One Mindanao - April 30, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

MARY MAY A. ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

RSC 12 calls for support to search for outstanding volunteers

DA Caraga turns-over hand tractors to farmers

NCCA-PCEP trains Mindanao teachers on culture-based education

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26

3031

19

DOH XII steps up VIPP implementation in SOCCSKSARGEN

Palace welcomes survey results showing drop in unemployment figures

Jesuit priest, Moro youth plea for peace on final BBL hearing

2015 CBMS census kicks-off this month in AgSur

Lanao Norte towns receive P250M infra projectsTax bureau closes food chain in CDO

By: Aurelius P. Arais

By: Annah Sharon G. Rosales

By: Catherine T. Apelacio

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By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

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38

By: Rene V. Carbayas

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Vincent N. Labial

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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Davao City’s Central 911 to be deployed in Palarong Pambansa 2015

Sun Life launches financial literacy journalism awards

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

By: RG Alama

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4 APRIL 30, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

Violence and injuries are the third leading

cause of overall mortality globally, according to Dr. Adimelca Gangoso, Essential Non-Communicable Disease (ENCD) coordinator of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Region XII.

DOH XII steps up VIPP implementation

in SOCCSKSARGENBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

5APRIL 30, 2015 One Mindanao

DOH XII steps up VIPP implementation

in SOCCSKSARGEN

According to Arceli Latonio, Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) XII at least nine hundred BNS from the different localities in Mindanao have registered in the two days conference which aims to strengthen the relationship among BNSs and enhance their skills “as prime movers and catalyst for nutrition development.”

Latonio said some of the highlights of the conference include the launching of the BNS Handbook developed by the NNC to serve as a reference for the BNSs in the exercise of their roles and responsibilities; and the awarding of “longest-serving BNSs,” who served for over 30 years, as a way of recognizing their “dedication and commitment to ensure the nutritional well-being

o f the families

in their communities.” “We have seven awardees in Region XII and they are from the municipalities of Kabacan, Surallah, Banga, Isulan, Esperanza, Norallah and from Koronadal City. We are so thankful for their committed service of promoting nutritional programs in their respective communities for 30 years and more,” she enthused.

Jovita Raval, Chief of the Nutrition Information and Education Division of NNC disclosed that one of the advocacies of the conference is to give voice and uplift the current situation of the more than 42,000 BNSs all over the country who most of them served as volunteers with meager or no incentives at all. “What we want is to mobilize the BNSs para mas lalo pa


silang maging committed sa pagdadala ng mga nutrition services sa mga pamilya kasi sila yung ating link talaga sa mga nutrition services at bukod doon isa sa mga gusto rin natin ay magkaroon sila ng boses para maisulong ang pag-amyenda ng Presidential Decree 1569 which is the law that created the BNS signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1978.”

Raval said that for 37 years after the promulgation of PD 1569 the NNC sees a need to amend the law to push for the security of tenure of the BNSs to

ensure sustainability of services.

“The BNSs should have plantilla positions, to be permanent and not just volunteers. Otherwise, there will be no improvement in our country’s nutrition status unless we have sure support to deliver those nutrition services.”

Raval explained that as volunteers some BNSs don’t have any monetary compensation while others only receive P50 to as much as 2,500 per month which comes from either the barangay, municipality, city or province although NNC provides assistance like accident insurance, training and other technical supports.

“We will gather at least 4,000 signatures of BNSs to submit to Congress to help push


the amendment of PD 1569” to support the welfare of our BNSs.”

Meanwhile, Felia Guilingan, National Outstanding BNS for 2012 said that to be an awardee is not an easy task as it entails huge patience and hard work. “There is a need for efforts and time management as everything is possible if everybody unites. To be outstanding BNs, it is not a requirement that you must be an intelligent person what’s important is you have the heart to serve the people in your community,” she explained in the vernacular.

The 3rd National Conference in Gensan is the last leg of the four sub-conferences held in the different areas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for the whole month of

April to enable more BNSs from all over the country to attend.

Anchored on the theme: “BNS: Bigay Todo sa Nutrisyon at Serbisyo!” the conference “underscores the crucial role of the BNSs in the delivery of nutrition services and related activities to families in the barangay. It also recognizes the hard work and dedication of the BNSs that are pivotal in addressing malnutrition at the community level.”


