one mindanao - september 17, 2015

LIPAD-UK recipients complete skilled organic farming

DA to distribute certified seed to farmers in South Cotabato

Aloran’s BuB anti-poverty projects reach P41.20 million

By: Noel Baguio

Claver’s CRM-tourism center groundbreaking held

Senator Butz Aquino: A life well lived

Proposed infra, transport budgets to boost 2016 growth

Therma South announces fulll

operations of one of two energy power units in

Davao City Friday

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

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PAJ to hold “Climate Change” seminar-workshop in Caraga

Govt improves socio-economic conditions in Minalwang

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 20

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Catherine T. Apelacio

By: John Glenn A. Platil

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 17, 2015ONE MINDANAO

By: Catherine T. Apelacio

I twas a well-lived life for former Senator Agapito “Butz” Aquino, says cousin William Benigno Aquino or simply “Boy” Aquino, president of General Santos City Sons

and Daughters.

Cover Story

Senator Butz Aquino: A life well lived

Senator Butz, uncle of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV passed away on August 17, 2015 in Manila. He was 76.

The news of his death deeply saddened his relatives and friends in General Santos City. They remembered him, not just his life as public servant--his good deeds and contributions to the country, but most of all his love and friendship that endeared him to them.

Gathering at DXCP Chapel

here on a National Heroes Day (August 31), friends and relatives paid their last homage to Butz in a special mass offering organized by Boy Aquino himself in collaboration with PIA XII regional director Olivia Sudaria, also a relative.

DXCP station director Fr. Raul Vale officiated the mass.

In his message, Boy paid tribute to Senator Butz describing him as “outstanding civic leader and humble person” whose life was “lived fully with zest and vigor.”

5September 17, 2015 ONE MINDANAO


“I was closely associated with Butz when he led the JAJA (Justice for Aquino and Justice for All) campaign after his brother Ninoy was assassinated. He fearlessly went around the country for the campaign that eventually led to the downfall of Marcos regime,” he recalls.

To colleagues, he was a “committed public servant” whose dedication to serve the people championed the cause of marginalized sectors in the country.

But to family and friends, there was more to him than meets the eye. He was “outstanding in any activity he was involved in-- a simple man that belongs to the vanishing breed as he served well his country with integrity and never corrupted his positions.” Butz served the congress as senator from 1987 to 1995 and representative of Makati City’s 2nd district from 1998 to 2007.As legislator, he authored prominent laws such as the Magna Carta for Small Farmers, the Cooperative Code of the Philippines, including the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992, among others.

His “legacy laws” are now benefiting thousands of farmers and cooperative members in the country. Butz also piloted the August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) staging street demonstrations and marches against martial law. He was one of the prime movers in the 1986 Edsa Revolution that led to the ouster of Marcos ending his dictatorship rule.

The Edsa or the people power revolution paved the way for the restoration of democracy in the country.

According to Boy, Senator Butz was also instrumental in the renewal of franchise of DXCP radio station here since franchises require a congressional act at that time.

Boy, who was the lawmaker’s consultant, also remembered the time when Butz was senator. “He asked the senate to stop the pork barrel and instead concentrate in legislating and give the funds to the local government to spend to the countryside.”

But Butz, he said didn’t


succeed “so his share went to the cooperatives of the Philippines and bought a building and lot.”

Being constantly then in the late senator’s company, Boy is reminded of the time they spent together, saying “there was never a dull moment with him. Butz was always jovial, vibrant, and always equipped with a sense of humor.”

He was always ready and available when needed, Boy added, admiring Butz for his unwavering loyalty to his brother Ninoy and support for his sister-in-law, the then President Cory Aquino.

As he laments his cousin’s death, Boy swore: “I will always cherish and hold dear to my heart, my association, my link, my bonding, my primo as we used to call each other...Butz is gone but he still lives with us as a doting father, a good son, an ever-ready and compelling brother, and above all as an all-weather friend.”

The former lawmaker’s remains were cremated on August 18, just a day after his demise at Arlington Chapel in Quezon City.


