one mindanao – september 8, 2015

By: Louie Lapat

8 minors rescued in anti-prostitution sting in AgSur

Davao City’s Indak-Indak

APEC lauds Philippine Competition Act in time for talks on structural reform, innovation

Bangsamoro peace process will help

Mindanao position in the ASEAN economic

integration

Roadmap shows Tagum’s health delivery services improving

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

Western

InFocus

Southern

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Grace O. MontallanaO

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Energy firm Rural Electrification Project

NGO hails South Cotabato for winning Galing Pook Awards

24th MinBizCon concluded in Dipolog

All set for Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2015

City exec: officials, workers, backbone of Gingoog city

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 13

By: Susil D. Ragas

By: Buboy Pabia

24 68 barangays benefit from DAR SulKud implemented P20.4-M PAMANA-ARA projects By: Aida Agad

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 8, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story


5September 8, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

one of the major highlights of Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival is the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the Street Dance Competition.



The indak-indak happens during the Saturday of the Kadayawan weekend and involves contingents mostly coming from schools not just from Davao City but also from out-of-town performing street performances culminating with a full theatrical showcase at the Rizal Park in front of the judges.

The contingents wear colorful indigenous-inspired attire dancing to the beats of traditional percussions like

the agong supplemented by drumbeats by the respective drum and bugle corps of the contingents. The performances are based on folktales of the 10 tribes in Davao.

Indak-Indak is a symbol of Davao City’s harmony and diversity where the city celebrates is indigenous roots paying homage to the culture of its 10 tribes.

The parade starts at 6

One of the major highlights of Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival is the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the Street Dance Competition.


am, the contingents takes a circuitous route along the downtown area. Within the route are performance areas where judges are positioned, these are the Marco Polo Hotel and at the Apo View Hotel, the contingents pick out excerpts of their main peformance which will be held at the Rizal Park.

These perfomance areas afford the people who are unable to watch the main performance to view the dances and take photos.

This year’s indak-indak has 15 contingents coming from different parts of southern Mindanao. Cabantian National High School copped the grand

prize in the indak-indak . The contingent depicted the B’laan tribe and performed the Agungan ritual, a rite peformed by B’laan to appease the spirits.

The Cabantian group received P500,000 cash prize, A fuel certificate from Phoenix Petroleum worth P12,000 and a hundred shirts from Air Asia.Sto Nino National High School Kalingawan Dance Troupe from South Cotabato grabbed first runner up honors they received P400,000 cash prize. 2nd runner up is Dawan-Dawan National High School in Mati City which received P300,000 in cash prize, they will also represent the region in the Aliwan Festival in Manila.


Polomolok Performing Arts Guild got the 3rd runner up honors receiving P100,000 and P50,000 prize for best musicality. Rounding up the winners is the contingent from the Municipality of Baganga in Davao Oriental which received P50,000 in cash prize.

Participating contingents included the Kapitan Tomas Central Elementary School Culture and Arts Dance Troupe,

Tingagun Dance Troupe of Malabong, Lanang del Sur, Tribung Grandehon of Catalunan Grande, Optaciano Hilay National High School, Jose L. Porras Elementary School, San Luis National High School, San Luis Caraga Davao Oriental, Governor Generoso Davao Oriental, Sta. Ana High School Performing Arts Guild, F. Bustamante Central Elementary School, and Tribu Magpawa of Maragusan, Compostela Valley.


DPWH to suspend contractors negligent of safety requirements

MANILA -- The government will impose suspension of work to contractors who fail to observe safety requirements with no entitlement of time extension and payment on corresponding items and related works.

Secretary Rogelio L. Singson through Department Order 125 directed all Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

field offices to strictly implement the requirements on road works safety, traffic management, and construction safety and health


during project construction and maintenance works.

To minimize disruption and inconvenience to the citizens brought about by on-going public works projects, contractors found not observing good housekeeping in their construction sites must be held liable and concerned project engineers supervising these projects are equally accountable, said Singson.

DPWH implementing offices are tasked to monitor compliance to road works safety requirements such as the provision of warning signs and barricades, stockpiling of materials in proper places, removal from the project site of waste and excess materials including broken pavements and excavated debris.

To avoid accident in road projects, construction safety signages which are also visible at night and barricades shall be provided as a precaution and

to advise the workers and the general public of the hazards existing in the worksite.

