one mindanao - september 10, 2014

Mary May A. AbellonWESTERN MINDANAO

Shinyo Maru Marker: Honoring the bravery and heroism of POWs and the people of Sindangan

COVER STORY

President Aquino to seek European investment

Organization of Student Crime Prevention Committees highlights NCPW in Ozamiz

Understanding tropical cyclone and public storm signals

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

by Alma L. Tingcang

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAONAPOLCOM 12 chief appeals for full support for law and order in SOCCSKSARGEN

ARMM entries bag top awards in the 25th Philippine Travel Mart Patimpalak ng Kasuotang Filipino

Dinagat Islands farmer orgs undergo CDA mandatory seminar, trainings

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA MINDANAO

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EMCH launches exclusive breastfeeding program

by Aida C. Agad

32 by Hazel Bruzon

by Daryll M. Tumbaga

DOLE-X sheriffs, election officers capacitate in training 20 by Mildred E. Dablio

Search for Ten Outstanding Young Men launched SOUTHERN MINDANAO

29 by Rg Alama

Shinyo Maru Marker: Honoring the bravery and

heroism of POWs and the people of Sindangan

“One can only imagine what kind of courage, determination, and simple, basic desire to live, that these men must have had, in order to endure what they did, and then live to tell the story,” he added.

Reminiscing the past InthePacifictheaterofWorldWar II, ona forceful afternoonof

September 7, 1944, an attack on the Japanese ship, the SS Shinyo Maru or known as a “hell ship” was made by the American submarine USS Paddle without knowing until after the war that it was carrying 750PrisonersofWar(POWs). There were 687 killed, most of whom were American, Filipino, and Dutch servicemen with at least

I am proud to say that my grandfather was one of the survivors of ‘Shinyo

Maru’ incident. The survivors of the Shinyo Maru story is one of the most incredible, and miraculous stories of survival in World War II,” Arthur Dale Waters said in his message through an email sent to the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Tourism Office.

by Mary May A. Abellon

Shinyo Maru Marker: Honoring the bravery and

heroism of POWs and the people of Sindangan

47 Japanese personnel were killed and only three men of the Shinyo Maru’s crew survived. Eighty-three Americans made it to the shores of Sindangan Bay, and they received aid from the hospitable and generous people of Sindangan. “The first thing I thoughtof was that I had a long swim. I pulled off my loincloth so that I had nothing to encumber me in swimming,” U.S Marine Corps Sergeant Onnie Clem of Texas, one of the survivors once recalled. Sad to say, John J. MGee who was one of the survivors died about two days after they came ashore and was buried on the hill of Sindangan town. The 82 survivors were eventually rescued by the submarine USS Narwhal and one First Sergeant Joseph P. Coe Jr decided to remain in Mindanao tocontinuefighting,forwhichhelater received a Bronze Star.

The friendly and kind people of Sindangan “What the people of thePhilippines did, in rescuing these men off the beaches, and hiding them from the Japanese, tending

to their wounds, feeding and caring for them until their eventual rescue, is a testament to their courage, and their desire to see freedom return to the Philippine people,” Waters

expressed. According to Waters hisgrandfather, Arthur Waters,once wrote his experience from the moment he was captured by the Japanese on May 6, 1942 until his release on September 7, 1944. “The Filipino boys led us to where some more of our shipmates were gathered and together we set out back toward the uplands. Weweregiventhebestcarepossibleunder the circumstances. They did a marvelous job of caring for us. During the three weeks spent with

these friendly people I gained back 20 of the 60 pounds I had lost in the prisoncamps,”ArthurDaleWatersrecalled. Furthermore, he stressed that the story of what the Philippine people did for these men is not only a story of courage, but it’s also one of the most amazing stories of personal risk, compassion, and goodness that came out ofWorldWarII. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Filipinos especially to Sindanganon for the kindness and friendship they have shared with the survivors of Shinyo Maru incident. “Because of what you did for my grandfather, he was able to returnhome,raiseafamilyoffivechildren, and make a contribution to American society as hard worker andagoodcitizen,”Watersadded. He and his family fervently

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hoped that one day they could visit the beautiful country of Philippines. 70th Shinyo Maru commemoration This year the Department of Tourism (DOT)-9,the municipality of Sindangan and the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte commemorate the 70th Shinyo Maru incident. A marker was constructed in the site where the survivors were sheltered and fed by the locals and rescued by the US submarine months after in Barangay Ricardo G. Macias, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. The site for the marker was held in usufruct by the heirs of Don Ricardo Macias to the LGU of Sindangan.

