one mindanao - november 20, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive 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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

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

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

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

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Dive Camiguin

Jorie C. ValcorzaNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, November 20, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 67

page 4

President Aquino meets with Prime Minister Singh of India in bilateral meeting 8

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao

Cotabato City seeks citizen’s help against criminality19ECC reiterates employers’ responsibilities under Employees’ Compensation Program 21Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

CHR-XI continues mandate despite logistics lack

N. Cotabato boosts its Tourism campaign

Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

Butuan-LGU inks partnership with iHome, Inc.23 Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao, Caraga Region

DOH-CHD to conduct RNHeals Preceptors Orientation Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao26

Oliver Ross Rivera, Central Mindanao

6

10

12

15

20

24

ARMM legislative body backs declaration of MSU as ‘zone of peace’Apipa P. Bagumbaran, ARMM28NGCP upgrades control system for Balo-i Substation in MindanaoNorthern Mindanao

33

27

32

1813

‘Bangga sa Daygon,’ ‘Indigay sa Parol’ is OnNorthern Mindanao34

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 4 ONE MINDANAO

Dive Camiguin

Fromafieldoftablecoralsinshallowwaters,colorfulvarietyofhardandsoftcoralstoahugeforestofblackcorals,andseafansitisnowfastbecomingmagnettobothnoviceandprofessionaldivers. Thesedivesitesarejustlyingnearits tourist beaches and guarantees acompletelyuniqueenvironment. In each dip, divers will enjoy theawesomesightofrichmarinelifeteemingwith barracuda, mandarin, and frogfishes,including, manta rays and whalesharksattherighttimeoftheyear. MostvisiteddivesitesintheislandincludesthethreespotsinWhiteIsland

called the black forest, the marinesanctuary, and the white island wallledges,extending60metersdownwithoverhangsandcavelets. The Burias Shoal, favorite of thehighadventuresseekingdivers,servesasgoodhidingplaceforblacksnappersandlongnosedemperor,whereshoalsoftunaandschoolsofjacksalsoswirlaround.Ithascoralbommies that iscoveredwithorangeantniasandsoftcorals. TheKantaandivespotontheotherhand suit divers who love high-speeddrift. Fields of Acropora and lettucecorals beatifies its seascape with some

ThissmallbeautifulvolcanicislandinthenortherntipofMindanao,

alsobeholdoneofthecountry’sbestdivesites.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 5ONE MINDANAO

addedtreatalongitsGiantClamsOceanNursery. TheslopeandwallsofJigdupreefare home of the maroon and leatherdendronephtya corals. Its walls havehugepatchesofanemones. The islet of Mantique is likewiserecommended for novice divers whowill surely love the snappers, cardinalfish, drummers, sweetlips and myriadsof clown fishes lying within their hostanemones. It also had this sandy slope areadubbedastheMantigueWhip,hometonumberstingraysandotherfishspecieslivingwithinitswhipcorals.

The Cabuan point, meanwhile,issaidtobethemicrocosmofalldivessitesintheisland.Andthelistgoesontoanotherinterestinganduniquepeekslikethe hardened lava turned reef and thenowbelowsea levelburial sitemarkedwithagiantwhitecrossonthesurface. To date, a number of dive shopsandcentersarenowbeginningtoflourishin the area offering diving lessons tointerestedclients. Thelocalgovernmentlikewisehasbeenactivelyinstitutingmeasuresfortherestoration, protection andpreservationofitscoastalandmarineresources. The Camiguin Coastal ResourceManagement Project (CRMP) secondphasealsoopenedthisyeartocontinuebuildingthegainsestablishedinthefirststage which includes a more focusedapproach on conservation basedeconomicdevelopmentopportunities,andimproving institutional arrangement forthemanagementofcoastalresources.

6 Tuesday, November 20, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino clarifies West Philippine Sea issue during ASEAN-Japan Summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III made it clear on Monday that resolving the West Philippine Sea issue doesn’t rely solely in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) route but

also with other venues.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 7

In a media briefing at theLandscape Hotel here, PresidentialCommunications Operations OfficeSecretary Herminio “Sonny” ColomaJr. said that the President made asignificantinterventionwhenCambodianPrime Minister Hun Sen was makinghis concluding statement during theASEAN-JapanSummitMondaymorning.“Therewereseveralviewsexpressed

yesterday on ASEAN unity which wedidnotrealizewouldbetranslatedintoan ASEAN consensus. For the record,this was not our understanding. TheASEAN route is not the only routefor us. As a sovereign state, it is ourright to defendournational interests,”ColomaquotedthePresidentassaying.The President raised the issue,

Coloma stressed, because if theadherence to international law or theUN is omitted and member countriessimplyrefertoASEAN-Chinadiscussions,it would change the whole context.The chair, Prime Minister Hun Sen,

duly acknowledged the President’sstatementsayingtheinterventionwillbereflected intherecordofthemeeting.

