one mindanao - september 8, 2014

Gideon C. CorgueWESTERN MINDANAO

“Dormitoryosa Barangay” sheltering poor students

COVER STORY

President Aquino says government on track in easing traffic due to port congestion

Guv orders release of SPES salaries

Climate change draws barangay info officers’ attention

DepEd, DSWD, NGOs formulate advocacy plan for climate change adaptation

by PIO MisOr

by Rene V. Carbayas

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAOUpper Katungal in Tacurong named Region 12’s barangay with best sanitation practices

TESDA bares ‘STEP’ training programs for SurSur

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA MINDANAO

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15 17

24

31

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by Dominic I. Sanchez

Dinagat officials lead culmination rites of Dinagat Islands’ Athletic Meet

by Danilo E. Doguiles

31 by Ma. Jane Mayola

DOLE-X continues to restore livelihood of Typhoon Sendong survivors 21by Mildred E. Dablio

Duterte lays down coverage of Supplemental Budget No. 1SOUTHERN MINDANAO

28 by Joey Sem G. Dalumpines


Dubbed “Dormitoryosa Barangay,” this project is a convergence initiativeof 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) battalion, Philippine Army and the municipalities of Guipos and San Miguel. It was built in Barangay Calapan and inaugurated last Aug. 30 with Representative Aurora Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur’s second district, barangay officials, teachers, parents and students in attendance.

Born out of necessity

53rd IB commander Lt.Col. Alvin Luzon said the project was born out of necessity. With the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) called “Bayanihan campaign” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the troopers were able to assess, identify and meet the pressing need of people and that is the transient house for schoolchildren.

School children will no longer experience the danger of crossing

rivers after a transient house was built in a remote barangay of Guipos town of second district of Zamboanga del Sur.

by Gideon C. Corgue


UgnayansaPaaralan The project, Luzon said, is anchored on the “UgnayansaPaaralan,” one of the 12 components of IPSP. “This is how government works,” Luzon declared adding that the activity also aims to help and enlighten the students and teachers about the role of the Philippine Army in pursuit of peace and development of the nation. IPSP-Bayanihan seeks to win peace as well as establish and maintain good community relations to gain full public support. “With the troop’s social immersion of people in the communities they’ve found out that many schoolchildren particularly those living in remote areas have difficulty in attending classes in Calapan Elementary School especially during rainy season.

Schoolchildren cross rivers Many school children living in Purok 5 of Barangay Calapan, Guipos and nearby Barangay OcapanofSan Miguel town, used to walk more than an hour in going to and from the school. “They crossed the rivers and creeks, risking their lives just to attend classes. That’s why our troops thought of putting up a project that would benefit the children,” Luzon said.

“We seek the help of local government units of Guipos and San Miguel because the beneficiaries are coming from these areas. We provided the manpower while the LGUs furnished the materials.”

With the project, the

government soldiers believe that a lasting peace canbe attained in thearea.Philippine Army, LGUs laudedMeanwhile, Representative Aurora Cerilles, the event’s guest of honor and speaker lauded the Philippine Army and LGUs for launching the “Dormitoryosa Barangay” saying that “the project is a noble endeavor designed to help the poor students.” “I am very happy that this noble project was implemented by the Philippine Army and LGUs in this remote barangay where plenty of poor students are studying,” Cerilles said.

First-of-its kind project “This is the first-ever and one-of-a-kind project undertaken by the government in the entire province,” Cerilles said adding that the project would help students to finish their studies. The Dormitoryosa Barangay has eight double-decked rooms, which would cater to 32 schoolchildren.

