one mindanao - september 12, 2014

Maria Catherine M. GonzagaCARAGA REGION

Butuan bishop urges faithful to participate in tree planting activity

COVER STORY

President Aquino still has confidence in Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Palace official says

Ozamiz fight against illegal drugs for “Better Image, Better Lives” continues

PIA conducts trainers’ training for 44th IB soldiers

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

by Emmanuel D. Taghoy

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

Police Officer from SOCCSKSARGEN cited for gallantry

NorthCot village gets new birthing facility

Dinagat Islands’ scholar passes physician licensure exam

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA MINDANAO

ARMM REGION

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

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Population board recognizes significance of ‘International Men’s Day’ celeb

Lanao del Sur joins drive against measles, polio

Duterte asserts loyalty to Pnoy, brushes aside coup jitters

Lanao del Sur organizes women council

by Aida C. Agad

by Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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by Venus L. Garcia

by Ma. Jane. Mayola

Mindanao bids for Guinness in TreeVolution 16 by PIA

by Johaniah N. Yusoph

by Johaniah N. Yusoph

by Joey Sem G. Dalumpines


During the press conference and launching of the Mindanao-wide campaign dubbed as “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW” held on September 4 at the Robinson’s Place here, Bishop Pueblos encouraged the citizens of Caraga to take responsibility in the stewardship of the environment as it will also save people from any disaster. “By planting more trees, we

will also be able to save more lives. Let’s all participate in this noble activity with hope that this will be a successful one and that we can also break the record,” Pueblos said. More than 200,000 planters are expected to troop to different planting sites on September 26, aiming to plant 4,636,000 tree seedlings in one hour from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in a total land area

Most Rev. Juan de dios Pueblos, DD of the

diocese of Butuan has called on the faithful to actively participate in the massive tree planting event on September 26, 2014 that would attempt to break the Guiness World Record of the most number of tree seedlings planted in a span of one hour.

by Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga


by Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

of 9,200 hectares all over the six regions of Mindanao. To date, India holds the World Record of the most number of tree seedlings that have been planted in one hour when the 340,200 participants planted 1,945,535 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on August 15, 2011. That record is being

held, by Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, a social reformer, preacher, spiritual leader and the head of the India-based socio-spiritual organization Dera Sacha Sauda. DENR Caraga regional

director Nonito M. Tamayo emphasized that this event will not only focus on tree planting but on tree growing as well. “With or without this record breaking event we will continue

to reforest our environment. We shall hit our target before 2016. With the help of our LGUs, we will make this possible. Let’s make everyday an Arbor Day here in Caraga region,” he said.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 6

Government to prosecute garlic hoarders, Palace ofþcial says

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the instruction was directed at Agriculture

Secretary Proceso Alcala and Presidential Assistant on Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Secretary Francis Pangilinan. “He also instructed (Trade and Industry)

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed two Cabinet Secretaries to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to build up cases against those involved in garlic hoarding and price manipulation.


President Aquino still has conþdence in Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Palace ofþcial says

President Benigno S. Aquino III still has confidence in Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, the Palace said on Thursday.

Secretary Gregory Domingo to work closely with the two Secretaries to ensure faster response to unusual increases in the prices of rice and other commodities through the National Price Coordinating Council,” said Coloma. The directives came after Justice Secretary Leila De Lima and DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy briefed the President and other members of the Cabinet on Wednesday, regarding the result of the probe on garlic supply

and prices conducted by the DOJ and the National Bureau of Investigation. “According to Secretary De Lima, the NBI shall pursue the leads and gather further evidence to prosecute the personalities involved in garlic hoarding and price manipulation, including officials of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Plant Industry, who may have been in collusion with them,” Coloma said. PND

“Patuloy ang pagtitiwala ni Pangulong Aquino kay Secretary Soliman dahil sa kanyang dedikasyon sa tungkulin at kasipagan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang. Coloma was responding to calls for the President to dismiss Soliman over reports that Family Food Packs meant for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda had been lost to spoilage due to improper handling. He noted that the government understands

the frustration felt by the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. “Unawain lang po natin na libu-libo ang mga taong apektado at kung mayroong iilan na magpapahayag ng hindi pagiging kuntento sa mga serbisyo, mauunawaan po natin ‘yan, dahil batid din natin na malawak at naging malalim ang pinsala at hindi naman nagpapanggap ang pamahalaan na solusyunan na itong isandaang porsyento,” he said. He said the status of international donations to the typhoon victims could be verified at the Foreign Aid Transparency Hub (FAiTH) website. PND


PBSP eyes more opportunities for Mindanao’s crops

The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) is eyeing more opportunities for five of Mindanao’s top crops namely coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber with the recently-

launched Mindanao Inclusive Agri-Business Program.

