportees from Sabah was recently conducted at Dan Mar Beach Resort in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in ZamPen Region.


Labor Communications Officer Mary Jane R. Amarado of OWWA9 said the orientation gave all major players of the One-Stop Processing Center (OSPC) for Sabah repatriates, a broader understanding on the Sabah standoff, overall national framework, vis-à-vis agency mandate and roles to better address the needs of the deportees and the DPs in accordance with Administrative Order No. 116, Series of 2005. OWWA9 Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain, head of the OSPC Special Operations in Sulu & Tawi-Tawi said that the orientation aimed to provide a holistic understanding of roles of the duty bearers in meeting a recurring problem like the Sabah displaced persons. Jumdain also noted that per A.O. No. 116, the OSPC should be led by DOLE-ARMM with the support of DOLE-9, working in accordance with the parameters of the agency mandate. Member-agencies such as the local government unit, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development , National Statistics Office, Local Civil Registrar, Philippine Red Cross, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, Philippine National Police, Task Force 62 and other concerned agencies attended the orientation. Amarado said the orientation targeted to fast track assistance to DPs and deportees needing passports and workers assistance. Regional Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, chairman of the Crisis

Management Committee, along with Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul A. Sahali of the provincial CMC thanked the Region IX and ARMM agencies for coming up with the orientation and recognized their role in addressing the problem. In attendance were Sharifa Pearlisa A. Dans, Assistant Secretary of DILG-ARMM and chair of the CMC-Coordination Center, DOLE-9 Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon representing Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano, and DOLE-ARMM Secretary Muslimin Jann A. Jakilan, who enjoined all the member-agencies to harmonize efforts to provide assistance to our Filipino workers from Sabah. Also present were Provincial Social Welfare Office representative Ms. Carmen U. Colinares, Naval Task Force Deputy Commander Col. Enrico Ramones, Department of Foreign Affairs Director Ricky Aragon, who came all the way from Manila and explained DFA’s plan to send a seven-member team to Bongao for passport issuance in coordination with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for transmittal of collections. An open forum was held tackling the nuances on passport, immigration, travel and certification requirements. Highlighting the activity was the signing of memorandum of agreement by member-agencies and duty-bearers with the commitment to perform their respective duties by extending necessary systematic welfare assistance to the Sabah deportees and DPs at the OSPC in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. (OWWA9)

one mindanao - may 16, 2013

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