One Mindanao - July 25, 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

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

Learning the ABC at 53Stella Maris V. Barcelon

Caraga Region

Today’s issue... Wednesday, July 25, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 308

page 4

Palace welcomes Senate concurrence on Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with Australia 8

Southern Mindanao

10th Davao Business Conference to propel economic and tourism development of the city

2219

Dani Doguiles, Central MindanaoDisaster response volunteers sa Mlang, Cotabato,sinanay

Kidapawan LGU intensifies search for escaped crocodile23

PRO-13 tech’l working group to activate Advisory Group

“Vinta Sailing” is trending, gaining overwhelming re-sponse from locals & visitors

2631

Shahana Joy Duerme, Central Mindanao

15Dengue cases likely to rise this year in NorMin - DOH

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Observe proper disposal of diapers, human wastes to avoid EV-71 - DOH

Butuan receives more donations from WMR 25 Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao, Caraga Region

PSupt Martin M Gamba, Caraga Region

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

6 10 13 17

20 24 28

4 Wednesday, July 25, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryLearning the ABC at 53

Adelina is very proud of her achievement - that she’s able to go to school and learn the basics even despite her age. “Kaniadto wala kami gi-engganyo sa among nanay nga mo eskwela kay patabangon lang mi niya sa pagtanom og kamote sa bukid (My mother didn’t encourage us to go to school because she wanted us to help her plant sweet potatoes in the farm),” shared Adelina. Adelina expressed how much she envied her neighbors and playmates attended school when they were young. “Magpanon na sila kay mang eskwela na. Pero ako, imbes eskwelahan sa bukid ko mo adto (Our neighbors’ children would go to school together. As for me, instead of going to school I ended up working in the farm),” she said. She said that one day, she realized

that she already lost her interest to go to school. “I did not finish grade one,” saidAdelina who covered her face with her palms, taking her moment to hold her tears and ease the emotion. “I cannot even write my own name, I am not even familiar with the letters in the alphabet,” she said. Her experience has not stopped Adelina and

I am so happy that even at this very old age, I am still able to go to school and learn

what I should have learned more than 40 years ago. My involvement with Pantawid Pamilya has been one of the reasons why I am persuaded to go to school. The Municipal Link Officer or the MLO has encouraged us that nobody is too old to learn,” said the 53-year-old Adelina Rivas of Barangay Mararag, Mrihatag, province of Surigao del Sur.

by Stella Maris V. Barcelon

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Adconico Rivas to work hard in order to send their eight children to school and even to only let their childrenfinishonlyhighschool. In year 2009, Adelina’s familybecameabeneficiaryofthegovernment’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, wherein they receive monthly cash grants as long as they will comply with the conditions. One of the conditions set by the program is their attendance in their monthly Family Development Session (FDS). In this session, they were taught how to become effective and responsible parents. Her attendance to the FDS could only be verified through the attendance logbook,whichsheandtheotherbeneficiarieshaveto sign because their attendance is closely monitoredbytheirMunicipalLinkOfficer. “Pagkabalo nako nga kinahanglan diay mi mosulat sa logbook, nagguol ko kay dili man ko kabalo mosulat. Busa gipa tamark na lang ko sa among MLO (When I knew that we have to register and sign the logbook I got worried because I don’t know how to write my name. The MLO asked me to use the thumb mark instead),” Adelina said. She also added that every time she gets her cash grants in the bank through over-the-counter payment, she noticed that the other grantees are using pens in signing the acknowledgment form, and she’s the only one asking for a stamp pad for her thumb mark. “Because of that experience, I realize I have to help myself, I must know how to write my name and read all those papers that I already signed or going to sign in the future,” said Adelina. In December 2011, armed with strong determination coupled with the willingness

t o

l e a r n , Adelina enrolled in the alternative

learning system (ALS) in their barangay. The ALS class in their barangay is conducted once in a week. “We are all mothers in the class,” Adelina said. This determined mother related that itwasdifficultatfirst,shehastolearnthestrokes in writing, she has to identify and memorize all the letters in the alphabets. Their first assignment was to form theletters in the alphabet using a rattan stick. “Naglibog ko sa permiro kay makalimot man ko sa litra, maayo na lang kay naa akong mga anak maoy motudlo sa akoa (I wasconfusedatfirstbecauseIsometimesforgot the letters in the alphabet; good thing my children are there, they helped me in my assignments),” recalled Adelina. Within a few months, Adelina already knows how to write her name, she can even write it in cursive. She is now also learning how to read and solve math problems. Adelina realized how important education is, and found out that learning is still fun even at the age of 53. “I am not ashamed of going to school and learning the alphabets at my age. School is not only for the young ones. It’s also for older ones who want to learn,” declared Adelina.