Agri- sector gets P85.6-B budget boost in 2015 MANILA - The National Government is targeting the country’s agriculture sector as one of its top priorities for development this year, allotting P85.63 billion for its A g r i c u l t u r a l Development Program, the Department of Budget and M a n a g e m e n t said on Wednesday.

DBM further said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is among the top 10 departments that received a priority share of the 2015 National Budget, obtaining P89.2 billion as their budget for this year. This is an increase of 11.4 percent from P80 billion in 2014.

“Many Filipinos, especially those in the poorest regions of our country, still depend on farms and fisheries for their livelihood. Projects that promote inclusive growth will ensure that farmers

and fisherfolk will be able to participate in our thrust

to maximize the country’s agri-business potential,”

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The Administration’s Agricultural Development Program is designed to make the agriculture and fisheries sector more competitive and productive even as it empowers farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders to improve their income. As such, the P85.63-billion fund will support a


number of projects, activities, and projects of the National Government that will benefit agri-business development. Under the DA, P21.8 billion will be invested in various programs to promote a more diversified, intensive, high-value, and market-oriented crop and livestock production in terms of Agriculture Commodity Support. These include the following:

· Rice Program – P7 billion will be allotted to enable the production of 20.09 million metric tons of rice per hectare through production support, research and development, and the provision of post-harvest facilities in 1,705 farmer groups.

· Fisheries Program – P4.6 billion will be allotted to enable the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to support the production target of 4.9 million metric tons (commercial - 1.103 million metric tons; municipal - 1.312 million metric tons; aquaculture - 2.485 million metric tons). This, in turn, will help government efforts to promote fishery resources protection and law enforcement, investment on people, and research and

technology.

· Coconut Program – P4.1 billion will be allotted to Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), which will be used to help produce 2.81 million metric tons of coconuts and copra. It will also be used to uplift the well-being of coconut farmers, construct farm-to-market roads (FMR), plant/replant coconut trees, develop coconut agro-industrial hubs, and help eradicate and control pests.

· Corn Program – P2.3 billion will be allotted to fast track the production of 2.75 million metric tons of white corn, 6.27 million metric tons of yellow corn, and 3.87 million metric tons of cassava.

· High-Value Crops Program – P2.2 billion will be allotted to support agricultural diversification and to promote the production of high-value crops, especially in the poorest regions of the Philippines. This fund will used to provide facilities and equipment to produce 2.6 million metric tons of pineapple, 865,910 metric tons of mangoes, and 9.17 million metric tons of bananas, among other high-value crops.


· Livestock and Poultry Program – P1.616 billion will be allotted to bolster the production of livestock, including 2.1 million metric tons of hogs and 1.72 million metric tons of chicken. This fund will also help rural economies develop enterprises and increase farmers’ income while aiming for global competitiveness.

Aside from supporting farmers and fisherfolk in boosting crop and livestock production, the National Government will also help agricultural communities in improving their productivity, reducing their costs, and improving their access by building more agriculture infrastructure. These include the following: · Irrigation – P22.2 billion will be used by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to cover 27,672 hectares and restore

28,282 hectares of service areas. · Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) – P14.5 billion will be used for the construction of FMRs that will connect farmers to bigger markets and more consumers.

· Fishery Infrastructure – P1.29 billion will be used to build fishery infrastructure, which includes P756 million for the construction of fish landings in 252 sites and P534 million for the establishment of 26 municipal fish ports.

Abad said, “For the agricultural sector, the road to sustained economic growth will depend on the development of the country’s agri-business industry. With the increase in agricultural productivity and farmers’ income, stakeholders in the sector will be able to enjoy our country’s robust economic performance.” (DBM)

Palace welcomes survey results showing drop in unemployment figuresMANILA - Malacanang welcomed results of the latest quarterly survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which showed a decrease in the unemployment. The survey, which covered the first quarter of 2015, shows that adult unemployment in the

country has plunged to 19.1 percent from 27 percent in December 2014.


