one mindanao - september 9, 2014

Jocelyn P. AlvarezWESTERN MINDANAO

Zamboanga September Siege: a Year after

COVER STORY

President Aquino to visit Europe from September 13 to 20

DTI intensifies entrepreneurship drive, continues SME Roving Academyby Junar B. Merla

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Page 4

NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

MinDA chief urges coco farmers to plant cacao

112 Soccsksargen OFW dependents to take OWWA scholarship exams

Dengue incidence in SurSur starts to go down

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

CARAGA MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

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18 20

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Health on Wheels served Tandag beneficiaries

NEW ZNPPO Chief surprises MPOs

Credit Surety Fund seen to boost economic resiliency in the countryside

by Danilo E. Doguiles

by Oliver Ross V. Rivera

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34 35

by May Ann O. Escobal

by Alfonso T. Ruda

by Mark Anthony M. Gito

MisOcc exec calls for support of “Ligtas Tigdas” 15 by Rutchie C. Aguhob

NHA gives permanent shelters to Lumads SOUTHERN MINDANAO

23 by Michael Uy

by Greg Tataro Jr.


Today, Zamboanga City government remembers the September 2013 siege with several activities to honor the fallen heroes, gallant soldiers and civilians and the entire Zamboangueños for their unity in defending the flag. The celebration was highlighted by a simple ground breaking ceremony of houses on stilts in the floating barangay-Mariki, led by the National Housing Authority (NHA).The Mariki housing project is a part

of the Zamboanga City Road Map to Recovery and Reconstruction, or Z3R, the government’s rehabilitation effort and assistance to the thousands of Internally Displaced People (idps) caused by the seige. Dubbed “September to Remember,” a Eucharistic Mass was celebrated early in the day. To recall, the President approved

Exactly one year ago, boatloads of forces from a breakaway

faction of the MNLF entered Zamboanga City and engaged elements of the Philippine Army in a firefight that led to a standoff.

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) on December 22, 2013, with Php3.5-billion budget. Concerned agencies were given 18 months to build back Zamboanga City starting, started in January of this year.

Z3R Rehabilitation Project Mariki According to NHA Head Al Indanan, “642 housing units on stilts will be constructed in Mariki, one of the affected barangays during the siege,” adding that beneficiaries are families of siege fire victim who were previously resident in the place. Following the ground breaking today “full blast construction will start next week,” assured Engr. Indanan. Completion of the 642 units is expected this December, Indanan said, explaining that each unit costs

P175,000 To date, two model houses were completely constructed to showcase how the actual houses on stilts look like.

Turn over of Housing Units –Z3R Paniran Resettlement Project Shortly after the ground breaking in Mariki, NHA turned over to the City Government 120 land-based, duplex-type housing units in Paniran, Sta Catalina. The city government then turned over the house keys to the IDP/family-awardees of Paniran resettlement site. These families were also victims of fire caused by the September siege. Indanan said each unit has an area of 22 sq. Meter with construction cost at P175,000 per unit.

Z3R Project Objective Z3R aims to improve the overall environment of the affected communities by ensuring hygiene and sanitation of communities, including appropriate social service facilities, infrastructure and amenities. The project also targets to provide communities with livelihood opportunities. As a long term objective, Z3R intends to protect coastal communities against storm surges and in general, help protect the environmentally-sensitive areas such as mangroves and waterways and comply with “no settlements” policy on hazards and danger zones.

Z3R also hopes to minimize adverse social impacts and relocation by prioritizing on-site housing rehabilitation and reconstruction and ensure culturally-sensitive housing developments for ips. Improving public safety and security of the community is also among the Z3R’s objectives, and to realize this, “police and

military facilities will be provided and appropriate environmental protection measures will be ensured.” An art exhibit, named “Alegria en Artes para los Niños y Niñas” was also organized at the city hall lobby, in observance of the Zamaboanga siege which left 140 dead and thousands of residents displaced.

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 7

President Aquino to underscore Philippine initiatives in addressing climate change

during Climate Summit in New York

The President will join other leaders during the one-day summit to show that while the country is hit by devastating natural calamities as a result of changing weather, the Philippines is also doing several initiatives

to mitigate climate change, Climate Change Commission Secretary Lucille Sering told reporters on Tuesday. Among those to be highlighted by the President are the country’s passage of the renewable energy law

President Benigno S. Aquino III will highlight the country’s vulnerability to weather disturbances as well as the Philippine government’s initiatives in addressing climate change when he attends the Climate Summit

2014 in New York on September 23.


