one mindanao - september 16, 2015

Dabaonons told to conserve water

DILG urges LCEs to support the 35TH National Quiz Bee

Irrigation projects open 230 hectares to rice farming

DILG 10 to hold 2015 SGLG Awarding Ceremony

By: Noynoy Gorgonio

Army 4ID chief holds consultative meeting with LGU-SurSur, religious groups, lumad leaders

When world’s intangible heritage takes center stage in Koronadal

Proposed 2016 budget supports legal aid for OFWs

Research and innovation seen to increase

competitiveness among ASEAN countries

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

Western

InFocus

Southern

By: Julla Columba Celerina M. Pagaduan

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Grace Montallana

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19 SurSur agrarian reform beneficiaries take oath

Shellfish from Murcielagos Bay, MisOcc is safe to eat, says BFAR

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 19

By: Myra Q. Yu

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

49 Kidapawan City gears up against El Niño

40 41 ARMM

ARMM to spend P48 million to lessen effect of El Niño


By: Greg Tataro Jr.

33 DILG urges LCEs to support the 35TH National Quiz BeeBy: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

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

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTS GIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 September 16, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

5September 16, 2015 ONE MINDANAO


Over 10 days in August, Koronadal City -- and neighboring places actually

-- became afeast of different cultures as SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s administrative center played host of an international event.

When world’s intangible heritage takes center stage in Koronadal


The event, CIOFF Koronadal International Folklore Festival also dubbed “PyestaKolonDatal” from August 9 to 18, featured dances, songs and games (presented via dances) of nine countries, namely: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Poland, Slovenia, Turkey, Japan, Mexico and Russia, along with, of course, the Philippines.

In the afternoon of August 10 Alunan Avenue and other major thoroughfares here became overly festive when thousands of Koronadaleños lined-up first got a glimpse of the 16 contingents – one each of the nine countries and 7 from the Philippines – in a parade and later at the opening ceremonies at the South Cotabato Sports Complex where each contingent presented a short version of their usually over one hour repertoire.

The following days were “happiest days any celebration here has ever been,” Koronadal Mayor Peter Miguel described as evidenced by audience counts and reactions of the locals to the presentations both of Filipino and foreign contingents.

“It’s spectacular and

unprecedented. I have been to so many CIOFF Festivals all over the world. It is the first time to witness this much welcome given to the CIOFF participants,” commented Mrs. Leticia Bulotano-Wheeler, Northern American representative to the CIOFF

CIOFF, by the way, stands for International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts, a UNESCO-backed federation mandated to safeguard, promote and diffuse intangible heritage. Koronadal City’s PyestaKolonDatal only became an associate member of CIOFF in October 2014, which Mrs. Wheeler stressed is another proof of Koronadal City’s excellent performance in hosting the international event.

CIOFF Koronadal International Folklore Festival is Koronadal’s first opportunity to manage an international event and the Philippine’s first time to conduct a global folklore fest. Prior to Koronadal’s membership to CIOFF, another Filipino festival group had been accepted as country representative, said Mrs. Wheeler, “but they were not able to host a single festival.” What stands out in CIOFF


Koronadal, said Mrs. Wheeler “is the people who were too eager to learn the cultures of other countries.”

“Especially the performers from other countries and I were so amazed at how people flocked into the performance venues.We have never seen crowds such as you have here, 5,000 to 7,000 viewers in one venue. This has never happened anywhere.”

Everyday from August 11 to 18, two contingents are featured in matinee shows at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center and two more in gala show in an open space at the Koronadal City’s Rizal Park. (Heavy rains and people enduring being wet prompted the city government to transfer the gala shows to the South Cotabato Gym on the final days of the festival.)

Performances were also held inside malls in General Santos City and Koronadal as well as gymnasiums in neighboring local government units as far as Alabel in Sarangani Province and Tacurong City and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat Province. These appearances did

entertain Filipino audiences with a world-class performances that have left so may awestruck from the fairy-tale like performances of Chinese Taipei’s all-girl Lan Yang Dancers to the traditional dances of performers from Turkey, Poland and Slovenia, to the drum-beating Super Taiko Junior of Japan.

Audiences were also captivated by the Sri Lankan dances to the tune of drums and flutes of the Ranranga Dance Academy and the colorful presentations of performers from Mexico, Indonesia as well as the equally excellent performances of the Filipino contingents.

Philippines was represented by the homegrown KoronadalHinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe, PNU KislapSining, Bukidnon State University Dance Troupe, ECD Dance Company of the Philippines, Philippine Barangay Dance Troupe, UP Filipiniana Dance Group, and Zamboanga del Sur National High School Melengas Dance Ensemble.

