one mindanao - november 13, 2015

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSVICTORIANO B. VILLACRUZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

AgNor solon co-authors house bill to lower income tax

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Some 250 IOs join the 13th MindaComNet Congress inCagayan de Oro City

Customs prepares for ASEAN Single Window program

DOST sets 3-day Mindanao Cluster Science, Technology Fair

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By: Lawig Katawhan

Cover Story

SOUTHERN CARAGA

INFOCUS

NORTHERNWESTERN

NATIONAL

Barangays recognized for disaster preparedness

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OUR COVER

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

Contents

By: KL Deloso

DOLE conducts drug awareness seminar

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By: Joseph Nathan J. Fabrega30

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3328 NCCEd holds forum series on cultural education in Luzon, MindanaoBy: Rene V. Carbayas

23 Team CSU brings home the 9th inter agency, LGU statistics quiz championshipBy: PSA-Caraga

DOLE holds workers’ organization, devt program confab in Iligan City

4 November 13, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

Some 250 information officers from the government offices and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in the five regions in Mindanao island participated in the 13th Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress from November 11-13, 2015 with the theme

“Investment Opportunities in Mindanao Towards ASEAN Integration,” held at Pryce Plaza Hotel, this city.

5November 13, 2015 One Mindanao

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

Some 250 information officers from the government offices and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in the five regions in Mindanao island participated in the 13th Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Congress from November 11-13, 2015 with the theme

“Investment Opportunities in Mindanao Towards ASEAN Integration,” held at Pryce Plaza Hotel, this city.


The 13th MindaComNet is hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10 and graced by the regional directors from the different regions in Mindanao. This year’s Day-1 of the 13th MindaComNet Congress started Wednesday afternoon with the entrance of colors led by the ROTC cadets from Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST)followed with doxology and singing of national anthem. PIA region 10 regional director Thelma Oliver gave the significance of the yearly conduct of said congress and relayed the flow of the 3-day activity. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, through an audio-visual presentation delivered his message to all the participants and urged all the government information officers to level up and give its best talent so people will continue to be informed and participate in the government’s efforts especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration. “Let us continue working together in the spirit of bayanihan and let us persevere in building peace in Mindanao. Building peace is the best foundation in encouraging more investments and opportunities for the people in the different regions in Mindanao,” cited Sec. Coloma.


Also, PIA region 11 regional director Efren Elbanbuena expressed his warm thanks to all the information officers of the government and GOCCs from the different regions in Mindanao. “We will definitely learn more from this three-day congress and let us all continue to be more innovative in our field of work. There is more that we can still do that will reflect better impact to the lives of the people that we serve in the community. Let us also continue to disseminate relevant information especially when we go back to our respective regions,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, as one of the honored guest speakers, Major General Oscar Lactao, commander of 4th Infantry Division of Philippine Army discussed the Internal Security and Peace Plan - the “Bayanihan”. “We are here to apprise you on the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in serving a stable business environment contributory to generating investment opportunities and economic development,” he underscored.

Lactao also elaborated that the Oplan Bayanihan uses a whole-nation and people-centered approaches during today’s opening


program of the MindaComNet Congress held in Cagayan de Oro City. “We can’t achieve national security without human security. And freedom from fear, wants and needs are also the major factors to achieve peace and security. The AFP hope to impart our perspective on the role of government communicators particularly on dealing with information-based security threats which undermines government initiatives and

programs,” he added.

The said official further said that the “government communicators play a significant role to undertake joint efforts in dealing with information-based threats, convey the truth by massively projecting the good news, expose the contradictions and lies of anarchist, and intensify fusion of government organizations.”


Meanwhile, Dr. Jeff Ponce of Oro Photographic Society tackled the Mobile and Available Light Photography. Among the relevant points in his discussion include the technical and compositional objectives of photography, and proper handling of camera.

The MindaComNet is an organization of government public information and relations

officers of national government agencies, government-owned and controled corporation (GOCCs), government financial institutions, state universities and colleges (SUCs) and the local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao.