“Wemustrealizethatthisisaforumwhere the countries around the tableare sovereign states. It’s not just theindividual heads-of-state or heads ofgovernment that are representingthemselves. They are representingtheir countries,” Coloma said.He explained that the President

representsthestateandthegovernment,whichisgovernedbyaConstitutionaddingthatundertheConstitution,thePresidentmust assert the country’s sovereignty.“Even as we observed ASEAN

centrality, this isan issuethat involvesthestakeofeachofthememberstatesofASEANconcernedthathaveclaimsonthedisputed territoryand thatweareaffirmingourbeliefthatthismattershouldberesolvedpeacefullyandinaccordancewithinternationallawsincludingtheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea,”hesaid.ASEAN leaders acknowledged

the need to craft a code of conductin the West Philippine Sea startingfrom the existing Declaration of theConduct of Parties in the SouthChinaSea agreed 10 years ago. PND (as)

8 Tuesday, November 20, 2012

President Aquino meets with Prime Minister Singh of India in bilateral meeting

President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a bilateral meeting on Sunday at the Sofitel Phnom Penh where both committed for stronger cooperation to

address current challenges.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 9

ThetwoleadersacknowledgedthatthePhilippinesandIndiacan“learnfromeachother’schallenges”astheyexploreopportunitiestofurtherboosttheireconomicties.Duringthebilateralmeeting,Prime

MinisterSinghandPresidentAquinoexchanged views on the currentglobal financial situation in light ofthe European economic crisis, USunemployment, and the economicslowdowninAsia.The Indian prime minister

suggested that both countriescontribute to a “pool of wisdom,knowledgeandexperience” tocopewiththeeconomicchallenges.Withregardstoensuringpeaceand

stability in theWest Philippine Sea,PrimeMinisterSinghsaidhiscountryshares theAssociationofSoutheastAsian Nations’ (ASEAN) concern forensuring freedomofnavigationandmaritime security in the contestedarea.He said barriers to trade must

also be removed to achieve vibranteconomicactivity.TheIndianleaderalsocongratulated

President Aquino for signing theBangsamoro Framework Agreementnotingthatbothcountriescanbenefitfrom sharing experiences in thehandling of post-conflict rebuilding.India also has aMuslim separatismprobleminKashmir.

President Aquino informedhis Indian counterpart that he issending Vice President JejomarBinaytorepresenthimintheASEAN-India Commemorative Summit onDecember20to21inNewDelhithatmarks the 20th anniversary of theASEAN-Indiadialogue.Singh said the commemorative

summit signifies the full fruition ofIndia’s integration with the ASEAN.PND (as)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

Aquino government steps up campaign against investment scam in Mindanao

The Aquino government is stepping up its campaign against investment scams amid the Aman Futures

investment scheme that victimized thousands in Mindanao, a Palace official said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have already urged the public to report all scams to their respective offices.

Aside from the Aman Futures investment scam, news reports

said that there are other companies engaged in pyramid scams that are victimizing several persons in some parts of Mindanao.

“I think, the DTI local offices will be more proactive because ---if you notice, the scams happened in the south,” Lacierda said.

The Aquino government appealed to the public to be vigilant against


investment companies that offer high interests, Lacierda said.

“If it’s too good to be true, that’s something that you should consider suspicious. Noon pa po iyan, nasabi na po natin na mag-iingat ang ating mga sambayanan sa ganitong mga malalaking offer na napakaganda, mataas ang interes, at in fact, beyond banking rates,” he said.

“Pangalawa, we would like to ask the public to let us know kung ano pa ang mga ibang scams po. Nalalaman po natin iyan kapag may mga nagko-complain na and it is unfortunate that a number of our citizens were victimized by the scam,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda assured that the Aman Futures and other companies that are engaged in investment fraud are now being investigated by the authorities.

Last week, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II relieved Zamboanga del Sur Provincial PNP Director Senior Superintendent William T. Manzan and Pagadian City Chief of Police Superintendent Kenneth H. Mission in connection with the Aman Futures investment scam.

Roxas ordered the relief of the police officials to avoid chances of whitewash in the ongoing police investigation into the latest “get-rich-quick” scheme.

The DILG chief also said Manzan and Mission were suspended for

their supposed negligence in stopping Aman Futures in their operations.