Singson added that in the interest of ensuring the protection and welfare of workers employed in the construction industry and the protection and welfare of the general public within and around the immediate vicinity of any construction worksite, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) guidelines (DOLE D.O. 13: Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry) on construction safety and health requirement shall also be strictly observed by construction firms and monitored by DPWH field units. The guidelines require all construction workers while at work to wear basic personal protective equipment and devices namely reflectorized vest, safety footwear and hard hat. (DPWH)


APEC lauds Philippine Competition Act in time for talks on structural reform, innovation

CEBU CITY —The Philippines’ recent passage of the Competition Act, lauded by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Committee (EC), will promote innovation in various key industries, according to Deputy Director General Emmanuel F. Esguerra who is also the head of the Philippine delegation to the APEC Third Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3). Rory McLeod, Chair of the APEC-EC, commended the

passage of the Competition Law during the APEC-EC Second


Plenary Meeting in Cebu City on September 2 and 3, 2015.

“APEC highlights the importance of competition laws and policies as they encourage innovation and free and fair competition among key industries, including manufacturing and logistics,” said Esguerra.

“The Competition Law ensures a level playing field in trade, industry and all commercial economic activities. It pushes firms to be innovative in improving goods and services, which, in turn, makes them more productive and efficient. As a result, consumers are provided with more choices of quality goods and services at lower prices,” he added. Esguerra also stressed the need for firms to invest in innovation to sustain productivity and growth. In particular, it is important for their survival especially in a competitive

market environment. Innovative firms adopt improved technology, designs, marketing and organizational approaches to enhance competitiveness in their industries. “The development of ICT (Information and Communications Technology), for example, makes it easier for micro-small and medium enterprises to access global markets by use of online facilities, making them more competitive” said Esguerra.

The Philippines joins the more than 130 economies around the world that have implemented competition laws in one form or another, according to a study presented by the APEC Policy Support Unit during the EC meeting,

The Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting, set on September 7 and 8, 2015, will


discuss, among others, reforms that seek to remove barriers to growth and open more and better local and global opportunities for industries, particularly MSMEs. These reforms are deemed critical for ensuring inclusivity of growth, the goal of APEC.

Aside from competition policies, Ministers will also discuss ease of doing business programs and public governance matters. Esguerra said that while the competition policy in general can provide a framework in implementing related regulations, economies still need to tailor their policy reforms according to their respective circumstances

and local challenges. “Governments need to identify and recognize the effects that their policies have on innovation, so that they can make informed decisions about these policies, and if possible mitigate or remove impediments to firm-level innovation,” said Esguerra, who will serve as the head of delegation for the Philippines at the SRMM, which will be chaired by Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The APEC Economic Policy Report 2015, with the theme of Structural Reform and Innovation, will have a chapter on Competition Policy and Innovation authored by the Philippines. (NEDA)


Bangsamoro peace process will help Mindanao position in the ASEAN economic integration

DIPOLOG CITY-- Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Quintos-Deles told the region’s top business leaders at the second day of their two-day Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) being held in Dipolog City September 2-3 that that “if the Philippines is to grow, if it is to gain a leading place within the Southeast Asian region and the entire global community, we will have to continually work towards the intertwined goals of peace and progress.”


This year’s conference adopted a theme: “Winning the ASEAN, Gaining the Global Market.”

Deles said among the crucial factors that will help Mindanao propel in its position in the ASEAN trade is a stable peace process. The BBL is designed to be the legal foundation of the new Bangsamoro region in Mindanao that will replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, speaking to the same assembled businessmen immediately preceding Sec. Deles, said Mindanao is standing on the threshold of a “golden age.”

“It is a golden age where the two sides of the coin, peace and prosperity, can reign,” he said.

He cited President Aquino’s priority to get the BBL approved by Congress soon. “The President, our government, has tried its best to bring forth peace to Mindanao. There are some who are against certain (BBL) provisions,” and so he urged the business sector to

express their views to Congress.

“This is the time when you in Mindanao have the most to gain and the most to lose if in the event the efforts of peace will not come to pass,” he said.

The confab adopted a resolution “expressing Mindanaoans full support to government’s effort towards the realization of lasting peace, economic prosperity and security in the region.”

The business leaders also urged Congress “to accurately reflect the results of “the consultations “in certain provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.” Deles updated the businessmen on the status of the BBL, saying that despite the time constraint Congress is facing to pass the law, the government peace panel remains optimistic that the House and Senate can still enact it within their present term. House Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL chair and Cagayan de Oro second district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said Congress will work overtime to ensure the passage of the BBL.


