Michael UySOUTHERN MINDANAO

Lumads, nomads no moreCOVER STORY

Mindanao CSOs gear for educational campaign to support BBL

Alternative income generation underscored in 1st Caraga OFWs Summit by Venus L. Garcia

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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CARAGA REGION

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

NORTHERN MINDANAO

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DOST 12 discusses biotechnology with policy makers, stakeholders in Region 12

Farmers turn pomelo trash to cash

Greenpeace campaign for ecological agriculture continues

NorMin marks maritime week 2014

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by Danilo E. Doguiles

by Danilo E. Doguiles

Public hearing for Draft Revenue Code of Tandag City, three more set 17 by Greg Tataro Jr.

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

by PIA

Lumads, nomads no more

Historically, Ata Manobos are nomads. They hunt; they slash and burn forest to plant; they look for food to survive. But for this year, they requested for a semi-concrete

shelter, a permanent housing that can last beyond their children’s lifetime. On September 8, the National Housing Authority (NHA) granted their request and turned

They constantly move from one place to another to seek food and new place to stay. Their tradition pushes them to leave their dwellings when a family member dies.

Their culture allows them to destroy their temporary shelter.

by Michael Uy

Lumads, nomads no more

over houses to 102 Ata Manobo families in Sitio Paiton, Brgy. Dagohoy, Talaingod. The housing project was the first “Pabahay para sa Lumad” project of NHA in the Philippines. PILOT PROJECT Engr. Carolina Angel, NHA XI regional director, affirmed that the Talaingod Housing Project was indeed the pilot housing project for indigenous people. “With the request of the late Datu Oscar Bog-ot, Gov. Del Rosario pushed the project in a summit stating that it is high time to include the indigenous people in the housing projects of the NHA,” Angel recalled the

Housing Summit held in 2011 in Davao City. Engr. Josie Jean Rabanos, provincial planning and development coordinator of Davao del Norte, also remembered that the housing for the indigenous people was just a dream during that summit. “During that time all that were included in the plan of the NHA were their regular housing programs; and it was the governor who forced the idea,” Engr. Rabanos said. Angel recognized the efforts of the provincial and municipal government units in hastening the project completion through prompt submission of

requirements. THE REASON According to Rabanos, it was the late Datu Oscar Bog-ot who constantly knocked on the door of Governor Del Rosario for a housing project for his people. Sally Bog-ot, wife of the late Datu Bogot, said that the chieftain wanted to give his people permanent shelters away from their previous communities, which was near Paiton Lake. To secure them from disaster,

the tribal communities should live 500 meters away from the lake, Bog-ot said. THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN The house was no ordinary unit that the NHA built. The design was not based on its regular housing project. Angel gave credit to the Ata-Manobos for creating the design and calling it their own. She recalled that the initial design crafted by the indigenous people was an all wooden-made

house. “But as the discussions went on, they decided to change it to a semi-concrete, semi-wooden house,” she said. The house has an area of 24 square meters with concrete base, wood panel walls and tin roofing. Aside from the houses, a tribal hall and a worship hall will also be constructed within the area. These halls were also requested by the tribal leaders who considered these structures as important in exercising their traditional practices. THE HAPPINESS Datu Pandillo Bogot, son of the late Datu Oscar Bogot, expressed gladness over the realization of his father’s dream. His face brightened up as he narrated how his community members expressed their happiness upon knowing of the housing project designed for them. The tribe members profusely expressed their thanks by warmly welcoming us to their place. They showed us their new houses, prayed in their dialect, showcased

their dances and served us their delicacies during lunch. NHA’S NEXT BIG THING Although the housing project was a grant from NHA, a small amount of P 150 per month will be paid by the tribal families to the municipality. This will be the basis of NHA to again extend another project to the indigenous people of Talaingod. Heads of the tribal families were unanimous in saying that they could afford the required payments which they cited as a small fraction of their income from their farms of corn, coconut, ruber, among other agricultural crops. The success now of the next NHA project in Talaingod, not only lies on the municipal government, but on the hands of the existing tribal beneficiaries. Giving houses to indigenous people is the next big thing that National Housing Authority has lined up to do. It started with just an idea far from what NHA planned to do but it turned out into a meaningful project for the Ata Manobos in Talaingod.

