One Mindanao - August 7, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

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Cover Story

Soda Pool, Camiguin’s added treat

Jorie C. ValcorzaNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Tuesday, August 7, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 317

page 4

Malacañang stresses President’s advocacy for responsible parenthood, says Aquino is against abortion 7

PO1 Ryan C Cagula, Caraga Region

17th PCR month affirms police,community partnership toward peaceful community

2218

Cora Mamaug, Western Mindanao

PAGIBIG-Zambo. BranchConducts Developers’ Forum

DOST-12 exec urges junior college students to avail S & T scholarships 25

Ozamiz utilizes P14.135M for social, eco projects

Davao’s gay community ups HIV-AIDS awareness advocacy

2832

Rene V. Carbayas, Western Mindanao

13 ARMM Gov Hataman: Don’t let BIFF attacks to derail ongoing peace process

Alexis Cabardo, Caraga Region

Malnourished cases down in San Francisco, targets zero case

Use of member ID numbers required starting Sept 1 – Pag-IBIG27 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

RG Alama, Southern Mindanao

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, ARMM

17

6

9 11

14

26

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4 Tuesday, August 7, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StorySoda Pool, Camiguin’s added treat

The island bubbles not only of cold and hot spring waters but of soda, as well. Lying beneath Mount Hibok-Hibok in barangay Bura of Catarman town is the healing and whitening waters of the Soda Pool. This interesting pool tastes just like the commercialized bottle soda water minus the acidity. Its water source spouts up natural carbonated water, so rich that the continued flow of the spring

water bubbles up within the pool area. A dip in mineral water, with such lush vegetation around, while the majestic volcanoes watched over is incomparably stunning. If milk baths are supposed to bring good skin, bathing here is also said to have some medicinal properties. At certain rare places around the globe, this mineral water rises from the earth naturally carbonated,

Never running out of surprises. Yes, this

beautiful volcanic island, lying off the north east coast of Mindanao, offers another extraordinary treat to tourist.

byJorie C. Valcorza

Tuesday, August 7, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

forming warm pools. Studies shows that this nutrient-rich water provides critical habitat to rare plants and animals, but not restricted to wildlife alone. Scientists believe that soaking in the pools or better yet drinking it will reap the health benefits of natural soda water, which is known to reduce osteoporosis, decrease cardiovascular health disease and lower blood pressure. Although it is reported that mineral content of soda spring water may vary from location to location. Meanwhile, barangay Agoho in the municipality of Mambajao is also using soda water spring to supply its water system. Before the pool in Bura was developed, visitors often drop briefly in Agoho just to try its all free soda. Camiguin from the sound of its name “come again”

until now remains an exciting place to visit over and over again. It can take you to its virgin forests, highest peak, great dive sites, historical landmarks, as well as, must try foods and delicacies only the island can offer. It is only here where you might want to leave your jeans off and go shirtless all day as you take a dip on its unique varieties of water giving a rare combination of healing, cleansing, relaxing and refreshing swim.

6 Tuesday, August 7, 2012

ACROSS THE NATION

The President said in a dialogue with graduating students of PAREF Southridge in Malacañang on

Monday that the students could help government weed out individuals or groups who pose fictitious names

President Aquino to tap students in anti-corruption campaign

President Benigno S. Aquino III will soon be coordinating with the different schools and universities in the country in a move to entice students to join the administration’s anti-corruption campaign by

being on the lookout for uncommon circumstances within their areas.


and addresses to defraud the government of custom

taxes and duties.He said a common practice of

smugglers would be to use false names and addresses in their applications with the Bureau of Customs in order to evade arrest and mislead authorities.

“So the idea is, you all have cell phones, you take a picture of their address…we’re coordinating

with certain schools, then we have proof right away if the consignee is fictitious and that they are a party to smuggling,” the President said.

“Sometimes all you have to do is look at the construction (activities) if you go to your provinces or even your city. There’s a construction going on and you think its substandard, again your cell phones become very good pieces of investigative equipment,” he added. (rck)

Malacañang stresses President’s advocacy for responsible parenthood, says Aquino is against abortion

President Benigno S. Aquino III is against abortion contrary to the claim of some of the anti-Reproductive Health (RH) bill groups that he never values life and dignity of every human person, a Palace official

said on Monday.