“We see this as an opportunity for promoting inclusive growth in the countryside particularly in

Mindanao,” PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee Chairman Paul Dominguez said.


PBSP has been at the forefront of advocating for stronger corporate citizenship with the aim of supporting inclusive national development. PBSP, which was established in 1970 and now with more than 250 companies as members, is the largest business-led social development organization in the country committed to poverty reduction. The Program is expected to go full blast with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PBSP and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) last week. Even President Benigno Aquino III, who was in the city during the launch, said “the initiative comes at an opportune time, as we seek to transform Mindanao from the Land of Promise to the Land of Promises Fulfilled. He added that “growing coffee, bananas, or cacao, alongside coconuts, will not only diversify the produce of a community, but will more importantly enable the farmer to earn more, support his family more, and thus contribute more to spurring economic activity, not only in the short term.” Dominguez said PBSP has been influencing the Philippine business community to integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices into their core businesses and advocating the application of business strategies in addressing poverty. The group has began looking at the concept of Inclusive Business for tackling societal challenges since 2010. PBSP sees Inclusive Business as a strategic response to the challenge of rebuilding lives and rousing the dynamism inherent in the 62 percent of the total households in the Philippines that currently

subsist on a daily income of P18,000 a month, he said. Inclusive Business would help unclog the barriers to poverty reduction, lack of jobs and limited investments. Inclusive Mindanao Agri-Business Program is expected to promote PBSP’s Inclusive Business Imperative (IBI) campaign in Mindanao. Through the IBI campaign, Dominguez said, PBSP aims to address income gaps in the country. President Aquino said everyone is well aware of the great potential of Mindanao, especially in terms of agriculture. Mindanao, after all, is the country’s top source of rubber, cacao, pineapple, banana, coffee, and coconut. Over 40 percent of the country’s food supply, and more than 30 percent of the products traded domestically come from Mindanao. Most parts of Mindanao have been left marginalized for a long time but this program can boost Mindanao’s capacities so that it can catch up and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The High Value Crops Development Program of the Agriculture Department continues to help build post-harvest facilities and provide equipment for the production of coffee, cacao, and rubber for the region. A total of 190 Shared Service Facilities that have been set up in Mindanao and this has improved the efficiency in the processing of coco coir, coco-twine, and rubber. These shared services facilities in turn have assisted 1,795 small and micro enterprises and have generated over 7,100 jobs in Mindanao. (PNA)

DOE to conduct forum on downstream oil industry in Zambo SurBy Claro A. Lanipa

PIA-9 Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga said the activity is geared toward creating and strengthening a critical mass that would serve as conduit to the general public in the efforts to generate awareness on downstream oil industry and its benefits. It may be recalled that the country’s downstream oil industry had been deregulated since 1998 and is currently dominated by two major oil

refining and marketing companies – Petron and Pilipinas Shell. A third oil refiner and marketer, Caltex Philippines Inc. converted its 86,500 bbl/d refinery into an import terminal in 2003 and now operates as a plain marketing and distributing company under the name “Chevron,” but remains its Caltex brand. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a

PAGADIAN CITY – The Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) of the Department of Energy (DOE) in collaboration with Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 will conduct a multi-sectoral advocacy on downstream oil industry in Zamboanga del Sur on Sept. 18, 2014 at Alindahaw Hotel this city.


