one mindanao - september 11, 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

Preserving undisturbed ecotourism destinations—protecting Mother Nature

Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy Northern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, September 11, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 19

page 4

President Aquino upbeat about sharing country’s ‘new face’ with the world 8

Central Mindanao

Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan Program ng unang distrito ng N.Cotabato, nagpapatuloy 16Caraga coops to participate in the 11th Natl Cooperative Summit18 Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao1st Mindanao search and rescue summit set in December

Surigao Sur gov bares anti-illegal drug campaign gains20 Nida Grace B. Tranquilan, Caraga Region

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P2.5-M rubber and corn production project to be implemented in Bayog22Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan, Western Mindanao

City Govt. plans rehab of congested public cemeteries26 Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

North Mindanao fruit prod’n up by 5.13% in Q1 of 2012 31 Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Region 10 organizes the Regional Bamboo Industry Dev’t Council 33Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

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4 ONE MINDANAO Tuesday, September 11, 2012


Governor Alex Calingasan said the province has been exploring for more tourist spots where flora and fauna are untouched by human intervention. “As we endeavor to save nature, this competition will surely boost ecotourism as the province has been acclaimed as ‘The highland paradise’, where pristine

and relatively undisturbed natural parks and forests dwell,” he said. He explained that the search was spawned by some apprehensions that someday, future generations may never experience and enjoy intimate environment such as natural forested mountains, natural parks, cold spring waters, mirror-like lakes, and bird watching sites, among other ecotourism spots in the province. Bukidnon was endowed with lofty mountains, grand canyons and gently rolling grassland plateau making it one of the tourists’ favorite destinations in Mindanao. Mt. Kitanglad Nature Park, the country’s second highest mountain, also stands proudly here with a bird

In order to conserve biological diversity

and protect Mother Nature, the provincial government, through its tourism office, here, will embark on its “Search for Well-preserved Tourist Destinations” early next week in the province’s 20 towns and two cities.

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5


watching site. It is the comfortable abode for wildlife, which includes the Philippine Eagle. “But worries, sometimes, flash that the next generation will have to experience nature through pictures and video only,” the governor added.

Leila Marte, provincial tourism coordinator, meanwhile, said the quest will foster greater awareness on environment conservation techniques such as tree-

growing, wildlife p r e s e r v a t i o n , keeping track on trashes, wastes reduction, saving rainforests, water c o n s e r v a t i o n ,

reduction of energy consumption, and all other ways that could nurture and protect nature. “Man holds the key to our nature’s future. And I see no calamity if we plan with intelligence. The planning must include all woodland, wildlife, forest parks, rivers, watershed, among others. And for leadership, people always look to government as the best body stable enough to plan for decades and centuries. That’s why we have to find ways and strategies for people to get involved in protecting the earth for future generations,” the governor said.

6 Tuesday, September 11, 2012

ACROSS THE NATIONAPEC leaders voice commitment to fight against corruption

Formally recognizing the need to address the problem of corruption and transparency, the 21 member-economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreed to stamp out

corruption. “We strongly commit to fight against

corruption to ensure openness and transparency in APEC,” the APEC leaders

said in the APEC Declaration issued Sunday (Vladivostok time) at the close of the 2-day APEC Leaders’ Meeting at the APEC

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATION Conference Center here.“Acknowledging that corruption fuels illicit

trade and insecurity and is a tremendous barrier to economic growth, the safety of citizens, and to the strengthening of economic and investment cooperation among APEC economies, we endorse commitments on fighting corruption and ensuring transparency,” the APEC leaders said.

They likewise welcomed addressing in 2012 transparency as a new next generation trade and investment issue.

“We remain committed to addressing next generation trade and investment issues as an important aspect of our work to further integration of APEC economies and expansion of trade throughout the

region,” they added. The APEC leaders noted that

transparency is one of the basic principles underlying trade liberalization and facilitation.

Since he assumed office in June 2010, President Aquino has always been espousing good governance and transparency in the bureaucracy and public service. He has also been very vocal in his advocacy to fight graft and corruption in government.

He was catapulted to power through his popular campaign slogan “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap” which up to this day has been the hallmark of his administration’s goal in achieving the country’s progress and development. PND (rsda)

8 Tuesday, September 11, 2012

In his speech upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Sunday, the President said his two-day attendance to the APEC Summit allowed him the opportunity to present the Philippines as now a

better place for businesses with fair and equal opportunities for businessmen, a conducive business climate for member countries not only in the Asia Pacific region but the whole world as well.

