one mindanao - may 17, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

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

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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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

Beautiful Cascading Waters: ‘ Experience and discover the majestic waterfalls of Iligan City!’

Lorry V. GabuleNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, May 17, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 186

page 4

Palace expects Taiwan to treat Filipino workers decently 8

Gov. Khalid Dimaporo wins re-election for third term 13

Parts of Region 9, 10 still positive for red tide

Police Regional Office 13 recalls over 400 personnel from election duties

Re-elected mayor of S. Kudarat town vows to intensify implementation of dev’t projects12

17Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

Caraga RegionParents trained to educate parents16

Mary Nathalie Soldevilla, Northern Mindanao

Vincent N. Labial, Northern Mindanao

NOEL B. NAJARRO, Caraga Region

26Montilla retains post as Tacurong City mayor Central Mindanao

272013 midterm polls in ZaNorte peaceful, says PNPAlfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

31

7 10 11 14 24 29

Friday, May 17, 20134

Together, let’s explore the charm of one of the Philippines’ promising destinations: Maria Cristina Falls is a waterfall of the Agus River on the island of Mindanao. It is sometimes called the “twin falls” as the flow is separated by a rock at the brink of the waterfall. It is a landmark of Iligan City, nicknamed the City of Majestic Waterfalls, because of the presence of 23 waterfalls

in the city. It is located 9.3 kilometers away southwest of the city proper at the boundaries of Barangays Maria Cristina, Ditucalan, and Buru-un. Well known for its natural beauty and grandeur, the 320 - feet (98 meters) high waterfall is also the primary source of electric power for the city’s industries, being harnessed by the Agus VI Hydroelectric Plant. Maria Cristina Falls is the site of National Power Corporation’s hydroelectric project that generates 70% of Mindanao’s electricity. Tinago Falls is a waterfall in Iligan City, in the southern Philippine Island of Mindanao. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Iligan, a city known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. Tinago is a Filipino term meaning “hidden”, the falls being hidden in a deep

Beautiful Cascading Waters: ‘ Experience and discover the majestic waterfalls of Iligan City!’

The best way to appreciate the City of Majestic Waterfalls is

to visit its numerous waterfalls, for Iligan City has 23 known waterfalls… Yes, Iligan is that rich with natural resources.

CoVer StoRy

By Lorry V. Gabule

Friday, May 17, 2013 5

ravine. Trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase. The falls is high, its very cold waters cascading beautifully into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters. It has an elevation of approximately 420 feet. It is 13.8 kilometers away from the city proper. Access to the falls is through the Iligan Tinago Mountain Resort, managed by the City Tourism Office. Tinago Falls is located in a deep ravine in Barangay Ditucalan, Iligan City. The falls plunges 240 feet (73 m) high from a cliff. Dodiongan Falls is a 20 metre (65.5 ft) high waterfall cascading down to a concrete-like boulder located in Barangay Bonbonon, 14.5 kilometers away from the city proper and a 15-minute trek to the foot of the falls.

Its tranquil, cool waters and lush vegetation make it a real haven for natural lovers. The pool at the foot of the falls is very ideal for swimming.Limunsudan Falls is a breathtaking two-tiered waterfall located in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City, 55 kilometers away from the City proper. It is said to be the Philippines’ highest waterfall with the height of 870 feet, with the lower part cascading alone higher than the 320 feet Maria Cristina Falls. It is close to the eastern boundaries of Iligan, Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. To reach the waterfalls, one has to trek for two(2) days from Kalamalamahan, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.Hindang Falls and Caves– a 40 ft. high two-tiered waterfalls with a lagoon ideal for swimming. Located at hinterland Barangay Hindang, approximately 20 kilometers from the city. Other attractions of the Barangay are the 6-8 cave clusters.