One Mindanao10 November 13, 2015

DepEd, groups strengthen commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ education

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and indigenous peoples’ (IP) groups nationwide gathered together on Thursday to strengthen partnership for IP education (IPEd) through the symbolic signing of affirmation of commitment. “Ang ating ipinagdiriwang ngayon ay isang lakbayin na hindi pa tapos. Hindi ito madali dahil kailangan nating umakyat, at sa ating pag-akyat, walang

maiiwan. Kailangan sabay-sabay, tulung-tulong at walang bibitiw para masigurado natin na ang ating inumpisahan ay matatapos,” Education Secretary


Br. Armin Luistro said. “Kailangan nating siguraduhin na buhay ang katutubong kaalaman sa loob ng sistema ng edukasyon.”

Part of the affirmation of commitment to IPEd is the inauguration of a pakedlan, an indigenous space for coming together among the Kankanaey peoples of Benguet, at the Baguio Teachers Camp, where a ritual was conducted together with the IP community representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to culminate the gains of IPEd. The inauguration of a pakedlan symbolizes the recognition of indigenous learning systems within the education system.

Luistro also said that the gains of IPEd are not DepEd’s milestones alone, but of the IPs also.

“Ang tatlong DepEd Orders ukol sa IP education ay galing sa inyo (the IPs). Ang sumulat niyan ay kayo. Ang IP education guidelines at curriculum framework ay galing sa sama-

samang mungkahi at karanasan (ninyo) sa mga nakalipas na taon ng pagsusulong ng IP education.”

Andres Ngao-i, chairperson of IPEd council of elders in the Cordillera Administration Region, said that DepEd’s commitment to IPEd is evident in the agency’s efforts to make education culture-sensitive, culture-responsive, and learner-centered.

“We are all happy that we are true to our IP curriculum; but we did not do it alone. We did this in partnership with DepEd and the local government units, too,” Ngao-i said. He also added, “Our job is not yet done. Let us continue the implementation of this historic Indigenous Peoples education. This is historical in


Customs prepares for ASEAN Single Window program

MANILA -- In preparation for the country’s launch of the ASEAN Single Window, Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 39-2015 sets to pilot test the implementation of the electronic application and issuance of preferential and non-preferential Certificate of Origin (e-CO) to help in the formulation of policies and procedures for the electronic exchange of data.

our regions and our country.” Luistro said that it is vital for the country to strengthen its IP education, especially with the 2015 ASEAN integration, adding, “Mahalaga na naka-

angkla ang ating kurikulum sa ating kulturanng Pilipino dahil may papasok na ibang kultura. Kapag wala ang katutubong kaalaman na nakapasok sa ating kurikulum, mawawalan tayo ng kaluluwa.” (DepEd)


According to the bureau, this will review the procedures in the electronic application and issuance of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) Form D as part of the ASEAN Single Window Program (ASW) for the purpose of rolling out the e-CO system in all ports to include various Free Trade Agreements (FTA).

“Once fully implemented, Philippine exporters will extensively benefit from the ease and facility in the processing of COs for their exports and the reduced transaction costs arising from paperless processing,” said

Deputy Commissioner Agaton Uvero.

The e-CO shall be set at the Port of Manila (POM), Manila International Container Port (MICP), Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Port of Cebu, and Mactan International Airport.

Through this three-month pilot implementation, application and issuance of ATIGA Form D shall cover the following:

* Registration of pilot exporters for the use of e-CO System and their qualified export products;

* Electronic submission of customs ruling on the compliance of specific export product to ATIGA;

* Electronic submission of application of e-CO Form D and submission of the scanned copies of the export declaration, commercial invoice, and the airway bill or bill of lading; * Online review and approval


of the e-CO Form D;

* Printing of the approved e-CO, in the prescribed ATIGA Form D;

* Signing of the printed e-CO;

* Scanning and storing in the BOC e-CO system of the signed Form D;

* Generation of the BOC Management Reports on the e-CO issued. The use of Form D is accepted in ASEAN countries under ATIGA OCP for the purpose of preferential tariff treatment. The countries are: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Preferential Tariff Treatment reduces and eliminates import duties on certain eligible products exported by the Philippines to other ASEAN Member

States. This innovation in the system shall help expedite trade facilitation among these member countries.

Electronic to Mobile (E2M) registered members may register to e-CO System for application and issuance of the ATIGA Form D. Application should include scanned copy of the Ruling on the Country of Origin, Export Declaration, Commercial Invoice, and Airway Bill or Bill of Lading.

