one mindanao - september 21, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Adviser :

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

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

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

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Cover Story

SM Malls changing Mindanao’s skyline

Lovely A. CarilloSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, September 21, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 27

page 4

Palace confident on resolving issues on new mining policy 9

Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

Makilala’s PSD beefs up local revenue collection20NSO readies the conduct of DBM’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture22Villa S. Bayotas, Caraga Region

14 DavNor LGU, AFP extends help to the countryside

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

DOST installs 8 weather tracking devices in Soccsksargen Region

Joey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

18

Irish youth holds immersion with Bajaus 24 RAFI, Caraga Region

FNRI to conduct regional forum on nutritional status Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Mayor Uy receives Marker of “Seal of Good Housekeeping”27Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

ERDS-10 trains personnel of 103rd Brigadein Marawi City 31ARMM

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Northern Mindanao’s palay production up by 11% in 2Q33 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Mis. Occ. schools intensify IEC campaignagainst leptospirosis34Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

4 ONE MINDANAO Friday, September 21, 2012

SM Malls changing Mindanao’s skyline

Four out of the 46 Philippine malls developed by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. are in Mindanao. There will be five malls in China by end of the year. The company continues to enjoy a positive balance sheet with its gross revenue up by 15 percent from P12.71 billion in 2011 to P14.57 billion in 2012. Up to 85 percent of the company’s revenues are accounted for by rentals. SM’s financial report shows that its ROI or return on investments remains stable at 14 percent. And sans any financial obligation or liabilities, as well as uncertainties or events that can affect the continuing operations of the company, SM Prime continues to lord it over the Philippine retail industry.

2012 is a big year not only for SM Prime but also for Mindanao with the opening of two new SM Malls in General Santos City and in Lanang, Davao City, in addition to the already existing mall in Quimpo Boulevard.

SM City Davao Durianburg can claim to be the first location of the SM City chain of malls in

Davao City-There was a time when Mindanaoans,

the moneyed ones at least, had to fly to Manila to do their Christmas shopping. Not anymore, thanks to the entry of the SM chain of malls in Mindanao’s major cities including Davao, Cagayan de Oro and recently, General Santos.

by Lovely A. Carillo

Friday, September 21, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Mindanao. SM City Davao, which opened in November, 2001, sits on a 13.2-hectare property and has a total floor area of 123,143 square meters. The three-storey main mall got a retail space lift with the construction of The Annex, a four-storey building that houses retail shops and restaurants in the first two floors and the BPO facilities in the third and fourth floors.

SM city CDO Cagayan de Oro, The City of Golden Friendship, was the second location of the SM City chain of malls in Mindanao. The mall, which opened in November 2002, sits on a 15-hectare land and has a total floor area of 87,940 square meters including the 30,000-square meter four-storey car park building. The three-storey mall, which was renovated early this year, is home to 200 restaurants and shops. The city, which has a population of 602,088 as of the 2010 Census, is Northern Mindanao region’s business hub.

SM General Santos City The country’s Tuna Capital got a big boost with the opening in August 2012 of SM’s biggest mall in Mindanao. The mall sits on a 17-hectare property and has a total floor area of 150,000 square meters. No less than SM Prime Holdings president Hans T. Sy, who said “this our biggest in

Mindanao”, led the opening of the mall. The company invested P2.5 billion in SM General Santos City but Sy said that they always eye an ROI in ten year’s time. The mall has provided direct and indirect employment to 2,500 people. “SM’s presence in GenSan has a huge positive influence on the economy of the city. Not only has it created more jobs and employment directly but has also enlivened the economic activity of allied industries - like the local suppliers of food, veggies, fruits, manpower, construction, transportation, among other things,” City Mayor’s Office media affairs officer Avel Manansala said. He said that the entry of SM in GSC has also served as a magnet for other companies to follow suit and invest in the Tuna Capital. Ayala Land has finished

6 ONE MINDANAO Friday, September 21, 2012

an ocular visit of the city earlier this year and SM’s entry in the city has a lot to do with that, he added. General Santos City, which is home to six of the eight tuna canneries in the Philippines, continues to enjoy a boom in almost all of its industries. It is also home to other malls like KCC, Gaisano and Robinsons Place. KCC is expanding its retail space with the planned opening of the Veranza Mall in November 2012.

