Venus L. GarciaCARAGA Region

Caraga LGU chiefs one in support for ‘TreeVolu-tion’ Guinness World Record attempt

COVER STORY

Security authorities tackling criminality in the country, says Palace

MisOcc intensifies mass immunization campaign

Landbank Tandag City branch to launch Mobile LoanSaver

OWWA, DOST to hold EDSP, CMWSP examinations

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

by Greg Tataro Jr.

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGIONDatukan named Mindanao cluster head

DavNor Capitol fetes guv’s 80th b-day

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

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by Jennifer P. Gaitano

by Danilo E. Doguiles

DOH pours in P108M for infra projects in South Cotabato 29 by Danilo E. Doguiles

MSME summit pushes ‘Go Negosyo’ centers, intensifies support to local entrepreneurs 24

Caraga LGU chiefs one in support for

‘TreeVolution’ Guinness World Record attempt

Cabadbaran City mayor Dave Corvera gave support to this significant undertaking in line with the bid to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) of India. “This will not only place Mindanao in a record-breaking moment, but also foster awareness and concern among our constituents to take part in an activity which has transcendental impotance fo this generation and beyond. With its far-reaching implications in our agenda towards nation-building, the people of Cabadbaran City is

Local executives from local government units throughout Caraga region expressed strong support to the ‘TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW,’ a Mindanao-

wide attempt to plant 4,636,000 trees simultaneously in multiple locations covering a total of 9,200 hectares in just one hour on September 26, 2014 at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

by Venus L. Garcia

Caraga LGU chiefs one in support for

‘TreeVolution’ Guinness World Record attempt

one with the rest of Mindanao in its full support towards the success of this important undertaking,” said Covera. L i k e w i s e , mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. of Butuan City conveyed that said activity is a noble act by Mindanawons aiming to enhance environmental awareness and harmonize the managemen t of Mindanao’s n a t u r a l resources. “ L e t ’ s all grab this opportunity to be a part of this

historic event, where people around the universe will witness how Mindanawons are responsible and concerned about the environment. This is also in line with the city government’s Vision 2020 and National Greening Program.

Let’s be united and be MindaONE,” articulated Amante. Meanwhile, the city government of Tandag under the

stewardship of mayor Roxanne Pimentel urged her constituents to join in the event. She said that the technical working group in partnership with Tandag City Environment and Natural Resources Office has already prepared the planting site in barangay Maticdum. Acknowledging its task to motivate every Surigaonon to be part of this ecologically innovative activity, Surigao City mayor Ernesto Matugas believed that “our efforts will not only end up to be in paper and record but a one great accomplishment of giving value to our environment and loving our mother earth.” Governor Glenda Ecleo of the Dinagat Islands province has also encouraged the Dinagatnons to participate and be able to hit the target.

The lady governor of Agusan del Norte province also said that the TreeVolution is an ambitious but a worthwhile endeavor that can only be attained by showing a collective act by the individuals

living in Mindanao. “We have to do our part now for the next generation to enjoy again the forest and greenery we used to have in Mindanao,” she added. “We do not only intend to break the GWR for the number of trees planted within an hour. We also wish to manifest that Surigaonons are one with the rest of the world in its effort to protect and preserve the environment,” bared Surigao del Norte (SDN) governor Sol Matugas. The SDN Convergence Team is composed of heads of the national line agencies, local government units,

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non-government organizations, peoples organizations, and other sectoral representatives. Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur governor Adolph Edward Plaza expresses his great appreciation to the noble cause of the greening program. “I therefore call on all the municipalities to be active part of the activity so we can all give our share in mitigating the climate change,” stated Plaza. Also, Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel assured that they will be behind in the simultaneous tree-planting activity, adding that the DENR and MinDA can also count on the provincial government to mobilize its people aside from providing for the transportation needs. In preparation for the big day on September 26, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga led by regional director Abner Caga is taking the role in the ground utilizing its exceptional capabilities and platforms. “Just like any other revolution, we at PIA Caraga accept the challenge to push beyond our creative limits that allow every

human power to substantiate all efforts for a ‘green evolution.’ It’s time to change our mindset and become advocates of nature. This record-breaking GWR attempt will eventually inspire citizens not only in Mindanao but from across the globe,” articulated Caga. To increase public awareness on the upcoming remarkable event, PIA Caraga in partnership with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga has installed the TreeVolution online FM radio that can be accessed at www.treevolutionradio.caster.fm. Netizens can now tune in anytime, anywhere as this is operating 24/7.

