One Mindanao - April 11, 2014

DA 12 kicks off idle land development in Gensan PG FruylanCENTRAL MINDANAO FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 159

Talks on disaster risk reduction cooperation with United States underway, Palace says

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

DTI honors 1st batch of Caraga successful women entrepreneurs

DOT to launch Tourism Star Phils in Caraga

Tax, customs collections in NorMin continue to grow in 2013

Sen. Villar pushes for creation of Halal regulatory board

Organic agriculture advocates in SOCCSKSARGEN unite

Sta. Cruz LGU to limit Mt. Apo climbers this Holy Week

Lanao Norte development council convened for 2015 infra projects

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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WESTERN MINDANAO

Gawad Kalinga kicks off Bayani Challenge 2014 in Zamboanga

NCMF, AFP conduct youth peace camps in Mindanao

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Dominic I. Sanchez

Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

LMSalvo

LMSalvo

PIO-LDN

Geraldine B. Dangate

Kylee Doreene T. Que

DA 12 kicks off idle land development in Gensan

The Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 kicked off its

program on the development of idle lands through a ceremonial cassava planting last week at the vicinity of the City’s International Airport.

No less than Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Senator Cynthia Villar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan led farmers and other representatives from different government agencies in the crop planting to signal the formal start of the implementation of the said program in the region. Datukan explained that they

have partnered with the local governments of Barangay San Jose and Barangay Fatima in the development of idle lands near the airport as one way of promoting the agency’s Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program (FSSP).

By PG Fruylan

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She particularly cited the cassava

production project in the area, with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – Employees’ Cooperative (CAAP-EMCO) as cooperator, as one way of creating awareness among visitors and locals on the importance of the program. “Out of the five cities in the region Gensan has the highest number of visitors’ influx so we need to make sure that our tourists can see livelihood when they get out of the airport,” she said. Reports from the DA 12 disclosed that the regional office is targeting to develop 500 hectares of idle lands in the entire region through the production of white corn, cassava, vegetables, and other crops that suit a particular area. The agency, it said, will provide planting materials, agricultural inputs and will extend other assistance like farm machineries to help interested “cooperators” to start up with their respective projects. Moreover, Secretary Alcala challenged the leadership of DA 12 to comprehensively implement the program by adding other livelihood projects like raising different kinds of animals to make use of unproductive lands. “Simula ngayon, hindi na natin

hahayaang mayroong mga lupang nakatiwangwang nang sa ganun kahit sa maliliit na pamamaraan gaya nito ay makatutulong tayo sa pagkamit ng pambansang kasapatan sa anumang uri ng pagkain sa Pilipinas,” (from now on we will not allow any land to be left idle through this way we can help in achieving the Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program of the country),” Sec Alcala was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Sen. Villar urged the farmers to adopt the values

of “sipag at tyaga (hard work and perseverance) in their daily endeavors. She encouraged them to implement these values in putting up livelihood as she shared the experiences of prominent businessmen in the country who started as lowly workers, but are now wealthy and successful as examples “Try to put up small business and someday you will become employers,” the senator opined.

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Government to look into reports of prostitution in evacuation centersThe Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

is monitoring the situation in different evacuation centers in the country to ensure the welfare of evacuees, Malacanang said Thursday.

Across the Nation

It was reported that prostitution thrives in and around evacuation camps in Zamboanga City as many of the evacuees see it as a way to survive.

“Sinusubaybayan ng ating Department of Social Welfare and Development ang lahat ng mga evacuation centers. Meron

sa Zamboanga City, meron pa rin sa Bohol, meron pa rin sa mga lugar na nasalanta ng kalamidad. Bahagi ng kanilang tungkulin ay pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan doon, kasama na ang mga kababaihan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio

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Coloma Jr said during a press briefing.“Tinitiyak ko sa inyo na determinado

ang ating pamahalaan na subaybayan ang sitwasyon sa lahat ng mga evacuation centers. Hindi na dapat madagdagan pa yung sakripisyo o yung pagdurusa ng mga pamilya,” he told Palace reporters.