Most caves have narrow entrance with long and deep chambers.Mimbalut Falls - a not so high and mighty falls with a drop of approximately 90 feet high and is 18 feet wide, but very alluring with its naturally limpid water. It is a site to behold and provides an enjoyable swimming spot, 11.0 kilometers away from the city proper. Picnic tables are available for those who simply want to wade and enjoy a quiet scenery and listen to the melodious chirping of birds.The waterfalls can be accessed if you take a jeepney ride from the city with markings Iligan to Buru-un. Fare is Php13.00. Ask the jeepney driver to drop you at the Miguel Canoy Memorial School. You need to walk for a few minutes to the waterfalls. It is the most accessible waterfalls in the city for it is located just 500 meters from the highway.Langilalon Falls – Located in Barangay Pugaan. The waterfall has a height of 40 feet cascading down to a concrete-like boulder. The waterfalls is 6 kms. from the

city proper.Kalubihon Falls – Located in Barangay Dalipuga.Abaga Falls is a waterfall and ecosystem located approximately 15 km southwest of Iligan City. The height of Abaga Falls is approximately twice that of the more famous Maria Christina falls also located within the proximity

of Iligan City. Unlike Maria Christina falls however, which is fed by the Agus river, the water source for Abaga Falls is the product of several underground springs which flow into the top Abaga falls via several tributaries.Unlike like the more popular Maria Cristina falls, human access to Abaga Falls is severely limited due to a current lack of regularly maintained roads as well as the fact that a moderate amount of walking is required to reach the base of the falls.The name may have been derived from the Cebuano term “abaga” which means “shoulder” possibly relating to the shape and height of the cliff. If you’d like to visit and see the various attractions that Iligan offers, you may request for a tour guide at the City Tourism Office or you may wish to go around on your own, advised Agnes Clerigo-Maingat, City Tourism Officer of Iligan.


ACROSS THE NATION

Malacanang expressed hope on Thursday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would be able to address concerns regarding the proclamation of winners in the May 2013 midterm elections “as soon as possible.”

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said he expects Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes to proclaim the winners tonight.

“We certainly hope…that the concerns can be resolved by the Comelec as soon as possible. And also the lag in transmission came in only after the first 48 hours so we certainly hope that the issues, the transmission lag, would be

solved the soonest,” Lacierda said.“What we are concerned with certainly

is that there will be no issue on the credibility of the elections,” he added.

“This is just a lag of transmission. The Comelec has already explained the process, has already explained the ways they will be able to ensure that the votes will be properly counted,” Lacierda said. PND (rck)

Malacañang hopeful Comelec can address slow count

8Friday, May 17, 2013

Some Filipinos working in Taiwan have expressed concerns of harassment by some Taiwanese despite the Philippines’s appeal to spare

them in the recent diplomatic row.“Naniniwala kami na ito pong

naiuulat na ginagawa ng iilang mga Taiwanese ay isolated incidents lamang.

Palace expects Taiwan to treat Filipino workers decently

Malacanang appealed to the Taiwanese people to treat Filipinos staying in that country decently in the midst of new

tensions due to the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman off Batanes last week.


Hindi ito kagagawan ng sambayanang Taiwan,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press conference in Malacanang on Thursday.

“Naniniwala kami at nirerespeto namin ang ating mga kaibigan na nasa Taiwan. But let me also again appeal to them, to the Taiwanese people, to refrain from hurting or making our Filipino compatriots there as object of their anger,” he added.

As the host for Filipinos in Taiwan, Lacierda said the Palace expects that they will be treated decently as Filipinos treat Taiwanese well here in the Philippines.

There are about 42,000 Filipino

migrant workers in Taiwan, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

The labor department said it hasn’t received any reports of Filipinos losing their jobs in Taiwan adding such cases will be handled first by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office.

The justice department said the National Bureau of Investigation would determine what happened in the Philippine-Taiwan border and find out if anyone could be held accountable for the death of the Taiwanese fisherman. PND (as)


100 out of 700 exhibitors in IFEX 2013 are from Mindanao

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa ) is

featuring 100 proprietors out of 700 exhibitors in this year’s International Food Exhibit (IFEX) to demonstrate the regions’ quality products.

MinDa Investment and Public Affairs Office Director Romeo Montenegro said that this is their first time to bring a huge number of exhibitors in IFEX since they are looking forward that Mindanao can penetrate to a larger international market.

Montenegro also noted that 25 percent of the total agriculture product exports of the country come from Mindanao. Exposing more exhibitors is their strategy to reach their goal of expanding their agri-business.

