one mindanao - september 24, 2015

92 police personnel temporarily deployed to Cotabato City

GSIS - Pagadian holds Pensioners’ Day

DPWH to build 6,098 more classrooms nationwide

International groups laud gains of

Bangsamoro peace process

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15National

Western

InFocus

By: Claro A. Lanipa

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No.25

Road right of way problems hound diversion road expansion

Children’s rights head topics in leadership and disaster preparedness confab

By: Michael Uy

DA-SELAP Phase II: A legacy for development in Caraga

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Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

SouthernBy: Lorry V Gabule

By: Perlita B. Changco

OUR

CO

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OPAPP, PAMANA LANAW enjoins stakeholders in National Peace Consciousness Month celeb

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By: Aurelius P. Arais

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By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

36Old City Hall to be restored as museum, info center

Grains Industry Week celebration in SurSur underway3941

CaragaDTI Surigao Norte to meet with consumer welfare desks officersBy: Greg Tataro Jr.37By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

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 EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, 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 24, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

DA-SELAP Phase II: A legacy for development in CaragaBy: Aurelius P. Arais

5September 24, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

DA-SELAP Phase II: A legacy for development in Caraga


Two FMR’s are set to be completed this year in Dinagat Islands particularly in the municipalities of Dinagat and Cagdianao.

Other FMRs are located in Buenavista, Magallanes and Santiago in Agusan del Norte; San Francisco and Malimono in Surigao del Norte and San Miguel,

A s the Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Project Phase II (SELAP2) comes to an end this year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga constructed a total

of 12 farm to market roads (FMR) since 2012 with a total length of 8.585 kilometers amounting to P48.5 million.


Lanuza and Cagwait in Surigao del Sur.

SELAP2 Finance and Livelihood focal person Jessica Da-an said that under SELAP2 all farm to market roads are fully concrete in conformation to DA’s guidelines.

“A concrete FMR lasts long and could withstand different climatic conditions and could be utilized for a longer period of time,” Da-an said.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the primary problem with gravel roads is that they are not resistant to the effects of changing climate. Hence, DA readily implemented the resolution that all DA FMR’s would be concreted. Alongside the construction of

FMRs, SELAP2 also implemented 19 livelihood projects amounting to P5.7 million and now managed by the respective peoples’ organizations (PO).

Each PO were funded P300,000.00 for their livelihood projects ranging from food processing, handicraft making and production of value adding products from abaca and coconut.

Romueld Borromeo, purok president of Sitio Ipil, Agsam, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur said that the construction of the farm to market road in their area greatly helped their constituents for easy movement of products and residents.

“We are very grateful that DA-SELAP2 constructed this road, it gives us relief from hardships of transporting our products just as we had

experienced before. During emergencies, this road is a big help,” Borromeo said.

The roads’ benefit was notonly confined to agriculturebut also brought other basic services of the municipality much accessible to the people. Mayor Jose Arpilleda of Madrid, Surigao


del Sur said that SELAP project boosted their campaign against malnutrition.

“With the products made by farmers’ wives as members of the RIC, children can now access a healthy drink which is good for the body not just for the small ones but for the older ones as well,” Mayor Arpilleda said.

Madrid is a recipient of a livelihood project through the Patong-Patong Rural Improvement Club with their Soya Milk Processing and Soya Coffee.

The Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Project (SELAP) is a special project of the national government implemented by the DA funded by a loan under the United States Public Law 480 (PL 480).

It is primarily designed to cater to the needs of the poorest or marginalized sectors and areas in Mindanao. It is implemented in Regions IX, XI and Caraga.

SELAP2 had been implemented since 2012 and will end this year while SELAP Phase 1 runs from 2006 to 2011.


Philippines, Vietnam on the road to becoming strategic partners

MANILA-- Hon. Evan P. Garcia, Undersecretary for Policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, headed the Philippine delegation to meet with Viet Nam counterparts last September 14 for the Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) of the 8th Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission on Bilateral Relations (JCBC) and the 2nd Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission on Maritime and Ocean Concerns (JCMOC) held in the capital city of Hanoi, Viet Nam.


The Viet Nam delegation was headed by Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Dang Minh Khoi. The SOM-level meeting for the 8th JCBC is in preparation for the Ministerial Meeting slated in October 2015 between the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Albert F. del Rosario and Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Pham Binh Minh.

The SOM-level meeting of the 8th JCBC took into

consideration the growth of the bilateral relations between the two countries over the past four decades and provided direction for future cooperation.

Among the highlights of the meeting were discussions of the imminent signing of the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic

Partnership Agreement between the Philippines and Viet Nam. Also discussed was the visit of Viet Nam President H.E. Truong Tan Sang to Manila on November to participate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, as well as the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on 12 July 2016.