IABC Philippines confers GSIS President CEO-EXCEL award

PASAY CITY -- Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara was conferred the Communication Excellence in Organizations (CEO-EXCEL) Award by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines on Monday, September 14, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City. IABC Philippines recognized Vergara’s strategic use of communication, particularly the

open and active engagement of GSIS members and pensioners through nationwide face-to-


face dialogues, which turned things around for what was once considered a “member-insensitive” agency.

In his acceptance message, Vergara said “our belief then as it remains now is that only by taking the first step of reaching out, could GSIS begin to restore the trust and confidence of our members and pensioners.”

The conduct of dialogues enables GSIS to communicate to its stakeholders the initiatives of the pension fund, to be more consultative, transparent and member-focused. The dialogues also provide a venue to solicit their issues and concerns which in turn, guide the Board and Management to identify the areas that need immediate action. In 2014 alone, GSIS held more than 250 dialogues nationwide with stakeholders including teachers, national and

local government employees, and public sector unions.

“We knew from the beginning that we could not demand the trust of our stakeholders. We had to earn it…one member at a time, one pensioner at a time, one policy at a time, and one day at a time,” the chief of the pension fund said.

The CEO-EXCEL award places Vergara in the ranks of other leaders and executives in the private, government, academic and non-profit sectors who are equally successful in undertaking “strategic communication that drives change.”

These include Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., Philippine Star Media Group President and CEO Miguel Belmonte, Philippine Veterans Bank Chairman and CEO Roberto De Ocampo, SSS President Emilio De Quiros Jr., PAGCOR Chairman


Cristino Naguiat Jr., Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, UP-College of Mass Communication Dean Elena Pernia, and Senator Grace Poe.

The CEO EXCEL Award is conferred annually by IABC Philippines to promote the exceptional and ethical use of communication strategies and tools in managing and leading organizations, corporations, and communities.

IABC Philippines is the first chapter outside North America of the global IABC, a network of 11,000 communication professionals in over 70 countries. In the Philippines, it has a roster of some of the best marketing, public relations, and corporate communication practitioners across different industries and in both private and public sectors. (GSIS)


Proposed infra, transport budgets to boost 2016 growth

MANILA -- The Aquino administration intends to sustain the country’s growth momentum, as well as support its economic expansion for next year, with P829.6 billion allocated under the proposed P3.002-trillion 2016 National Budget to strengthen the country’s public works and communication infrastructure.


To achieve this goal, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will receive P394.5 billion under the 2016 National Expenditure Program (NEP). This amount is P90.4 billion or 29.7 percent more than its 2015 budget of P304.1 billion.

Under the 2016 proposed budget, the allocation for public infrastructure now stands at five percent of the Gross Domestic

Product (GDP), higher than the 4.3 percent of GDP for infrastructure outlays in 2015, and in line with the Administration’s budget goal for infrastructure investments.

“The significant increase in the proposed 2016 budget will help us expand the national infrastructure and extend our reach to those who need our support the most. However, for these allocations to benefit all of


our countrymen, implementing agencies need to fully utilize their funds. This will help support our economic growth targets, as well as ensure the prompt delivery of goods and services to the public,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

“Fortunately, we’ve had some success in improving agency spending. Establishing Full-time Delivery Units, for example, prevents our agencies from losing sight of their spending targets. The report on disbursement levels for July shows that our catch-up measures are already taking effect. All we need to do is sustain this performance for the rest of the year,” Abad said.

As the government’s lead construction agency, the DPWH’s budget allocation is the second biggest among government departments. In 2016, the DPWH plans to complete the paving of all national arterial and secondary

roads, as well as the continuing development of the national road network, including tertiary roads, and the preservation of road assets.

It will also handle works on access roads leading to airports, ports, and tourism destinations.

On the other hand, the agency’s Mindanao Logistics Infrastructure Network, an initiative to reduce logistic costs in areas of Mindanao by improving linkage roads to key ports and other production areas, will have an expanded allocation of P20.6 billion.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will be given an allocation of P9.0 billion for air transport projects in 2016. These projects include the following: the Clark International Airport New Terminal Building


Project; the New Bohol Airport Development Project in Panglao; the Camarines Sur Airport in Naga; the Bicol International Airport; and the Sanga-Sanga Airport.