“Sa kabuuan, matagumpay nating

President Aquino upbeat about sharing country’s ‘new face’ with the world

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative (APEC) Summit not only served as a venue for the 20-member countries to map out directions towards becoming a potent economic force in the

region but an opportunity to present the “new face” of the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Sunday.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 9

naipabatid ang bagong mukha ng Pilipinas: mas bukas para sa negosyo at oportunidad; mas patas para sa mga handang mamuhunan; at mas maaliwalas na sentro ng komersyo at pangangalakal hindi lamang sa Asya Pasipiko kundi sa buong mundo,” the President said.

“Tulad ng mga nakalipas nating pangingibang-bayan, iisa ang maugong na bukambibig ng daigdig: Ibang-iba na ang Pilipinas—angat sa iba. Kaya’t tibagin man ang mga barikadang pang-ekonomiya ay hindi matigil sa pag-aarangkada,” he added.

He challenged all Filipinos to do their share in maintaining the luster of this new, revitalized Philippines whose benefits, he said, would redound to all and the next generation of Filipinos as well.

“Kung nagawa ng dalawampu’t isang bansa sa APEC na mag-balikatan tungo sa iisang adhikain, handa rin dapat ang bawat Pilipinong maki-ambag para maabot natin ang ating pambansang hangarin. Kinabukasan ng susunod na salinlahi ang nakataya po dito. Huwag sana nating balewalain,” the President said.

“Kaya naman ipagpatuloy lang po natin ang pagtitiwala at pakikilahok sa pamahalaan. Iangat po natin ang ating

kapwa sa maliit o malaki mang paraan at tiyak na makakamtan natin ang katuparan ng mga pangarap natin sa tuwid na daan,” he added. PND (rck)

Tuesday, September 11, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

“Telltale signs of peace are rife” - Gen. Ardo

Awang, DOS, Maguindanao Sept. 4 - 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division commander Major General Rey C. Ardo expressed

confidence that a peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is finally at hand.

“Telltale signs of peace are rife,” Ardo positively declared as he

noted the overwhelming support from all sectors in pushing forward


“Telltale signs of peace are rife” - Gen. Ardo

the gains of peace against the very trying moments when “peace spoilers” tried unsuccessfully to derail the peace process in southern Philippines.

Ardo also cited the major accomplishments of the government troops in neutralizing the “peace spoilers” who terrorized and looted civilian communities and harassed military detachments.

“We have captured their strongholds in Camp Omar so the ‘spoilers’ are now on the run and pushed to the wall,” Ardo said.

Ardo said that 6ID troops now shifted its efforts to support law enforcement with the PNP in the lead in pursuit against the members of the lawless group who are now on the run.

He explained that throughout the calibrated military efforts, primacy of the peace process and safety of civilians has been prioritized. The operations are in close coordination and collaboration with the GPH-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) through the ceasefire mechanisms in order to ensure the preservation of the gains of the peace process between the Government and the MILF.

“By far, no violations have been

committed by either side which will have significant effects on the GPH-MILF Peace Talks and in time for the 31st Exploratory Talks at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and in celebration of the Peace Consciousness Month this September,” Ardo explained.

Effective ceasefire mechanismsArdo also lauded the unilateral

law and order mechanisms enforced by the MILF-BIAF in MILF-influenced communities which have effectively constricted the terroristic activities of the “peace spoilers”.

The MILF was able to suppress the plans of the lawless group to conduct more harassments against civilian communities in North Cotabato, by positioning around the lairs of the lawless group.

“Efforts of the government troops and MILF complemented each other and have significantly reduced the capability of the lawless group,” Ardo said adding that with the effective and efficient ceasefire mechanisms, government troops and MILF can jointly launched effective punitive operations against any lawless group who threatens the peace gains and the welfare of the people.