Education unhampered With the project, Cerilles said children’seducation will no longer be hampered because they have already a temporary house to dwell while attending classes during

schooldays. Punong barangay Mario Sumatra expressed his profound gratitude to the 53rd IB for conceptualizing the project. “Nagpasalamat ko sa kasundaluhan sa 53rd IB ugsa LGUs sa Guiposug San Miguel nga gihatagan nila ug solusyon ning problema nga na si na tisa mga nanagtunghang kabataan sulod sapipila ka dekada na ang nakalabay,” Sumatra said. (I thanked the 53rd IB troopers

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and LGUs of Guipos and San Miguel that they gave solution to this problem as experienced by the schoolchildren for a couple of decades already.)Increase in enrolment School head Alfredo Beton Jr. expressed optimism that with the establishment of “Dormitoryosa Barangay,” the enrolment in the next school year will increase. In the past some students quit as they found it difficult to cross the rivers especially during rainy season. “I am very glad about the great concern shown by the stakeholders for the students. Theproblem on illiteracy will now be properly addressed and the children can pursue their high school studies up to college,” Beton said.Provides children’s safety ErlindaDela Pena said the project will benefit her 11-year old son Israelito, a grade 5 student sinceit provides safety to her son and to the rest of the students. “Nanghinautakongakiningaproyektoipadayonsa Philippine Army ugsa LGUs saGuiposug San Miguel aron nga mabatonan sa mga kabataan ang basic nga edukasyon (I hope that this project will be sustained by the Philippine Army and LGUs ofGuipos and San Miguel so that the students can acquire quality basic education),” Dela Pena stressed. Samuel Relampago, grade 6 pupil of Dalapan Elementary School was very happy that the project was realized. “Nalipay ko kaayo nga ang gobyerno mi himoa n inga proyek to. Dili nakomoulisa among balay kada adlaw ug dinhi nagyudkoma katulog.

Malaumona ko nga makapadayon na ko sa akon pag-eswkela sa umaabot (I am very happy that the government made this project. I won’t be going home daily to our house during schooldays as I will be sleeping here. I am hoping that I can finish my studies soon),’ said Relampago who is living in a far-flung hilly area atPurok 3, Barangay Ocapan in San Miguel town.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 8

President Aquino: Coal still most viable source of electricity for Mindanao

“If Mindanao needs it (power) now, ‘yung coal is one of the most accessible at this point in time,” President Aquino said during a media interview here on the sidelines of the launch of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program. The President was responding to a question on how his administration would address the environmental groups’ resistance to government efforts to attract more investment for power generation in Mindanao.

He said that although the government wants to use renewable energy to address the power generation problem in the region, it is facing a lot of issues. “Angproblemadoon, alamnatinglahat kung gaanokamahal kung magso-solar tayo and other forms of renewable energy,” he said. He noted that the government is looking into natural gas but its generation also has issues. “May problematayo (sa natural gas)

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that coal is still the most viable source of electricity for Mindanao.


President Aquino says government on track in easing trafþc due to port congestion

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday the government remains on track in easing the expected traffic buildup along major thoroughfares in and outside Metro Manila, due to

ongoing efforts to decongest Manila’s seaport.

dahilwala pa saPilipinasang regasification plant. Ang gas kasimedyomalaking volume naangino-occupy. Para ma-transport itosamganagpo-produce, kailanganmonggawing liquefied gas o compressed natural gas. Para magamitngating turbine plants naman, kailanganmongibalikdoonsakanyang completely gaseous state. Ito angtinatawagna regasification plant,”

he explained. Our choices are limited, he said, noting that the Department of Energy has held a series of public hearings to listen to different sides and decide on the best way to solve Mindanao’s power shortage problem. PND


He however indicated that resolving the entire issue would take time, given the number of shipment expected to arrive at the port as the holiday season approaches. “We were clearly on track to bring the situation to normal levels. Angproblemalangnatin, September is the start of the buildup for the Christmas season. So, may bulusok, ano, nadadaminanamanito,” President Aquino told reporters after leading the launch of the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program at SM Lanang Premier here. He said the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has already chartered a ship that would take care of the remaining empty containers left at the Port of Manila to decongest the area and make way for new shipments. This is on top of the decreased docking fees offered by the government in Batangas Port and the additional charges imposed on the owners of overstaying cargoes, among other things, just to clear the port. “Everything and anything that has been thought of, that can address these congestion problem is being done,” he said. President Aquino said he would also review video footages to determine what caused the heavy traffic at the North Luzon Expressway last week, to have a better grasp of the situation. “We ask for forgiveness from the public,” he said, acknowledging the impact the problem has had on the economy. “We don’t want this thing to exacerbate problems like, for instance, increasing prices for food because of the difficulty in the transport, on the logistics side,” he added. PND