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President Aquino lauds businesses that contribute to social reforms

In his speech during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility in Makati City, the President said businesses have changed for the better through the years. He said that while in the past, businesses only considered profit as the end-all and be-all and viewed their responsibilities in isolation from the community, today’s manufacturing facilities think of how to minimize their environmental impact and waste, thus preserving

the sustainability of their source materials as well as enhancing their relations with the community. “When I see corporations focused on social responsibility, I see kindred spirits who, like me, have to tackle issues in their multifaceted forms and complications—who realize that, indeed, no man is an island,” he said. To the institutions being recognized for helping redefine the concept of business, the President said

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday honored Asian businesses that have contributed to social transformation by carrying out projects through corporate social responsibility.

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Security authorities tackling criminality in the country, says Palace

ThThe Palace made an assurance on Thursday that the government is doing everything to address crimes in the country, especially kidnapping for ransom.

corporate responsibility is good business. “Your shareholders include your employees, consumers, and now, the members of the communities in which you operate, thus redefining value not only in terms of profit, but also in terms of the empowerment of others,” he said. Citing examples, he said Jollibee Foods Corporation’s Busog, Lusog, Talino School Feeding Program, which provides lunch for undernourished students in kindergarten, and first and second grades, has resulted in 80 percent of the beneficiaries reaching a normal Body Mass Index, as well as a decrease in absenteeism. The Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to support the livelihood of Filipino farmers by linking them to the supply chain of institutional markets such as Jollibee, has helped more than 900 farmers across the country become more productive and gain access to a broader market, he added. The President commended the awardees for proving that the growth of companies and of private industry cannot be separated from the growth of the communities. He further said that companies joining social reforms inspire him. “These events never fail to inspire me—and I

hope that they have the same, if not a greater effect on you and even your peers,” he said. “Through your work, you have already shown that the simplest ideas can bring about the most profound transformations.” Severa companies were awarded during Wednesday’s event for their contributions to solving social challenges. The awardees were the Jollibee Group Foundation for its poverty alleviation initiatives; the Dow Chemical Thailand for its works on preserving the environment; the Jollibee Group Foundation for its initiatives on education; PT Unilever Indonesia for its health care programs; the Valsad District Cooperative Milk Producer in India for providing livelihood to farmers; and the Magsaysay Maritime Corp. for producing highly skilled seafarers for the maritime industry. The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the AIM-Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia to concentrate on corporate social responsibility issues. PND

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“The Philippine National Police (PNP) is exerting all efforts to crack down on the criminal elements behind kidnapping-for-ransom cases,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang. He said that on Wednesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima, and representatives of concerned citizens’ groups, including Teresita Ang See, discussed the concerns of the Filipino-Chinese community. Coloma said that according to the PNP, the reported number of kidnaping-for-ransom cases as of last August increased to 38 from 31 in the same period last year. “This is what the police are working on now, in terms of intensified police efforts,” he said. The people need to understand the situation in perspective, he said, noting that in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, the President made it clear that the government’s thrust is to capture the criminals, and gather strong evidence to successfully convict them. “Ang palaging ipinapahayag ng Pangulo at ine-

emphasize hinggil diyan ay ito: Dapat ay may kasiguruhan na ang mga hinuhuli at isinasakdal ay mapaparusahan,” he said. “Dapat may kasiguruhan na pangangalagaan ng pamahalaan ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan. Kaya iyan ang patuloy na nagsisilbing pamantayan sa lahat ng ating mga law enforcement authorities.” Coloma said that as the President leaves for Europe and the United States next week, the chief executive can assure investors that the Philippines is safe for doing business. “The President can face the world with a clear view that the Philippines is safe for investors, the Philippines is safe for its citizens,” he said, appealing to the public to avoid painting a gloomy picture of the country’s security situation. “Hindi kinakailangang magpinta tayo ng larawan ng ligalig dahil ang sitwasyon naman ay masasabi nating stable. The crime situation is well under the control of the police authorities. Kaya hindi dapat lumikha ng ligalig hinggil dito,” he said. PND

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 11

Canada provides additional P 20-M aid to Mindanao

Canada is providing additional P 20 million in humanitarian assistance for those affected by conflict in Mindanao.