Army troops cook flash flood victims’ foodMALUNGON, Sarangani – Troops from the 1002nd Brigade of the Philippine Army cook rice for lunch Sunday, September 9, for evacuees at the Malandag Gym. A flash flood hit adjacent villages of barangay Malandag beginning 5:30pm Saturday, September 8, when Tinagacan River overflowed its banks. The Malungon municipal government distributed relief goods to the affected families at the evacuation center with augmentation from the provincial government and the private sector

Photo Release


Damage to properties in Sarangani flashflood reaches P7.1 MBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Damages to properties due to flash flood in Malungon, Sarangani on Saturday have already reached P7,140,620, according to Update No. 5 released by the Provincial Information Office at 7:00 p.m. Sunday.

The report, based on update sent by Capt. William Rodriguez, information officer of the 1002nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the estimate on damages only pertained to 66 houses totally wrecked by the flash flood as well

damages to properties of 74 households.

Damages to crops and agricultural products, vehicles and public infrastructure have yet to be ascertained.

Rodriguez also reported that a total of 432 families with 1,546 individuals in

barangays Malandag and Datal Tampal were affected.

Of these, 26 families, whose houses were washed out by the flash flood, are still at the Malandag Gym evacuation center.

No casualty was reported.


Water supply in several areas in Malandag have been restored.

“Operation Linis” by the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police and the local government Malungon LGU with local residents have already completed clearing of flash flood debris in the river banks, roads and houses of affected families.

Macnit Bridge has been restored but bridges in Barangays Kiblat and Kibala have remained impassable. However, alternate routes have been established.

State of calamity may be declared today, according to Mayor Reynaldo Constantino in an interview with a local TV station in General Santos City this morning.

At 5:30 p.m. Saturday (September 8), flooding occurred in sitios (sub-villages) Mabuhay and Ilang-ilang of barangay Malandag, and sitio Lamlifew of barangay Datal Tamfal in Malungon after Tinagacan-Buyan River overflowed.

Puroks Camia, Cadena de Amor, Adelfa, Ponsettia, Waling-waling and Bougainvilla in Malandag were also flooded.

Some individuals had to stay on rooftops while others clung to trees before they were rescued by joint elements of Malungon LGU and the Philippine Army, Capt. Rodriguez.

Malungon LGU immediately extended assistance to affected families. Aids included sleeping mats, used

clothes, rice, noodles and canned goods. The town’s health Office along with the local PNP and the Army also extended medical assistance to families and individuals of the affected far-flung sitios.

“The calamity in Malungon could not be addressed promptly if not for the quick response of the government agencies in the area, particularly the Malungon MDRRMC together with the PNP and the Philippine Army,” Mayor Constantino said.

“I am thankful that there was no casualty during the calamity and I greatly appreciate the assistance given by other government and non government agencies.”

1st Mindanao search and rescue summit set in December By Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Hundreds of disaster response volunteers and teams are expected to converge in General Santos City and Sarangani Province in December for the first Mindanao search and rescue summit.


1st Mindanao search and rescue summit set in December

Roy Dorado, operations chief of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 said the summit will be highlighted by a competition simulating a search and rescue mission.

“Our primary objective is to promote camaraderie among disaster response teams but what is more important is to harmonize responders’ technical skills in search and rescue,” he said.

Participants will undergo a refresher course on skills involved in search and rescue operations based on the principles of Incident Command System, being pushed by OCD and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

It would also be an

opportunity to develop a common understanding on the laws involved in their work and gather suggestions on how to improve disaster response activities.

“We have to grab the chance for disaster responders, whether from public or private groups, equipped or not equipped, teams or individuals to meet each other and share common grounds,” he said.

Once teams from different places have harmonized their skills and work together, he added, search and rescue operations would become more efficient.

Decision to conduct a summit that would involve responders in the six regions of Mindanao came after the triumph

of the 2012 Search and Rescue Network (SarNet) 12 summit in May this year.

“When NDRRMC Executive Director Usec. Benito Ramos saw the success of the SarNet 12 Summit, he advised that we expand the activity to include other regions in Mindanao,” he said.

For the emergency response operation olympics eight volunteer teams will simulate rubber boat operation, highline, hailing, victim management and victim transport. Unlike in the SarNet 12 summit, the competition in December will also include land navigation and compass reading as added features.

Three of the competing teams will come from Soccsksargen (Region 12) as a privilege to the host region. Each of the other five contingents will represent Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Northern Mindanao Region, Davao Region, CARAGA and ARMM.

Dorado explained further that local governments units are


involved in the selection of volunteer teams that would represent their regions.