Usec. Garcia explained during the meeting that “the upgrading of the relationship between the Philippines and Viet Nam to a Strategic Partnership is a logical step in substantiating


the strength of our bilateral relationship.”

Usec. Garcia and Vice Minister Khoi agreed that there is great potential for cooperation on both sides for enhancing political cooperation, cooperation in defense, security, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, science, technology,environment, education, culture, and tourism.

The two sides emphasized the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges and acknowledged the goodwill that exists between the peoples of both countries.

Vice Minister Khoi said during the meetings that “We are two friends. There are no issues in which we cannot support each other. We are very sincere with each other, that’s why we’re upgrading our relationship.”

For the 2nd JCMOC, the Philippines and Viet Nam exchanged information and views on the recent developments in the South China Sea. Both countries affirmed theircommitment to uphold the rule of law in the region, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, called for the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (COC).

Later that day, Usec. Evan Garcia called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh. Foreign Minister Minh welcomed the progress of the meetings that were earlier conducted. Both sides expressed their delight at the strong, stable and growing relations between the two countries. (DFA)


DPWH to build 6,098 more classrooms nationwide

MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P9.41 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the government’s primary construction arm, to build 6,098 classrooms in 956 high schools nationwide for the Department of Education (DepEd).


Charged under the DepEd’s Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) in the 2015 National Budget, the fund release of P9.41 billion will increase the capacity of public high schools, as well as accommodate the rising number of students each year. Only P61.5 million of the BEFF is left for release, pending the submission of documentary requirements by the DepEd.

“We’ve already closed the classroom gap based on the 2010 backlog target, and now we’re determined to build more classrooms due to the increasing number of enrollees each year. We are also preparing for the proper implementation of the K-12 program by next year,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

“There have been delays in the construction of these classrooms, due to the education agency’s exhaustive process in assessing their targets. However,

the DepEd had to identify and validate the safety of these sitesfirstaspartoftheNationalGovernment’s ‘Build Back Better’ strategy,” Abad said. Of the 15 regions, Region IV-A (Calabarzon) will have the highest allocation with P2.17 billion to build 1,349 classrooms. This is followed by NCR with P1.29 billion for 751 classrooms and Region VI with P1.2 billion for 835 classrooms.

Aside from the allocation for the classrooms above amounting to P9.33 billion, the releases also include buffer funds of P82.6 million to ensure there would be appropriate budgetary support for additional foundation works if needed.

The education agency received P377.7 billion this year, the highest budget among all departments and agencies. It will continue to have the largest allocation in the 2016 proposed

14 September 24, 2015ONE MINDANAO14 September 24, 2015ONE MINDANAO

budget with P435.9 billion, an increase of 15.4 percent or P58.2 billion from last year, to cover its programs and projects.

“With 99.87 percent of the BEFF already released, the National Government can now focus on achieving our construction targets for the year.

More importantly, the building of these school facilities will help us improve the quality of education to better prepare our graduates for work or higher education,” the budget chief said. (DBM)

The breakdown of allocation per region is as follows:


International groups laud gains of Bangsamoro peace process

DAVAO CITY – Representatives of international donor countries yesterday expressed optimism that the Bangsamoro peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) would succeed despite tough challenges, such the slow progress in the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity and sporadic violence in the area. During the Security Summit held in this city Monday, September 21, international

observers noted that the peace and order situation and the economic condition of Mindanao


have improved, albeit slowly, since the Philippine government and the MILF agreed on a formal ceasefirein1997.

The Security Summit sponsored by The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Conciliation Resources was attended by Australian First Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Warren Hoye; members of the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), a body created by the GPH and MILF peace panels to coordinate the processes and mechanisms of the Normalization Program as part of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro; the ceasefire mechanismswhich include the International Monitoring Team (IMT) and joint Coordinating Committee

on the Cessation of Hostilities; International Decommissioning Body (IDB) which oversees the decommissioning process of the MILF; international donor agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs).

In his speech before the participants of the Security Summit, Hoye said the Australian government is satisfied withthe positive impact of the peace process on the lives of Mindanaoans. “Sincetheceasefirebetweenthe government of the Philippines and the MILF has been in place, we have seen marked reduction in violent incidents (with the exception of the all-out war in 2000 and after the MoA-AD decision in


2008),” Hoye observed. “We have also seen increasing investments in the ARMM in recent years so we have seen peace bring an improvement in security which has allowed development,” he added. Hoye reiterated that the Australian government remains steadfast in its support to the peace process and for the development in the ARMM and the Bangsamoro. He said that after many decadesofviolenceandconflictin Mindanao, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) offers the basis of a durable political settlement for the people of Mindanao and the Philippines. “There is some uncertainty around BBL [passage] at present, but we shouldn’t let this threaten thebenefitswhichhaveaccruedto date through peace and security.” He added that Australia remains a strong supporter of peace in Mindanao and would like to see lasting peace and stability in the south to allow development and prosperity to take root in the

region.