Among the agricultural products, Mindanao is the country’s source of the 99 percent of banana export. Mindanao’s banana industry is now continuing to have a breakthrough for their microwaveable banana, in which one can eat saba

banana by heating it in a microwave, anywhere you go. This venture already got the European market like Italy and United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, organic rice product is also delivering to the Dubai market 20 metric tons and Hong Kong with 15 metric tons. The cocoa industry of Mindanao supplies chocolate raw materials to two international chocolate manufacturers, Mars and Hershey’s. The coconut sugar manufacturer, meanwhile, exports their products to Asian countries like Japan, Korea, Malaysia and even United States.

IFEX, the largest food showcase of food products from different parts of the country, is also participated in by Asian countries and US.

Friday, May 17, 2013 11

Read the yellow labels, says DOEby Mary Nathalie Soldevilla

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Energy is calling the public to examine Yellow Labels or Energy Guides attached/printed in household appliances and lighting products to ensure efficient, quality products that can bring beneficial results during the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Seminar on May 6, here.

Kristian Carlo B. Victorio, DOE Research Engineer said the yellow-colored cards are indicators of a product’s efficiency and performance that the public should heed when buying appliances and lighting products. “The rule of thumb is simple, the higher the number, the more efficient the appliance is,” Victorio added. Victorio also cited important reasons why yellow labels should be taken seriously. First, it ensures consumers that their products are certified and efficient. Second, it trims down monthly electric bill, and it helps the environment. For air conditioners, consumers should learn to look for the Energy Efficiency Ratio o EER. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner is. When considering a new unit, consumers



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continues to warn the public that shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Murclelagos Bay in Zamboanga del Norte, and Misamis Occidental are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison.

by Mary Nathalie Soldevilla

The statement was based on laboratory tests conducted by BFAR and Local Government Units. Visa Tan-Dimerin, BFAR region 10 director, said all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered around the areas identified are not safe for human consumption, prohibiting the public to harvest, sell and buy. However, squids and crabs are safe

to eat provided that these are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. The remaining coastal waters of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte are still free from toxic red tides.

must know first its cooling capacity or the ability of the air conditioner to cool (or remove the heat of) a given space in an hour. That is, by computing the floor area times 500. Proper installation of the unit must also be observed, adequate insulation, and regular cleaning to make sure the unit will work properly. The same rule is applied on refrigerators, the higher the Energy Efficiency Factor, the more efficient the refrigerator is. Like air conditioners, the size of the unit must be considered, its proper location, and maintenance to clean and defrost regularly. On lamps, Victorio shared that people should look for the Ballast

Efficacy Factor or BEF. The higher the BEF, the more efficient the ballast is. Ballasts prevent immediate destruction on lamps. Like linear and circular fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are self-ballasted lamps that are recommended to use instead of incandescent bulb. Consumers should look for higher efficacy when buying CFLs. In choosing appliances, Victorio encouraged consumers to check yellow labels that contain Certified Quality Product or the ICC logo, to ensure that it passed the Philippine National Standard.

Friday, May 17, 2013 13


Gov. Khalid Dimaporo wins re-election for third termby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- It was another landslide victory for Governor Khalid Dimaporo who is seeking his third term of office as chief executive of this province.

With 136,778 votes against 86,913 of nearest opponent Casan Maquiling (Liberal Party), Dimaporo was proclaimed on May 15 by the Provincial Board of Canvassers as the winning gubernatorial candidate in the province of Lanao del Norte. Also proclaimed were the winners of top provincial posts, Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo as Representative for the 1st congressional district, Abdullah Dimaporo for the 2nd congressional district and Cristy Atay as Vice-Governor all from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC). “As a third-termer this is my final stint as provincial governor. I will do my best that people are satisfied with my administration. So in behalf of Team Dimaporo and our party, we would like to thank the people of Lanao del Norte to choosing us to lead and

administer the province,” Governor Dimaporo expressed. Other winners proclaimed were the new set of Sanggunian Panlalawigan members. For the first district: Grecille Matalines (51,352 votes), Casimero Bagol (43,093 votes), Baldomero Zamora (38,661), Mac Dibaratun (36,246 votes), and Jackmar Maruhom (32,338 votes). For the second district, only three board members were proclaimed: Benny Baguio (41,770), Harris Ali (35,138), and Omar Osop (44,480) pending transmittal of election data from the towns of Tangcal, Nunungan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) to the provincial canvassing board. “We are very much thankful to all our loyal supporters who continue to believe in us and who voted for us despite the massive vote-buying and below-the-belt accusations and insults from our political opponents,” Congresswoman Imelda Dimaporo said. The local COMELEC is expected to proclaim all the provincial winners by the end of the week. The provincial board of canvassers is headed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Joseph Hamilton Cuevas.