DOE to conduct forum on downstream oil industry in Zambo Sur

PIA conducts trainers’ training for 44th IB soldiersBy Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IMELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay – To capacitate soldier-trainers of the 44th Infantry Battalion in their conduct of Youth Leadership Summits, PIA-9 team conducted today a lecture on communicative skills development and handling group discussion at Imelda town.

state-owned company, and Saudi Aramco jointly own Petron; each with a 40 percent stake while the public holds the remaining 20 percent share. Petron operates a 180,000 bbl/d refinery and over 1,200 gasoline stations nationwide; Pilipinas Shell has a 110,000 bbl/d refinery and about 800 gasoline stations; and Caltex/Chevron has 2 import terminals, and around 850 retail gas stations nationwide. Participants to the activity

are national line agencies, local government units (Mayors, Information officers, Business Permit Issuing Officers, Licensing Officers and Treasures, Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), media, retailers and owners of gasoline stations. The same activity will also be conducted in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Sept. 16, 2014.


“Communicating is connecting to your audience,” said Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 in a statement. According to Dir. Edaga, it is important for every speaker to identify his audience before any activity to make the necessary preparations, as it is vital in effective communication development. Director Edaga discussed to the 11 soldier-participants attending the training the communication process which is composed of three basic components: sender, message, and receiver. “There is more to the three components. It is a cycle that also includes feedback from the receiver and back to the sender, and so on.” She also explained public speaking as a skill that naturally flows out of listening, that is, also

the ability to distinguish sounds in an alphabet.“Speaking is a natural, fundamental human skill for expression and exposition,” Dir. Edaga said. She also stressed the three PIA core values, which are: timeliness, relevance, and accuracy as an effective tool of communication. Ms. Alma L. Tingcang, information center manager of PIA-Sibugay, discussed handling group discussion and presented the video documentary produced by PIA-ZAMBASULTA on climate change. To apply what they have learned during the discussion, the participants were grouped into two and were asked to answer questions relevant to the climate change video presentation and presented the group’s output at the end of the training.

Senator Guingona pledges moral support to CDO, Misamis Oriental peace initiativesby Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - I am here to pledge my moral support to your initiatives on peace and to invite the rest of the CDO and Misamis Oriental communities to do their part.

Thus said Senator Teofisto “TG” D. Guingona III during the Monday Flag Raising and Awarding Ceremony of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-10, as he was the guest of honor and speaker, September 8.


He said he is honored to join PRO-10 on such occasion. Flag ceremonies, he said have a special significance to him and to the public. For him, it is perhaps the only single moment when every Filipino is united with his fellow Filipinos – no matter what the differences we might have, flag ceremony reminds us that we are all Filipinos and that we only have one country – the Philippines. He believes it is when we forget that we are one people who are part of one nation that our problems in the areas of peace and order, and even graft and corruption, begin to hound us. My view is that “crime” happens when a Filipino forgets that the victim is his brethren, said the Senator. On the other hand, “peace” happens when we are conscious and aware of the important fact that we are brethren, we are one people under one flag. Meanwhile, he said “I believe your mission is more than just stopping crime and restoring law and order. I believe your role is to a symbol that will remind all of us that we are Filipinos under one flag.” When you show yourselves as symbol, then you help us achieve peace: first, peace in the community; second, peace in our hearts; third, peace in our minds. Further, “I believe this is what the Philippine National Police (PNP)

PATROL 2030 program is all about. It transforms the police community into one big symbol and reminder to all of us that we all have a stake in “peace.” “Peace” is not the mission of our police officers alone – it is something all of us must aspire for and work for. He said he did not join the occasion to lecture on “peace.” More than anyone, you are the ones who understand that value of peace – because on many occasions, you have to risk your lives for peace. I am here to three things. First, to congratulate you for the many accomplishments you have already; second, to thank you for the many acts of heroism you have displayed over the years; and, third, to encourage you to work together for the success of the PNP PATROL 2030 program, said Guingona. During the ceremony, PRO-10 held a special awarding ceremony in recognition of its effort in garnering the Silver Eagle Award for passing the initiation stage of Performance Governance System (PGS) Regional Level. Likewise for Provincial Police Office (PPO)/City Police Office (CPO) level, a Silver Eagle Award was also given to Lanao del Norte PPO, Iligan CPO and Cagayan de Oro CPO for the same accomplishment. PRO-10 also conferred PGS “initiated” status to PPOs/CPOs and the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 10.