Restoration and celebrate of humanity Many people both Filipinos and Americans signified theirsupport and positive response regarding the development of the site and the establishment of a museum. DOT Regional Director Mary June Bugante said there’s

even a Dipolognon and Americans who emailed her signifying their willingness to donate and help for the construction of a memorial. “Let us leave now the judgment of the brutalities of war to historians, philosophers and theologians for our job now is to restore and perhaps celebrate humanity,” Sindangan Mayor Nilo Florentino Sy stressed during the unveiling of the marker on Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 8

Government aims to increase Filipino workers in Germany

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang on Monday, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European Concerns Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson said President Aquino is set to sign various agreements

with Germany when he embarks on his eight-day trip to Europe late this week. “We are looking at the signing of a social security agreement, also an agreement to establish the

President Benigno S. Aquino III will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck to look into ways to increase the deployment of Filipino workers in Germany.


President Aquino to seek European investment

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s upcoming visit to four European countries aims to attract more trade and investment, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs said

Monday.

Philippine-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We are also looking at a cooperation in technical vocational education and training,” Collinson said. “We will promote the triple win project, which is essentially based on a previous agreement with Germany on health care professionals,” she added. The government aims to deploy 500 nurses to Germany. So far, only 25 Filipino nurses are working in Germany, as most applicants have a difficult time passing the German language proficiency exam. The government is eyeing to send 200 nurses in Germany by the end of the year. Aside from nurses, President Aquino is

also expected to discuss with his counterparts the Philippine-German Maritime Cooperation to increase employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers. Germany is the country’s number one trading partner in Europe and ninth overall among the Philippines’ trading partners. Collinson said there are about 200 German companies in the country, which focus on service-oriented industries, trading and manufacturing. There has been a 6 percent increase in German tourists who came to the Philippines in 2012. There are about 20,000 Filipinos in Germany. PND

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for European AffairsMaria Zeneida Angara-Collinson said President Aquino would also seek the European countries’ continued support for the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The President is scheduled to travel to Spain, Belgium, France, and Germany from September 13 to 20. During a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday afternoon, Assistant Secretary Collinson underscored the importance of the President’s visit to the four European countries.

“First of all, Europe is a very important region in the world. We must remember that the President is in his fourth year in office and he has not once visited Europe. Europe is our partner, not only in trade and investment,” she said. “But most importantly, it is our partner in the political field when it comes to values, promotion of democracy, rule of law, support for the Philippine position in the West Philippine Sea. Europe is right there with us,” she added. Collinson said the President’s visit to Europe is a


way of recognizing the importance of this region. “It’s about time. But also, we are expecting the visit to stimulate trade and investment,” she said. The Philippines is expected to seek investments in areas ranging from tourism to specific products, such as information technology, according to the Foreign Affairs official. Collinson further said that President Aquino would introduce to the EU the Philippines’ ‘Triple Action Plan’ to address the escalating tensions in the WPS. “The European position on the West Philippine Sea is that they have supported us in terms of peaceful resolution of conflict—resolution of conflict within the framework of international law, which includes UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.). And when we say that, it includes arbitration,” she said.

“They have also supported us in terms of freedom of navigation, maritime security. Basically, this visit will also introduce to these countries the ‘Triple Action Plan’, which is the short-, medium- and long-term roadmap of the Philippines to seek resolution of the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea issue,” she added. Moreover, Collinson said, President Aquino would also assure its European partners that the Philippines is undertaking measures to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). “President Aquino will go there and assure these countries he’s visiting that the Philippines is serious about combating IUUF, and that we’re undertaking measures,” she said. Collinson said no sanction has so far been imposed on the Philippines. PND


