one mindanao - may 9, 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

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

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

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

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ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

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EDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

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Cover Story

Controlling Brontispa infestation

Dani Doguiles Central Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, May 9, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 253

page 4

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

Aquino receives World Bank officials in Malacañang 9

City hall employees volunteer at the relocation sites on Labor Day

400 students avail special program for employment in Agusan del Sur 15Siargaonon surfer wins Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup 16

Dipolog City Mayor to ink MOA with NFA,MASICAP II20

Jun Parada, Caraga Region

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

Northern Mindanao

Nutrition council to produce Davao food book26Carina Cayon, Southern Mindanao

DOST incoming scholars to attend summer classes 22Nitt Marie Lantaya, Northern Mindanao

Arturo Lawa umupong mayor ng Maasim, Sarangani 29Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

23

COMELEC to hold special village, SK polls in Lanao del Sur32Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Armm

DSWD signs agreement for poverty programs in Zamboanga18 Western Mindanao

7 10 12 17

21 24 27 30

4 Wednesday, May 9, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Agriculture officials and technicians from all over

Soccsksargen Region have lately been up on their feet over a sudden onslaught of Brontispa infestation of coconut palms across all the provinces of the region.

Cover StoryControlling Brontispa infestation

At the height of the infestation in February the Department of Agriculture has monitored more than 200,000 coconut palms affected by the insect Brontispa. Although South Cotabato Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste said, “the situation cannot be considered alarming,” -- based on the fact that this figure constitutes only a small percentage of the coconut population in the region -- “this could escalate into a major loss in coconut production if not controlled.” Brontispa (scientifically named Brontispa longissima Gelon) also called coconut leaf beetle, according to the

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), “is

one of the most damaging pests of

coconut and other palms.” Both larvae and adults of the beetle feed on the soft tissues of the youngest leaves of in the palm. At a distance, affected palms look scorched or burned because of the drying up of young fronds. This consequently results in stunting of the palm and reduction of nut production. Prolonged attack can lead to death of the coconut trees. “Once Brontispa is observed even in a small portion of a coconut plantation, this has to be controlled,” said Legaste, “because the infestation spreads rapidly.” Meanwhile, Ludivina Dumaya, officer-in-charge of the Regional Crop Protection Center, said “major economic losses are expected when eight fronds have been

by Dani Doguiles

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

affected by the insect.” “But take note that Brontispa infestation is only observable when at least three fronds have been affected.” Besides coconut, which is the most favored host, Brostispa also infests other hosts including Royal palm (Roystonea sp.), Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae), Sago palm (Metroxylon sagu), California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera), Mexican fan palm (W. robusta), Bottle palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis), Chinese fan palm (Livistonia chinensis), Madagascar palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) and Areca nut palm (Areca catechu). The leaf beetle is a native of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and may have been brought to the Philippines with the transport of affected coconut seedlings. The adult coconut leaf beetle is 7.5 -10 mm long and 1.5 - 2 mm

wide, with a flat body that is black in color and an orange head and shoulders. The larvae and adults are nocturnal in habit

and remain in the unopened leaflets, moving

outside only to infest nearby palms or for

mating. The

eggs are brown and flat (1.4 mm long and 0.5 mm wide), commonly laid in longitudinal rows (surrounded by debris and excrement) in the unopened leaflets of both young and mature palms.

How to Control Brontispa Infestation

Quarantine

Since spread of Brontispa across distant areas is largely due to movement of beetle-infested palms, all palms meant for transport should be inspected well. This could be done by simple inspection of the young leaves in the throat of the palm. This is the first line of defense.

Mechanical Control

Once a coconut palm is affected, Legaste suggests, the most immediate control measure is cut-and burn. Affected fronds should be burned and disposed immediately, preferably by burning. However, care should be considered especially when pruning the youngest leaves as this may cause more damage. When pruning, farmers should consult with their agricultural technicians, Legaste suggested, because they have been trained in the proper way of cutting affected leaves. FAO noted of a more drastic measure: blockading and cutting of coconut palms up to three kilometers from the infestation spot are done to prevent the beetle from spreading.

