one mindanao - may 21, 2012

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

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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Cover Story

“Fiesta Engrande” na ZamboangaRevisiting the games of the past

Jocelyn P. Alvarez Western Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, May 21, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 261

page 4

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Malacañang says government moves to ensure smooth opening of classes next month12

650 IP kids learn reading in Koronadal City’s summer programP8.59-B transition investment plan for

ARMM up for discussion

18 Zanorte to celebrate Hudyaka and its 60th Foundation Day

Air traffic in Region 10 up by 15.55% in 2011

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

LGU gathers 179 youths in leadership summit Central Mindanao

Promising potentials for PH Rugby seen27 Southern Mindanao

Butuan town fiesta celebration generally peaceful, police says38Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

31

Camiguin awards EHCP top performing schools22 Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

23

Solon seeks congressional probe on Butuan dawn fire36Noel B. Najaro, Caraga Region

10 14 16 21

25 29 34 35

32

4 Monday, May 21, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Old folks think that Gen Y (the youth), and even children of today seem to find fascination and entertainment in the world of internet, computer games and

gadgets that most of the “new” generation failed to get the chance to experience the once popular “larong Pinoy” or the games of the past that most Filipino youth and children used to play way back then.

Cover Story“Fiesta Engrande” na Zamboanga

Revisiting the games of the past

To revisit old-time favorite children’s games and promote and popularize once more the “larong Pinboy” the Department of Tourism (DOT) here in partnership with the city government, initiated “Fiesta Engrande” on May 19, at the favorite public “tambayan” (hangout)- the Paseo del Mar grounds. The Fiesta Engrande conducted over the weekend, was a whole day fiesta in Zamboanga showcasing some “popular but forgotten” games of the past as a cultural tourism

product to be enjoyed by visitors of the city.

The activity kicked off 2:45 in the

afternoon with a grand parade with starting point at the Plaza Pershing down to Paseo del Mar, an estimated 30-45minutes’ walk to the activity area. The parade was participated in by some government officials, game participants, government and private offices, schools and people’s organization.

Juego de Antes

Sporting Events Immediately after the parade, the “Juego de antes” commenced with Mayor Celso Lobregat and DOT Acting Regional Director Mary June

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Monday, May 21, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

B u g a n t e

d o i n g the opening throw for “Tumba Lata” (knock off the can) game, using a sleeper to knock off the can as a signal that “juego de antes” has officially begun.

The “Juego de Antes” started with sporting events like “catch

the dragon’s tail” which was participated in by some

60 players (children, youth and

a d u l t s )

broken down into 6 teams with 10 members each team. Other sporting events like “Siatong, Sungka, Jack Stone, Pick up the stick was also played by the participants including some part of the cheering crowd.

Juego de Antes (games of the past)

Pinoy Amazing Race

The scorching heat did not stop the 75 players (15 teams w/ 5 players each team) to join in the Pinoy Amazing Race, all aiming to get the grand prize of p10,000, 7,500 for the 1st runner up and 5,000 for 2nd runner up.Tumba lata Each team race to the finish, starting off with “tumba lata” where each team member was required to knock off the can/tin (once) before the team can finally proceed to the next race task. Tumba lata is a popular


Filipino street game and is commonly

seen in most Filipino movies and TV series. Like other Filipino traditional games, members take the following rules: one as the “taya”, someone who takes the rule of a-player-at-stake and holds the responsibility of the Lata(tin can), and; the others as the players striking. The game is performed by having the players a “pamato” (which is ones own slipper) used for striking the tin that is held beside the taya. After accomplishing the “tumba lata” the teams had their “race cards” signed by a DOT race official assigned, to verify that the team/s accomplished the task “fair and square.” Each team was asked to have their race cards signed after completion of every race task for easy identification of race winners.

Buscahan goma

Next Task was the “buscahan goma” where the team race to

“scoop” some 20 tiny rubber bands using barbeque

sticks only. The rubber bands

were hidden/

slightly buried under the cone-shaped, beach sand.

Sipan race

Another once popular children’s game was the “Sipan race”, this was


the third task that Pinoy amazing race participants need to complete.

The participants and crowd laughed their hearts out when game players sport out a barefoot race, using only a pair of coconut husk as their “flip flop” (sleeper), cramming their way to be the first to complete this specific task.

Sipa

Another “once upon a time” game –an innovative game of Pinoys was the Sipa of which the material is made of tingga (iron), it is shaped and sized like a P1 peso coin with close to a hundred strips of straws inserted in the middle of the tingga. In the Sipa task, each player of the team was required to bounce the “tingga” or sipa 5 times using any one of the body parts- the arm, the leg or the foot.The team that completes the task first, proceeds to the next race level.

Bagol (tsinelas relay)

After completing the sipa task, Pinoy amazing racers proceeded

to do the “Bagol” or tsinelas (sleeper) relay,

where all of the 5 team members

raced the sleeper in


a 100-meter dash relay using the foot, the arm and the head.