Meanwhile, Mayor Peter Miguel notes, “while we are able to entertain people of


Koronadal, South Cotabato and neighboring places in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, we are able to present to the world our own culture, especially that of our indigenous brethren, the Blaan.”

CIOFF Koronadal International Folklore Festival was also called “PyestaKolonDatal” with the objective to highlight the songs, dances, garments and accessories and the culture of the lumad group Blaan that inhabits villages here.

On certain days groups of performers were brought to Blaan villages in the city where they interacted with Blaan people, taste their food, and witness their way of life.

“With the CIOFF Koronadal Festival we are able to tell the world that in this part, we have a very rich cultural heritage,” Mayor Peter Miguel said.

Most especially, Mayor Peter Miguel emphasized, ‘ we are able to tell the world that we Koronadaleños, and Filipinos in general, are a very peace loving and friendly people.

In an interview in one of their performances, Gaminie Basnayake, leader of Sri Lanka’s Ranranga Dance Academy took note of how Filipinos have appreciated them.

“Of the many countries where we have performed it is only here in Koronadal that we have felt that we are very welcome. After our performances, the audience would come to us to shake our hands, thank us for our shows and take selfie with our dancers,” Mr. Basnayake said. “We feel like we are celebrities.”

Mr. Basnayake even lamented that what they have experienced in Koronadal was way too different from their expectations.

“Actually, before we came to the Philippines, some parents withdrew their children and refused to allow them to join the trip here because of reports of peace and order problems in this part of the Philippines. During our stay here, we found out that we were wrong. Koronadal and its people are very friendly and very peaceful. In fact, I appeal to journalists and those active


in Facebook and Twitter, please tell the world that Koronadal City, South Cotabato and the Philippines are very peaceful,” he said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency.

The Sri Lankan group stayed in Koronadal City longest among the foreign groups. They arrived here August 5 and left for Sri Lanka on the 22nd.

Luke of the Japan Super Taiko Junior, in their final performance at the South Cotabato Gym, told audience in a faltering English that their group’s stay here was among

their most memorable.

“We will come back here, I promise,” he said.

The success of PyestaKolonDatal though is yet to be determined in the evaluation that will be conducted during the 45th CIOFF World Congress in Arequipa, Peru on October 10 – 18.

Mayor Miguel, however, is confident the result will be positive. He also promised CIOFF Koronadal International Folklore Festival will be a regular event here.


DA readies for ASEAN 2016-2025 food, agriculture, forestry plan

QUEZON CITY -- To fulfil the terms of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agricultural vision and strategic plan for 2016 to 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has created several comprehensive action programs that fall under seven strategic thrusts, namely: sustainable forest management; economic integration and market access; and resilience to climate change and natural disasters, among others.


DA is fully prepared to comply with the specified standards under the terms of the Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture, and Forestry 2016–2025 endorsed by the ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF).

Under the strategic plan, the AMAF envisions a competitive,

inclusive, resilient and sustainable food, agriculture and forestry sectors integrated with the global economy, contributing to food and nutrition security, and prosperity in the single-market and single-production base ASEAN economic community.

The vision will be realized with comprehensive action programs under seven strategic


thrusts, namely, quantity and quality of production; trade facilitation, economic integration and market access; food security, food safety, better nutrition and equitable distribution; resilience to climate change, natural disasters and other shocks; productivity, technology and product quality of resource-constrained small producers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs); joint approaches on international and regional issues affecting the food, agriculture and forestry sectors; and sustainable forest management.

DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the government has worked on measures to establish enabling policy environment for the Philippines to align with ASEAN’s agricultural outlook, such as the enactment of the Organic Agriculture Act and Food Safety Act, and the amendment of the Fisheries Code, among

others. “We want to ensure that relevant domestic policies on agriculture are put in place to facilitate our smooth transition into a larger regional market governed by stricter quality standards, especially on food quality and safety,” Alcala said.

To ensure sufficient supply of safe and nutritious food in the region, AMAF issued the Statement of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry on Food Security and Nutrition, which identifies key strategies at the national and regional levels in effectively addressing the present and emerging threats to food security and to meet adequate nutrition for all populations in ASEAN. The ministers expressed as well their support on the promotion of organic agriculture


in the region and agreed that the activities under the Strategic Plan of Action on Organic Agriculture should continue to be implemented under the existing mechanisms or working group. Secretary Alcala said the DA has rolled out programs such as subsidizing third-party certification for organic farmers, and research and development on organic agriculture. The Department has also established

trading centers and abattoirs that meet ASEAN market requirements, including Halal meat production. The Vision and Strategic Plan for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry, charts out directions for ASEAN cooperation in food, agriculture and forestry in support of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025. (DA)


Proposed 2016 budget supports legal aid for OFWs

MANILA -- In response to allegations that the proposed 2016 budget will not fund legal aid for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday clarified that the 2016 National Expenditure Program (NEP) provides P100 million for this purpose, adding that the fund will cover legal assistance requirements for distressed OFWs.