8 Tuesday, August 7, 2012

“The President is against abortion. There has been

disinformation going around that the President is for abortion,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

The President has advocated for a responsible parenthood proposal to give the people proper information regarding family planning so they could arrive at better decisions on the size of their families, according to Lacierda.

Lacierda said the President has already stated his five-point position on responsible parenthood.

“President Aquino wants natural family planning centers (to be) established just to allay the fears that the President has taken a position one way.... It is again a decision on us, on the parents to choose—number one, that you will be informed of the manner and method of family planning and that we will provide you help along that way. In that manner, the President has advocated the establishment of natural family planning centers,” he said.

“Para lang ipaalam sa publiko na wala pong preference po ang Presidente one way or the other. It’s the fact that we need to inform the public of an information campaign, as to the manner of family planning,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda assured the public that the President took into consideration the concerns of the Catholic bishops when he introduced the Responsible Parenthood Bill to the Congress. (js)


Aquino govt. strongly condemns attacks by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement on military installations

The Aquino administration strongly condemned the simultaneous attacks of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom

Movement (BIFM) forces on military installations in different areas in Maguindanao and North Cotabato on Sunday.

“The attacks initiated by this lawless group during Ramadan only demonstrate their disrespect for this holy month of our Muslim faithful, and their disregard for innocent lives that can be displaced or lost during their irrational assaults,” Presidential

Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said in a statement read by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in Malacanang on Monday.

Reports said military installations in the municipalities of Talayan, Datu Unsay, Datu


Saudi Ampatuan and Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao; and in Midsayap in North Cotabato were simultaneously attacked by small bands of armed men led by Ustadz Carialan, chief of staff of the BIFM.

“The BIFM is not part of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), and thus is not covered by any ceasefire agreement. Formerly known as Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the BIFM is led by Ameril Umbra Kato who, together with his followers, was dissociated from the MILF who declared him as a “bougat or one who defies or does not obey an order,” Deles said.

“Definitely, our government forces are ready for necessary defensive actions to protect and ensure the welfare of the communities should the perpetrators launch attacks again. Pursuit operations against Carialan and his men are being conducted to bring them to the bar of justice,” Deles said.

Deles assured that the act of aggression of the BIFM will not derail the peace process between the government and the MILF.

“We assure the public that these incidents will not affect the substantial gains that we

have carefully and persistently built with our counterparts, foremost of which is the ceasefire mechanism that continues to hold on the ground and kept the peace for our communities,” Deles stressed.

As the Government and MILF panels start this week the 30th Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Deles said, the Aquino government remains firm in its resolve to continue engaging the MILF in the negotiation table until both parties are able to reach an agreement to finally resolve the conflict in Mindanao and bring peace to the people.


Lanao del Sur joins Mindanao-wide human resource and skills dev’t summitby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Representatives of the technical-vocational education and training (TVET) institutions here, TVET practitioners and stakeholders joined in the 11th Human Resource and Skills

Development (HRSD) conference this week.

The Lanao del Sur delegation, headed by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) provincial director Tarhata

S. Mapandi, attended the said conference and exhibits slated August 6 to 8 in Cagayan de Oro City.


The three-day summit with the theme, “Sustaining TESD Amidst the Challenges of Time,” feature sessions on issues and concerns affecting the TVET sector in Mindanao in the light of local and global changes. The 11th HRSD conference and exhibits also showcases the best TVET innovations and practices of TVET institutions in Mindanao. In addition to interactive presentations and panel discussions, dynamic speakers from leading industry partners including Sam Chittick of the Australian Agency for International Development and Fiona Fitzpatrick of the Australian

Council for Private Education & Training (ACPET) will also grace the summit. The HRSD is an annual event of TVET practitioners and stakeholders within Mindanao region organized by the Mindanao TVET association. This year, it is hosted by Tesda-10 in cooperation with the Federation of Region-10 TVIs Inc., Department of Labor and Employment-10 and the Department of Trade and Industry-10. Top officials of the TESDA led by its director general Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva was also present during the summit.


ARMM Gov Hataman: Don’t let BIFF attacks to derail ongoing peace processby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) called-on the peace panels of both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) not to get distracted by the on-going clash in Maguindanao.