SM Lanang Premier

SM Lanang Premier, which will open on September 28, 2012, is special not just because it is the second SM Mall in Davao, but because it is the 5th in the country and the only one in Mindanao classified as a Premier Mall. The four other Premier SM Malls are SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Mega Mall and SM Mega Cebu. This four-storey Premier Mall sits on a 10-hectare property previously occupied by the Lanang Country Club, and has a total floor area of 144,000 square meters. Aside from the 273 tenants, the Mall boasts of a dancing fountain located at the 122-meter grand atrium, an all-digital

IMAX Cinema and the Science Discovery Center. “The Mall will be connected by a bridgeway to the 204-room Park Radisson Hotel,” said Debby Go of SM’s AVP Mall Operations for Mindanao. The Mall also boasts of environment-friendly features including a rain-water catchment system, glass pavers for the open parking space, LED lights, louvers and Park Finders to limit carbon monoxide emission in the parking lot. One of the most interesting features of Davao’s second SM mall is the SMX Convention Center, second of only two SM convention centers in the Philippines. The 7,800-square meter convention center, located at the Premier Mall’s second floor, can accommodate up to 3,000 persons banquet style, with its own car lift and two freight elevators. The Convention Center is set to host several conferences beginning November this year, and will be bidding for the Ad Congress slated in March 2013. Sy said they are also eyeing the construction of malls in Zamboanga and Butuan where property negotiations are ongoing. The entry of SM Malls in three of Mindanao’s major economic hubs has changed Mindanao’s skyline for good. Undoubtedly, it has stirred the countryside’s growth and encouraged more businesses to look into the possibility of investing in Mindanao. After all, if a vibrant company like SM Property Holdings has deemed it viable to invest in Mindanao not once but several times over, all the other investors have all the reasons to follow suit.

Friday, September 21, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino vows support to strengthen country’s business process outsourcing industry

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Wednesday that his administration will continue supporting the country’s business process outsourcing (BPO) industry to maintain its leadership in

the global market.In his message during the International

Contact Center Conference and Expo (ICCCE) in Pasay City, he said the future of the BPO industry lies on the cooperation between the private enterprises, the

government, and the Filipino people.“We need each other to succeed,

and we need to face these challenges together,” the President said noting that this partnership allowed the

8 Friday, September 21, 2012

BPO industry to become a model for others, enabling the industry to move forward in the changing market.

Among the government’s contributions include the partnership of the Department of Science and Technology and the Commission on Higher Education with industry stakeholders to boost the Philippines’ competitiveness in knowledge process outsourcing.

The Service Management Program is being implemented in institutions like the Asia Pacific College, and the University of Makati, aimed at preparing individuals for a BPO career.

And to enhance the skills of Filipinos, the government has approached the issues from all levels, the President said. The implementation of the K+12 program and the increased spending for State Universities and Colleges will improve the quality of education and help equip Filipino graduates with the skills they need to be employable, the Chief Executive said.

The government is also carrying out the Training for Work Scholarship Program, or TWSP, to address the demands for skills training in different sectors, he said.

As of August this year, the President said P769 million has been allotted

for scholarships specifically for the BPO sector, both under the TWSP and the Industry-Based TWSP.

More than 26,000 have already graduated from the program, the President said, adding that 44 percent of the graduates are already employed.

The government envisions the industry to achieve or even surpass the estimated 2016 figures of $25 billion in revenue and direct employment of 1.3 million Filipinos, President Aquino said as he stressed its enormous contribution to the Philippine economy.

“Behind each success story and achievement you mark are thousands more Filipinos who are earning a dignified and comfortable living, more Filipinos who are able to send their children or their siblings to school, and more Filipinos who are given the chance to find the path to their success in your respective companies,” he said.

The International Contact Center Conference and Expo, which has drawn thousands of participants every year, is a flagship event of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP). CCAP is the official organization of contact centers in the Philippines. PND (AS)

Friday, September 21, 2012 9

Palace confident on resolving issues on new mining policy

Malacañang expressed confidence that it can iron out some issues raised by a mining stakeholder in the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new mining policy of

the Aquino administration.In a press conference in Malacanang on

Thursday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said they are closely looking at the concerns

raised by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines that Section 9 of the IRR is illegal and might impact on future projected investments in the industry.

The Chamber of Mines has warned

10 Friday, September 21, 2012

that the government might miss its P16-billion investment target for the mining industry because of some provisions in the new mining order.

Explaining the government side on the issue, Carandang said, “Once these issues are ironed out, we believe that we will have a clear set of rules with little ambiguity that will encourage mining companies to come in.”