President Aquino launches Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday thanked the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) for helping the government develop Mindanao’s agricultural potentials

through its Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program. “I am glad to see that the government is not alone through this endeavor. Through the Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program, PBSP and its member companies and supporting agencies seek to engage the private sector to

invest in Mindanao by helping build the capacities of its small farming communities, thus enabling them to capitalize on the rich resources and the many opportunities available in the region,” President Aquino said during the launch of the


program at the SMX Convention Center here. President Aquino said the launch of the initiative comes at an opportune time, as the government seeks to transform Mindanao “from the Land of Promise to the Land of Promises Fulfilled.” He acknowledged that for a long time, Mindanao was left in the margins, suffering from poverty and underdevelopment, but his administration has worked to reform the system and invest in communities in the region. “We must boost Mindanao’s capacities, so that they themselves may catch up and contribute to our economic growth,” he said. The goernment’s efforts resulted in the construction, upgrading and rehabilitation of 3,491 km of national roads, and 208.4 km of farm-to-market roads, he said, adding that more than P99 billion was allotted for the construction of vital infrastructure in the region from 2011 to 2014, and P63.13 billion has been proposed for infrastructure in Mindanao for 2015. Some 161.3 km of the Digos-Kidapawan-Pagalungan -Cotabato Road were improved and 39 bridges were rehabilitated early this year, while the Basilan Circumferential Road is expected to be finished soon, he said. The Lake Lanao Circumferential Road Project in Lanao del Sur is also targeted to be completed next year, he said. President Aquino further said that the Department of Agriculture has helped build post-harvest facilities and provide equipment for the production of coffee, cacao, and rubber for the region. He also called on farmers to carry out intercropping to increase the income of the agricultural sector. Growing coffee, bananas, or cacao, alongside coconuts, will not only diversify the

produce of a community, but will enable the farmer to earn more, and contribute more to the region’s economic activities, he said. The President said he earlier learned that certain companies have already responded to the call to advance inclusive business in Mindanao. Citing examples, he said that through its agronomy and farmer-connect programs, Nestlé has equipped local farmers with the knowledge and technique for coffee production. The company also purchases the farmers’ produce. Bali Oil taps poor farmers from communities in Mindanao as contract growers of oil palm trees, he said, adding that in the next five years, the company plans to expand operations and provide livelihood to 22,500 households in the region. Kennemer Foods International meanwhile trains farmers from rural areas how to plant cacao trees, and purchases their produce, aiming to generate jobs for 18,833 households in Palawan, Mindanao, and Visayas by 2016. “If the public and private sectors remain committed to the same vision and if we maintain the synergy and trust that we have so far harnessed to undeniably positive results, we can look forward to a Mindanao that will serve as a true convergence point of trade and opportunity not only for the Philippines but also for our region,” President Aquino said. Present during the event were Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson LuwalhatiAntonino, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee Chairman Paul Dominguez, and PBSP Executive Director Rafael Lopa. PND

Dipolog police station hurdles PGS ‘Initiation Stage’ By Mary May A. AbellonDIPOLOG CITY – The City Police Station here recently received a Performance Governance System (PGS) certification for passing the initiation stage of the program. PGS serves as the foundation for the said police station to evaluate its performance and to set its di-rection toward achieving its ultimate vision of making the city a safer place to live, work, travel and do busi-ness. “The hardships in achieving our goal is not re-ally a challenge but rather an intangible evidence of our brave heart and vision of having a world-class po-lice station by the year 2030,” said PSupt. Ranie P. Ha


chuela, the city police chief, before the City Advisory Council (CAC).

This program started during the leadership of former city police chief PSupt. Joven R. Parcon, and is being continued by PSupt. Hachuela.

The city police station with its 116 police officers has adopted the PNP PATROL (Peace and order Agen-da on Transformation and upholding the Rule Of Law) Plan 2030 as basis of its PGS, which requires the identi-fication and realization of administra-tive and operational flaws including the personal, professional and tech-

nical constraints.

As part of the initiation stage and to push for the implementation of the PATROL Plan, the Technical Working Group (TWG), City Police Strategy Management Unit (CPSMU) and CAC were created and orga-nized. The CAC is a special multi-sec-toral body that serves as a consul-tative and advisory arm to evaluate operational strategies and adminis-trative processes, and to recommend plans and programs aimed at im-proving police services to the com-munity.