Parojinog’s resolve came after the campaign against illegal drugs received yet another boost with the seizure by the Ozamiz City Police Station (OCPS) of some one kg. of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as “Shabu,” with an appreciated street value of P5,000,000, last September 9 at 6:00 p.m. Members of OCPS intercepted at LBC Gaisano Branch, Port Road, barangay Santa Cruz, Ozamiz City, the illegal drugs placed in a package with LBC tracking no. 1811-9349-4748 sent by one Ronnie Lugod of 21Cristobal St., Cubao, Quezon City, for pick-up by a certain Christina Y. Dela Cruz. Police superintendent Michael Cadiogan Bawayan, Jr., Chief of OCPS, however, said the addressee of the seized two large packages of shabu, wrapped in carbon paper and concealed inside the milk pack of big Lactum Milk carton box, appears to be fictitious as the name of Dela Cruz cannot be found among the city’s residents. Meanwhile, in the press conference following the seizure,

Parojinog said the incident is enough proof that the illegal drugs deals are not really done in the city, as it is only used as transshipment or pick-up point, since the contraband comes from other places. He also reiterated his campaign for the slogan: “Better Image, Better Lives” for Ozamiznons and express dismay that some of his political opponents want to put the city in a bad light by saying the city is a haven for the illegal drugs trade. “As head of Bag-ong Ozamiznon Kontra Iligal Droga (BOKID), I am very serious to make Ozamiz City a safe place to live, work and invest, with the help of the OCPS, and have, in fact, heightened the confidence and their morale by extending some P6.14 million, in administrative support to the station. Last March, two big “Langub” or drug dens were raided by the OCPS with Parojinog resulting in the arrest of four people, three males and one female and have been converted into police detachments, manned by OCPS personnel and some intelligence operatives, one in barangay Tinago

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The fight against illegal drugs for a “Better Image, Better Lives” of Ozamiznons continues, mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., said.

Ozamiz fight against illegal drugs for “Better Image, Better Lives” continues by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


India has set a record of 1,945,535 trees across 408 locations with 340,200 participants in 2011. TreeVolution: Greening Mindanao Challenge will pitch some 244,444 participants to plant at least in 9,200 hectares inside the National Greening Program (NGP) areas and other areas identified by the local government units and private sector partners. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) called on volunteer planters, stewards, and video/photographers to register now at their nearest provincial/city environment and natural resources office (P/CENRO). Guinness is requiring at least 25 planters per hectare with at least 20 seedlings each or a minimum of 500 hundred seedlings per hectare. All six regions will join the bid with

region 11, 13, 12, 9, 10 and ARMM to cover least 4,153, 1,469, 1,001, 836, 708, and 59 hectares, respectively. “Other than beating India, we hope to increase our forest cover to 30 percent, because at present Mindanao’s cover pegs only between 6 to 10 percent,” Lordilie Enjambre development management officer of MinDa said. MinDa emphasized that this is not just about beating the challenge, but rather a campaign for the Mindanaoans to unite in the protection, rehabilitation and conservation of its natural resources. “We enjoin everyone to be part of the campaign and together let’s plant trees on September 26, 2014 even right on your backyards,” she added.

Mindanao bids for Guinness in TreeVolutionby PIACAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Mindanao targets to beat India in the Guinness book of record by planting 4.6 million seedlings in just one hour, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on September 26, 2014.

and the other one in barangay San Roque. During the period January to May, this year, some 647 sachets of shabu

and one small heat-sealed marijuana sachet have been seized by the OCPS from various parts of the city.

Mindanao bids for Guinness in TreeVolutionTACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat-- Tacurong City’s, activity-packedT alakudong Festival 2014 and the 14th anniversary as a city began yester-day September 11.

Talakudong Festival is on By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Opening day celebration which started with a thanksgiving mass and official declaration of festival opening by Mayor Lina Montilla at the City Hall grounds was highlighted by a public parade where participants wear lavishly decorated “talakudong.”

Tacurong City, according to oral history, de-rived its name from the word “kudong,” a hat worn by farmers and early settlers. This kind of hat is similar in form to the “salakot.”

Organizers promise a memorable experience for residents and visitors in the weeklong fes-tival with events that are categorized in several themes, namely: Pagatukib, Hinampang, fairs, and public service.