“We’re aware of the concerns and we’re discussing it in the MICC Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) as to whether or not those concerns may have some basis.”

The Palace official said the reason why investments have not come into the mining sector is because of uncertain rules and policies in the mining sector.

Carandang said the government tries to create a set of general principles and rules under Executive Order 79, which will allow more productive and responsible mining operations in the country, adding that the IRR will refine what is contained in the EO 79.

Carandang also said that the Chamber of Mines has been appraised by members of the MICC and that the lines of communication remain open.

“So I don’t see any need for the

MICC as a whole to meet with the Chamber of Mines at this point. Give us time to look over the concerns that they have expressed and we will do what we can to address them,” he said.

Bringing the issue to court will also be counter productive, Carandang noted, adding that the best way to move forward as quick as possible is to avoid litigation. PND (AS)


North Cotabato governor, mayors commit support to GPH-MILF peace talks

We have full confidence on the peace panel. The Province of North Cotabato is supportive of the peace accord with the

guarantee of a plebiscite.”This was the commitment of North

Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, in her meeting Wednesday, September 19, with the mayors of the municipalities of Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Carmen and Kabacan. These municipalities are deemed to be affected in the proposed

creation of a new autonomous political entity (NPE).

“Plebiscite is our legal guarantee to a democratic set-up. We acknowledge that there are Muslims, Christians and Lumads, so we cannot be selfish on this aspect,” she said, stressing that in a plebiscite, the people’s will is

Friday, September 21, 2012ONE MINDANAO 12

respected.Mendoza added that she is

pushing for a plebiscite to protect the interests and welfare of the people.

Mendoza also gave her assurance that no cases will be filed against the Office of the Presidential Adviser

on the Peace Process (OPAPP) unlike the defunct Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) where the province led the questioning of its constitutionality.

“I think this is fair. If there is a consultation and plebiscite in the province of Cotabato,there will be no resolution to that effect,” Mendoza said.

The municipal Mayors of Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap, Carmen, Kabacan and Pigcawayan, also reassured that they will not contest whatever will be the provisions of the peace accord provided that there’s consultation and plebiscite.

Mendoza also affirms that they were informed and properly consulted by the government panel.


DAVAO CITY-The barangay government of Fatima urged the soldiers to stay despite calls by progressive groups to pull their base out of the barangay center to spare residents from the cross-fire. Based on Barangay Resolution No. 45 series of 2012, the Fatima Barangay Council asked the military leadership to retain the presence of the peace and development team under the 69th Infantry Battalion assigned in the area citing the

confidence and friendly relations established between the residents and the soldiers. The resolution passed on September 17 approved the strong interaction between the soldiers and the peace and development teams calling the friendship as satisfactory. Colonel Lysander Suerte, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade welcomed the sentiments of the local government.

He said the resolution is a concrete manifestation that the residents are with the government in winning the peace through progress. “This barangay resolution is an other inspiration that would reinforce our stand and commitment to stay to serve and protect the people of Paquibato,” Suerte said. Forty eight people were wounded following a grenade blast that occurred amid a circus performance in Barangay Fatima, Paquibato District in September 1.

Brgy urges Army to stay in Fatima, Paquibato Districtby Joey Dalumpines


DavNor LGU, AFP extends help to the countrysideDAVAO CITY -A total of 1,400 resi-dents of Barangay New Santiago, Asuncion, Davao del Norte benefit-ted from various free medical and social services as the provincial government of Davao del Norte, police and soldiers under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade reached out to the community last Sept. 14. Captain Nathaniel Morales, civil-military operations officer of the 1003rd Brigade said services were extended to the residents ranged from medical and dental treatment, X-ray, ECG, minor surgery, Malaria Case Finding, Operation Tuli, Tutok Kubeta, Nutrition With Milk Feeding, Skin kutis Kilatis.Free Lugaw, Educational Materials, Slippers for Day Care Children, Libreng Gupit (PSSDO and AFP), PNP Consultation/Issuance of Police Clearance, Distribution of Vegetable Seeds, Animal Health Services, Distribution of Seedlings, Legal Consultation, Civil Registrar and Massage Therapy to giving away of wheelchairs to two differently-abled persons and slippers to children. “We are glad that the immediate concerns of the barangay were given tangible solutions and assurances from government,” Morales said.Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo

P. Del Rosario also conducted a consultation and listened to the concerns of the barangay on farm-to-market road, school buildings, creek rehabilitation, bridges, electrification and the provision of Barangay Outpost for the CVO’s. He assured residents of quick delivery of services from government as its way of bringing the government closer to the people. “This is the essence of the teamwork among stakeholders especially with the police and military in working on the delivery of basic services right at the doorstep of the barangays,” Del Rosario said. Mayor Joseph Nilo Parrenias, mayor of Asuncion thanked the initiative in behalf of his constituents.He expressed confidence that the convergence of efforts will impact on the people’s cooperation with authorities in maintaining law and order. Colonel Lysander Suerte, commander of the 1003rd Brigade assured the untiring support of the soldiers in the convergence effort with the local and provincial government in serving the people.

by Joey Dalumpines


regional gallery

The Municpality of Nabunturan receives a P1.5 million check from Philhealth during the launch of its primary care benefit package program.


Fund for classdorm constructionALABEL, Sarangani - (From right,) Annalie Edday of Quality Education for Sarangani Today, Provincial Administrator Vic Camacho, and Leo Cortez of Sagittarius Mines Inc. turn over a check amounting to P0.5 M to Susana Sumagka, school head; Barangay Kagawad Julian Le-tigio and Barangay Captain Hilario Villamora from SMI for the construction of a classroom-cum-dormitory that would benefit 45 students living in the farthest sitios who usually walk for five hours in going to school. The turn over ceremony coincided with the barangay education summit Tuesday, September 18, at Alegria National High School. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Photo release


DA-MRDP turns over P13.98-M farm-to-market road to Kidapawan CityBy Dani Doguiles & Lito Salvo

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A 7.83-kilometer farm-to market road (FMR) has been turned over to the city government of Kidapawan by the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP).

In a statement, the DA 12’s Regional Agriculture and Information Division, said P13,984,057.50 was used to rehabilitate the road traversing the villages of Junction, Paco, Meohao and Macebolig.

The project should facilitate immediate and speedy transport of products from the hinterland barangays of K i d a p a w a n , according to the DA.

Aside from the road project, DA-MRDP also formally turned over two solar dryers to the city LGU. The dryers, which the recipient c o m m u n i t i e s

could use for drying of products like palay, corn and copra, amounted to P 3,594,731.44.

DA 12 Operations Division chief Zaldy Boloron led the turn over rites on September 12. He was assisted by Engr. Maria Fe Gabunales are representative of the MRDP-Program Support Office.

Also present were City Agriculturist Eufrocenia Marcos and project beneficiaries from the four barangays.

Barangay Paco Chairman Benjamin Lumbayan, Jr., thank DA- MRDP for the project and added that this would definitely improve the living conditions of the residents in the

area because the rehabilitated road would result in lesser expenses in transportation.

M a c e b o l i g Chairman Antonio S. Alegada ng Macebolig, Junction Chairwoman Julia Abrea, and Meohao Chairman Bernabe Ano shared similar story and thanks.


DOST installs 8 weather tracking devices in Soccsksargen RegionBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 21 -- Eight weather tracking de-vices, including four automated rain gauges (ARG) and automated weather stations (AWS) have been installed in Soccsksargen Region, an official of DOST 12 said.

Dr. Zenaida Laidan, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – 12 said they started the installation of modern weather tracking devices in 2011 in support of the disaster risk reduction and management efforts of the government.

All four provinces of Soccsksargen -- South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat -- have been installed with equipment that provide real-time weather data.

Last year, AWS units were installed at the General Santos City Airport, People’s Palace compound in Cotabato City and in Barangay Badyangon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Another AWS was installed in April this year inside the provincial capitol compound of North Cotabato in Amas, Kidapawan City.

Early this year, ARGs were installed in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Carmen, North Cotabato; and Kiamba, Sarangani.

The latest ARG was installed

at the city hall of Koronadal City in South Cotabato on August 28, 2012.

“The deployment of these modern weather tracking equipment would eliminate subjective weather


DOST installs 8 weather tracking devices in Soccsksargen Region

forecasting through real-time monitoring weather disturbances and will help keep our communities alert to calamities brought about by heavy rains and typhoons,” Laidan said.

ARGs were developed to gather and record the amount of rainfall over a set period of time.

Weather and rainfall data are sent wirelessly through a cellular network as a short message system (SMS) or text message. Each station is equipped with the data-logger platform (GSM) Data Acquisition Terminal (GDAT), which serves as a mini-computer or brain that intelligently controls all the functions and data communications of the station.

GDAT technology was developed by the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of DOST.

On the other hand, AWS is a modern weather tracking device that can do remote meteorological measurements and send data on real-time basis.