President Aquino to visit Europe from September 13 to 20

President Benigno Aquino III is embarking on a four-nation official tour of Europe from September 13 to 20, his first to the region since he assumed office in 2010, to pitch for

investments and support for the Philippine position to resolve the conflict in the West Philippine Sea.

in 2008, and the adoption of bus rapid transport that considers alternative modes of transportation and the use of electric vehicles. Sering said there are different proposals in Congress relating to the adoption of laws on energy efficiency. The Philippines is among the countries in Southeast Asia to have a windmill, she said, noting that recently, the President also launched a solar farm in the country. The Philippines is also the first country in Southeast Asia to have the People Survival Fund Board, which has allocated special funds to help local governments access technical support to address their

lack of technical expertise. “Iyon po ang gusto nating iangat at sabihin doon na maliban dito sa ating vulnerability, meron na po tayong ginagawa,” she said. “At inaasahan po na sa latest po ay baka ang Pangulo ng US ay dumalo rin at inaasahan rin ang mga leaders galing sa Tsina, India, Brazil ay baka dumalo rin,” she added. The Climate Summit 2014, organized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, is not part of the climate negotiations held annually, Sering said, adding that the summit intends to give global leaders direction for a meaningful global agreement on climate change next year. PND

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara-Collinson discussed in detail the President’s schedule in Europe, where he is set to meet with leaders of Spain, Belgium, France and Germany before heading to the United States to attend the United Nations Global Climate Change Summit. According to Collinson, the Chief Executive, accompanied by his official delegation, will depart on September 13 for Spain via a chartered flight, his first stop

of the eight-day European trip. In all of his visits to these nations, the President will also discuss with his counterparts common issues that include the Philippines’ Generalized System of Preferences or the GSP+ application, the illegal and unregulated fishing, the Standard of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCWS) and the latest developments in the comprehensive peace agreement on the Bangsamoro. In the Spanish capital of Madrid, President Aquino is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy


and His Majesty King Felipe VI to thank Spain for keeping the Philippines—its only partner in Asia in its Official Development Assistance program—a priority country. The President is also expected to meet with the Filipino community in all four countries. According to Collinson, there are about 700,000 Filipinos in Europe, of whom 44,000 live in Spain, 6,600 in Belgium, 46,000 in France and 20,000 in Germany. The President’s next visit is the Belgian capital of Brussels where he will sit down with European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, who was the former Prime Minister of Belgium, His Majesty King Philippe and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. The European Union (EU) is the Philippines’ number one source of foreign direct investments and one of the major sources of tourists as well, Collinson said. The EU, she added, has also been a strong supporter of the Philippine position in the West Philippine Sea. According to Collinson, President Aquino willagain invite King Philippe to visit the Philippines, as well as the Belgian Economic Mission to explore investment potentials. One of the highlights of the Chief Executive’s trip to Belgium is a policy speech at the Egmont Institute in time for the 50th anniversary of the Philippine-EU relations. “It will center on the enduring partnership of the Philippines and the European Union based on shared values of democracy rule of law,” Collinson said. In Paris, the President will meet separately with French leaders President François Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls to discuss bilateral issues, including the reactivation of the joint economic committee. He will also witness the signing of the Philippines-France Defense

Cooperation Agreement and the air services agreement, and deliver a policy speech at a forum organized by the French Institute for International Relations. In his last leg of the four-nation European tour, the President will have a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and another with Federal President Joachim Gauck. He is also scheduled to receive German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a courtesy call. Germany is the country’s number one trading partner in Europe and ninth overall among the trading partners of the Philippines, currently home to 200 German companies engaged in service-oriented industries, trading and manufacturing. “We are looking at the signing of a Social Security Agreement and an agreement to establish the Philippine-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We are also looking at cooperation in technical vocational education and training,” Collinson said. She added that the Philippines will also discuss ways on how to increase the deployment of Filipino health care professionals to Germany. The government aims to deploy 500 nurses in Germany, and hopefully 200 by the end of the year, but so far only 25 nurses are employed since most of the applicants are having a hard time passing German language proficiency. Aside from nurses, President Aquino is also expected to discuss with his counterparts the Philippine-German Maritime Cooperation to increase employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers. The President will also deliver a policy speech at a forum organized by the Körber-Stiftung and the Asia Pacific association while in Germany. PND


President Aquino, Murad met to iron out details of draft Bangsamoro Law, says Palace