Agusan High School in Butuan launches Visual Arts Collection

BUTUAN CITY -- In time with its Sapphire Anniversary celebration, the Agusan High School class ‘68 here launched on Wednesday the ‘Visual Arts Collection’ through the Photography books donation of Mr. Leo Mascariñas, held at the City Library.

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

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

Friday, May 17, 2013 15

Class chairperson Eleanor Jaca, said the project is aimed to create awareness and enhance the creativity of the Butuanons in the field of photography.

“By the year 2014, the Butuan City Library Visual Arts Collection will have grown to over 1,000 titles, ranking it among the largest nationwide,” said Jaca.

It was learned that Mascariñas’ photos have also appeared on print such as the Toronto Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, the book “A Life Shaped by Music”, among other publications. A collection of his favorite works had been published in “Images I saw somewhere along the way.”

“Leo Mascariñas started looking pictures as a child in Butuan using his parents’ camera. From thereon, he

has come a long way to earning a master photographer designation by the Toronto Camera Club, among the oldest photography organizations in the world,” Jaca added.

During the project launching, incumbent city and newly-reelected mayor

Ferdinand Amante Jr expressed his gratitude and support to the initiative of Agusan High School Class ‘68 for adding useful materials for the public use at the City Library.

Also, on behalf of Mr. Mascariñas, the benefactor of said project, his sister Dr. Elena Mascariñas received the plaque of appreciation from the Class ’68 with Mayor Amante.

“My brother Leo is a proud Butuanon. He wanted to enhance the creative soul of the Butuanon through his materials. With his kindness, generosity and love for Butuan, he and the rest of our family is giving 20 percent of his 1,000 books. We hope this will inspire others to appreciate photography and produce their own material,” Dr. Mascariñas said.


This was the offshoot of the 15 trainings conducted region-wide on Learning Package on Parent Education on Adolescent Health and Development (LPPED).

In close coordination with the Department of Education, Popcom-Caraga enabled a pool of educators in all divisions, who are also parents, to conduct parenting classes using the learning package.

The LPPED-trained teachers, who became parent educators, then trained their co-teachers in their respective schools. The classroom teachers were responsible in the conduct of parenting classes using the regular Homeroom Parent-Teachers Association (HRPTA) meetings.

Popcom-Caraga had only funded the initial training of trainers at the division level. Succeeding trainings for the school level were funded either by the school or the local governments.

Alexander A. Makinano, officer-in-charge of POPCOM-Caraga, said this initiative is sought to address findings of the 2008 National Demographic and Health Survey, which identified Caraga as among the regions with the highest percentage of youth pregnancy.

According to the survey, women who began childbearing at aged 15-24 in Caraga posted at about 40 percent .

He said, although several affecting factors were identified, the role of parents is very critical in this stage of development as this is the time when understanding, guidance and support are needed most.

He added that not all parents are able to perform these functions because they either lack knowledge on sexuality issues or they don’t know how to communicate these concerns with their growing children.

Parents trained to educate parentsBUTUAN CITY -- The Commission on Population (Popcom) empowered 407 parents to reach other parents with adolescent children for their continuing campaign on adolescent health and youth development.

Friday, May 17, 2013 17

Parents trained to educate parents

In a ceremony held at the police regional headquarters grandstand, Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, this city attended by the top regional police officials led by Caraga PNP chief CSupt. Getulio Napenas, all the 24 officers and personnel deployed to Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, 146 to Agusan del Sur PPO, 142 to Surigao del Norte PPO, 63 to Surigao del Sur PPO and 32 to

Dinagat Island Province PPO were welcomed back and returned to their respective mother units.

The 20 recruits trained at the police training camp in General Santos City and those coming from the Regional Training School in Lipata, Surigao City, left very early Thursday morning as announced by Gen. Napenas.