Each AWS is equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed and directions, air temperature, air humidity, air pressure as well as rain volume, duration and intensity.

The AWS and ARG projects

intends to establish and maintain a nationwide environmental monitoring network that will continuously provide warnings for the mitigation of environment-related disasters.

Setting up of AWSs and ARGs across the country is being implemented under the project “Development of Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations.”

It is implemented in coordination with ASTI, which developed such instruments to assist the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in weather monitoring and forecasting.

Establishment of these devices also seeks to support the disaster preparedness program of the local government units, particularly their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.

The AWS website cam be accessed at http//202.90.149.66/predict/station.php.


Makilala’s PSD beefs up local revenue collectionBy Aida Agad

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- For the first eight months of operation this year, the Makilala Public Safety Division (PSD) has contributed to the town’s increased local revenue collection.

While acting as the implementing arm of the mayor’s office especially in carrying out local ordinances, the PSD also earns revenues for the local government, a statement from the office of mayor Rudy Caoagdan said.

About P226,460 was credited to the income from operations of the PSD since it started in January this year.

This revenue accordingly, comes from penalties collected from violating motorcycle drivers caught not wearing helmets, with no motorcycle registration documents and driver’s license.

The PSD has apprehended a total of 1,322 motorcycle drivers for the period. Almost 76% are driving with no helmets.

Apprehended are not only Makilala residents, but also coming from adjacent towns of Mlang and Tulunan, Kidapawan City and other areas.

The PSD headed by Odin Deseo is at present active in the implementation of 11 local

ordinances.These ordinances include

regulation of the use of plastic bags and containers, Styrofoam and other non-bio-degradable materials, anti-smoking in public places, anti-littering, no helmet-no travel policy, prohibition of video-carera, ban of minors in internet cafes during class hours, ban on the use of staple wires to seal food packs, curfew hours for minors and prohibition on carrying deadly weapons.


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DTI-Caraga spearheads celebration for this year’s Consumer Welfare Monthby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga will take the lead in this year’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration in October with the theme “Get Organized. Be Heard. Be Empowered.” DTI-Caraga Regional Director Brielgo Pagaran said the celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1098, which declared October of every year as the Consumer Welfare Month. “Its annual celebration aims

to promote dissemination of sound consumer information on subjects that affect the consumers and to encourage dialogue and cooperation among the consumers, business and government sectors in strengthening consumer


awareness and protection,” said Pagaran. Pagaran added that said celebration will kick off with a motorcade on October 1, within the city thoroughfares. On October 1-3, the “Diskwento Caravan” will be held at the Caraga Product Depot Grounds. Also, lecture series on consumer rights and responsibilities will be conducted within the month-long celebration.

The celebration will culminate through the following activities: dialogue with cellphone sellers in the morning session and Consumer Network (ConsumerNet) meets the public in the afternoon session. Both activities will be held at Barangay Imadejas Convention Hall, this city. DTI-Caraga encouraged the public to support and promote consumer awareness and protection.

NSO readies the conduct of DBM’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agricultureby Villa S. Bayotas

BUTUAN CITY - NSO readies the conduct of DBM’s Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.

The Philippines, being an agricultural country, needs a comprehensive and systematic information system that caters to the various data and information needs of economic development planners, policymakers, and project implementers. To address this need, the Cabinet Cluster on Good Governance and Anti-Corruption (GGAC) chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III has included the database or registry of

farmers in its list of key programs under the Digitization and Information Technology in Government Sub-cluster. The GGAC identified the DBM as the lead agency responsible for the conceptualization of the RSBSA. The RSBSA is an electronic compilation of basic information on farmers, farm laborers and fishermen, the target beneficiaries of agriculture-related programs and services. The establishment of the RSBSA database


envisions manageable access to baseline agricultural information by government stakeholders. Through this system, government planners and policymakers could effectively formulate significant policies and programs for agricultural development. The DBM enjoined major agencies, specifically the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the National Statistics Office to develop and implement the RSBSA. In addition to these five partner agencies, The National Anti-Poverty Commission has become one of the cooperating agencies for the second batch of RSBSA. The creation of the RSBSA database requires the conduct of a registration activity in all barangays nationwide to gather the necessary data inputs for the system. The registration activity for the RSBSA has been programmed to be conducted in batches. T h e registration activity for the first batch was already completed in January 2012, covering 20 provinces nationwide. The next registration activity will be undertaken from

October to November 2012, covering the rest of the provinces and their cities/municipalities, excluding those in the National Capital Region and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. In Caraga, only Agusan del Norte, including Butuan City, and Dinagat Islands are covered in the RSBSA Batch 2 operation. The provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur were covered in RSBSA Batch 1. The barangay secretaries are identified as focal persons at the barangay level during the registration activity. They shall serve as the immediate supervisors of the interviewer/s in their barangay. In Caraga, NSO field staff and selected trained field interviewers shall conduct the actual house-to-house visit and listing of households; interview of the farmers, farm laborers, and fishermen; and recording of information on the prescribed registration forms.