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad met last week to clarify and resolve issues in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law,

which will be submitted to Congress on Wednesday. “The meeting between the President and Chairman Murad resulted in the clarification and resolution of issues pertaining to the details of the implementation of the peace agreement that are embodied in the draft law,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during Tuesday’s press briefing. Both leaders deemed it urgent and important that this draft Bangsamoro law be completed, Coloma said. “That is why they took the opportunity to meet face-to-face, together with the other significant participants in this process from the Philippine and the MILF panels,” he said, noting

that the draft law faithfully represents the agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF. The Palace is making the preparations for the transmittal of the document to the Senate President and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Coloma said. The draft was scheduled to be submitted to Congress last May, but it was delayed due of some differences from both sides. Once it is passed by Congress, the President said he would aggressively push for the conduct of a fair and democratic poll in the region for the election of its leaders in 2016. PND

Bunil Weaving: An old age tradition and its first time experiencesby DTI

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Bunil Weaving, an age-old tradition of the women of Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte experienced recognition for the first time during the Kahimunan Trade Fair Food and Lifestyle Show on August 23 to 30 in Cagayan de Oro City.


During its first time participation to a regional trade fair, it was recognized as one of the nominees for the Best Product Design.THE CULTURE Bunil Weaving is an age-old tradition of the women of Poona Piagapo. It is not only a matter of exertion of labor into the task, but it is in weaving each strand that they are able to entwine and uphold their dreams of a better life for their children and their family as a whole. It is in putting each strand together that forms the totality of the product and it is in the product that the women of Poona Piagapo are able to promote boldly their identity and their rich Maranao culture. Mothers and daughters alike learn the craft not only as a necessary source of revenue to support their daily needs but also as a vivid expression of their love of one’s culture. It is in the play of bright colors that one is able to mesh their persona with the identity of the group. And it is in the association of oneself with the culture that one is able to define one’s self!THE PRODUCT Bunil are soft, fine, yarn-like materials which come in varied bright colors. The design and play of colors are results of the artistic conception of the minds of the Maranao weavers. Products come in different forms and functionality such as: Langkit, strands of woven bunil crafted with designs which may be perfectly utilized as linings and accents for other functional fashion items as bags, Filipino wears,

necklaces and other like items; Bunil Blanket, well described as fertility blankets which maybe especially attributed to its fine weaving and warm material. Newly-wed couples or couples who would want to welcome an addition to the members of the family could best this for their intimate moments. This maybe best used if it is already prayed for blessings by an Imam; Lei, Carefully and artistically handcrafted product, these may function as lei for VIPs who visit the place noting that it is a precious representation of the place which exudes the culture; Table runners and place mats, bright colors would make the table presentation more desirable and served food more enticing. The table runners and place mats made out of bunil may best as a regular fare on the table; and Bunil bags which come in different size and style would definitely easily blend in with the kind of fashion statement the bearer may want to exude.BREAKING THROUGH THE MARKET The invitation to the Regional Kahimunan Trade Fair, which was conducted last 23-30 August 2014 was the first, yet it was the start of the group’s move to cross the borders in promoting the hand-woven Bunil. Even at the first instance of seeing the invitation, everyone was ecstatic--it was actually a total mix of emotion; heart pounding because it was the first time for the group, yet it was overwhelming because it was an answered prayer that the craft of the


locals of Poona Piagapo be recognized. A product noteworthy to be renowned as Poona’s Finest! To and fro the municipal hall, the association leaders gather to prepare for the big day. With numerous ideas in mind, each suggested what to do and what to prepare. The excitement sank in deep that everyone would want a piece of their mind written on the application form, and everyone would want to be present during the big day. Disabled by the financial constraints, everyone went in prayers and high hopes to the four representative of the association to the Kahimunan 2014 Regional Trade Fair. The association made their initial step through participation to an SME Roving Academy conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del Norte Office at Zoe’s Café, Iligan City last July 9, 2014. Things to be learned about the trade fair was imparted during the training and the participants skills were beefed up. The products marketability was even more testified because even during the training, other participants were buying the product. Knowledge was even more supported by the provincial and regional trade fair orientation conducted on August 22, 2014.KAHIMUNAN TRADE FAIR 2014 Ingress started on August 22, 2014. The four representatives of Poona Piagapo did not mind and painstakingly endured the more than

50 kilometres travel going to Cagayan de Oro City. To prepare for the big day, the participants had a feel of the environment the night before the start of the trade fair proper at the hallways of SM Cagayan de Oro City. The clocked ticked 6:00 a.m. of the 23rd of August 2014, and all the decorations were up. All the inventory were out and were arranged well, ready for sale! Each of the exhibitors beautified and lighted their spaces to maximize the product presentation and made sure that the judges would take a look at their products and earn their attention. Of the hundreds of products presented, Hand-woven bunil caught not only the attention of the buyers but that of the judges as well. Poona’s Finest hand-woven bunil made P24,250.00 sales for only seven days of exhibit! Since time immemorial, this was an event worth reminiscing, for this was their first time to make this much of sales in just a short span of time. More than anything else, the Poona’s Finest hand-woven bunil is worthy for such brand. For, during its first time participation to a regional trade fair, it was recognized as one of the nominees for the Best Product Design for the Kahimunan Trade Fair 2014! Bunil Weaving--an age-old tradition experiencing recognition for the first time. Truly, it is Poona’s Finest!