ACROSS THE NATION

Issues were raised by some quarters after the President’s State of the Nation Address on Monday saying the Chief

Executive appeared to be uninterested in pushing for the passage of the FOI bill because he didn’t mention it in his

Palace says government remains supportive of the passage of Freedom of Information Bill

Malacañang reiterated that the Aquino administration remains committed to the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill that intends to provide the public easier access to

government information.


address to the nation. But in a press briefing

in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that some people have been drawing wrong conclusions about the President’s support for the bill.

“That is a wrong conclusion. We have spoken to Representative Ben Evardone and ang assurance po niya sa amin ay by August ilalabas na daw po sa plenaryo, lalabas na daw sa komite ang FOI,” Valte said.

While the measure is not a priority bill by the Palace, the President remains committed to its passage, Valte said, explaining that the bill wasn’t listed as a priority measure because it wasn’t included in the common legislative agenda of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

“If you recall, sumulat si Budget Secretary Florencio Abad sa House Speaker at kay Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile din at in-emphasize niya ang commitment dito. If you also remember, the Palace version that was submitted to the Lower House has also been adopted,” Valte said.

The different

provisions of the bill have already been adopted by the principal author, Rep. Erin Tañada, Valte noted. Likewise, Sen. Gringo Honasan, the backer of the bill in the Senate, has also adopted the provisions that were the fruit of the committee hearings on theFOI,thePalaceofficialcontinued.

In February this year, the Palace forwarded a draft of the FOI bill to the House of Representatives for discussion and enactment.

The Palace version is an improvement over the earlier versions presented to the public in an attempt to make it in line with United Nations standards. The proposal removes the provision creating an Information Commission (IC) in which the Palace said could add another layer of bureaucracy and complicate the release of information to the public.

FOI advocates have been expecting the President to make FOI a priority legislation after the Chief Executive pledged its passage during the 2010 presidential campaign. (AS)


Palace welcomes Senate concurrence on Status of Visiting Forces Agreement

with Australia

Malacañang hailed the Senate’s concurrence on a defense cooperation agreement between Australia and the Philippines saying the move will further boost national and regional security.

“The Senate with an overwhelming 17-1 vote has taken an important step in enhancing our national and regional security by ratifying the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Australia and the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement on Tuesday.“Long ratified by the Australian

parliament, the SOVFA has been pending in the Senate since 2008. We thank the Senate forthishistoricallysignificantaction.”

First proposed in 2004, the SOVFA was

signed by Australia on May 31, 2007, and ratifiedbyPresidentBenignoS.AquinoIIIon December 23, 2010.

The Philippine Senate needs two-third vote to concur on the defense agreement for it to enter into force.

According to a separate statement released by the Foreign Affairs Department, the SOVFA marked another milestone in Philippine-Australian relations.

While the 1995 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperative Defense Activities serves as the framework


for bilateral defense and military cooperation, the SOVFA paves

the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries, it said.

These includes capacity-building and training of armed forces, interoperability to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, counter-terrorism, border security, and maritime security, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

“Australia has been assisting the Philippines in strengthening its maritime

security capability with initiatives such as the Coast Watch South project and the joint Maritime Training Activity LUMBAS. These initiatives are expected to be further expanded and strengthened under the SOVFA,” it further said.

The Philippines and Australia are also set to convene a strategic dialogue to be co-chaired by foreign affairs and defense officials. The bilateral mechanism isexpected to complement the SOVFA, DFA added. (AS)


P-Noy’s SONA cites optimism in achieving peace soon

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Monday, President Benigno Aquino III conveyed

optimism on the prospects of the ongoing negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), stressing that peace in Mindanao will soon be achieved.

“Sa peace process naman po: hayag at lantaran ang usapan; nagpapamalas ang magkabilang panig ng tiwala sa isa’t isa. Maaaring minsan, magiging masalimuot ang proseso; signos lang po ito na malapit na nating makamit ang

nag-iisa nating mithiin: Kapayapaan. (With regard to the peace process: talks have been very open; both sides have shown trust and faith in one another. There may be times when the process can get a little complicated,


but these are merely signs that we are steadily moving closer to our shared goal: Peace),” he declared before hundreds who gathered at the House of Representatives to listen to the President’s SONA.