He said the survivors have suffered enough from the consequences of the disasters and violence in Mindanao and the government won’t allow prostitution

to continue in temporary shelters.One of the major thrusts of the

administration is to stop human trafficking, Coloma said, noting that prostitution is an aspect of trafficking.

The Zamboanga City Police said they have increased patrols inside evacuation centers and adjacent areas to prevent prostitution.

Health officials are also working to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases among the evacuees.

Talks on disaster risk reduction cooperation with United States underway, Palace saysThere are ongoing talks at the Department of Foreign

Affairs on an enhanced defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States that will include disaster risk reduction and management, Malacanang said Thursday.

“There is now a new concept of non-traditional defense and that includes disaster risk reduction and management, in which the defense forces of countries in our region have shown their buildup of forces that are capable of assisting the civilian population to cope with the after-effects of calamities,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a press briefing with reporters.

He cited as an example the

support extended by Japanese self-defense forces after Typhoon Yolanda devastated parts of the Visayan region.

He also said members of the South Korean and the Philippines armed forces completed a school building in Tanauan, Leyte.

“(This) is now gaining currency in the defense and security sector—the emergence of non-traditional defense and security coorperation,” said Coloma. PND

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Power restored in all Davao Oriental barangays --Palace

After over a year without electricity supply since typhoon “Pablo” struck Davao Oriental and other parts of Mindanao, Malacanang announced on

Friday that power in the whole province has now been fully restored.


Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made the announcement in a Palace media briefing, citing a report from the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

Coloma said that electricity is now available in all of the remaining 25 remote barangays in the municipalities of Cateel, Boston and Baganga.

He further said that based on the NEA report, the restoration of the line started last March 3 and was completed on March 29.

It can be recalled that during President Benigno S. Aquino III’s visit to Cateel, Davao Oriental last

February, he scolded certain officials of concerned government agencies after finding out there were still areas in the province without electricity.

President Aquino flew to Davao Oriental to meet calamity-affected residents as part of the EDSA People Power Revolution celebration.

Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon mentioned in a speech she delivered during the President’s visit that power supply in 24 barangays or 57 percent of the province had not yet been restored.

This led President Aquino to reprimand some officials without mentioning any names. (PNA)


AJA orients Caraga construction companies on ISO certificationBy Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY - The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars represented by Lead Auditor Kevin Castillon, based in Mindanao discussed the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification to the construction companies in Caraga region, held Friday in one of the local hotels here.


In partnership with the ACE Training Services, a provider of affordable with quality training and consultancy services, eight construction companies in the region participated and signified their interest to comply with the ISO requirements. It is a Two-Day Orientation/Awareness Seminar on ISO Certification that will run until Saturday.

These eight companies are: Ronwood Construction and Supply; Madyaw Construction and Development Corporation (MCDC); C’Zarles Construction and Supply; Reyrose Construction and Supply; ROIM Builders and Construction Supply; Giovanni Construction; Datrebil Construction and Supply; and Two Aces Construction and Supply.

During the seminar, Castillon bared that International Standards bring

technological, economic and societal benefits. “They help to harmonize technical specifications of products and services making industry more efficient and breaking down barriers to international trade. Conformity to International Standards helps reassure consumers that products are safe, efficient and good for the environment,” he relayed.

Castillon added that AJA is accredited to perform ISO 9001:2008 assessments across a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors providing clients with a simple, established, common sense approach to the audit process.

“Based on the ISO 9001, the eight quality management principles can be used by senior management to improve their organization’s performance: 1) Customer focus; 2) Leadership; 3)


Involvement of people; 4) Process approach; 5) System approach to management; 6) Continual improvement; 7) Factual approach to decision making; and 8) Mutually beneficial supplier relationships,” he said.

Castillon also disclosed that once a company’s Procedures and Manuals and other system documentation are complete, these will be reviewed against the requirements of the relevant standard. It may be necessary to carry out this review on-site supported by a limited audit to validate the effectiveness of the documentation prior to the registration audit. “This is referred to as a Stage 1 Audit. Most potential problems can be identified during the Stage 1 Audit and these can be eliminated by you prior to the formal registration/compliance audit. You will be presented with a formal report of the findings from this audit,” he clarified.