“The move will also align the Philippines with the automation and trade facilitation programs of many of the APEC member economies,” said bureau chief Alberto Lina. “The e-CO System is just part of the many reform and modernization programs that the bureau is undertaking to ensure that better service is given to its stakeholders and the transacting public.” (BoC)

15One MindanaoNovember 13, 2015

DOST sets 3-day Mindanao Cluster Science, Technology FairZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is holding a three-day 2015 Mindanao Cluster Science and Technology (S&T) Fair that would feature various technologies. Brenda Nazareth-Manzano, DOST regional director, said Thursday the fair will be held from December 3 to 5 at a hotel in this city.

Manzano said the S&T fair will serve as an avenue to showcase to the public the various innovative technologies the DOST has developed.

Manzano said the goal of the three-day event is to promote these technologies to its intended end users--the industries, micro, small and medium enterprises, academe and local government units.

She said the S&T fair will include display of exhibits; campus science journalism seminar-workshop; small enterprise technology upgrading program (SETUP) consultative dialogue; forum on developing an innovation ecosystem through science and technology; and, site visit to coral reforestation project.

She said that DOST Sec. Mario Montejo, Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, DOST Undersecretary Carol Yorobe and other DOST officials will grace the three-day 2015 Mindanao Cluster Science and Technology Fair in this city. (PNA)

16 One Mindanao November 13, 2015

Gov’t. communicators urged to highlight public service efforts CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A top commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Northern Mindanao urged government communicators to highlight the efforts of their respective offices to serve the people through their programs and projects. Speaking at the 13th Mindanao Communicators’ Congress held in the Pryce Plaza Hotel, Major General Oscar Lactao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division said there are aplenty of accomplishments done by the Aquino Administration. He said many information need to be relayed to the people with regards to completion of schools and road projects, increasing number of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and more hospitals operational as the budget of the Department of Health. “These things need to be relayed to the people because government projects are not very much highlighted to them through information,” Lactao

said. He revealed that the effort now of the government forces in his area of responsibility is to reach out to the indigenous peoples by bringing in the government services to them. Lactao said the IPs are often very far, isolated and are easily exploited by the armed groups. He also bared that two out of three rebels nowadays are members of the indigenous communities. “The rebels are exploiting the situation of the IPs being far and isolated, and very vulnerable from agitation and recruitment, ” Lactao said. He said this situation prompts the military to make its internal security operation IP-centered by bringing in the


government services to the indigenous communities where the soldiers provide security to working government personnel. Lactao said the government must connect with the IPs so that they will not be enticed to bear firearms and to fight to authorities. On the killings of three IPs in Lianga, Surigao del sur, he said that the security sector has already identified and filed cases against three perpetrators identified as Margarito Layno, Bobby and Loloy Tejero. “Warrants of arrest were issued and these persons are being pursued by the Task Force Bangkaw headed by the police to bring them to justice. We urge them to surrender to prevent violence in the time of their arrest,” Lactao said. He said that the perpetrators had been with the rebel movement for ten years before they turned their backs against their former comrades. The perpetrators were implicated in the killings of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development or ALCADEV director Emerito Samarca, Dionel Campos, chairman of the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang

Sa Sumusunod or MAPASU, and his cousin Bello Sinzo in Lianga, Surigao del Sur in September this year. Lactao stressed that these suspects are not members of the military. “They are more akin to the rebels. They simply left the rebel movement and currently fight each other,” he said. Lactao that aside from the lumad killings in Lianga, a total of 357 IPs have been attributed to the rebels including the murder of Loreto Mayor Latasa and his son and two other datus. He called on the progressive organizations to also give attention to the IPs killed by the rebels, especially the noncombatants and voiceless. “You ought to give balance information,” Lactao said. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Barangays recognized for disaster preparedness

MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL - Aiming at strengthening disaster risk reduction and management down to the barangay level, the Provincial Government together with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Office recently gave awards to the best prepared barangays in the City of Mati.