The DOTC will also be allocated P2.01 billion for its maritime transport projects, ranging from various ports and

wharves to the ongoing Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MRRV).

The DOTC’s road transport projects, which include the Integrated Transport Systems (ITS) and its Bus Rapid Transits, will have a budget amounting P4.80 billion. These projects including the Public-Private

16 September 17, 2015ONE MINDANAO16 September 17, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Partnership (PPP) Strategic Fund, will help in traffic decongestion and provide alternative ways of public commuting and maximizing road usage.

Lastly, the metro’s rail services as well as the North-South Rail Project will continue to get support amounting to P15.7 billion from the proposed 2016 national budget. This amount will cover the following: the subsidy for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3; the extensions for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line

2 East and West; the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension; the MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation and Capacity Extension; and the rehabilitation of LRT Line 1 and 2.

Other rail projects covered include: the North-South Rail Project Phase II (from Tutuban to Matnog); the North-South Rail Project Phase I (from Tutuban to Malolos); the repair, restoration, and expansion of the Philippine

National Railway (PNR), and the LRT Line 1 (Dasmarinas) and Line 4 (Ortigas-Taytay).

“Investments in public transportation are just critical to the delivery of much-needed goods and services to the public. They also have a clear and positive impact on our citizens. With this, our Filipinos can enjoy the physical fruits of good governance through rapid, inclusive, and sustainable growth,” Abad said. (DBM)


Therma South announces fulll operations of one of two energy power units in Davao City Friday

DAVAO CITY -- AboitizPower has declared full commercial operations for the first of two 150-MW unit of its Therma South Energy Project in Davao City starting Friday. The power plant will deliver contracted power to its more than 20 customers – electric cooperatives and distribution utilities all over Mindanao.

“We have informed our customers and our stakeholders that we will soon be on full commercial operations and will


supply Mindanao with reliable and cost-effective baseload power,” Therma South Inc. president and COO Benjamin A. Cariaso, Jr. said.

“We are here not only to help Mindanao solve the current power crisis. The Aboitiz group is committed to helping Mindanao sustain its economic growth and finally fulfill its potential,” Cariaso added.

The second 150-MW unit is scheduled for commercial operations in early 2016. The power plant started construction in 2012 and, at its peak, employed more than 4,500 workers, mostly from its host communities.

It is the first major power plant added to the Mindanao grid since 2006.

The power plant also features the first “coal dome” in Southeast Asia – a modern coal storage facility that will ensure security of the fuel and safety and well-being of the surrounding areas. It will utilize circulating fluidized bed (CFB) technology to ensure it meets government standards on health, safety and protection of the environment while operating in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

The power plant will supply power to major cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Gen. Santos, Butuan, Kidapawan, Cotabato and Tagum. It will also serve the provinces of Davao, Caraga, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, parts of Bukidnon, parts of Misamis and parts of Zamboanga peninsula. (PNA)


PIA Caraga condemns allegations to PA on ALCADEV leader killing By: PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga through its regional director Abner M. Caga expressed profound condemnation on the accusations against Philippine Army (PA) as allegedly the ones who have the influence and hands on the ruthless killings of Emerito Samarca, executive director, Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (ALCADEV); Dionel Campos, chair, Malahutayong Pakigbisug alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu); and Aurello Sinzo, a civilian.