The funding, which amounts to Cad$ 500,000, will be channeled to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address the humanitarian needs of thousands living in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. “Canada has committed to scaling up interventions that will have the greatest impact, focusing in the areas of strengthening health systems, improving nutrition, and reducing the burden of leading diseases,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said in a statement on Thursday. “The contribution announced today builds on this engagement by supporting efforts to improve the health and well-being of those in greatest need in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao,” he added.

Canada is supporting ICRC operations in Mindanao by providing seeds, tools and fishing equipment to help improve the livelihoods of 59,500 conflict-affected people; and technical assistance to rehabilitate water and sanitation facilities at the community level. The assistance has helped at least 6,000 people, improved detention facilities for up to 6,000 vulnerable detainees, and provided medical and surgical supplies for hospitals and food and other supplies for up to 84,000 people. “This additional funding demonstrates Canada’s continuing commitment to build on our strong ties with the Philippines,” Reeder said. In June, Canada added the Philippines “a country of focus” for international development efforts.

Caraga Regl Coordinating Committee reports accomplishments; bares plans, upcoming activities

BUTUAN CITY - The Caraga Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) composed of government agencies led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday gave updates on each member-agency’s accomplishments, as well as plans and upcoming activities for the year.

D O L E - C a r a g a regional director Atty. Johnson Canete

reiterated that its Labor Law Compliance Officers have been conducting

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 13

Caraga Regl Coordinating Committee reports accomplishments; bares plans, upcoming activities

joint assessment in the different establishments in Caraga region. “The said officers from our office will check the deficiency of the establishments in order to be a compliant establishment. They talk with the manager as well as the workers. The establishments’ general labor standards, and safety and health are also being assessed. DOLE also awards certificate to those child labor free establishments,” he said. Canete further mentioned that at present there are 1,047 beneficiaries of its Government Internship Program (GIP) who will receive 70 percent of the minimum wage. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Caraga OIC-regional director Eduardo Bellido also reported that OWWA provides a one-time financial relief assistance amounting to P10,000.00 to OFWs from work

due to political conflict in Libya. “Caraga has a total of 325 active and inactive workers in Libya. As of reporting time, there were 66 Caraganon OFWs who underwent repatriation out of 3,409 total repatriates, of which a total of P360,000.00 was already released to 36 Caraganon displaced OFWs, 13 from Surigao del Sur, ten from Surigao del Norte, 11 from Agusan del Norte, one from Agusan del Sur, and one from Dinagat Islands,” he cited. Bellido added that there are

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five OFW families that have been nominated for this year’s regional search for Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) in the region. “Now on its 11th year, the MOFYA was conceptualized to recognize outstanding OFW families who have used their gains of working overseas in achieving success within their families, communities and the society at large,” announced Bellido. The nominees for MOFYA in Caraga are Rogelio S. Quino, Joel S. Tolo and Ramon Angelo T. Padilla for the land-based category and Nilo D. Sanoria and Elorde F. Senagan for the sea-based category. The regional winner for each category will represent the region to the national level. Also, Christian Lee Jaguit of Occupational Safety and Health

Center (OSHC) Caraga disclosed that their office has conducted the following: Construction Safety Training for safety officers of different companies in the region in the month of July with 49 participants, 28 companies; Free OSH orientation to in-house personnel of Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City with 32 participants; and OSH orientation for Cooperative sector with 84 participants from 18 coops. Meanwhile, Braulio Dela Pena of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga revealed that in line with their agency’s quest to be internationally certified, Internal Quality Audits and Compliance Audits were conducted in different operational units in Caraga region.