SME Roving Academy (SMERA) will teach entrepreneurs the essentials of start-up and capability building, market awareness, market readiness, export readiness, export market entry, export sustainability, and export expansion, said Ermedio J. Abang, provincial director of DTI here. “It involves several learning stages to bring to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) the learning modules designed to promote entrepreneurship, develop key competencies in searching opportunities, product development, marketing, finance, and ways to increase productivity and efficiency,” he said. The Academy, he said, is an on-site learning institute for SMEs which integrates business development services (BDS) at the local and national levels. Business modules in the early stages of an enterprise’s journey in starting, growing and exporting will be developed, tailor-fitted to the requirements of local entrepreneurs. He explained that these

accelerated training modules are designed to assist entrepreneurs in making meaningful progress toward business success and sustain business growth. The program partners with BDS providers, local government units, training institutions, business chambers, academe, financial Institutions, trade and industry associations, government, and non-government organizations. SME Roving Academy in Bukidnon was formally launched in July 11, 2013 in Malaybalay City. This year, the 12 SMERA were conducted in the municipalities of Kalilangan, Don Carlos, Libona, Maramag, Talakag and the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia. Business Opportunity on Oil Palm Production, Financial Management, Good Manufacturing Practices, Understanding ASEAN Economic Community, and How to Secure FDA License to Operate, were some of the major topics imparted by the speakers who are experts in said fields.

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Twelve Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Roving Academy were already conducted in Bukidnon as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continued its intensified campaign on “Gabay Negosyo sa Pag-asenso” to promote growth of SMEs.

DTI intensifies entrepreneurship drive, continues SME Roving Academyby Junar B. Merla


The governor sounded the call, as the province expresses its support to the 2014 Nationwide Measles-Rubella and Oral Poliovirus Vaccine Mass Immunization (MR OPV MI), this month of September. As recalled, in her recent State of the Province Address (SOPA), she said “A good government cannot neglect the health of its people, as this is the foundation of their well-being. With healthy bodies that can toil and labor, they can be regarded as social assets who can contribute to social

progress. It is because of this that my administration invests in the health of our people.” Through Executive Order No. 23-2014 dated June 16, 2014, the governor ordered the revival of the Provincial Nutrition Committee, which mainly performs the task of training Barangay Nutrition Scholars. Meanwhile, under her close supervision and support, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has initiated a number of programs to safeguard the health

of the provinces’ constituents. Meanwhile, the governor congratulated the IPHO staff for doing an excellent job in implementing the following programs in the province: Expanded Program on Immunization, Breastfeeding Program, Tuberculosis Control Program, Vitamin A Treatment, Pneumonia treatment, Anti-Rabies campaign, health education on HIV/AIDS, access to safe water and proper waste management.

MisOcc exec calls for support of “Ligtas Tigdas”by Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Governor Herminia M. Ramiro has called on all concerned parents of the province to avail of the “Ligtas Tigdas” program of the Department of Health (DOH), that offers, for free, measles-rubella and oral poliovirus vaccine immunization for children 0-59 months old.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Some 969 hectares across SOCCKSARGEN Region have been identified as planting sites for the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region earmarks 969 hectares for TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOWBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

TreeVolution, a campaign led by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Depart-ment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is an attempt to plant a record-breaking 4.6 million seedlings in several areas in Mindanao in one hour on September 26, 2014.

Based on a document released by Dr. Noel Dungca, Forest Resources Development Division chief of DENR 12, planting sites in Region 12 in-clude 250 hectares (ha) in Sarangani, 250 ha in Sultan Kudarat, 250 ha in North Cotabato and 219 ha in South Cotabato.

Specific locations in Sarangani are Baran-gay Katubao in Kiamba; San Miguel in Malungon; and Sitio Kapyawe, Barangay Alegria in Alabel while planting sites in Sultan Kudarat province are in Barangay Paril in Kalamansig, Datalblao in Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, and Marquez in Espe-ranza.

In North Cotabato , the following locations have been designated as areas for the greening program: Sitio Silangan, Malapag in Carmen; Si-tio Migcuan, New Alimudian in Matalam; Sitio Med-al, Palau in Libungan; New Culasi in Pigcawayan;


Malamote in Midsayap; and Sitio Bay-ang, Barangiran in Alamada.