“Do not be misled by these intentionally deceptive judgment and accusations thrown against our government’s Army forces regarding the recent killing incident that brought controversial issue. Once and for all, let’s be objective in rallying ourselves on the side of PA whose mission is necessary for the effective prosecution of the perpetrators,” underscored Caga. He also said that those who transgress moral and civil law must be accountable for of their unlawful acts. “I encourage our partner agencies and all other local government sectors to be one with us during this crucial times to support the Army in probing of the case and eventually bring justice of the matter from the court,” added Caga. Earlier on Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Surigao del Sur provincial director P/SSupt Narciso Verdadero said charges of multiple murder, arson, grave coercions, robbery, and grave threats had been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Lianga against three suspects who were allegedly behind the killings of the victims. Identified and named in the charge sheets were siblings Bobby

and Loloy Tejero, Garito Layno, and 20 John Does believed to be members of “Bagani Forces.” It was also learned that 4th Infantry Division (4ID) commander MGen. Oscar Lactao has initiated a consultative meeting with the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, religious groups, and lumad leaders on Saturday, September 11 in order to gather direct official statements from these different sectors and yield impartiality on the case. Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion Commander and executive director of the 4th Infantry Division’s advance command post Lt. Col. Rey Pasco likewise put forth in giving credence to the PA in the prompt and sustained efforts to institute and carry on legal proceedings against the culprits. “PA is constantly performing our functions in accordance with our specified objectives including the protection of our fellow citizens, the attainment of peace in our community, thus, I plead for your continued support in order to put an end on these opposing forces,” Pasco said.


It was learned that the building will primarily serve the tourists and visitors who want tchief o travel to Siargao Island through the nautical highway, which will soon be operational. Provincial Tourism In-charge

Arturo Cruje said the P5 million-building was funded by Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation, a mining firm based in Claver. “The provincial government will help operate the CRM and Tourism Center together with the

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Climate Change Commission secretary Lucille Sering and governor Sol Matugas led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) and Tourism Center at the old tourist assistance ground on Sept. 7 in Brgy. Hayangabon, Claver.

Claver’s CRM-tourism center groundbreaking heldBy: John Glenn A. Platil


barangay administration and the municipal government of Claver,” said Cruje. Right after the groundbreaking ceremony, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing at the barangay hall followed in the presence of Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation plant manager Munekazu Kawata and Governor Matugas, who were the key players. Governor Matugas said that the coastal corridor in Hayangabon

will be the focus of the provincial leadership in line with ‘Marajaw Turismo’ (good tourism), which means that Claver will emerge as a vibrant industrial tourism hub. Claver mayor Eddie Gokiangkee and barangay chairman Rito Placencia expressed their wholehearted support to the said endeavor elaborated on the project profile.

PAJ to hold “Climate Change” seminar-workshop in Caraga By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. (PAJ) is now about to enter the third leg of its series of workshops being undertaken dubbed as “Climate Change: Gets mo na ba?” To be held in Siargao, Dinagat Islands province, Caraga region, the organizers of the three-day activity, which aims to ‘“laymanize” climate change processes and


terminologies,” have invited members of the tri-media in Caraga and Davao regions to “enable fellow regional journalists to write, publish and broadcast better and more stories.” Roman Floresca, PAJ president, said in his letter of invitation dated September 7, 2015 to one of the prospective invitees, the conduct of this “series of regional seminar-workshops” is “in partnership with the Department of Agriculture -

Climate Change Office, and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Smart Communications, and Philex Mining Corp.” Prior to this, it was learned that the same undertaking had just been concluded in Legazpi City and Tacloban City on July 31-August 1 as well as on August 27-28, respectively. PAJ is set to hold the last and final leg in Tuguegarao City on October 27-29, 2015, Floresca added.


Women enterprise, agroforestry opportunities grow in Miarayon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Tales tell of a quaint little town in the mountains of Bukidnon, where one of the world’s best-tasting coffee varieties grows.

By: Xyla Mercedita Gualberto


The town has a name, Barangay Miarayon in Talakag. Ironically, this place is haunted by poverty. The community’s coffee products are not readily accessible to buyers and visitors. The community, however, does not lack the natural resources to use as raw materials for potential small-scale enterprises. Its high elevation and rich vegetation make it an ideal production area for coffee, carrots, calla lily and other crops. Xavier Science Foundation (XSF) has a project supported by the US Embassy in Manila called Women Education for Cooperative Advancement and Rural Enterprise (WE CARE). The project has just graduated close to a hundred women from different cooperatives in the areas of Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon. In its second phase, it continues to help women start up their own businesses by utilizing local resources and engaging the greater community. XSF brought on August 13 the awareness of WE CARE to the community in Miarayon during a K-12 senior high school orientation for the parents. Among the key features of the K-12 Senior High School Program are its Technology Livelihood