Hailed as the Best Prepared Barangay is the village of Tamisan receiving a cash prize of P30,000. Named first runner up is Barangay Mayo receiving a cash award of P20,000 while sharing the second runner-up spot are the villages of Tagabakid, Dahican, Sainz, and Mamali, with cash prizes of P10,000 each. Piloted in the City of Mati, this search, which is touted as a special project, was conceptualized by the DILG and

the Development Academy of the Philippines and was funded by the Provincial Government and the City Government of Mati in order to boost disaster preparedness down to the grassroots level. With the project’s ultimate aim to have zero casualty and minimal damages to properties when calamities strike, a thorough selection process was undertaken by conducting an onsite monitoring and evaluation in the barangays.


Upon inspection, the DILG reported that all 26 barangays in the City of Mati have their own fully-functional Barangay Disaster Operations Center. “They have already identified their own evacuation centers and the residents know where to go in times of disasters,” said DILG Provincial Office Outcome Manager Orle A. Cabaobao. In the initial stage of the project, various disaster management trainings were conducted in the barangays as well as distribution of emergency disaster signage to be posted in their centers. While tapping the full participation of the communities, the DILG said this project has also become a good venue for collaboration as various local offices, councils and national government agencies have worked hand in hand in its implementation. Having seen theproject’s success in terms of collaboration, it was awarded the Most Collaborative Special Project conferred by the Development Academy of the Philippines on July 2015. Furthermore, five other municipalities in the province have also started to replicate the project to enthuse barangay

governments in making disaster preparedness a priority. Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon lauded the DILG Provincial Office for initiating the search. She noted it as an effective tool in increasing level of awareness and participation of the communities towards disaster preparedness. She likewise congratulated the awardee barangays, saying this is a testament of their good leadership. “We really need to push aggressively our programs for disaster preparedness not only within the community but down to the household level as disaster preparedness is our important thrust amidst the current changes in our climate.” DILG Provincial Director Yvette T. Sunga said the project had not only measured the preparedness of the barangays but also assess the balance in the governance in the barangay level, particularly the Barangay Governance Performance Management System. Meanwhile, the cash prizes won by the awardees will be used to purchase additional equipment for their respective Barangay Disaster Operations Center. (By KLDeloso/PIO DO)


AgNor solon co-authors house bill to lower income taxBy: Lawig Katawhan

BUTUAN CITY - Rep. Lawrence Lemuel ‘Law’ H. Fortun of the first district of Agusan del Norte has co-authored a house bill to lower income tax burdened by Filipinos. The bill takes cognizance of the long overdue reforms of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) adopted in 1997, or 18 years passed. As income of salaried individuals is increased to keep it at par with the rising inflation, “they are pushed into higher income brackets, and, thus, are compelled to pay more taxes that they should,” the explanatory note of the bill reads. The said legislative measure to cut income tax stemmed from House Bill 4829 authored

in the lower house by Rep. Miro Quimbo and was co-authored by Reps. Fortun, Villar, Abayon, Del Rosario (A.G.), Zamora (M.), Javier, Belmonte (J.), Chipeco, Primicias- Agabas, and Lanete. The tax reform, the first in two decades, would provide


DENR-13 funds 15 LGUs taking part in the NGP By: Herzon F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY - About 15 barangays in Caraga Region are participating in the National Greening Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB) with a total funding of P25.2 million.

more disposable income for wage earners and corporations but reduce the government’s revenue collections, it was learned. The bill pending in both chambers of Congress proposes to raise the tax exemption ceiling to P150,000 a year and lower the income tax rate currently pegged at 32 percent. It would also raise from

P500,000 to P10 million the trigger for the higher income tax rate and reduce the corporate tax rate from 32 percent to 25 percent. As the Congress reopens, Fortun expressed his high hopes for the timely passage of the bill before the end of Pres. Aquino’s administration.


However, the DENR-13 top management has expressed dismay over the slow utilization of the funds that were allocated to the different Local Government Units (LGUs) for the seedling production and areas developed considering that an average of 39 percent of the total funds was only utilized. A total of P9.882, 268 of the total fund allocation have been so far disbursed by the DENR as of September 30, 2015. Nevertheless, DENR Caraga regional director Nonito M. Tamayo has issued instructions to all PENR Officers of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands to provide technical assistance to slow performing LGU particularly in Bunawan and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur where activities appeared to have been stalled. “The NGP component in the BUB is expected to provide job opportunities to the people

who are actively involved in the seedling productions,” Tamayo said. “Barangay officials who enrolled their participation in the NGP should take advantage of the job opportunities to bring additional income to the poor families in their respective barangay,” Tamayo said. Based on the report of the DENR Conservation and Development Division office, only the province of Dinagat Islands has utilized about 68 percent of the P3 million funds allotted to the local government for the production of 136,500 seedlings which were planted in the different planting site covering a total of 273 hectares. He said while other Peoples Organizations in the region are in full swing in the production and planting of seedlings, the 15 LGUs involved in the BUB should as possible double their efforts to catch up with the program.