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In an invitation letter sent to Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel, he said that “the event will be held on September 11, 2014 (Thursday), 5:30 pm, at the SMX Convention Center Davao (Function Room 3).” “Please be informed that in our efforts to provide all our confirmed guests with the best experience during the event, we are moving it to a bigger and better venue, as well as to a new schedule,” he advised. The occasion, which is also

dubbed as “Clients’ Appreciation Celebration,” “will also serve to introduce our new tagline ‘We Help You Grow,’” Luna stressed. Meanwhile, it was learned that “the LANDBANK Mobile LoanSaver is the first-ever fully electronic, paperless salary loan with auto-savings builder feature.” “This is just one of LANDBANK’s latest innovative products developed to serve you more efficiently and responsively,” Luna added.

Landbank Tandag City branch to launch Mobile LoanSaverby Greg Tataro Jr.TANDAG CITY- The local branch of Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) here is set to launch its “newest product, the LANDBANK Mobile LoanSaver, in partnership with Smart e-Money,” accord-ing to LANDBANK Tandag Branch Manager Herbert Luna.

In a press conference held on Tuesday in one of the local convention centers here, OWWA-

Caraga regional director Eduardo Bellido bared that a total of 181 OFW dependents are expected

OWWA, DOST to hold EDSP, CMWSP examinations by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in coordination with the Department of Science and Tech-nology (DOST) Caraga announced that they will be conducting a qualifying examination on September 21, 2014 for its Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Congressional Mi-grants Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for school year 2015-2016.

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to take the scholarship qualifying exam, 170 applicants for EDSP and 11 applicants for CMWSP. “EDSP is intended for immediate dependent of active OWWA member OFW who intends to enroll in any 4-5 year baccalaureate degree consisting of P60,000.00 per school year. Meanwhile, the CMWSP grants P30,000.00 per school year to qualified child of former OFW who intends to pursue 4-5 year baccalaureate course in Science and Technology,

Engineering or any applied sciences,” disclosed Bellido. Bellido added that tuition fees shall be paid directly to the school while the remaining amount shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the semester. The CMWSP, on the other hand, is another baccalaureate scholarship program mandated by Republic Act 10022 and is funded by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

ICTO launches field operations office in CDOby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Information and Communications Technology Office (ICTO) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched its Field Operations Office (FFO) in Mindanao Cluster 2 to link inclusive growth to the countryside.

The launching was held on Friday, August 29, at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, this city. ICTO Deputy Executive Director Assistant Secretary Nicolas Ojeda Jr. said the FFO is the lead

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implementing entity of the ICTO to ensure that ICT programs and projects are applied at the countryside. “The FFO will also make sure that local ICT concerns are address immediately,” he said. The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) was transferred to DOST in 2011 through Executive Order (EO) 47 and was renamed ICTO. Ojeda said ICTO is the lead implementing office of the government in all ICT efforts focused on job creations and improvement of public access to government services through the aid of ICT by 2016. “Our end goal is use ICT for inclusive growth in the countryside. As we try to create opportunities for ICT, we are making sure that no one is left behind,” he added. The ICTO has four priority areas

inclined towards achieving inclusive growth at the country side. These are e-Society, e-Government, e-Business and CyberSecurity. The main goal of the e-Society is to bring ICT benefits to the society through programs focused on ICT services for the different sectors. The e-Government ensures the best use of ICT in expanding and improving government services. Meanwhile, the e-Business guarantees the growth of ICT-enabled industries through public-private partnerships with the industry, academe and civil society, and through close collaboration with the partners in government. CyberSecurity, on the other hand, makes sure that cyberspace is safe and secured for Filipinos, businesses and the government.

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - An intensified information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on the 2014 National Measles, Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Mass Immunization (MR OPV MI) has been launched by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), here, the whole month of September, this year.