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President Aquino secures $2.3-B in investments from Europe trip

During coffee with the Philippine media Friday at Maritim Hotel Berlin here, the President said at least 19 companies from Spain, Belgium, France and Germany committed to invest in the Philippines. “From our engagements in Europe alone, we are expecting around $2.3 billion in investments in the sectors of manufacturing, energy, the IT-BPM sector, infrastructure and transport,” he said. “Of the $2.38 billion, some $900 million have already been committed, while $1.47 billion are prospective.”

These investments, the Chief Executive said, are expected to generate 55,500 jobs. While in Berlin, President Aquino said they were trying to woo a major corporation to set up a manufacturing company in the Philippines. During his four-nation visit of Europe, a President Aquino met with CEOs of major companies and witnessed the signing of investment deals and agreements under the Public-Private Partnership program of the administration.

President Benigno Aquino III has secured some $2.3 billion worth of investments following his meetings with top business leaders here in Europe.

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President Aquino to promote Philippine manufacturing sector in the US

President Benigno S. Aquino III will promote the country’s manufacturing sector when he delivers messages at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University here in Massachusetts and at

Columbia University in New York, Ambassador Jose Cuisia said. “As you know, we’re trying to promote the manufacturing sector,” Ambassador Cuisia said in an interview here on Saturday (Boston time). “We’ve seen very good increases in terms of the manufacturing sector, the growth of the manufacturing sector in 2014.” These developments in the Philippine economy is very timely for US firms wanting to put their investments elsewhere, according to Cuisia. This invitation is not just for American firms but also to businesses coming from other countries, he added. Because when he visited Europe, Cuisia said that the President has been talking to different business leaders in Europe to look at the Philippines as an investment destination. The President is also expected to talk about the consistent growth in the Philippine economy as well as the reforms that have been undertaken under his administration, Cuisia added. “And one that he can be very proud of is

the good governance mantra that he has been advocating from the start of his administration because that has really engendered tremendous optimism and confidence among international investors,” he noted. While there are good news, President Aquino could also discuss the continuing challenges that the Philippines has to face. Among these challenges is the rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda noting that there’s a lot of efforts to be done and also the need for tremendous resources. “I’m sure he will also talk about that because we hope to be able to attract more support from the international community,” Cuisia said. “And, of course, the US is a major leader in the international community so that will be part of his message.” The President will also be talking about the Bangsamoro peace agreement especially after the Palace forwarded the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress.

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Mindanao CSOs gear for educational campaign to support BBL

Various civil society organizations (CSOs) here are ready to engage in educational debates “doubtful Mindanaons” to ensure that the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) submitted

to Congress on Wednesday promotes the interests of all the stakeholders. “We must be grateful and at the same time vigilant against spoilers. May we ask the Muslim, Christian, and the Indigenous People to engage in spirited discussions and debates,” said Samira Gutoc of the People Development Initiative for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. “Amid our diversity, the Filipino people should

be in one alliance for the success of the Bangsamoro accord which will benefit all through the basic law. We look forward to reading the BBL and participate in its success,” said Datu Alexander Mama-o, president of the Filipino Alliance for Integrity and Reform (FAIR Movement-Philippines, for his part. “Thank God! It is already out,” said Claretian

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priest Angel C. Calvo, president of Peace Advocates Zamboanga. On Wednesday, President Benigno S. Aquino III formally transmitted the proposed BBL to leaders of both chambers of Congress in Malacañang to start the legislative process. The BBL would operationalize the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed last March 27. The peace deal is a product of over 17 years of negotiations between the parties that envisions the establishment of the Bangsamoro region that would replace the old, graft-ridden Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) set up. The proposed region would be run by a ministerial-form of government with additional powers and financial autonomy compared to the existing operations of the ARMM. The Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) and Generation Peace Network (GenPeace) described the recent development as a breakthrough in the peace efforts for enhancement of peace and development in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. “Peace building is a continuing process and we in the youth sector take the challenge to help ensure that the gains of peace in this generation will be sustained and benefit all,” the groups said. Both YMPN and GenPeace also called for Congress to set aside political differences and unite for the crucial passage of the BBL which is a landmark edict in the history of lawmaking and peacemaking in the country.