The said competition was part of the series of activities of the 26th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration that showcases the prowess of the government employees in the field of statistics and general knowledge. Team CSU earned a total score of 36 points to secure the top rank in the quiz. The team was awarded with a cash prize and certificates. Runner-ups were teams from DILG Region 13, composed of Don Manuelo Patrimonio, Jeffrey Dorola and Luth Edmund Apresto and team from LGU-Province of Agusan del

Norte composed of Bernardita Tener, Tijani Auxtero and Armi Escatron for the 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively. This activity is one of the highlights during the closing ceremonies of the 26th NSM and was spearheaded by the Regional Statistics Committee of Caraga thru the National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Statistical Association Regional Statistical Services Office No. 13, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Butuan Branch and Department of Health - Caraga Region.

Team CSU brings home the 9th inter agency, LGU statistics quiz championshipBy: PSA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - Team Caraga State University (CSU) with Angela Fel Padecio, Gilbert Alerta and Breix Michael Agua at the helm, triumphed over 15 other teams from different agencies in the 9th Inter Agency / LGU statistics Quiz which was held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Multipurpose Hall, Libertad, this city last October 30, 2015.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The commanding general of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army on Wednesday urged all government communicators to take a more active role in promoting and communicating the programs and activities of the government.

4ID commander inspires Mindanao communicators to be proactiveBy Gideon C. Corgue

Speaking before a crowd of 250 government communicators at the 13th Mindanao C o m m u n i c a t o r s ’ Network (MindaComNet) Congress held at Pryce


Plaza Hotel, MGen. Oscar T. Lactao said it is imperative for government communicators to inform the publicabout the various government programs and activities. “Kinakailangan ng ating mga government communicators na ipaalam sa publiko ang mga maraming nagawang kabutihan ng ating gobyerno lalong lalo na ang mga programa nito na nag-alay ng serbisyo sa mga mahihirap upang mapabuti ang kanilang buhay,” Lactao urged. The army chief said there are peace spoilers particularly the rebel groups and insurgents whose work is to destroy the peace process and yet, do not offer solutions to the problems. “They are expert in looking for mistakes that we never did,” he added. “The peace spoilers have proved adept at using social media to spread propaganda and attract young people through social media.That is why

we should always be prompt and vigilant in disseminating information to the public to counter thedisinformation/misinformation and effectively accomplish our mission,” Lactao explained. Meanwhile, he encouraged government communicators to actively support the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” campaign implemented by the AFP since January 1, 2011. Lactao said the IPSP Bayanihan is not the AFP’s campaign plan but everybody’s plan. “I encourage communicators to contribute your efforts to address the causes of internal conflicts and propel our communities to socio-economic development,” he added. Lactao also believes that peace, security and development is a shared responsibility. “It can be fully achieved thru concerted and united efforts of all stakeholders,” Lactao concluded.


NCCEd holds forum series on cultural education in Luzon, MindanaoBy Rene V. CarbayasLEGASPI CITY, Albay – The National Committee on Cultural Education (NCCEd), Sub-commission on Cultural Dissemination (SCD) of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) recently held a regional forum on cultural education, respectively in Luzon and Mindanao, to highlight and strengthen the role of culture-based basic education in public and private schools of the country.