The world is watching Meanwhile, Kristian Herbolzheimer, Programme Director of Conciliation Resources for the Philippines and Colombia, said the Mindanao peace process is now the main reference beside prior major peace agreements in Nepal, Sudan and the Northern Ireland by groups and peoples whose efforts are focused on endingconflictsworldwide. “The world is watching (what happens in Mindanao),” Herbolzheimer said. “This is to say that what you are doing now is not only important for Mindanao, for the Bangsamoro, for the Philippines, it’s a reference for the rest of the world,” he added. Herbolzheimer explained that military officers and civilsociety groups in Colombia regularly request him to share developments in the Mindanao peace process, particularly on issues related to security and normalization, and the role of civil society in enforcing and implementing these important


facets in a peace process. “We do know that security is the most valued peace dividend for people who live in conflictaffected areas,” he pointed out. Herbolzheimer urged the summit’s participants to identify “how we can play complementary roles in order for all of us to deliver our common goal which is better security, for the communities and the Bangsamoro.” Retired Maj. Gen. Leo Cresente M. Ferrer, a member of the JNC representing the Philippine government, said civil society should play an active role in enforcing the peace agreement and pressuring the government and the MILF to follow their commitments. Ferrer noted that there are four components of the program for normalization in

the Bangsamoro, namely the security aspect, which includes policing and transitional security arrangements, the decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons, redeployment of AFP units and troops, and disbandment of private armed groups (PAGs); socio-economic development; transitional justice and reconciliation; and confidence-buildingmeasures.

Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, also a JNC member and representing the MILF, said that they are open for collaboration with civil society partners, citing CSO contributions in the milestones of the Bangsamoro peace process.

The Security Summit with the JNC was spearheaded by TAF and the Conciliation Resources to provide a venue for the JNC to introduce its mandate and activities, for all organizations working on security to present

their activities and plans as well as provide a platform for increased coordination and collaboration between JNC and civil society organizations working on security-related issues.


NFA launches 1M-food guardians campaign

By Jocelyn P Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Philippines is not among the leading rice producers in the globe in spite of the presence of suitable environment. Glitches on the imbalance between rice production and consumption is a real thing in this contemporary time, thus our government plays an active role in addressing this issue.


To give emphasis on the enhancement of national food security, the promotion of food safety and quality consciousness among the Filipino people and fair trade practices in the grains market, the National Food Authority (NFA) launched this week an advocacy campaign dubbed “One Million Food Guardians for 100 Million Filipino People.” The advocacy crusade seeks to solicit one million volunteer-individuals to serve as vanguards against rice wastage which runs from Sept. 21-26. “This movement seeks to encourage individuals from

different sectors to be Food Guardians who will become partners of NFA in ensuring that rice, the staple food of Filipinos, is available, accessible, affordable, and safe for the public,” said Jordan Lee Valente, NFA Regional Informationofficer.

Responsibilities of Food Guardians

Valente said, Food Guardians are expected to uphold NFA’s rice sufficiency initiatives likethe “BeRiceponsible” Campaign, which aims to promote the “RICEponsibility” of every Filipino to help the country achieve rice


self-sufficiency by not wastingrice. “Every day, an individual is wasting an average of two (2) tablespoons of rice which could add up to 3.3 kg a year. With the 100 million population of the country, the rice wasted could reach up to 330,000 MT every year and costs around 27 million pesos daily or 10 billion pesos yearly,” Valente was quoted as saying. Rice guardians are also expected to support the Bantay Bigas Campaign which seeks the support of the public in making sure that rice is available, accessible, affordable and visible in public markets by reporting to NFA Bantay Bigas Hotline,” Valente said. NFA Bantay Bigas Hotline numbers are (0906-4363133/991-1828/991-1789)and NFA social media accounts ( w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /nfapublicaffairs, www.facebook.com/NFAregion9 and @bigas_nfa on Twitter) Guardians are also expected to upkeep the Food Safety Campaign “which educates the public on proper food handling procedures to make sure that rice is safe for consumers,” Valente

explained.