Climate change draws barangay info officers’ attentionBy: Rene V. CarbayasLAMITAN CITY – The issues of climate change or global warming are now getting the attention of the barangay officials and barangay information officers, as they discover its impending impact on the lives of the people of this city.

In an information campaign on climate change, coconut scale insect infestation, and solid waste management program here last Aug. 26, the barangay information officers identified some issues and concerns that contribute to or re-duce the impact of climate change. After listening to lectures and video presentations, the partici-pants identified in a small group discussion the issues on the prob-lem of improper garbage disposals, poor sewerage system, sand quar-rying, and illegal logging as among those concerns that may put the city at high risk and vulnerable to climate change. City Administrator Danilo V. Alvaro said that 20 years ago ty-phoons seldom passed through the island. “Mindanao was a very safe place because we were sel-dom visited by calamities. But now, one can observe that in a year, we are visited by typhoons five to six times,” he said. “Climate Change brings us disaster. That is why we are here

to open our eyes [to the realities],” he said adding that whenever man-made or natural calamities occur, the city government is able to re-spond. Alvaro hopes that this will change and challenge the barangay leaders to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to respond to situations. “You are the first line of de-fense when it comes to disasters,” the administrator said. He urged the barangays to set up the initial mechanisms, structures, and pro-cedures in the community level, like pre-identified evacuation cen-ters, before the city government could support. The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Basilan led the discussion on climate change resil-iency and mitigation through the 30-minute video documentation. It reiterated the government’s call to all local government units, espe-cially the barangays, to prepare for the adverse impact of global warm-ing on vulnerable communities,


such as those in the coastal areas and in areas prone to landslides and flooding. At the same forum, Allan Tura of DENR-Lamitan also echoed the call of the government to help pro-tect the country’s remaining for-ests. He asked the barangays to intensify tree planting activities. “The video shown earlier very well explained that in order for us to slowdown global warming, we need to aggressively plant trees,” he stressed. Meanwhile, Rene Mabilog of the Office of Civil Defense in Basi-lan urged the barangay information officers (BIOs) to help spread the value of preparedness to their con-stituents as key to save lives. He also explained how the barangay should utilize their DRRM (Disaster Risk Reduction Management) fund to do preparedness and mitigation activities. During the IEC Forum also, Onesima Hayawan of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) explained

to the BIOs how to detect (coconut scale insect) cocolisap-infected co-conuts and help curb its spread in Lamitan City. Basilan is one of the provinces in the Philippines that is severely infested with the cocolisap that threatens the coconut industry in the country. Observers believe that the infestation was partly due to the issue of climate change and global warming when farmers use pesti-cides and inorganic fertilizers that kill the predators. Around 40 Barangay Informa-tion Officers and officials in Lami-tan city participated in the one-day advocacy forum on climate change, cocolisap, and solid waste man-agement last Aug 26, initiated by the city government of Lamitan in cooperation with PIA and the Basi-lan Communicators Network Inc. (BASCOMNET). Pioneer officers of the Lamitan Information Officers Network (LION) were also elected to help the city disseminate infor-mation and do advocacies.


DepEd, DSWD, NGOs formulate advocacy plan for climate change adaptation

By Dominic I. SanchezZAMBOANGA CITY – Newly-trained climate change mitigation advocates coming from government and non-government institutions here have drafted an action plan to address community issues related to disaster preparedness after a trainors’ training on advocacy sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on September 4-5. Participants, including Pantawid Pamilya city links from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), teachers from the Department of Education (DepEd), non-government organization workers, and some barangay representatives consolidated their individual plans consisting of activities aimed to raise awareness of the sense of urgency in addressing people’s apathy towards climate change and its looming effects.