Palace: Government has sufþcient funds to rebuild Zamboanga City, could þnish

housing projects by December

The Palace said the government has enough funds to rehabilitate Zamboanga City and it could complete permanent housing for the informal settlers within the year.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the National Housing Authority (NHA) has a timetable for the completion of the housing projects in Zamboanga City. The city on Monday marked the first year

anniversary of the devastating siege carried out by the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction. Secretary Coloma said that the NHA was slated to inaugurate new permanent housing facilities in the city on Tuesday. “Ayon sa pinakahuling ulat, tinatayang


maaari nilang makumpleto ang kanilang mga tinatayong permanent housing by December of this year at ito ay ayon sa kanilang timetable,” he said. “Kaya ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng nararapat para matukoy ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan.” Citing a report from the Department of Budget and Management, Coloma said the department has already released the entire funding requirement for the rehabilitation of Zamboanga City. He said that although the President did not designate a point person for the city’s rehabilitation, as what he did for the victims of

Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas, several government agencies work together to rebuild the city. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson is the overseer of the Zamboanga City rehabilitation and he is being supported by other agencies, such as the National Housing Authority. Regarding the families living at the Zamboanga City Grandstand, several agencies and organizations are working together to address their needs. These include the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the city government, and the Red Cross, Coloma said. PND

photo credit : Rappler.com

Youth advocates for climate change resiliency organized in TTVHSBy Alma L. Tingcang

Mr. Alfredo Sapuay, TTVHS principal welcomed the participants and expressed his gratefulness for being chosen as the venue for the climate change forum.

“The forum aims to address public apathy on

climate change, adapt and strengthen mitigation measures, as well as inspire and motivate the active cooperation and participation of all sectors,” Zamboanga del Sur Infocenter Manager Claro A. Lanipa said, giving the rationale of the activity.


“Compared to other countries, the Philippines is very lucky because we have rich biodiversity,” says DENR RPAO chief Roservirico Tan. Climate change endangers the existence of flora and fauna in the country. Participants took a closer look at the video documentary produced by PIA ZamBaSulTa. Aside from other advocacy materials being used in Climate Change Forums, this video is a localized version depicting disasters in Zamboanga Peninsula and awakens the sensibilities of participants. They vowed to participate in all activities and support CC advocacy including tree planting in designated areas. After the forum, the youth leaders identified the issues and

concerns which are likely to happen in their respective communities to include sea level rise, flashflood, landslide, typhoon and El Niño. Tukuran is one of the coastal municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur. Elected officers of “I am a Climate Change-Resilient Youth” Tukuran Chapter were the following: Warlito Nobleza – President; Iris Timosa – Vice President; Grace Angel Dayuha – Secretary; Kishel Mamentong – Treasurer; Famela Grace Tibor – Auditor; Elson Ladra – Business Manager and Queenie Jean Guliman – PIO. The newly-elected officers took their oath of office before ICM Lanipa immediately after the forum.


Understanding tropical cyclone and public storm signalsBy Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA)– The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), the official source of weather information in the country, issues advisory on tropical cyclone even before it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

Locally visible signs may be able to tell when there is an approaching cyclone such as swelling of the sea. If you are living along the eastern coast of the country, the unusually high sea water level even when

it is not time for high tide and winds are light may be a sign of an approaching typhoon.A reddish color of the clouds at sunrise or sunset may also tell us the presence of a tropical cyclone.


A tropical cyclone is an intense low pressure system with a minimum sustained winds of 35 kilometers per hour(kph).Anaverageof20tropicalcyclones enter the PAR every year and 90% of these affect the country. Strong winds cause severe damage to buildings and settlements, but most casualties result from storm surgeandfloodingassociatedwithtyphoon.

Tropicalcyclonesareclassifiedaccording to their strength, and are determined by the speed of the maximum sustained winds near the center: tropical depression – 35 to 63 kph; Tropical storm – 64 to 117 kph and Typhoon – more than 117 kph. Continuous heavy rains can

produce severe flooding and maycause damage to agriculture, infrastructure and community lifelines.Water contaminationmaylead to an outbreak or spread of diseases, and disease-carrying mosquitoes and other animals can aggravate these conditions.

Low-lying coastal communities may be engulfed by storm surges which also destroy natural and man-made structures especially when it occurs during high tide. Continued rains over denuded hilly and mountainous areas usually result to landslides or mudflows.Landslidesandmudflowscan bury people alive and destroy properties. Although tropical cyclone brings about negative effects, it has some


beneficial results. Rainfall broughtabout by tropical cyclones increases the groundwater and water levels of dams that provide drinking water, irrigation d power generation capacities. About 50% of the rainfall in the Philippines is due to the effect of tropical cyclones. It also cleanses the air of pollutants.