This is contrary to statements made by Senator Nancy Binay, who claimed that next year’s proposed budget did not appropriate funds for this purpose.

“To ensure its fund source, the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) is included in the proposed budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) under Foreign

Policy Services. Our OFWs will continue to have access to the crucial legal assistance they have always received from the National Government,” the DBM said in a statement.

Republic Act No. 10022, which amended the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, mandated the creation of the LAF, which will

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provide assistance to OFWs facing charges, litigation expenses, court fees, and bail bonds. The Act further directed government to appropriate no less than P30 million each year for the LAF.

In the 2015 General Appropriations Act, the appropriation for the LAF was increased to P100 million. Special Provision No. 11 of the 2015 DFA budget provides that the LAF “shall be treated as a Special Fund in the National Treasury and its balances, including the amount appropriated herein which forms part of the Fund shall not revert back to the General Fund.”

In addition, the provision states that the “DFA shall ensure the efficient and effective utilization of the Legal Assistance Fund, by expanding the coverage of legal assistance to cover all migrant workers in distress, whether documented or undocumented. In case of deficiency, the same

may be augmented from savings of the DFA.”

According to DBM, the LAF appropriation this year was placed under conditional implementation by the President, so that we could properly comply with constitutional guidelines.

“We need to make it clear that the fund itself was never vetoed. What’s more, our continued appropriation for legal assistance is concrete proof of our support for the welfare of our overseas workers,” DBM said.

The budget agency asks the people to be vigilant against misinformation about the National Budget. All manner of funds that the DBM administers are subject to the pertinent laws and provisions, and we strive to address the needs of our countrymen as prudently as possible. (DBM)


Research and innovation seen to increase competitiveness among ASEAN countries

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A key official from Mindanao underscored the importance of investing in research and development to improve the competitiveness of ASEAN economies in pursuit of the objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). At the recently concluded 5th International Conference on Public Organization (ICONPO) held at the Ateneo de Davao

University, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, executive director of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said there is strong


correlation between the growth and level of economic maturity of economies in ASEAN and their investments in research and development and innovation.

“Based on studies conducted by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, research and development play major roles in the creation of development

plans that will drive the growth among ASEAN economies,” said Lopoz.

She added that research and development will lead to innovations that will improve the implementation of strategies in infrastructure and investments.

“We should look into how research and our teachings can


trigger more innovation so that we can increase productivity and improve economic opportunities for the larger part of the population,” Lopoz added.

In a bid to boost research and development in Mindanao, MinDA established the Mindanao Knowledge, Research and Policy Center, which is a network of the pool of knowledge and information from the island’s higher education institutions (HEIs), research institutions, training institutions, and service providers.

“The context is that we now have to empower the HEIs and research institutions in building their capacities to prepare human resources and bridge the gap between industry, research institutions, and academe,” Lopoz added.

She said the network is established with the aim to trigger more innovative ideas and researches that will power the industries and economies of Mindanao.

Lopoz said innovation is among the three strategies

– investment, infrastructure, and innovation – that is being implemented in preparing Mindanao for the AEC.

In the international level, she said the senior officials of Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) has adopted the Socio-Cultural and Education Pillar in 2014 in their view of the recognition that innovation is a very important strategy to prepare their economies for the ASEAN Integration.

BIMP-EAGA is an economic cooperation formally created to spur development in the lagging sub-economies of the member countries by boosting intra-EAGA trade, tourism, and investments

“With the changing landscape, we hope to see empowered and synchronized higher economic, learning, and research institutions that provide innovative researches and business models designed to increase competitiveness and prepare the ASEAN economies for the much anticipated integration,” said Lopoz.


DOH-Caraga to celebrate World Rabies DayBy: Daisy Jane M. Apit

BUTUAN CITY – In creating a wider awareness about rabies, the Department of Health (DOH) - Caraga regional office will join in the celebration of the World Rabies Day on Sept. 28, 2015. With the theme “End Rabies Together,” the celebration aims to highlight the importance

of worldwide engagement to prevent if not to totally eliminate Rabies.