6 Wednesday, May 9, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Chemical Control

Several chemicals are available in the market for the control of Brontispa. These include i m i d a c l o p r i d , dieldrin, aldrin, phosdrin, aldicarb, dichlorvos, fenthion, monocrotophos, chlorfenvinfos, idiofenphos, trichlorophon, quinalphos, deltamethrin, dimethoate, cypermethrin, diazinon, azinophos, methidathion and chlordane. Some insecticides are also injected in to the trunk of infested palms. However, the effect of these treatments lasts only for 3-4 months. Repeated applications may be impractical and uneconomic and cannot be used as a long-term control measure.

Biological Control

Two parasitoids have been used as natural control against coconut leaf beetle, namely: Tetrastichus

spp., and Asecodes hispinarum. Of

these two, Tetrastichus is more widely used in the Philippines. Besides being ecologically friendly, these biological controls are more inexpensive and more long-lasting than chemical control. Dumaya said, across Region 12 at least 15 laboratories have ongoing production of Tetrastichus spp parasitoids for distribution in Brontispa affected areas. Vials containing 20 to 40 pupas of Tetrastichus spp are dispersed in Brontispa infected coconut palms. These parasitoids feed on the eggs of the pest insect thereby controlling their development and spread. Dumaya explained that for as long as Tetrastichus insects are reared among the coconut palms, they would continue infesting Brontispa. However, Dumaya pointed out that use of Tetrastichus spp as biological control may not be optimally effective in coconut plantations surrounded by crop commodities where use of chemical control is

extensive. She cited the case of Malungon, Sarangani where biological control failed to continue because of the presence of wide plantations of mangoes in the area. This, she said was the major reason that population of Tetrastichus spp insects did not improve over time. Most importantly, however, Legaste pointed out that what is more important in the control of the Brontispa lies on the level of knowledge that coconut farmers and their communities have about the insect pest. Thus, he said, their information drive geared towards educating communities regarding Brontispa and its control as well as monitoring of its presence have continued. “There is no way we can totally wipe out Brontispa population in palm plantations in the region, but effective monitoring of its presence and proper implementation of the control measures could prevent major damage to crops and economic losses among coconut planters.


ACROSS THE NATION

S o c i o e c o n o m i c Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr., said during the 45th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that the country improves a lot in the area of governance

since President Aquino assumed the presidency in 2010.

President Aquino led last week the opening ceremonies of the 45th Annual Meeting of the ADB thanking the financial institution for continuously assisting the country in combating

poverty and pushing reforms.

The Philippines, Paderanga said, has improved its c o m p e t i t i v e n e s s ranking based on the Transparency International Corruption Perception index and the World Economic Forum

Good governance benefits economy, people, government says

Good governance, the Aquino administration’s guiding principle, ensures that public-private agreements are mutually advantageous and safeguard the people’s interest.

8 Wednesday, May 9, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Competit iveness Rankings.

With its current ranking, the Philippines is considered an emerging market economy in the region and is poised to become an influential economy in the coming years, Paderanga said.

The country’s potential lies in the key growth areas of agribusiness, business process

outsourcing and tourism, he said.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP), being spearheaded by the Aquino government, is also considered by experts as the catalysts for change and development. The PPP gained momentum with the approval of the Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road, they said.

The Philippines hosted this year’s meeting of the ADB Board of Governors with the theme “Inclusive Growth through Good Governance.”

The government hopes that ADB’s annual meeting in the Philippines would result to additional investment in the country as well as the influx of more foreign tourists. (AS)


Aquino receives World Bank officials in Malacañang

World Bank officials met with President Benigno S. Aquino III during a courtesy call on Tuesday at Malacanang’s Music Room.

Among the World Bank officials who called on the President include Perla Cox, vice president of the East Asia and the Pacific Region; Motoo Konishi, country director for the Philippines; Alejandro Cedeno, special assistant to the vice president; and Carl Hanton, communications manager.