Roxas also said that the DILG has requested the treasurers of local government units in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur to submit their respective LGU bank balances for examination to verify reports that public funds may have been used to invest in Aman Futures.

The government is conducting a manhunt for the officials of Aman Futures, including its president, Manuel K. Amalilio and Fernando “Nonoy” R. Luna, head of the Aman operations in Pagadian City.

Aman Futures was able to lure investors, mostly in Pagadian City, by offering a 30-percent to 40-percent return on investment within eight days, and a 50-percent to 80-percent profit for 18 to 20 days.

Aman Futures claimed that the profit would come from a customer agreement with Malaysian brokerage firm Okachi (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. that in turn engages in futures trading of commodities such as oil, manganese, palm oil and nickel.

At first, the victims could receive cash by just showing their official receipts. But later, investors were issued post-dated checks with a 50-day maturity date in lieu of cash. Investors started to panic when the Aman office in Pagadian closed last September 26. PND (js)


TAGUM CITY-The establishment of the Extractive Industry Trans-parency and Accountability in Compostela Valley, which was an offshoot of the global Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), is seen as a deterrent to corruption and tax avoidance. “The EITI (and in effect the EITA) can help minimize the leakages in government which include corruption and tax

avoidance,” EITI member and National Coordinator of Bantay Kita Assistant Secretary Cielo Magno said during the launch of the EITA in Tagum City Monday. Magno said many mining companies claim that they have paid their taxes to the government but say “binulsa ng gobyerno” (pocketed by government)” when confronted about these payments. She said that

through the EITA, the tax payments of extractive companies like mining companies are monitored and the corresponding payment with the Bureau of Internal Revenue is also monitored. Executive Order 0040-2012 by ComVal Governor Arturo Uy which provided for the creation of the Provincial Multi-Stakeholder for EITA was aimed at ensuring

EITA Council to lessen corruption, tax avoidanceby Lovely Carillo


“access and appropriate disclosure of relevant information related to the development of the mining industry, both large and small scale mining projects.” Magno said EITI, which is a global initiative that seeks to increase the transparency of payments made by companies involved in extractive industries like mining and oil, started during the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino specifically upon the issuance of Executive Order

79, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of which provide the formation of a multisectoral forum six months after its effectivity. “We are ready with our candidacy but still waiting for the draft f the terms of reference, scope of work and workplan,” she said. The target is to submit all requirements by January 11 next year, she said, in time for the EITI Board meeting in February which will then decide if the Philippines meets all the requirements.

CHR-XI continues mandate despite logistics lackby Rudolph Alama

DAVAO CITY- Despite lack of re-sources the Commission on Human Rights Region XI office is pursuing its mandate of investigating cases regarding human rights violations in the region. Emil Cajes, Officer-in-Charge of the CHR XI Investigation Division said that they cannot just turn their back on these cases despite their lack of personnel and equipment. He said there are only seven investigators assigned in the region and there are instances where the CHR will conduct on its own or motu propio incidents of HR violations many of which occur in far-flung areas.We have only one service vehicle

and it is not running, Cajes said describing the office’s decrepit service automobile. For transportation to those areas the investigators will have to go with their service motorcycles, rent a van or take a bus. Cajes said that lack of transportation would be a cause of delay in going to the areas where alleged violations took place. Among the cases being investigated by the CHR in the region is the September 1 grenade throwing incident in barangay Fatima Paquibato District, the armed clash last October 22 in Kiblawan Davao del Sur which resulted in the death of three civilians and the October 18 armed attack on the barangay


hall of Calabcab in the town of Maco in Compostela Valley Province where the barangay hall and health center came under fire from armed attackers. Also the office would accommodate complainants who would come to their office as such in the case of a farmer who filed a complaint last November 13, after he was mauled allegedly by Army soldiers belonging to the 66th Infantry Battalion in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. Lt Col. Lyndon Paniza the commander of the 66th

Infantry Battalion has ordered an investigation on the eight soldiers and a militiaman who were alleged to be involved in the accident. Aside from investigating human rights violations, the CHR-XI also provides legal assistance and free legal services to clients. Atty. Panfilo Lovitos of the CHR-XI legal office said that unknown to many the legal officers of the office can provide free public legal services to clients who would come to the office among these include the preparation of affidavits and providing legal counselling services.

regional gallery

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy answers questions from the panelists during the 2012 Gal-ing Pook Awards Panel Presentation and Interview last November 14, 2012 at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, Metro Manila. Also in the photo is the Former DepEd Tagum Superintendent and now DepEd OIC-Assistant Regional Director Nenita E. Lu-maad and Engr. Roderick Ragot of the Fabrication Section joined the mayor in defending the program. Photo by Edwin B. Lasquite of CIO Tagum


S. Cotabato holds 3rd Recyclable Waste FairKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Everything has been set for the 3rd South Cotabato Recyclable Waste Fair on November 22 – 23, which the province holds to celebrate the Environmental Awareness Month and two other events.

