one mindanao - september 21, 2015

Retail store gets SSS Balikat ng Bayan Award

1st CAV Squadron bags Best Battalion award for 2015

POPCOM educates Ayala teens on adolescent health

Cotabato City, other institutions tie up for youth skills enhancement

Walk for Peace highlights peace consciousness celeb

By: Carina L. Cayon

OFW entreps undergo EDT for 2B reintegration program

PH proposes use of utility bills for MSME financing

NYC gears up for the 12th National Peace

Consciousness Month celebration

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Cover Story

National

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

Western

InFocus

Southern

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

OUR

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All set for maritime week celeb in NorMin

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 22

By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

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20 By: Gideon C. Corgue

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Caraga tribal chieftains sign manifesto for peace 3536

CaragaMinDA chair meets with “lumad” leaders in SurSur

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit 33By: Greg Tataro Jr.

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 VICTORINAO B. VILLACRUZ, 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 21, 2015ONE MINDANAO

OFW entreps undergo EDT for 2B reintegration program By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

Cover Story

5September 21, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

As the part of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA’s) promotion of socio-economic well-being and improvement of income generating

livelihood activities to its members, the office carried out an Entrepreneurship Development Training for the 2-Billion Reintegration Program; a special loan program of OWWA in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) intended to support enterprise development among OFWs and their families.


After attending the one-day orientation seminar, which tackled the terms and availment procedures of the program, 39 OFW family entrepreneurs from the different provinces of Caraga completed the required two-day Entrepreneurship Development Training conducted by OWWA with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on September 7-8, 2015 at OWWA Training Hall. DTI Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Gemma Clarin discussed the modules, which included the making of a business plan, budgeting, basic bookkeeping skills and necessary qualities a successful entrepreneur should possess.

Further, queries and clarifications of the participants concerning the business and necessary requirements in DTI

registration were raised and addressed. Business plans created by the participants during the workshop were likewise critiqued and assessed.

Participant Ceasar D. Satilin who is presently engaged in a falcata plantation intends to expand his venture to keep up with the fast growing market. Aside from the opportunity of increasing his finances, he also thanked OWWA for the new learning he acquired from the EDT that would better arm him in his developing business.

Moreover, qualified borrowers can avail of a short-term loan, which can be paid within a year, or a term loan, payable based on the cash flow, but not to exceed seven years inclusive of maximum two years grace period on the capital.


The loanable amount, which is 80 percent of the total project cost, ranges from a minimum of P300,000.00 up to a maximum of P2,000,000.00 bears an interest rate of only 7.5 percent per annum fixed for the duration of the loan.

OWWA Caraga Reintegration Program in-charge Jean Mary G. Ronquillo added that aside from the EDT certificate, applicants must also submit the following documentary requirements for verification and endorsement to the partner bank: Biodata;

Statement of Assets and Liabilities; Barangay Clearance; Residential sketch; Business/ Project Plan; Certificate of Business Registration from DTI; Mayor’s permit; Income Tax Return for the last three years, if applicable; Latest interim financial statement, if applicable; and Collateral (Land Title or Real Estate)

After endorsing the papers to Landbank, a 60-day verification period shall be expected before the applications are asserted approved or otherwise.


Government to do its ‘fair share’ in helping Syrian refugees

MANILA -- The Philippines will do its “fair share” in helping the Syrian refugees, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said on Sunday.


Secretary Coloma reiterated President Benigno Aquino III’s prior statement that the country will adhere to its commitment as signatory to various conventions on refugees.

“Ang mahalaga, na paano ba maituturing kung ano ang ‘fair share’ na dapat nating gampanan, at ang magiging batayan nito ay ang ating pagkakaroon ng

resources. Ito po ang batayan ng ating kakayahan,” said Coloma.

“Kaya lang, bago tayo gumawa ng kahit anong pahiwatig o commitment, ay kinakailangan din namang suriin ang ating sitwasyon; at sa pagtatalakay sa UN at sa iba pang mga organisasyon kung ano ang magagawa natin, ipaparating natin sa kanila ‘yung ating

photoceredit: blogs.oxfam.org


pagtaya sa ating kakayahan para ito ang magiging batayan ng ano mang pakikipag-usap,” he added.