“Can we still do it?” Deles asked the businessmen during her speech and emphasizing that, “Yes, I believe so. The two parties remain committed to the peace process; PNoy retains substantial political capital, including political capital for 2016; top leaders of the most influential social institutions like churches, business, the academe, and so on are now speaking up; the international community is fully supportive and engaged; more importantly, ordinary Filipinos are standing up and taking action. And with PNoy, we at OPAPP continue to be willing to take all the blows—

for our people, and for peace.”

Deles said the holding of the MinBizCon in September when the month is being observed nationwide as National Peace Consciousness Month underscores the pre-requisite that “If we are to win the ASEAN, if we are to gain the global market, then we will need to build peace and progress, to do this, we will have to remain united and we will have to work with all hands on deck so that the government can successfully bring its comprehensive efforts to find peace” in cooperation with


the business sector. She reiterated the pronouncement of economist Cielito Habito in his talk to the businessmen on the first day of the conference when he also highlighted the need to pass the BBL to establish requisite peace in Mindanao.

Habito told the businessmen that “there is huge investment opportunities in Mindanao, but we have to get that Bangsamoro government in place. The BBL or whatever version it takes, it will unleash so much more investment opportunities in Mindanao especially the untapped Muslim Mindanao.”

“Mindanao is very well positioned already because ASEAN is an Islamic market,” Habito said when interviewed by media.

“Even if we see Muslims as a minority in the Philippines, we must realize that Muslims comprise the majority of the ASEAN. So the opportunities for serving the ASEAN market which is an Islamic market can be best tapped by Mindanao, especially the Mindanao Muslim areas, especially Halal industries.

That’s why the opportunity for Mindanao for the ASEAN economic community is simply huge because it is an Islamic market,” Habito added.

Retired general of the Armed Forces Angelo Sunglao, one of the businessmen from Zamboanga City attending the conference, said he supports the BBL and peace process “because it is our best chance to bring peace to Mindanao now.”

Moreover, Teotimo Tambolona, who is the business manager of Coconut Small Farmers Multi-Purpose Association in Sergio Osmena, Zamboanga del Norte said “I am sure the BBL will bring peace if all parties involved are sincere and serious.” (OPAPP)


ARMM beefs up against El Nino By Danilo E. Doguiles

COTABATO CITY, Sept 8– The Autonomous Region in Muslim Min-danao has submitted to the Department of Agriculture a Php45 million-proposal to mitigate the effects of El Nino, an official of the agency has confirmed.


Atty. Macmod Mending Jr., ARMM agriculture secretary, announced in a radio interview that they are closely monitor-ing areas that are likely to be affected by the dry spell, which started in August and could last until January 2016.

Based on monthly forecast summary for ARRM, Mend-ing revealed, the provinces of Basilan, Maguindanao and Sulu could experience below nor-mal rainfall due to the weather disturbance.

This means, he explained, insufficient water supply for thousands of hectares of agri-cultural production areas that are dependent on rain that could result in reduced produc-tion, particularly of palay. Live-stock could also be affected, he added.

In anticipation of this prob-lem, he continued, DA-ARMM has submitted an El Nino miti-gation plan worth Php45 mil-lion to DA Central Office, which they expect would immediately be acted upon and for them to put in place initiatives that could aid farmers.

DA-ARMM is also closely monitoring two irrigation sys-tems that provide irrigation to farming areas in the region,

namely: Kabulnan and Malitu-bog-Maridagao irrigation sys-tems.

“Farmers in Maguindanao have already completed har-vesting. Once NIA (National Ir-rigation Administration) declares that water levels in our dams are still sufficient, we will push for the farmers to immediately plant,” Mending said.

This, however, could not be said for farmers in rainfed ar-eas.

“What we are concerned about are the more than 80,000 hectares of farms that are dependent on rain,” he em-phasized.

Regarding this, Sec. Mending has ordered Field Operations Director Keise Usman to or-ganize a task force that would monitor and report the status of agricultural production areas in the region.

The task force will include the Office of the Secretary as chair, Field Operations Division (Co-chair), and the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Division, banner program coordinators and division chiefs as mem-bers.

Per agreement during the recent executive meeting of re-gional heads and coordinators


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 8– Environmental jus-tice group BAN Toxics lauds the South Cotabato for the Gal-ing Pook Award the province received for its small scale mining program.

in Naga City, regional field offices are required to sub-mit observation report twice a week.