“As a requirement, competitors need to secure endorsement from their LGUs and local DRMM office certifying their residence as well as their accreditation by the

LGU, which is mandated by Republic Act 10121,” he said. Republic Act 10121 is the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law.

Olympic winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and certificates, he said.

According to initial

plans, participants to the summit will be camping either at the 1002nd Brigade of the Philippine Army in Malungon Sarangani or an Army camp in Maasim town. They are required to bring their own tents and camping gears.

Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan Program ng unang distrito ng N.Cotabato, nagpapatuloyLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL -- Patuloy pa rin sa pagbibigay serbisyo ang pa-mahalaan ng unang distrito ng North Cotabato sa pamamagitan ng Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan Program na itinataguyod nito.

Sa naturang programa, isinasailalim sa libreng eye cataract operation ang mga benepisyaryo.

Sa pinakahuling tala, pitong indibidwal ang pinagkalooban ng libreng operasyon kamakailan na isinagawa sa Adventist Hospital sa Davao City.

Ayon kay Special Operation’s Head Benny Queman, ang programang ito ay magkatuwang na itinataguyod ng opisina

ni North Cotabato First District Cong. Jesus Sacdalan sa pak ik ipagtu lungan ng Mabuhay Deseret Foundation.

Nabatid na ito na ang ika-22 grupo ng mga pasyenteng naging benepisyaryo ng nasabing programa.

Sa kabuuan, abot na sa 150 benepisyaryo ang naoperahan sa ilalim ng Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan Program.

S a m a n t a l a ,

lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng mga benepisyaryo ng programa sa libreng operasyon gayong umaabot sa humigit kumulang P15,000 ang halaga ng operasyon sa pag-aalis ng katarata.

Layunin ng nabanggit na programa na matulungan ang mga mamamayan at maikintal sa kanilang isipan na may liwanag na naghihintay tungo sa kapayapaan at tagumpay.


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Agusan Norte, Butuan Red Cross BODs sworn into officeby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY -- Newly elected members of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter were sworn into office during the induction ceremony held recently in one of the local resorts here. They were inducted by Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante, honorary chairman of the

board, who was represented by Board Member Victor Joseph Tomaneng. In his speech delivered by

Liwanag para sa Kapayapaan Program ng unang distrito ng N.Cotabato, nagpapatuloy


Tomaneng, Amante said the Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City chapter has lived its avowal to be “Always first, always ready and always there,” and remains committed to this duty. Amante further said for over six decades of unparalleled sense of volunteerism, Red Cross personnel have been in the forefront of providing aid

and empowerment to the vulnerable. The official also conveyed his warmest congratulations to the newly elected and previous officers who have shown exemplary character in molding the local chapter into what it is now. “Your resiliency is worth a commendable remark and definitely a character to reckon with,” Amante said.

Caraga coops to participate in the 11th Natl Cooperative Summitby Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY --The cooperatives in Caraga region will be participating in this year’s 11th National Cooperative Summit on October 10-12, 2012 to be held at the Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.


This year’s summit is anchored on the theme “Cooperative Enterprises Build Better Philippines.” Cooperative Development Authority Caraga Regional Director Manuela Pelaez said the summit will put more meat on what has already been agreed upon on operational terms in the coops and to address the challenges on integration and consolidation of production and marketing of cooperative products and services. “The Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Mindanao Educational Cooperative Center, First Community Cooperative, Coop Life Mutual Benefit Services, National Confederation of Cooperatives, and

the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives-Mindanao League are the summit’s local hosts, while the Philippine Cooperative Center is the summit secretariat,” said Pelaez. Each participant will have to pay P4,500 to cover the summit kit and other materials. Deadline for registration is on September 15, 2012. To register, participants must submit the following: 1) Name of the cooperative or organization; 2) Name/s of delegates (full name, including middle initial); 3) Contact number of the delegate/s; and 4) Date of birth. For more information, the CDA-Caraga can be reached at telephone number (085) 342-5530.