In a statement, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman appealed to both peace panels not to allow the isolated incident to affect the encouraging gains in the process. He also urged all stakeholders to help stop this latest round of violence and prevent its possible escalation. On the other hand, the regional governor also condemned the act of aggression taking place in the towns of Datu Unsay, Ampatuan, and Shariff Aguak involving the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). “The act is especially reprehensible during this time of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, when devout Muslims are in the observance of fasting and are supposed to exercise utmost restraint. It is an utter disrespect of Islamic values and of the lives of countless civilians who will have to

endure the effects of conflict even in the midst of the holy month,” he said. The ARMM governor also said the BIFF should uphold Islamic values and respect for civilian lives more than any other interest and to exhaust peaceful means to address valid grievances.


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Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said he is backing up President Aquino when the latter signed Executive Order (EO) No. 81,

creating the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC).

Sen. Pimentel backs EO 81

In an interview with the local press prior to his speaking engagement during the 21st Mindanao Business Conference here, Pimentel said he is happy that Malacañang has focused on

solving issues and concerns of the power situation not only here in Mindanao but as well as in the entire country. He said power situation now does not only affect Mindanao, since

by Robert E. Roperos


Luzon has already started to feel what the residents in the region have experienced during the past years. Pimentel added these concerns may lead to a national problem if this will not be properly taken care of. “What the government has been doing is just a right time for this can help solve issues and concerns regarding to the power situation not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon,” he said. However, he is against privatization of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower plants, saying that these are the only few state-owned properties that are still existing here in Mindanao, and that Mindanaoans should benefit the services of these plants in the economic development of the island. Pimentel further said he

believes that whether the plants will be privatized or not, the price of electricity will remain high. “So, what’s the use of privatizing the plants if it will generate same result,” he said. EO 81 underscored the need for a coordinating body that will monitor, harmonize and integrate recommendations on addressing the issues and carrying out specific initiatives for the Mindanao power industry sector. The MPMC is tasked to spearhead and coordinate the efforts of the national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao. The committee is headed by the Mindanao Development Authority


(MinDA), with the members such as the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation; and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. The order also enjoined representatives of the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA) and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) to become members of the committee. MPMC shall develop a database containing vital information regarding the power sector in Mindanao and other matters that may affect it. It shall also assess the current situation of the power sector in Mindanao and

evaluate the viability of the Mindanao Power Summit recommendations, and regularly submit reports and recommendations to the President. Likewise, the committee shall perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to implement the Executive Order. The initial funding requirement for the first year of operations of the MPMC shall be determined jointly by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and MinDA, and sourced from the Contingent Fund and such other sources as may be identified by DBM. Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation of the MPMC shall be incorporated in the regular budget of MinDA.


According to Malyn Bugawan, San Francisco municipal nutrition action officer, record shows that in 2009, malnutrition in San Francisco went down by 14 percent and has continued to decrease, by another 5.8 percent this year. But according to Bugawan, although the reduction of malnourished children is remarkable, they are still aiming for a zero number of cases in San Francisco. “One of our strategies in order to reach our goal of eradicating malnutrition in the municipality is to launch vegetable gardening in all elementary schools

so that we can use our produce in our feeding program,” Bugawan said. Bugawan also said that together with the municipal nutrition council, her office is taking steps to monitor that all school canteens must not sell junk foods to children, in line with the order of the Department of Education (DepEd) to ban the selling of junk foods to school canteens nationwide. “The DepEd has issued Order No. 8, series of 2007 ordering that all school canteens must only sell nutritious foods, especially those rich in protein, like food

Malnourished cases down in San Francisco, targets zero caseby Alexis Cabardo

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- Malnutrition went down by an average of nine percent in the municipality of San Francisco in the past three years, according to the record by the municipal nutrition office.


derived from root crops, noodles and other foods made of rice and corn, and also fruits and vegetables,” Bugawan said. Bugawan did not spare the role of teachers in schools in solving the malnutrition. Bugawan said teachers should always educate the children the value of good nutrition so that children will refrain from eating junk foods and instead take nutritious foods, fruits and vegetables. In line with the culmination

of the nutrition month celebration, various activities were undertaken in the municipality of San Francisco in order to enhance the children’s knowledge about good nutrition. Among the activities that highlighted the celebration is a cooking contest participated by students and parents. There was also a fruit carving contest, “tula” and jingle singing competition, in the context of the nutrition month.