“Once the BBL is open to the public, we call on our fellows in civil society to engage in a productive dialogue as we make yesterday’s dream of a just and lasting peace a reality of today and tomorrow,” they said. National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Lao said the transmission to Congress of the BBL proposition signals the government’s commitment to end the conflict in Mindanao, which has stunted the socio-political stability and stunts the economic growth and development of the region for decades. “Let us avoid unnecessary comments or remarks that might inflame or exacerbate the rising emotions attendant to highly charged discussions and deliberations on the proposed BBL,” she said. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, for his part, has urged Congress to study, deliberate and act upon all matters related to the advancement and welfare of the Bangsamoro people, and make BBL the basis of peace and prosperity in Mindanao.

AgNor ENRO readies TreeVolution eventby Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY- The office of the Environment and Natural Resources of Agusan del Norte is now ready for the conduct of the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW activity on September 26.

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During the briefing and updates on the preparation for the conduct of the big event on Friday, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) officer Paterno Olivera said that PENRO is now ready for the big event. Site validations are being conducted and the volunteer planters of different schools and stewards will be briefed before the conduct of the event, he said. PENRO Olivera further said that during the event, volunteer planters are required to bring their own digging tools, water and food in their assigned planting areas. Tree planting will simultaneously

start at exactly 8:30 in the morning and will end at exactly 9:30. “Planters are required to plant 20 seedlings within the period of one hour,” Olivera said. “The PENRO Agusan del Norte has targeted a total of 25 hectares to be planted during the conduct of the TreeVolution. The 16 hectares are located in barangay Maug and the other nine hectares in Tungao, all in Butuan City,” Olivera added. Also, Forester Rodel Mendez of PENRO Agusan del Norte revealed that rain tree or acacia specie is included to be planted in their identified planting sites. “Seedlings for planting during

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the TreeVolution are sufficient and now ready,” he said. Mendez also said that different signages will be posted and visible to the different planting sites during the conduct of the event. Wristbands and identifications (IDs) will also be provided to the volunteer planters, stewards, and others involved in the event. Also, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Tubay in Agusan del Norte headed by Forester Vince A. Estopito has identified a total of 75 hectares to be planted with falcata and rubber seedlings during the conduct of TreeVolution. According to Forester Achilles Ebron, the 38 hectares are located in the municipality of Kitcharao; 30 in RTR; and five hectares in Cabadbaran City. In areas identified by CENRO Tubay, volunteer planters of Kitcharao will plant 11,500 falcata and 3,000 rubber seedlings; 16,000 falcata seedlings in RTR; and another 10,000 falcata seedlings in Cabadbaran City. Forester Norman Asugan of CENRO Nasipit also revealed that as to the seedling preparation status to be planted to the 107.7 hectares total area covered by

CENRO Nasipit, seedlings were already delivered to the sites. Meanwhile, Caraga area manager of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Cecilia D. Trinio also said during the briefing and updates that, on the event day, the volunteer planters are required to wear white shirts (short or long sleeves), yellow for stewards and orange for the medics. During the briefing, Regional Technical Director (RTD) Maritess Ocampo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who will have the direct supervision of the ENROs identified sites during the event upon knowing preparations of the ENRO offices express her gratitude to the concerned personnel. “I am glad that you are gone this far in your preparation for the big event, I am hoping that we will be successful in our aim to break the record of India on September 26,” RTD Ocampo said. The TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW initiative supports the National Greening Program of the government that targets 1.5 million hectares reforested by 2016 to which Mindanao’s contribution is 456,000 hectares.