“Many countries including the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Region have embarked on eliminating rabies through elimination campaigns, management of dog bites, mass dog vaccination and increased of vaccines. As one with the global community, we extend and maintain our efforts to the awareness and management of this viral disease,” DOH-Caraga regional director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said. According to DOH Caraga rabies program coordinator Niel Nitud, rabies cases in the region are continuously monitored. “People should know that the best cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people is the vaccination of dogs,” Nituda said. Rabies is an infectious viral

disease, which is generally fatal after the onset of clinical signs, it was learned. It affects domestic and wild animals especially dogs, and is spread to people through their bites or scratches, usually via saliva. However, it is a vaccine preventable disease. Nituda reported that last year, the municipality of Socorro in Surigao del Norte was already declared rabies-free. “Hopefully, October this year Dinagat Islands and next year Siargao will be confirmed as rabies-free,” Nituda added. To attain a rabies-free region, Nituda also emphasized that there should be a multi-stakeholder engagement. “If we work together as a team, we can do it,” he said.


Presided over by provincial administrator Efren Rivas, Jr., for and in behalf of Governor Johnny Pimentel who was out-of-town due to an earlier commitment, the high-ranking army official wanted to hear things from

different perspectives, it was learned. The administrator, who relayed the stand of the governor, said both Governor Pimentel and Bishop Nerio Odchimar had remained steadfast in their

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – MGen. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) has initiated a consultative meeting with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, religious groups, and lumad leaders on Saturday, September 11.

Army 4ID chief holds consultative meeting with LGU-SurSur, religious groups, lumad leaders By: Greg Tataro Jr.


common stand—to disarm and disband the Magahat-Bagani force. Allegedly, members of said group, particularly siblings Bobby and Loloy Tejero as well as Garito Layno were behind the brutal murder of Emerito Samarca, Dionel Campos, and Bello Sinzo, respectively, the executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (Alcadev), chairman of Malahutayong Pakigbisug alang sa mga Sumusunod, and a civilian. The said incident had triggered the mass evacuation of lumads from Kilometer 16, Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, 90 km. south, this city, and other nearby villages on September 1. Rivas reported at the flag ceremony program on Monday

that evacuees at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center had already been posted at more than 3,000. Cases of multiple murder, arson, robbery, grave threats, and grave coercions had already been filed against the suspects and 20 John Does at the Prosecutor’s Office in Lianga town, according to P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, PNP provincial director. However, warrants of arrest have yet to be issued in this regard. According to Rivas, Gen. Lactao vowed to help pursue the arrest of the perpetrators. Among others, the Saturday meeting held at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office was attended by Bishop Odchimar, other church and lumad leaders, top army officials in the province and P/SSupt. Verdadero.

19 SurSur agrarian reform beneficiaries take oathBy: Myra Q. Yu

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - About 19 farmer-beneficiaries from the municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur took their oath recently at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 27 as confirmation of being the new agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).


The said oath taking is significant to instill the roles and regulations of becoming an ARB and what are their obligations upon receiving the land awarded to them. Among the obligations cited include the paying of their annual amortization with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), prohibition period of 10 years not to sell, transfer or convert the awarded lot unless fully paid at LBP and cultivate the land productively, among others. The obligations stated above

are also relative to one of the requirements of the LBP in the processing of Voluntary Offer to Sell Claim Folders (VOSCFs) and/or Compulsory Acquisition Claim Folders (CACFs) to ensure that the identified farmer-beneficiaries have underwent a thorough selection process conducted by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers provided in Section 22 of Republic Act No. 6657 also known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.


PIA-9 gears up for ISO certificationBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Following a workshop on the Quality Management System (QMS) conducted last week at the central office of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Quezon City for regional ISO focal persons, all PIA-9 personnel have also converged here to discuss the salient features and requirements for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification starting Sept. 14-17.


In her opening statement, Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga has reiterated Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma’s directive to make all PIA regional offices ISO-certified. Director Edaga started the four-day conference-workshop with a discussion on the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) followed by the requirements for ISO 9001:2008 certification. It can be recalled that during the QMS workshop, Secretary Coloma emphasized that with the ISO the PIA regional offices

will now have the benchmark in their operations. “We are now building a stronger agency – that is ISO-certified PIA,” Coloma stressed. An internal audit is slated to be conducted to PIA regional offices before the end of this year and the external audit is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2016. On the final day the group will then proceed to Manuel’s place in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte for a teambuilding activity.


DILG urges LCEs to support the 35TH National Quiz BeeBy Grace Montallana

DIPOLOG CITY, (PIA)--- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local chief executives all over the country to support the upcoming 35th National Quiz Bee this year.