As of December 31, 2011 the Philippines portfolio amounted to $1.8 billion for 25 active projects. Sectors benefiting from the World Bank-supported projects in the Philippines

include infrastructure, social protection, health, basic education, rural development and environment.

The World Bank, a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries like the Philippines, partners with the different countries to reduce poverty and push development.

Aside from providing low-interest loans, it also facilitates financing through trust fund partnerships with bilateral and multilateral

donors. It also assists developing countries by providing them policy advice, research and analysis as well as technical assistance.

Established in 1944, the World Bank is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has more than 9,000 employees in more than 100 offices worldwide.

On hand to join the President during the courtesy call were Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (AS)


MinDA sets solutions to energy crisis through creation of power committee

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Board of

Directors held a special meeting recently in Davao City to formally support the creation of a Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) and one-stop shop processing center (OSSPC).

In a press release, MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino said that they are grateful to the President for the time and effort he exerted to reach out to the people of Mindanao and for

providing an opportunity for various sectors to be heard on the urgent issue of power. MPMC and the OSSPC are two of the action points identified by President Aquino

during the Mindanao Power Summit last month, wherein MPMC will be responsible for providing information to the people of Mindanao regarding the energy and power situation.

photo credit: themindanaocurrent


MPMC will be chaired by MinDA and composed of representatives from the Department of Energy, Mindanao Electric Power Alliance, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mindanao, electric cooperatives, local government units, and civil society organizations. The committee will also spearhead creation of a technical team to look into the viability of the Mindanao Power Summit r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s , including the OSSPC, which is instructed to meet regularly to

monitor the crisis and its impacts, and to directly submit reports to the President. Establishment of the OSSPC, similar to the one-stop shops of DTI, will help fast track processing of

applications for new generation capacities in Mindanao. The main goal is to be able to complete set-up of small hydroplants within 10 months to one year. The MinDA board agreed to conduct a preliminary assessment of the existing process to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the setting up of the OSSPC. R e c o m m e n d a t i o n s derived from the assessment will be incorporated into the mandate to be issued by Malacañang.


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According to reports, the fire started at around 3:45 a.m. today where the three-storey building where

establishments such as NOVO Jeans Store, Smart Wireless, Saint Peter’s Office, Ayala Life Insurance, Digi-

Life cell phone store, Western Union, and a badminton court were housed. Junel Albuelo,

Early morning fire kills 17 in Butuan Cityby Robert E. Roperos

A fire which allegedly started on the third floor of a three-storey building killed 17 sales ladies of a jeans store.

Photo Credit: Erwin Mascarinas


store guard on duty, said stay-in personnel of NOVO store were staying on the third floor where the fire allegedly started. He said he heard an explosion coming from the store after which he observed thick smoke seeping under the door.He also said the store’s main gate had two padlocks: from within and outside. Albuelo also confirmed that 21 personnel were staying inside the establishment last night. Reports also revealed that of the 21 all-female stay-in personnel and sales ladies of NOVO store, three survived the incident; they jumped to the second floor of the building as the fire raged. In an interview, the survivors said they were trapped in the building when the fire broke

out. Somehow, they managed to break out, jump from the second floor, then brought to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, Vice-Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun said

concerned officials and personnel from the city government and other national government agencies were already instructed to extend immediate assistance to the survivors confined

Photo Credit: Erwin Mascarinas


in a hospital. The official also said because of the incident, the street fronting the building had been closed until such time the City Engineering Office has cleared the debris and deemed the area safe for passers by. M e a n w h i l e ,

officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here confirmed 17 dead bodies had already been recovered and all are beyond recognition. Elements of the Scene

of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), on the other hand, had retrieved the cadavers, and started the process of identification of the bodies. Initial reports from the BFP reveal that the cost of damages is estimated at around P30 million.