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Alternative income generation underscored in 1st Caraga OFWs Summit by Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY- Venturing on business that will help provide opportuni-ties for Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) to have an alternative source of income was the key point of discussion during the 1st Caraga OFWs’ Summit held on September 20 to 21, 2014, this city.

The Tulay sa Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs) Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Caraga region spearheaded the summit with a theme, “Kabuhayan sa Kapaligiran ng mga OFWs Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” The region’s current and retired OFWs and their beneficiaries who convened in the two-day event gained inputs on how important it is for them to properly manage their hard-earned money and invest wisely to have a long term livelihood security while working across the county or as they come back to the mainstream in the Philippines. As mentioned by event speaker

and president of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Susan “Toots” Ople, OFWs must be empowered that is why the institute is offering livelihood trainings and encouraging them to link-up with other cooperatives.” “Aside from having savings in the bank, it’s also important to design your own plans for the future like how to acquire a health insurance with lesser premium and consider joining in an organization where members share the same purpose and objectives as yours to endeavor in community-based business,” expressed Ople. Ople said that based on Social Enterprise

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Development Partnerships, Inc. study, one out of ten OFWs end up broke even after years of working abroad and eight out of ten OFWs do not have savings or money set aside for retirement. It was recalled that the Microsoft Tulay Foundation started the Tulay progam through the efforts of Ople before it was tuned-over to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). It is still implemented with

eight modules from the fundamentals of computer to internet surfing and other related modules. “Mindanao is the flavor of the month. There are a lot of non-government organizations (NGOs) looking for partnership with other associations for a specific projects that have long term direction,” bared Ople. On a significant note, Ople also emphasized that

OFWs should not be victims. “Every Filipino overseas worker’s rights and dignity must be protected. They are true heroes in a true essence,” she said. Meanwhile, Engr. Zaldy Deronia, president of Tulay sa OFWs MPC thanked the members and other participants for their presence and encouraged them to take active involvement in the cooperative to make it performing, sustainable and beneficial to all members.

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Marina Cuizon, Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod has already sent out invitations dated September 3, 2014 to all concerned about the said event. Addressees are barangay captains, representatives of the civic and religious organizations, academe, drivers and operators of all light public utility vehicles, government offices based on this city, radio stations, vendors association, and city-based business establishments. Also, earlier this month, Vice-Mayor Ruel Momo said that one of the basic and most important processes of crafting local laws, which is a public hearing, is going to be held. He added that an increase in local impositions, which includes real property taxes, is one of the crucial concerns. The other three draft ordinances to undergo public

scrutiny are: Preventing/Regulating the Planting of Trees Along Power Distribution Lines; The Anti-Truancy Ordinance For Elementary Pupils and High School Students in the City of Tandag; and, An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use, Sale, Distribution and Advertisement of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products in Certain Places, Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof and Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes. “Your views/opinions/comments and suggestions are vital in aid of legislation,” Cuizon stressed.

Public hearing for Draft Revenue Code of Tandag City, three more set TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - A public hearing for “Draft 2014 Revenue Code of Tandag City” and three other draft or-dinances of equal importance is set on September 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the city gymnasium, this city.

by Greg Tataro Jr.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Everything is set for the 10-day Sangguniang Kabataan na-tionwide voter registration that began Saturday, September 20, said Atty. Jay Gerada, South Cota-bato election supervisor.

Sangguniang Kabataan registration begins anewBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Gerada assured Commission on Election (Comelec) offices in the ten municipalities in South Cotabato as well as the election offices in Koronadal City and General Santos City have been prepared for the SK registration.

Based on the Comelec Resolution 9899, pro-mulgated last September 5, voter registration for the February 21, 2015 Sangguniang Kabataan elections is set on September 20 – 29, 2014.

“Comelec offices will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, including Saturday and Sun-day,” the election supervisor announced in a radio interview.