MisOcc intensifies mass immunization campaignby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 24

As launching ceremony, governor Herminia M. Ramiro, a nurse by profession, administered the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to the first of 35 children, aged 0-59 months old, while Bernadette Pusod, her executive assistant, gave the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccine, before the Provincial Board started their session at the Capitol, this city, last Sept. 1. The MR OPV MI, which targets children, 0-59 months old, aims to interrupt transmission of measles and rubella in the Philippines and protect the population from the consequences of importation of wild poliovirus, Dr. Rachel T. Micarandayo, Provincial Health Officer, said. “It also aims to link the MI to routine immunization, by identifying the immunity gaps in high risk communities which will then be

prioritized for routine immunization using the ‘Reaching Every Purok’ strategy,” she said. Meanwhile, Micarandayo said that the IPHO has actually sent two roving teams, one each, to the northern and southern part of the province to monitor the conduct of the MR OPV MI by the City/Municipal Health Offices in all barangays of the 17 local government units (LGU’s) in the province. On the other hand, data at the Department of Health, region 10 (DOH-10) show that only one laboratory confirmed case of measles was reported to have occurred in Misamis Occidental, from January to June, this year. This was in Barangay Taraka, Jimenez town, one out of 490 barangays in the province, Micarandayo added.

MSME summit pushes ‘Go Negosyo’ centers, intensifies support to local entrepreneursby PIO Misor

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (MSMEDC), pushed for the establishment of “Negosyo Centers” to strongly advocate local entrepreneurship.

During the National MSME Summit held recently at SMX

Convention Center in Davao City, DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said

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MSME summit pushes ‘Go Negosyo’ centers, intensifies support to local entrepreneurs

‘Negosyo Centers’ will provide easy and speedy setting up of businesses anywhere and everywhere. The establishment of ‘centers’ is a provision in the ‘Go Negosyo Act’ or Republic Act 10644, which was approved last July 15, 2014, authored by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV. “Under this law, DTI has been given the key task and challenge of establishing Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities in the country,” Domingo said. He said the ‘centers’ will provide a unified and simplified business registration process to help facilitate the access of MSMEs to shared service facilities (SSFs) such as equipment, technology transfer, production and marketing assistance as well as management trainings and capacity building programs. Likewise, issues and challenges in the business were also tackled as DTI-10 assistant regional director Linda O. Boniao talked on the best practices in

fresh and processed foods enterprise, while Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director general Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go tipped off on the ongoing reforms in FDA, especially on the streamlining of license registration.Senator Bam Aquino, in his keynote speech during the Summit, imparted the main features of the “Go Negosyo” Law. He said “with the support of LGUs and other government agencies, the ‘Go Negosyo’ centers will bring the government closer to small businesses.” The senator is very optimistic that its Implementing Rules and Regulations will be approved this year. Apart from the MSMEs from various provinces in the country, the corporate leaders, investors, financial institutions, banks, industry clusters and associations, academe, technology providers, innovators, and policy-makers also played their part in the event.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 Regional Di-rector Ofelia Domingo, led the distribution of over P19 million worth of checks for livelihood projects to local government units, cooperatives, non-gov-ernment organizations and labor associations this morning.

DOLE 12 releases P19 M-worth of livelihood projectsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

The grant, with a total amount of P19,373,351.35, were released under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP) in a ceremony at the FB Ho-tel here.

DILEEP is a livelihood program of DOLE which seeks to contribute to the efforts of the national government combat poverty as well as reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers through emergency employ-ment and promotion of entrepreneurship and com-munity enterprises.

Interventions are coursed through provision of livelihood project or emergency employment via Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

tor Domingo emphasized the grants are in-tended to assist self-employed workers with insuf-ficient income, marginalized and land-less farmers, unpaid family workers, parents of child laborers, low-wage and seasonal workers, and workers dis-placed or to be displaced by natural and man-made disasters.

Organizations that received grants included the following: Family of Impaired Massage Association,

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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Regional Executive Director Ama-lia Jayag-Datukan of SOCCKSARGEN Region has been designated as the head of the Mindanao Cluster as the Department of Agriculture puts into operation the clustering of regional offices for the implementation of its flagship programs.

Notre Dame of Dadiangas Univer-sity Employees Association, Antipas Banana Workers Cooperative, San Vicente Academy Educational Service Cooperative, and Adventures Multi Purpose Cooperative.