By Dani Doguiles


Nencita Acain, senior environment m a n a g e m e n t specialist at the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) said highlights of the two –day affair include a beauty pageant featuring recycled outfits, buying of recyclable wastes, and recognition of schools that have implemented excellent solid waste activities.

Acain said Presidential Adviser for environmental protection Nereus Acosta, has already confirmed his presence as guest of honor at the opening ceremonies.

At the third biennial waste fair, South Cotabato expects to surpass its 2010 accomplishment

of 26 tons of solid waste considering the massive information drive and the increasing number of junkshops participating in the fair.

As of Wednesday last week, at least eight buyers have already confirmed their participation in the fair, which will be held inside the Protech Center compound adjacent to the provincial capitol.

Recyclable wastes that may be sold to the buyers include bond papers, newsprints old newspapers, p o l y e t h y l e n e terephthalate bottles (used as containers of mineral water), carton boxes, plastics, high density plastics, scrap iron, used car batteries, cyclone wires, logbooks,

and receipts.They will also buy

e-wastes such as printers, keyboards, LCDs, DVD players, CPUs, and other computer wastes.

One buyer is also interested in purchasing MCDs or mercury-containing devices, such as fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent bulbs, non-digital thermometers, barometers and the like.

“The waste fair is one of our strategies to de-load especially commercial establishments of their garbage,” Acain explained.

During the first fair in 2008, South Cotabato gathered about 12 tons recyclable wastes.

She added that they concentrate the fair here because of the number of businesses and offices operating in the city as the province’s commercial center and the Soccsksargen region’s administrative seat.

“South Cotabato takes pride that it is the first province in the country to hold waste fair,” she said. “It is also the first province in the Philippines to build a cluster sanitary landfill (SLF).”


The cluster SLF is located in Surallah town and is also being used by other municipalities in the Upper Valley area including Lake Sebu, T’boli, Banga, Norala, and Sto. Nino. It is one of the finalists for this year’s Galing Pook Awards.

Capping the event would be the awarding of the winners of the 2012 Search for the Model Schools in the Implementation of Solid Waste.

Elbe Balucanag, also of PEMO, said all 10 municipalities and lone city have endorsed elementary and secondary schools for the search.

Of the 11 elementary and 11 high schools, five finalists in each category were identified.

On Tuesday, the evaluation team have completed the unannounced validation, the last leg of the competition.

R e p r e s e n t a t i v e s from the Department of Education, PEMO, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Environment and Management Bureau (EMB), Department

of the Interior and Local Government and South Cotabato Foundation as non-government organization representative.

Finalists for the elementary catergory are: Maltana Elementary School in Tampakan, Panay Elementary School in Sto. Nino, Lugan Central Elementary School in T’boli, Koronadal City Central Elementary School 1 in Koronadal City, and Polomolok Central Elementary Schools.

Those in the high school category are: Tampakan National High School in Tampakan, Bukay Pait National High School in Tantangan, Lake Sebu National High School in Lake Sebu, Sto Nino National High School in Sto. Nino, Lamian National High School in Surallah.

Winners in each category will receive cash prizes of P30,000 for the 1st placer, P20,000 for the 2nd, P10,000 for the 3rd, P8,000 for the 4th and P7,000 for the 5th .

Winners in the Best in IEC, Best in Documentation, Best in Recycling, Best in Composting, and Best in

Organic Gardening will also receive P5,000.

Non-winning schools that have complied with the basic requirements of the Solid Waste Program of the province will receive P5,000 consolation prize.

As in the previous fairs, there will be a search for Ms and Mr Recyclable, this year dubbed “Green Ambassadors and Ambassadress of South Cotabato.”

Featured in the pageant, which is co-sponsored by the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Sports (ACTS) Promotions Unit of the province, would be haute couture competition where the outfits are made of recycled mateials.

During the event, products made from recovered and recycled will be on display at the Protech Center.

B e s i d e s E n v i r o n m e n t a l Awareness Month, November is also Clean Air Month. The country also celebrates November 19-25 as the Climate Change and Global Warming Consciousness Week.


N. Cotabato boosts its Tourism campaignBy Oliver Ross Rivera

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Tourism officers from different towns in North Cotabato participated in a two-day Provincial Tourism Strategic Planning Workshop held at AJ Hi-Time Hotel in Kidapawan City last Novem-ber 15-16.