Education and Technical-Vocational Livelihood, which includes agriculture. The youth can now have access to technical knowledge and skills in crop production, organic agriculture and the like. These will complement the community’s sustainable livelihood plans through the women and youth sectors’ enterprises. Thieza Verdijo of XSF provided a brief background of the project and showed a video of WE CARE-1’s learning experiences and success stories. Sustines Magallanes of the Payment for Ecosystem Services project talked about the importance of safeguarding the community by means of agroforestry and ecosystem protection. Moreover, Edmond Del Castillo of Red Cherry Coffeehouse shared about Coffee Farming and Processing: Towards a Sustainable Community Development. He challenged the women to organize themselves into a cooperative, and work together in making the Miarayon coffee globally competitive. A forum followed, where women and youth representatives asked a series of questions to the panel of speakers. They expressed their interest in the i


dea of a coop and the plans of holding a coffee festival in Miarayon in the near future. Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV who was also present that day talked about his major platforms – education, jobs-generation and business. He explained that each of these three largely contributes to a person’s development and standing in life. He said Filipinos are not known for their best knowledge in money. But it is one of his aims to see them equipped in making

and handling money. The senator, who is the former chairman of the National Youth Commission (NYC), also emphasized his interest in working with young people. He said that he believes in the capacity of the youth to be in the forefront of working towards development through local community enterprises. Opportunities continue to grow in Miarayon, with agriculture as a potential vehicle for inclusive growth.

Aloran’s BuB anti-poverty projects reach P41.20 millionALORAN, Misamis Occidental – A total of P41,199,999.50, have been allocated for the poverty-alleviation projects, here, under the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BuB) Process, from 2013-2015.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Of this amount, P13,700,000, was for the BuB projects in 2013, P14,999,999.50 for 2014 and P12,500,000, for 2015, Sanivier G. Patoc, Provincial Director of DILG, said. The implementing agencies, their projects and amounts are as follows: For 2013 - Department of Education (DepEd), Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, P100,000,

Department of Health (DOH), Health Facilities Enhancement Program, P400,000, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) and protective services (PS), P1,400,000. Department of Agriculture (DA), Gulayan sa Barangay, Rice Support Program, National High


Govt improves socio-economic conditions in MinalwangGINGOOG CITY – The deplorable state of social and economic development of the long-suffered barangay Minalwang could be reversed with appropriate government interventions.

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

Value Crops Program, National Livestock Program,, National Rice Program, promotion and development of organic fertilizer production, repair/ rehabilitation and construction of farm to market roads, all amounting to P10,600,000. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Forest Development-National Greening Program, P200,000, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),Water Supply Project, P1,000,000. For 2014 - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Skills Development Training and Livelihood Education, P300,000, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Aloran Integrated Livelihood Project, P500,000, and DOH, Upgrading of Health Facilities, P1,329,331.50. DILG, improvement/

expansion of Aloran Water and Supply System (AWASS), and concreting of Tubod-Mitaza, Pelong and Manamong Sitio Silangit Roads, P12,095,000, DSWD, PS/repair/ improvement of day care centers, advocacy on RA 9262 Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), and provision of assistive devices, P595,668, and DepEd, SPED Center and Indigenous People’s (IP) Learning Center, P180,000. For 2015 – DILG, repair of Dalisay-Palayan hanging footbridge and expansion and improvement of AWASS, P10,000,000, DSWD, SLP, P500,000, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), concreting of Pelong Barangay Road, P1,500,000, and DOH, construction of communal toilets, P500,000.