How to be a food Guardian

Valente advises, to sign-up as a Food Guardian, volunteers can follow the Food Guardians Facebook page (www.facebook.com/foodguardians and/or www.facebook.com/NFAregion9) and post their photo holding a fansign: “I am a FOOD GUARDIAN” with the hashtag #1for100iNFAntry. “Interested volunteers may also visit sign-up booths located atNFAofficesregionwide.Photosof the Food Guardian volunteers will be posted on the NFA Food Guardian Facebook page portraying the unity of the Food Guardians across the country,” he said. As of press time, more than a thousand food guardians in region 9 have volunteered for the cause.


PAGADIAN CITY – Nearly 300 pensioner’s gathered at the Liga ng mga Barangay hall here last Saturday for the Pensioners’ Day sponsored by the Government Service Insurance Service (GSIS), Pagadian City branch office.

GSIS - Pagadian holds Pensioners’ Day

By Claro A. Lanipa

Mr. Leoncito S. Manuel, GSIS Pagadian City branch head, officially announced during thesaid occasion that the members and pensioners would receive

additional benefits startingSeptember this year. Among the benefits offeredareasfollows;funeralbenefitofGSIS members and pensioners


will be increased from P20,000 to P30,000. In addition, more than 272,000 regular old-age and disability pensioners as of Dec. 31, 2014 will receive a one-time benefitequivalenttoone-monthpension, or P10,000 whichever is lower, Manuel said. GSIS will also be introducing a“milestone”benefitschemeforalmost 6,000 pensioners who, as of September 1, 2015 are 90 to 94 years old will be granted a milestone benefit ofP20,000; while 1,100 pensioners who are 95-99 years old will get P50,000; and 181 pensioners who are 100 years old and above will get P100,000. Moreover, starting Sept. 2, 2015 and thereafter, regular pensioners will be paid

the following milestone benefitontheirbirthday:P20,000 to pensioners who turn 90 years old; P30,000 to pensioners who will turn 95 years old; and , P50,000 to pensioners who turn 100 years old, Manuel added. GSIS is in a position to enhance these benefitsduetoitsrecordfinancialperformance in 2014

with a total assets reached to P908 billion while income spiked to P140 billion and revenues to P231 billion. Meanwhile, pensioners were also provided with free medical check-up and consultation, fasting blood sugar test, dental services, haircut, medicines and vitamins during last Saturday’s pensioners’ day.


Agribusiness, key employment generator in PH – DOLE

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) during its 3rd Northern Mindanao Career Advocacy Congress on 17-18 September 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City urged Career Guidance Counselors to introduce to students the career path in Agribusiness and other key employment generators in the country.

By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat


BLE Director Dominique R. Tutay said that children must be exposed to these kinds of career opportunities wherein they do not just become agriculturist but also become entrepreneurs by going up the value chain in manufacturing agriculture products, thus earning more. She said that food is very basic and critical in order to develop and sustain the country. We must harness Agribusiness otherwise we just keep on importing from neighbouring countries, she said. Based on the labor force survey from July 2014 to July 2015, youth unemployment rate increased almost 1% from 15.8% to 16.4% whereas it was declining from 2010 to 2013. Meanwhile region 10 labor force decreased from 2,076 in 2014 to 2,022 in 2015. In fact, Tutay said that youth composes half of the unemployed population where 50.4% or 1.351M youth from 15-24 years old while 46.3% or 1.241M from ages 25-54 years old do not have jobs. She said that based on the labor market information report from 2013 – 2020, key employment generators include Agribusiness, Mining, Manufacturing, Power,

Construction, IT-BPM, Health and Wellness, Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Wholesale and Retail Trade, Banking and Finance, Transport and Logistics, Ownership, Dwellings and Real Estate and Education. Meanwhile, emerging industries include renewable energy and shipbuilding. Key employment generator is a major industry group with great potential to generate employment and absorb bulk of the workforce in the years to come. Meanwhile, emerging industry is an industry group growing at a rate faster than the economy and exhibiting potential to grow and prosper, thus capable of generating a large number of new and fresh employment. She said that it is important to know what is in the labor market especially in making decisions for their career. Tutay said that DOLE together with the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), PublicEmploymentServicesOffice(PESO) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have convergent


Children’s rights head topics in leadership and disaster preparedness confabOROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – Children’s Rights headed the topics of the Leadership Enhancement and School Disaster Preparedness Seminar-Workshop for student leaders, on Sept. 21, 2015.