In the past, the Philippines has hosted nationalities who sought refuge, this includes Rohingya people of the so-called boat people from Myanmar and Bangladesh; Uighur, mostly Muslim people from the Chinese province of Xinjiang which borders eight countries - Mongolia,

Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.Vietnamese refugees also took refuge in Palawan, when they fled pcfollowing the fall of South Vietnam to the communists.

At the height of World War II, the country also took in Jewish refugees under President Manuel Quezon. (PCOO/PND (ag)

photocredit: sunstar.com


PH proposes use of utility bills for MSME financing

MANILA -- The Philippines is looking at starting an initiative that would allow micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to apply for financing using their record in paying monthly electricity and water dues as credentials.

Department of Trade and Industry Nora Terrado, chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC) Women and the Economy 2015 Fora, said this proposal conforms with the


Policy Partnership on Women and the Economy (PPWE) 2015-2018 Strategic Plan that “supports the integration of gender responsive policies to further advance women’s empowerment and gender equality.” In the Philippines, more than 60 percent of MSMEs are owned by women. Terrado highlighted the need for the informal sector to build credentials “because most of them don’t have bank accounts.” One of the initiatives currently being discussed is to get a record “of how good they are at paying simple dues.” “What is their habit of paying electricity (and water), etc.? If they can establish (credit-paying) habits then that will help them have access to capital,” Terrado explained during the APEC Women and the Economy 2015 Fora press conference

at the Philippine International Convention Center. Most of these micro entrepreneurs, the official said, need only about P500,000 to P750,000 to boost their business capital. She noted that the Landbank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, for instance, have made credit facilities amounting to P1 million available to MSMEs.

This is what the government aims to provide to MSMEs--”giving our micro entrepreneurs a chance to get loans because they have limited capital.” “We have to work on certain interventions, both the government and the private sector, as PPP (Public-Private Partnership) to allow more opportunities on that respect,” Terrado said. On Friday, representatives


from APEC member economies delivered their joint statement under this year’s theme “Women as Prime Movers of Inclusive Growth,” aiming to reaffirm women’s “crucial role” in achieving economic prosperity and women’s leadership roles as imperative for competitiveness and success in the private and public sectors.

Terrado said the strategic plan will address five areas of APEC’s women empowerment objective. These are: improved access to capital and assets; access to markets; skills, capacity-building, and health; women’s leadership, voice, and agency; and innovation and technology. (PCOO)

FILE PHOTO


NYC gears up for the 12th National Peace Consciousness Month celebration

QUEZON CITY -- The National Youth Commission (NYC) joins the whole nation in celebrating the 12th National Peace Consciousness Month.

Activities are taking-off, mostly in strategic areas in

Mindanao, through peace walks and conferences initiated by


youth groups in partnership with different cultural communities. The government’s initiatives in the peace process hold a special significance for the NYC as it understands that all the toils and efforts to build a progressive nation, founded on social justice, will be fully enjoyed by the future generation.

“We are proud to say that the members of the youth sector have become pro-active participants in establishing peace with their interests to help end violence particularly in some areas in Mindanao. Through years of involvement, the young have formed a unified voice against armed conflict and its resolution through peaceful means. They led rights-based advocacies and ensured involvement in the peace talks,” NYC Commissioner Asec. Earl Saavedra said who is representing Mindanao.

True to its commitment, NYC has crafted the Mindanao Youth Agenda, a document that outlines programs, projects and activities with specific policy directions that will provide the Mindanawon youth with opportunities for self-development in an atmosphere

of peaceful co- existence.

Hence, in the observance of the National Peace Consciousness Month, NYC also reiterates its call for the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is consistent with both the 1987 Philippine Constitution and the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for autonomy and self-determination. The amended draft of the proposed BBL guarantees inclusive youth participation through genuine youth representation in the Bangsamoro Parliament (under Article VII, Section 3 of the legislative measure) and in the Transition Commission (Article XVI, Section 2) to ensure the normalization process of the autonomous region once its new government is created.

“The future of our country lies in the next generation. However, the responsibility to provide them with safe, enabling, and empowering environment rests with us”, Asec. Saavedra added. (NYC)


IMELDA,Zamboanga Sibugay – A total of 115 pensioners of the Social Security System participated in the Pensioners’ Day hosted bySSS Ipil Branch held at Ati-Atihan, Imelda, this province.