Pimentel said 18 drug pushers and 21 drug users apprehended, while 15.22 kilograms of shabu and 210 kgs. of marijuana were confiscated during the operation conducted by the joint forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) from January to August 2012. “These accomplishments were successfully conducted thru the cooperation of the community and partner agencies,” Pimentel said. Meanwhile, PDEA-Caraga Regional Director Joel Plaza along with the PNP were lauded by the PADAC Chair for exerting their effort in supporting the program implementation of the provincial government. In his speech, Governor

Pimentel said the program intended to eradicate illegal drugs in the province. It was launched last year with the presence of the PDEA Director General Usec Jose Gutierrez. “We strengthened the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council,” hoping that this council will contribute in our effort to fight against illegal drugs in the province,” Pimentel said. Meanwhile, PADAC Vice-Chair Hon Vicente Pimentel III reported that nine municipalities and two cities have already organized their municipal/city anti-drug abuse councils, composed of Bislig City, Tandag City, Hinatuan, Tagbina, Barobo, San Agustin, Marihatag, Bayabas, Tago, Cortes and Carrascal.

Surigao Sur gov bares anti-illegal drug campaign gains by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY -- Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Chair and Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel bared accomplishments of the “JYes Kontra Droga” during its 1st year anniversary celebration.


Surigao Sur gov bares anti-illegal drug campaign gains

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US Press Attache visits Dipolog, meets student-journalists By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY - Press Attache Bettina Malone of the US Embassy in Manila arrived here recently to see for herself the conduct of campus journalism seminar for high school students by the Zamboanga del Norte Press Club (ZNPC).


ZNPC held its final leg of a series of campus journalism workshops on Saturday and Sunday at the Dipolog Medical Center College Foundation, Inc. at Sta. Filomena this city. A total of 230 student-participants from 10 public and private schools of Dipolog City and from Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU)-Katipunan Campus in Katipunan town attended said training. In her message to the participants, Ms. Malone said, “journalism teaches you not just how to write, or tell a story. It also teaches you how to think critically, to ask questions, and to always try to look under the surface of things – not to accept anything as true, until you have looked at all sides.” Malone believed that ZNPC’s journalistic writing workshops for high school students would help the young in preparing themselves “to take on whatever challenges that will come their (sic) way in the future.” She further said: “You are lucky to have this chance to come together…to learn from a great group of passionate communicators,”

referring to press club’s officers and members who have the passion to share and transfer their knowledge and skills in writing and broadcasting to budding campus journalists. The lecturers were Czarito B. Zamora on newswriting, Atty. James Cyril O. Ruiz on editorial and feature writing. Atty. Arvin Bonbon on copyreading and headline writing, Rey Davie Magdayao on photojournalism and layouting, Dennis Garay on sports writing, Samuel Amatong on editorial cartoon, Hernani Vicente Carreon on broadcasting, and Crispin Garcia on media ethics. It can be recalled that the first round of the campus journalism seminar was held in Siocon town, followed by Gutalac, Liloy, Sindangan, Katipunan, Sergio Osmena, Rizal, Dapitan City and Dipolog City. The campus journalism seminar is a yearly activity of the press club in partnership with the Department of Education (DepED) and with the help of certain public and private organization, aimed at providing free journalistic writing training to high school students.


P2.5-M rubber and corn production project to be implemented in Bayog

Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur – A P2.5 million rubber and corn production project under will soon be implemented in Bayog.

By Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan

The project which is under the Mindanao Rural Development Program – Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) of the Department of Agriculture will have a local counterpart of P500,000.00 from the local government unit of Bayog. As a prerequisite, a pre-implementation orientation about the program was conducted by Nestor Cawanan, CFAD Coordinator, MRDP-Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to some 80 People’s Organizations (POs) and barangay officials of five barangays last Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the Glupa Gulian Agro-Tourism Park, Sitio Quibranza, Kahayagan, this municipality. The recipient barangays of this project are Bobuan, Camp Blessing, Conacon, Dagum and Dimalinao all

of Bayog. The orientation was also attended by the LGU officials headed by Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr.. SB Member Celso Matias, Multi-Sectoral Committee chair Allan Grafil, representative from the Pioneer Company and Municipal Agriculturist officer in charge Nora Paredes who facilitated the activity. In his message, Mayor Babasa urged the participants to work hard and support the program to attain its goal. “You play an important role in our economy, since farmers are the backbone of the country,” he said. “I hope you will do your best to attain it so that the government will also continue with this program,” Babasa added.