Irish youth holds immersion with Bajausby RAFI

Youth volunteers of SERVE, a community service organization based in Ireland, have visited this city and stayed for three weeks in the Bajau community under the care of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s (RAFI) Bajau Integrated Area Development Project (BIAD-P) in Sitio Puntod, Alaska Mambaling, Cebu City. During their immersion, SERVE’s three Irish adult leaders and 13 youth assisted in the fabrication of ICEB bricks for the housing quads, in holding classes for preschoolers and in the feeding program. They also shared part of their country’s culture through sports and other interactive activities. “I find the first day in the Bajau community the highlight of our entire five-week stay in the Philippines. The children warmly welcomed us with smiles. The

short program that was organized in the school for us that day was incredible,” Majella, a SERVE volunteer, shared. “We couldn’t imagine anything more wonderful, and we are so grateful. The heartfelt welcome given to us every day will be always treasured in our hearts,” she added. SERVE focuses on programs and projects that help marginalized communities in developing countries. It aims to empower children and youth and recognizes that


gender equality is essential to sustainable development. It has 15 partner countries around the world that receive support in terms of funding for development projects or programs, placement of short-term and long-term volunteers, capacity building in areas of management, finances and accounting, monitoring and evaluation, and child protection. At present, BIAD-P has already started building 33 more housing quads for the Bajau community. This project component intends to provide better settlements to poor Bajau families. This is anchored to its vision towards making Bajau a self-sufficient, progressive and self-reliant community with sense of pride and belongingness. This project component was made possible through close collaboration with the Cebu City government, Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary and University of San Carlos. BIAD-P was organized in January 2011. This project continues to employ

strategies towards transformational development and empowerment of Bajaus. It continues to address and mitigate the effects of poverty such as providing decent housing, parenting support, education programs, assisting families in obtaining health and nutrition information, and supplementary feeding programs. These interventions give young children a chance to build the resiliency and competence they need to break the detrimental cycle of poverty. BIAD-P is under the Integrated Development focus area of RAFI, helping communities overcome the vicious cycle of poverty. RAFI’s other focus areas include micro-finance and entrepreneurship, culture and heritage, leadership and citizenship, and education. For more information about BIAD-P, please contact (032) 418-7234 loc. 515 and look for Anthony Fuentes, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.


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NIA earmarks P121-M for irrigation projects in Dipolog CityBy Franklin P. Gumapon

Zamboanga del Norte Irrigation Management Office (IMO) head Carlos A. Sabado bared last week that P21 million was allotted for the

Diwan Communal Irrigation Project (DCIP) at Barangay Diwan, P30 million for the Dipolog Communal Irrigation System (DCIS) and P70 million for the city’s drainage canal project. Sabado also disclosed that for 2013, NIA will be releasing P75 million to put up additional irrigation projects in other irrigable areas within the city. It can be recalled that NIA’s communal irrigation projects always

DIPOLOG CITY - Attuning to the tempo of rice sufficiency pursued by the Aquino administration, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has allocated P121 million for irrigation projects to be implemented this year in the city.


DOST-IX Regional Director Mario Capanzana announced, the forum will be held at the Celebrity Hall, Grand Astoria Hotel in Zamboanga City on September 28, 2012. Dir. Capanzana said, the activity aims to update key stakeholders in the government and in the private sectors involved in food, nutrition and health programs on the survey results. From this, they can recommend possible action points for application of the results

in local policy-making and program planning, he added. Each regional forum will be attended by some 45 participants, composed of members of the Regional Development Council (RDC), the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC), Provincial Nutrition Action Officers (PNAOs), representatives from the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the region involved in food, nutrition and health.