The said activity aims to make a comprehensive

action plan to boost up tourism in the province.

Butch Ledesma Ferrer, president of South Cotabato Cultural and Arts Foundation Inc. who was resource speaker of the workshop said North Cotabato has a very big potential in the tourism industry.

“They need to develop a comprehensive action plan to intensify its tourism campaign and identify and develop potential tourist destinations,” Ferrer added.

Among the plans suggested during the workshop is to create an ensemble of local performing arts groups, visual artists, musicians from North Cotabato to promote tourism and municipal tourism officer designates were encouraged to make a comprehensive tourism plans for their towns.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato Provincial


Cotabato City seeks citizen’s help against criminalityBy Shahana Joy DuermeKORONADAL CITY,South Cotabato -- The city government of Cotabato is calling for the support and cooperation of its residents as it advances its campaign against criminality.

The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) made this appeal following reports of increased number of crime incidents from January to October this year.

In a recently conducted meeting of the CPOC Executive Committee members, City Police Director Danny Reyes said there were 218 cases recorded for the period of which 83 are shooting incidents.

Reyes emphasized that while the policemen are now doubling their efforts in securing the safety of the public, it also

needs the support of the citizenry.

“We really need the support from our citizens because my men cannot afford to roam around all the time as we are lacking personnel. Besides, we all know that peace is not just the concern of the police but of everybody,” Reyes added.

Cotabato City has only 273 policemen who are not enough to secure the total population of the city.

Aside from the policemen, barangay officials in the city as well as their watchmen are being tapped to

ensure peace and order in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Japal Guiani expressed his full support to the city police in strengthening the peace and order drive.

The official stated that the safety and welfare of the residents is one of the top priorities of the city government.

Guiani is encouraging the public to help by reporting to the city’s emergency hotline number 09329600888 any untoward incidents in their areas.

Tourism Focal Person Ralph Ryan Rafael said that Municipal Tourism Officers also need to develop their skills through training for them to be able to perk

up tourism in the whole province.

Activities in the workshop included tourism branding, mapping, profiling and reporting.

North Cotabato is known important entry point to the country highest peak, Mt. Apo. It recently became famous for its Asik-Asik spring falls in Alamada town.


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

Surigao del Sur free from red tide toxin, BFAR saysby Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY -- Bislig Bay in Surigao del Sur is negative from red tide toxin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Caraga said in its latest Shellfish Bulletin dated Nov. 8, 2012. BFAR said based on laboratoryresults, all shellfish around the areaofSurigaodelSuraresafeforhumanconsumption. The agency, however, warned

that shellfish from the waters ofDumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga delSur,MurchelagosBay inZamboangadel Norte and Misamis Occidentalarestillpositiveforparalyticshellfish


poison,andall kindsof shellfisharenotsafeforconsumption. Withthesedevelopments,BFARremindedthepeopleavoidconsumingshellfishfromtheinfectedareas.Theyalsosaidfish,squid,shrimpsandcrabsaresafetoeatbutmustbeproperlypreparedandprovidedthatthefishis

freshandwashedthoroughly.Internalorgans, gills and its intestines mustalsoberemovedbeforecooking. The country’s fish bureau saidpeople must be vigilant in buyingseafood in themarket to avoid anycomplications.

ECC reiterates employers’ responsibilities under Employees’ Compensation Programby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- An official of the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) reminded employers that that they must comply with requirements under the Employees’ Compensation Program. ECC Executive Director StellaZipagan-Banawis said employer mustremitcontributionstotheStateInsuranceFund (SIF) which is administered bythe Social Security System (SSS) fortheprivatesectorandtheGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystem(GSIS)forthegovernmentsector. Penalty for failure to do so

ranges fromP1,000 toP10,000and/orimprisonment for the duration of theviolationonnon-compliance. Private employers remit anemployees compensation contributionof P10 per employee every month foremployees with monthly salary credit(MSC)of P14,500andbelow,andP30peremployeeeverymonthforemployees


withMSCofP15,000. GovernmentagenciesremitmonthlycontributionofP100peremployeeeverymonth.TheSSSandtheGSISmanagethese funds through wise investmentsandbankdepositplacements. Banawissaideveryemployerandeveryemployeeshallberegisteredwiththe SSS or GSIS. Failure or refusal byan employer to register his employeesispunishablebyafineofnotlessthanP1,000.00 nor more than P10,000.00and/orimprisonmentforthedurationoftheviolationornon-compliance. Incaseacompensablecontingencyoccursafter30days fromemploymentand before the System receives anyreportforcoverageabouttheemployeeor EC contribution on his behalf, hisemployershallbeliabletotheSystemforthelumpsumequivalentofthebenefitstowhichheorhisdependentsmaybeentitled. Also, the employer shall complywithsafetyandhealthlawsandshalltakenecessaryprecautionsforthepreventionof work-related disability or death. Incase an employee gets injured or dies