President Aquino also underlined the zero armed clashes between the two parties since January of this year. “Kinikilala natin bilang pahiwatig ng kanilang tiwala ang nakaraang pitong buwan, kung kailan walang nangyaring sagupaan sa pagitan ng militar at ng MILF. (We recognize as a sign of their (MILF) trust that over the past seven months, not even a single encounter has been recorded between the military and the MILF).”

Gains in the GPH-MILF peace process

Peace talks with the MILF have gained ground amid challenges in the past two years.

Welcomed as a milestone in the 14-year negotiation, the parties signed the Decision Points on Principles in April 2012. The document serves as a guide to the current discussions on the substantive agenda.

The Decision Points on Principles, consisting of 10 mutually identified common standpoints, explains the status as well as the direction of the peace talks in the aim to politically resolve the decades-old armed conflict in the south. This includes the creation of a new autonomous political entity (NPE) that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), promotion of basic human rights, strengthening

of Sha’riah courts, and power and wealth sharing between the national government and the NPE.

Government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen underscored that both parties are now at the “door of an agreement” during the 29th formal exploratory talks which successfully concluded this month in Kuala Lumpur, with both sides confident in their discussions on transition mechanisms towards realizing the NPE.

“The government looks forward to the day when both sides are able to sign the first of a series of agreements,” said Leonen so parties can “actually implement and be able to achieve the just and lasting peace that our people so richly deserve.”

“We are confident in our (GPH-MILF) working relationship that we have seen so far, that we will be true to ourselves and our principles, as well as the beliefs of our principals. That we can see a way forward,” he added.

On the ground, ceasefire has been holding between the GPH and the MILF forces.

According to the government Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, there have been no recorded skirmishes since January 2012. In 2010, there were only 14 recorded armed clashes, while only eight in 2011.

P-Noy’s bold, concrete efforts for peace

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles emphasized the P-Noy administration’s


‘whole-of -government’ approach in pushing for peace, citing clear directives from President Aquino to all departments and agencies to contribute to ongoing efforts to fast-track peace and development in Mindanao.

“Patuloy ang pagsisikap ng ating Pangulo para itulak ang pag-uusap sa lamesa (‘Our President is continuously persistent in moving the peace talks forward’),” she stated.

The peace adviser also emphasized that the negotiating panel does not bring false or empty promises to Kuala Lumpur.

“Following the President’s instructions, the Panel ensures that the appropriate departments and agencies have been properly consulted and have come on board. The Panel goes to KL for every meeting with a fresh mandate from the President,” she said.

It can be recalled that President Aquino met with MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim in Japan in August last year. In their discussion, they agreed to fast track the negotiations and pursue a final peace agreement to usher in peace and development in the south.

In October 2011, the President also called on the nation to uphold “all-out justice” amid other sectors’ clamor for all-out war.

The President has likewise directed the peace panel to conduct regular consultations with stakeholders. To date 101 consultations have been conducted with members of Congress and Senate, retired Supreme Court justices, members of the 1987 Constitutional Commission, local government units, civil society, religious groups, indigenous peoples groups, security forces, among others.


Army’s 403rd commander gets promotionby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

BGen. Romeo L. Gapuz, commander

of the 403rd Brigade based in Bukidnon, was promoted from the rank of colonel to brigadier general.

Gapuz was promoted last July 16 at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The promotion is a recognition

for Gapuz as Commander of the 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade who worked hard to exemplify the Army’s strong resolve towards building and rebuilding trust, confidence and understanding between communities in the area as he steered the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan also known as “Bayanihan.” “I would like to emphasize that this promotion should inspire us to strive harder

and remain committed to lead the organization in achieving peace and sustainable development through


the program aptly called the army transformation roadmap (ATR),” Gapuz said. He explained that in the ATR, the army envisions itself to be a world-class army that is worthy of people’s trust and a source of national pride. “With this vision, I urged all soldiers to be advocates of Human Rights and catalysts of peace and development, with hopes that someday we would be the source of inspiration and be loved by our countrymen,” he said. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, Gapuz served as the chief of staff of the

central Mindanao command of the AFP, and was former inspector general of the 3rd Infantry Division in Negros Occidental.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 15All rights reserved by staticgoast

Dengue cases likely to rise this year in NorMin - DOH by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Dr. David Mendoza, head of the Department of Health (DOH) Northern Mindanao Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit said they are expecting dengue cases to rise this year.