Pensioners’ Day caps SSS 58th Anniversary celebrationBy Alma L. Tingcang

Rudy M. Lacandalo, SSS Ipil branch head said the activity was one of the highlights of the 58th Anniversary of SSS.


“This is our way of paying tribute to our pensioners who worked hard during their younger years,” Atty. Rodrigo B. Filoteo, Asst. Vice President for Western Mindanao said. Filoteo also mentioned a possible pension increase of P2,000 across the board; the implementation of PESO fund; a voluntary provident fund for members; and increase in funeral benefits up to P40,000 from the previous P20,000, among others. SSS pensioners enjoyed the day which was full of surprises, replete with parlor games and raffle draw. They were treated to a sumptuous lunch and came

home with grocery packs. Special awards were given to the Early Bird won by Henry Bation, Oldest Pensioner and September birthday celebrators. Pensioners who rendered intermission numbers such assinging,Tula, and Balak were also given awards. Meanwhile, Lacandalo said the AlkanSSSya program is still ongoing. “The informal sector groups can join through this program by just dropping P12 a day in their assigned coin slots or P330/ month,” he explained. At the end of the month, these savings will be counted and


According to POPCOM’s information officer Cecil Abuy, it is necessary to “equip the youth with the correct information on reproductive health” to curb

misinformation on the issue, which has caused the spread of teen pregnancies and sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) among other adolescent health-

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In an effort to increase awareness on reproductive health, especially among curious adolescents, the Commission on Population (POPCOM) held a seminar for this purpose among students of Ayala National High School Thursday, September 17.

By Dominic I. Sanchez

POPCOM educates Ayala teens on adolescent health

remitted to the SSS as their contribution. “We have three associations in the province who have joined the AlkanSSSya Program: Kabasalan Business Association, Ipil Market Vendors Association and Ipil Federation of Tricycle Drivers Association,” according to Lacandalo. SSS Ipil also partnered with various government agencies and LGUs in the province for possible enrolment of non-regular employees or Job Order employees as self-employed through salary deduction. It has linked with Ipil-Titay Water District, Naga Daycare

Workers Association and the local government units (LGUs) of Sirawai, Tungawan, Kabasalan, Diplahan, Alicia, Mabuhay, and the provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay. For more information and updates, you may tune in to their radio program over DXIR FM every 2nd and last Friday of the month. Over the years, SSS has continuously improved its service delivery, expanded Social security coverage of its members and has provided more meaningful benefits to members and beneficiaries.


related problems. In a study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute, teens are said to consider their peers as the primary source of information on sex and adolescent health, and such information may be inaccurate, which lead to increase in cases of teen pregnancies, and others. “It is for this reason that we should really educate the youth and provide them with the necessary information,” emphasized POPCOM regional director Reynaldo Wong in an earlier interview. Director Wong had emphasized that based on recent studies, region 9 is one of the areas with high incidence for unprotected sex, and this makes people highly prone to STDs.

The region ranks fourth in the incidence of teen pregnancies nationwide. Ayala was chosen as the pilot area for the adolescent health seminar considering the high incidence of teen pregnancies there. The POPCOM has been reaching out to the youth to inform them on adolescent health. “The youth now are very engaged in gadgets and in social media,” said Director Wong, hence, they are tapping new technology for their advocacies. “We have come up with information and education campaign (IEC) materials in multimedia,” he said. However, Director Wong emphasized that “there is still no substitute for good parenting.”


LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army bagged two (2) awards from the Army Governance Pathway during the 9thActivation Anniversaryat Camp O’Donnel, Capas, Tarlac recently.

By: Gideon C. Corgue

1st CAV Squadron bags Best Battalion award for 2015

Lt.Col. Charlemagne F. Batayola, Jr., commanding officer of the 1st CAV received the

awards as Best Cavalry Squadron for 2015 and the Governance Strategy Management Office