Events under the Pagtukib category are meant to help visitors and locals explore Tacurong City.

Specifically, these include Igpat sang Kamera Photo Contest from September 11-18, Dogs’ Day Tacurong Sports Center and Kantahan ng Ka-bataan at the City Hall Grounds on September 12; Sikad Talakudong-Bicycle Tour and Scooter Motorcross at the Integrated Public Terminal on Sept. 13; Talakudong Half Marathon at the City Hall Grounds on September 14; and Dancesport Competition and Panami-ay-Painting and Salakot Decorating Contest on September 15 at the Old Municipal Building.

Pagtukib events also include the search for the


Munting Mutya ng Tacurong on September 14 and the Lin-ay sang Talakudong 2014 (Mutya ng Tacurong) on September 16. Both pageants will be held at the Tacurong City Cultural and Sports Center.

On the other hand, Hinampang events are for the sports and ad-venture lovers.

These cover the Inter-agency/Barangay Basketball Tournament which began on August 15 and end September 10 as well as the Talaku-dong Inter-agency Volleybal Tourna-ment, which started on August 26 and culminate on September 18.

Other sports events include the Talakudong Inter-school and Open Sepak Takraw Tournament fron September 3-6; Talakudong Under 15 & Open Category 7-A-Side Soc-cer Tournament on September 6-7; and, Dart Tournament and Lawn Ten-nis on September on 13-14.

Those who are fond of local del-icacies, souvenir items, local prod-ucts, and even those seeking for jobs have an array of fairs to go to, including the Tiangge and Trade Fair, the Kalan-an sa Plaza, and the Or-namental Plants Show all open from September 11 to 18.

The Producers’ Fair, which will


showcase the local skills and goods, will run from September 15 to 18.

The local government will also spearhead a job fair at the City Hall grounds on September 17. Lo-cal and overseas employment agen-cies will be offering job opportuni-ties to local residents.

Indigents who need surgery are also set to receive help through a surgical mission which started on September 1 and end on Sep-

tember 18 at the Sandig Medical Clinic and Hospital.

The festival will culminate on September 18 with Mayor Montilla delivering her State of the City Ad-dress (SOCA).

This year’s celebration is an-chored on the theme: Talakudong: Ipasundayag ang Imo Katahum (Ta-lakudong: Show Your Beauty). (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong Information)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – A senior police officer from SOCCSK-SARGEN Region was among the top awardee of the National Police Commis-sion (NAPOLCOM), an official of the National Police here said.

Police Officer from SOCCSKSARGEN cited for gallantryBy: Aida C. Agad

Regional Director Atty. Edilberto F. Fermil of NAPOLCOM 12 confirmed to the Philippine Information Agency the award given to region 12’s Police Senior Inspector Bernabe T. Rubio in this year’s celebration of the com-mission’s 48th founding anniversary last September 8.

Atty. Fermil said, he endorsed to NAPOLCOM commissioner and exec-utive officer Eduardo U. Escueta that PSI Rubio be the hands-down choice for the award considering the signifi-

cance of his heroic deed in the cam-paign against insurgency in his area of responsibility.

Fermil added Rubio served as model for other PNP in the region, that is why he recommended him to be one of the three police officers all over the country to receive the rec-ognition for their exceptional courage and gallantry in the performance of their duty.

Fermil said that Rubio demon-strated extraordinary courage and


gallantry when he bravely en-gaged with NPA members who at-tacked the President Roxas Municipal Police Station in Cotabato province last May 20, 2014.

This he said, resulted in the killing of three high ranking officials of the New People’s Army (NPA) including its topman Ronald Amado alias “Ku-mander Revo.”

He recounted that “In the midst of the exchange of gunshots, Rubio al-legedly remain steadfast and demon-strated a strategic mindset and ex-ceptional skills in handling firearms and tactical positioning, as he also maintained his composure and never retreated despite the gunshot wound that he sustained in the head.”

Atty Fermil, accompanied Police Senior Inspector Rubio in the award-

ing rites held at the NAPOLCOM new office in Quezon City.

Director Fermil said, “the brave and courageous acts of P/SInsp Ru-bio is a manifestation that the PNP means business in its renewed com-mitment towards the attainment of a more secured and safer community.”