Chinese garter

Who said that only the ladies or girls know how to play the Chinese garter? Well, males do too jump the garter, like what they did in the race, and they had fun jumping over the garter.

In the Chinese garter game, two people hold both ends of a stretched garter horizontally while the others attempt to cross over it. The goal is to cross without having tripped on the garter. With each round, the garter’s height is made higher than the


previous round (the game starts with the garter at ankle-level, followed by knee-level, until the garter is positioned at the

shoulder length). The higher rounds demand dexterity, and the players generally leap with their feet first in the air, so their feet cross over the garter, and they end up landing on the other side. After fairly playing all the “larong Pinoy” in the Pinoy Amazing race, bonus tasks include eating competition where the participants had to completely finish all the food served in the bilao which include 5 pcs ballot, 5 pcs banan, mango and puto seco, then raced to proceed to tuba drinking and finally tire race After having fun under the sun, team winners in the race took home cash prizes worth P10,000 , P7,000 and P5,000 for the Grand prize , 1st runner up and 2nd runner up respectively. Traditional Filipino Games or larong Pinoy are games commonly played by children, usually using native materials or instruments. In the Philippines, due to limited resources of toys of Filipino children, they usually come up on inventing games without the need of anything but the players themselves. With the flexibility of a real human to think and act makes the game more interesting and challenging. A few decades ago, kids used to gather in the streets or in their neighborhood playground to play their favorite Larong Pinoy. These has been their regular and

popular pastimes, as well as the favorite games of their parents and grandparents until new and modern forms of entertainment has taken over the interests of

young kids. DOT 9 Director Bugante said the “Fiesta Engrande” activities

particularly the events under the ‘Juego de antes” is the department’s way of advocating interpersonal relationship among the young

generation as modern technology slowly deteriorates personal interaction among people specifically the youth of today.

10 Monday, May 21, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace understands the reaction of the parents regarding the program.

“Sana patuloy na po ang ating maging pagtanggap doon sa K+12 program. Naiintidihan natin na kapag nagkakaroon talaga ng pagbabago, nagkakaroon din ng kaunting resistance, ng

kaunting reluctance,” she said during the interview.

“But hopefully, makita naman ng lahat that the program really aims to give our children a better education,” she added.

Palace expects parents to support K+12 program

Malacañang hopes that parents, showing reluctance to adopt the K+12 program, would eventually support the new initiative aimed at improving the country’s educational system.


The K+12 program will add two years to the country’s basic education and increase the capabilities of students who would opt to work after graduating from high school. The program is part of the Aquino administration’s efforts to reform the educational system in the country.

The K+12 begins with kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school, and two years in senior high

school. The program will be implemented in all public elementary and high schools nationwide this coming school year.

After the Aquino administration assumed power, Valte said it focused on addressing wide-ranging concerns plaguing the education sector.

It has so far addressed the shortage of classrooms through the public-private partnership program, as well as shortage

of textbooks and schoolbooks.

Armchairs and desks were also mass produced out of confiscated illegal logs in Mindanao with the help of TESDA, Valte said.

With regards to government’s preparations for the school opening in June, Valte said government agencies, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in the look out to protect consumers.

“Nagpaigting po ng ating Department of Trade and Industry ang kanilang monitoring...over the past week, there are reminders from the DTI kung ano ang mga safe na school supplies na dapat bilhin para a mag-aaral na babalik ng paaralan,” Valte said.

The government wants to ensure that quality standards are followed and that consumers are protected from overpriced school products, she added. (AS)


Malacañang says government moves to ensure smooth opening of classes next month

With two weeks more to go before the start of classes next month, the Aquino government has begun mobilizing its resources to ensure that the opening of classes goes on

without a hitch, a Palace official said on Sunday.In a press briefing

aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Department of Education-led Brigada Eskwela and Oplan

Balik Eskwela (OBE) programs will be launched next week to give schools, parents and students ample time to prepare for the opening of classes.

Lacierda said that Brigada Eskwela (National Schools

Maintenance Week), an annual event where volunteers repair and clean up public schools before the opening of classes in June, will be launched Monday (May 21), while OBE, which aims to assist the public with back-


to-school concerns, will begin on May 28.

Lacierda added that Brigada Eskwela, which will run until May 26, will be executing “two firsts” for this year: “it will specifically focus on school sanitation and secondly, it will focus on improving the schools of indigenous communities.”

Oplan Balik Eskwela, which has three main components: c o n v e r g e n c e ,

i n f o r m a t i o n dissemination and the setting up of an information and action center (IAC) at the DepEd Central office in Pasig City, will last until June 8.

Other concerned agencies such as the Philippine National Police, the Department of Health, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Public Works and

Highways will pitch in their respective efforts for the safe and trouble-free opening of classes.