Attended by Presidents and Advisers of Supreme Pupil Governments from the different schools of the province, the workshop, which was held at Naomi’s Botanical Garden, in Ozamiz City, was conducted by World Vision Himaya 2, in cooperation with the Department of Education, Division of Misamis Occidental (DepEd-Mis. Occ.) Also discussed during the one-day activity were the areas on Child Protection Policy, Psychological Support in Relation to Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Culture of Reading

in Relation to Basic School Safety and Disaster Preparedness and First Aid. Meanwhile, Dr. Jonathan S. Dela Peňa, Schools DivisionSuperintendentl, said the workshop was aimed at helping students develop passionate love of country, values and competencies that will enable them to realize their full potential and to contribute meaningfully in building the nation. It was also aimed to help develop a student-friendly, safe and motivating learning environment and

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

programs on Jobs-Skills Matching particularly in K to 12, Philippine Qualifications Network, CareerGuidance Advocacy Program and Enhanced PhilJobNet with the support of the Networks of Career Guidance Counselors in region 10. She also urges the youth to

check PhilJobNet online at http://www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph/ to find jobs andmay downloadits app on mobile. A total of 1.5M companies are registered in the system. Job seekers can also search for job fairs in their area, Top Jobs and Top Hiring Companies.


TheOfficeofthePresidentialAdviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is tasked to lead and coordinate with national government agencies, civil society organizations and different sectors in the observance of month-long peace celebration In 2004, the government issued Proclamation No. 675 declaring September of every year

as National Peace Consciousness Month. This is to instill greater consciousness among Filipinos on the comprehensive peace process, and promote a culture of peace based on non-violence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity. PAMANA LANAW an inter-

OPAPP, PAMANA LANAW enjoins stakeholders in National Peace Consciousness Month celebBy: Lorry V GabuleBACOLOD, Lanao del Norte – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in collaboration with the PAMANA LANAW (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn LALAN KO KALINAW), invited various stakeholders in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City in this month’s peace celebration to highlight contribution in promoting culture of peace and fostering unity, solidarity and active participation among agencies and sectors.

nurture an inclusive, service-oriented, gender-sensitive and environment-conscious community. Another aim of the workship was to help students develop self-confidence,criticalthinking,problem-solving, decision-making and to utilize these skills

in contributing towards national building. On the other hand, Dela Peňasaidinvitedtotheworkshopwere the38beneficiary schoolsof World Vision Himaya 2 from the districts of Clarin, Sinacaban, Panaon and Lopez-Jaena.


agency body which acts as an oversight in the implementation of PAMANA projects in Lanao del Norte, chairs all activities lined-up for the month Musa Mohamad Sanguila, chairperson, PAMANA- LANAW and director of the PAKIGDAIT Inc., said series of activities are apt in the National Peace Consciousness Month 2015. The celebration started with a Peace Walk on September 10 at 5:30AM, Barangay Esperanza, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, participated by walkers from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine Army (AFP), Department of Education, Local Government Units of Bacolod and from other towns of the province (LGUs), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), National Line Agencies, PAMANA LANAW Core Group, youth groups, the Provincial Government, and the media. A program at the town’s plaza follows. Schedule of activities are National Clean Up Day and Mangrove Growing in Bacolod town on September 19, 2015 at 8:00AM., Football for Peace set on September 19-20 at the sports complex, Mindanao Civic

Center, Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Medical and dental civic action program (MedCap) in Munai and showcasing of PAMANA Projects in the municipalities of Munai, Kauswagan, and Pantao Ragat on September 23. On September 24, 2015, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte- will host the culminating activity, dubbed as Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw- or “Convergence for Peace” with the participation of different national agencies and other stakeholders, conveying the message that the pursuit of peace and development is everyone’s responsibility. This is a convergence of cabinet heads or their representatives of the OfficeofthePresidentialAdviseronthePeace Process (OPAPP), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the AFP, PNP, the Municipal Mayors-LGUs, MNLF, CSOs, other National Line Agencies, PAMANA LANAW Core Group, the Governor and Provincial Board Members of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte. Now on its 11th year, the annual celebration continues its aim of harnessing a culture of peace among different sectors and inspiring them to play their part in achieving a just and lasting peace for the country.


This according to Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario follow-ing the kidnapping incident wherein three foreigners and one Filipina were abducted at Holiday Oceanview Re-sort in Barangay Camudmud in Babak District. “The manner in which they came in and left, it indicated that security was loose.” The Governor said. He added that a security plan must exist

in the island. One of the security plans calls for an open beachline as most of the is-land’s beaches is fenced in with walls and jetties for exclusivity. “There are so many obstructions, itisdifficulttorespond.”TheGovernorsaid describing the state of Samal’s beaches. He noted that the island’s roads particularly located inthemountainsmakesitdifficultfor

DAVAO CITY- An open beachline will ultimately boost the security in Samal Island.