400 students avail special program for employment in Agusan del Surby David M. Suyao

According to Provincial Employment Service Officer Divina Lagumbay, while earning P200 per day, the recipients of SPES were divided into two batches, where the first batch started rendering services last April 24 and ended up on April 29, 2012. The second batch which started May 7, will also end on June 1, in order to start the first semester of school year 2012-2013. “Unlike the previous years where most of the SPES recipients were assigned in different offices like the agriculture office, provincial planning and

development office, budget office and other offices in the provincial government, they (recipients) are presently tasked as preliminary enumerators for gathering data in order for the recipients of the survey to be familiar with the questionnaires and formats when the final survey will be conducted,” Lagumbay said. The survey that the provincial government is set to conduct is to update and correct the data of the Community Based Management System of the province, as one of the basis

in planning and budgeting for the coming years. “But is not only the provincial government that is giving this SPES privilege to the students but also the 13 municipalities and the lone city of Bayugan. But they only accommodate few depending on their financial status,” Lagumbay said. The Special Program for the Employment of Students started some years ago where high school and college students are given the opportunity by the government to be employed and earn while spending their summer vacation.

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The provincial government of Agusan del Sur has set aside some half a million pesos this summer in order to give the students chance to earn while on summer vacation, while the Department of Labor and Employment shared some P320,000 to complete the daily wage of students who avail of the special program for employment of students (SPES).


Siargaonon surfer wins Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup

GEN. LUNA, Surigao del Norte -- Siargaonon surfer Nilvie Blancada surfed her way to victory during the recently concluded Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup held on May 1 to 4, 2012 at Cloud 9, Brgy. Catangnan, this town.

by Jun Parada

Blancada won a hefty $2,500 (P120,000) check for the win defeating 21 other women surfers from Australia, England, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand, Switzerland, USA, and several locals. Other winners proclaimed include Kim Wooldridge of Australia who finished in second place with $1,500 (P60,000). Behind Wooldridge, Manette

Alcala of Philippines and Philippa Anderson of Australia came in third with $750 (P30,000) cash prize each. The event has the distinction of being both the first-ever Asian Surfing Championship event to be held in the country and the first to receive the top Ultima rating for its P300,000 (approximately $7,000) prize money in Women’s

Division competition. The Roxy Siargao International Women’s Surfing Cup was proudly supported by the Department of Tourism, House of Representatives, Province of Surigao Del Norte, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and the Municipality of General Luna, organized by the Philippine Surfing Federation.


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DOH observes rare strain of dengue in Zambo City By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag said they are closely monitoring the dengue cases here after they observed a rare strain of

dengue circulating in the city.


DSWD signs agreement for poverty programs in ZamboangaPAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government of Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay for the implementation of a poverty program in the municipality.

“Sero Type 4 dengue strain has been observed in Zamboanga City,” Usec. Tayag quoted. Tayag said the surge in dengue cases in the city is a bit unusual in this time of the year and is suspecting the circulation of the said dengue strain. According to Tayag, this strain is different from the strain that infected thousands of persons last year. “What circulated there (Zamboanga City) last year was sero type 2,” Tayag said. DOH-IX epidemiologist Dr. Norvie Jalani explained that there are four strains of dengue, but type 4 is very rare. He said that only types 1 to 3 are present in the city. However, he clarified that it is not the first time that type 4 is found in the city. “In 2010, we had an outbreak and it was found out that all four strains were present”, he said. Dr. Jalani, however, was quick to point that there is no official result yet of the cause of the sudden rise of dengue fever in the city this year. Jalani echoed Tayag’s statement

that the public is in real danger if this strain really does cause dengue cases here. “If we have dengue 4 circulating in an area, many patients will develop dengue shock syndrome or dengue hemorrhagic fever. This is the last phase, the most severe among all strains,” Jalani said in vernacular. Last week, the City Health Office released its data noting a very huge increase of dengue cases for the first five months of this year, compared to last year. City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos noted the tripling of number of cases from a little over 200 cases to 654 cases this year. He also pointed that the figure is just 100 less from an outbreak and is now on a high alert level. While result is yet to arrive, DOH and the city health office is intensifying their campaign against dengue by urging the public to observe cleanliness in their areas and to intensify search and destroy operations of all possible mosquito breeding grounds. (JPA/MVC-PIA9/R.G. Go)