TAGUM CITY- More domestic and international tourists are expected to fly their way to Davao Region as the Department of Tourism (DOT) currently works to position the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBIA) to serve as an ac-tive secondary international gate-way of the Philippines. In his talk in a recent convocation at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan,

DOT XI Regional Director Art Boncato revealed the plans of DOT to improve the access and connectivity of the Davao Region to local and international d e s t i n a t i o n s , maximizing the capacity of FBIA which has been known as Davao International Airport. The DOT is now working closely with

the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI, the city government of Davao, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Office of Congresswoman Mylene Garcia-Albano to institute the needed physical improvement of the international airport. Such improvement is geared

DOT eyes more tourists flying in to Davaoby Rudolph Alama


DOT eyes more tourists flying in to Davao

towards achieving the full terminal utilization which presently is placed at 60 percent based on reports from CAAP Davao which also revealed a total of 2.6 million domestic and foreign FBIA arrivals registered in 2011. In line with the thrust to increase airport traffic to an average of 39 flights a day, RDC XI has created an airport task force and has designated the DOT , the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (DCCCII), City Government of Davao and CAAP “to lead in marketing and promotion,” Boncato said. DOT along with CAAP will be taking part in the 18th World Route Development Forum in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to get upraised with the new global air connections which will be discussed during the gathering of airline planners, tourism organizations and airport authorities around the world. To take advantage of the growing regional markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) , DOT is linking with airlines operating in the Brunei Darrusalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP EAGA). Among these airlines is the Wings Air/Lion Air for a flight connection from Davao to Manado, Indonesia; the MAS Wings of Malaysia Airlines for Kota Kinabalu-

Davao-Manado triangular route starting December this year; and Air Asia Malaysia for daily flights between Kota Kinabalu and Davao starting November this year. “These are on top of Silkair’s Davao-Singapore connection five times a week,” Boncato said. To bring in more international flights, DOT is also pushing for a start of charter flights of Air Busan of South Korea from Incheon Internatioal Airport to Davao. To further boost arrivals of usual foreign visitors, DOT takes a vigorous promotion campaign in Japan, South Korea, China and the ASEAN markets, bringing into the Davao Region delegations to visit inland and island attractions in various parts of the region. Boncato also eyed the Pacific Asia Travel Association Fair set in Manila later this year, as a good chance of bringing Asian tourists to visit the Davao Region. “We shall be hosting several foreign buyers to visit the region and we shall bring them here,” he said referring to Davao Region and to Davao del Norte which DOT has clustered with Davao City as Davao Region’s international gateway. Aside from Davao City and Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces are grouped together under the Davao Gulf and Coast Tourism Cluster.


City Govt. plans rehab of congested public cemeteriesby Rudolph Alama

DAVAO CITY- The City Govern-ment of Davao City is eyeing the rehabilitation of congested public cemeteries. Gerardo Castillo officer-in-charge of cemetery operations City Economic Enterprises bared that the nine public cemeteries in the city are already congested forcing poor families with no choice but to bury their dead in more expensive private cemeteries. A 10-year rental fee for a public cemetery grave lot under the current revenue code is pegged at P1,000 for children and P2,000 for adults. The City has at nine public cemeteries namely; Wireless, Tugbok, Mintal, Calinan, Maa, Toril, Tibungco, Panacan and Bunawan. Currently in the works is a rehabilitation program for the Wireless Public Cemetery atop Madapo Hills. P23- million has been estimated as the total budget for its full rehabilitation which will include the construction of 928 niches,

13,248-unit ossuary, common grave areas, administrative buildings, candle lighting stations, road network, landscaping and beautification. If completed the wireless cemetery would resemble a memorial park and would soon reopen for more burials. The cemetery was closed to further burials by the city government in 2008. Currently phase 1 of the rehabilitation has been completed with the construction of a steel gate and fence, 254 units of niches and a 1368 unit ossuary. About 1,600 graves were temporarily cleared and placed in temporary bone deposition area. Meanwhile the CEE has proposed new rates for rehabilitated Wireless Cemetery. These amendments are still being deliberated by the City Council. The CEE is proposing a six-year lease rates of grave lots P12,000 for adults and P5,000 for children.


Public urged not to ignore “hidden hunger”By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Basilan health personnel urged the public not to ignore “hidden hunger” as a primary concern of every household and save children from a future that is hampered by poor human development.