“Climate change mitigation and adaptation advocacy is not new,” said Rene Carbayas, PIA Basilan field officer. “However, we are making the cam


paign stronger, hopefully to address apathy. This is now an urgent issue.” On the part of the DSWD, what they learned from the training would be re-echoed to their district inter-agency committee for wider dissemi-nation. They will be incorporating modules on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation with Family Development Sessions for the Pantawid beneficiaries, especially those living in hazard-prone commu-nities. DepEd will conduct a wide-scale information dissemination campaign for all public school teachers in the district, and shall formulate a school-based disaster risk reduction man-agement plan. Silsilah, a non-government or-ganization aims to address the deg-radation of natural resources, illegal

mining, and illegal fishing and quar-rying through coordination and link-age with government agencies and LGUs. The Social Action Center (SAC) will also be advocating climate change mitigation measures to the parishioners and basic ecclesiastical communities (BECs). The Zamboan-ga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance (ZABIDA) will engage baran-gays for climate change mitigation and disaster preparedness through meetings, among others. “Climate change is an urgent issue. But we have very limited re-sources, that is why we have con-ducted this training to have force multipliers in the communities,” said PIA-Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi information center manager Dave Malcampo.

DTI-MisOcc conducts management, marketing seminar for Jimenez rubber growersby DTI

JIMENEZ, Misamis Occidental - A Rubber-Based Production, Management and Marketing Seminar is conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), here, on Sept. 4-5, 2014.


Co-sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), the local government unit (LGU), and the Jimenez Rubber Growers Association, Inc. (JIRGA), the seminar is open to all, especially those who are interested in the rubber industry. Participants were advised to bring their own food provisions or arrange to purchase food from the organizers, and small knives for budding, Raul Cagampang, JIRGA President, said. Meanwhile, Cagampang said Day 1 of the seminar was held at the Liga ng Barangay Hall of Jimenez for lectures and discussions on soil analysis, contouring and A-framing, organic fertilizer making, bud wood nursery budding, planting culture, fertilizing, and weeding and tapping. Day 2, which is held at the

Jimenez Municipal Plant Nursery, is devoted to teaching the participants about getting soil samples for soil analysis, illustrating the use of A-frame and contouring, lay outing and most especially, budding rubber seedlings. Lecturers included Vima M. Bolanio and Marissa M. Malon, Agricultural Technologists of DA-Jimenez and Mario L. Cuezon, Trade and Industry Specialist from DTI-Mis. Occ. This is the third seminar to be staged by DTI, DA-LGU and JIRGA. The first was at the Municipal Nursery that included a “lakbay-aral” to the rubber farms of Oroquieta Agro-Industrial School (OAIS) and Former vice governor Francisco Paylaga Jr. The second was by the DA-10 regional office with Priscilla Akut, a rubber expert.

Guv orders release of SPES salariesby PIO MisOr

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - Misamis Oriental governor Bambi Emano announced today the release of the salaries of some 340 “summer job” beneficiaries even as he also ordered to fast track the payment of the the salaries of the remaining about 300 summer job students. “There are some documentary requirements that must be complied with by those Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) who

have not yet received their salaries. I ordered our Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager to get in touch with these beneficiaries and


give them the list of the requirements they must submit soonest,” Gov. Emano said. “Gamay ra kaayo kini nga butang. Apan ang ilang madawat o kaha dili madawat nagkahulugan sa katumanan o kapakyasan sa ilang mga damgo alang sa hustong edukasyon,” (This is just a minor matter. However, what they will or won’t receive means realization or frustration of their

dreams for education) the governor said. Meanwhile, Jonafe Tapulgo-Rodas, PESO provincial manager said that its office has already assisted in the employment of some 23 skilled workers with the Engineering Equipment Inc. (EEI). Several others are still being processed for employment with the same company.

Some 103 beneficiaries were granted with DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits amounting to some P645,000.00, through its Accredited Co-Partner, Food Processors Association Mindanao, Inc. (FOPANORMIN) on August 27 at the DOLE-X Regional Office, Cagayan de Oro City. Though two years have passed since the flooding, many of the relocates and vulnerable workers still find it hard to meet both ends. Loss of properties and sources of livelihood

formerly accorded to them has been equated to death. The beneficiaries are the relocates of the Calaanan Relocation Site of Cagayan de Oro and other vulnerable workers whose income is below the poverty threshold. They are members of four associations organized by the DOLE-Integrated Labor Organization partnership. From the reports, DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits consist of butchery/meat vending with some

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region X carries on restoring lives of displaced workers due to Typhoon Sendong which hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities on December 17, 2011.