When PAGASA issues Publicstorm warning signal no. 1, it means winds of not more than 60 kph may be expected in at least 36 hours. The public is advised to listen to the radio for more information on weather and monitor latest PAGASA bulletin every 6 hrs. Meantime, business goes on as usual except whenfloodoccurs.

Public storm warning Signal no. 2 means a moderate tropical

cyclone with winds of 61 to 100 kph may be expected in 24 hrs. People travelling by sea and air should avoid unnecessary risks. The public is advised to stay at home.

In Public storm warning Signal no. 3, expect a strong tropical typhoon with winds of 101 to 185 kph in at least 18 hrs. Disaster agencies/organizations concerned must now be ready to act in response to actual emergency. Stayupdated by listening to the latest news about typhoon on radio. Stay in safe and strong houses and those living in low-lying areas must evacuate to higher ground. The public is advised to stay away from coasts and river banks.

Public storm warning Signal no. 4 means a very intense typhoon

will affect the locality with winds of more than 185 kph which may be expected in 12 hours. Stay in safehouses or evacuation centers. All travels and outdoor activities should be cancelled. These advisories are being made available by DOST-PAGASA so that people would know what to expect in the event of a tropical cyclone that may hit their area, and to ensure zero casualty in times of calamities.

Lanao del Norte hosts 1st Autocross competitionby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - More than 20 racers from all over Mindanao participated in the recently concluded Governor Khalid Dimaporo Autocross Competition held at the Agora area, barangay, Sagadan, in capital town Tubod, this province.

The competition set last August this year was organized by the provincial government in cooperation with the Inter-MindanaoAutocrossSeries (IMACS)of Iligan City. “Wearehappytohoststhisexcitingmotorsporthere in Lanao del Norte and we hope to see more racers join us in our future autocross competitions,”


expressed Governor Khalid Dimaporo. Among the racing clubs representedinthefirst-everautocrosscompetition were from the cities of Iligan, Pagadian, Cagayan de Oro, Marawi, and Cotabato. “We are very pleased with therace track here. It’s very technically challenging with hairpin turns and long straight tracks. It’s also ideal for spectators since they can see the entire course,” said IMACS President Jian Carlo Perez. The first autocross contest inLanao del Norte was topped by Bryco Maglasang from Pagadian City with the fastest time of 52.265 seconds. He was also declared as Racer of the Competition and the category champion in Novice Stock A, Novice ModifiedB, Novice Modified C, IntermediateModifiedB,andIntermediateModifiedC. Other winners in the competition

includeHalimLimbona(NoviceStockB), Jhun Maute (Novice Stock C,Intermediate Stock C, All Honda),NashMacabuat(IntermediateStockA&IntermediateStockB),JunPandita(Expert Stock A), Arner Saruang(Expert Stock B), Ali Aznar Sakib(Expert Stock C), Gilbert Emano(Novice Modified A, Expert ModifiedA), Jomel Manansala (IntermediateModified A), Nico Cañete (ExpertModified B), Francis Tenny Montuno(ExpertModifiedC),andNowSaruang(OldSchool). Another Autocross competition is set to be hosted by the provincial government on December 14, 2014.“WewelcomeallsportshereinLanaodel Norte. The ultimate vision of Governor Khalid Dimaporo is to make our world-class Mindanao Civic Center sports complex as the Home of the Filipino Athlete,” said Information OfficerLyndonCalica.

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The conduct of lectures, dialogues and organization of Student Crime Prevention Committees (SCPC) in schools highlighted the observance of the National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW), in the city.