Open beaches boost Samal security- Guv


According to the OfficialGazette of the Republic of the Philippines, Martial Law was declared on September 23, 1972 contrary to the popular notion that it was on September 21. The Gazette based its post to the research of the Presidential Communications Development

and Strategic Planning Office(PCDSPO), who produced papers containing timeline leading up to the Martial Law and even up to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship, which were taken from the point of view of the people who lived through the events that had unfolded.

DAVAO CITY- Road right-of-way problems particularly the mushroom-ing of illegal settlers in the proposed project site is hounding the diver-sion road expansion program.

Road right of way problems hound diversion road expansion

enforcers to respond thus the need for the beachline as passageway and the need for it to be unobstructed. The local government of the Is-land Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are trying to enforce the Water Code of the Phil-ippines, which delineates foreshore areas as easements. Resort owners have objected to the enforcement stating that natural features of Samal Island’s foreshore area are not pure beach but rather marked by coves and cliffs. They also contended that the walls and jetties provide security and privacy which is the selling point of the beaches. The beaches exclusivity was also echoed as part of the problem in se-curing the island according to Senior Superintendent Samual Gadingan, di-

rector of the Davao del Norte Police Provincialoffice. Gadingan said most of the re-sorts won’t allow policemen to the properties thus they are incapable of conducting a survey of the security measures implemented by the re-sorts. Governor del Rosario said that Samal could have been easily secured as Davao Gulf makes it a natural bar-rier for any lawless elements to strike within the island. He said outgoing watercraft could easily be intercepted within the gulf. The Governor suggested that among the security measures be put in place is the construction of helipads in the mountains of Samal where the Air Force can base its choppers in the area. (PIA/RG Alama)


The actual date was based on the full implementation of the martial law, which is after the nationwide address of President Marcos at 7:15PM of September 23. Although Proclamation No. 1801 was dated September 21, historians have different views as to the actual date of its signing. David Rosenberg writing in the Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars (“The End of the Freest Press in the World,” Vol. 5, 1973) and Raymond Bonner in his book Waltzing with the Dictator

emphasized that Marcos signed the proclamation in the morning of September 23. Meanwhile, Bangkok Post in a series of articles called “The Aquino Papers” chronicled that the President signed it on September 17 postdated to September 21. The full text of the briefer and comprehensive timeline can be viewed at the websites of the Official Gazette and thePresidential Museum and Library. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


Spain builds office for CHR in SOCCSKSARGEN By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept. 24 -- The Spanish Gov-ernment through its international cooperation mechanism, Agen-cia Española de Cooperacion Para la Desarollo (AECID), is con-structing an office building for the Commission on Human Rights in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (CHR-12)


On Tuesday, September 22, CHRandAECIDofficialsledthegroundbreaking ceremony at the site in the Regional Center at Carpenter Hill, this city.

Among the guests were CHR Commissioner Gwendolyn Pi-mentel-Gana, CHR Field Opera-tionsOfficer Atty.HomerRusi-ana and AECID Project Manager Lourdes Espenido. Local CHR of-ficialswereledbyCHR12Offi-cer-in-charge Atty Erlan Deluvio.

In her message, Commission Pimentel-Gana said the con-struction of a permanent officebuilding in SOCCSKSARGEN Re-gion would assure that “people of all religion, race, sex, etcetera will have a place to go to if they need help in terms of addressing violations and abuse of their hu-man rights.”

SOCCSKSARGEN Region or Re-gion 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat as well as the cities of Gener-al Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidawapan and Cotabato.

Pimentel-Gana also noted that the building is one of the four CHR officesbeing constructedin the Philippines with aid from the Spanish government.

The other three CHR build-ings currently in construction

are located in Region 2, Region 3, Region 5.

The two-storey CHR 12 is lo-cated at the Regional Center here, close to the Agri-Pinoy Center(DA12Regional Office)and the CIOFF Park.

Atty Deluvio told Philippine Information Agency 12, the lot -- measuring 523 square meters -- was donated by the city gov-ernment.Construction of the office

building is expected to end in March 2016 per request of the AECID management.

Meanwhile, AECID Project Manager Espenido said the of-ficebuildingispartofthe2.75million Euro (Php 152 M) AECID project entitled “Institutional Strengthening of Commission of Human Rights in the Philippines.”

For the CHR 12 building, AE-CID has allocated P14 M, Espe-nido said, emphasizing further that the requirement for the selection of a region for the con-structionofanofficebuildingisfor the CHR to provide the lot.

She, however, noted that all transactions, including the con struction of the building, should be completed in March 2016 be-cause the AECID project will end in June of the same year.

This assistance, she added,


92 police personnel temporarily deployed to Cotabato CityBy Perlita B. Changco

also includes training support for CHR personnel as well as equip-ment and computers for the of-fices.