“This is consistent with the results of the January 2015 Labor Force Survey, which also indicated a decrease in unemployment. The SWS survey also noted an increase in job availability optimism, with 38 percent of adults -- up from the 36 percent recorded in the last quarter of 2014 -- saying that the number of available jobs will increase in the next 12 months,” Lacierda said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“As the President has repeatedly said, the Filipino people are our nation’s greatest resource. Along with the administration’s reforms, it is their characteristic optimism and diligence that has attracted increased investor confidence in the country, thereby boosting our economy and opening up greater opportunities for our citizens,” he said.

“This virtuous cycle of

growth and empowerment is evident in figures such as this, which show the cumulative effect of gains we have achieved in recent years.”

The Palace official reiterated the administration’s commitment to continue treading the straight path of governance.

“As the past few years have shown, reforms lead to increased investments, which in turn lead to more and better livelihoods for our people. The well-being of each Filipino individual is of utmost importance to the Aquino government, and it is this concern that continues to inspire us as we press toward our goal of a more inclusive and prosperous nation,” Lacierda said.

The survey, conducted from March 20 to 23 among 1,200 respondents nationwide, put the joblessness rate at 19 percent, or about 9 million adults. The figure is almost 8 percent less than the 27 percent, or about 12.4 million adults, recorded last December. (PCOO/PND (jm)


Jesuit priest, Moro youth plea for peace on final BBL hearing

MANILA - A Jesuit priest representing the country’s top Catholic Church leader and a Muslim youth-leader who also comes from a Moro royal house have joined forces in appealing to Congress to help achieve peace in Mindanao by passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) president Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J. told the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law that he believes the BBL “requires a search for compromise and consensus” and

that “peace building is essentially trust building.” In the same forum, Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, a multi-awarded youth leader and Moro princess, said the BBL is the last hope for peace in the


Bangsamoro, as she appealed to fellow Filipinos especially those in Metro Manila to understand the Filipino Muslims’ yearning for peace. “We hope you will respond to the struggles of our ancestors. As the youth of today, we will safeguard what you will bestow upon us,” Usman said.

Tabora represented Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who along with Usman, were named by President Aquino as members of the National Peace Council that was convened to study the BBL and find ways to explain it further to the public. The other members of the Peace Council include former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jaime Zobel de Ayala and former Ambassador to the Holy See Howard Dee.

According to Tabora, any delay in the passage of the BBL would be “wasteful” of the previous efforts that had been exerted to attain peace. He also wondered aloud why people are seemingly disregarding the efforts put forth and sacrifices made by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front all these years. “Peacemakers on both sides—of the government and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front)—have spent 17 years to bring us to this juncture. There is enough goodwill on both sides to bring this agreement to its conclusion, one that would provide communities in one of the most deprived regions in the country with a genuine fresh start. To set it aside now would be foolhardy,” he said. Tabora also stressed that it is vital for the BBL to be passed now since there has been no other time when so much political will has been invested in the peace process. “It would be foolish for us to end at this time and try to restart again in an indefinite future,” he said, echoing Former Chief Justice Davide’s earlier comments.


Davide, speaking for the council, has stated that the timing for the creation of a Bangsamoro autonomous region is “auspicious” in light of the 17 years of negotiations, the Aquino administration’s firm commitment to the peace process and most especially the mutual trust and goodwill that has already been established. He also referred to the BBL as “an autonomous law that broadens the original one and more fully complies with our government’s constitutional promise and duty.” Passing the BBL a good starting point for peace

The Peace Council has called for the immediate passage of the BBL, claiming that it is faithful to the constitution and would not lead to a Moro sub-state. They also shared their five major findings about the draft BBL and their recommendations in a report which they submitted to the House Ad Hoc Committee through Rodriguez. Usman, on her part, appealed once more to lawmakers to give the BBL a chance.