due to failure by the employerto comply with safety devicesrequirement,theemployershallpay a penalty of 25 percent ofthe lump sum equivalent ofthe income benefit due to theemployee. Meanwhile, the employer isrequired tomaintain a logbookto record chronologically thesickness, injury or death of hisemployees, stating the names,

dates, and place and nature of thecontingency as well as the number ofdays that theemployeewasunable toreport for work due to work-relatedillness or injury. Notifications of suchcontingenciestotheSSSandGSISshallbemadewithin5daysfromthedateofthecontingency. Banawissaidnocontract,regulationor device whatsoever shall operate todeprivetheemployeeordependentsofanypartoftheECprogramcompensationpackage. Existing medical servicesbeingprovidedbytheemployershallbemaintainedandcontinuetobeenjoyedbyhisemployees.


Butuan-LGU inks partnership with iHome, Inc.by Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao

BUTUAN CITY -- The City Government here has entered into an agreement with iHome Butuan, Inc. to implement socialized land and housing projects during the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing held recently at the City Mayor’s Office. The MOA states that the cityshallallocate,donate,andtakechargeof thedevelopmentof the sites for itssocializedhousingprojectswithiHome.Also,theCityshallberesponsibleforthedevelopmentoftheaccessroadandshallcausethedeliveryofwaterandelectricpowersupplyservicestothesites. Further,thelocalgovernmentshallidentifyandrecommendthecommunityinneedfromwhichthehomepartnersare tobeselectedby iHomeaccordingtoitsFamilySelectionCriteria. Foritspart,iHomeshallcommencethe construction of houses by fullyimplementing its Volunteer Programupon completion of land developmentand ensure the quality construction ofdecentandaffordablehouses,accordingto the specifications in the approvedsubdivision plans and development

permitbasedonthestandardsofBatasPambansa220. Home partners shall enter into aLease-PurchaseAgreementwith iHomeprior to occupancy of the assignedhousing unit and shall be granteda Certificate of Ownership upon fullpaymentofthehouse. For and in behalf of the CityGovernmentofButuan,MayorFerdinandM. Amante, Jr. signed the MOA withiHome Butuan, Inc. President Jowena-Jan M. Hiponia, witnessed by Engr.CedrickButaoof theCityHousingandDevelopmentOffice. iHomeButuan, Inc. is aChristianhumanitarian ministry concerned withthebuildingofsimple,decent,durable,andaffordablehousesthroughaself-helphousing and community developmentprogram.


piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

DOLE holds 4-in-1 program orientation/workshop

PAGADIAN CITY - To enhance compliance to labor standards by adopting the “big brother/small brother approach” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted yesterday, (November 19) at Springland Resort an orientation on its programs focusing mainly on Kapatiran Work Improvement for Small Enterprises-Training and Advisory Visit (WISE-TAV.)

By Alma L. Tingcang


DOLE holds 4-in-1 program orientation/workshop

DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said the activity aims to create awareness of small brothers on General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health; promote and develop the spirit of brotherhood through the big brother/small brother nurturing approach on gradual compliance with labor standards and; thresh out issues and concerns that would greatly affect the attainment of program objectives. “For this particular training, we have identified the big companies (big brothers) such Robinsons Supermarket, Citi Hardware and Sam’s Fast Food. One of their corporate social responsibilities is to

h e l p small establishments (small

brothers) to be compliant with labor standards through awareness and dialogue,” Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano explained. “This in a way is a paradigm shift, as we would like to promote a culture of voluntary compliance for all establishments,” Cano added. WISE-TAV program and Establishing a Safe and Healthy Workplace were discussed by Camilo A. Encila Jr.; Productivity was expounded by Lourdes B. Amores and Fortunato A. Magsayo elucidated General Labor Standards. The orientation/workshop would eventually help businessmen to comply with safety and health


DOH-CHD to conduct RNHeals Preceptors Orientation

Pagadian City – The Department of Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), Zamboanga Peninsula is set to conduct Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Services or RN HEALS Preceptors Orientation for all Municipal Health Officers (MHO) and Public Health Nurse (PHN) on November 22-23, 2012 at Hotel Guillermo, this city.