To register, young people ages 15 to 17 should personally appear at the Comelec office and pres-ent proofs such as school ID, library card, or birth certificate, he explained further.

However, according to Resolution No. 9899: “Those who are already registered last July 22 to July 31, 2013 pursuant to Resolution No. 9717, need not register anew, unless they turned 18 years of age on or before February 21, 2015, in which case their names shall be deleted in the existing SK Lists as provided for in Resolution No. 9896.”

Gerada further announced that although elec-tion offices will provide priority to SK registrants

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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The National Academy of Science and Technology of the Department of Science and Technology (NAST-DOST) gathered policy makers, local government officials, agriculturists and oth-er stakeholders in Kidapawan City for a regional forum on biotechnol-ogy on Tuesday, September 16.

during the 10-day SK voter reg-istration, they will still entertain voters seeking for validation, re-activation, information correction,

and registration in preparation in line with the May 9, 2016 National and Local Elections. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

DOST 12 discusses biotechnology with policy makers, stakeholders in Region 12By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Dr. Zenaida HR Laidan, regional director of DOST 12, said the 1st Biotechnology 1st Biotechnology Information, Education and Communication (IEC) aimed to create awareness and provide science based information on modern biotechnology, including issues and concerns on biosafety to the people of Region 12 especially to the key personnel in the local government units.

Dr. Marcos Valdez Jr, biotechnology focal person for Region 7, the main resource person at the event, the campaign is also geared towards giving right information about biotechnology to the punlic, especially the farmers.

“Biotechnology products, especially in the field of agriculture have been used all over the world, Valdez said. “In 2012, 700,000

hectares in the Philippines have been planted with genetically-modified Bt corn.”

Valdez noted, the only country in the ASEAN that has approved and has been cultivating a GM food and feed crop for a number of years is the Philippines, where Bt corn was first commercially deployed in 2002.

One best characteristics of the GM-Bt corn is it’s resistant to corn borer pests and other insects, he emphasized.

In a study conducted from 2000-2012, Dr. Antonio Lorena said the farmers who usually planted hybrid corn had increased their harvest by 19 percent when they shifted to GM-Bt corn.

The farmers had also reduced their production costs as GM-Bt corn is resistant to corn-borers

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pests and other insects.Valdez elaborated further that

biosafety regulations are strictly based on international standard and all commercialized modern biotech products have passed regulatory standards for food safety and environment safety.

In June 2013 the Philippine Food and Drug Administration declared that all GM foods in the market are safe for human consumption.

Currently, he added, the Philippines is developing other GMO products that include, Bt Talong, Long Shelf Life Papaya and Golden Rice.

BT Talong is resistant to pests

compared to ordinary eggplant; the long shelf life papaya has an enzyme that prolongs ripening; and the golden rice for its Rich Vitamin A component.

Meanwhile, Director Laidan emphasized that “since science and technology is the driver of economic and social well-being and with the proper and judicious utilization of growing S&T capabilities and resources, we can seize and exploit the opportunities created by the progressively dynamic scientific discoveries and rapid technological advancements.”(DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOST 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Some 47 pomelo farmers in Ba-rangay New Rizal, Mlang have recently learned something new: wastes from pomelo can be turned to income-generating products.

Farmers turn pomelo trash to cashBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

This, after the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 trained the members of New Rizal Barangay Food Terminal Association on processing technologies that would turn pomelo peelings and seeds into healthy capsules, tea, candies, marmalade, juice and many more. Peelings and seeds were usually thrown to bins as wastes after the pomelo fruits are peeled and eaten.