Napenas said that 50 percent

Police Regional Office 13 recalls over 400 personnel from election duties

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine National Police Regional Office 13 recalled Thursday morning all of its 407 personnel deployed for election duties to the various police provincial offices in the region.

by NOEL B. NAJARRO


of the regional personnel were deployed to the other places of the region while the remaining 50 percent who remained here were also deployed to Butuan City Police Office to render general police duties particularly during the election week.

Napenas commended his personnel for helping keep the May midterm elections peaceful, orderly and credible. “Of course, these had happened not only because of the police.

The efforts had been unified and a cooperative one involving the Philippine Army, the government agencies concerned such as the Comelec, the various sectors, volunteers, the media

as well as the public in general,” Napenas said.

Napenas then instructed the Human Resource, Doctrine and Development (R1) Division to prepare all the necessary commendat i ons for all those who rendered their election duties. He cited that the city and all the other

places of the region reported of no major incident to disrupt the recent electoral exercise.

“It was a successful operation during the 45 days, most especially during the election week,” he said. According to him, there was no reported case of election-related

Friday, May 17, 2013 19

death, ambuscade and harassment and no candidate was reported hurt or slain.

There was a reported death in Surigao del Sur, but it was a voter in a precinct who died of cardiac arrest, which according to Napenas is beyond the control of the police.

There were also reported separate shooting incidents but nobody was hit or hurt both in Surigao del Sur and in Agusan del Norte.

“These are now under investigation,” he said. There was a reported encounter between the security forces of the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army, but the incident happened before the election day according to him.

He said that an incident reported which can be considered to be of weight was that of an attempt by

the New People’s Army to abduct three policemen and get the police optical count scan (PCOS) machines in a far-flung barangay in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

However, because residents immediately reported the presence of the armed men to authorities and the timely response of the police and Army quick reaction team, the move was preempted.

There was also a report of proliferation of fake money in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte and the apprehension of suspects carrying firearms and a sizable sum of money in Dinagat Island Province. But overall assessment by the police was that the recently concluded May elections were successful and generally peaceful, according to Napenas. (PNA)

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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Some 50 swimming enthusiasts are brav-ing the Sarangani Bay on May 24 to kick off the two-day SarBay Fest 2013, now tagged as Mindanao’s biggest beach party and Soccksargen’s grandest summer escapade.

50 swimmers to conquer Sarangani Bay on May 24By Danilo E. Doguiles

Friday, May 17, 2013 25

50 swimmers to conquer Sarangani Bay on May 24

The 15-kilometer stretch swim-across-the-bay is also believed to be the longest swim relay in the coun-try.

Ten teams of five swimmers will cross the bay beginning at 5 a.m. from Kamanga Bay in Maasim town until they reach Tango in Glan town.

Event organizer Nimrod Butil said maritime traffic will not close the ship-ping lane to and from General Santos City’s Makar Wharf during the race.

However, the swimmers “are al-lowed to cross… subject to no inter-ference with commercial marine traf-fic,” Butil said.

“Therefore, the responsibility is on each safety boat operator not to allow his swimmer to get in the way of ship-ping, because shipping has the right of way at all times.”

Part of the mechanics of the swim race is calling participants to stay “50 meters clear of all commercial vessels and navigational buoys at all times.”

The Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Maritime Police and some provincial offices will assist as perimeter boat marshals.

An escort boat will be positioned five to 10 meters beside the swim-mer who has to execute the mini-mum 2-minute swim before a relay exchanges at the side of the boat.

Since the swim-across-Sarangani Bay competition, dubbed “Sarangani Bay Invasion,” began in 2006, race record was noted to be improving each year.

Dadiangas Torpedoes of General Santos City ruled the race last year for the fifth time clocking in 2:57:40 hours, followed by the Sea Lions of

Koronadal City with official time of 3:02:52 hours, only a slim difference of one minute and 40 seconds ahead of Davao’s team GenSan View Resort (3:03:12 hours) which ranked third place.

Six new teams have registered to join this year whose interest was sparked by “Palawan challenge, Sa-mal Island challenge and Boracay challenge” where swimmers talked about Sarangani’s swim-across the-bay, Butil said.

Varsity swimmers from De La Salle University and Ateneo are joining the teams of Dadiangas Torpedoes of General Santos City and also teams from Kabacan and Kidapawan. Triath-lon athletes from Cebu, Davao and General Santos will also join.