Lacierda called on the Filipino people to volunteer in helping in this worthwhile endeavor.

“May 45,000 schools involved dito at kung gusto niyong mag-volunteer, pumunta lang kayo sa mga respective public schools niyo,” Lacierda said. (RCK)


Malacañang says no more rotating blackouts in Mindanao

The Aquino administration said that there are no more rotating blackouts in Mindanao following the repair and rehabilitation of the Polangui hydro-power plant, a Palace official said.

P r e s i d e n t i a l Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday

that the government has already completed the repair and rehabilitation of Polangui power plant to ease Mindanao’s

power woes. While the situation in Mindanao has improved, Lacierda said the Aquino government


continues to pursue its plan to rehabilitate other power plants to ensure that the region has sufficient energy sources. At present, Lacierda said the government is looking for other energy sources, including the Iligan Diesel Power Plant. He emphasized the need to rehabilitate the Iligan Diesel Power Plant that could produce

100 megawatts in eight months. The government also plans to resort to renewable energy as part of the Aquino

government’s long-term plan to address the energy problem in the country particularly in Mindanao. (js)


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TESDA-9 to offer online educationBy Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

T he Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will now offer its online distance learning program in Region 9.


“We are just waiting for the guidelines from our central office on the implementation of the program. But even without the guidelines, we have long been advocating for this program and are encouraging schools to offer online learning,” regional director Lorenzo Macapili said in an interview. Under the program, TESDA will offer technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses through the use of online modular instruction. “The theoretical aspect of the program is that there is no need for face-to-face instruction between the teacher and the students. Everything will be through the Internet. However, students should go through normal enrollment proceedings with schools, from there, everything is online, except for their actual demonstration,” he explained. Macapili posed a challenge to all schools in the region to embark the said project to reach more beneficiaries. “Educators should be more flexible now when teaching. They should not stick with the traditional

way of teaching, the face-to-face instruction, as we say. They should go out of the box. Let them utilize present technologies to help those who really can’t afford to go to school on a daily basis and give opportunities for those interested to pursue learning. In fact, it is enshrined in our Constitution that there should be equal access to education or life-long learning,” he stressed. Macapili also pointed that this program will break barriers on education opportunities among Filipinos. “Education and training is the great neutralizer. Walang mayaman, walang mahirap dito. (There is no rich nor poor here) If a poor is properly educated or trained he can even rub elbows with the rich. A properly trained person is indispensable in our society. What we’re saying is with enough training, we are helping the public boost their self-worth and esteem. And we can do this through this program,” Macapili elaborated. Macapili also emphasized the importance of this program on TESDA’s paradigm shift on their mandate. “From technical-vocational education and training, we are now into technical-vocational skills development. And this program is just one of our programs aimed at developing the skills of our people,” he said. He added that there is now constant coordination with schools in the region to implement the program. (JPA/MVC-PIA9 ZBST)


P8.59-B transition investment plan for ARMM up for discussion Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - A Regional Stakeholders Consultation on the Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is slated here on May 22-23 at Ocean View Hotel.

Yasmin Busran Lao, Presidential Assistant for Muslim Concerns and National Program manager of TISP for ARMM, said the TISP is an P8.59 billion fund for programs and projects intended to fast track key development initiatives and reforms in the Region. Lao said a critical component of the plan is to mobilize the private sector to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of

these programs and projects. The two-day activity will bring together representatives of over 60 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), primarily to discuss their role in working with the government on the TISP. Representatives of the various implementing agencies, at the national and regional level, have also been invited to dialogue with the CSOs.

Zanorte to celebrate Hudyaka and its 60th Foundation Day By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - It’s all systems go, as the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte, thru its Provincial Tourism Council, is now on the final phase of its preparation for the celebration of 2012 Zanorte Hudyaka Festival and the 60th Foundation Day of the province.


2012 Zanorte Hudyaka Festival will start on May 30 and will end on June 9, while the 60th Foundation Day of Zamboanga del Norte is on June 6. Last May 14, 2012, President Benigno Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 380 and signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoia Jr., declaring June 6 as Special Non-Working Holiday in Zamboanga del Norte in observance of its 60th Foundation Day anniversary celebration. Along this line, the provincial tourism council, being the prime mover of the celebration, together with other offices of the provincial government has already lined up various activities for the double celebration. The celebration kicks off with a colorful costume parade on May 30, which will be participated by the local government units, national government agencies and private institutions, preliminary competition on June 1, Balikbayan Night on June

2, Charity Day for Zanorte Medical Center on June 3, Sangguniang Kabataan Fun Run on June 5, electric float parade on June 6, amateur boxing tournament on June 7, and Miss Zanorte coronation night on June 8. On May 31, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist will also conduct various agricultural activities like Gukod Kalabaw, Dama. Sibol, Siyatong, Takyan, Tirador, tari-tari, Dakop Baktin and Chicken dressing. Hudyaka Festival is an annual tourism event in the province. “Hudyaka” is a word in the local dialect, which means merry-making. The festival is geared towards promoting potential tourist spots in the province, especially its beautiful attractions and abundant natural resources It has been recognized as the third Best Festival, Provincial Category in 2011 by the Department of Tourism and Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.(JPA/ATR/PIA9)


Kitaotao hydropower plant to help ease Mindanao power shortage—Hedcorby Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyHedcor Bukidnon, Inc. and the municipality of Kitaotao is now

working to develop a hydroelectric plant, which would help ease nagging problems on power shortage in Mindanao every

summer season.