DOLE-X continues to restore livelihood of Typhoon Sendong survivors by Mildred E. Dablio


24 beneficiaries; rice trading, 20 beneficiaries; sari-sari store (convenience store), 20; food/snack preparation, 9; egg trading, 7; electronic loading, 9; dressed chicken selling, 7; and dried fish selling, 7. These kits are not new to these beneficiaries prior to Sendong mishap. They even have “suki” (patron. “The amount given by DOLE-X will shoulder the purchase of materials within the city. FOPANORMIN will procure the items from the stores,” said regional director, Raymundo Agravante. “We in DOLE-X will also provide training on entrepreneurship development to sustain their individual livelihood,” he added. Gina Josefa Obsina, FOPANORMIN President, expressed her gratitude to DOLE-X, being their partner for four years in bringing the government’s program for countryside development.

“We will still conduct a meeting with the beneficiaries prior to its distribution explaining to them the system,” Obsina added. The starter kits will eventually cushion the disastrous effects the typhoon brought. These will provide them self-employment and income to their families, as well as entrepreneurial capabilities and spur economic activity in the relocation site. Meanwhile, FOPANORMIN, also received a check worth P955,500 for the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits for its 98 employees and their family members who are receiving minimal income. Livelihood proposed are sari-sari stores for 36 beneficiaries; hog fattening, 38 beneficiaries; rice trading, 15; and loading business, 9.

KIDAPAWAN CITY,North Cotabato—The provin-cial government of North Cotabato has appealed to mothers to bring their children to the nearest health centers in their area for their vaccination.

North Cot LGU to mothers: Get your children immunizedBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Provincial administrator Van D. Cadungon said the call is in line with the nationwide massive im-munization of Measles Rubella Oral Polio Vaccine (MR-OPV) launched on Monday, September 1.

“This initiative will significantly reduce mea-sles, German measles and polio cases in the province,” Cadungon said adding that the pro-vincial government fully supports the program of the Department of Health.

He also urged mothers to prioritize immuniza-tion as he related that before, residents espe-cially in the hinterlands do not consider immuni-zation as a necessary activity thereby adding to the growing number of measles and polio cases in the country.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eva C. Rabaya, head of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) dis-closed that the provincial government aims to immunize around 95% of the total number of children in the province surpassing the 92% of the total number of children recorded the previ-ous year.

“The IPHO is yet to determine the exact num-ber of children subject for MR-OPV but as of the moment, the office is reinforcing the campaign in many villages,” Rabaya stated.

She also revealed that during the launching of the massive vaccination, 150 babies underwent


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Barangay Upper Katungal in Tacurong City will represent SOCCSKSARGEN Region in the 2014 National Search for Barangay with Best Sanitation Practices.

a ceremonial immunization.The month-long activity is in-

tended to children nine months to five years old who will be given dose of measles vaccine and zero to five

years old who will take two drops of oral polio vaccine. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz&RASotto-N. Co-tabato Provincial Government)

Upper Katungal in Tacurong named Region 12’s barangay with best sanitation practicesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


This, after the regional evaluation team declared the said barangay as the regional winner on Tuesday, September 2. It was cited for the exemplary partnership of the barangay and city governments in laying down and enforcing policies and health programs.

Located in Upper Katungal is a 6,000-square meter Category 2 Sanitary Landfill for Tacurong City.

The presence of this dump site in the barangay initially caused negative impressions and posed a major challenge for the barangay to address concerns among residents on its effects on the environment and their health.

These concerns led the barangay and the city government to establish and institutionalize the operations of a materials recovery facility (MRF) at the sanitary landfill and other measures.

Also with the collaboration, access to sanitary toilet facility in the area increased from 45% in 2012 to 96% in 2013, and 98% this year.

Since 2012, over 250 water-sealed toilets have been built by the local government and distributed to the local residents.

Access to complete basic sanitation facility has also improved from 43% in 2012, 90% in 2013 and 95% at present.

All households in Upper Katungal have access to potable water.

The barangay has also created its own Expanded Barangay Health Board and increased budget for health and sanitation.