It was learned that on completion of the Stage 1 audit, the Lead Auditor will discuss and mutually confirm the registration audit date with the client company. This will take account of any time needed to make any adjustments to the documented system resulting from any deficiencies identified during the document review.

Several queries and clarifications were raised by the participating companies. “With your interest to know everything how to be ISO certified, I am optimistic that it will be easier for you to comply and be able to have your certificate soon,” he remarked.

“Consultants can help the top management on how to better improve the company’s operations. You must always bear in mind to document the things you do everyday in your field of work in your office/company as clear evidence of your quality mangement. Make everything organized… at the end of the day, it will not us – the certifying body or your consultants but it will be you who will benefit much for conforming and implementing ISO requirements,” stressed Castillon.

AJA Registrars is a uniquely independent third party registrar (certification body) operating from a global network of offices providing registration and training services at a local level.


DOT to launch Tourism Star Phils in Caraga

SURIGAO CITY-- The Department of Tourism (DOT) 13 is set to launch the Tourism Star Philippines with media core on April 11, 2014 at Tavern Hotel, this city.

By Kylee Doreene T. Que

The Tourism Star Philippines is the newest effort of the department to boost visitor arrivals in the country by recognizing people who have exhibited their commitment to tourism development with their investments, or excellent customer service.

Anybody may be nominated to become the Tourism Star, be it hotel owners, accommodation managers, chefs, public utility drivers, housekeepers, tour guides, local chief executives, government

personnel or civil society organizations that could exemplify true Filipino hospitality and who would go the extra mile in providing an unforgettable and delightful experience to tourists.

The awards will be given by no less than the President himself.

Prizes in cash and in kind are up for grabs. For nominations and more details, they may visit their website at www.tourismstar.ph. Deadline of nominations is on the June 30, 2014.


DOT to launch Tourism Star Phils in Caraga DTI honors 1st batch of Caraga successful women entrepreneurs

BUTUAN CITY-- A chain of bakeshops, restaurants, souvenir and pasalubong shops, locally-made ice cream, noodles, abaca and water lily handicrafts, micro lending, aquamarine products, catering, mini grocery and buco pie.

By Geraldine B. Dangate

These are the different goods and services founded, owned and managed by the first batch of successful women entrepreneurs who were recently recognized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Caraga during a regional gathering to celebrate Women’s Month in the region.

Eight women entrepreneurs composed the 2014 first batch of honorees. They are Esther Sy Uy of Marjeck Food Products and Ma. Elena Mercado of Mercado’s Sudlanan Atbp. – from Butuan City and Agusan del Norte; Rose Go, owner of Rose Bakeshop and Rosario’s Restaurant with Noemila Balaba of Triple Diamond Micro Lending Corporation – from Agusan del Sur; Concepcion R. Paqueo of Kaisdaan Center and Lydia Ga of Roslyd Foodhaus and Catering Services – from Surigao del Norte; and Emma L. Guerra of E.L. Guerra Mini Grocery Store with Natividad V. Mojica of Nat’s Buco Pie – from Surigao del Sur.

The honorees were identified by the DTI provincial offices which had

the privilege of working with them as they grow their businesses.

DTI-Caraga regional director Brielgo O. Pagaran and DTI-Agusan del Norte OIC Gay A. Tidalgo handed over the plaques of recognition and tokens of appreciation to the honorees during the 10th Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, Butuan City. They were joined on stage by the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) Chairperson Director Marilyn Pintor of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) and Vice-Chair Edna Hontiveros of Forward Filipina.