During the training, the growers were also oriented on good manufacturing practices, food safety, and on hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) to their products’ safety and acceptability in the markets. “We are now inspired to grow pomelo trees. With the amazing DOST technologies, we can now be more productive not only by selling fresh pomelo fruits but gaining much income from its peelings and seeds

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which we used to throw away”, said Barangay New chairperson Rizal Ricardo Buenaflor. The training was held in August as an activity during North Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival.Pomelo an exotic fruit known for its juicy flesh is widely grown in North Cotabato. It is rich in vitamins and good source of folic and potassium and has therapeutic content that could help fight cancer, prevent osteoporosis, reduce high cholesterol and aids digestion aside from its being a good medium to lose excess weight, clear arterial deposits and fight infections.Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, regional director of DOST 12 is encouraging the growers to process pomelo

fruits and to avail of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).SETUP is a banner program of DOST with a nationwide implementation to assist micro, small and medium enterprises become technologically competent. Aside from training support, it can also provide other assistance including product standardization through laboratory testing and analysis, packaging and labeling, consultancy services via the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement (CAPE) and the Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOST 12)

DTI-MOR awards Timbangan ng Bayan to CDOby DTI-MOR

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR) Provincial Office is set to award 47 units of the “Timbangan ng Bayan” to 23 municipalities and three cities including Cagayan de oro city in the province, as part of the agency’s continuing effort to promote consumer welfare and a healthy business environment.

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The “15kg. x 50g.” Stainless Mechanical Scale will come along with 47 customized and high quality Housings; 7 sets of “11.5kg” Test Weights (1pc. 5kg., 2 pcs. 2kg, 1pc. 1kg. and 1pc. 500g.); and 7 sets of “10kg.” Test Weights. Today at 3:00 p.m., the first ceremonial turn-over of the project will be done in partnership with the Cagayan de Oro City Price Coordinating Council (CDO-CPCC). Twenty sets of the mechanical scales and housings; and, five sets of the test weights will be distributed to five of Cagayan de Oro City’s public markets namely Agora, Bulua, Carmen, Cogon and Puerto. Each shall have four weighing scales and housings and one complete set of the test weights. A Bantay Presyo billboard will also be opened along the unveiling of the Timbangan ng Bayan.

Provincial Director Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore and the City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno will officially unveil the project at Cogon Market near Yacapin entrance during the ceremony. Members of the CDO-CPCC, actively co-chaired by Atty. Jose Edgardo “Egay” Uy; representatives from the tri-media; officers of the market vendors; members of the Consumer Organizations such as KKI and CDOtransco; the Orochamber; the students; and, some key officials of the city will come to witness the activity. The “Timbangan ng Bayan” and “Bantay Presyo Billboard” aim to materialize the concept of “Tamang

Timbang, Tamang Presyo, at De-Kalidad na Produkto.” Through the Timbangan ng Bayan, consumers are provided an effective means of checking the accuracy of the weights and the quantity of the gods they buy. The DTI is encouraging consumers to use not only of the public weighing scales particularly when in doubt of the weights of the items bought at the market; but also, of the Bantay Presyo Billboard for the updated prices of the basic commodities, other grocery items, vegetable, meat, and all other items sold in the market. The city government through the City Economic Enterprise Development (CEED) headed by Engr. Peter Abejuela will take charge of the safe keeping of the project at the designated markets.

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Greenpeace campaign for ecological agriculture continuesby Rutchie Cabahug-AguhobOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The advocacy for saying “Yes to Ecological Agriculture,” of Greenpeace Philippines (Greenpeace), continues. This was emphasized by Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace country manager, during the Media Forum on Ecological Agriculture held at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City, on Sept. 18, this year. Attended by media practitioners all over the region, the forum discussed issues on the Ecological Agriculture Situation of the region, Rice Diversity and the Challenges Faced by Farmers, among others. Baconguis said Greenpeace is an independent, global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behaviour to protect and conserve the environment and promote peace. Particularly, Greenpeace campaigns for ecological agriculture that advocates for healthy and safe food, sustainably produced without harming nature, she said. Meanwhile, Daniel Ocampo, Greenpeace SAGE Campaigner said ecological agriculture is a farming system that works in harmony with

nature. It taps into ecological and natural processes to produce food, and is beneficial not only to the environment, but also to the livelihood of farmers. Ecological Agriculture protects and keeps the soil healthy by using organic fertilizer, mulching and cultivating other plants as natural fertilizers. By not using harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that contribute to greenhouse gases, ecological agriculture helps in Climate Change Mitigation, Ocampo said.