This regular reports, he said, will be used as bases for the establishment of a stron-ger programs intended to help

farmers mitigate the effects of the drought.

At least 14,000 metric tons of palay was lost in ARMM because of dry spell in the first four months of this year, Mend-ing said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from RAFID-ARMM)

NGO hails South Cotabato for winning Galing Pook AwardsBy Danilo E. Doguiles

South Cotabato’s “Minahang Bayanihan: A small-scale mining program” was conferred Gawad Pook Award in a ceremony at the SMX Convention on Sep-tember 1.

Minahang Bayanihan pro-gram was established to ad-dress various issues and con-cerns confronting the province’s small-scale mining sector as well as promote responsible mining practices.

In the same event, the prov-ince received another Galing Pook Award for its Friendly

Drugs: A PPP on Health Plus Proj-ect in collaboration with the Ma-hintana Foundation Inc. of Dole Philippines.

“South Cotabato’s win is a tes-tament that positive reinforce-ment can lead to a responsible small-scale mining industry. The province is a shining example of a government that is responsive to the needs of its constituents,” Eve Cubelo, BAN Toxics artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) programme manager, said in a statement.

Minahang Bayanihan, pro


motes sustainable small-scale mining by responding to the needs and issues of the sec-tor, integrating convergence and good governance.

Among the best practices initi-ated under the said program is the issuance of a Miner’s Identifi-cation (ID) to all small-scale min-ers and workers after they have undergone a series of seminars and trainings.

These trainings include basic first aid and safety, disaster risk reduction/climate change adapta-tions, solid waste management and other relevant trainings.

A key component to the train-ings the miners undergo is the mercury-free mining course.

South Cotabato works with BT in the elimination of mercury pol-lution in T’boli ASGM area, and the latter administers the mercu-ry training course for miners.

BT advocates for a life-cycle approach in ASGM, facilitating and providing technical support to ASGM areas and building ca-pacity of local partners to fully assess its viability to venture into small-scale mining, including identification of adverse impacts, in all stages.

“Local government units and ASGM communities need this kind of support, and we hope that South Cotabato’s ways will be replicated in many provinces

in the Philippines and the world, Cubelo stressed.

BAN Toxics, she added is very happy to have partnered with South Cotabato in this ini-tiative

“They are trailblaizing the path to a responsible and responsive small-scale mining industry,” Cubelo added.

The province also established a Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) composed of the province, DENR-MGB 12, NGO partner and representatives.

As part of the social respon-sibility, all small-scale mining stakeholders are involved in en-vironment conservation and pro-tection programs such as the conduct of tree-planting activi-ties.

South Cotabato is a leading province in managing small-scale mining activities in the country.

In 2013, it topped SOCCSK-SARGEN Region in revenue col-lection after it generated P11.5 million from small-scale mining fees, according to a 2014 report from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

MGB lauded the province for its effective monitoring and its contribution to the regional econ-omy.

This year, South Cotabato col-lected P1.7 million from sand,


gravel, and mining collections from January and February.

The South Cotabato mercury elimination project was made possible through the support of and in partnership with the Dan-ish NGO, Dialogos, University of Copenhagen, GEUS, and Inter-national Center for Occupational, Environmental and Public Health (Denmark).

BAN Toxics is an independent non-government organization that advocates environmental

justice, children’s health, and toxics elimination.

In September 2014, BAN Tox-ics and the provincial govern-ment of South Cotabato signed a memorandum of understand-ing for a partnership in the implementation of technical and health trainings and information and education campaigns regard-ing the long-term risks and haz-ards of mercury use in mining operations in the area. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)

68 barangays benefit from DAR SulKud implemented P20.4-M PAMANA-ARA projects By Aida Agad

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, Sept 8– The Department of Agrarian Re-form (DAR) recently completed the implementation of 68 peace projects amounting to Php20.4 million in 68 barangays in six mu-nicipalities of the province here, an official said.

Rodolfo Alburo, provincial agrarian reform program officer II of DAR Sultan Kudarat said that about 4,739 beneficiaries are now being helped by these projects.

These figures, Alburo said, represent the total number of members listed in the agrarian reform beneficiary organizations

(ARBOs) in the 68 barangays in the province.

“There are about 3,155 ARBs, 1,328 non-ARBs and 256 indige-nous people comprising the di-rect beneficiaries of the recently completed PAMANA-ARA proj-ects, PARPO Alburo said.

The projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan


in Agrarian Reform Areas (PA-MANA-ARA) are implemented in partnership with 68 ARBOs in the 68 barangays and local gov-ernment units (LGUs) of Colum-bio, President Quirino, Lam-bayong, Isulan, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Lutayan.

Alburo added, “these projects are intended to spur rural de-velopments and promote peace and order in the area.”

The completed projects in-clude 25 units of solar dryers, nine (9) units of multi-purpose buildings, nine (9) animal dis-persals, eight (8) units of solar dryer with shed, seven (7) con-struction of fences around ba-rangay halls and schools, six (6) subdivision surveys of barangay sites, two (2) units of potable water systems, one (1) unit of post harvest facility, and one (1) unit of mini rice mill.

“Each direct beneficiary be-longs to one household, so imagine how many could actu-ally benefit from these projects by simply multiplying it with each member of the household,” Alburo said.

He pointed out that farm-ers from neighboring barangays would also benefit from these projects.

“For instance, a solar dryer or a potable water system in a

far-flung barangay can serve not only the locals but also residents from neighboring barangays,” Alburo cited.“It could even be an income-generating service of the ARBO.” he added.

Last July 28, 2015, these projects underwent the final as-sessment and were inspected by DAR Inspection Team headed by team leader Pabil Marohomsalic. The official said that PAMANA-ARA finaimplementation is a form of training for the ARBOs and LGUs on conflict resolution and management, people em-powerment and implementation of projects.

“PAMANA-ARA involves only Php300,000 per project, a small amount as compared to oth-er government projects. With these, ARBOs and LGUs can practice on implementing the project with the required degree of transparency and implemen-tation of the project according to approved program of works,” Marohomsalic said.

The P20.4-M projects for the 68 barangays in six towns were from the 2014 PAMANA-ARA funds released in December 2014. (ACAgad PIA 12 with re-ports from JJBDael,-DAR-Sultan Kudarat)


Peace Caravan serves 8,360 lumads in SurSurBy: Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DEL SUR – A total of 8,360 indigenous peoples (IPs) benefited from services brought by the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and national government agencies (NGAs) during the two-day “Peace Caravan” in Marihatag and Lianga towns recently. Lumad constituents composed largely of Manobo-

Manawa tribes from the 12 communities along Andap


Valley areas availed themselves of the various services and assistance of the LGU, NGAs thru the Associatiom of Caraga Executives (ACE) and civil society organizations. The caravan aims to bring the government closer to the people far-flung and depressed areas especially those that are affected by the armed conflict. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles, who graced the occasion, led the road-opening ceremony and project turnover of the five-kilometer farm-to-market road in Sitio Neptune, Lianga town funded under the OPAPP’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program.

During the event, some local residents received the Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed by DAR Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes held at Lianga Municipal Gym on Tuesday. Some 42 former rebels also received a total of P70,000 each composed of livelihood assistance (P50,000.00) and immediate assistance (P15,000.00) from the OPAPP, and P5,000.00 cash assistance from the provincial government. Other agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also offered skills and livelihood trainings.


8 minors rescued in anti-prostitution sting in AgSur

The JIT is composed of the representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Licensing Division of the local government unit (LGU), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). According to Maximo Magallen of DOLE-Caraga, the minors, aged 14-17, were rescued from the six establishments namely, Yuki Store/KTV Bar, Lina Store/KTV Bar, Jings KTV Bar, Pearl KTV, Neneths Videoke and Ella KTV. “The action was also a product of the joint project of

the government agencies which is called ‘Sagip Bata Manggawa.’ This is part of our mandate and we will continue to monitor establishments not only in the province but in the whole region as well to mitigate the HIV spread and child prostitution,” said DOLE-Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson G. Cañete. Cañete added that the minors were briefed and have undergone psychological evaluation and physical examination with DSWD and DOH, respectively. They will also be prioritized for the livelihood and educational assistance, he added. Meanwhile, the mentioned establishments are now undergoing DOLE assessment and are recommended for closure after affording them due process, it was learned.

BUTUAN CITY – Eight minors were rescued by the joint inspection team (JIT) during an anti-prostitution sting in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur last August 24.

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit


All set for Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival 2015 By: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - Now on its 31st year, the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival with the theme, “Karajawan Nan Surigao Isadjaw (The great bounties of Surigao thru streetdance),” will take center stage here on Wednesday, September 9.