Gregorio Jabonillo, Hedcor’s Vice President for Business Development, said this run-of-river hydroelectric project will harness the Sita and Simod rivers in Kitaotao town in Bukidnon, as a source of power with a combined installed capacity of 28.2 megawatts. “Data showed that the Kitaotao hydro power plant, if completed, will generate 160 million kilowatt hours annually, which could somehow help address problems on Mindanao’s power shortage,” he said. Meanwhile, in his message during the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) of said project,

Kitaotao Mayor Rodito Rafisura said that the power shortage will worsen if no power sources are added soon. “Mindanao is very dependent on the power supply that comes from the Agus and Pulangi hydro electric plants in Lanao and Bukidnon respectively.


Consequently, during long droughts or low rainfall, the production of these facilities is affected and Mindanao is always plunged into rotating brownouts. There is therefore a need to build more power plants,” he said. “It has been reported that some 52 percent of Mindanao’s total power supply comes from the Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric complex. And there are projections from independent think-tanks that by 2014, the power shortage will be more than 400 megawatts,” he explained. “So, before it becomes even worse, Hedcor and the local government unit

of Kitaotao shall be partners in this endeavor, with one goal to pursue the hydro project,” the mayor said. Rafisura added that Bukidnon, being the host province, will also benefit from the project through generation shares, farm-to-market roads, health services and employment opportunities. Hedcor Inc., Aboitiz Power Corporation’s hydropower arm, is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower plants in the country with 19 hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and Davao.

Camiguin awards EHCP top performing schools by Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN - Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo recently conferred awards to Essential Health Care Package (EHCP) top performing schools in the province.

The list came out after a series of in house review and visits were conducted last month. Four schools bagged the awards on homeroom and school category, both from the lowland and upland elementary schools entry. Sagay Central School was named as the best implementer for the homeroom category, while the Agoho Elementary School in Mambajao won the school category search for the lowland elementary schools. For the upland circle, Soro-Soro Elementary school gets the top award

for the homeroom category and the Binunsaran, Itum Elementary ranked on top for the second category, both schools were part of Mambajao town. Other schools named among the top EHCP performers includes the elementary schools in Bacnit, Puntod, Subukan, Cuña, Mainit, Mambajao, Tangaro, Maac, Alangilan, Catohugan, and Loing. EHCP is on its fourth year of implementation in the island, providing pupils with basic health care materials such as toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, and deworming


tablets. Felicisimo M. Gomez, Provincial Planning and Development Office chief said the awards were given to encourage sustained vigor among its partners in the implementation of the program. “We need the continued cooperation of the teachers in the implementation of this program,” he noted. He underscored their role in the day-to-day activities of teaching kids observe proper hygiene. Dental traps were already

installed around the school area or inside their classrooms to emphasize the need for kids to learn the correct way of grooming themselves. Gomez added that they continue to tap the health personnel in the province and municipal health offices to ensure regular deworming activities among school children. He said that the Governor is also looking into extending the distribution of the deworming tablets to the parents, as well as in some priority areas, just to ensure the children remains free of such parasites.

Air traffic in Region 10 up by 15.55% in 2011by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - A total of 8,596 incoming and outgoing flights have been noted in the two primary local airports that cater to commercial flight operations in Region 10 last year.


These airports are the Ozamiz Airport located in Barangay Labo, Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental and the Cagayan de Oro Airport in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. “These number of flights actually increased by 15.55 percent compared to 7,439 flights during the previous year,” Engr. Naga Rascal, Area Manager of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Region 10, said. As shown by the Comparative Data on Commercial Air Traffic of CAAP, the number of incoming passengers increased from 745,598 to 848,096 or 13.75 percent, and the outgoing passengers from 762,263 to 853,133 or 11.93 percent. Overall, the volume of incoming cargoes increased from 9,392,298 to 9,425,414 kilograms (kg) or 0.35 percent but the outgoing cargoes declined from 16,244,155 kg. to 10,044,026 kg. or down by 38.17 percent. For their individual outputs, the number of incoming passengers at