All the honorees except Ms. Go have been profiled and written about in the DTI’s 2010 and 2012 edition of “Caraga Women Entrepreneurs and their Stories.” The latter is an agency publication produced every two years by the DTI-Gender and Development (GAD) Regional Focal Team and aims to showcase and chronicle the inspiring stories of women in business.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


“Araw ng Kagitingan” should be a very important event for every Filipinos because it reminds us of our duty to fight for the liberty of our country against foreign invaders,” he added. “I challenged the Filipinos of this generation to be vigilant against foreign invasions. Never again will we allow sufferings and death,” Porio emphasized. “In these days and age, heroes are born not only in war. One can be a hero even

Pagadian veterans commemorate ‘Araw ng Kagitingan’ By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – “Araw ng Kagitingan” commemorates the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fearlessly fought against the Japanese forces when the later occupied the Philippines in World War II, according to District Commander Caludio F. Porio of the 1st Zamboanga del Sur Veterans District.


Gawad Kalinga kicks off Bayani Challenge 2014 in ZamboangaBy Dominic I. SanchezZAMBOANGA CITY - A hundred houses in sixty-five days – Walang Iwanan. This represents Gawad Kalinga’s goal in Zamboanga City for this year’s Bayani Challenge.

in a simple act of bringing smile and comfort to a fellow countrymen in distress,” he added. Commander Porio thanked President Benigno S. Aquino, III, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio Cerilles and Mayor Romeo Pulmones for the great honor and recognition given to the veterans of the province and city. “It warms the heart of our living heroes, siblings, wives, widows and

children that they are loved, recognized and still remembered,” he said. The program was attended by the senior citizens, civic organizations, Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (BSP & GSP), Regional Provincial and City officials and employees, First Infantry “Tabak” Division,PA, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management of the Philippines (BJMP), Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) among others.


To officially start the challenge, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site in barangay Tulungatung on April 9, a date fitting the event. “Today, Araw ng Kagitingan is the simultaneous kick-off of the Bayani Challenge. We will end the challenge on June 12, Independence Day,” said Kholee Calzada of GK-Zamboanga at the ground-breaking program. “A hundred permanent dwellings will be built by volunteers for those who were displaced during the Zamboanga siege.” The Bayani Challenge is a yearly endeavor by GK volunteers all over the Philippines that aims to “build relationships, bring out the hero in everyone and raise resources and results for the poor”, said a press brief. Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of Western Mindanao Command who was also at the ceremony in Tulungatung said he had his “first encounter” with Gawad Kalinga in Sulu in 2010 together with PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquinena. A GK village was built in this war-torn town, in which the beneficiaries were poor residents. “All our troops here are highly

involved in Gawad Kalinga, and we will always help to fulfill its noble objectives,” said Lt. Gen. Guerrero. Meanwhile, Mayor Ma. Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar expressed her gratitude to GK for this endeavor. “Thank you, thank you so much for helping Zamboanga,” said the mayor. “But we do not just end in building the houses, we will also plant flowers to make our homes beautiful. Your volunteerism will indeed go a long way in helping build back a better Zamboanga.” This year, GK aims to raise one million volunteers all across the country to help in rebuilding the twelve devastated provinces and cities after the calamities that struck them. The Bayani Challenge is done in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Globe, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Medical Association (PMA), Pilipinas Natin, EDSA People Power Commission and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in partnership with Human Nature, LBC Foundation and other local and national stakeholders.


One youth leader-participant said his experience during the camp is one that he will carry on and remember for a long time. Participants did not only enjoy meeting with youth representatives from other provinces but were also equipped with the tools and knowledge on disaster preparedness and response, and got oriented on climate change. They were also updated on the status of the peace process through video presentation, courtesy of OPAPP. The participants also underwent peace building and appreciative inquiry workshops, and were also given sessions on community awareness and response to emergencies with the Philippine Red Cross-Zamboanga demonstrating to them basic first aid responses. Dr. Yusof Roque Morales-Focal Person In Charge-National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (FPIN-NCMF) said this peace camp is a result of a MOA signing between the AFP and the NCMF held October 8, 2013 at the General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City where both parties

agreed to launch four initial peace and development programs that will counter RIDO conflict, address “gun culture” and promote a culture of peace in Mindanao. Dr. Morales said this peace camp is the third in the four initial peace programs, the other three include Bayanihan for Peace, Reconciliation, and Healing; Peace Radio; and Enhancement of Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness among AFP personnel. “This peace camp is the first leg of a series of camps. The next leg will be conducted in Cotabato, Tawi-Tawi, Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur and Davao.”“We hope to create critical mass of youth in these key areas who would become able partners of the government,” Morales added. He also informed that the youth-participants would become counterpart-volunteers for the one million Bayani Challenge- a commitment made by the AFP-NCMF to raise 1million volunteers for the Bayanihan Challenge.