This year’s Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Festival will start with the procession and street dancing competition then announcement of winners for the best in street dancing, best in choreography, best in costume, best in

community street dancers, and “Rayna nan Bonok-Bonok (Bonok-Bonok Queen)” that will be held at the Provincial Sports Complex, this city. Fourteen contingents will be competing for this year’s festival

FILE PHOTOS


namely: Wilfredo D. Rafols Memoral National High School in cooperation with the General PTA, Student Government Council and Barangay Poctoy Officials; Day-Asan National High School in partnership with Day-Asan Barangay Council; Sabang Elementary School in Barangay Sabang; Surigao City Pilot School; Brgy. Serna Folkloric Dance Company; Canlanipa Central Elementary School; Capalayan National High School in Barangay Capalayan; Taft National High School; Nabago Elementary School in Barangay Nabago; Libuac National High School in Barangay Libuac; Martinez Elementary School in Barangay

Mapawa; the Silopian Cavers of Barangay Silop; Surigao City Central Elementary School; and Hiyas Kabataan Performing Arts of Barangay San Juan. The contingent from Saint Paul University Surigao (SPUS) will once again join the festival as non-contestant. The competition is part of the city’s annual fiesta celebration on September 10 in honour of patron Saint Nicolas de Tolentino, spearheaded by the city government here, provincial government of Surigao del Norte and the Surigao City Tourism and Cultural Development Council, Inc.


Over 32 million SSS members include informal workers, inmates – SSS official

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – There are now over 32.1 million members of the Social Security System (SSS) which includes workers coming from the informal sector and even inmates who are giving contributions monthly, said an SSS official here last week.

SSS Assistant Vice President for Western Mindanao Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo shared that membership increase can be

attributed to new innovations, such as the AlkanSSSya program. “The AlkanSSSya serves as a ‘piggy bank’,” Filoteo said.


24th MinBizCon concluded in DipologBy Grace O. MontallanaDIPOLOG CITY - To drive the economic agenda of the ASEAN Integration economy in the region, the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Dipolog City and Zamboanga del Norte LGUs recently hosted the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) held at the ZN Convention Center here. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, in her welcome message said Dipolog City is a strategic choice and ready for investments as it abounds with lot of business

opportunities. Good governance raised good economic results that improved the business climate creating a

“Tricycle drivers, market vendors and even prison detainees have now become contributing members of the SSS.” The AlkanSSSya is a strategy to encourage workers of the informal sector to “drop” a daily amount for a monthly savings that would add up to at least Php330 per member. Meanwhile, the SSS has been initiating partnerships with government agencies and local government offices to enable their job order and contractual workers who are not members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to become members using the AlkanSSSya scheme.

Atty. Filoteo emphasized the importance of being SSS members as benefits are numerous, especially in times of contingencies. Among the benefits that members are eligible to receive are sickness and maternity leave, disability, retirement, death and funeral benefits, employees’ compensation and salary loans. The SSS encourages non-members to avail and be part of the growing number of SSS members nationwide and overseas. For more information on membership and benefits, interested parties may visit the local SSS office at Veterans Avenue, this city.


prosperous and friendly business city, according to Mayor Uy. This year’s theme,”Winning the ASEAN, Gaining the Global Market” promotes inclusive growth wherein large and micro business enterprises can link with big businesses for economic development. Dignitaries who graced the MinBizCon were Michael G. Aguinaldo, Commission on Audit chairman, Dr. Cielito Habito, professor of Ateneo de Manila University and former NEDA director-general and Juanita D. Amatong, former secretary of Finance, among others. Topics discussed were Positioning Mindanao in the Integrated ASEAN Market, opportunities in the global market

such as free trade agreement with other countries which was capped by a press conference attended by local and national media personalities. “Mindanao is very well-positioned if we take into account the Islamic market, considering the opportunities because of its Halal industries in Muslim areas,”said Dr.Habito. “The whole point of the message is we actually had a game plan. Accordingly, the DTI created a game plan to look into how the agencies of government could help small and medium enterprises become better and to take advantage of the opportunities in the ASEAN market, making them globally competitive,” Dr. Habito added.


DepEd-Ozamiz holds city division selection meet

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Department of Education, Division of Ozamiz City (DepEd-Ozamiz) will conduct the City Division Selection Meet (CDSM) in various venues of the city, on September 4-5, 2015.