the Ozamiz Airport increased from 101,870 to 117,657 or 15.50 percent and the outgoing passengers, from 104,489 to 112,190 or 7.37 percent. Its number of flights also increased from 1,144 to 1,274 or 11.36 percent and its outgoing cargoes, from 1,492,241 to 1,822,123 kg. However, incoming cargo at the Ozamia Airport declined from 1,899,650 to 1,416,274 kg. or down by 25.45 percent, Engr. Rascal said. As far as the Cagayan de Oro Airport is concerned, its number of incoming passengers increased from 643,728 to 730,439 or 13.47 percent and its outgoing passengers from 657,774 to 740,993 or 12.65 percent. The number of flights also increased from 6,295 to 7,322 or 16.31 percent and its incoming cargoes, from 7,492,648. to 8,009,140 kg. or 6.89 percent. But its outgoing cargoes declined from 14,751,914 to 8,221,903 kg. or down by 44.27 percent.


Construction of P2.7B modern container terminal underway by Jean Abangan

The Davao Region gets close to achieving a competitive ad-

vantage on shipping of export and import products now that the con-struction of the P2.7 billion Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) has started.

Port operator San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc. managed by Antonio Floirendo Corporation (ANFLOCOR) this morning officially broke ground the construction of DICT designed to become the “most


container terminal in Mindanao. ANFLOCOR President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander N. Valoria pictured the container facility to be fully computerized to manage loading and unloading of as much as 200,000 container vans as its maximum capacity. “How would you imagine managing such volume without (electronic) software?” he said in an interview during the ceremonial dropping of the time capsule at Barangay San Pedro, Panabo City where ANFLOCOR builds the DICT. Targeted to get completely done and be made operational by the second quarter of 2013, DICT is designed to have two ship-to-shore cranes, serving gearless vessels, and that it would be equipped with state-of -the art terminal operating system (TOS)to ensure faster vessel turn-around time. Valoria looks at DICT as the factor that paves the way for Davao Region, and Mindanao in general, to build “global competitiveness,” providing exporters and importers a cost efficient way of shipping their products. “This will spur further the growth and development of Mindanao,” he said. “This is the good news that President (Benigno S.) Aquino (III) is looking for,” he added referring to the recent visit of the President Aquino on May 14 in Davao City. In a separate interview during the same event, master mariner Capt. Jose Panares of Tom Shipping Management confirmed that indeed

the period of loading and unloading of products would matter in cost-efficient shipping. He said small international container vessel usually charges US$12,000 per day while others are charging US$22,000 per day or more . “Delays in unloading would mean additional charges of shipping,” he said as he revealed that cargo vessels calling at international ports in other countries only take eight to 10 hours in unloading or l loading cargoes. On the other hand, Port of Davao Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief of staff Atty. Edward Dybuco looked at the ANFLOCOR container facility as an attraction to investors that would eventually lead to a more vibrant export/import industry. He also considered DICT as a good alternate container terminal of Sasa Wharf (in Davao City), providing ease in traffic of cargo vessels calling at Sasa Wharf. With the foreseen bulk of cargoes coming in and out of Davao ports including that in DICT, Dybuco assured the public of BOC’s capacity to handle well the cargo inspection. It will be putting up an extension office at DICT, equipped with an x-ray machine but Dybuco expected other government port agencies to work with BOC to handle the task of checking shipped cargoes. Meanwhile, Metaphil President and CEO Napoleon Pe Jr. in a separate interview bared the DICT construction to need 350 workers at the peak of the construction period which is projected to happen in August this year.


Promising potentials for PH Rugby seen

DAVAO CITY– There is much promise for the development of Rugby as a sport for Filipinos. This according to Philippine Volcanoes coach Expo Mejia during the weekly I-speak press conference held yesterday (May 17) at the SM Davao Annex, current venue of the first Davao Sports Expo. Rugby football is a version of football developed in the United Kingdom. It is a full-contact team sport played with an oval-shaped ball.

To score players try to ground the ball in the ground-in area, get a conversion kick or a penalty kick. It is similar to another full-contact team sport American Football. “There is a misconception that rugby is a sport for big men,” Mejia said. The national team coach said that there are roles for different physical sizes in a rugby team, small but quicker players are used for running and large players are for pushing. Mejia said that the main

Pe said a number of those workers will be hired are construction helpers whom Metaphil will be recruiting locally, giving priority to residents of Panabo City. “Because it will be very costly for us to bring in our own workers,” he told the media. Metaphil brought in only highly technical employees and construction managers Pe expects the construction

helpers to develop skills they would be learning from colleagues. “They enter without skills but they would be leaving with skills that would make them much better paid,” he said. Metaphil will also be locally hiring welders, scaffolders and erectors including office workers. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