(GSMO) award for being the only battalion who implemented the first stage of the Philippine Army’s Performance governance system (PGS) particularly, the initiated stage. The PGS is a performance management tool that assesses government agencies. Batayola received the plaque of recognition from LtGen. Eduardo Ano, commanding general of the Philippine Army, for having demonstrated the commitment to pursue genuine transformation and reform as manifested by its exemplary progress to governance and strategy management. The award was bestowed by 1st Mechanized Infantry Division commander MGenMayoralgo M. Dela Cruz and assisted by Engr. Fernando Limbitco, chairman of the Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Board (MSAB) and city administrator of San Fernando. It is the second time that the 1st Cavalry Squadron received the award as Best Cavalry Squadron, the first was in September 2013. Batayola said the Army Governance Pathway lauded the overall operational readiness of the unit saying that the armor

personnel are more capable and responsive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ needs and are operationally ready to perform its mission. He added thatunder the Army Transformation Roadmap, the 18-year transformation and governance program, all line units are mandated to implement four (4) stages of PGS, namely: initiated, compliant, proficient, and institutionalized. Asked if the unit can sustain the next stages of PGS, Batayola said the armor personnel were more inspired and motivated to perform their duties and responsibilities to attain its goal to become a more credible, dynamic, responsive, capable and professional Army by 2028. “Our collective efforts and hardwork as members of the Tagapanguna team has finally paid off,” Batayola proudly said, as he congratulated them. He said the awards they received will serve as a challenge for them to do more and perform better in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities of serving the people and securing the land.


Vegetable industry bats to increase production, consumption

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The vegetable industry is pushing to increase both production and consumption here in Northern Mindanao, it falls below the recommended 146-182 grams per day consumption set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and is currently pegged at 110 grams.

By: Jorie C. Valcorza

Department of Agriculture region 10 Director Lealyn A. Ramos assured the public during National Vegetable Congress and

Agri-Industrial Trade Expo held in the city this week that they are also looking into the consumption aspect; in fact the


Walk for Peace highlights peace consciousness celebCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao Peace Council will hold a Walk for Peace around Divisoria streets in Cagayan de Oro in celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month.

Set on September 21, which is the “International Day of Peace,” the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and the City Peace Security and Development

Council, through the initiative of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, will hold a Peace Month Culmination Program at Kiosko Kagawasan.

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

agency is actively advocating this in schools through the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program. “We put this back to schools, and the students will bring it home or cook it in campus. We saturated the schools and have been teaching them to save seeds for sustainability,”she said. Ramos said that they are also encouraging farmers to eat what they produce, and market only the remaining stocks they can’t consume. Queritess Q, Queja, 14th National Vegetable Congress director, meanwhile added that vegetable growers here are actively engaged with the

Australian Research Council (ACR) to address production issues at the community level and in changing the mindset of farmers as active partners in feeding the community. She bared that they are starting to cluster four farmers group in barangays Pagatpat and Canitoan in Cagayan de Oro City as pilot project sites. They partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) through the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program to supply the beneficiaries with vegetable seeds, spur economic activity, as well as increase the intake of vegetables in the community.


The program will include a Walk for Peace and will be highlighted by the Candle Light “Peace Sign” formation. Contingents from the national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, religious sector, students and civic organizations will be participating. This year’s theme “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Patuloy

na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” reminds people that peace and development can be achieved through unity, said City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno of Cagayan de Oro and Chairman, RPOC-10. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 675 dated July 10, 2015, the month of September was declared as the National Peace Consciousness Month.

With the theme, “Edukasyon at Pagsasanay sa Maritima: Kabalikat sa Patuloy na Kaunlaran,” simultaneous blowing of ship’s horn and dressing of ships, floral offering, Holy Mass and opening program will kick off the celebration, September 21. Holy Mass on board vessels, through Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), was also set for the celebration. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will spearhead a lecture/

forum/symposium on the proper disposal of garbage, and feeding program to 300 students at North City Central School in Cagayan de Oro City. Anchored on the theme, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Capitol University (CU) are set to lead conduct of Updates on Maritime Education and Training on 22 September. AoS and CU will be conducting values formation lecture and paralegal.

All set for maritime week celeb in NorMinBy: Elaine O. RatunilCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Maritime industry stakeholders in Northern Mindanao are all set for this year’s celebration of National Maritime Week, 21-25 September 2015.


For 23 September, the day is packed with seajacking scenario and media forum at Macabalan. Port/maritime agencies/companies/schools will participate in this drill. Fun golf, coastal cleanup, mangrove planting, bloodletting, awarding and closing ceremony are lined-up for 24 September. For the coastal cleanup, PCG will spearhead at the Lapasan site; Southern Philippines College (SPC) in barangay Bonbon; and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will be along Puntod; mangrove

planting will be at the municipality of Gitagum. While on 25 September, there will be a coastal cleanup “Scubarero,” at Opol Sanctuary; and basic (Water Search and Rescue) WASAR training/symposium at barangay Kimaya, Jasaan town in the province of Misamis Oriental.