FNRI to conduct regional forum on nutritional status By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in cooperation with the DOST Regional Offices will conduct a regional dissemination forum on the results of the “2011 Survey on Updating of the Nutritional Status of selected Filipinos.

require 30 percent equity of the total cost of each project from the farmer-irrigators either in cash, labor or materials. But the city government headed by Mayor Evelyn T. Uy came to the farmers’ rescue by providing for the equity requirement. The NIA management, on the other hand, has expressed

its gratitude to Zamboanga del Norte second district congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad for the funding support to the irrigation projects implemented in his district which covers Dipolog City and the municipalities of Katipunan, Roxas, Manukan, Jose Dalman, Sindangan and Siayan.

Mayor Uy receives Marker of “Seal of Good Housekeeping” By Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Dipolog City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy has recently received the Marker of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).


The marker of SGH was given by City DILG Officer Lerma Campaner to Mayor Uy during the flag-raising ceremony, at the Plaza Magsaysay, this city last Monday. It was witnessed by the City Government Officials and employees In her message, Mayor Uy expressed her gratitude to DILG for recognizing her effort as she acknowledged the cooperation of the City officials and employees and all the Dipolognons, and their support to the City Government initiatives that makes the capital city more progressive. Campaner said the SGH award which is on Bronze level was given to Dipolog City LGU in 2011 after it has complied with the criteria set by DILG for good governance and the

full disclosure program, no adverse report from the Commission and Audit(COA), and the strategies adapted by the City Government to implement various programs and projects. For its feat, the Dipolog City Government is eligible to receive P2-million as cash incentives for its development needs. Municipal awardees are eligible to receive P1-million and P3-million for the province. Other criteria include the local ordinance crafted by SangguniangPanlungsod for future development, revenue generation, transparency, financial accountability and other guidelines set under the Local Government Management System. “The Seal of Good Housekeeping is conferred to the Local Government Units that have no adverse report from the Commission on Audit, and has complied with the posting of the required 12 financial documents,” Campaner said. This also becomes a new requirement needed by an LGU to secure loan from banks and other financial institutions. According to the DILG, only LGUs that have been conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping will be allowed to secure a loan from the banks and other financial institutions. Earlier, the Bureau of Local Government Finance issued a circular that listed down SGH as one of the stringent requisites for LGU applying for authority to borrow money from the banks or other institutions.


Medical mission benefits 2,852 Lanao Sur constituentsby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Almost 3,000 residents of the province received

free healthcare services during the medical mission of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) last August 27 to 30.

A team of doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives provided medical attention to around 2,852 individuals,

1,188 of which were residents of Pagayawan town and 1,664 of Madamba.


IPHO said these residents have availed of free medical consultation, dental services, fluoride treatment, minor surgeries, and optical services. They also received free medicines. Other services provided

during the mission were circumcision, deworming, sputum examination, blood pressure taking, and giving of Vitamin A, pneumonia and flu vaccines. It also included non-medical services such as distribution of toys to 923 children. The four-day mission was conducted in cooperation with Operation Blessing Philippines, an

international non-profit and non-government organization that provides services to economically-disadvantaged individuals and communities. (Photos courtesy by IPHO-Lanao del Sur)


ERDS-10 trains personnel of 103rd Brigade in Marawi City

The Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) conducted a two-day training-workshop to selected personnel of the 103rd Infantry Brigade on August 30-31, 2012 at Kampo

Ranao, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Around 20 personnel representing the various units of the Philippine Army in Lanao del Sur were trained on the establishment and maintenance of forest nursery and best nursery practices. ERDS RTD Danilo C. Cacanindin discussed the importance nursery development and management, and nursery accreditation process. Manolito M. Pasco, ERDD Chief, meanwhile, explained the essentials of successful nursery practices and Lilia Caralde,

forest management specialist tackled tree plantation development. One of the activities conducted was the field practicum in the existing nursery of Camp Ranao. The activity is the DENR’s response to the request of Daniel A. Lucero, Col Inf (GSC) PA Commander, to educate as well as to enhance the knowledge and skills of the men in uniform on the fundamentals of best nursery practices and proper nursery maintenance (L.M. Platil-TTID/denr10)


Lanao Norte kids receive free surgery from Maharlika Charity Foundationby Vincent N. Labial & Lovely A. Rosario

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - Sixty nine children, aged eight months to 10 years old, from different towns of this province received free surgical operation from the Maharlika Charity Foundation Incorporated (MCFI).

The three-day medical mission held September 10 to 13 at Lanao del Norte Provincial Hospital in the town of Baroy was intended for indigent children suffering from cleft lip, cleft palate, hydrocele and hernia.