Organization of Student Crime Prevention Committees highlights NCPW in Ozamiz by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


Observed from September 1 to 7,thisyear,the20thNCPWfocusedon the theme: “Krimen ay Labanan, Karapatan ay Igalang Tungo sa Mapayapang Pamayanan” (PreventCrime. Respect Human Rights for a PeacefulCommunity).” The observance was aimed at generating community awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of crime prevention, police superintendent Michael Cadiogan Bawayan, Jr., Ozamiz City Police Station(OCPS)Chief,said. It was also aimed at fostering interest and participation of the general public, especially the youth, in the prevention of crime and maintaining peace and order and public safety, Bawayan said. “We have heightened ourattention and emphasized the participation of the youth because of their vulnerability to fall as victims of crime, although all sectors of society

are enjoined to take part in crime prevention, Bawayan said. Included in the lectures and dialogues were Street Crime Prevention and Safety Tips, Republic Act No. 10627 or the “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013,” RA 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women and TheirChildren Act of 2004.” Participants of the dialogues were police trainees, students, out-of-schoolyouth(OSY)andyouthwithdisability (YWD) trainees of SharingComputer Access Locally and Abroad (SCALA) Project of the Ozamiz CityYouthInformationandCommunicationTechnology Training Center. Meanwhile, Bawayan said the SCPC benefits not only the schools,but also the students and the barangays, as it can make the school safer, for short-term, and make crime prevention a behavioral norm, for long-term.

DOLE-X sheriffs, election officers capacitate in training by Mildred E. Dablio

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. X conducted orientation and strategy mapping to its 15 regional and provincial sheriffs and election officers on September 3, 2014 at Stargate Dream Vacation Resort, Upper Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City.


DOLE-X sheriffs, election officers capacitate in training

The activity, facilitated by Atty. Evelyn Ramos of the Mediation-Arbitration and Legal Service Unit (MALSU),andtheTechnicalServicesand Support Division (TSSD) of theRegional Office, aimed to equallycapacitate the sheriffs in implementing theWritsofExecutionandtheelectionofficersintheconductofelectionsforestablishments. DOLE-X regional director, Raymundo Agravante said that this is the region’s first effort to providecapacity building to our sheriffs and election officers of the regionfor a uniform interpretation and implementation. “We all know thatsheriffsandelectionofficersplayabigrole in boosting the trust of our public in fast tracking the enforcement of labor decisions, as well as providing the transparency in executing our labor laws,” Agravante added. DOLE sheriff is a duly deputized publicofficerwhoenforceswrits,i.e.levy, and garnishments to the losing party and to satisfy monetary awards

and other reliefs based on Compliance Orders and Resolutions issued by the Regional Director. WhiletheelectionofficersoftheDepartment conducts CertificationElection. This is a process of determining through secret ballot the Sole and Exclusive Bargaining Agent (SEBA) of all the employees in anappropriate bargaining unit for the purpose of collective bargaining. TSSD Chief and deputized sheriff of the regional office, AtheneusVasallo, believes in capacitating the frontline officers with crucial rolesin the regional office to maintainindustrial peace. Further, the sheriffs and election officers went through its respectivemanual of operations, role-playing of actual conduct, strategy mapping through group discussions, as well as sharing of best practices from the Sheriff of the Municipal Trial Court in the City – Executive Branch of Cagayan de Oro City.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Depart-ment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 12 has issued warning to the traveling public that the Tunggol Bridge II in Datu Montawal, Maguin-danao is in an alarming situation.

DPWH 12 confirms Tunggol Bridge in Maguindanao is in critical conditionBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

DPWH12regionaldirectorReynaldoTamayo,in a statement released Tuesday, said “frequent heavyrainshavescouredAbutmentA(rightsidewhentravelingtowardCotabatoCity)anddam-aged the grouted riprap at the upstream side of the river.”

“Motorists traveling along this route… are sus-ceptible to danger. During rainy days, their safety would be uncertain,” Tamayo said.

Earlier, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman ex-pressed fears that Tunggol Bridge II could col-lapse.

Although the mentioned bridge is under the ju-risdictionofDPWHinMaguindanaoprovinceitisalsoaconcernofDPWH12sinceitissitu-ated along Davao – Cotabato highway, where alargepartisbeingsupervisedbyDPWH12,Tamayo explained.

Supervision of the maintenance and opera-tions of Datu Montawal- Pagalungan Section of the Davao- Cotabato Road was reassigned to the MaguindanaoSecondDistrictEngineeringOfficeofDPWH-ARMMbyvirtueofDepartmentOrderNo. 66 series of 2011.Hesaidafewmonthsago,DPWH12repaired


the slope protection on the same problematic approach but this has beendestroyedbyconstantflood-ing in the area.

At present only one lane of the bridge is open to motorists; bol-lards and signboards have been putinplacetodirecttraffictothesafer side.