Leilani Eugenio, Health Education and Promotions Officer of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said micronutrient malnutrition “afflicts a far greater swath of humanity than insufficient calorie intake.” She said that it is often called “hidden hunger” because it is not readily apparent from clinical signs of a wasted body. Eugenio, together with Nadswa Sario-Sahandal, PHO Nutrition Program Coordinator and Sarah Jimbul, National Nutrition Council representative for Basilan were guests recently at the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program Noticias-Informaccion con Musica over DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad in Isabela City. Nadzwa Sario-Sahandal, PHO Nutrition Program Coordinator said that hidden hunger is unlike the hunger that comes from a lack of food. “It is a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals that often have no visible warning signs, so that people who suffer from it may not even be aware of it,” she explained, stressing further that its consequences are nevertheless disastrous, where it can lead to mental impairment, poor health and productivity, or even death. “One in three people in the world suffer from hidden hunger. Women and children from the lower income groups in developing countries are often the most affected,” she said. PHO data revealed that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) recorded a 26.6 percent incidence of protein energy

malnutrition in 2011 and Basilan has a 15 percent incidence rate. And based on the Micronutrient Malnutrition Data NNS of 2008, the PHO revealed that the ARMM has a 47.3 percent incidence rate of pregnant women with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), 29.8 percent incidence rate among lactating women, and 22.7 percent among children below five years old. Other type or forms of micronutrient malnutrition are vitamin A deficiency (VAD), which may result to low resistance to infection, unnecessary blindness, and stunted growth among children and infants; iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which may result to poor learning ability, low motivation, and poor schools performance among children and congenital abnormalities, growth retardation, delayed walking and speech, and increase neonatal and infant mortality in infants. Folate deficiency will impair distribution of oxygen to cells. Sahandal, however, disclosed that pregnant and lactating women are most vulnerable for the obvious reason that they bear and nurse a child. She said that improving the health of individuals suffering from hidden hunger has wide-ranging economic benefits because lack of essential vitamins and minerals: can increase child and maternal mortality and cause birth defects and developmental disabilities, contributes to and exacerbates global poverty, constrains women’s empowerment, and limits the productivity and economic growth of


nations. With this reality, the health department in ARMM and Basilan intensified its micronutrient supplementation program intervention and delivery of health services, including advocacy programs promoting more intakes of micronutrients. With the Department of Health, the PHO is also providing

Vitamin A, iron and folic, and iodine supplementation, including zinc in the management of diarrhea. Eugenio further noted that the consciousness of mothers and parents on the food intakes that contains what they call “the 1 plus 3”, referring to meals that contains go, grow, and glow foods, is vital to the government’s campaign versus hidden hunger. She said that aside from the food supplement being provided by the government, every household can help fight micronutrient malnutrition if parents are conscious of the “1 plus 3” food intakes. “This is what the health office hopes to strengthen,” she said.


NYC invites Filipino youth to join the “Kizuna” Projectby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The National Youth Commission (NYC) is inviting the Filipino youths to join the “Kizuna” a Japanese word for “bond” or “tie” project to be held in Japan from December 2012 to March 2013.

The Kizuna Project, under the Exchange Project with Asia-Ocenia and North America, is being implemented jointly by the Japanese Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan in Manila, NYC and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). Lawyer Eddie C. Cuaresma, area officer of NYC-10, said more than 200 Filipino college students ages 18-24 shall have the opportunity to participate in programs which are part of the reconstruction plans of the Japanese government. Eight slots are also open for eight Filipino supervisors, ages 30–55. The project aims to promote global understanding of Japan’s revival efforts in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Cuaresma said delegates will be provided round-trip airfare from Manila-Japan-Manila, food, accommodation and local transportation in Japan, where they will stay for 10 days.


North Mindanao fruit prod’n up by 5.13% in Q1 of 2012by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - A fruit crop production of 718,195.10 metric tons (MT) was noted in Northern Mindanao, during the first quarter of the year.