The MOA for the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) was signed by DSWD assistant regional director Zenaida Arevalo and Mayor Alfredo Atilano. The revolutionary community-driven development project of the DSWD was formally launched in nine municipalities in Region 9. For this year, 12 municipalities have been selected to implement the KALAHI-CIDSS project, based on the high poverty incidence in these areas. The municipalities that have officially begun the implementation are Naga, Ipil and Malangas in Zamboanga Sibugay; Tukuran, Tigbao, Dumalinao and Tabina in Zamboanga del Sur; and Salug and Manuel Roxas, Zamboanga del

Norte. Those that are yet to begin are Sibuco, Sirawai and Baliguian also in Zamboanga del Norte. The KALAHI-CIDSS project is a bottom-top approach to development planning, which puts decision-making with regards to the implementation of community sub-projects like water systems, roads, schools, and more, to the organized groups of volunteers. These volunteers are the front line implementers of the project in the communities, after being given trainings on project identification, implementation, and operation and maintenance. The project capacitates the people to handle huge sums of money for the implementation of the projects, in most cases, millions of pesos. During the municipal orientations conducted, the mayors have openly expressed their


DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City government will soon ink a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Food Authority to facilitate rice acquisition for relief operation for the victims of calamities. Meanwhile, another MOA will be signed by Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy with the MSME Development Foundation Inc., (MASICAP II) to provide direct assistance to micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the city and countryside business development in this area. This could help the marginalized residents of Dipolog City to put up small business like sari-sari store, according to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.(JPA/ATR-PIA9)

Dipolog City Mayor to ink MOA with NFA, MASICAP II By Alfonso T. Ruda

that by enlisting the partnership of the basic sectors, they will be able to come up with a more thorough action plan for development every year. “This is a unique approach, but we know that it works,” shares Salug Mayor Jeffrey Lim. “By bringing the decision-making process down to the people themselves, we are assured of a more holistic approach in addressing our town’s multi-faceted problems,” said Mayor Danilo Dalid of Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur. Meanwhile, provincial governors

have expressed their support to the poverty-reduction efforts of the DSWD. Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles said that in spite of the efforts of government to thwart its many problems, poverty is still persistent, hence the need for a more thorough approach. On the other hand, Zamboanga del Norte governor Rolando Yebes committed to not only provide supervision to the implementation of the project, but to be hands-on in its implementation. (JPA/DSWD9/CAL-PIA9)


MinDA board approves creation of Mindanao Power Monitoring Committeeby Apipa B. BagumbaranMembers of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)

Board has approved the formation of the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee by way of a resolution during its

meeting last week.

This was disclosed by Romeo Montenegro of MinDA in today’s “Talakayan sa PIA,” held at the Philippine Information Agency, here. The committee will be chaired

by MinDA and to be composed of representatives from the Department of Energy, consumer group, business sector, and electric cooperatives, among other stakeholders, he said. According to him, among the mandate of the committee is to monitor the power situation in Mindanao and give day-ahead projections

of the power demand, as well as to ensure reliability in projections and planning. He said the body will also study


DOST incoming scholars to attend summer classes

the viability of the proposal on the Mindanao Power Corporation and the process of putting-up a one-stop shop for power investments and projects in Mindanao.

As of press time, he said they are still waiting for the Executive Order that will provide legal framework for the committee.

by Nitt Marie Lantaya

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Incoming scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Northern Mindanao are to undergo a Summer Orientation and Enrichment Program (SOEP), which will start on May 7 and to end on June 1.