OIC Deluvio disclosed that be-side the building, CHR 12 also received a vehicle from AECID. Recently,theregionalCHRofficewas also given a vehicle by the UNHCR.

Architect James Dulia of DPWH 12 said the building was de-signed with the façade depict-

ing an arrow “to emphasize the strength of CHR.”

“It was also designed as a green building. Energy cost will be lesser because many parts of the building are in glasses. All rooms in the CHR building have windows that can accommodate natural lighting.Even during brownouts, the building will re-main well ventilated,” Dulia said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

COTABATO CITY, Sept. 24– To strengthen peace and security mea-sures in the city, the Philippine Regional Office (PRO) 12 has deployed some 92 policemen from the Regional Public Safety Bat-talion and Regional Headquarter’s Service Group to Cotabato City recenty.

According to City Police Direc-tor PSSupt Rex Anongos, this number is not enough to address the shortage of the present num-ber of police force but still a big helpintheintensifiedimplemen-tation of security plan here.

“These policemen will be here

temporarily. They are an augmen-tation team sent by the regional officetothemunicipalities,citiesand provinces that celebrate ma-jor activities to ensure the safe-ty of the people in the area. For now, there are no scheduled ac-tivities to be conducted so they


will be here for the meantime,” Anongos said.

Based on the data of the Co-tabatoCityPoliceOffice(CCPO),there are only 267 police person-nel presently serving the increas-ing population of the city.Hesaid,outof92,fiveofthem

areofficials.“They will oversee and super-

vise the implementation of peace and security here as one of the precautionary measures and at the same time to prevent any commission of criminal activi-ties,”theofficialsaid.

On September 18, the newly arrived police forces started their duties wherein some of them are assigned to conduct check points in entrance and exit points.

He added, “I don’t know until when these men will be here but I’m hoping that they will stay here for so many days to assist our 267 policemen especially so that some new department stores are set to open anytime soon.”

In terms of mobility, Anongos said the PNP is doing its best to provide mobile patrols aside from the issued police vehicles to the stations for them to easily re-spond to the reported incidents, Anongos said.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. expressed his heartfelt

gratitdue to PRO-12 Regional Di-rector Lester Camba for sending these policemen here even on a temporary basis.

“Hopefully, these number will increase because we know for a fact that Cotabato City has so many entrance and exits that lawless groups used to commit any crime here,” Guiani said.

Guiani mentioned that the local government and CCPO are plan-ning to establish another one po-lice station here as an addition-al to the four (4) existing police stations.(IEroy/PBChangco/PIA Cotabato City)


COTABATO CITY, Sept24 -- Cotabato City’s Old City Hall located along A. Dorotheo Street will soon become a museum and and information center for tourists.

Old City Hall to be restored as museum, info center

The Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 and the local govern-ment of Cotabato have joined hand for the restoration of the old city hall.

The project costs Php2.1 million with Php1.5 million from DOT-12 and the other Php600,000 from the LGU funds.

DOT 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera said once the old city hall will be rehabilitated, it will serve as a museum where some of the cultural artifacts and icons will be housed.

Tourists and visitors will also be able to avail of souvenir items such as brass wares and inaul that will be on sale in the center.

The City Government of Cota-bato, through its City Engineer-ing Office, shall begin the con-struction anytime this year and expectstheprojecttobefinishedearly next year.

The facility is expected to for-mally open on the celebration of the Araw ng Cotabato 2016.

“It has always been one of the goals of this administration to build a museum for Cotabato City because we know that we truly have a rich culture and a colorful history and we want our people and also our visitors to see this,” City Administrator Atty. Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said.

Cotabato City, despite being the regional seat of the ARMM, belongs to SOCCKSARGEN Re-gion (Region 12)

It still remains as a trading and commercial center, catering to the nearby provinces of Magu-indanao and North Cotabato.

The city is also heading to-wards becoming a highly com-mercialized center but at the same time maintaining its cul-tural heritage and sustaining its agricultural and fishery sectors.(HKSatol-Ibrahim-LGU Cotabato City/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Some 60 tribal leaders all over the province of Agusan del Sur convened on Monday and issued a two-page manifesto to call on the New People’s Army (NPA) to leave their ancestral domain in the province.