The 35th National Quiz Bee, spearheaded by the Quiz Bee Foundation under Ms. Gloria ‘’Gay’’ Palarca-Tayag, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will be held between October 19, 2015 to February 28, 2016 in different venues nationwide.It is open to all learners in elementary, secondary and tertiary level who are currently enrolled in either private or public institutions. Under Memorandum Circular No. 2015-98 dated August 26, 2015 issued by DILG Secretary Mar A. Roxas, all DILG Regional Directors and ARMM Regional Governor are directed to disseminate this information to all chief executives in the local government units

within their respective area of jurisdiction.The activity gears to support the government’s continuing objective of strengthening education by promoting academic excellence in Philippine history, mathematics, science and technology, values education, leadership, peace, unity, brotherhood and patriotism.Contest categories and levels, are as follows: National Senior Quiz Bee for Tertiary Level (1st-5th year college) National Junior Quiz Bee for Secondary Level (Grades 7-10), and National Children’s Quiz Bee for Elementary Level (Grades 5-6) Elementary Makabayan with the following schedule of the nationwide eliminations: Provincial Schools Eliminations from October 19 to


November 20,2015, Provincial Division Eliminations from November 23, 2015 to December 20, 2016, Provincial Regional Eliminations January 5 to 30, 2016, NCR Division Eliminations from November 7, 2015 to January 23, 2016, NCR Regional Eliminations from February 6, 2016,Summit of the Super Quiz Bee from February 18 to 21, 2016, and National Grand Finals on February 20,2016.

DILG urges LCEs to support the 35TH National Quiz Bee By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH) recently won the Asian Hospital Management Award 2015 under the category Community Hospital Improvement Award.

Provincial Governor Wilter Yap Palma, assisted by Acting Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rolando A. Olmoguez personally received the excellence award on September 4, 2015 during the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremonies at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar. ZSPH won the much-coveted award through the implementation of an Online Collaborative and Interactive Learning to create a structured, comprehensive and sustainable design and development plan on maternal death control management system. Now, on its 14th year, the Asian Hospital Management Awards recognizes hospitals in Asia that implement best practices. Such prestigious award is only for community hospitals with a capacity of less than 100 beds. ZSPH is a government

hospital with a 25-bed capacity which has been considered as the most improved community hospital. It focuses on effective community services, patients’ safety, implementation of a continuous quality improvement program and involvement in the community. The project is programmed to be sustainable and beneficial to the community with the ultimate goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. According to Dr. Olmoguez, it has been very beneficial especially for indigent pregnant patients, citing comparable data as follows: the formative evaluation after three months of implementation showed one direct maternal death from January to June 2015 compared to 4 deaths in 2014; There had been no out-of-pocket expenditures for indigent


pregnant patients in 2015. No patient had been deprived of treatment because of indigency; All medicines and supplies had been supplied to indigent patients through a consignment program in 2015 compared to 90% of patients buying outside the hospital in 2013. The funds are sourced from PhilHealth and the provincial government; There has been no reported shortage of blood reserve in 2015 because of a strong blood donor recruitment program and the availability of skilled health professionals had tripled in quantity in 2015 compared to 2013. Gov. Palma and all Ipilenos are proud that Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital is the

only government hospital in the Philippines which garnered the prestigious award this year. The rest of the Philippine winners are : St. Luke’s Medical Center and Ciudad Medical de Zamboanga.


BSP honors partners in NorMin, CARAGA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) gave recognition to some of its partner institutions from the private and government sectors in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA regions that have continuously supported its statistical initiatives, information requirements, and advocacy programs.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


In its 2015 Awards Ceremony for BSP Stakeholders in Region X and CARAGA held today, BSP bestowed the award for Outstanding Regional Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region X and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) CARAGA while Liceo de Cagayan University was conferred as the Outstanding Regional Partner for Currency Programs of the BSP. Desmark Corporation was cited as the Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms for the Business Expectations Survey (BES) while Petronas Energy Philippines, Inc. was chosen as the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms for the BES. The Outstanding Respondent among Large, Medium, and Small Firms is given to BES respondents that have participated regularly in the survey by providing timely, complete, accurate and consistent responses. The Outstanding Partners for the Report on Regional Economic Developments is awarded to institutions that provided the BSP with information support for an effective environment scan. The

Outstanding Regional Partner for Currency Programs is conferred to institution that supported the BSP’s currency programs and advocacies such as the clean note policy and coin recirculation Each of the awardee received the “Dynamic Balance, Philippine Eagle” trophy crafted by Ferdinand Cacnio, a visual artist and multi-awarded sculptor. The trophy features the Philippine Eagle, standing on a half-circle support, with its wings widely spread over the three stars representing the three pillars of central banking – price stability, financial stability, and efficient payments and settlement system. Monetary Board Member Juan D. De Zuñiga Jr. led the awards ceremony with the theme “12 Years and Beyond: Celebrating Strong Partnerships and Successful Collaboration.” In his keynote message, he underscored the importance of information support that enables BSP to formulate and implement well-guided policies which kept inflation stable and supportive of sustainable growth. “Surveys, such as the BES, keep us sharply attuned with the public’s perception on the movement of prices and economic trends,” he cited.