The first three teams to reach the finish line at Beachview Resort in Tango shall be declared winners with the 1st prize of P50,000, 2nd prize – P35,000, and 3rd prize – 25,000, all with medals and trophies. The rest of the team finishers will get a consola-tion prize of P6,000 each and a medal of “Invaders.”

According to Butil, all swimmers who successfully cross Sarangani Bay will be logged in the “Book of In-vaders,” a database recognizing the swimmers’ prowess.

Asked on the significance of the event, Butil said: “It is not only con-quering Sarangani Bay. More impor-tantly we want to showcase Sarangani Bay as a protected area, not only as a protected seascape but as a produc-tive marine habitat.”

In some instances, dolphins have joined the swimmers during the relay,


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato--Re-elected mayor of the municipality of Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat vowed to strengthen implementation of dif-ferent projects in the area for another three years.

Butil said.Definitely, he added, the true es-

sence why Sarangani is holding the festival every summer is the protec-tion aspect for the preservation of the bay.

Other highlights of the fest include

Bay Bodies Bikini Open, foam party at the beach, jetski completion and fire dance competition.

Most events will happen at Gu-masa, Glan. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with Beverly C. Paoyon – Sarangani Infor-mation Office)

Re-elected mayor of S. Kudarat town vows to intensify implementation of dev’t projectsBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Friday, May 17, 2013 27

Re-elected mayor of S. Kudarat town vows to intensify implementation of dev’t projects

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla gets to serve for another term.

Mayor Rolando P. Garcia assured that on his third and last term as the chief executive of the town, projects and programs on the economic, so-cial and environment sectors that are much beneficial in the residents of Kalamansig will be given emphasis.

He said that through the help of the equipment such as backhoes, dump trucks, bulldozers and prime mov-ers which were donated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), massive infrastructure proj-ects are on-going in the town. Further, he noted that these equipment help in raising the income of the town.

The re-elected official accounted that the focus of his administration in his third term will be on the peace and order situation in the 15 barangays of the town.

He noted that even though crimes are not rampant in the years of his leadership, still, it should be given at-tention as it will contribute to the mu-nicipality’s progress.

Garcia who ran under the Liberal Party (LP) won the mayoral race with 2,779 votes over Bai Karon of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) with 2,139 votes.

Also, Garcia’s vice-mayor, Joaquin Concha remains on his post with 3,412 votes over Tony Manaog with 911 votes.

Garcia explained that their victo-ry only means that people’s trust is still on them and that elected leaders should serve their constituents well.

Kalamansig is one of the three coast-al towns of Sultan Kudarat province. (SJDuerme-PIA12)

Montilla retains post as Tacurong City mayorBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Around 6 p.m. yesterday, the City Board of Canvassers proclaimed Montilla as winner of the mayoralty race in the sole city of Sultan Kudarat province.

The proclamation was held at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Conference Hall.

Montilla garnered 22,774 votes over her challengers retired Army General Jerry Jalandoni who had 10,120 votes and Bernardo Tabusares who had 940 votes.

Results from the official count of City Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed Mayor Montilla of Liberal Party winning 64.49 percent of the total actual votes (35, 316) compared with 28.66 percent for Jalandoni of United Nationalist Alliance and 2.66 percent for Bernardo, an independent candidate.

The CBOC chaired by City Election Officer Reginald Abad also proclaimed former City Councilor Joseph George Lechonsito as the newly-elected Vice


Mayor who had 22, 184 votes.Ten elected councilors were also

proclaimed. Re-electionist Councilor Psyche Sucaldito was the top vote-getter councilor with 20, 217 votes. Former Vice Mayor Charito Collado came in second with 17, 156 votes.

Seven re-electionist councilors claimed the third to ninth spots in the city council.

They were Cirilo Flores (16, 720 votes), Paulino Ledda (16, 412 votes), Rodrigo Jamorabon (15, 737 votes), Benjamin Fajardo, Jr. (15, 499 votes), Ariel Ferdinand dela Cruz (14, 989 votes), Joselito Cajandig, Sr. (14, 359 votes), and Jose Remos Segura (14, 244 votes).

Former Barangay Chairperson Welson Ferrer is the newest member

of the city council after clinching the tenth spot with 12, 833 votes.