AgSur tribal leaders sign manifesto to free tribal domains from NPA infestation By: David M. Suyao


In a consultation made in one of the resorts here, Datu Manggubat Marcus Gonzales, Provincial Tribal Chieftain reviewed and read one by one the provisions of the manifesto they have earlier prepared before the council in order to confirmtheir commitment to fight fortheir cause to drive away the NPA from their domains and prepare themselves to fight the NPAinfiltrationintheirareasandstopany activities that the NPA plan to inflict. “As we all hear from radio, television and other media outlet, the brutal killing in Diatagon, Lianga Surigao del Sur was all blamed to the baganis, the tribal warriors. Yes, the people they called baganis are tribal warriors as termed by the lumads ever since, but presently, there is no legal or listed bagani all over the country and we do not know if they are real baganis. Who knows? The order of the national government is to disarm the bagani, but who will they disarm?” said Mayor Dario Otaza of the municipality of Loreto, the father of the tribal leaders who liberate the municipality from the NPA’s presence. “The tribal warriors whom we, the tribal leaders who have

recognized the bagani as defender and protector of our domain? How about the NPA? Why blame that terroristic deed to our protectors and defenders? Why not to the NPA?” Mayor Otaza told. The manifesto, which will be submitted to the Department of the National Defense, the President of the Philippines and other government offices, willsupport the strengthening of the real bagani whom the tribal leaders recognized as protectors and defenders of their areas or territories from any harm and violators of their rights. Other provisions of the manifesto include their readines to fight and eradicate the NPAin the province that spread fear and disrespect to human rights, be lumads and non-lumads; that all organization of the NPA in the province have no right to join in any organization or discussion by the tribal groups; to stop organizing or strengthening of their organizations in the province especially in the tribal communities and territories and condemn the activities of their fronts like the Karapatan, ALCADEV, Bayan Muna and other groups that teach the communist ways to children and local residents. “In Agusan del Sur alone,


Grains Industry Week celebration in SurSur underway By: Greg Tataro Jr.TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The “Grains Industry Week” celebration in Surigao del Sur being spearheaded by the National Food Authority (NFA) is currently underway. According to Rolando Sindo, NFAofficer-in-charge(OIC),thisstarted on September 21 and

will culminate in the agency’s 43rd anniversary celebration on September 25.

more than 300 tribal leaders and lumads were killed by the NPAs, but until now, they are unknown. We have brought these incidents in the national level but to no avail. We wonder why the killing of the three victims in Surigao del Sur shocked the country and even the whole world and gain recognition,” Datu Gonzales said. “We can ask then, who are behind all these? Are our brothers and sisters who were killed by the NPAs not worthy of their lives? Or just because we have no

propaganda arm to sensationalize their deeds and condemn them (NPAs)? As leaders, it is now time to be ready to dedicate our lives for our rights as lumads and die for our tribes,” he added. According to Datu Gonzales and Mayor Otaza, they are preparing to conduct a tribal summit to be attended by all tribal leaders of Caraga Region and governmentofficials onOctober.However, the exact date was not yet set.


With the theme “Seguridad sa Pagkain, Tungkulin Natin,” the activities had been organized “to open awareness to all our people the importance of food security and quality,” he said. Stakeholders and representatives of national government agencies as well as the youths had been invited to take part to “showcase their roleandsignificanceinthefoodsecurity value chain,” Sindo added. The NFA provincial chief pointed out that “these activities encourage individuals and stakeholders to be a ‘food guardian,’”definingitas“makingrice available, accessible, affordable and safe for the public.” Sindo explained that since Monday, volunteers had been allowed to take ‘selfies’ and toupload their photos on their respective social media account

carrying the caption “I AM A FOOD GUARDIAN,” saying its purpose was to “share their photos on food guardian site with the hashtag #1for100iNFAntry.” An “OPEN WAREHOUSE” had been ongoing as part of the weeklong event, citing that “all will be able to enter the warehouse to take a glimpse inside,” he also said. Taking “photos with rice stocks pile as the background to be uploaded on their social media accounts with the hastag #IN-GATYAMANNGPAGKAINPILIPINO #NFAOPENWAREHOUSE” had been allowed, it was learned. Meanwhile, the NFA here bared that they received a total allocation of 84,960 bags with local rice at 2,835 bags and imported ones at 76,030 bags for the period September 19-21, 2015.


DTI Surigao Norte to meet with consumer welfare desks officers By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be calling a meeting with Consumer Welfare Desk (CWD) officers of various business establishments here to discuss vital issues concerning the speedy resolutions of consumer complaints on Sept. 25, 2015 at the Negosyo Center, DTI office, this city. The activity is expected to create a venue for the sharing of experiences of the best CWD practices of various business establishments in attending to complaints and different service needs of their customers. Officers and members ofconsumer groups will also be invited to join the meeting to provide feedback and share prevalent issues that concerns

the welfare of the consuming publictoCWDofficers. DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan stressed that the conduct of the said meeting is part of an on-going effort to improve consumer assistance services right at the firm levelfor the overall welfare of the consuming public.

FILE PHOTO

one mindanao - september 24, 2015

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