Zuñiga said the diverse range of inputs for the regional reports on economic developments is also very crucial to the formulation of responsive and forward-looking policies. This year’s stakeholders

awards in Cagayan de Oro City marks the first time that BSP has awarded partner institutions in Region 10 and CARAGA and the ninth in a series of 12 regional events this year.

DILG 10 to hold 2015 SGLG Awarding CeremonyCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 10 will confer three provinces, two cities and 14 municipalities with the 2015 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) on September 10, 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City.

By: Julla Columba Celerina M. Pagaduan

Initiated by the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, SGLG originated from the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) which was launched in 2010. Originally intended as a campaign for transparency and accountability, SGH evolved into SGLG during the leadership of Secretary Mar Roxas, to provide greater challenge to the local governments in continually innovating good governance practices while providing better services. SGLG recognizes good performance of provincial, city

and municipal governments in three core assessment areas: Good Financial Housekeeping, Disaster Preparedness, Social Protection; and three essential areas: Business Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order and Environmental Management. Last year, 98 provinces, cities and municipalities were assessed and validated on-site by different cross-posted teams, in which 19 LGUs emerged as winners. These passers would be entitled to access a financial incentive known as the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF).


This information is published in Shellfish Bulletin (SB) No. 22, the latest publication dated Aug. 29, 2015, of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which has declared the area to be free from toxic red tide contamination, Atty. Benjamin F.S. Tabios, BFAR Officer-in-Charge, said. The declaration was made by BFAR based on the results of laboratory examinations of sea water from the above-mentioned areas it conducted, in coordination with the concerned local government units (LGU). Also found free from red tide toxins in Mindanao are Taguines Lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin, in region 10, Dumagillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur and Tantanang Bay in Zamboanga Sibuguey, region 9 and Hinatuan, Bislig and Llanga Bays in Surigao del Sur, region 13.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Visa Tan-Dimerin of BFAR, region 10, said the SB explains that all types of shellfish and alamang gathered from the above-mentioned areas can be harvested, sold, bought and safe to eat. However, Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental, region 11, have been found positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning that is beyond the regulatory limit, such that the shellfish and alamang gathered from the area are not safe for human consumption. Fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption only if they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, are removed before cooking, as explained in SB No. 22.

Shellfish from Murcielagos Bay, MisOcc is safe to eat, says BFAROROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – All types of shellfish and minute shrimps or “alamang” collected from Murcielagos Bay, between Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte, have continued to be safe to eat.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


Saudi envoy visits Lanao del Sur

His Excellency Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Bussairy, the Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the Philippines, visited the province last September 8, 2015.

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Provincial Administrator Mocamad Rakiin, Sr., Provincial Cooperative Officer Musa Diamla, Provincial Engineer Sirad Laut,

and former Philippine Statistics Authority-ARMM Regional Director Commando


ARMM to spend P48 million to lessen effect of El NiñoMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - To alleviate the drastic effect expected from El Niño in the region, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) is pushing for a mitigation plan that would entail expenses estimated at P48 million.

Pilimpinas received Al Bussairy and his party on behalf of Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. Bussairy said he was appointed to his post on March 2015 and one of his goals is to visit all the Muslim areas in the country. Lanao del Sur was the first Muslim-dominated province he went to. “I am so happy to see the place now as I have only heard of it,” he said.

Raki-in said Bussairy had promised to fully assist in the electricity problems of the province where power interruptions happen almost every day. The ambassador also toured the Capitol Grounds and inspected the Provincial Mosque just before he proceeded to the Marawi City Hall. His itinerary included meeting ministry missionaries and visiting educational institutions. (PIO-Lanao del Sur/APB/PIA-10)