P/SInsp Rubio assumed his post as Chief of Police of President Roxas Municipal Police Station on June 19, 2013.

The municipality of Pres. Roxas, situated in Arakan Valley Complex at the foot of Mt. Apo area is known to be lair of Sentro de Gravidad, Gue-rilla Front 53 of the CPP-NPA, headed by Kumander Revo. (ACAgad PIA 12 with reports from BBBingil/NAPOL-COM 12)

KABACAN, North Cotabato —A birthing facility worth P1 million was recently turned over to this municipality particularly in Barangay Aringay.

NorthCot village gets new birthing facilityBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

The facility was funded by the De-partment of Health under its Health Facility Enhancement Project (HFEP) in line with its effort to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment of gov-ernment facilities across the country.

In connection, Barangay Aringay chairperson Jerry Manalo expressed his thankfulness to the health de-

partment as well as to the provincial government for putting up a facility that is needed in the community.

Meanwhile, Governor Mendoza noted that a birthing facility is im-portant most especially in a remote village like Aringay.

“This is a worthwhile health facility project from the DOH that could help


pregnant women of the village in giving birth. As we know, the health department is doing its best to per-suade pregnant women or moth-ers to give birth at birthing centers or hospitals,” Mendoza emphasized adding that the safety of pregnant women is the utmost concern of the health department.

She also lauded the efforts of the DOH in implementing projects through its HFEP and for aiming to complete facility enhancements in many areas.

The governor stated that this pro-gram leads to the improvement of health and medical services to peo-

ple.Mendoza also said that the DOH’s

goal of providing Universal Health Care (UHC) to the people especially the poor Filipino families will be more successful when the Local Govern-ment Units do their share of help.

“We still have a lot of work and challenges ahead of us in attain-ing a healthy community but with this partnership between the health department and LGUs, I am certain that we can reach our goal”, the of-ficial noted. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz&RASotto-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

Population officers push for establishment of PopDev office in LGUsby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY - “The League of Population Officers and Workers of the Philippines (LEPOWPHIL) has been aggressively campaigning to strengthen the population program at the grassroots level. As a result, they have drafted and pushed for the bill creating the Population and Development (PopDev) office at the local government unit level. Said move of the LEPOWPHIL got positive response from the Commission on Population (PopCom) Board of Commissioners.”


Population officers push for establishment of PopDev office in LGUs

This was the statement of PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander Makinano during the Regional Development Council-Development Administration Committee (RDC-DAC) Meeting held on Tuesday in one of the local convention centers here. Makinano bared that the provision on the appointment of a local Population Officer in Section 488 of the 1991 Local Government Code is rationalized within the impact of population factors to development. “The same statutory law provides for the appointment of a Population Officer as merely an option for the LGUs. With this provision, many LGUs opted not to maintain their population offices despite the presence of population development issues and the changing needs of the population in their areas,” revealed Makinano. Recognizing the important role of population in national and local development, Makinano stressed that there is a need to strengthen the local population offices to achieve its mandated functions under the local government code. “As a way of strengthening the PopDev Offices in the LGUs, the PopCom and LEPOWPHIL pushes to make the establishment and operation of population offices mandatory to ensure effective

population management strategies and measures at the local level. Such office shall be primarily responsible in addressing development issues in the locality, to include: a) increasing teenage pregnancy; b) high unintended pregnancies; c) rapid urbanization in cities and declining quantity of human resource in out-migration areas; and d) unmanaged human settlements especially in environmentally hazardous areas,” cited Makinano. Also, as chair of the RDC-DAC, Cabadbaran City Mayor Dale Corvera saw the need to discuss this Bill to the congressmen in the region for sponsorship and full support. “It is much better that the Population Officers would really lobby the proposed Bill on the creation of a PopDev Office in each LGUs to the lawmakers or the congressmen for sponsorship and that this will really be pushed into a law, instead of endorsing this to the Regional Development Council. This should also include presentation of budgetary requirements so lawmakers will have concrete basis on how it will be undertaken,” suggested Corvera. Makinano then assured the committee that comments and suggestions on the said Bill will be incorporated in the content so as to be more detailed and comprehensive.