Hence, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in region 10 and Gingoog City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), in a joint resolution, has requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to realign or re-program the withheld portion of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for the areas in Barangay Minalwang with unresolved boundary conflict between the municipality of Claveria and Gingoog City (all of Misamis Oriental) to fund road construction project in the area. Barangay Minalwang was declared as a regular barangay belonging to the municipality of Claveria by virtue of Executive Order No. 334, dated April 24, 1965. Minalwang, with its sizeable land area which spans 20,500 hectares straddling the orders of the municipality of Claveria and Gingoog City, supposedly holds a lot of potential for development. As land area becomes a highly valued commodity for local government unit (LGUs) continuously challenged with the management of dwindling resources, securing the expanse of territorial jurisdiction which implies control over the utilization of resources, in time turns out to

be the cause of boundary conflict between Claveria and Gingoog city. The barangay with its very rugged terrain which is approximately 80 kilometers away from the municipal government center, is easily accessible via Gingoog city only. The Barangay Minalwang’s remoteness, seeming inaccessibility, and unresolved boundary conflict, are the primary reasons for the lingering weak government presence in the area, hence, transforming the brangay into a noted citadel of communist revolutionary movement, the resolution cited. (EOR/PIA) Governance issue of Barangay Minalwang was first discussed during the RPOC 10 Full Council Meeting last February 27, 2015, where Resolution No. 9, series of 2015, entitled: “Requesting the Municipal Mayor of Claveria and the City Mayor of Gingoog city, thru their respective Municipal/City Peace and Order Councils (M/C POCs) for a Meeting/Dialogue to settle vital governance issue on Barangay Minalwang, particularly clarify concerns on the capability of the municipality in delivering basic services to its constituents in the area,” was adopted.


Subsequently, during the Joint Meeting of Regional Development Council (RDC) 10 and RPOC 10 on May 21, 2015 another measure was passed (i.e. Joint Resolution No. 4, series of 2015, “Requesting the DPWH – Regional Office 10 (DPW-10) to prepare a feasibility study of Opening a direct access road from Barangay Minalwang, via Barangay Mat-i, to the municipality government center of Claveria”). RPOC 10 Core Group, however, still believed that the

long-term solution to the chronic cycle of insurgency, poverty, and marginalization of Barangay Minalwang, regardless of the unresolved boundary conflict between Claveria and Gingoog city, is to provide appropriate government intervention in the area, specifically to fund an “all-weather-road” construction project in order to have a direct access road from the barangay, via Barangay Mat-i, to the town proper of Claveria.


DAVAO CITY-The Davao City Police Office warned rogue policemen that they will be dealt with accordingly.

Stern warning issued against rogue policemen in Davao CityBy Joey Sem Dalumpines

Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of the DCPO underscored that this stern warn-ing prevails and being pursued by their unit to ensure discipline within their ranks. She said that the police must show that the respect is earned by doing their jobs to be mod-els of obeying the rule of law, to serve and protect the civilians from criminal elements. Driz stressed that the cam-paign against illegal drugs is encompassing including rogue men-in-uniform. “Ridding our ranks with scal-awags is a campaign both by the local government and the city police,” she stressed. Members of the Talomo Po-lice Precinct gunned down a police officer who figured in a buy-bust operation at Sitio Ubat, Catalu-

nan Grande 11:30 pm Tuesday. Investigators identified the suspect as P02 Diamel Pangco-ga, also a resident of Catalunan Grande who was assigned at the Regional Police Holding and Ac-counting Unit, the latest among the policemen involved in crimi-nal incidents. The report said Pangco-ga tried to elude by shooting it out with the police officers upon sensing that he was dealing with undercover operatives. Driz said Pangcoga was fac-ing an administrative complaint after he allegedly sold the fire-arm of a colleague in the Region-al Public Safety Battalion based in Davao Oriental. The Davao Region Police Of-fice is currently


Davao del Norte – Coastal residents of Panabo City, this province, were given the opportunity to engage in profitable nature farming after ac-quiring proficiency in organic agriculture production.