MARINA-XI warns commuters on using colo-rum fishing boats for travel

DAVAO CITY- An official of the Maritime Industry Authority warns commuters to ride only on vessels which are duly registered as passen-ger vessel by the agency.

By: Joey Dalumpines

Felisa Orongan, director of the Marina-XI said two fishing vessels have been monitored to have be

ferrying passengers in and out of the vicinity of the Island Garden City of Samal this year.


She said commuters are put to high risk whenever they ride on these boats which are not registered in the Marina. “We are monitoring the situation side by side with the Philippine Coast Guard,” Orongan said. She said these fishing votes do not have insurance to cover the fate of passengers in case of accidents. Orongan said the Marina already puts in place tarpaulins in every port containing the list of sea crafts which have the authority to ferry passen-gers. “Take a look at that. We update

the list from time to time,” she said. Orongan said these tarpaulins are bannered in Babak, IGACOS, Par-adise Island Resort and at the Sta. Ana Wharf. She also took potshots on pas-sengers of cars and auxiliary vans who do not disembark from their cars once they ride the ferry-vessels. Orongan said under the law, pas-sengers of vehicles must go up the passenger area of the ferry boat once they board for their safety. “They must not stay inside their vehicles as a precautionary measure,” she said.

SSS conferred the Top Employer Award on GH Office Depot during Friday’s 2015 SSS Balikat ng Bayan Awarding Ceremony at the Ritz Hotel in Davao City. Emmanuel R. Palma, SSS assis-tant vice president for Southern Min-danao, said that GH Office Depot was selected as the sole regional awardee after being evaluated to have been outstanding in conforming to the rules and regulations of providing so-cial protection to its employees.

Palma said that among the re-quirements under the SSS rules are for the employers to report all em-ployees for SSS coverage, whether permanent, casual and contractual, and to pay up to date contributions. The awardee has also been ful-filling other SSS mandates such as advancing SS and Employees Com-pensation (EC) sickness benefits and maternity benefits due to his/her em-ployees, he stated. “There’s no better benefit to give

Retail store gets SSS Balikat ng Bayan Award By:Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY – The Social Security System of the Southern Mindanao Division recently honored a leading retail store of school and office supplies in the city for religiously complying with the obligations of an SSS employer-member to its employees.


to your employees than to provide social security protection. The work-ers are assured that they will have protection when they get old,” Palma said, urging employers to be respon-sible and be concerned to the welfare of their workers. GH Office Depot manager Paul Go said they were very grateful for the award, adding “We are happy that we are part of the government’s pro-gram benefiting the employees.” “From the start of our opera-tions, we have been abiding by the mandates of the law,” stated GH Office Depot human resource officer Romeo Rivas, as he cited that the company is consciously and religiously paying

monthly contributions to SSS. GH Office Depot started as a small office stationery dealer in 1967, and opened a supermarket-type of stationery store in 1995. The retail outlet has continued to grow and expand, and is now serving not only walk-in clients but also big establishments from the private and government sectors, with 70 regular staff and workers at hand. Meanwhile, SSS has also recog-nized Sun Star Davao and Skycable Davao as national SSS Balikat ng Bay-an awardees for being the best media partners in the information dissemi-nation of the SSS programs and ac-tivities.

29September 21, 2015 ONE MINDANAO 29

Empowerment of local officials pushed in NorthCotBy Shahana Joy E Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Sept. 21--- The provincial gov-ernment of North Cotabato is strengthening initiatives to empower local officials particularly in the villages to become more partici-pative and dynamic in identifying developmental projects and im-proving their performances in the process as leaders.


Aligned under the pro-gram, Barangay Empower-ment through Serbisyong Totoo (BEST), Cotabato 3rd District Board Member Ivy Dalumpines-Ballitoc, chair of the Sangguni-ang Panlalawigan Committee on Ways and Means said that the BEST aims to determine the dif-ficulties that usually beset ba-rangay officials in identifying and implementing projects and level these in accordance with available government programs and funding institutions.