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

To be participated by all public and private schools of the division, the CDSM is in preparation for the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA)

Meet, scheduled during School Year 2015-2016, Dr. Rebonfamil R. Baguio, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS), said. Baguio said the meet aims


to revitalize and promote sports to develop the physical fitness, health, humility, courage and determination in the spirit of true sportsmanship of the pupils/students, teachers and administrators. It also aims to discover and select the potential and best athletes in the different sports events to represent DepEd-Ozamiz in the NMRAA 2015 and other sports competition, Baguio said. Participants of the CDSM are five district teams of public

schools and one team from the Ozamiz City Private Schools Association (OCAPSA) in the elementary level, and 11 teams of public secondary school, three (3) teams of public integrated schools and one (1) team from OCAPSA in the secondary level. Meanwhile, Baguio said teaching personnel of DepEd-Ozamiz, who will serve as game officials during the meet, are entitled to earn a one (1) day vacation service credit arising from active involvement in the two-day CSDM.

Energy firm Rural Electrification ProjectVILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental – For residents in Sitio Kirahon, living without electricity means living half their lives in the dark. All activities literally grind to a halt once darkness falls since people relied only on the light from kerosene lamps.

But even this necessity was considered a luxury because they would rather spend their hard-earned money on more important things than kerosene or candle which strong winds easily blew out. During Christmas, the celebration and festivities were considered “tame” because of the absence of twinkling

multi-colored lights. Only the intermittent light from kerosene lamps sparsely lighting homes. But these all changed last December 2014, thanks to the Fostering Rural Electrification and Energization (FREE) Program of SPI. “For the first time in my life, we were able to celebrate Christmas complete with Christmas lights


last December,” said 57-year-old Emilia Lood. “Dako kaayo ang kalainan. Sa una, ngitngit kaayo, unya mapalong pa gyud ang among lampara kung mokusog og hangin (There is now a big difference. It was very dark before and strong winds often blew out our lamps),” she said. Nanay Emilia narrated that her immediate family’s future has been made brighter because they can now earn additional income even at night through her sari-sari (variety) store. Just a few months after her home has been connected to the grid through FREE, Nanay Emilia bought a small refrigerator and a television set. “Makabaligya na mi karon og ice, iced water, ug softdrinks. Among mga silingan makapalit na og bugnaw nga tubig o softfdrinks (We can now sell ice, iced water and soda. Our neighbors can now

drink cold water or soda),” she said. Nanay Emilia also ventured into battery charging for mobile phones and rechargeable flashlights. Even neighbors who have chosen in the meantime not to install electricity in their homes benefit from the electricity from Nanay Emelia’s home. “Makatan-aw na mi og salida sa TV (We can now watch TV shows),” she said, adding that neighbors often congregate at her house at night just to watch their favorite TV shows. The rural electrification project FREE is jointly undertaken by the Department of Energy (DOE), the distribution utilities and SPI. It is being funded from the proceeds of the shares in the one-centavo per kilowatt hour of electricity sales generated from the operations of SPI’s power plant. (SPI)

City exec: officials, workers, backbone of Gingoog cityBy: Buboy PabiaGINGOOG CITY – Officials and employees are truly the backbone of the city.


Addressing the servants and leaders of the city government, Mayor Marie Guingona said this during the launching of the 115th Civil Service Month in Gingoog city with the theme, “Kayang-kaya Ko, Lingkod Bayani.” She said public office as our public trust becomes Gingoognons’ way of life which is proven in the recent rank of the city as the 24th Most Competitive Component City declared by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines (NCCP). Guingona further said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recognized Gingoog city for Good Financial Housekeeping, Disaster Preparedness, Business-friendliness with Competitiveness, and Environmental Management. Hence, she said “Talagang kayang-kaya nating maglingkod na may puso. Let us keep up the good work and serve our people even better!” Mayor Marie has been very grateful since the first month of her administration to the city hall’s working force and to the legislative whose commitments to serve is being felt by the residents of the 79 barangays. As focal person to the month-long Civil Service celebration, Jessie Reyes has lined-up activities for the entire duration like the revisit to the mangrove rehabilitation, tree

growing, mayor’s regular social services to barangays, physical exercise dubbed as “Hataw,” inter-office photo exhibit contest, jobs fair, and culmination program on Sept. 25 featuring the inter-office talents showdown competition at the Pahayahay sa Pantalan. “The Human Resource Management Division (HRMD) of the City Mayor’s Office has included health and financial wellness program to all employees because everybody believes that healthy and financially sound workers can yield effective, productive and efficient performances that can benefit to the entire local government and to the populace,” said Reyes. Serving as the president of Gingoog City Government Employees Association (GCGEA), Engr. Ulysses Apdian of the electrical division said, “We work for the common good and for the betterment of all government employees. Our jobs are our opportunities to serve. Let us do our best and share our expertise with the Guingona administration to continue our endeavors for competent and sustainable public service.” Meanwhile, the city’s chief ended her message by emphasizing: “Let us not forget that we are called to serve, not to be served.”