advantage of Filipinos is their athleticism, citing that Filipinos can excel in different sports because they are very athletic. Unlike many countries which built up the foundations of rugby before coming up with a strong national team, the Philippines has already a strong national team but without a big foundation at the bottom. Mejia said. Currently because of its strong national team the Philippines despite a newcomer in the sport is ranked 55th in the world Rugby ranking. Efforts are underway to develop the sport of rugby across the country, with clinics and demonstration games being held. In the National Games set in June of this year, Rugby will be played as a demonstration sport. The Philippines (under the Philippine Rugby Football Union or PRFU) currently has three national rugby teams, the Philippine Volcanoes which participate in elite tournaments, the Developmental team which plays in local tournaments and a local Filipino team which consists of Filipino players who had learned to play

rugby in the country. The current composition of the Philippine Volcanoes is made up largely Filipinos (including Filipino heritage players) who have played rugby football overseas. They had competed and won in several international competitions among which is their performance in the Asian 5 Nations Division 1 tournament where they defeated powerhouse Sri Lanka. Mejia said that they are encouraging local rugby players to play overseas to hone their talents; a good local league can also be good for Philippine Rugby. The national coach said that rugby unlike American football doesn’t need complex facilities. “We just need a green space.“ A good rugby field would need 100 meters by 65 meters of space though for training purposes then can play in half of that area, said Mejia who recently conducted a Rugby clinic in Davao City last May 15. Mejia added that Davao City with its football fields can have spaces for Rugby football. (PIA-11/RG Alama)

facts and figures

5th year of the annual Department of Education’s National Schools Maintenance Week popularly known as the “Brigada Eskwela”


Koronadal City bids to host 2015 Palarong PambansaBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel has joined South Cotabato Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. in the bid to host the national games for the third time.

During the city government’s regular radio programs, “Koronadal Boom…Boom…Boom” and “Kanami Koronadal,” Mayor Miguel confirmed that during his visit to the 2012 Palarong Pambansa in Lingayen, Pangasinan, he submitted a letter of intent to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa to the Department of Education.

He said, the city needs an ambitious activity like this as a way of promoting the City of Koronadal itself and the province of South

Cotabato as a whole.The event, he

reasoned , would be very timely to inform people from all walks of life to know that the city, the capital of the province of South Cotabato, is one of the happiest and most peaceful places in Mindanao.

Especially now that it has become the seat of Region XII, the city is positively fast progressing as well as expected, the local chief executive added.

Miguel believes that the city has the capacity to host such a big event

owing to the success of two Palaro held here

South Cotabato, specifically, Koronadal City, hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 1996 during the administration of


Gov. Hilario de Pedro III and in 2007 under the leadership of Mayor Fernando Miguel.

Mayor Peter Miguel, son of the former mayor, also expressed confidence that with the support and coordination with the provincial government of South Cotabato, the 2015 Palarong Pambansa here would prove even better than the previous ones given the chance to prepare this early.

Miguel was in Lingayen, Pangasinan during 2012 Palarong Pambansa to show his personal support and to give financial assistance

to the athletes and coaches coming from the City of Koronadal and to personally hand in his letter of intent.

While in Pangasinan, the city mayor also handed a total of P800,000 allowances to the city’s 59 athletes as well as their coaches.

City schools division sports supervisor Napoleon Cumicho confirmed receipt of said amount upon the arrival of Mayor Peter B. Miguel at Lingayen, Pangasinan on May 8.

Each athlete and coach received P10,000 aid from the city government.

Besides turning over the financial assistance to the city’s athletes, Mayor Miguel said, he also wanted to show his personal support.

From Pangasinan, the mayor proceeded to Metro Manila to follow-up the scholarship grants from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) intended for Koronadal City.

Gov. Pingoy, who authored the house bill that sought for the declaration of arnis as the national sport while he was still a congressman, has been vocal about his desire to host for the


third time the national games.

During the CRAA meet here in March, he said, the upgrading and improvements implemented at

South Cotabato Sport Complex are intended towards this purpose.

The governor said, hosting the Palaro here would propel local economy and boost the

province’s advocacy to be known as a major tourist destination in this part of the country. (DEDogui les-PIA 12/Bic Manato-CIO Koronadal)

650 IP kids learn reading in Koronadal City’s summer programBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Over 650 lumad kids aging 4 to 12 and eight parents with ages ranging 16 to 45 years from remote barangays here enjoyed summer by learning to read via Mayor Peter B. Miguel’s reading program.

The summer reading program tagged, Programang Bumasa at Matuto (PBM) aimed at helping underprivileged children to learn how

to read and understand words.

Report from the city’s information office said, 11 local school board (LSB) teachers volunteered

for this year’s summer reading program for residents who have less access to basic skills owing to their distance from facilities where these basic services are provided.

Mayor Miguel said he pursues the program not only to enhance and develop reading skills of the target clientele but also to inculcate among the 8 Core Values being promoted by the city government.

Although the program was specifically designed for children, adults who are interested to learn how to read are also


welcome to join the program.