The proclamation of the new set of city officials was delayed for a day because of the defective Compact Flash (CF) card of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) in one of the clustered precincts in Barangay Buenaflor.

The Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) reportedly has to wait for a new CF card to be delivered from Manila in order to proceed with the feeding of ballots and transmission of results.

Out of the 46, 379 registered voters in Tacurong, Comelec recorded 76.15 percent voters turnout. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with Allan Freno-Tacurong City)

Friday, May 17, 2013 29

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Pagadian City inmates join Monday’s balloting By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Though they are in jail, the inmates here still exercised their rights to suffrage in last Monday’s balloting.


A total of 241 inmates clad in yellow shirts marked “BJMP detainee” have cast their votes at the city jail’s administrative office which was converted into a special polling place for clustered precincts 156-A, 156-B and 156-C. City Jail Warden Senior Inspector Mashur Sala said the inmates, which were composed of 199 males and 42 females, have successfully cast their votes with the help of a special Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) assigned by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to assist and facilitate the voting. Comelec Resolution 9371 states that detainee voting, either through the special polling place inside jails or escorted voting, may be availed of by any registered detainee whose registration record is not transferred,

deactivated, cancelled or deleted. Sala said this is the first time in the country’s history that inmates can vote inside the jail. “Before inmates used to go offsite voting, where they will be brought to the Comelec office to cast their votes, escorted by jail guards. But now, the voting will be done onsite,” Sala explained. After the inmates had cast their votes, Sala said, the BJMP officers delivered the official ballots to polling precincts at Lenienza Elementary School to be fed into the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to have their votes counted. Meanwhile, detainees expressed happiness over the government’s concern of their right to suffrage. “Dako kaayo ang kalipay nga ang gobyerno pinaagi sa Comelec

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nga mihatag ug kahigayonan kanamo nga mga piniriso nga makabotar bisan kami anaa sulod sa bilangguan( We are extremely happy that the government through Comelec is giving us (inmates) the opportunity to exercise our right to suffrage even if we are jailed),” said 50-year old Jimmy Malaco of barangay Tiguma, who suffered mild stroke, aided by an inmate and his crutches in going to the voting center. “Nakadayeg ako nga gihimo kini sa gobyerno alang kanamo nga mga piniriso aron nga kami nga mga

piniriso nga wala pa mahukman nga sad-an sa hukmanan makapili sa mga kandidadato nga buot namo ipadumala sa kagamhanan. Naghinaut ako nga kini nga kalihokan ang regular nga pagahimoon(I appreciate that the government is doing this for us (inmates), who are not yet convicted by the court to choose our own candidates who will run the affairs of the government. I hope that this activity will be regularly conducted),” said the 41 year-old Antonio Lagajit of barangay Sta. Lucia.

2013 midterm polls in ZaNorte peaceful, says PNPBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY- For the first time Zamboanga del Norte has experienced the most peaceful and orderly election, according to Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Director Senior Superintendent James B. Mejia. Except for some minor problems, Mejia said his office had not received reports about election-related incidents from the different municipalities of the province. Mejia’s statement came out as the provincial board of canvassers (PBC) was awaiting the election results from the municipalities of Sergio Osmeña and Sirawai, and Dapitan City. Acting provincial election supervisor Atty. Tomas Valera, on the other hand, hopes to proclaim the winning candidates of the province anytime this week as soon as the results from the above local government units (LGUs) shall have reached his office. Earlier, the PBC has already proclaimed winner reelected second district representative Rosendo Labad-labad of the Liberal Party (LP) who garnered 112,799 votes over his closest

rival, incumbent governor Rolando E. Yebes of the Alliance for Peace and Progress (APP) who only got 73,095 votes. Mejia noted the important role of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in ensuring a peaceful, orderly conduct of the national and local elections in Zamboanga del Norte last Monday. As of press time, LP candidates led by gubernatorial bet Roberto Uy, his running mate, incumbent Dipolog City Vice Mayor Atty. Senen Angeles, congressional representatives of the second and third districts are leading over their rivals from the APP. Presently, Uy registered a comfortable lead with 210,273 votes over Cesar Jalosjos who got only 74,551.

one mindanao - may 17, 2013

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