Mendoza said a DOH study of dengue cases since 1996 reveal that the number of cases in the region will likely increase this year. As of January 1 to July 20, 2012, the DOH recorded a total of 2,112 dengue cases from all hospitals within the region. Mendoza said the figure is 95 percent higher when compared to the same time period, last year, which posted only 1,082 cases. The fatality rate, however, is low with five deaths among the age group of 1 to 15 years old. Mendoza also noted that Misamis Oriental has registered the highest increase this year, absorbing 74.50 percent of total number cases recorded as of July 20, the province of Bukidnon tag along with 12.30 percent, Lanao del Norte (9.70 percent), Misamis Occidental (3.10 percent), and

Camiguin (0.40 percent). Among the cities Cagayan de Oro posted the highest number of cases region wide (54.10 percent), followed by Iligan (6.90 percent) and Valencia (2.50 percent). For Cagayan de Oro, cluster of cases were noted by DOH in barangays Agusan, Balulang, Bugo, Bulua, Camaman-an, Canitoan, Carmen, Cugman, Gusa, Iponan, Kausawagan, Lapasan, Lumbia, Macabalan, Macasandig, Nazareth, Patag, Puerto and Tablon.

Observe proper disposal of diapers, human wastes to avoid EV-71 - DOHby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Department of Health (DOH)-10 has urged parents to dispose of their baby diapers or human wastes properly to avoid the spread of the enterovirus-71 (EV-71).


“This is because the virus is known to be excreted in the feces as it is found in human intestines,” Dr. David Mendoza, head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (RESDRU) of DOH-10, said. He urged parents and day-care personnel to teach their children the proper way of hand washing, and to clean and disinfect toys and teaching tools that are easily shared with other children to prevent infections, as there are no known effective drugs or vaccines for EV-71 as of the moment. He said that EV-71 causes different diseases of varying intensity, which include acute respiratory disease, polio-like acute flaccid paralysis and the deadly brainstem encephalitis. “It is the often mild hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) characterized as a self-limiting illness, presenting with fever and accompanied by skin lesions or rashes,” Mendoza said. However, DOH and the World Health Organization clarified that the EV-71, which has killed more than 60 children in Cambodia was of the encephalitis type, and not the HFMD as earlier reported. Malacaňang assured the public that DOH is prepared to handle EV-71 cases in the country after it reported one local case of the disease that affected a 19 month-old toddler in Davao, who has since recovered. The assurance came from Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, who also said that there

is a need for the participation of the citizens in the EV-71 virus prevention, during a recent interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan in Manila. He added that the strain detected in the boy was a mild form of EV-71 and could have been in the country long before its deadlier variant killed the Cambodian children as confirmed by Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Lacierda said. The boy was the only confirmed case among eight suspected cases in the country with the HFMD EV-71 strain. Hence, Lacierda urged the citizens to immediately bring it to the attention of the doctors if they feel that there are symptoms that would lead to EV- 71. “We cannot wait ‘na kung malala na saka lang dadalhin sa hospital’ (to bring the case to the hospital, only when it is already worse). We need the engagement of the citizenry,” Lacierda added. Consisting of 68 stereotypes that usually cause self-limited infections in children, EV-71, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) based in Atlanta, Georgia was first detected in California in 1969. Severe outbreaks associated with a high fatality rate occurred in Bulgaria with 44 deaths in 1975, in Hungary with 45 deaths in 1978, in Malaysia with 30 deaths in 1997 and in Taiwan with 78 deaths in 1998, 25 deaths in 2000, and 26 deaths in 2001.