LIPAD-UK recipients complete skilled organic farmingBy Noel Baguio

Some 175 recipients of the Localized and Integrated Pro-gram Approaches for Develop-ment through Ugmad Komunidad (LIPAD-UK) program completed their training on Organic Agricul-ture Production (OAP) - NC II. The training was provided by the Aces Polytechnic College, which is the only school recog-nized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide competency-based training on OAP-NC II. Governor Rodolfo del Rosa-rio led the awarding of the Certif-icates of Competency, during the graduation rites held recently at the LIPAD-UK area in Cagango-han, Panabo City. He urged the recipients to make good use of their new skills to “help increase the income of their families and to contribute to the advancement of their com-munity.” LIPAD-UK is community de-velopment program of the prov-ince that aims to uplift the so-

cio-economic condition of coastal communities, in partnership with other agencies. Aside from organic farming, the program also include coastal biodiversity conservation, liveli-hood development, tourism de-velopment and grassroots sports development. The scholars earned while they learn through the emergen-cy employment program of the Department of Labor and Em-ployment (DOLE) that provided them a daily salary of P317 dur-ing their 20-day training. TESDA Provincial Director Dr. Remegias Timonio assured a better future for the scholars, after they met the competen-cy standards that secured their productivity, quality and global-competitiveness. He said that given the ex-panding market for organic crops and meat products, more and more agricultural companies find organic farming to be profitable and rewarding.

35September 17, 2015 ONE MINDANAO 35

Php 60-M coco facility to rise in South Cotabato By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 17 – A Php60 million coconut processing center would soon rise in South Cotabato.


DA to distribute certified seed to farmers in South Cotabato By Danilo E.Doguiles

Just recently, Governor Dai-sy Avance-Fuentes and the pro-vincial government have began exploratory talks with the Phil-ippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for an establishment of a whole coconut processing hub at Ba-rangay Kipalbig in nearby Tam-pakan town.

The partnership is intended to boost the income-earning capability of coconut farmers in the province.

When realized, the facility will be capable of processing at least 5,000 nuts each day into valued added products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut ice cream, coconut milk yogurt, co-conut flour, coconut cheese and others.

In preparation for the said project, Gov. Fuentes added, the provincial government ear-marked Php 4 million to pro-

cure aromatic, pandan and ma-capuno coconut seedlings and other grafted fruit materials for distribution to farmers.

These coconut seedlings and other planting materials will be dispersed to interest coconut growers.

Meanwhile the PCA has also provided the local government unit an initial 75,000 coconut seedlings in support of the ini-tiative.

Early this year, South Cota-bato also bagged over P39 million funding from the Phil-ippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) for a cassava granules production project.

Currently, it is being imple-mented by the Polo Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Coopera-tive based in Polomolok town. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from South Cotabato PIO)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 17 – Some 1,100 bags of certified seeds are set for distribution to farmers in South Cotabato, a local official announced.


Acting Provincial Agricultur-ist Justina Navarrete said these certified seeds will be dis-persed free of charge to rice growers in the province under its quick turnaround program as a mitigation measure for the possible onslaught of dry spell that may affect the province.

According to projections of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Depart-ment of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST) South Cotaba-to, along with the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, are expected to experience dry spell with the ongoing on-slaught of El Niño, which could last until first half of 2016.

Dry spell, according to PAGA-SA, means three consecutive months of below normal (21-60% reduction from average) rainfall conditions or two con-secutive months of way below normal (more than 60% reduc-tion from average rainfall con-ditions.

South Cotabato farmers to avail free certified seeds from DA-12

Navarrete said, South Co-tabato is likely to experience shortfall in production as a re-

sult of the weather condition.Farmers who will receive

free certified seeds, she add-ed, are those who have re-cently harvested so that they will be able to immediately re-start planting.

Of the 1,100 bags, 50 bags are intended for farmers in Tupi; 100 bags each for Polo-molok, Tantangan, Banga and Sto. Nino; 150 bags for Tboli, 200 bags for Surallah; and 250 bags for Norala.

In a separate interview, Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes appealed to farmers to plant root crops and other drought re-sistant crops which could be consumed as staples.

She added that the provincial government may request the Department of Agriculture for cloud seeding to induce rain when needed. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from South Cot-abato-PIO)

one mindanao - september 17, 2015

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