It has also put in place policies and programs for solid waste management, water waste management, food sanitation, and clean and green.

During the evaluation, Upper Katungal chairman Hernane Fermo told the evaluators, “If there are still areas where we can improve, we are willing to implement them.”

The national search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices is a program of the Department of Health to recognize barangays that demonstrated exemplary contributions in obtaining and sustainin the targets under the Philippine Sanitation Sector Roadmap and the Milennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation.

In 2013, Barangay Dolores of Antipas in North Cotabato was named top winner, along with Esperanza in Ormoc City and Imbayao of Malaybalay in Bukidnon.

Barangay Dolores received P250,000 cash prize for winning the nationwide search. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City Information)

Pres. Aquino lauds PBSP’s inclusive agri-business ini-tiatives for Mindanao

DAVAO CITY – Presi-dent Benigno Aquino III lauded the inclusive agribusiness initiative of the Philippine Busi-ness for Social Progress for Mindanao, say-ing that the program comes in time as the government seeks to transform the is-land from the “Land of Promise to the Land of Promises Fulfilled.” At the launch

of PBSP’s Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness (MIA) Program today at SMX Convention Center in the city, Aquino recognized the program to have outlined “clear strategic imperatives towards harnessing the resources of Mindanao for the common good.” PBSP introduced its current undertaking to advocate inclusive business and to draw

by Carina Cayon


support from the organization’s member companies, non-member companies, civil society organizations and government officials. The MIA program upholds PBSP’s Inclusive Business Imperative (IBI) campaign in Mindanao, aiming to particularly address poverty, job generation and the need for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. The President further commended PBSP’s efforts for inclusiveness, equitability and meaningful progress, “one that has enabled countless Filipinos to live more dignified and productive lives.” “Instead of viewing communities as mere locations for factories or markets for their products, PBSP and its partners sought to develop those communities into partners towards development—whether through PBSP’s flagship program for tuberculosis control, for example, or the construction of public school classrooms through your initiative, or even the sustained promotion of corporate social responsibility in all of your activities,” he stated. The President also assured that PBSP’s suggestions for the

national agencies to implement “are welcome input, as we both work to make Mindanao a more attractive area for investments.” “We are well aware of the great potential of Mindanao, especially in terms of agriculture. Mindanao, after all, is our country’s top source of rubber, cacao, pineapple, banana, coffee, and coconut” he said. Aquino also recognized Mindanao produces over 40 percent of the country’s food-supply, and more than 30 percent of the produce traded domestically, as well as the island’s “strong contribution to our fisheries production.” The priority industries of PBSP’s MIA program include coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber. At the launch of the inclusive agri-business initiative, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chair Paul Dominguez handed over to the President PBSP’s Resource Book: Inclusive Agribusiness Investment Portfolios. Meanwhile, Dominguez inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Mindanao Development Authority chair Lualhati Antonino for a collaboration to implement PBSP’s initiatives and programs that aim to achieve inclusive business growth for the Mindanaons. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)


Duterte lays down coverage of Supple-mental Budget No. 1 DAVAO CITY (PIA) Mayor Ro-drigo Duterte laid down the items which need government spending through the Supplemental Budget No. 1 worth P217-Million approved recently by the Sangguniang Pan-glungsod. Speaking in the public affairs program, “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa,” he said support to public health and peace and order programs get the bigger share of the supplemental budget. He said the city government has to pay the debts it owes from the Southern Philippines Medical Center under the Lingap Para sa mga Mahihi-rap Program. Duterte said he also needs to pay the honorarium for the additional five police auxiliaries per barangay

given the responsibility to watch over on crimes against property. He said the local government is also obliged to give its share of the Collective Negotiation Agreement with the union of government employ-ees who needs an increase of P5,000 each. Duterte said local public markets also need reroofing, in particular, the market places of Toril, Calinan, Bang-kerohan and Agdao. The city council in September 3 approved on final reading the Sup-plemental Budget No. 1 with a total amount at Php217, 709,007.84 tak-en from the surplus of calendar year 2013, reversion of various appropria-tions and local sources as certified by the City Treasurer’s Office. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