This volume of production was 5.13 percent higher compared to 683,128.51 MT of the same period last year, Carlito A. Baclayon, Regional Agricultural Statistics Officer, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), said. Of these fruit crops, lanzones posted the highest growth of 3,391.85 percent, followed by papaya with 114.19 percent, due to more fruit-bearing trees in Misamis Oriental, during the period. Next was rambutan, 85.83 percent; pineapple, 11.37 percent; watermelon, 7.45 percent; calamansi, 1.32 percent; and banana, 0.69 percent. However, the following fruits posted declines in production: mandarin, - 62.04 percent;

mangosteen, -48 percent; durian, -14.81percent; mango, -4.19 percent. Meanwhile, Baclayon said vegetable production in the region, during the period, also increased from 14,546.50 MT to 14,669.39 MT or 0.84 percent. Among the vegetables, cabbage posted the highest increase in production with 19.19 percent, followed by cauliflower,17.39 percent; pechay, 13.37 percent; okra, 12.39 percent; habichuelas, 9.79 percent; gabi, 7.16 percent; and carrots, 8.52 percent. Broccoli, 8.33 percent; ampalaya, 5,31 percent; lettuce, 5,26 percent; eggplant, 4.47 percent; gourd, 3.09 percent; pepper, 1.11

However, round-trip transportation from the point of origin to Manila will be shouldered by the participants. Deadline for submission of application and requirements is at 5 p.m. on September 28, Cuaresma said. Application forms may be downloaded in the website: www.nyc.gov.ph and requirements may

be submitted through a courier or personally to NYC Area Offices or to Ms. Marilou A. Chua, NYC, 4F Bookman Building, 373 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, 1100. For more details, please coordinate with Ms. Chua or Sarah Grutas at 4162833 or send an email to: [email protected].


percent; squash, 3.57 percent; and string beans, 4.87 percent. Decline in production, however, was noted on asparagus with -100 percent; irish potato, -2.74 percent; and tomato, -4.85 percent. On the other hand, production of root crops was noted to have declined, from 180,051.04 MT to 162,277.94 MT or -9.87 percent; with cassava at -10.70 percent; and peanut, -6.36 percent, except for ginger which increased by 6.94 percent and camote by 5.11 percent. Again, production of industrial crops, during the first quarter, declined from 2,089,711.70MT to 1,917,757.43 MT or -8.23 percent with cacao posting a negative production of -74.35 percent, cashew, 31.11 percent, coffee, -14.37 percent, sugarcane, -8.29 percent, tuba,

-1.06 percent. Production of abacca, however, increased by 29.28 percent, palm fruit by 7.46 percent, and rubber by 5.62 percent. Lower production of root and industrial crops, specifically of cacao and sugarcane, was mainly due to reduction in the harvest area in Bukidnon. As recalled, a large portion of the farm areas in Northern Mindanao were severely damaged by Typhoon Sendong which occurred last December. Rehabilitation/repair of the farm areas were still on-going, during the first quarter, resulting in the reduction of the harvest areas, and resulting, further in low production, Baclayon, added.


Region 10 organizes the Regional Bamboo Industry Dev’t Councilby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Regional Bamboo Industry Development Council (RBIDC) has been organized in region 10.

Headed by the Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as chairperson, the RBIDC-10 is composed of the following as members: regional directors of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP); representatives of the Emmanuel Pelaez Ranch Inc.; Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Foundation (OroChamber); and Hineleban Foundation. Regional Director Linda O. Boňiao of DTI-10 said RBIDC-10 complies with Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 30, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa on May 30. Entitled “Directing the Full Implementation of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development (PBID) Program,” MC 30 enjoins all government agencies/instrumentalities, state universities and colleges (SUC’s), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC’s) and local government units (LGUs) to support the full implementation of the PBID Program. Boňiao said the PBID was made a priority program of the government Per EO No. 879, s. of 2010, which also

created the PBID Council that provide the overall policy and direction of the PBID Program. On the other hand, EO 26, s. of 2011 has declared the National Greening Program (NGP) as a priority program of the government that will harmonize all the planting and greening activities and has listed bamboo among the preferred species for propagation areas eligible for development under the NGP. Likewise, DENR, DA and DAR, in Executive Order No. 23, s. of 2011, were mandated to develop the NGP, in cooperation with DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), private sector and other concerned agencies. Thus, the PBID Council and DENR, as the lead agencies for the NGP, shall harmonize and identify areas of cooperation and convergence of the PBID Program with the NGP. Since its organization, RBIDC-10 has already undertaken several activities that included the inventory of existing bamboo plantation areas, conduct of various trainings, advocacy/ information campaigns, on-going executions of proto-types for e-bamboo desks, and organization of provincial bamboo industry council, among others, Boňiao added.

one mindanao - september 11, 2012

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