Designated areas in South Co-tabato include Barangays Afus, Lambangan, and Kematu in Tboli; Tkonel in Lake Sebu as well as Sitios Daan Banwang and Sitio Abtois in Barangay Upper Labay in General Santos City.

At least 28,254 individuals are expected to plant at least 504,500 seedlings for the event.

Seedling to be planted include high value crops such as rubber, coffee, cacao, jackfruit as well as woody trees such as narra, ma-hogany, falcata, sagimsim, white lauan, lamio, and taluto.

Gabriel Baute, National Greening

Program Coordinator of DENR 12, in a recent partner orientation as-sured that a week before the ac-tual event all preparations would be ready, including climatization of seedlings, geotagging, and seedling transport.

Baute also enjoined all participants to coordinate with the nearest DENR office for the activity.

MinDA chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, during her visit here on Tuesday, September 2, emphasized that the TreeVolution is not merely an attempt to break India’s Guin-ness World Record for most trees planted simultaneously in multiple locations.

On August 15, 2011, some


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- There is a promise for better in-come for farmers who would intercrop coconuts with cacao, said Sec-retary Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

340,200 individuals in India plant-ed 1,945,535 trees in 408 locations.

“The TreeVolution is not merely about breaking a world record,” Sec-retary Antonino said, “but more importantly it is about increasing awareness among the people of Mindanao regarding the importance of the National Greening Program (NGP).

Antonino stressed that the activity is also in line with the comprehen-sive efforts for the protection of the environment.

“We owe it to the future genera-tions to take care of our environ-ment,” she told about 200 stake-holders attending an orientation on the TreeVolution.

MinDA and DENR need at least

244,444 individuals to partici-pate in the TreeVolution: Green-ing MindaNOW and plant a total of 4,636,000 seedlings in 9,200 hectares.

Besides the targets set by the DENR offices, local government units are also enjoined to com-mit at least 5 hectares for the tree planting activity.

Interested individuals may see the nearest Provincial or Commu-nity Environment and Natural Re-sources Office or register online via their official Facebook account www.facebook.com/MindanaoTreevo-lution.

Registration ends on Wednesday, Sept. 10 . (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

MinDA chief urges coco farmers to plant cacaoBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Secretary Antonino disclosed in recent visit here that ca-cao is among the crops they are pushing for planting in the TreeVolution: Greening Mind-aNOW, an attempt to break a world record for most trees simultaneously planted in mul-

tiple locations by planting 4.6 million seedlings in 9,200 hect-ares in several areas across Mindanao on September 26.

“Cacao is a commodity, like coffee whose demands con-tinue to rise,” Antonino empha-sized. “There is no danger in


recommending to farmers to plant cacao (as a coconut intercrop).”

The MinDA chief noted that by 2016, cacao will have a local demand rate of 28,268 metric tons that could provide employ-ment for 88,337 Mindanawons.

Mindanao , she stressed, could also take advantage of the increasing global de-mand for cocoa products and declining production in West Africa, which contributes about one-third of the global cacao beans production.

Antonino added that expand-

ing Mindanao’s production area for cacao would not be difficult.

“Mindanao has 1.9 million hectares devoted to coconuts. If we can intercrop 5 percent of these coconut plantations with cacao, this would mean at least 100,000 hectares of cacao,” she said.

One and a half year after planting, intercropped cacao trees would already produce pods and in two years, farm-ers would already recover expenses, she elaborated fur-ther.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Some 112 dependents of Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from the SOCCSKSARGEN Region are set to take OWWA’s scholarship qualifying examinations on September 21.

112 Soccsksargen OFW dependents to take OWWA scholarship examsBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

The aspirants are composed of 107 applicants for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) and 5 for the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Pro-gram (CMWSP).

Thirty-nine of the EDSP exam-inees are from South Cotabato, 36 from General Santos City and Sa-rangani Province, 22 from North Cotabato and Cotabato City, and 10 from Sultan Kudarat.

For CMSWP, three examinees are from North Cotabato and from from General Santos-Sarangani area.

OWWA-12 OIC Marilou Sumalinog hopes that more aspirants from the region would pass the exam this year so that more to OFW de-pendents in the area will be given a chance to acquire quality education through programs and services of

the government.The official said that they will be

releasing the test permits this week.Designated testing centers in the

region include Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City; Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Sultan Ku-darat State University in Tacurong City; and Mindanao State Univer-sity - General Santos City.