Population board recognizes significance of ‘International Men’s Day’ celeb by Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY- Acknowledging considerable significance of celebrating the International Men’s Day (IMD), the Regional Population Executive Board (RPEB) approved and adopted RPEB resolution requesting the Regional Development Council (RDC) – Social Development Committee (SDC) to endorse the observance of IMD in Caraga region.

Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga regional director Alexander Makinano explained in his presentation during the 3rd Quarter RDC-SDC Meeting held here on Wednesday that the objectives include focusing on men’s and boys’ health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality and highlighting the positive male role models. It is also an occasion

to celebrate their achievements and contributions to community, family, marriage and child care. Makinano also enumerated the various activities in a row such as orientation/symposium on Men’s Participation in Family Health, Men’s Role in GAD, Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA), Usapang Maginoo, and other men


Dinagat Islands’ scholar passes physician licensure exam SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands- The first medical scholar of the provin-cial government of Dinagat Islands winded up triumphantly after Azalea T. Pajo, 26, from Barangay Poblacion here passed in the Au-gust 2014 Physician licensure exam conducted on August 23-24, this year.

by Ma. Jane. Mayola

Pajo was granted a provincial medical scholarship in 2009 at Mindanao State University in Iligan City, it was learned. She also ranked eight among 53 graduates in Doctor of Medicine in the said school where she also graduated as Magna Cum Laude during her pre-med course, Bachelor of Science in Biology.

According to Provincial Human Resource and Development Office representative Joyce Tio, Dr. Pajo will soon serve the Dinagatnons as Medical Officer-IV at Albor District Hospital, Libjo, Dinagat Islands. The provincial medical scholarship is funded by the provincial government of Dinagat Islands.

-related topics/sessions shall be conducted during the celebration. By substantiating more its importance, Makinano received positive reactions from the committee members. He then relayed that “according to Men’s Activism News Netwok, the IMD interfaces with the popular ‘Movember,’ a worldwide moustache growing charity event during November each year that raises fund and awareness for men’s health, one of the key themes promoted on IMD. It also interfaces with Universal Children’s Day on November 20 with which IMD forms a 48-hour

celebration of men and children and of the special relationships the share.” “PopCom Caraga shall be the lead agency of the IMD celebration,” added Makinano. The IMD celebration is an annual international event celebrated every 19th of November supported by 60 countries and various organizations worldwide. It was inaugurated in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago where the day and its events find support from a variety of groups and individuals in Australia, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Europe and the United Nations.


ARMM entry wins major awards in travel trade exhibition fashion competition

Delegates from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) bagged two major awards in this year’s Patimpalak ng Kasuotang Filipino during the 25th Philippine Travel Mart

held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on September 5 to 7.


Lanao del Sur joins drive against measles, polio

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The nationwide measles immunization campaign was launched here by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and the provincial government.

The campaign aims to reduce cases of measles and rubella in the country and sustain the country’s polio-free status it achieved in year 2000. Dubbed “Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization,” the month-long campaign targets an estimated 11 million children, from nine months to below five years old to be immunized against measles and rubella. IPHO chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said they have set aside 110,300 vaccines for measles and 129,000 for

The ARMM won in both female and male categories of the competi-tion. For the male category, ARMM bagged the grand champion. The same award was won by the region’s delegates last year. For the female category, ARMM won second place. The entries in the fashion com-petition were made by Moro designer Akmad Kari Jr. The materials used were weaved ethnic cloth from the five provinces of the region.

“The judges were very impressed with the ethnic fabric,” said Mustapha Ala Jr, head of the ARMM delegation. Renowned designers Renee Sa-lud, Frederick Peralta and John Her-rera were the panel of judges during the fashion competition. Philippine Travel Mart is the big-gest travel trade exhibition in the promotion and marketing of domestic and inbound tourism. (Bureau of Pub-lic Information-ARMM)

by: Johaniah N. Yusoph


Lanao del Sur organizes women council

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Women from various organizations here have convened and organized the Provincial Women Council (PWC) Wednesday, September 3 to serve as the voice of the Ranao women.