‘TreeVolution’ gains support from various local communities

Speaking from religious sector, Butuan Auxiliary Bishop Zacarias Jimenez declared that “launching the ‘TreeVolution’ brings

us into a deeper level of our action. As we plant trees we plant for ourselves and the lives of our children’s children and as we engage in this

by Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY - The TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW, an attempt to plant 4.6 million trees simultaneously in multiple locations in Mindanao in just one hour to beat India’s Guinness World Record of 1,945,535 trees is getting an increased number of partakers and volunteer planters who will join on September 26, 2014 at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.


unique unified action we start a new story of creation. We will be giving birth to new species of creation as trees multiply , breath out new energy to the world, and breathing in fresh inspiration from our unity with each other and with creation. Blessed be God, Allah, Magbabaya. The Samahang Magdalo Butuan Balangay chapter regional coordinator Michael Leo Torralba also said that “like any other types of revolution, it is high time that we join and combine all strengths to a revolution that will crosscut in all our endeavors as humans and shall sustain our existence as one with nature.” He also declared commitment of the Samahan to participate during the event. By putting best regard to its ecological responsibility, Romeo Pendon, Mindanao Operation Area Manager of Kennemer Foods, a private company in cacao business and exporting cacao beans expressed that the activity is one of the ways that could help counter the effects climate change. “Our organization is willing to conduct training on how to plant cacao trees to those interested planters and help them earn extra income. We will be participating in this big event not only in Caraga region but also in Sarangani province,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, DENR Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo said that the agency has committed 500,000 seedlings to be planted in 1,000 hectares distributed in five provinces within the region. “In fact, many DENR stakeholders in region 13 are coming in to join the record-breaking tree planting rite in time with the Civil Service Annivesary,” he said. It was revealed that the planting areas are classified into three categories and these are the National Greening Program (NGP) areas, local government units’ designated areas, and private areas registered by companies, schools, plantation and other non-NGP areas. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Caraga area manager Cecil Triño also called on volunteer planters to register on the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW . The following are the hotline numbers to contact for TreeVolution inquiries: 0933-4744252; 0915-6630826; 0949-3557235.


Dinagat officials lead culmination rites of Dinagat Islands’ Athletic Meet by Ma. Jane MayolaCAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands- Dinagat Islands lone district rep-resentative Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao and provincial vice governor Benglen B. Ecleo led recently the closing ceremony of the 1st Dinagat Islands Provincial Athletic Meet (DIPAM) 2014 held at the Cagdianao Central Elementary School in Cagdianao, this province. The activity was formally closed by extinguishing the friendship torch and awarding of trophies to all the winners and awardees. In here message, Bag-ao congratulated Governor Glenda B. Ecleo, Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo, Schools Division Superintendent Marilou Dedumo, Cagdianao Mayor Marc Adelson D. Longos, all the athletes and coaches for the success of the first-ever Dinagat Islands Provincial Athletic Meet.

She also congratulated the delegation of San Jose for being the over-all champion of the DIPAM 2014 with a total of 101 gold medals. First and second runners up went to Cagdianao and Dinagat delegations, respectively. During the culmination ceremony Cong. Bag-ao happily informed everybody that the host of the next DIPAM 2015 will be her hometown, the municipality of Loreto.

TESDA bares ‘STEP’ training programs for SurSurTANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur headed by pro-vincial director Rey Cueva bared recently the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) that will be carried out for the rest of 2014 in the province.


“With a budget allocation of P6,534,000, the 484 target STEP beneficiaries must be 15 years of age upon entry,” he clarified. It was learned that the two districts comprising the province will split the total number of trainees with 242 apiece. However, Cueva pointed out that trainees in both districts will have to go separate ways on the “Qualification/Program” offered except for one—Maintenance and Repair of Electronically-controlled Domestic Appliances

leading to Consumers Electronics Servicing. It was learned that Wiring Devices Installation together with Lighting Systems leading to Electrical Installation and Maintenance is set to be offered for trainees in District I; while Dressmaking and Wellness Massage are going to be taught for trainees in District II, he stressed. “A corresponding National Certification II (NC II) will be issued to successful training beneficiaries,” Cueva stressed.

one mindanao - september 8, 2014

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