NCMF, AFP conduct youth peace camps in Mindanao By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The two-day peace camp ended Tuesday where the participants expressed their appreciation for being able to attend such an event.


NCMF, AFP conduct youth peace camps in Mindanao

Shellfish from Murcielagos Bay continuous to be safe to eat by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Shellfish collected from Murcielagos Bay in the boundary of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Norte has continued to be safe for human consumption.

http://www.gulf-times.com/asean-philippines/188/details/333571/warning-against-shellfish-over-%E2%80%98red-tide%E2%80%99-toxin


This, after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has came out with Shellfish Bulletin (SB) No. 8, dated April 1, 2014, declaring the area to be free from toxic contamination. As disseminated in all SB Nos. 01-07, issued by BFAR, during the first quarter, this year, the area has been delisted from those with red tide toxins. This means that all types of shellfish, including Acetes specie or “alamang” or minute shrimps can now be harvested, sold, bought and eaten, Drusila Esther E. Bayate, Officer-in-Charge of BFAR, said. Meanwhile, BFAR has declared the following areas in Mindanao, as free from red tide toxin: Taguines Lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin Island, Region 10; Hinatuan, Bislig and Llanga Bays in Surigao del Sur,

Region 13; and Balite Bay in Mati, Davo Oriental, Region 11. However, shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Region 9, are found positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit, based on the latest laboratory results from BFAR and the local government units (LGU). Bayate said all types of shellfish and alamang gathered from this red tide area are not safe for human consumption and gathering, selling, buying them are prohibited. But fish, squids, shrimps and crabs gathered from red tide areas may be safe to eat, provided, they are fresh and washed thoroughly and the internal organs, such as, gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Tax, customs collections in NorMin continue to grow in 2013 by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The revenue collection efforts of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Northern Mindanao are paying-off as both tax and customs collections in the region continue to post positive growths in 2013.

Data gathered by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office X, shows that BIR has collected P8.15 billion in taxes

in 2013, up by 15 percent from the P7.12 billion tax collections posted in 2012. Engr. Cecilio Clarete, chief


Lanao Norte development council convened for 2015 infra projects by PIO-LDN

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - The 13th Provincial Development Council (PDC) composed of town mayors, other national government agencies and non-government organizations, civil society group of Lanao del Norte convened on April 2, 2014 at the Macapagal Training Center, in Tubod.

PDC chair Governor Khalid Dimaporo presided the council meeting with the list of proposed

infrastructure projects for year 2015.The projects cited for funding by Department of Public Works and

economic development specialist of NEDA-X, said income taxes accounted for the largest share of the region’s total tax collections sharing P5.18 billion or about 63 percent. Collections from value-added taxes, which comprised 24 percent of the total collections, amounted to P1.9 billion while percentage, excise and other taxes totalled P1.04 billion or about 13 percent of the total. Revenue District (RD) 101 in Iligan City emerged as the top growth performer posting the highest increase in tax collections at 23 percent from P1.13 billion in 2012 to P1.38 billion in 2013. However, RD 98 in Cagayan de Oro City still collected the biggest share posting P4.58 billion or 56 percent of the total tax collections. Clarete said the continued improvement in collections was due

to the BIR’s effective implementation of Oplan Kandado and Run After Tax Evaders (RATE). Customs collections, on the other hand, climbed by 13 percent in 2013 reaching P6.69 billion. Bulk of the customs collections came from the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) recording P5.76 billion or about 86 percent of the total collections in the region. Clarete said MCT posted increases in collections over the years due to the continuing shift of operations from the Cagayan de Oro port to MCT. Despite the decline in the collections of the Cagayan de Oro port by 15 percent, he said its impact to the region’s overall collections was considerably minimal because it was offset by the magnitude of transactions at MCT.