17th PCR month affirms police,community partnership toward peaceful community

BUTUAN CITY-- As the month-long celebration of Police Community Relations concluded, personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other sectors were recognized for their exceptional dedication in harnessing public cooperation towards the attainment of a peaceful and orderly community on July 30, 2012.

by PO1 Ryan C Cagula


This year’s theme, “Matatag Na Ugnayan Ng Mamamayan At Kapulisan Tungo Sa Mapayapa At Ligtas Na Pamayanan,” affirms the importance of partnership between the police and community in the overall scheme of crime prevention. Leading the celebration was the National Police Commission (NaPolCom) with the PNP as the implementing agency. Among the awardees were DXBC-Radio Mindanao Network, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte, Bislig City Police

Station, Nasipit Police Station, Rey Brangan of PNP Press Corps , PInsp Philip Abapo, SPO1 Francisco Florinosos, PO3 Jennifer Ometer, PO1 Genco Popera, and PO1 Ramil Diaz. On her message, the guest of honor and speaker, OIC-Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), emphasized that cooperation between the PNP and the public

is vital in deterring criminality to continuously achieve a stable and peaceful society. “The partnership between the police and the community plays a truly critical role in the total effort of the Philippine National Police to reduce the incidence of crimes,” she said. The celebration has ended but Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 and people from Caraga continue working on the same advocacy of making a safer and more progressive Caraga region.


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Zamboanga del Sur DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Engr. Raymundo Bernardo in a press conference held recently at his office said, the law clearly states that the support services will still be provided to the CARP beneficiaries. Nationwide, we still have a balance of almost a million hectares

of private agricultural lands which requires the necessary reforms to complete the acquisition and distribution to landless farmers, he said. In Zamboanga del Sur, Bernardo disclosed, there are 65,382 hectares mostly private agricultural lands of different types of acquisition to

DAR celebrates 3rd CARPER anniversaryBy Claro A. Lanipa

T he Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) celebrated its 3rd Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) as per Republic Act 9700 of

2009, better known as the CARPER law. This law contains an extension of the budget for CARP especially the Land Acquisition and Distribution (LSAD) program for five years from July 1, 2009.


include non-private agricultural lands or government own lands turned over to us for distribution under CARP. CARP started in 1988 as per RA-6657. This was actually a 10-year program implemented by DAR based on the mandate of the Philippine Constitution and is extended for another 10 years from 1998-2008, to distribute the balances, mostly private agricultural lands. He said, during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Benigno Aquino III, was emphatic that all lands under Phase 3-A should be issued with the notice of coverage up to December 2012. This means that all lands 10 hectares and above are covered with this phase and the issuance of notice has started July, this year. As stated also by President Aquino, we will also be covering 5 hectares and below 10 hectares by next year under Phase 3-B. The issuance of notices will commence on July 1, 2013, Bernardo added. Meanwhile Engr. Josephine Sisican, chief Beneficiaries Development and Coordination Division reported, that as of July 2012 a total of P363.144 Million ARCP II projects have been approved. These projects are rehabilitation/ improvement of Farm to Market Roads (FMR), Barangay Health Stations, road repair and construction, warehouses and solar dryers distributed in 17 municipalities in the province. ARCP II is being funded by Asean Development Bank (ADB)

with counterpart from the local government units (LGUs.) PARO Bernardo added, that once we give the beneficiaries a piece of land through the CARP more services will come in. DAR alone can’t do this, “we always work with our project partners which is the LGUs, the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), as well as the NGOs and CSOs operating in the province,” Bernardo emphasized. We are very lucky because there are still active NGO’s who are supporting our program, he said. He further said, DAR focuses more on the natural practice system as well as the organic farming system. The trend today, is to do away with the use of in-organic, which usually used chemicals and pesticides. “We always adopt programs implemented or pushed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Integrated Pest Management and other systems,” said Bernardo. (NBE/CAL/PIA9)


On behalf of the provincial governor, Provincial Administrator and concurrent Provincial Engineer Tahir Latip pinned the seal of the Provincial Government of Basilan to the symbolic “kulambo” (mosquito net), adding up to some fifty local government units who have given their commitment and support to the movement against malaria campaign. The dramatic accomplishment of the provincial health office here was highlighted by the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. representative

LGU-Basilan commits to ‘Byaheng Kulambo’ to eradicate malaria

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Upgrading the level of public health intervention against malaria, the Department of Health in Basilan and the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. have launched on Thursday “Byaheng Kulambo” or Travelling Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN).