In the same statement, Tamayo reportedDPWHAssistantSecretaryDimas S. Soguilon met with him, DPWHARMMSecretaryEmilSadain,Gov. Hataman, Maguindanao Gover-nor Esmael Mangudadatu and other officialstoaddresstheissue.

He said, Asec. Soguilon has given

assured that the national govern-ment will act on the said problem considering that the bridge is a vital link that connects provinces of Cota-bato and Davao.

Tunggol Bridge II links the mu-nicipalities of Montawal and Pag-alungan in Maguindanao. It also links municipalities and city in the second and third congressional districts of North Cotabato to the PPALMA(Pikit,Pigcawayan,Alamada,LibunganandAleosan)areaandCotabato City.

Passengers and goods from Di-gos City and other parts of Davao del Sur and Davao City also pass


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – An official of the National Police Com-mission (NAPOLCOM) ap-pealed to other government agencies and media for “full support and cooperation in order to strengthen the police and, we are assured that law and order can truly bring peace all over the region” during the recent Kapihan sa Rehiyon Dose of the Philippine Information Agency 12.

this way to reach Cotabato City.

A comprehensive action is neces-sary to address this problem because of the extent of damage and poten-tial effects it could bring, Tamayo pointed out.

Tunggol Bridge II is built across the Tunggol cut-off channel, which according to a 2011 report of the Presidential Task Force on Mindanao River Basin Rehabilitation and De-

velopment(PTFMBRD),wascon-structed decades ago to divert a portionofwaterflowofLowerPulanguiRivertoavoidfloodingin Pikit. The 2011 PTFMBRD report said the cut-off channel was only 40 meters wide when it was con-structed but scouring of the banks has widened the channel to 120 meters.(DEDoguiles-PIA12withreportfromDPWH12InformationUnit)

NAPOLCOM 12 chief appeals for full support for law and order in SOCCSKSARGENBy: Aida C. Agad

Regional Director Atty. Edilberto Fermil of NAPOL-COM 12 said that “this can be done through sustained


collaboration and convergence of strategic initiatives of the govern-ment and the community.”

Fermil underscored the indispens-able role the community plays in this particular process of peace-building as he said, “nation building is attainable only when we are as-sured that law and order can truly bring peace all over the land.”

Atty. Fermil together with Philip-pineNationalPolice(PNP)12Region-al Director PCSupt Lester O. Camba were the guests of the Kapihan sa Rehiyon Dose last September 4, 2014 held at the PNP 12 Headquar-ters in Tambler, General Santos City.

Director Camba in his report comparing crime statistics covering the period January to July 2013 as

against the period January to July 2014, said that crime volume in the region decreased by 29.6%.

The total crime volume in 2013 is 4,474 while in 2014, the region registered a crime volume of 17,237.

He said the average monthly crime rate decreased by 29.85 % as the region also posted a crime solution efficiencyincreasedby6.74%forthe6-month period.Theofficialsattributedtherelative

peace and order in SOCCSKSARGEN regiontothe“efficiencyinlawen-forcement.”

This, they said, is “where the crimi-nal justice process begins when the police is in charge of arrest, investi-gation, evidence gathering, case build upandfilingofappropriatecriminal


COTABATO CITY – Costumes made from ethnic fabric from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao fascinated judges in the recently concluded 25th Philippine Travel Mart.

complaint with the Prosecution.”Director Fermil said that with PNP

that is being supervised by an equal-ly strengthened NAPOLCOM the re-gion will be at relative peace as they will be sustain the present surge of accomplishments against lawless-ness.

The NAPOLCOM and the PNP here

lead this year’s 20th National Crime PreventionWeek.

SOCCSKSARGEN region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sa-rangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and GeneralSantos.(ACAgad-PIA12)

ARMM entries bag top awards in the 25th Philippine Travel Mart Patimpalak ng Kasuotang FilipinoBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Delegates from ARMM were de-clared as grand winners this year for both male and female categories of the Patimpalak ng Kasuotang Filipino held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The judges were very impressed with the ethnic fabric,” said Mus-tapha Ala Jr, head of the ARMM del-egation.

The entries were made by Moro designer Akmad Kari Jr. and made from weaved ethnic cloths from theARMM’sfiveprovinces.