By Claro A. Lanipa

DOH-CHD 9 Regional Director Teogenes F. Baluma said the purpose of this orientation is for MHOs and PHN’s to familiarize with the content areas of the project, as well as to clarify their roles and responsibilities. Expected to attend the said orientation are over 200 MHOs and PHNs from all over the province of Zamboanga del Sur , said Engr. Wilfredo Casas, DOH-CHD Provincial Health Team Leader. RN HEALS project is expected to address the shortage of skilled and experienced nurses in 1,221 rural and “underserved” communities

where PHNs (volunteer nurses) will provide health services in said communities for at least a year. Prior deployment, nurses under this project will undergo learning and development in accordance with the roles and functions required by the project. A certificate of competency and employment will be given to those who have satisfactorily completed their engagement with the project.While on deployment, nurses will be given an allowance to cover for their meals, transportation and other incidental expenses.

standards set by DOLE. After the workshop, an open forum ensued which was a productive exchange of ideas and a great learning experience for all participants. “We should keep in mind that if everybody is compliant, workers and management would both be happy, and would trickle down to a long term effect which is - industrial peace,” RD Cano rationalized.


DOH-CHD to conduct RNHeals Preceptors Orientation

ARMM marks 23rd founding anniversaryA series of month-long activities kicked-off on Monday, November 19, to mark the 23rd founding anniversary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“Everything is set for the month-long celebration,” said Amir Mawallil, head of the newly-formed ARMM C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Group. Mawallil said this year will be a celebration of the substantial reforms that have been put in place by the present regional caretaker government and prop up gains in the peace process between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine government following the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro middle last month. He said the framework agreement presents new challenges

and opportunities to Filipinos especially for the residents of Mindanao and ARMM. The 23rd ARMM anniversary celebration is dubbed 2012 Bangsamoro Peacetivities and carries the theme: “Mga


ARMM legislative body backs declaration of MSU as ‘zone of peace’by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has passed a resolution supporting the call to declare Mindanao State University (MSU) as a ‘zone of peace.’

The resolution, entitled “Supporting the MSU to be Formally Declared as a Zone of Peace,” was one of the three resolutions adopted by the legislative body on November 6, said Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis. Such resolution was passed after a fire incident at the Mindnolia

Net Café in the MSU commercial center on the morning of October 25 resulted in the death of café owner and MSU Philosophy Professor, Othello Cobal, and student assistant Erwin Diaz. Campuses should remain safe haven for students where teaching and learning could continue

Makabagong Hamon sa Mapayapang Bangsamoro.” The commemoration commenced with a parade and trade fair on November 19 and will conclude with Cultural Peace Concert and fireworks display on December 19. Other important highlights of the celebration include a street dancing competition, a tournament on traditional Moro games dubbed the Morolympics and a cultural and fashion show. In addition to the usual showcase of the unique and vibrant culture of the Moro people, celebration activities will focus on

promoting the framework agreement and the continuing reforms in the autonomous government. OIC-Governor Mujiv S. Hataman lauded regional officials and employees who, through the years, witnessed and played integral part in the evolution of ARMM since its inception in 1989. “I urge the entire ARMM constituency to take part in the festivity intended not only for the employees but to the general public as well. We will ensure a meaningful commemoration without necessarily incurring lavish spending,” he said. (armmcommgroup)


ARMM legislative body backs declaration of MSU as ‘zone of peace’ unhindered in an atmosphere free

of violence and interference, the resolution stated. In August this year, an ambush occurred inside the vast MSU main campus where three members of the 103rd Infantry Brigade were slain. These series of events triggered perceptions of insecurity and instability in the campus that need intervention from the different stakeholder, the resolution further stated. Tomawis said copies of the resolution will be furnished to the MSU System President and Board of Regents, the provincial and city

governments, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process. Prior to the adoption of the resolution by the RLA, a multi-sectoral organization in the province passed a resolution calling for the formal declaration of MSU as a zone of peace. The Multi-Sectoral Cooperation for Peace was formed during the security stakeholders’ dialogue convened by Assemblywoman Tomawis on November 2 to respond to security issues in the MSU main campus.