by Rene V. Carbayas


here and is looked up to by the implementers of the anti-malaria campaign in the country. Eric Bel Sanico, Project Officer of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. lauded local health workers for their hard work and dedication in bringing down the incidence of malaria cases in the province from 1,157 malaria cases detected in 2006 to only 9 cases in 2011. “We have in fact increased the stakes of all involved in the initiatives. And that the rate and level of disease reduction has been significant if not dramatic,” he said. He said that “reducing single digit disease levels and reaching zero requires that interventions be more precise and exacting, but without down-grading the level of

interventions in any manner.” BASULTA Cluster Head of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. Jackson G. Roxas Jr. said that this initiative highlights a new advocacy campaign. It is expected to support the current theme of “Saving lives, preventing deaths and sustaining investments in the fight against malaria”. He said ‘Byaheng Kulambo’ aims to raise a new level of awareness on the opportunities currently available to eliminate a disease threat from our environment and the measures which have to be undertaken to make this possibility a reality. The long-lasting Insecticide-treated Net (LLIN) has been chosen to symbolize the malaria control program being the main


of the intervention measures both locally and internationally. It shall represent the coverage protection, the program provides to the population at risk and the population in general. While the accomplishments of the local health office in controlling malaria in the province is highly regarded, the PHO is still challenged by the “inconsistency” of population data available to them as baseline reference in reaching to its population, which have an effect in their accomplishment reports. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rhoda Delgado-Principe said the 2010

National Statistics Office population report is used as the baseline since it is the official government data. Unfortunately, some NSO population figures could hardly be reconciled with the actual population in some barangays in Basilan. “We could not change the NSO data, but unfortunately this is the problem. There is really difficulty to achieve the target population even if the barangay chairman would already attest about the actual population figure,” she said, adding that the barangay officials would provide the master list of constituents in the barangay and this


PAGIBIG-Zambo. Branch Conducts Developers’ Forum By Cora Mamaug

ZAMBOANGA CITY - PAGIBIG Fund, Zamboanga City Branch recently conducted a Developers’ Forum in one of the local hotel here. Zamboanga City. Vice-President for Northern Mindanao Operations, Mr. Fermin “Jong” Sta. Teresa, JR. was the keynote speaker during the said occasion. The forum was so timely because it was the best avenue to disseminate to both the old and new players, the Amended Guidelines of the Fund’s Housing Loan Program. The good news was positively received by the developers, considering that under the Amended Guidelines for End-User Financing (HDMF Circular 310), a PAGIBIG member may avail of a housing or lot loan as high as Six Million (P6,000,000.00) Pesos with a minimal interest of 7.985% per annum payable in a maximum term of thirty (30) years. Moreover, the Fund released the New Guidelines on the PAGIBIG Affordable Housing Program (HDMF Circular 312), where the

interest rate is as low as 4.5% for P400,000.00 and 6.5% for P 750,000.00, still with a maximum term of thirty (30) years. Mr. Cesar C. Bazan, the Assistant Department Manager for Operations was the one who presented the salient features of both circulars. The forum was culminated with the awarding of the two (2) top performing PAGIBIG accredited developers of Zamboanga City, Shie Jie Corporation, owned by Mr. Yang Chi Hao, and Blue Shark Development and Trading Corporation, represented by Hja. Farida M. Radja. At least forty (40) developers were present during the Forum. (JPA/CM/PAG-IBIG/PIA9)

has become their basis in assessing their accomplishments. Roxas recognized the issue on population figures, but noted that what is important for now is to be able to serve the target people in the barangay and sustain the zero cases of deaths from malaria since 2009.

Roxas further hoped that the visit of the net by province shall be reciprocated by the acceptance of the local government units of the responsibilities that the program will entail. The LGU also signed a manifesto of support in eradicating malaria in the province. (NBE/RVC/PIA9)


Works for construction of P360M bridge to start next monthby Lorebeth C. Requiroso

Works for the construction of the

250-linear meter, P360-million JR Borja bridge project will start on September, Mayor Vicente Emano said in a press statement.