PBM is a seven-week summer reading program with four-day per week sessions. This year, classes started April 17 and will run until May 25. This year, PBM was launched Sitio Takilay, Barangay Saravia.

While classes are on-going, LSB volunteer teachers stay in the communities to conduct reading classes.

This year, communities where the summer classes are being held are sitios Takilay, Tolosa, Dungan Lahek of Barangay Saravia; New Leyte of Barangay Topland; Purok Damsite of Barangay Cacub; Purok Urban Poor and Sitio Upper Acub of

Barangay SanIsidro.Sitio Cadidang and

Sitio Supon of Barangay San Jose; Purok B’laan of Barangay Magsaysay; and Purok Roxas of Barangay Esperanza.

A module for five sessions is being followed for all grade levels. These modules contain lessons on reading and understand simple words, phrases and paragraphs.

This literacy program prepares the clientele by developing the necessary skills that may develop early language skills, motivate children to read and discuss, and encourage them to experience the joy of reading, which are necessary tools for success.

Joanne Ramos, one of the LSB volunteer teachers, said that she was happy teaching the children because she could see their eagerness to learn and that they would always attend every session.

She also said that she could feel their excitement to listen and learn new things; even parents were also eager to learn and benefited from the program.

Ramos said that the program was a positive learning experience for them as volunteer teachers both from the interaction with the learners and during their stay with the community. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Airyn Sucion-CIO Koronadal City)

LGU gathers 179 youths in leadership summitBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The local government of Tampakan has partnered with the 27th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army to gather at least 179 young people from the town’s 14 barangays in a four-day leader-ship summit to enhance leadership potentials of its youth sector.

The summit, with theme: “Peace and

Prosperity: Our Shared Responsibility” was

held at the Rock Resort Ridge on May 13 –


16. Participants were students and out-of-school youth.

Efren Villarina, Tampakan’s community affairs officer II, said the summit also aimed at inculcating awareness among these young people regarding threats to national security, developing a strong sense of patriotism, and promoting good citizenship.

Capt. Dennis Nolasco, who represented 27th IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo at the opening ceremonies said “the event was meant to increase the ability of the young people, promote camaraderie and unity among them, and mold them to become responsible citizens of their communities.”

“We specifically concentrated on the youth sector because of their adventurous nature as well as predisposition to violence, exploitation and drugs,” Nolasco said.

Areas covered in the youth leadership summit included:

understanding self-awareness, dangerous drugs awareness, battling lawlessness, disaster risk reduction and management, gender and cultural sensitivity, protecting the environment, values formation, government plans for the Filipino youth, leadership skills, threats to national security, fire safety, and community action planning.

Addressing the participants at the closing ceremony, Mayor Leonardo Escobillo gave emphasis on his three-fold flagship program of education, health and livelihood that their sector could also avail of.

“In the first 100 days of our service as the local chief executive, we have implemented a program that would provide education through scholarship of our young people from kinder to high school,” Mayor Escobillo said.

“We added into this a free vocational technical

course program in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Last month, 148 out-of-school youths have completed technical –vocational courses. Escobillo said, 90 percent of them have already passed national certification II.

At the summit, the participants elected a core group that would ensure that their commitment and participation in the affairs of the local government would continue beyond the summit.

Elected to office were: Ronnie John Barrientos, president; Roldan Mingabay, vice president; Erve Tutor, secretary; Jeffrey Sermina, assistant secretary; Nino Calino, treasurer; Kayson Keneth Pioquid; and Sandra Padios, public information officer. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/EVillarina-Tampakan CDIC)


BIR-Marawi tops 1st Q target by 16%by Apipa P. BagumbaranA total of P94.51 million was collected by the Bureau of

Internal Revenue (BIR) District 102 in the first quarter of 2012, surpassing its collection target of P81.58 million for the

quarter.

This figure is also 37 percent higher compared to the P69.03 million it collected during the same period of last year, said Revenue District Officer Aminoden Macarampat. Collections from income taxes contributed the largest share to the total collections posting P71.36 million, up by 38 percent or P19.81 million from the collection in the same quarter of 2011. This was followed by value-added

taxes at P19.79 million which exceeded the P15.76 million collection last year by P4.03 million or 26 percent. Revenue from other taxes also went-up by 88 percent, from P1.59million to P2.98 million while percentage taxes climbed to P379,500, exceeding the P132,000 collection last year by 186 percent. Macarampat said the success in its collection performance was attributable to the intensified information tax campaign they have conducted. “Aside from carrying-out tax mapping of business establishments, we also conducted door-to-door information campaign and explained the benefits of paying taxes,” he said. He added that close coordination with the Landbank and Philippine National Bank in the area, and with local government units, from the provincial to barangay level, also contributed to their positive performance.


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Council welcomes BCWD’s move to take lead in managing Taguibo Watershedby Robert E. Roperos

Council members of the Taguibo Watershed Management welcomed the move of Butuan City Water District (BCWD) in

taking the lead to manage the said watershed.