Those who will be enrolled at Xavier University, Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Central Mindanao University are to attend the summer class at MUST. On the other hand, those who are to study at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) are to attend at MSU-IIT. SOEP is designed to level-off the preparation of the scholars in English, mathematics, and physics. It also aims to prepare the scholars in their adjustment to college life and imbue in them the proper study habits and other techniques that can lead to

their success in college. The refresher course will focus in four areas which are Basic English (Grammar, Usage and Technical Writing); College Mathematics (College Algebra, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry); Physics; and Psycho-Social Skills Development. Incoming freshman-scholars who graduated from the regular public and private high schools in the region are required to attend the SOEP. Scholars who graduated from Philippine Science High School system, Department of Education Regional Science High School, Special Science Class of the

110 Science and Technology-Oriented High Schools, and recognized science high schools with special science curriculum have the option to waive participation in the SOEP. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) gives out about 4,000 undergraduate science


scholarship slots every year for those who wish to pursue careers in science and technology. For this school year, Region 10 has 132 new scholars added to the existing scholars who are enrolled in various colleges and universities all over the Philippines.

For more information, visit the nearest DOST Provincial Science and Technology Centers in the area or the DOST Regional Office at Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City or visit the DOST-10 website. (Tess Superioridad Baluyos/DOST)

City hall employees volunteer at the relocation sites on Labor DayCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A large group of city hall employees toting picks, shovels, paint brushes, and other equipment trooped to the relocation sites in Upper Camaman-an and Calaanan to help in the construction of the houses for the tropical storm Sendong survivors.

These volunteers answered the call of City Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Y. Emano who asked for volunteers from city hall employees to contribute through actual physical labor in the relocation sites after CdO’s Gawad Kalinga frontman Tootsie Besinga conveyed their need for more volunteers, and with the idea of making Labor Day memorable for city hall employees through a labor of love for those who survived Sendong. Thus, the Upper Camaman-an and 2.7-hectare Calaanan relocation sites saw crowds of employees sweating it out under the hot summer sun digging with picks and shovels for the houses’ foundations, moving concrete hollow blocks, mixing concrete grout, painting walls, and other similar activities. “Dako akong pasalamat sa migahin sa ilang panahon ug kusog

aron matukod ang mga panimalay sa mga biktima sa bagyong Sendong. Ako nanghinaot nga unta sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka mga panahon, ilang ipadayon kini dili lamang alang sa mga empleyado sa City Hall kon dili lakip na sa mga katawhan sa dakbayan (My deepest gratitude to those who shared their time in the construction of houses for Sendong survivors. I am hoping not only the employees of the city government but the residents of the city as well to do the same),” the Mayor stated. Another series of volunteer work awaits city hall employees as June 12 to 15 are scheduled for further “labor of love” on the relocation sites on Independence Day. Mayor Emano also invited everyone from all organizations to come join in the volunteer work with the Gawad Kalinga. (CIO)


Congress backing sought to create Davao Gulf management authorityby Jeanevive Abangan

Elevating the status of the Davao Gulf Management

Council (DGMC) into an authority needs the backing of the House of Representatives to champion it in Congress. DGMC Secretary General Leo Avila said the council still has to look for someone to push the conversion of

DGMC into the Davao Gulf Management Authority (DGMA). In an interview, Avila revealed that in September last year, DGMC passed a resolution asking Congress to create the DGMA out of the present council organized to look into the welfare of the Davao Gulf. He cited the creation of DGMA as vital “in favor of the Gulf” but he made it clear that he is not

strongly pushing it but “I am just open to the idea.” He presumed that LGUs would be “a little bit reluctant about it” because some of the powers and responsibilities of LGUs on coastal water management would be taken from them and be entrusted to the DGMA. “It needs full acceptance of the


LGUs.” Avila admitted the need for enforcement roles of the DGMC as he acknowledged to have noted some instances of violations committed by some LGUs . He did not elaborate on this however. Created in August 1999, DGMC is the brain-child of the Save Davao Gulf Foundation, Inc. (SDGFI); International Marinelife Alliance (IMA); Human Development International (HDI), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The organizing non-government organizations and national government agencies had seen the importance of putting together efforts in protecting and sustaining a healthy Davao Gulf seen to have made a major contribution to the economic life of residents in the Davao Region. Bearing the responsibility of overseeing the Davao Gulf conservation, the DGMC only serves as the coordinating body of five coastal cities and 18 municipalities that lie along the coastline of the Gulf.Though just a coordinating body, DGMC sets the agenda for LGUs and NGOs to work together for the wholistic management and protection of the Davao Gulf. “We are united by the waters of the gulf,” Avila said. “We have to work together.” But the DGMC cannot compel