Ballitoc outlined three primary concerns that the BEST program want to address and these in-clude bringing the programs of the provincial government with every program favorable to the villages, conducting assessment for actual needs as to priority projects and assisting in the im-plementation of the projects.

“Many local government units (LGUs) have in time identified priority projects which all need resources or funding and as their strong partner, the Provin-cial Government of Cotabato is here to help them realize their aspirations,” the official noted.

She added that during the launching of the BEST last month, at least 12 villages formed part of the first batch

of barangay officials to undergo the initial phase of the BEST program which is data gather-ing, profiling and analysis of the development situation in the targeted villages.

These barangays include San Mateo, Aleosan; Kapayawi, Li-bungan; Pacao, Alamada and Baliki, Midsayap for District I, Poblacion, Arakan; Camutan, Antipas; Datu Celo, Magpet and Sibawan, Kidapawan for District II, Malayan, M’lang; F. Cajelo, Tulunan; Osias, Kabacan and Dalapitan, Matalam for District III.

Each barangay, through the bottoms- up approach will have its orientation and planning ses-sion and are expected to submit their outputs.

Other barangays are also ex-pected to undergo the same session in the coming days.

“Our goal is to improve the lives of our constituents and in this regard we need to strength-en the roles of village officials for them to effectively identify important projects and take ac-tive part in realizing all their plans,” Governor Emmylou Men-doza highlighted adding that all possible programs are exhaust-ed to help improve the living


Cotabato City, other institutions tie up for youth skills enhancementBy Danilo E.Doguiles

condition of the people and be true to the promise of bringing the government closer to them.

(SJDuerme-PIA12 with report from North Cotabato Media Cen-ter)

COTABATO CITY, Sept 21 A partnership for training of out-of-school youth in Cotabato City is in the making, according to the city government.

Said tie-up is being worked out by the city government with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Min-danao Youth Program for the OSYs and other workers in preparation for the massive massive hiring that will be con-ducted by the different investors that have recently established their businesses in the city.

In a series of meetings, gov-ernment officials and investors have agreed that the 90 per-cent of the workforces, includ-ing managers and supervisors, should be sourced of local resident applicants.

Investors have also guaran-teed that they will be consid-

ering applicants whose papers have passed through the as-sessment by the city’s Pub-lic Employment Service Office (PESO)

“We will be requiring the ap-plicants to secure a barangay clearance to make sure that they are truly residents of Cota-bato City. We want to give our residents a chance to get a job and the influx of investments in the city has opened doors of opportunities to do so”, City Ad-ministrator Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said.

Guiani-Sayadi has talked with the area managers of several new and old establishments in the city including the soon to


open Centro Department Store and assured them that the city government is willing to assist them in hiring competent and highly skilled employees.

She said that MyDev, a non-government organization, is cur-rently training OSYs in commer-cial packing, cashiering, utility and many others as part of their vision of a “zero OSY” commu-nity.

Employers only need to re-quest the city government for manpower requirements. In re-turn, she said, the city LGU will assist them in coordinating with the MyDev to provide necessary trainings to their employees.

“We want them to have em-ployees who really know their job and who possess excellent working ethics,” the city admin-istrator added.

DOLE, on the other hand, also announced that they will be conducting a series of jobs fairs at the People’s Palace in coordi-nation with the City LGU.

Unlike the previous jobs fairs, the new events will concentrate on local employment.

They will be posting vacancies in both permanent and contrac-tual employment. Positions for managers, engineers, accoun-tants, clerks, utility jobs, and

others will be open to residents of Cotabato City.

DOLE and the city govern-ment enjoin all business estab-lishments and other agencies in the city to join the jobs fair and help Cotabateños land on a job and improve their quality of liv-ing.

Tentative dates for the jobs fairs are set on September 30 and October 22, 2015. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Cotabato City)


Caraga RPOC chair calls for support to PA, PNP

BUTUAN CITY – The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) chaired by Butuan city mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. has issued statement urging a stop on the harsh and carping judgment to the military forces and encouraging support to them, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), as they activated the ‘Joint Task Force Tejero’, a special operation to go after the suspects of the killings of Emerito Samarca, executive director, Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (ALCADEV) and two others in Surigao del Sur recently.