The mayor said the bridge project will link the heavily congested JR Borja to Barangay Carmen, one of the densely populated barangays in the city. The mayor has worked for the implementation of the project under a Spanish grant for six years. The P360-million project is one of the five bridges in Northern Mindanao that will be funded by the Spanish

government. The funds are available for the proposed bridge project and for

just compensation payments to lot owners whose properties are affected by this development, according to Congressman Jose Benjamin Benaldo of the 1st District. Benaldo was tasked by Mayor Emano to make the necessary follow up and to facilitate the implementation of the said project. Mayor Emano is thankful to the


Use of member ID numbers required starting Sept 1 – Pag-IBIGby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Pag-IBIG Fund- Cagayan de Oro Branch has announced that employers and members are required to present their membership identification (MID) numbers for all transactions with the Fund starting September 1.

Likewise, employers must also indicate their employees’ names and the corresponding MID numbers on the Members Contribution Remittance Form, Short Term Loan/Multi-Purpose Loan Applications, and Monthly Remittance Schedule for Multi-Purpose Loans. Branch Manager Juliano S. Banghal said this is part of the Fund’s transition towards an enhanced system that will make its services even faster and more efficient. If the MID number is not indicated, he said, there may be delays in the employers and members transactions. In line with this, the Pag-IBIG Fund is advising all its members without MID to secure a Registration Tracking Number (RTN) at Pag-IBIG Branch office or via internet through the Fund’s e-services at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph. The RTN can be used in place of the MID, added Banghal. Meanwhile, all employers are

required by the Fund to submit a softcopy of their remittance schedules for faster posting of savings and loan payments. They can secure the easy-to-use softcopy format online or at the Pag-IBIG Branch office. For further details, members may also coordinate with Kathy May Bautista of the Marketing and Enforcement Division at telephone numbers 726348, 722800, 8561861 to 62 local 211, 218 or 219.

Spanish government for funding the bridge project. The JR Borja bridge project will ease the traffic flow at the Gov. Ysalina

Bridge and other streets leading to and from the eastern side of the city, said the mayor. (CIO)


Ozamiz utilizes P14.135M for social, eco projectsby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The city government has spent P14.135 million for social and economic development projects, from its Internal Revenue Allotment, as of June 30 this year.

Of this amount, P2.10 million was used for the Barangay Comprehensive Social Development (BCSD) projects, particularly, for the improvement and rehabilitation of the multi-purpose halls (MPH), Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez said. Several barangays also receivedP300,000 as assistance during calamities and for programs for out-of-school-youths (OSY), senior citizens, displaced families and/or evacuees, during calamities. These barangays received P300,000 each. Among these barangays were Diguan, Bacolod, Lam-an, Capucao P, and Litapan, the mayor said. Included in the list of the BCSD projects were the acquisition of the lot for an evacuation center in Barangay Baňadero, also amounting to P300,000, the City Street Lighting Project of P200,000, and the Rural Water System Repair/Rehabilitation of P100,000.00 Meanwhile, P12.035 million was used under the Barangay Economic Development (BED) Projects, particularly, the Urban/Rural Road Links Improvement for the concreting of pavement of some 1.477 km. of roadlength.

These road links are located in Barangays Pulot, Labinay, Kinuman Sur, San Antonio, Doña Consuelo, Embargo, Sinuza, Sangay Daku, San Roque, Carangan, Gala, Tipan - Montol Road, Gango-Labo Airport Road, and Maningcol Opol Road / Bridge. An All Weather Rural Road Maintenance of P100,000 was also in the list of the BED projects, together with a loan from the Local Government Finance and Development (LOGOFIND) project for the procurement of construction support facilities amounting to P3.535 million. So far, the first semestral amortization of P1.767 million for the LOGOFIND loan was already paid, the Mayor added.


Davao del Norte Provincial Gover-nor Rodolfo del Rosario looks at

the recent New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderees as manifestation that his pro-people initiative is felt at the grassroots level. Citing the latest turn-out of six NPAs who sought government interventions, Del Rosario said that Davao del Norte had the highest number of surrenderees who had gone back to the folds of the law.