Highways (DPWH) are Salvador-Sapad Road, SND-Poblacion Road, Nunungan Road, Tubod-Magsaysay Road, Maranding-Salvador Road, Tubod-Salvador Road, Sapad-Poblacion Road, Kapatagan Road, Lanipao Lala Road, and Poona Piagapo-Lapayan Road, Kauswagan Road. Proposed projects requiring funding from Department of Agriculture (DA) are Maranding Annex, Kapatagan-Simpak Lala Road, Maranding, Lala (Iligan-Aurora Road- Darumawang, Lala Road), Tunaan, Lala-Raw-an, Lala Road, Bansarvil, Kapatagan- Mabuhay, SND Road, Maranding Annex, Kapatagan-Poblacion, Kapatagan-Sapad Road, Poblacion, SND–Ramain, SND Road, Poblacion, SND–Maguindanao, SND, and Malabang–Tukuran Road Junction- Pikalawag, SND. Provincial Planning Officer and PDC Secretary Brigida Tañgonan,

said the proposed projects aimed at achieving the five goals of the local government units (LGUs), this province. These goals are - reduce magnitude of poverty; improve access to basic services, amenities, and utilities to effectively reduce disparity in service access levels across municipalities; improve the state of ecosystems; increase community resilience to natural and human induced disasters; and have an effective local governance.Highlighting the day’s activity was the oath-taking of new set of council members from Civil Society Organization (CSO). The new CSO members are Roberto Quijano, Maria Gittel Saquilabon, Fr. Jonald Apaon, Rizalina Amesola, Romanito Tan, Arlieto Berlan, Violeta Ramirez, Jose Cabahug and Carmelito Taray.


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- The local government unit of Tacurong paid tribute to the veterans of World War II in celebration of the Philippine Veterans Week and Araw ng Kagit-ingan on April 9, 2014. The celebration revolved arouud the theme “Ang Beterano: Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan,

72nd Araw ng Kagitingan


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Philippine government is committed in curbing all forms of meat smuggling.

Gov’t committed to end meat smugglingBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

This was the message of President Benigno C. Aquino III delivered by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at the 23rd National Hog Convention held here recently.

“We have been directing our government offices especially the DA to intensify its efforts in impeding meat smuggling to give local hog raisers the opportunity to gain better incomes,” he said.

At the convention, government officials like DA 12’s Regional Animal Quarantine Officer Dr. Castor Leo Ejercito who had burned confiscated smuggled meats at port in GenSan were given recognition by the organizers.

Also present in the occasion was Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture who pledged to help in fighting smuggling not only on meats but all agricultural products.

Meantime, close to 1,200 industry players joined this year’s national convention which came up with assessments and passed resolutions that affect the viability of hog raising in terms of providing jobs, livelihood, incomes and safe food for Filipinos.

The three-day convention which

revolved around the theme: “Agrikulturang Pilipino ay Palakasin…Paghahayupan ay Kalingain at Pagyamanin para sa Masagana at Ligtas na Pagkain,” was organized by the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) and the Pork Producers’ Federation of the Philippines Inc. (PROPORK) with the South Cotabato Swine Producers Association Inc. as host organization.

Information from the organizers indicated that the convention also encouraged the hog sector not only to produce ample food for the people, but produce ample food that is safe for human consumption.

In 2013, Philippine agriculture posted a 1.15% growth, with the livestock and poultry sector contributing 1.75% and 4.2%, respectively, contributing a combined output of 31% to the improved performance of the sector.

Citing the data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, the country recorded 2.01 million metric tons total production of hogs where Region 12 contributed more than 118,000 metric tons. (DEDoguiles PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The country needs to create a national halal accreditation and regulatory board, Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, said.

Sen. Villar pushes for creation of Halal regulatory board

During her recent visit here, Senator Villar noted Philippines has not yet set a national that would govern the certification process of Halal foods and products.

Villar, who was here on April 3 as guest of the 23rd National Hog Convention, also presided over a public hearing on the Senate bills that propose policies and guidelines in crafting the Philippine Halal Act.