member LGUs to implement the lined up programs and drawn guidelines to ensure the protection of Davao Gulf. “We can only ask them, suggest, but they are the ones implementing (the programs),” he said. The DGMC Framework Plan for 2004 to 2014 lays down eight core programs. These are on habitat management, fisheries management, foreshore management, coastal tourism and water use, enterprise and livelihood development, watershed management, waste management and pollution control; and legal arrangement and institutional development. The Davao Gulf deserves to be managed and protected as the Worldwide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF) considers it as “one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world.” It is located 984 kilometers south of Manila, with an area of 6,600 square kilometers. The Gulf binds together the coastlines of Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and part of the coastal areas of Davao Oriental. The Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) lies at the center of the Gulf.The Davao Gulf has diverse species of mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs. The Gulf is the hatching ground of marine turtles, and the feeding ground of cetaceans such as Dugongs, dolphins and whales including migratory shorebirds. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


Nutrition council to produce Davao food book

DAVAO CITY – The National Nutri-tion Council (NNC) in the region is working on producing a coffee table book to feature a compila-tion of distinct Davao food recipes. Apart from promoting nutrition, the cook book aims to sell Davao as food tourism destination, NNC regional chief Teresa Ungson told the media on Monday’s weekly Kapihan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Ungson explained that the book will be a fusion of different food and vegetable recipes with the distinct taste of Davao City . “It’s only in Davao that we get a fusion of international cuisines such as French and Spanish integrated with Davao taste,” she said citing the fruits pomelo and durian to have been mixed in several food menus. If pushed through, Ungson said the NNC project will be the first Davao cook book to be

published, saying that “no cook book of Davao is found in the market.” “We can be proud to have a cook book of our own,” she stated. The production of the yet untitled coffee table cook book is at the level of collecting Davao international cuisines and low-cost vegetable dishes, and taking pictures of these foods.

Ungson said they are planning to invite old restaurant establishments in Davao City which have been part of the Mindanao culinary experience as well as hotels, malls and schools to support the book production and promotion. She raised the need for sponsorships to help defray production cost which she estimated to reach P500,000 for the initial production of 200 copies of the book. NNC also intends to present the said project to the Davao City Tourism Office for a possible partnership. The Davao cook book also aims to be part of the 75th anniversary of the city this year, Ungson stated.NNC projects to launch and release the book next year. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

by Carina Cayon


South Cotabato police lays down anti-drug strategiesBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Police officials in South Cotabato will meet Friday, May 11, will set on paper their strategies against illegal drugs and drug abuse.


E d u a r d o Siazon, permanent representative of the governor to the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) said, “the action planning would require municipal and city police stations to give more focus to their activities that would address the drug problems in their respective area.”

Invited to the anti-drug strategic planning workshop are the chiefs of police of 10 municipal police stations, and lone city police office, along with one investigator involved in drug cases as well as agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) assigned in in the province.

Highlight of the activity is the presentation of each police station anti-drug action plan to senior police officers of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Officer. PDEA will also present its anti-drug action plan.

Among the senior officer who sit as members of the panel

include among others deputy police director for administration Supt. Jose Calimutan, deputy police director for operations Supt. Joel Limson, operations chief Supt. Barney Condes, and operations chief Jemuel Siason.

“Members of the panel will be there to clarify each police station’s strategic plan such as how this will be implemented, sources of fund, and other concerns,” Siason said.

After these plans are presented and discussed, he said, each police station will revise their plans according to the suggestions by the panel and present these for approval by Police Provincial Director P/SSupt. Randolph Delfin, Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. PDEA 12 Regional Director Aileen Lovitos.

Siason said, the action planning is necessary after the provincial board approved Gov. Pingoy’s request for this year’s supplemental budget no. 1, which include P500,000 additional

allocation for PADAC operations.

“We want to make sure that the funds that Gov. Pingoy has given us will be spent on the purpose these were intended for,” he said.