Last year, ARMM also won in the male category with a moro-inspired suit made from traditional Magui-nanaon hand woven “inaul” fabric. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

Maris, Tagum’s proudest daughter comes home

TAGUM CITY—Traffic was in standstill in the city as Tagumenyos went out to streets to welcome home its proudest daughter, Maris Racal, who had a motorcade along Tagum’s major streets last September 9, 2014 as her way of thanking her Tagumenyo fans whose massive sup-port earned her 2nd Big Placer victory in ABS-CBN’s hit reality show

Pinoy Big Brother. Maris was seen smiling and waving to her Tagumenyo sup-porters during the two-hour motorcade, before proceeding to the City Hall where she paid a courtesy call to Mayor Allan L. Rellon. “Daghang salamat sa suporta ninyong tan-an and I really appreci-ate it,” the 16-year old Tagumenya said to the local chief executive.


Maris, or Mariestella Racal in real life, claimed her spot on fame after winning 2nd Big Placer in the hit franchise show of ABS-CBN where she was dubbed as the “Singing Sunshine of Davao.” In her homecoming to Alma Mater St. Mary’s College, she proved this title to be true as she offered a three-song presentation before her schoolmates during their school’s foundation day cel-ebration. On her part, SMC President MariaNiñaC.Balbas,RVMlaudedMaris for “living up to Marian val-ues” while staying inside the Big

Brother house. In an interview with the City InformationOffice,Marissaidshewas overwhelmed by the all-out support of Tagumenyos. “Akala ko nga magta-taxi lang kami pauwi ng Tagum from the airport pero may banda pang sumalubong,” Maris said, who came home with her parents Leo-ny and Henry. Maris is currently under con-tract with Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s training and management subsid-iary of the country’s largest net-work. (LouieLapatTagumCIO)

did you know....That Dabawenyo comedian and TV host Ruben Gonzaga won as the grand winnerofthePinoyBigBrotherCelebrityEdition2(2007-2008).


Search for Ten Outstanding Young Men launchedDAVAO CITY- Junior Chamber In-ternational (JCI) Philippines has launched the search of the The Outstanding Young Men, one of the country’s most prestigious award search. TheTOYMAwardsisayear-ly undertaking of JCI members dating back to 1959. This year’s seach will be anchored on the theme “Changing the Future Through Excellence.” There are currently 465 awardeesofTOYMwhichin-cludes achievers in different fieldsofendeavorssuchasartsand culture, community service, journalism, education, science, politics, agriculture, science, economics, banking, business, sports, government service and otherfields. Thisyear’sTOYMsearchis chaired by Atty. Mark Lester Manalo of JCI Lipa. Meanwhile Atty. Jeffrey CoronelJCITOYMSearchCom-mittee member said that they would want more Mindanawons participate in the search as thereareonlyfiveTOYMcoming

from Mindanao. Coronel said there are plen-ty of distinguished Mindanawons whoarequalifiedforTOYM.Current JCI efforts is to bring awarenessoftheTOYMtotheregion.TOYMawardeesfromMindanaoincludedMannyPacquiao(2004Sports),formerSpeakerPros-peroNograles(1985HumanRights),JoeyAyala(1989Mu-sic),FormerSaranganiGovernorMiguelDominguez(2013,Gov-ernmentService)andDennisSalvador of the Philippine Eagle Foundation(2000WildlifeCon-servation) Filipino citizens ages 18 to 40canbequalifiedawardeesforTOYM.Deadlineforsubmissionof nominees is on November 15.Nomination forms are available at JCIP Secretariat or you can download it at www.toym.ph. Thisyear’sTOYMSearchisco-presented by PLDT in coopera-tionwithTOYMFoundationandGerryRoxasFoundation.(PIA/RgAlama)

DILG 13 to LGUs: Help stop HIV, AIDS

According to the Department of Health (DOH), 123Persons Living with

HIV (PLHIVs) wererecorded as of July 2014, 23 of which are cases from

by Bryan F. Edulzura

BUTUAN CITY - In response to the increasing number of HIV cases in Caraga Region, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 has urged local government units to help stop the proliferation of HIV and AIDS.