The Sharing Forum on Cultural Education in Luzon last Nov 6 and in Mindanao earlier on September 19 was initiated by NCCEd committee members to provide an opportunity for other members in the regions to get to know each other and be updated on the status of cultural education

in the country, more particularly with those in the island regions. The first leg of sharing forum was in Mindanao which was held at the mini-Theater of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) and led by the Mindanao bloc of the Executive Council. The sharing


was centered on the different best practices from different schools and institutions in promoting and integrating cultural education and arts education in the curriculum for formal, mainstream schools and in alternative education systems; including institutional processes of local government units, such as tourism promotion and local festivals. “We are rich because we have culture,” NCCA Commissioner and head of NCCEd Dr. Orlando Magno declared during his opening remarks. “The 21st century demands renewed attention to creative imagination. In today’s rapidly changing world, people must continuously come up with creative


to unexpected problems. Success is based not only on what you know or how much you know, but on your ability to think and act creatively,” he explained. The highlight of the forum was the sharing from the Tuburan Institute Inc. from Davao who advocated on the Walder Stiner basic education system which is believed primarily to be a culture-based type of basic education. Other sharers on some of the best practices in the region on culture and arts education and promotion were Dr. Genaro Yap Aizon of Zamboanga City LGU, Theresa Fe S. Oliver of Pasakk Inc in Agusan del Sur, Lucio Jamero of Tagum City LGU, Hidita Villas of UCCP Davao City, Dr. Faina Ulindang of MSU-Marawi, Jennifer Frac of Timothy Academy in Iligan, and Dr. Steve Fernandez of MSU-IIT. In the Luzon forum, cultural workers, educators from various parts of the island region gathered for the first forum on cultural education at Bicol University in Legaspi City, Albay. The forum, led by the NCCEd Luzon bloc, is aimed at providing avenue for discussion and sharing of best practices in the promotion of Filipino culture and values. Dr. Magno challenged

teachers and stakeholders from Luzon to help institute a culture-based basic education that would strengthen and enhance capacity of teachers to implement the K to 12 programs amidst the ASEAN integration. Resource persons at the Luzon forum include the dollowing: Dr. Jobert P. Narvadez who expounded on the topic “Responding to the Call in Catalyzing Cultural Education Amidst Globalization,” Henry N. Languisan of Nueva Era Choral Society (“Batek”), Prof. Lahaina Sue Azarcon of Quirino State University (Kwentong Kultura: The Cagayan Valley Experience), Julius V. Sarabia of Bulacan (Tracer study of GDCE Graduates of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Calamba, Laguna), Dr. Joan Christi S. Trocio of Laguna (Educating the Cultural Educators) and Prof. Indira B. Tabo of Bicol University (Sail, Shake, Share: The SSYEAP Experience). With the completion of the two fora, the members of the NCCEd felt that the activity was conducted successfully and hope that more cultural educators and workers will join the crusade to bring about a Filipino nation that is rooted on Filipino aspirations and imbibed with cultural values.


DOT announces various activities for 6th Pas’ungko S’g Festival in MisOcc

The Department of Tourism (DOT) region 10 through its travel advisory announces various activities for the 6th Pas’ungko S’g Festival in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental from 2

November 2015 to 2 December 2015.

According to DOT Regional Director Catalino E. Chan III, this event showcases the rich culture of the Subanon Tribe, the river dwellers and is a commemoration of the provincial anniversary of Misamis Occidental

highlighting the developments, achievements and accomplishments of the province. Among the most sought after presentations of this month long activity is street dancing and tableau competition showcasing the songs and dances of the indigenous tribe residing in the province. Every year, contingents from different cities and municipalities come together to compete in this annual festivity. This year’s festivities include opening of the 86th Provincial Anniversary and 6th Pas’ungko S’g Miamis Occidental Festival, Festival Queen, Agri-Aqua Day, 1st Gov. Herminia Ramiro Cup Level 2 PPSA Sanction Invitational Shootfest,

Pas’ungko trade fair, city/municipal tourism icon show from 9-30 November at provincial capitol grounds, authentic Subanen sports fest, Pas’ungko S’g MisOcc Festival showdown, authentic


DOLE conducts drug awareness seminarILIGAN CITY - The Federation of Family Welfare Committees (FFWC) of Iligan City - Lanao del Norte, through the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10) – Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Office (LDN PFO), sponsored a Drug Awareness Seminar, as part in the implementation of a Drug- Free Workplace Policies and programs for the private sectors based on the Department Order No. 53-03 held on 4 September 2015 in Café Hermoso, Palao, Iligan city.