From drones to portable hand-held x-rays, the Department of

Environment and Natural Resourc-es is looking at new technologies in protecting the country’s forests. Newly designated DENR-XI Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada said that they are eyeing the introduction of high-tech equipment in the region. Foremost among the list is the Walleye imaging system which is

capable of seeing into and through solid objects. Fragada said that the Walleye could be used in examining container vans particularly if the Department is not allowed to open the vans.Last June 29, P16-million worth of hotlogs coming from Davao laden in container vans were confiscated in Manila’s Pier 16. This led to the relief of DENR-XU including Regional Executive director Jim Sampulna, Regional Techinical Director Hardinado Patnugot

and Forest Resources Conservation Division Chief Claudio Jumao-as. Fragada said that they are expecting two of these walleyes to be deployed in Davao if these are acquired. The Walleye portable x-ray imaging technology utilizes scattered x-ray reflections to create images of concealed objects and is a perfect tool for border and maritime inspections particularly in detecting concealed

DENR eyes new technology to protect forests


contraband. Meanwhile another technology the DENR is eyeing would be the use of drones to watch over forests. The drones could fly over remote forests and take pictures or images if they had detected illegal logging activities. Fragada said that images taken from drones are a lot clearer since they are more nearer to the target as compared to satellites.Meanwhile Eriberto Barriga, Executive Vice President of ICT Davao, an umbrella group of Information Communication Technology industry stakeholders in the city said that there are numerous IT applications which can help the DENR in their mission to stop illegal logging. Among them is the use of Google Earth technology which can be used

for image analysis. In the province of Laguna, provincial police using Google earth were able to locate illegal logging sites. Logging activities would appear as white spots in Google Earth maps enabling police to pinpoint the exact location of the loggers. Barriga said that aside Google Earth there are other applications which could help the DENR and there are developers in Davao which can develop various applications. One such application he recommends is requiring loggers and logging companies to tag RFIDs (Radio Frequency Identification) in their trees particularly the still immature trees. This way the DENR can monitor if the trees were prematurely cut or there was excessive cutting of allowed volume. (PIA/RG Alama)

Did you know... That the tree Bagras (Eucalyptus Deglupta) is the only Eucalyptus Tree native to Mindanao. It is also called as Mindanao Gum. It growsa up to 70 meters and has been used for forest plantations as a timber product and has medicinal and herbal properties.


10th Davao Business Conference to propel economic and tourism development of the city

DAVAO CITY- The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Indus-try (DCCCII) in cooperation with the City Government of Davao will once again mount the Davao City Business Conference (DCBC) on July 27 at Marco Polo Hotel. DCBC is an annual event spearheaded by the Davao Chamber and for years now, became an avenue for the Public and Private Sectors to raise critical issues and recommendations confronting the city through formulations of resolutions. Now on its 10th year, the proposed resolutions are to focus on priority private-public partnership projects, infra-development and agri-development projects. These proposed resolutions were derived from the

series of focused group discussions conducted by DCCCII together with the concerned parties confronted with these existing issues. The chamber believes that as voice of the business sector, the aforementioned resolutions will at least address the growing concerns of the city. Meanwhile, gracing the event are speakers Guillermo M. Luz, Co-Chairman of the National Competitiveness Council who will discuss the Philippines’ global ranking and Bernardo M. Villegas, Founder of the Research and Communication of the University of Asia and the Pacific who will discuss the country’s economic briefing. A segue launching of the 14th Davao Trade Expo will also take place during this event. (pr)


People’s org gets P.5M from DOST-12 for green production of charcoalBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- The Libas Multisectoral Organization based in Barangay Libas, Tantangan, South Cotabato has received P500,000 from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-12) in support of their charcoal briquetting income-generating project, which he assured is environment-friendly.


“We would like to continue with our business of producing charcoal for household use but we want to prosper in this industry without causing damage to the environment,” said Rolando Dugoldugol, chairperson of the organization.

“Our production of charcoal briquettes does not involve cutting of trees,” he explained “because the raw materials we use for production are organic and naturally available in our surroundings, those that are usually considered as wastes.”

Raw materials for the people organization’s (PO) charcoal briquettes include fallen leaves,

twigs and branches, corn husks and cobs, coconut husks and shells, as well as rice hulls and straws that their members either collect or buy from their neighbors at minimal fee.

On July 18, Dugoldugol and DOST-12 Regional Director Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan signed a memorandum of agreement where the government agency pledges to provide the people’s organizations with machines that would boost their charcoal briquette production as well as improve the quality of their product.

Dugoldugol revealed that the assistance includes “machines worth about P350,000

with a capacity of manufacturing 100 briquettes per minute” which upgrades the manually operated equipment they previously got with assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-12).

“Following a recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to do away with plastic wrappers, DOST will also give us an equipment worth P150,000 for making of hand-made paper, which will be used as packaging for our charcoal briquettes,” he added.

Laidan said apart from helping the PO select and acquire appropriate machines and equipment, DOST-12 will also provide them with other support as technologies that would improve product quality and increase its marketability.