In her message, the senator expressed desire to institutionalize a national standard in preparing “Halal foods” at par with the world-accepted guidelines observed in all abattoirs, outlets, hotels, restaurants and other service establishments.

This she added would entail among others, the establishment of the National Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board.

Villar has filed Senate Bill No.312, or the Philippine Halal Act that aims “to protect the interest of the people for clean, pure and healthy food.”

Halal foods are healthy because Muslims make sure that slaughtered animals are also healthy and clean, and pay particular attention to the feeds given to the animals, she said.

Halal is an Arabic term which literally means lawful or legal. Often, the term is used to designate food that can be consumed after a proper method of preparation as well as those food that do not contain pork meat and byproducts and blood.

Senate Bill Number 312 also seeks to establish a Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board, which will be responsible for the formulation, drafting, management and implementation of programs relevant to manufacturing, production, distribution, preparation, handling, storage and verification of halal approved-food, non-food merchandise and services.

According to Villar, there are about 50 halal certifying bodies in the Philippines, but there are prevailing issues on some technical aspects of


ascertaining the ‘halalness’ of their products.

Villar added that Halal food producers in the Philippines are well-positioned to get a chunk of the estimated $2.3 Trillion global Halal market and the enactment of the Halal Act will make them globally-competitive.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala articulated his support to the passage of this bill to expand the nation’s horizons in coping with the emerging international opportunities specifically considering the premium market for Halal foods in the global market.

He also reported that DA, through the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Livestock Development Council, Bureau of Agricultural Products Standards and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have lined up Halal support projects which include the building of

Halal slaughterhouses, Halal goat production, and support initiatives to promote Halal certification.

Also present in the public hearing were National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Comm. Esmael Ebrahim, DA’s National Halal Program Coordinator Dr. Norodin Kuit, Department of Science and Technology 12 Regional Director Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof-Laidan, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, as well as key players of the Halal industry.

DOST 12 currently operates a halal laboratory in Cotabato City which conduct product testing and certification.

A much larger and state-of-the-art Philippine National Halal Laboratory and Halal Science Center is being constructed in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo- DA 12)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Organic agriculture enthusiasts in SOCCSK-SARGEN Region have formed into an organization to boost their bid to help the national government in its efforts to promote organic farming not only in the region but also across the country.

Organic agriculture advocates in SOCCSKSARGEN unite

Officers of the newly-established SOCCSKSARGEN Organic Farmers and Producers’ Association (SOFPA) met with Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala during his recent visit to nearby General Santos City last week to present their thrust to facilitate the conversion of at least 5 percent of the country’s agricultural lands to organic farming.

Alcala was here on April 3 for the 23rd National Hog Convention.

Chaired by Fred Dumasis, the organization is comprised of local organic farmers, organic input manufacturers, organic product consolidators, organic product exporters, and participants to the international organic trade fairs.

SOFPA President Alfred Hebrona said their membership also includes researchers from academic institutions, organic agriculture technicians, and policymakers.

Hebrona also narrated the organization’s objectives such as intensive promotion of organic and natural methods of agriculture and aquaculture among farmers in Region 12.

“We would like to support the development of local, regional, national and even international markets with organically and naturally processed farming, fishery, poultry, and livestock

inputs and produce,” he said.The primary objective of the group,

he added, is to shape SOCCSKSARGEN Region as the ‘Organic Agriculture Region of the Philippines’ which would be compliant to international standards and certifications of various international certifying bodies.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Romano Laurilla, general manager of the country’s first organic colored rice exporter Don Bosco Multi-purpose Cooperative based in M’lang, North Cotabato is one of the trustees of SOFPA.

Per records, Don Bosco MPC already exported over 45 metric tons of organic black, brown, and red rice to United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and other countries.