Another set of grants were also turned over to the City Government of Cotabato, the local government unit (LGU) of Maasim in Sarangani; LGUs of Pigcawayan, Kidapawan City, M’lang and Kabacan in North Cotabato and the provincial gov-ernment of Sultan Kudarat and its Isulan municipality.

Livelihood assistance through the Grassroot Participatory Budget-ing (GPB) were also released to the LGUs of Midsayap in North Cotaba-

to, Koronadal City in South Cotabato and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat.

Based on approved proposals, livelihood projects that will be implemented by the beneficiaries will include starter kits, NegoKarts, massage therapy clinic, rice trading, motor parts and servicing, brassware making, fish buy and sell, and con-sumer goods and services.

In August, DOLE 12 turned over a check amounting to P4.46 M to the provicial government of South Cotabato for the livelihood proj-ects of at least 432 unemployed workers and informal sector work-ers. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)

Datukan named Mindanao cluster headBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala , through Special Order No. 613 series of 2014, dated August 5, 2014, appointed Director Datu-kan as the lead convenor of the six regional officers of DA in Min-danao, namely: Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region,

SOCCSKSARGEN, CARAGA and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Min-danao.

As cluster head, Datukan is au-thorized to issue memoranda or directives to all regions within the cluster regarding the conduct of ac-tivities, projects and initiatives which

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aim to bolster rice and corn produc-tivity in the island.

The Special Order further cited that regional field offices (RFO) shall be the platform for strengthen-ing operations management in the implementation of Agri-Pinoy Rice and Agri-Pinoy Corn programs.

These clustered RFOs shall har-ness individual regional capability and resources for joint actions within and across the administrative orders, it continues.

Such set-up also covers several areas including strategic planning, setting operational targets, allocating budgets and resources, institutional and human resources development and performance monitoring and evaluation.

Secretary Alcala also ordered the clusters to provide inter-region coordination and forum for field-level

operations to obtain the synergy from the cooperative initiatives of the regional offices.

The regional clusters are di-rectly supervised by the Office of the DA Undersecretary for Field Op-erations with the assistance of the Director and the component divisions of the DA Field Operations Service (FOS).

Datukan said, she was pleased with the designation and vowed to do her best with regard to the new assignment.

“Together with my Deputy Con-venor Director Lealyn Ramos of DA-Northern Mindanao and all other Regional Executive Directors of Min-danao, we will double our efforts in ensuring that we will hit our tar-gets especially in rice and corn pro-grams,” she said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo)

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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Health has allot-ted P108,023,900 for several projects intended to improve health ser-vices delivery in the area.

DOH pours in P108M for infra projects in South CotabatoBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

These projects include repair and renovation of rural health units, expansion of barangay health stations and hospitals and purchase of hospital beds and equipment.

According to DOH 12, in 2014, the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) has earmarked funds to equip 35 public health facilities in South Cotabato, includ-ing 18 in the province’s first dis-trict and 17 in the second district.

“The enhancements of every gov-ernment facility aim to serve more people with health needs,” said Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, provincial health officer.

These projects cover P10- M worth of expansion for the Polo-mok Municipal Hospital ward room and P1 M for the construction of elevated water tank and water lines.

Another P10 M has been allotted for the LGU-owned Roel Senador Memorial Hospital in Tupi munici-pality. Four barangay health sta-tions in the area are also set for repair.

Tampakan municipality will get

P1M for the construction of its TB DOTS Center and Laboratory. Two barangay health stations in the mu-nicipality will also undergo renova-tion and expansion.

The largest chunk of the HFEP budget—amounting to P64.8 M -- is allotted for the construction of ancillary services and purchase of additional bed for the Upper Val-ley Community Hospital (UVCH) in Surallah.

During the T’nalak Festival cul-mination on July 18, Secretary En-rique Ona and Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes signed a memorandum of agreement for a partnership in the development of the UVCH, which is being considered for upgrading into a regional medical center.