She said, the support for the Libas Multisectoral Organization was coursed through the DOST Grants-in-Aid (DOST-GIA), which is “aimed at harnessing the country’s scientific


and technological capabilities for sustained economic growth and development.”

Dugoldugol said after acquiring the equipment with DOST-12’s assistance, they would initially embark on research and development to perfect their charcoal briquettes and made ready for mass production.

He is confident they would be able to supply

the increasing demand for charcoal briquettes once the machines are in operation.

“We are also planning to establish distribution outlets in nearby places like Koronadal City and Tacurong City,” he said.

At present, their briquettes are on sale at their production site in Barangay Libas. These are sold at P8 a kilo for bulk purchases and P10

a kilo for retail.They see their

product as a better option to charcoal made from fuel woods that require cutting of trees that contribute to the further degradation of the environment.

Libas Multisectoral Organization has 37 members, 20 of whom are female and three members are lumads. (DED-PIA12)

Disaster response volunteers sa Mlang, Cotabato,sinanayLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL-- Abot sa 85 na disaster response volunteers mula sa 13 flood-prone na mga barangay sa Mlang, Cotabato ang sinanay hinggil sa Basic Disaster Risk Reduction Management nitong nakalipas na linggo.

Ang nasabing pagsasanay ay pinangunahan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Mlang sa pangunguna ni Mayor Joselito Piñol.

Ayon sa alkalde, sinanay ang mga volunteers upang matutunan ang mga pangunahing pamamaraan kung paano pangasiwaan ang kaganapan sa panahon ng kalamidad.

Dagdag pa ni Piñol, sa

tulong ng mga ekspertong nagsanay sa mga miyembro ng disaster response team, natuto din sila kung paano maging alerto sa pagbibigay aksyon sa mga kalamidad sa kani-kanilang mga lugar.

Aniya, habang puspusan sa paghahanda ang mga volunteers sa mga kalamidad na maaring humagupit sa bayan, patuloy din ang kanilang

dalangin na sana ay ilayo sila sa mga sakuna.

Samantala, nabatid na una nang bumili ang Mlang LGU ng mga emergency equipment tulad ng lifesaving vest, flood lights, generator, rescue vehicle handheld radios at marami pang iba bilang paghahanda sa mga kalamidad na maaaring tumama sa naturang bayan. (DED/SJD-PIA12)


Kidapawan LGU intensifies search for escaped crocodileBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY --The Local Government Unit of Kidapawan City in North Cotabato intensifies its means in searching the crocodile which escaped the city’s mini-zoo last week.

Aside from the aid of the Philippine Crocodile Farm (PCF), the city will be mobilizing the help of crocodile experts from Philippine Crocodile Rescue and Breeding Center (PCRBC).

PCRBC Head Dr. Cayetano Pomares suspects that the said crocodile belongs to the Crocodylus mindorensis specie which is considered endangered in the country.

According to Pomares, experts are needed to capture the crocodile in order to protect the mentioned reptile as well as the people in Kidapawan City.

“It is our obligation to search and seize the animal safely”, the official added.

Also Pomares said that the city government should withdraw the reward money which was

announced last week to be given to those who can catch the animal.

He stressed that it will create a problem since residents might capture it by all means even though it can put them in danger just to acquire the cash incentive.

The official stated that crocodiles do not attack men not unless they are harmed.

As nocturnal, these animals need a temperature of 88-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to this, seven groups of crocodile experts will be organized and will conduct search operations every night.

Further, search equipment like ropes and high-powered flashlights are now ready for the search operation of the escaped crocodile. (SJDuerme-PIA12)


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The OXFAM International launched recently its new expansion project dubbed “Scale Up, Build Up” in the

municipalities of General Luna, Mainit, Malimono, Placer and Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

OXFAM’s “Scale up, Build Up” project to launch in Surigao Norte towns

OXFAM is an international aid organization that works with other organizations to end poverty and human suffering. Arturo Cruje, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, said

the project was aimed to support the implementation of R.A. 10121, otherwise known as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, by improving access to information and increasing institutional capacities

by Fryan E. Abkilan


Butuan receives more donations from WMRby Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao

BUTUAN CITY-- The city government here has received the second batch of donated medical supplies and equipment from World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMR) for use at the Butuan City Medical Center.

of high risk municipalities in the province. Cruje said the project builds on the numerous efforts in disaster preparedness and empowering vulnerable communities. “OXFAM believes when RA 10121 is localized and implemented properly, communities will significantly reducetheir risk and increase their capacity to stay out of harm’s way,” he said. Cruje added Governor Sol Matugas

has already instructed the provincial planninganddevelopmentofficethroughthe provincial disaster risk reduction and managementofficetocloselycoordinateandworkwithOXFAMandwithidentifiedlocal pilot communities. Target areas will be selected based on vulnerability to multihazards and natural disasters, receptiveness and willingness, and good track record of sustaining projects from previous donors and other aid agencies.