PWC is a special body that will serve as a vehicle to empower women and mainstream gender and development in the province. The organizational meeting was attended by women from the religious, media, academe sector, as well as from national line agencies, civil society organizations, and Lanao del Sur People’s Council (LDSPC). The meeting ended with an

election of council officers and setting of date for the creation of the PWC committees. Elected as first officers were Dr. Padoman Paporo of the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC) as chair, Bae Pesigue C. Tomawis of provincial government as the vice-chair and Bae Nabiha Lao as the Executive Director.

oral polio for the entire province. Thus, he urged parents to bring their children below five years to the nearest health center for vaccination.

He said more than 500 health personnel were deployed across the province to facilitate the immunization.

by: Johaniah N. Yusoph

Landbank, Smart rolls out Mobile Loan Saver for Gov’t. Employees

DAVAO CITY- Officials of the Landbank and Smart Communications launched the Mobile Loan Saver for govern-ment employees in the region yesterday (Sept. 11). The program is touted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) as the “country’s first-ever fully electronic

and paperless salary loan service.” Under the program, qualified state workers aged 18 to 64 with LANDBANK ATM payroll accounts may apply for loans by simply sending a text message through their Talk ‘N Text (TNT), Smart or Sun Cellular mobile phones. This is after their


respective human resources heads of government agencies have submitted the list of qualified and eligible employees to avail of the program to LANDBANK. Borrowers may avail of loans of up to P1 million with a fixed interest rate of 0.83% per month, which is much less than that offered by other lending institutions. Aside from offering loans, LMLS also requires borrowers to have an Auto-Save deposit account in which a specified amount from their payroll account would be deposited every pay day. This unique feature aims to help employees build their savings even as they pay off their loans. The launching held at SMX Davao was attended by Landbank officials led by bank president/CEO Gilda Pico and Lito Villanueva, head of Smart E-Money Inc (SMI) Payment Innovation, Digital Ecosystems and Global Engagements. The launch coincided with the bank’s 51st anniversary celebration in the region and a clients’ appreciation night. According to Pico The program’s low interest rates and quick turnaround time of three banking days – from application to approval – seek to spare government workers from resorting to loan sharks or from the hassle of submitting application

forms and documents and even taking a leave just to claim the check and have it encashed as well. Under LMLS, government workers may apply by simply sending a text message using their TNT, Smart or Sun SIM: <LOAN> <SPACE> <Employee No.> <SPACE><Assigned Agency Code> to 5363. The list of agency codes will be made available to the human resources departments of participating government agencies. If pre-approved based on existing LANDBANK records, loan applicants will soon receive a notification instructing them to check their email and accomplish electronic documents online. After sending the documents back, they may expect their approved loan to be debited to their LANDBANK payroll account within three banking days. The loans have a fixed term of 12, 24 or maximum of 36 months, with semi-monthly payments. These payments will be automatically debited from the borrower’s payroll account every pay day for greater convenience. Borrowers may also easily keep tabs on their payments and savings through timely SMS notifications. (PIA, Smart PR)


Duterte asserts loyalty to Pnoy, brushes aside coup jittersDAVAO CITY - Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed his loyalty to President Benigno Sime-on Aquino until the end of his presidential term in 2016. He issued the statement as he stressed that the president has his loyalty to the very end of his presidency. Duterte said he welcomes and sends off the president whenever President Aquino is in the city but they do no talk on matters seriously. “It is just a simple hand-shake and wishing him well,” he said.Duterte stressed PNoy is the legitimate president and he will not support any power grab. He brushed aside specula-tions that there is a planned coup d’etat following his interactions with top officers of the military. Duterte underscored that he

will not be a party to any seizure of government. “I will not serve a government that is forced upon on the people,” he pointed out. He said that despite how fragile and fractured an election maybe, there has to be an elec-tion, a democratic process. Duterte said he deplores a government that is seized by force. “As a lawyer, it is not in my system to do that,” he pointed out. Duterte said he will retire from government service when his term ends in 2016. He hoped that with this dec-laration all speculations about him gunning for the presidency ends. Duterte stressed time and again that he is not interested to take any national position. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

one mindanao - september 12, 2014

Documents

massive tree planting

number of tree seedlings

bishop pueblos

maria catherine

different planting sites

record breaking event

guiness world record

dalumpinesbutuan bishop