Also with the approval of the supplemental budget, Siason expects the PADAC and its partners would be able to intensify its advocacy projects against drugs, including the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) and its campaigns in the communities.

He also announced that the provincial government will hold search for outstanding municipal and barangay anti-drug abuse councils, where one of the criteria for judging pertains to the implementation of the strategic action plan.

“The awarding will coincide with the celebration of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week in November,” Siason said. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Arturo Lawa umupong mayor ng Maasim, SaranganiBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Simula kahapon, pormal nang um-upo bilang nanalong mayor ng bayan ng Maasim sa lalawigan ng Saran-gani si Arturo Lawa.

Ito ay matapos siyang dineklarang nanalong alkalde ng naturang bayan noong May 2010 elections matapos nag-convene ang special municipal board of canvassers ng Maasim kahapon.

Batay sa recount ng clustered precinct 21 ng naturang bayan nakakuha si Lawa ng 136 na boto laban sa 62 na boto sa unang

naideklarang mayor na si Jose Zamorro.

Sa kabuuan, nakakuha si Lawa ng botong 5,440 o 58 na botong kalamangan sa 5,382 na boto na nakuha ni Zamorro.

Matatandaang sa halip ng mga opisyal na resulta ng botohan, resulta ng trial run ng PCOS machine ang naipadala ng board of canvassers.

Ani Lawa pinakauna sa kaniyang gagawin ang pulungin ang Sangguniang Bayan at iba pang mga pinuno ng lokal na pamahalaan upang ilahad ng kanyang mga plano sa pagpapaunlad ng bayan ng Sarangani.

Umaaasa rin ang mga mamamayan ng bayan na magpapatuloy na ang pag-ahon ng kanilang lugar. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Hataman, Japan aid execs optimistic of PH peace with MILF

The acting governor of the

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the government sees a major pact for a political settlement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) taking place during the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III, which will end

Officer-In-Charge ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said he was being “optimistic that they can come up with a consensus to sign a peace agreement, especially if it does not take a constitutional amendment.” “As far as the government is concerned, that is my feeling… And

so also from the other side, we are receiving a similar feedback,” said Hataman told a delegation from a Japanese aid institution on Labor Day. Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, president of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), met ARMM officials


MILF leaders in separate occasions during his country’s aid delegation visit to the Muslim Mindanao region on Labor Day. After meeting MILF leaders in Camp Darapanan, Tanaka said he shared Hataman’s optimism that a “new political reality” was in the offing, with the current development in the peace process. Both parties have noted Japan’s increasing role in the peace process, after hosting a meeting between the President and key MILF leaders in Tokyo mid last year. Hataman said President Benigno S Aquino III becomes the second President to do so, after his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, met Nur Misuari to start the peace process with the

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) which he led. The meeting, Hataman said, led to the post-Aquino administration signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the MNLF on September 2, 1996. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)


COMELEC to hold special village, SK polls in Lanao del Surby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will hold a special Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in the three

barangays in the province this week.

Lawyer Nasib Yasin, Provincial Election Supervisor, said the special elections will be conducted in Barangays Bialaan and Patong in the municipality of Bayang, and in Barangay Tulay in Madamba town. He said the manual voting will start at 7:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Positions to be voted for are barangay chairman, seven Kagawads, SK Chairman, and seven SK Kagawads. Earlier, the COMELEC has issued Resolution No. 9405 setting forth the rules and regulations governing the conduct of May 12, 2012 special Barangay and SK polls in the three barangays, as well as in Barangay Lipat-on in Calatrava, Negros Occidental. The said resolution provided that official candidates for the mentioned positions during the October 25, 2010 Barangay and SK elections are the candidates to be voted for on Saturday. Also, all qualified and duly registered voters of the said barangays as of October 25, 2010 polls are entitled to

vote in the special elections. COMELEC declared a failure of elections in the three barangays last October 2010. According to Provincial Election Supervisor Yasin, violence during the conduct of elections was the main reason why it was declared a failure.

one mindanao - may 9, 2012

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