WMR was founded in 1953 by Irene M. Auberlin to help orphaned children during Korean War. It later expanded into a global mission to aid millions of sick and poor people around the world. WMR’s first batch of medical supplieshere arrived in January 2011. The donations, which originated from Detroit, Michigan, USA, have reached some P40 million. This second 40-foot container van was filled with P17 million worthof beds, cushions, wheelchairs, tables, crutches and other medical supplies and equipment. Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. expressed gratitude to WMR for playing a vital role in the LGU’s cause to improve the health services of the city. He added he will continue to provide means to strengthen the said advocacy. The donated medical supplies

and equipment were formally turned over by World Medical Relief Ambassador of Health Dr. Dave Lee Zarate to Amante at the regional government center on Wednesday, with the presence of City Councilors Virgilio Nery and Ramon Carampatana, SK Federation President Rauzil Carampatana, Butuan Medical Center OIC Director Dr. Josephine Chua and other officials of the citygovernment.


PRO-13 tech’l working group to activate Advisory Groupby PSupt Martin M Gamba

BUTUAN CITY-- Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 has recognized the urgency of addressing key strategic issues outlined in the Philippine National Police (PNP) Integrated Transformation Program (ITP), the PNP’s roadmap to transform the organization into a more capable, effective and credible police force. In order to fully implement the program, an advisory group at the regional level needs to be institutionalized. The PRO 13 Technical Working Group (TWG) headed by PSSupt David Y. Ombao, regional chief directorial staff, convened July 19, 2012 for the creation of the regional advisory group for police transformation and development, to be called as PRO 13 Advisory Group. Members of the PRO 13 Advisory Group will be selected by PRO TWG among the recommendees from different sectors of the society, known for their integrity, leadership, transparency and good governance, advocacy for transformation, community leadership and source of synergy. Each member of the TWG will have

to submit their respective recommendees, subject for approval of all members. The advisory group will primarily assume a role that is advisory in nature. It will not have any administrative or operational authority nor strategic advisoryforspecificoperationaldecisionswithin the police regional office. Thestrategic advisory role is limited to interpretation and analysis of the PNP ITP-Performance Governance System (PGS) and the ongoing programs, projects and activities pertaining to the reform and development of PRO 13. PRO 13 TWG is looking forward to the advisory group being of great help in the transformation process of the Caraga police force.


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DAR-9 Regional Director Julita Ragandang, during the PIA Media Forum, said, “As of June 30, this

year, we have already distributed 219, 260 hectares to 122, 536 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries

DAR-9 hits 91% of land distribution target; beneficiaries get needed support

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

The Department of Agrarian Reform has already accomplished 91% of their land distribution target in Region 9, twenty four years after the implementation of the Comprehensive

Agrarian Reform Program, as mandated by Republic Act 6657.


(ARBs) in the region, translating to 91% accomplishment rate under our Land Tenure Improvement (LTI) program”. Dir. Ragandang added that a total of 30,157 has. was placed under the leasehold covering 16, 710 ARBs, and 88, 890 has. of new lands was also surveyed, and subdivided 45,920 has. of land for Collective Certificates Land of Ownership Awards (CLOAs). Ragandang said they are working double time to make sure that all lands will be distributed to the remaining beneficiaries. “We really hope to finish distributing lands to the beneficiaries by next year. And we are

optimistic that we can beat it especially with the extension of the program thru the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms Law. We now have a total of 150 Agrarian Reform Communities, 119 of those were fortunate to be granted foreign assisted projects. We also have 431 People’s Organizations (POs), and 57, 565 ARB members”, Ragandang pointed. Ragandang revealed that various support projects for ARCs under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) are set to be implemented region-wide to make sure that

beneficiaries become more productive in utilizing their lands. “We have two projects to be implemented in Zamboanga del Norte, one for a cacao production and processing worth P31.6 M, and rice mechanization cum palay production in Polanco amounting to P3.4 M. We also have two projects for Zamboanga Sibugay for the rubber and coconut farmers. For