Farm production and livestock have been affected because of an ongoing dry spell that may last until June 2016. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a “mature and strong El Niño” is now present in the tropical Pacific Ocean that will likely strengthen further before the end of the year and may last until the first half of 2016. Makmod Mending, DAF-ARMM secretary, said the department submitted the El Niño Mitigation Plan to the Department of Agriculture-National Office initiating assistance to affected farmers in the region. In an executive meeting of DA national and regional heads in Naga City in August, regional officials were tasked to submit reports twice a week to formulate and design interventions for the affected farmers. It is estimated that close to 14,000 metric tons of rice production

were lost in ARMM in the first four months of 2015 because of El Niño. Analysis of rainfall distribution in the region for the month of August showed that Basilan, one of the five component provinces of ARMM, experienced precipitation way below normal. This month, the provinces of Basilan, Maguindanao and Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are experiencing various stages of dry spell. Dry spell is described as three consecutive months of below normal, or 21 percent to 60 percent reduction from average rainfall, or two consecutive months of way below normal, or more than 60 percent reduction from average rainfall conditions. Mending added that low rice production in the region is expected due to these conditions that affect more than 80,000 hectares rain-dependent farm areas. (BPI/PIA-10)


DAVAO CITY - A multi-sectoral forum on the West Philippine Sea issue was conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs at the NCCC Mall activity center Tuesday morning.

DFA conducts West Phil Sea Forum in DavaoBy RG Alama

It was attended by a hundred participants coming from the ac-ademe, fisheries, local govern-ment, law-enforcement and the business sectors. DFA Assistant Secretary Charles Jose who pre-sented the country’s position on China’s assertion over the West Philippine Sea.

China with the enforcement of its Nine-Dash line runs in con-flict with the Philippines’ Exclu-sive Economic Zone (EEZ) par-ticularly as the country is trying to wrest control several features of the Kalayaan Island Group and Scarborough Shoal. Jose said that China’s Nine


Dash Line will reduce the coun-try’s EEZ by about 80%. And if allowed to continue will af-fect the country’s fishery sector which employs about 5-million Filipinos. He said the public must have a high level of awarness and appreciation over the issue. He also underscored the country’s position that dispute only pertains to the West Philip-pine Sea and will not affect the deep friendship between the two countries. The DFA Asst. Sec. briefed the audience about the country’s efforts to bring to arbitration be-fore the United Nations Conven-tion on the Laws of the Sea (UN-CLOS) the legality of China’s Nine Dash Line. The NCCC Mall forum is the second of four advocacy fora in

Davao City initiated by the DFA and the Philippine Information Agency-XI. Yesterday (Sept. 14) a fo-rum between the media and an-other presentation before stu-dents in University of Mindanao was held. The last leg of the ad-vocacy is a forum at Jose Maria College. The highlights of the advo-cacy event was the showing of a video documentary about the WPS issue, a powerpoint pre-sentation of the country’s posi-tion and an open forum between the attendees and Jose who was joined by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Fatma Idris, Commodore Joselito dela Cruz of the Coast Guard and Capt. Flo-rante Cagua of the Eastern Mind-anao Command.

Davao del Norte - Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Anastacia Notarte asked the people of Davao del Norte to conserve water in order to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

Dabaonons told to conserve waterBy Noynoy Gorgonio

Even though Davao del Norte is not considered a high risk, the provincial government is not tak-ing any chances with the looming dry spell that is forecast to affect 32 provinces toward the end of

the year. During the 2nd Provincial Organic Agriculture Congress last September 3, 2015, Notarte stressed every Dabaonon has a role to play, particularly the farm-


ers, to mitigate the effects of the dry spell. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGA-SA) early this year identified the province of Davao del Norte as among those affected by the dry spell. Notarte cited some mea-sures implemented by her office, to include insuring the rice farms, distribution of drought-resistant seeds, as well as, installation of water pumps that could irrigate ten hectares of rice land each. The official further explained that a farmer should avail of the rice crop insurance given to farm-ers. The program is a disaster preparedness program of the provincial government to miti-gate the severe effect of El Niño. She stressed that the insur-ance is a big help in case the rice cropping fails, especially that the indemnity could at least cover part of the losses. She said the 86 percent rice sufficiency of the province is ex-pected to drop in case the dry spell prolongs, although Davao del Norte is belong to the medi-um-risk vulnerability of El Niño compared to other provinces in the country.

At present, Davao del Norte is producing 4.47 tons of rice per hectare in all ecosystem as com-pared to the previous year that has a yield of 4.09 tons per hect-are.


Region 12 highlighted in the Phil Travel Mart -- DilleraBy Aida C. Agad

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 16 - The SOCCSKSAR-GEN Pavilion bagged the Best Booth Award and raked as much as P4.3M inbound sales for tourism establishments in the recently concluded Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, a tourism official here said.


Tourism 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera said, the pa-vilion named SOX featured the different tourism sites, cultural dances, playing of traditional mu-sic and local food tasting activi-ties. It also served as venue for teaching basic dance steps and wearing traditional costumes of the indigenous peoples) in Re-gion 12.