“In the interest of sustaining peace and development in our communities, the Army forces working in our region extend a great deal, even exasperating all efforts, to ultimately achieve its mission and mandates. Faultfinding to the uniformed men in the government serving for the protection of every citizen is something impermissible,” remarked Amante. Likewise, Amante said that the Philippine Army is composed of professional people. “They will not do any stupidity and will not blunder into situation that will taint their credibility in any way. They are our protectors. In this present administration, there is no room for foolish moves and gross mistakes attributable

to bad judgment,” emphasized Amante. PNP Surigao del Sur provincial director P/SSupt Narciso Verdadero on Monday said charges of multiple murder, arson, grave coercions, robbery, and grave threats had already been filed against siblings Bobby and Loloy Tejero, Garito Layno, and 20 John Does at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.The ‘Joint Task Force Tejero’ is headed by PNP Surigao del Sur provincial director SSupt Narciso Verdadero through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (JPSCC) to ensure continuity and inter-operability of operating units within Caraga region.


Caraga tribal chieftains sign manifesto for peaceBy: Daisy Jane M. Apit

B UTUAN CITY – Tribal chieftains of Caraga region unanimously sign the manifesto for peace last Friday, September 18 at the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division’s (4ID’s) Advance Command Post, Brgy. Bancasi, this city.

The manifesto aims to strengthen the Indigenous Political Structure in accordance with the Indigenous Knowledge, Systems and Practices; and to express commitment of support for the peace and development government programs. According to Sultan Julius Mabandos, chairperson of Indigenous Peoples Economic Union, the manifesto is just one of the steps of the chieftains to attain sustainable peace and development in the indigenous cultural communities in Caraga

and also their commitment to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to fight against violence. Moreover, 4ID spokesperson Captain Joe Patrick Martinez said the military in coordination with the PNP is also exerting unified effort for law enforcement operations. “The Army and the police force are here for unity, peacekeeping and protection of our people,” Martinez added.


MinDA chair meets with “lumad” leaders in SurSurBy: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chair Secretary Luwalhati Antonio held a meeting with lumad leaders of the Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa mga Sumusunod (Mapasu) at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) here on September 18. She said President Benigno Aquino III sent her to hear the side of the story of the lumads, who had been taking shelter at the Surigao del Sur Sports Center since their mass evacuation on September 1 for fear of their lives.

The brutal killings of their kin—Emerito Samarca, executive director of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (Alcadev), Dionel Campos, chairman of Mapasu, and Bello Sinzo, a civilian—at Kilometer 16, Sitio Han-ayan,


Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town at the break of dawn during that day had driven them away to come down en masse. Before Secretary Antonino, the lumads had continued to press for justice, among other demands, particularly the arrest of suspects—siblings Bobby and Loloy Tejero as well as Garito Layno, allegedly members of the paramilitary Magahat-Bagani Force.

The military here had repeatedly denied the accusations they were behind this armed group and had something to do with the incident. Governor Johnny Pimentel, who was beside Sec. Antonino, told lumad leaders, once again, like in the previous meetings, that appropriate charges had already been filed by the police at Lianga

Prosecutor’s Office against the three suspects and 20 John Does almost two weeks ago. Also, during the meeting, MinDA chair had asked the lumad leaders if they could already return to their respective homes, given their pitiful situation, which was described by her as some form of injustice. However, despite Antonino’s prodding to return home, the lumad leaders would not budge, showing a firm stand. Before leaving, she vowed to bring the lumads’ plight to President Aquino. Moreover, Governor Pimentel bared about the coming senate investigation with Senator “TG” Guingona by the end of the month, asking the lumad leaders to cooperate once requested to appear.

Surigao Norte LGU inks MOA with 4ID, PA for insurgency-free province By: PIA-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY- A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the declaration of Siargao Islands as ‘insurgency-free’ and Surigao del Norte as ‘conflict manageable and ready for further development’ is signed on Sunday in General Luna, Siargao between the provincial government of Surigao del Norte led by Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chairperson and governor Sol Matugas and Task Force Diamond, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army (PA) represented by Col. Henry Dar. According to Gov. Matugas, the signing ceremony in the declaration of the island as insurgency-free is history in the making wherein said areas are given the proof of reality that indeed stable and habitable. “ Such feat is never easy to achieve. I would like to attribute this to the disciplined and loving people of Siargao and Surigao del Norte who painstakingly perpetuate and preserved the time learned

one mindanao - september 21, 2015

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