Photo Gallery

ARMM OIC Governor Mujiv Hataman (right) and RLA Speaker Rasol Mitmug, Jr. unfasten a piece of native cloth to mark the opening of the 2012 Moro Peacetivites and a trade fair at the ARMM compound in Cotabato City on November 19. ARMM is celebrating its 23rd founding anniversary with a series of month-long activities.(armmcommgroup/johenry)


ARMM OIC Governor Mujic Hataman (right), RLA Speaker Rasol Mitmug, Jr., DAF-ARMM Sec. Maritess Maguindra and ARMM’s Treasurer and concurrent housing czar Kanggo Umal (2nd from right) lead the unveiling of a model unit of the housing project being put up by the ARMM government for its employees at the start of a month-long activities marking the 23rd founding anniversary of ARMM on November 19. The anniversary carries the the theme: “Mga Makabagong Hamon sa Mapayapang Bangsamoro.” (armmcommgroup/johenry)

A model unit of “Emily”, one of the three house designs that ARMM employees can choose from, sits at the ARMM compound in Cotabato City. Other designs are “Amihil” and “Mujiverde”. Construction of a housing project for ARMM employees at a two-hectare lot in Barangay Capiton, DOS, Maguindanao is in progress and would soon be available to qualified applicants. (armmcommgroup/johenry)


CdeO hosts National Population Congressby Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Commission on Population in region 10 (Popcom-10) will play host at this year’s National Population Congress set in the city this week.

The congress has adopted the theme “Population, Health, Environment and Local Governance.” Popcom-1O Regional Director Psyche P. Paler said the activity will highlight the milestones of the population program, as well as, disseminate the agency’s directions to the stakeholders. Expected to attend the the event are some 300 participants from national line agencies, n o n - g o v e r n m e n t organizations, civil society organizations and local government units across the country. It is scheduled in time for the Population and Development Week

Celebration which is set every October 23-29. Other side event prepped up is the 12th “It’s All in the Band Contest,” an annual tilt open to all high school bands of government-recognized schools based in the city.


NGCP upgrades control system for Balo-i Substation in MindanaoLANAO DEL NORTE - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently upgraded its control system for the Balo-i Substation in Lanao del Norte in a move to increase the reliability of the entire Mindanao Grid.

Since NGCP and its technical partner State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) started working together in 2009, many changes have been implemented in terms of systematically improving operations and management to build a stronger power grid. The installation of state-of-the-art computer technology of a microprocessor-based substation control (MBSC) in Balo-i is just one of these improvements that aim to enhance system reliability and efficiency in NGCP substations. The upgrade is expected to result to a lower number of undesired line trippings in the area. With the MBSC in place, old manual substation operations in Balo-i have been replaced with computerized operations. The MBSC works in tandem with protection relay, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and anti-fire systems to boost the overall security and reliability of the substation and improve flexibility in transmitting Mindanao’s power supply requirements. Mindanao Operation and

Maintenance Head for District 2 Eric Vincent Cariaga explained that “The whole system of the Mindanao Grid will benefit from the Balo-i Substation MBSC Project because the bulk of the power generated from the Agus Complex come in to Balo-i Substation. NGCP recognizes the importance of transmitting this bulk power to the different parts of Mindanao with high efficiency and reliability.” The inauguration ceremony for the substation’s MBSC was held last November 9 with the presence of NGCP’s top officers from the technical, operation and maintenance, and support services groups. (NGCP)


‘Bangga sa Daygon,’ ‘Indigay sa Parol’ is OnCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Tourism Board chaired by Rhia Rita Abalos has launched the annual Christmas choral competition “Bangga sa Daygon” and the lantern contest “Indigay sa Parol.”

The “Bangga sa Daygon” is open to all glee clubs and choral groups of private and public elementary and high schools in the city. The contest proper for the elementary category is on December 15, 2012, 3 p.m. at the SM City, while the high school category will be held on December 12, 2012 at 4 p.m. in Limketkai Center. A total of P169,000 in cash prizes are at stake in the competitions. First, second and third prize winners in the elementary category will bring home P25,000, P20,000 and P15,000, respectively, while the top 12 choral groups will receive P2,000. High school top three winners will get P20,000 (1st Prize), P15,000

(2nd Prize), and P10,000 (3rd Prize) and a consolation prize of P2,000 for the top 5 choral groups. The “Indigay sa Parol,” which will be held on December 8, 2012 at the Limketkai Center, is open to all students, barangays, schools, groups, or individuals in Northern Mindanao. Cash Prizes of P15,000, P10,000, and P5,000 await the top three winners, plus 10 consolatin prizes at P1,000. Indigay sa Parol’s deadline for submission of registration is on November 29, 2012, while Bangga sa Daygon is on December 7, 2012 at the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office in City Hall where registration forms are available. (CIO)

‘Bangga sa Daygon,’ ‘Indigay sa Parol’ is On

This is a free ad

one mindanao - november 20, 2012

Documents

pia surigao

pia agusan

pia caraga region richard

pia caraga region elaine

pia caraga updates

pia region ximanaging

pia caraga regioncopy

pia region x rudolph