CMWSP is for children of inactive OFWs not more than 21 years old. While EDSP is a scholarship program offered to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs who intend to enroll in a four to five-year baccalaureate course in any CHED accredited college or university of their own choice. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

“In three years, most likely farmers could earn more from the intercropped cacao than from the coconuts,” Antonino said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority – Bureau of

Agricultural Statistics, the six region of Mindanao produced a total of 4,366.52 metric tons of cacao in 2013. Of this, 3,844.3 MT were produced by Davao Region. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

PNOY cites rising infra priority for Mindanao

DAVAO CITY- Presi-dent Benigno S. Aquino III cited his administra-tion’s prioritization of infrastructure in the region during his speech at the launching of Philip-pine Business for Social Progress Min-danao Inclusive Agri-business Program. “We must boost Mindanao’s capacities, so that they them-selves may catch up and contribute to our economic growth.” The President said in his speech The President referred to his ad-ministration’s accom-plishments in infra-structure which is in line with the plan of linkaging airports and seaports to the vari-

ous food production and processing areas across Mindanao. The infra plan re-duces transport costs and lessen the need for middle men thus allowing Mindanao farmers to gain from their produce. The President cited 3,491 kilometers of national roads, and 208.4 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, in Mindanao have been constructed, up-graded, or rehabilitat-ed, under the current administration. The President cit-ed that from 2011 to 2014, over P99 billion was allotted for the con-struction of vital infra-structure in the region; while for 2015 another P63.13 billion has been proposed for infra-structure in Mindanao


Among the big infrastructure projects included the improve-ment of 161.3 kilometers of the Digos-Kidapawan-Pagalungan-Cotabato Road, together with the rehabilitation and strength-ening of 39 bridges, the Basi-lan Circumferential Road, which the President is expecting to be finished soon. The Lake Lanao Circumferential Road Project in Lanao del Sur, another major infrastructure project in the re-gion, is targeted to be complet-ed by 2015. “Since 2011, P16.2 billion has already been released for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of 410 kilo-

meters of road networks under the Mindanao Logistics Infra-structure Network.” The Presi-dent said in his speech.The PBSP’s Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program which promotes the Inclusive Business Imperative campaign in Min-danao which seeks to address income gaps in the country by incorporating the poor within the company’s value chain as suppliers, distributors and em-ployees. The Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program is en-gaged in the harvesting of ca-cao, coffeee, corn, palm oil and rubber. (PIA/RG Alama)


NHA gives permanent shelters to LumadsDAVAO DEL NORTE - The National Housing Authority (NHA) turned over yesterday (September 8) per-manent houses to 120 Ata Manobo families in Talaingod. Engr. Carolina Angel, NHA XI regional director, inaugurated in Sitio Paiton, Brgy. Dagohoy, Talaingod its pilot Pabahay Para sa Lumad project costing more than P-10 million. Director Angel recalled that the project was first conceptualized dur-ing the housing summit in 2011, when Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario pro-posed for a housing project for indig-enous people. “With the request of the late Datu Oscar Bogot, Gov. Del Rosario pushed the project during the sum-mit stating that it high time to in-clude the indigenous people in the housing projects of the NHA,” she said. Engr. Josie Jean Rabanos, pro-vincial planning and development coordinator of Davao del Norte, said that during the summit, the housing for the indigenous people was just a dream. “During those times, all that were included in the plan of the NHA were their regular housing pro-grams; and it was the governor who forced the idea,” Engr. Rabanos said.

The 102 houses are located 2 kilometers from Paiton Lake, which

was the previous habitat of the ben-eficiaries and 18 kilometers from the town proper. Nelvin Laroa, municipal plan-ning and development coordinator of Talaingod, said that the project was considered as resettlement for the IPs living within 500 meter radius of the Paiton Lake. He also said that the de-sign of the house was agreed by the indigenous people as per require-ment of the NHA. “At first, the design was all lumber-made but later on the tribal community decided to have half-concrete and half-lumber house,” he added. Laroa disclosed that the mu-nicipal government augmented P-1.5 million to the P-10 million funding from the NHA for the direct cost of the project. He added that although the project was a grant from the NHA, the families will pay P 150 monthly fee to the local government. “The frequency of the payment of the families will be the basis of the NHA to again grant another housing project for another group of indig-enous people in Talaingod,” Director Angel said. Aside from the houses, a tribal hall and a worship hall will also be constructed within the area. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

DILG calls LGUs to participate in TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas issued Memorandum Circular No.