It was attended by some 126 participants coming from the city’s different private establishments, companies, and institutions. DOLE-X Regional Director, Raymundo G. Agravante has emphasized the importance of Department Order No. 53- 03 or the guidelines for the implementation of a Drug-Free Company Policies and Programs for the Private sectors. “This Order guides the private sector to sustain and enhance existing levels of engagement and productivity,” he added. The Philippine National Police (PNP) of Iligan City, thru SPO2 Lyrma N. Cajegas, discussed the prohibited

drugs situation in the city. “The top reasons why people in the workplace take prohibited drugs are boredom; frustration; rebellion; family problem; instant gratification; popular media; misinformation; lack of self- confidence; and peer pressure,” SPO2 Cajegas enumerated. Likewise, City Health Office Physician, Dr. Gino Meteoro presented the Dangerous Drug - in Medical Aspect, its rehabilitation programs, and the health effects of persons taking prohibited drugs. “Treatment fees in Iligan City Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center ranges from P5,000.00 per month for City while P7,000.00 for

Subanen Sports Fest on 27 November at Provincial Capitol Plaza, Laag-laag sa MisOcc: Launching of MisOcc Tour Packages on 28-29 November and Declaration of the Balik Amihanang Mindanao: Misamisnon ako” Program on 2 December at the Provincial Basketball Court. Oroquieta City, Misamis

Occidental can be reached by plane from Manila. Daily flights schedules are posted through airline company websites. Ferry from Cebu also caters water transportation for tourists who wish to travel at night or take bus rides from any terminals or point of entry in Mindanao routing to the City.


city non- residents,” Dr. Meteoro added. Further, he also clarified that treatment and rehabilitation last six months. In the spiritual side, Rev. Arturo O. Salagote, a Minister of the Gospel and an evangelist of Bob Tebow, an American-based Non-Government Organization (NGO), also talked about the Dangerous Drug. He shared a video about some stories of people in the movie and arts industry who were victims of prohibited drugs. One of the participants, Sarah Villarin Aranaydo, of Mercy Community Hospital, Inc., expressed her gratitude to the

Federation and DOLE-X LDN PFO, “We are thankful of this information drive of our government on prohibited drugs and may we serve as advocates of this endeavor.”(Joseph Nathan J. Fabrega/DOLE-X Lanao del Norte PFO)


DOLE holds workers’ organization, devt program confab in Iligan City ILIGAN CITY - The Fil-Eslon Workers Union (FEWU), a chartered local Federation of Democratic Labor Organization (FDLO), was a proponent of the two-day Labor Education Seminar Workshop on Green Productivity, 5S of Good Housekeeping Training, Health and Safety Management, and Labor and Human Relations and Productivity (LHP), recently conducted in Iligan City.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante stressed that the seminar is a continuing educational activity for the workers’ development which was sponsored by the Workers’ Organization and Development Program (WODP), an educational program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It was participated in by some 48 workers from the various plants, establishments, and educational institutions of the City and Lanao del Norte Province. DOLE-10 Lanao del Norte Provincial Office Head Remegio S. Cabañog underscored WODP as a mechanism in strengthening trade unions and other workers’ organizations and provides an opportunity for systemic learning and growth aiming at greater productivity, prosperity and welfare to the employer, workers’ organization and its members and their dependents. “This provides educational opportunities to officers and members including their dependents for self-development, growth and be effective change agent in their organization and in their personal life,” Cabañog added. Meanwhile, Regional Tripartite

Wages and Productivity Board-X, board secretary VI, Estrella Pahalla, emphasized on the Green Productivity and 5S of Good Housekeeping. “Our aim here is to create a more comfortable and productive workplace; maintain a clean, safe and orderly surroundings; and implement waste management and other green initiatives,” she added. Further, Dr. Rolly Cuizon of Iligan City National High School, shared the 21st Century Skills for Responsible Unionism. “Responsible unions look after the interests of their members; they also recognize the advantages of working in partnership with employers. This is because a successful, profitable business is good for workers and therefore good for the union and its members.” “I encourage the participants to help the Department in our advocacy towards industrial peace through labor-management cooperation,” Cabañog said in his closing message. The participants gave their full support to DOLE-10 at the end of the seminar. (Joseph Nathan J. Fabrega/DOLE-X Lanao del Norte PFO)

one mindanao - november 13, 2015

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