“Davao del Norte has the highest number of surrenderees; this is an indication that our program seems to be working,” he said during the Monday Convocation. The chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Del Rosario hinted that the coming out of NPAs from underground movement could be due to the Convergence of Peace and Development,

a pooled effort of the provincial government of Davao del Norte and the 10th Infantry Division to deliver various government services at the grassroots level. In a separate interview, the new G3 of the 10th Infantry Division, Lt. Col. Almerol said about 100 NPAs from various rebel commands in Davao del Norte, surrendered to the government for the last two years. Some 3,000 other mass-based

NPA surrenderees, sign of DavNor’s convergence gains


rebel supporters have turned their support to the government and to the military, Almerol said. Del Rosario lauded the 10th ID through the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, for complementing the Convergence for Peace and Development which was conceptualized in April last year, to pool efforts of realizing the pro-people thrust of Gov. del Rosario, and the peace and development initiatives of the 10th ID. In pushing Convergence in August last year, the provincial government of Davao del Norte closely worked with the 1003rd IB under commanding officer Col. Lysander Suerte whose troops were operating in Davao del Norte areas. Last year, they hauled various government services to eight far-flung and depressed barangays initially identified for the first tranche of Convergence. The Convergence this year is set to deliver provincial government services with complementary services from the military and the police, to a total of 32 barangays in the first and second districts of Davao del Norte. Looking at the military partnership, del Rosario cited the 10th ID as a “strong ally,” which ensures security as the provincial

government works its way towards bringing services at the grassroots level. In his separate address, Almerol believed that the military bears a front-line role to engage with LGUs to create a much better environment for people to live. He noted the restoration of local governance in previously NPA-influenced barangays through the deployment of peace and deployment military teams. Peace has been strengthened now that the military has forged peace efforts with the provincial government of Davao del Norte which centers its development agenda on people. However, Almerol cautioned that resurgence of NPA influence could happen when NPA would once again find issues through which they can put a blame on the government. Among these issues are the agrarian reform, local infrastructure services such as farm-to-market roads, health and education and human rights. Almerol also raised the challenge to work for the harmonization of Local Government Integrated Area Public Safety Plan of LGUs “so we can take same direction to prevent the resurgence of NPAs.” (PIA-11/Jeanevive D. Abangan)

facts and figures14 New People Army fronts operating in

Compostela Valley province


Davao’s gay community ups HIV-AIDS awareness advocacy

DAVAO CITY- With the growing cases of HIV (Human Immuno De-ficiency Virus) infections particu-larly through Men having Sex with Men (MSM) a group of Dabawenyo gays are continuing and intensi-fying HIV awareness advocacy across the city. Roy Diaz, executive director of Iwag Davao said that they are doing their best to help prevent HIV infection in their community through the conduct of more Information, Education Communication (IEC) campaigns, condom distributions and HIV-AIDS awareness lectures in different barangays in the city. “Padayon ang education, padayon ang campaign.” (the education continues, the campaign continues) Diaz said during his guesting at

Kapihan sa Dabaw held today (August 6) at the SM City Davao. Diaz said that the campaign expands to non-members of Iwag Davao an umbrella group representing some 500 gays in Davao City. According to Diaz they have no reports of Iwag members being infected with HIV but the advocacy is being carried on by Iwag to other Dabawenyo gays outside the group.

Diaz said that the IEC and the condom distribution program are carried out by the nine Iwag gay communities around Davao City. These gay communities are located in the densely-populated districts and barangays in Tibungco, Agdao, SIR, Maa, Sasa, Panacan, Mandug, Bucana and Boulevard. Diaz said that their HIV- AIDS campaign is conducted with the partnership of the City Health Office- Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) along with the Department of Health. According to RHWC data, about 245 cases of the 262 accumulated HIV cases in Davao City (1993-March 2012) were brought about by MSM. From January 1 to March 2012 alone there were 42 new cases of HIV, 41 of these cases were MSM.


The high level of HIV infection thru MSM has been attributed to the non-use of condoms during intercourse and those engaging in MSM are prone to having multiple sexual partners. Diaz said that the coming Miss Gay Universe Kadayawan 2012, the first full-scale gay beauty pageant to be held during the Kadayawan festival will also serve as a vehicle in promoting HIV-AIDS awareness among the community. “We could perhaps incorporate that in the question-and-answers. We

want to get the gays’ views, opinions and awareness about the issue” Diaz said. He also said that there could be also condom distributions during the event. Diaz also said that the group is supporting the reproductive health bill, their reasons aside from being in solidarity with other cause-oriented women groups is that they hope that RH bill would help prevent the rising infections of HIV-AIDS in the country. (PIA/RG Alama)

regional gallery

Norman Jadulang (4th from left) wins the grand prize in the Tagum Palm City Photo contest. The photo contest aims to showcase the varied palms planted in the city.

One Mindanao - August 7, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao - August 7, 2012