DILG 13 to LGUs: Help stop HIV, AIDS

January to July, this year. This translates to an average of 3 - 4 new infections every month. DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion said that HIV and AIDS is not just a public health threat but a governance issue as well. “The proliferation of HIV and AIDS will have direct impact on poverty, social services delivery and public safety. With this,we wanted to strengthen our support to this program through the establishment of Local Aids Council (LAC) and encourageLGUs to do their share,” she said. In 2009, the DILG has issued a memorandum enjoining LGUs to create Local AIDS Council (LAC)tofunctionascoordinatingbody in implementing HIV and AIDS program, however, not all LGUs responded accordingly due to lack of information and urgency. Hence, the DILG regional office took uponitself to push the advocacy of establishing LAC in every LGU. “Through the years, we allocate funds, assign a focal person for the program and conduct advocacy and orientation to LGUs, prioritizing

those with highest number of cases,” Famacion said. This year, the Department has oriented more than 200 participants from various backgrounds and sectors to include Mayors, SB members, teachers, religious members, young people, civil society leaders and gay communities. “We will continue toencourage LGUs to make HIV and AIDS program, a priority program for health,” Famacion added. The DILG-initiated advocacies generate warm support and positive responses from the Local Chief Executives. Bayugan City Mayor Kim Lope Asis said that the Bayugan City Local AIDS Council will spearhead an orientation to the different schools in the city. Mayor Deo Manpatilan of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur also pledged to significantlyincrease the budget for HIV and AIDS program. “WithallthehelpfromLGUs,we have high hopes that HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in the region will eventually decline, if not stopping new cases at all,” Famacion emphasized.


According to Dr. Elsa Gunay, the opening of the two breastfeeding rooms is the better way to let lactating mothers feed their infants in a healthy manner without necessarily exposing themselves from the eyes of the public. Program in-charge Cynthia Silen said both rooms are complete with facilities necessary for lactating and milk banking. The lactation management seminar participated by the hospital personnel and staff, pregnant women and lactating mothers become the highlight of the launching since it unexpectedly built a bond between the hospital and the community of lactating and expectant mothers. “The program aims to encourage expectant and lactating mothers to exclusively breastfed their babies from birth

up to six months. Breastfeeding TSEK program was initiated by the Department of Health in response to the country’s millennium development goals 4 and 5 which is to reduce child mortality rate and improve maternal health,” Dr. Gunay said. As pay off to all the efforts and active participation of the facility holistically, EMCH once again passed the renewal for breastfeeding accreditation recently. “Let us all join hands in promoting breastfeeding for a healthier community,” Dr. Gunay added. The launching was held at the hospital’s mess hall with hospital’s chief Dr. Elsa Gunay, program in-charge Cynthia Silen and Gloria Baluca, both nurses of the hospital facilitating.

EMCH launches exclusive breastfeeding programby Hazel BruzonPROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- The Esperanza Medicare Com-munity Hospital (EMCH) in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur purposely opened two breastfeeding rooms for lactating mothers to en-sure privacy as a way of significantly launching the exclusive breastfeeding dubbed as “Tama, sapat at eksklusibo (TSEK) program” recently with the theme “Walang Mahalaga pa sa Ga-tas Ina.”


Dinagat Islands farmer orgs undergo CDA mandatory seminar, trainings

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands- A total of 16 Agrarian Reform Beneficia-ries Organizations (ARBOs) assisted by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Dinagat Islands Provincial Office recently underwent different trainings to enhance and capacitate their officers in the management of the cooperative.

by Daryll M. Tumbaga

The Rules and Formulation Seminar for the Election Committees of the ARBOs were conducted on August 11-12, 2014. The seminar was aimed to equip the cooperative officialsof the necessary knowledge in the conduct of their election. A total of 48 election committee members were present On August 13-15, the Audit Management Seminar was conducted to enhance the skills and knowledge of the audit committees of the respective ARBOs in the auditing and inventory of the cooperatives’ funds and resources. Meanwhile, the training

on Internal Control which was attended by 48 audit committee members of the said ARBOs was conducted last August 19-21, 2014. The objective of the said training was to improve the knowledge of the audit committees in the control of their respective cooperatives’ funds. The trainings are mandatory requirements of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)that need to be undertaken by the ARBOs to renew their registration with the CDA. The series of trainings were all conducted at the Function Room of Justiniana Pension Hall in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

EMCH launches exclusive breastfeeding program

one mindanao - september 10, 2014

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