For its part, the local government of Lanao del Norte provided the necessary medical facilities, surgical equipment, operation room supplies, food and hotel accommodation for the medical team involved in the

humanitarian mission. The free surgeries were sponsored by MCFI through its Brotherhood Operation Sweet Smile Project, led by Dr. Rizal D. Aportadera, surgeon and MCFI president. In total, 63 cases of cleft lip, four cleft palates, one hydrocele and one case of hernia were successfully operated by the medical team. Patients were also given free medicines for their full recovery. “We are very happy that Lanao del Norte was identified as one of the stops in the


Lanao Norte kids receive free surgery from Maharlika Charity Foundation

Northern Mindanao’s palay production up by 11% in 2Qby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Overall palay production in Northern Mindanao for the second quarter of 2012 reached 135,536 metric tons.

The figure is higher by 11 percent from the 121,844 metric tons recorded in the same quarter in 2011. Although palay production in rain-fed areas went down by 17 percent, the 13 percent increase in production in irrigated areas pulled up the overall production, said Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, chief economic development specialist of the Knowledge Management Division of National Economic and Development Authority in the region.

He said production in rain-fed areas was posted at 5,875 metric tons from the 7,096 metric tons recorded last year, while production in irrigated areas reached 129,661 metric tons from the 114,478 metric tons in the previous year. Area harvested also increased during the period by four percent, from 32,692 hectares to 33,974 hectares. The average yield likewise went up to 3.99 metric ton per hectare or about seven percent. Except for Misamis Oriental,

Mindanao-wide surgical mission of MCFI. Truly, they (medical team) are examples of our modern-day heroes,” Provincial Health Officer Idelfonso Nisnisan said. The 20-member medical team was composed of doctors, nurses, volunteers and social workers from the sponsoring foundation. The provincial government also assigned doctors and nurses to augment the visiting MCFI team. “The free surgery is a life-changing gift to these poor children and gives one more reason to smile about. To the Maharlika Charity Foundation, thank you for coming to

Lanao del Norte,” said Gemma Harun, Provincial Resource Management Center head. MCFI is based in Davao City and was founded in May 1973 to provide free surgical services to the poor and the needy, especially those living in interior barangays. Previously, MCFI conducted a similar medical mission in the town of Monkayo, in Compostela Valley. Other identified stops of the medical team will be in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Norte, in M’lang in North Cotabato, and Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.


the rest of the provinces in the region showed positive growth in yield in both irrigated and rainfed areas. The increased yield in Bukidnon was the result of less pest infestation, synchronized planting and sufficient rainfall while that of Lanao del Norte was due to absence of unusual occurrence of pests and diseases, Clarete added. Meanwhile, the value of palay production for the second quarter was estimated at P2.3 billion, about 19 percent higher over the previous year’s second quarter value, resulting from increases in both production volume and average farm gate price during the period. The region’s net rice sufficiency level for the quarter was 62 percent, higher by four percentage points compared to the same period last year.

Mis. Occ. schools intensify IEC campaign against leptospirosisby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - An intensified information, education and communication (IEC) package on the prevention and control of leptospirosis is being waged by the Misamis Occidental Schools Division (MOSD).


The campaign is done as a precautionary measure to protect the school populace of MOSD’s 16 districts against leptospirosis and other health diseases, Schools Division Superintendent Jonathan S. Dela Peňa said. It also answers the call of Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro, on the schools division/city superintendents to embark on a health IEC campaign on leptospirosis prevention in schools, pursuant to Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum No. 153, s. of 2012, he said. Meanwhile, Dela Peňa said the campaign will not only be intensified in the classrooms but also among school heads, teachers, non-teaching personnel, other pupils, students, as well as parents’ teachers associations (PTA’s). “So far, we have mobilized the school health and nutrition personnel to disseminate the prevention and control of leptospirosis and other

health diseases prevalent during the rainy season,” he said. Included among the mobilized groups to create awareness of leptospirosis and other health diseases are student’s organizations, boy and girl scouts and youth leaders. Updates on leptospirosis and other health diseases prevention and control are also published in school bulletin boards, school paper/organs/newsletters, Dela Peňa said. On the other hand, the school districts are encouraged to collaborate with other stakeholders, local government units (LGU), civic organizations and municipal health offices on leptospirosis prevention and control. Referrals of pupils, students and teachers with fever who suffer from respiratory and other infections, are also strengthened, while environmental sanitation are carried out in all the school districts of MOSD, Dela Peňa added.

one mindanao - september 21, 2012

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