In a report, Dillera recalled that prior to the PTM, 14 accred-ited tour operators, tourism of-ficers and tour guides of the re-gion conducted sales calls in in institutions like UP, UST, FEU, CEU, BPO companies and for-eign based tour operators to pro-mote and book inbound tours for students and employees of said companies.

The tour operators together with the LGU tourism officers also supported each other during the actual travel fair in the PTM. This resulted in actual booking some with purchased plane tick-ets and potential arrivals in the coming months, the DOT 12 di-rector said.

Director Dillera is happy to note this development as the result will soon be translated to actual income for tourism stakehold-ers like drivers, accommodation operators, food services, trans-

portation owners, tour guides, souvenir item producers and site operators.

She further said that partici-pation and achievements in the PTM has to a certain extent im-proved the image of the region.

She noted the observations expressed by Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) CEO Renerio Enerio who claimed SOX as Spectacular, Outstanding and Xtraordinary.

PHILTOA Chair Cesar Cruz and a number of PHILTOA members have expressed interest to de-velop ground handling relation-ships with the local tour opera-tors as they intend to bring their regular tourists to new, fresh and exciting destinations like SOCC-SKSARGEN.

The SOX pavilion, a unique structure that was an art in it-self was designed by a Region 12 resident, Leeroy New, who is now making waves not only in the Philippines but even abroad. (DOT 12/ACAgad PIA 12)


Irrigation projects open 230 hectares to rice farming By Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 16 -- Some 230 hect-ares have recently been opened to rice farming following completion of irrigation projects, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported.

DA 12 Regional Executive Di-rector Amalia Jayag-Datukan told farmers in a training on the construction of small-scale irri-

gation project (SSIP) here that although such projects are not as expansive as dams, SSIPs contribute so much to


Kidapawan City gears up against El Niño

the achievement of the goals of Food Staples Self-Sufficiency Program of the government.

“If we multiply these 230 hectares by 3.95-metric ton av-erage yield per hectare times 3 croppings, this results in 2,725 metric tons of palay annually,” Director Datukan emphasized.

Construction of SSIPs in SOCCSKSARGEN Region start-ed in 2011 with three projects worth Php 10 million download to local government unit benefi-ciaries.

Since then, Director Datukan noted, 25 of the 51 targeted SSIP projects have been com-pleted at a combined total cost of Php274.1 million.

Some 5,315 hectares of rice production areas were provid-ed irrigation through SSIP from 2011 until 2014, she added.

“Thirteen more SSIPs are set for completion in 2015 in SOCCSKSARGEN Region. These cover at least 1,620 hectare of

rice areas.” SOCCSKSARGEN Region in-

cludes the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sul-tan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Ko-ronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Data from the Philippines Sta-tistics Office (PSA) 12 indicated that SOCCKSARGEN Region (Re-gion 12) is the largest producer of rice in Mindanap.

SOCCSKSARGEN is also the 5th largest contributor to the nation-al rice yield accounting for 7.1 percent of the national produc-tion. The region has achieved 128 percent rice self-sufficiency level. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo/DA12)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Sept. 16-- Kidapawan City local government is crafting an action plan to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.


Just recently, Mayor Joseph Evangelista signed Executive Order No. 028-2015 mandating a composite team to prepare a mitigation and risk reduction plan to address concerns that the long dry season may bring.

This move of the local chief executive is in anticipation of the coming dry spell that will likely affect local farmers and farming communities beginning around end of this month until the first part of 2016.

Mayor Evangelista wants pub-lic welfare is protected from the weather condition, particularly loss of farm production, reduc-tion of supply of potable water, illnesses, and other concerns.

Members of the composite team are from the offices of city administrator, agriculture, veterinarian, health, social wel-fare and development, disaster risk reduction and management, engineering and police.

The team is tasked to ensure that the mitigation measures of the local government against the threat of El Niño are met.

Per order, the team should take proactive stance against the threat of a long dry spell and conduct data gathering, vulner-ability assessment, risk analysis and validation.

It is also mandated to pre-pare an action plan to provide long-term drought mitigation strategies and prepare mitiga-tion and emergency measures in combating the effects of El Niño to avoid devastating impacts on agriculture including livestock, water resources and health sec-tors.

It is also ordered to strengthen the city’s early warning systems and ensure that a participato-ry approach is employed in the course of plan preparation.

Mayor Evangelista is meeting the composite team on Tuesday, September 15. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 wth report from Kidapawan City Information Office.)

one mindanao - september 16, 2015

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