ComVal puts emphasis on family healthPANTUKAN, Compostela Valley - The provincial government of Com-postela Valley, together with the municipal government of Pantukan as host government unit, conducts today the 8th Family Health Fair at the municipal covered court.

Board Member Jayvee Tyron Uy, committee chairperson on health in the Sangguniang Pan-lalawigan, emphasized that the Gov. Arturo Uy initiated the pro-gram last 2008 through Execu-tive Order No. 36 declaring every September 3 as the province’s Family Health Day, in support to the celebration of the Family Health Month of the Department of Health (DOH). “Gisugdan kini ni gobernor para ma-edukar ang katawhan sa mga health services na gina-hatag sa gobyerno ug nagkalain-laing partners (The Governor started this project to educate the people on the health services offered by the government and its different partners),” Board Member Uy said. Uy also stressed that the fair also promotes changes in the

health seeking behaviour of the people. He said that the fair opened the minds of the people to avail the government services espe-cially in health. “Dili na sila mohulat kung kanusa sila magkasakit. Ang ilang ginahimo, ning-adto na sila dinhi sa fair o sa mga health center ug nangutana ug unsa bay makaayo sa ilang panglawas samtang wala pa silay mga sakit para ma-agapan ang unsa may ilang balatian,” Uy said. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Renato Basanez disclosed that for eight years, there is a grow-ing awareness and response to government programs. Arvin Ablin of the DOH-Cen-ter for Health Development af-firmed that because of the fair, there is an increasing utilization


Roadmap shows Tagum’s health delivery services improvingDAVAO CITY- Across all basic health system indicators, the City Gov-ernment of Tagum made a significant headway in ensuring an all-in-clusive, non-discriminatory health services delivery for Tagumenyos.

This as shown in the road-map developed by the Depart-ment of Health, the Zuellig Fam-ily Foundation and the Davao Medical School Foundation. This was presented dur-ing the colloquium held recently where Mayor Allan L. Rellon and City Health Officer Dr. Arnel Flo-rendo highlighted the significant gains of the local government in realizing the promise of health care agenda as enshrined in the EAGLE WINGS Program of thecurrent administration. “We have been outstand-

ing in terms of leadership and governance, health financing, health human resource, access to medicine and technology, health information system and most importantly, health service delivery,”stressed Mayor Rellon at the conclusion of theone-year Municipal Leadership Governance Program which aims to compel local chief executives to set their focus on the gaps andopportunities challenging the health portfolio in their respec-tive local government units. Arlene Gella, Vice President

of PHILHEALTH in the province and increasing coverage of fully immunized children. Ablin also revealed that among the provinces in the re-gion, Compostela Valley has the highest prevalence rate in the use of contraceptives, which is one of the topics in the family planning of the fair. Annually since 2008, the provincial government visits a municipality every September 3

to deliver family health services. Last year, Montevista hosted the same fair. Among the programs fea-tured are maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition (MNCHN), family planning, adolescent and youth health development, oral health, non communicable dis-ease control, PHILHEALTH reg-istration, free haircut and eye-check up. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


of Zuellig Family Foundation, specifically noted in her speech-Tagum’s improved performance on maternal and child care since 2013 like zero maternal death, decreasing the number of infant death, 95.3% facility-based birth delivery against the 90% nation-al target and availability of skilled birth attendants at 95% against the 90% national target. The roadmap also showed mostly green remarks (denot-ing outstanding performance) for key areas like budget utiliza-tion, medicine tracking and in-ventory system, barangay health infrastructure and reproductive health. Rellon and Florendo are among the 12 Davao del Norte mayors and local health officers

who completed the course that was mainly organized by the Zu-ellig Family Foundation in part-nership with DOH and DMSF. The local chief executive noted however that the work is far from over, citing the red and yellow marks that denote weak spots of thelocal government. This included reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy, achieving full immunization for children and full implementation of the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers. Tagum’s outstanding per-formance as well as for accom-plishing the MLGP was rewarded by DOH XI with a performance incentive amounting to 200,000 pesos. (Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum)

one mindanao – september 8, 2015

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