Its products were also featured at the recent Biofach Trade Fair, the world’s largest organic trade fair, in Nuremberg, Germany.

with the full support and help from the Philippines- European Chamber of Commerce (ECCP). Biofach is the world’s largest organic trade fair. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/LMSalvo-DA 12)


Construction of multi-species hatchery in Tagum underway

TAGUM CITY—A sustainable supply of fingerlings for mariculture prod-ucts will soon be achieved after the multi-species hatchery located in Barangay Liboganon starts its full operation in the middle of 2014, local authorities said. This developed as both the City Government of Tagum and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department

of Agriculture XI jointly spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony of the said facility last April 8, 2014 led by Mayor Allan L. Rellon and BFAR Regional Director Fatma Idris. The multi-species hatchery project, which has been tagged by

local leaders as a “dream come true” after being finally realized after 10 years of intensive planning and lobbying, features an algal tank, larval tank, a reservoir, a power supply system and a nursery. BFAR XI poured 2.4 million pesos for the said project while the city government allocated some 650,000 pesos as


its counterpart. City Agriculturist Harold S. Dawa said that among the impacts this project will bring is the revival of the interest of the brackish fishpond owners to invest in intensive crab farming, in line with his department’s goal of making the city as a “crab capital” in this part of Mindanao. This will also increase the numbers of wild crabs along Tancuan Creek since every production season, the hatchery will release some of its products to the wild, thereby benefiting the fisherfolks along the creek leading to the Davao Gulf. Dawa stressed this is a pre-requisite in the local government’s plan of constructing a fishing village and crab park facilities along the National Highway in Barangay Bincungan. As a joint venture of the city government and BFAR XI, it will also serve as center of hatchery technology in Davao Region as well as to serve as a venue for

hands-on training for fisherfolk, investors, fisheries students and other interested clientele who are Davao and Mindanao-based. The multi-specie hatchery will also serve as an outlet for economic enterprise as its products will be sold to fishpond operators through a minimal price. Regional Director Idris stressed the dynamic partnership between her agency and the local government, citing it as the key ingredient in making this project possible. She added that she is aiming to build the provincial fisheries satellite office adjacent to the multi-specie hatchery, as well as signifying intent to partner with LGU Tagum in the construction of a Regional Training Center in Energy Park in Barangay Apokon—a proposal that already got the nod of Mayor Rellon and some of the city councilors present during the occasion. (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)


Sta. Cruz LGU to limit Mt. Apo climbers this Holy WeekSTA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur – In or-der to minimize negative impact to the environment in Mt. Apo Natu-ral Park particularly in Sta. Cruz Trail, local authorities here are bent on strictly implementing the trail carrying capacity of a maxi-mum of 250 persons this coming Holy Week season. Tourism officer Julius Paner said ever since the local Mt. Apo Trekking Ordinance was crafted in 2001, the LGU has religiously implemented the carrying capacity so as not to damage the trail. “This has been our practice and somehow it is very effective especially in the aspect of environmental conservation,” Paner said. “Every Lenten season, we always make sure to limit our climbers to a maximum of 250 and the figure already includes mountain guides and porters,” he added. With Mt. Apo Trekking as its flagship program on ecotourism, the LGU of Sta. Cruz recognizes the importance of involving local communities in every ecotourism activity. “The community has direct control of the area, that’s why we require climbers to get a guide and porter before they will be issued

with a climbing permit. It will also be a standard procedure so that residents in the area can benefit economically of this heightened trekking activities in Mt. Apo,” Paner explained. For a climber to be able to secure a permit, he/she will fill up a form at the Tourism Office of Sta. Cruz and pay a registration fee of P500 per person. The LGU also discourages climbers not to exit to other trails. “As much as possible they should not use other trails like Kidapawan, Kapatagan, Magpet and Makilala because aside from contributing to the harmful effects of their trails; climbers will also be collected with an exit fee,” Paner stated. He said that come April 26-27 this year, Sta. Cruz will be celebrating its Pista sa Kinaiyahan, an annual activity aimed at conserving and protecting Mt. Apo through series of activities like clean up drive and tree growing. It will also be highlighted by the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge, an extreme adventure race with four disciplines namely: mountain biking, trail running, water tubing and road running. (Information Office-Sta. Cruz)

One Mindanao - April 11, 2014

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