The facility is scheduled for opening soon and shall provide health services for residents in the upper valley area, including Lake Sebu, Tboli, Sto. Nino, Surallah, Norala and Banga. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

CSC cites coverage of its disciplinary function

DAVAO CITY- An offi-cer of the Civil Service Commission in Davao Region clarified that the coverage of their disciplinary action cov-ers only the first and second levels of the career service up to the level of the division chiefs. The said complaints against regional direc-tors of national agencies must be filed on the cen-tral office. She said the CSC has no jurisdiction over elective officials and presidential appointees since the investigative function for these gov-ernment functionaries is handled by the Office of the Ombudsman. Roselle revealed that complaints against first and second level government employees in Davao Region range from discourtesy to dis-honesty. She said discour-

tesy is addressed pri-marily with a reprimand, while serious cases of dishonesty are penalized with immediate dismissal from government ser-vice. “Complaints must reached us officially even through text or electronic mail so that we can act on them immediately,” she said. Roselle said that unlike the Office of the Ombudsman which con-ducts immediate inves-tigation on alleged ir-regularities, the CSC has to receive a formal com-plaint for it to act. The CSC 11 is set to celebrate its 114th founding anniversary on September 5 with a thanksgiving mass at the Lord’s Parish at Central Park and blood-letting activity at 8:00 am at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. She said a fun-run is also slated September 7, “Takbo ko, Alay ko,” a

by Joey Dalumpines

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 31

DavNor Capitol fetes guv’s 80th b-day

DAVAO DEL NORTE-- The Capitol bureaucracy came to a standstill when the provincial government of Davao del Norte celebrated Gover-nor Rodolfo P. del Rosario’s 80th birthday with so much fun, pas-sion and excitement. Provincial executives and em-ployees had the time of their lives during the Fun Day held at the

Davao del Norte Sports and Tour-ism Complex that was highlighted by traditional Filipino games and a get-together program on Friday. The activity flaunted the unity and camaraderie of the Capitol or-ganization, as they honor the Ruby Jubilee celebration of the famous lo-cal icon, who has dedicated 36 years of his life to genuine public service.

fund-raising campaign to support the families of government employees who offered their lives for the ser-

vice. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalump-ines)

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 32

Friends, associates and sup-porters joined in immortalizing the accomplishments of the incumbent Chairperson of the Regional Develop-ment Council (RDC)-XI. In the middle of the fellowship games, Senator Ferdinand “Bong-bong” Marcos, Jr., who was in town for some Senate Committee Hear-ings, paid tribute to the governor as an old family friend. “I admire Gov. del Rosario not only because of his abilities, but most especially for his sincere com-mitment to public service,” he said. Del Rosario was a member of the cabinet of the senator’s father, the late President Marcos, serving as a Minister of Natural Resources while at the Batasang Pambansa. The governor and his wife In-day, together with guests and well-wishes were treated with a 24-min-ute biographical movie, detailing the life, love and works of the celebrator. A 72-page Coffee Table Maga-zine was also presented to del Rosa-rio, recounting his journey to Davao in 1948, his political and corporate life, accomplishments and vision for the province. Del Rosario started his political career as assemblyman of the In-terim and Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to the mid-1980s. He then served as a representative of the then 3rd District of Davao del Norte for three consecutive terms in 1987, 1992 and 1995.

The governor never used his political influence to monopolize the banana industry, even while he was the most trusted lieutenant of his brother-in-law, the late industrial-ist Don Antonio Floirendo, Sr., who pioneered the banana industry in the region. He saw to it that the local ac-tors were given equitable share of the allocation for the banana sector, allowing them to make it big in the export banana market. Since 1998, the governor took the helm of the province, implement-ing innovative strategies that include the minimum basic needs approach, hard infra-oriented RDR WHEELS agenda, and human-centered PEO-PLE development strategy. The third platform echoed Pres-ident Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s thrust of engaging the private sector and non-government organizations in attaining human development. Del Rosario further served as President of the League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP), President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), as well as, Presi-dent of the Confederation of Local Chief Executives in Mindanao (Con-fed). As former Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-XI, the governor pursued the president’s peace agenda that shifted from mili-tary victory to human development approach. (DavNor PIO)