2014-103 dated August 27, 2014 enjoining all Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of Mindanao,

by Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office 13 (Caraga) is calling-out to all local government units in Caraga region to participate in the Mindanao-wide campaign dubbed as “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW” on September 26, 2014.


specifically of Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and ARMM to support the event by planting trees in a 5-hectare public land of their provinces, municipalities and/or cities. DILG 13 regional director Lilibeth A. Famacion already issued Memorandum dated September 3, 2014 to direct all LCEs in the region to actively take part in the event as it will support the Department’s outcome of achieving Environment Friendly, Disaster Resilient and Climate Change Adaptive LGUs. This event is aimed to break the Guinness World Record from India for most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations

in just an hour. The target for trees to be planted in whole Mindanao is 4,636,000 on the said date. In Caraga region, a target of 500,000 trees will be planted in 1000 hectares by 25,000 planters. Species of plants include cacao, coffee, mangrove, timber and other fruit trees which are of economic value and benefit to the people. The world record attempt is to raise environmental awareness and instill consciousness to the people, as well as to achieve at least 30% target of forest cover envisioned in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan.

Health on Wheels served Tandag beneficiariesby May Ann O. EscobalBUTUAN CITY- Various health services and information were re-ceived by about 1, 200 youth, mothers, fathers, and elders dur-ing the recent DOH on Wheels: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Road-show in Tandag City.

On its part, the Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga handled two sessions – U4U Teen Trail Initiative and Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Obligasyon at Responsibilidad sa Pamilya (KATROPA) - for communities 2

(youth) and 3 (men) in the said city. PopCom tapped the trained U4U Teen Facilitators in Surigao del Sur State University (SDSU) in managing the teen trail. Population workers are hopeful that the life skills of the


Dengue incidence in SurSur starts to go downTANDAG CITY- The incidence of dengue plaguing the province of Surigao del Sur has already started to go down, according to Provin-cial Health Officer Dr. Algerico Irizari early this week.

by Greg Tataro Jr.,

young people of Tandag City were enhanced particularly their abilities to manage emotions and cope with stress and pressures in their daily life as well as in solving problems of their own. This also empowered youth to identify and respond to community needs for this will help them become compassionate and reflective individuals. Likewise to men, the session will help in making them more empowered and equipped with skills on how to become more responsible sexually, physically, emotionally, psychologically in providing the needs, especially the health and total well-being of the family. PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano articulated that with men’s enormous power over many aspects of women’s lives, men’s

active involvement in all efforts to achieve maternal health, women empowerment, and gender equality is of utmost importance. Makinano emphasized the importance of involving the youth in such activity for it provided valuable insight into the needs of their fellow adolescents; it also built the leadership and communication skills of the young people. Kalusugan Pangkalahatan is the Aquino administration’s universal health care agenda which seeks to ensure equitable access to quality health care by all Filipinos especially those who are in the grass roots level. This also aims to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 – the reduction of child mortality and the improvement of maternal health in the Philippines.


Dengue incidence in SurSur starts to go down

However, based on the Disease Surveillance Report of the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development-Caraga Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) tagged as “Dengue Update as of Mobidity Week 35” or from August 24-30, 2014, Surigao del Sur is still prominent. In fact, it was cited that “For the month of August, a total of 961 cases were reported mostly from Butuan City (253) followed by Surigao del Sur (177).” The report likewise pointed out that “A total of 5,199 suspect

Dengue cases were admitted to different disease reporting units region wide from January 1-August 30, 2014,” adding that “This is 118% higher” as compared to the same period last year with 2,388 cases. Meanwhile, it was learned that since the year started, Surigao del Sur has already claimed nine of the 25 total deaths that was allegedly caused by dengue in the entire region—five of which occurred in Bislig City while the rest took place in the towns of Lingig-1; Barobo-2; and Hinatuan-1.

PHIVOLCS9 chief cautions public to be ready at all times By Gideon C. Corgue

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Engr. Allan Rommel Labayog, station chief of Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS9) admonishes the public to be ready at all times in case disaster strikes.Labayog was one of the resource speakers in the 2-day Trainors’ Training on Advocacy for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation at the Seafood House, San Roque, Zamboanga City

on September 4-5, 2014 hosted by PIA.

HHHThe PHIVOLCS chief, who lectured on earthquake and preparedness said PHIVOLCS has recorded deadliest and most


PHIVOLCS9 chief cautions public to be ready at all times

powerful earthquakes in the country, of which 60 percent come from Mindanao.

He enumerated the very destructive earthquakes that hit Mindanao particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula during the 16th and 18th centuries which caused countless damage to lives and properties.

Labayog said an average of 20 earthquakes occur everyday.

With this scenario, he said the public should undertake preventive measures to avoid economic and human losses should disaster occur.

“I encourage the people to be always ready and take proactive measures,” he quoted, and advised the public to know the hazard zone, safe zone, strictly follow structural and building code, implement safe construction

practices, prepare emergency plan, conduct information and education campaign on disaster preparedness and drills in communities.