rubber farmers, we have a total budget of P22.6 M. And another three projects in Zamboanga del Sur, one for coco sugar production worth P3.4 M, and one for abaca production and processing with P3.1 M budget, and a P3.75 M program on enhancing the capability of rice farmers in organic agriculture and social enterprise”. Ragandang pointed out that these projects are part of the first phase of the Agrarian Reform Communities Program (ACRP). She said agrarian reform communities further got big boost from the program’s second phase (ACRP 2), this time funded by the Asian Development bank, with counterparts from the local government units (LGUs). In a data releases by DAR-9, a total of 78 projects were approved region-wide under ARCP 2, with a whopping cost of P479.3. Of the total amount, P56.48 M is allotted to finance projects for 20 ARCs in Zamboanga del Norte, P55.6 M for 12 ARCs in Zamboanga Sibugay, and P367.2 M for 25 ARCs in Zamboanga del Sur, all of which,

according to Dir. Ragandang, are infrastructure projects. The Japanese Government, in partnership with the national government, has also extended assistance to beneficiaries thru the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III, funding 10 projects in Zamboanga del Sur amounting to P63.65 M. These projects include one communal irrigation project, four farm-to-market roads, one potable water system-level I, and another potable water system-level II. ARISP III also funded the construction of 1 bridge in the province, and two trainings, still for implementation. Dir. Ragandang said they also assist beneficiaries on legal matters under their Agrarian Justice Delivery program. She said for the first semester of this year alone they have resolved 346 involving judicial, quasi-judicial, agrarian law implementation cases and mediation involving 2,025 ARBs under their agrarian legal assistance program. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST)


ZAMBOANGA CITY - Barely a week after the “Vinta Sail” launching on Saturday (July 21), news spread like fire and imagination-mover photos enchanted locals and people outside Zamboanga City to look forward to a different kind of adventure experience- the “vinta sailing” activity.

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

“Vinta Sailing” is trending, gaining over-whelming response from locals & visitors

“We are getting good responses not only from our locals but also from people outside Zamboanga that they also want to try to sail on our vinta,” said DOT Regional Director Mary June Bugante. She said the photos of the colorful “Vinta Sail” launching posted online by members of the camera club did helped a lot in spreading

the “good news” to neighboring provinces and cities. Bugante said the office have been receiving positive reaction from people after they’ve seen these pictures on face book, blog sites and other social networking sites. This latest “pakulo” (gimmickry) is expected to boost local tourism as this will give the people a new kind of “vinta sailing” experience. “Zamboanga City is known for its colorful Vintas. It is the city’s icon. when visitors come to Zamboanga, they always look for our Vinta, but we always end up showing them the souvenir item-vinta or bring them to la Vista del Mar where we have the colorful “layag” of the vinta, but not the real thing,” Bugante expressed. “So after deliberation, we came up with the idea of having vintas readily available not only for viewing


but for real-life vinta sail experience--- so, came the vinta sail launching,” the active lady director explained. As of the moment, there are five (50 vintas on standby at the Paseo Del Mar, four (4) of which can accommodate two (2) passengers and a “bangkero” and one (1) of which can accommodate three (3) passengers and two (2) bangkeros. The Vinta Sailing activity is a “weekend delight” as it will take the passengers on cruise during Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm to 6pm. “But depending on the clamor of the public, we might also have it during weekdays,” Bugante hoped. Bugante said, the bangkeros are local fishermen “they fish in the morning and they sail in the afternoon.” “All of the 5 vintas are dully registered with DOT, the banagkeros have undergone basic orientation and they have gone through the proper registration process,” Bugante informed. Passengers who want to ride on the vinta will have to pay P50 per head for a 15-30 minute ride within the buoy area as identified by the Philippine Coast Guard. “The passengers can also do the rowing or paddling themselves if they opt to,” Bugante said. Passengers ages 7 and up may take the vinta sail. For their safety, passengers will be asked to wear a life jacket readily provided for, and a coast guard rescue team on board a rubber boat will be patrolling the area. “We are encouraging the public to try riding the Vinta as it is the city’s icon. Try this adventure of a real-life vinta sailing and be amazed,” Bugante persuaded.(JPA/PIA9-ZBST)

One Mindanao - July 25, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao - July 25, 2012