This, after the council chair and Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga Regional Executive Director (RED) Leonardo Sibbaluca got the consensus of the members of whether or not to adopt BCWD’s Board Resolution 095-2011 requesting the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines through the DENR for the city’s water district to take the lead in managing, administering, operating and maintaining of the Taguibo Watershed Forest Reserve. During Friday’s convergence of the council members at the DENR-Caraga Regional Training Center, Sibbaluca pointed out that the council’s decision will benefit the entire public, especially the people in Butuan City who are the clients of BCWD.

With this, the official said stakeholders from the public and private sectors should take their responsibilities to save and protect the Taguibo Watershed “as this is the only source of potable water in the city,” Sibbaluca said. Further, Sibbaluca urged BCWD General Manager Engr. Anselmo Sang Tian not only to protect the watershed. He said the management of BCWD should also consider to conduct reforestation programs in the area. “In this way, we could be able to preserve and save the watershed,” Sibbaluca stressed. Furthermore, the region’s DENR chief also gave his support to the move of the BCWD saying that the agency is very willing to work with them (BCWD) to help preserve

the environment. On September 17, 2011, Engr. Sang Tian sent a letter to Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III requesting the land’s chief executive to take over the management, administration, operation and maintenance of Taguibo River Watershed Forest Reserve pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree 198 specifically Section 31 (e) thereof as amended by Section 6 of Presidential Decree 1479. The proposed resolution disclosed that there is a need for the Taguibo River Watershed Forest Reserve to accelerate the protection and preservation from further denudation and mutilation to ensure sustainable supply of water resources to meet the needs of community for safe drinking water in the city of Butuan.


Solon seeks congressional probe on Butuan dawn fireby Noel B. Najarro

Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino (1st District Agusan del Norte, Butuan City-Las Nieves) said in an interview Friday morning, that he filed House Resolution No.2407 before the Congressional Committee On Public Order and Safety last Tuesday, seeking a deeper probe on the incident in aid of legislation. Aquino said that he will push for an early committee action of his resolution when he returns to congress next week after the festivals. He also said that he may request the committee to have the hearing of HR No.

2407 entitled, “Directing the House Committee On Public Order And Safety To Conduct An Inquiry In Aid of Legislation On The Recent Early Morning Fire That Killed At Least 17 In Butuan City,” be held right here in Butuan City. The Agusan del Norte lawmaker also said that he hoped that the inquiry may also come up with results and recommendations among others, which may point out the needs of the LGUs and the agencies concerned, whether there were possible lapses, the needed equipments and other necessary actions

to prevent the occurrence of similar tragedy in the future. It will be recalled that the six-hour blaze razed the three-storey theater-converted-into commercial building at dawn Wednesday last week, occupied by the Novo Jeans and Shirts Store, Smart Wireless Center, St. Peter Plan, Inc., Cherry Mobile Store, Western Union, and Digi Life. A total of 17 stay-in lady employees of Novo lost their lives and three survived during the said incident.

BUTUAN CITY -- A committee in congress may soon conduct its own investigation on the tragic dawn fire which razed a clothing store and five other establishments in downtown Butuan, killing 17 stay-in lady employees and gutted an estimated P30 million worth of property, according to a legislator.


Insp. Sibayton said because of the tight security implemented by the city police through PSSupt. Pedro Obaldo, the celebration of the city’s patronal fiesta was peaceful and in order. The official added even before the celebration of the festival, police officers in the city were already directed to ensure peace and security in

their different areas of responsibilities as it is expected that more people will be visiting here in the city to celebrate the fiesta. Sibayton said the implementation of police visibility in strategic locations in the downtown area is considered effective as only minor crimes were reported in police stations here. Aside from police visibility, Sibayton said

there were also police conducting foot patrol going around the city especially during night time. It may be recalled that during the whole day celebration on Saturday, city police director PSSupt. Obaldo directed all police officers to implement a full alert status in all substations. Meanwhile, day before the fiesta celebration, BCPO

Butuan town fiesta celebration generally peaceful, police says

BUTUAN CITY -- “The celebration of Balangay Festival on Saturday was generally peaceful,” said PSInsp. Reynante Sibayton of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO).


received three patrol vehicles as assistance from the congressional office of Agusan del Norte 1st. District (Butuan City-Las Nieves) Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II, in a simple turn-over ceremony held at BCPO’s multi-purpose hall. The vehicles, according to Obaldo will help to counter the riding in tandem suspects who are

victimizing innocent civilians in robbery holdup. The official added there are already riding in tandem police officers that were assigned to different places especially in the downtown areas. Meanwhile, the installation of police

boxes within the vicinity of the city is one of the measures implemented by BCPO to uphold peace and security not only during the celebration of the Balangay Festival but also during regular days.

one mindanao - may 21, 2012

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