By doing so, we can safeguard the well-being of citizens and prevent

loss of lives and properties. “Remember that the BIG one is just ahead so let’s make everyday a disaster day,” Labayog cautioned.

In closing, he quoted a popular phrase of Christian writer and theologian Jimm Wallis, “sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.”

The training was participated by DSWD, DepEd, non-government organizations and barangay officials to capacitate them to be active advocates on climate change adaptation and mitigation.


NEW ZNPPO Chief surprises MPOsBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – The newly-appointed Provincial Director of the Zamboanga del Norte assumes his assignment in a different way and caught seven (7) Municipal Policer Stations by surprise.

Police Senior Superintendent Juanito Echaluce Enguerra, who was the guest in the recent “Kapihan sa Dipolog” media forum here, said he assumed as the PNP Director of the province last August 15, 2014.On his way to his new assignment, Enguera said he personally visited 7 municipal stations in the province in civilian attire and pretend to be asking assistance and uncovered so many things that need to be reformed. He cited the laxity in security and

the seemingly unacceptable way of extending service to the public.“In one police station, I reported my lost cellphone and I was told to wait since the one in charge of the blotter was not yet around. I took me 30 minutes to be attended to. Another instance was when I asked the Desk Officer that I wanted to see their Chief of Police and instead of being properly brought to their COP, I was just told to go to the second floor, where the COP is holding office while he/she was busy texting. This


NEW ZNPPO Chief surprises MPOsCredit Surety Fund seen to boost economic resiliency in the countrysideBy Mark Anthony M. Gito

DIPOLOG CITY – A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among stakeholders of Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City Credit Surety Fund (CSF) was recently inked with partner institutions of the CSF such as the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund (IGLF).

is not the kind of service we want to give to the public as well as the image of the PNP that we want the public to see,” Enguera said. Enguera reminded the local police to exercise professionalism in the performance of their mandated task and extend the needed assistance and service that our people truly deserve, regardless of their standing in the community.Enguera whose latest assignment

was with the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group PNP-CIDG) at Camp Crame said he will retrain his men and strengthen the establishment of the Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) in the province to address criminalities and gain support from the people to prevent the occurrence of crimes and encourage the public to report to the proper authorities any incdent in their locality.


The MOA signing was spearheaded by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo at Top Plaza Hotel, this city on September 3, 2014.Also in attendance were DBP Senior Assistant Vice President (SAVP) Aurora Maghirang, LBP Department Manager Vinicius Hamoy, and IGLF Senior Assistant Vice President Ma. Jocelyn Q. Pobre. An audio-visual presentation dubbed “Credit Surety Fund: Sustaining Economic Growth through Increased Credit Flows” was shown by BSP to better understand, appreciate and get a clear vision of the CSF. Mayor Evelyn T. Uy pointed out that without enough finances, government programs and interventions would be limited and the duty of carrying out public welfare will be delayed or worst, denied.“We are given the power to enter into contract as stated in our local government code and we are blessed to have CSF that will carry out our plans. Indeed, our partnership is designed to alleviate the status of many Dipolognons,” Mayor Uy quoted.BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said this will be extended to their respective cooperatives and NGOs in establishing an even bigger CSF in the province.“What we can see from this consolidation is an even more potent, more responsive, more effective CSF in this part of the Philippines capable of advancing the cause of

micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) thereby achieving economic resiliency,” cited Guinigundo.“We should be seeing more MSME’s enabled to start up operations, or expand their existing capacity. We should be seeing more job opportunities from this business process. We should be seeing more people leapfrogging from poverty to economic empowerment,” Guinigundo quoted.According to him, “there are 7 cooperatives and 2 NGOs with total combined funds of P14.5 million under the Dipolog City CSF. On the other hand, there are 11 coops and only 1 NGO with total funds of P8.4 million in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. If this is added to the existing fund of Dipolog CSF of P14.5 million, then we have an overall total CSF of P22.9 million.”“Because of the CSF, there would be no need for members to raise collateral. Members of coops and NGOs would have to assess their own member’s feasibility plan. The oversight committee would further scrutinize the loan proposal before it issues the letter of endorsement and CSF guarantee. The program allows all MSMEs to borrow from the participating banks even without a long credit history,” he explained.Governor Roberto Y. Uy, Vice-Mayor Horacio Velasco, board members, city councilors and other local government officials were all in attendance during the MOA signing.

one mindanao - september 9, 2014

Documents

zamboanga city government

families of siege

mariki housing project

zamboanga city road

rehabilitation project

national housing authority

duplextype housing units

reconstruction z3r