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - All set for the 15th year National Maritime Week (NMW) celebration in northern Mindanao which will commence the 19th and end on the 27th of September 2014.

NorMin marks maritime week 2014by PIA

With the theme “IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation,” stakeholders are stepping up efforts for more participation of maritime and seafaring industry members, as well as the maritime education sector and other relevant groups to achieve full success of the weeklong event, said Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, regional director, MARINA-X. Various activities lined-up for the celebration include: Fun Golf Tournament at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club for the stakeholders and friends in the maritime industry during the opening day on September 21, at 5:00 a.m. Dressing of ships, blowing up of ship’s horns, motorcade, concelebrated mass, opening program ceremony, bloodletting/medical assistance, maritime/OFW help desk and press conference are slated on September 22. Help desk is intended to provide information and guidance related to maritime industry. For September 23, there will be a coastal cleanup along barangay Puntod and Macalabalan, Cagayan de Oro city. Shipyard visitation at

the Philippine Iron Construction and Marine Works (PICMW) will be on September 24. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will spearhead drills on Fire, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Marine Pollution (MARPOL) on September 25. The celebration will also be highlighted with a participation to a Mindanao-wide tree planting dubbed “Treevolution: Greening MindaNOW Challenge,” setting to break India’s record for the Most Number of Trees Planted simultaneously in multiple locations on September 26. Further, there will be maritime symposium at the Capitol University (CU). It will be capped with a planting and maintenance of mangrove on September 27 at Taytay, El Salvador, Misamis Oriental. On the same day, there will be zumba, concelebrated mass, and closing program and awarding. Also lined-up are exhibits, video presentation and friendship games. The celebration also highlights the safety of seafarers, passengers and ships to prevent maritime incidents.

DENR wooing support to Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”By Gideon C. CorguePAGADIAN CITY– Local government units (LGUs), academe, civic groups and people’s organizations have expressed support to the Sept. 26, 2014 “TreeVolution,” a Mindanao-wide tree planting activity spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA).

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Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow,” aims to plant 4.6 million trees throughout Mindanao at 8:30-9:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Vitaliano Valdez of the second district of Zamboanga del Sur said in a media forum held by Philippine Information Agency (PIA9) over the weekend that he was very happy that various civic groups have already signified their support to the said activity. With his recent visit to the municipalities of Bayog, Dumalinao, Kumalarang, Pitogo and Tigbao to solicit support from the local officials, people’s organization and academe, Valdez said all the stakeholders had expressed their 100 percent support to the undertaking. “For the municipality of Bayog, I was expecting that only 250 planters would join the activity but when I talked with Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr., he promised to send 2,000 participants,” he announced. Valdez said the same response he got from Mayor Danilo Dalid of tigbao town when he personally visited him at his office. “For Tigbao, the Mayor Danilo Dalid promised to send not only 250 but 1,000 participants who are

mostly of students and government employees to join the activity,” Valdez reported. Meanwhile, CENRO Serena Cabrera of 1st district of the Zamboanga del Sur said her office has enough seedlings for the activity. “We have sufficient seedlings to be planted during the activity,” Cabrera assured. “For the first district, the DENR has designated the following planting sites, anmely: Barangay Dulop in Dumingag town, Binayan and Cogonan in Labangan municipality, Upper Dimorok in Molave town and Sto. Nino in Sominot municipality. Mr. Carlito Tuballa, regional technical director for Forest Management Services (FMS) said “the DENR is very excited to launch the activity owing to the positive response of the stakeholders during consultations/meetings with local chief executives and school administrators and people’s orgnizations.”“The entire workforce of the agency has made enough preparation to break India’s record as having planted the most number of trees in multiple locations for an hour,” Tuballa concluded.