“We strongly believe that the BBL will start us on the path that will bring peace to Mindanao and the rest of the country. The BBL is not a ‘silver bullet’ that will solve all our problem but we cannot even begin to solve the problems if we don’t address it. It’s an excellent starting point,” she said. Usman, founder of Teach Peace, Build Peace Movement, also read statements and messages from Bakwits which include young children. She said the messages she has received are simple ones, yet seldom heard in Metro Manila. “Imagine ourselves in that kind of situation. It is clear that only peace and cessation of war and conflict could arrest the downward spiral of the lives of millions of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” she said. (PPMB)


TESDA launches summer skills, livelihood training in Surigao Norte townBy: Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here has launched its summer program dubbed “TESDA Summer Skills and Livelihood Training” on April 27, 2015 at the town of Malimono, this province.

The TESDA Summer Skills and Livelihood Training is the newest effort of the provincial office to develop the skills of the youth from which they can earn and help their family, giving them better options in life and become


a productive member of the society. TESDA Surigao del Norte provincial director Allan S. Millan said during the launching that the skills and livelihood training is a series of training to be jointly undertaken by the local government units of the province, primarily aimed to improve livelihood in the community and bring the government’s social services closer to the people. He said the project caters to out-of-school youth and adults who are willing to learn and acquire livelihood skills to augment their family income. More than 200 youth and 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino

Program) beneficiaries will undergo a training on message therapy, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), small engine and motorcycle mechanic, cellphone repair, table skirting, fish and meat processing, and baking from April 27 to May 27, 2015. The one-month summer training is sponsored by the local government unit of Malimono in partnership with TESDA, Surigao del Norte College of Agriculture (SNCAT), Phil. Coconut Authority, Global Competency Based Training Center and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte under its HEALS Plus Program.


DA Caraga turns-over hand tractors to farmers By: Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY - To empower farmers to become more productive, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga turned-over a total of 37 hand tractors with implements to various farmers associations last April 15, 2015. In a simple ceremony held at DA Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Station in Brgy. Taguibo, this city, DA Caraga acting director Edna Mabeza appealed to the recipients to maintain the farm equipment and utilized it to the fullest. “Among hangyo kung adunay mga madaut panahon sa inyong

paggamit, pahibaw-a kami aron mapangitaan ug solusyon aron dili masayang (Our appeal is that if something goes wrong while using the equipment, just tell us so we can look for a solution so it won’t be in vain),” Mabeza emphasized. Of the 37 hand tractors being turned-over, 29 units were


under on 85:15 counter parting schemes wherein 85 percent of the amount was funded by the government while the remaining 15 percent was shouldered by the farmers association or cooperatives while the other eight units were on full grant. Nineteen units goes to various farmers association or cooperatives in Agusan del Sur, nine units to Surigao del Sur, four units to Surigao del Norte, two units to Butuan City, two units to the Province of Dinagat Islands and one unit to Agusan del Norte. Benhur Torreda, chairman of the Sto. Thomas ARB and Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative of Loreto, Agusan del Sur said that they are grateful

to the government through DA for providing the needs of the farmers. “Dako gyud ang among pasalamat kay mao ni ang among gidamgo nga among madawat (We are grateful because this is what we are dreaming of),” Torreda said. Hand tractor is used for a faster and efficient preparation of the land before planting. It was learned from Engr. Rene Morales, chief of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division that more farm equipments are due to be turned-over to farmers association or cooperatives in the coming days in support to farm mechanization program.


2015 CBMS census kicks-off this month in AgSur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - The provincial government of Agusan del Sur recently launched the 2015 community-based monitoring system – disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (CBMS-DRRCCA) census to assess the real situation of a community and frame up a realistic planning for the province.

By: Annah Sharon G. Rosales

The activity kicked-off on April 6 during the flag raising rites at the Naliyagan Cultural Center in Patin-ay, this town with its theme, “CBMS Census 2015, Apil Na! Agusanon Ikaw ang Numero Uno!” “Indeed, this CBMS will help us assess the real situation of a particular community in

conformity with what is suited in that particular area. So I’m very happy that the updated result of this will surely help us in formulating and updating our provincial master plan,” said Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hazel O. Del Rosalio of the province’s first district. Sources said that the


census, which ends on May 29 is spearheaded by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the Provincial Information Management Office (PIMO). According to PIMO report, a total of 396 Asus tablets installed with the CMBS application were distributed to every enumerator per barangay by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) to be used during the conduct of the survey. Fourteen server desktops were also given to the 13 municipalities and the lone City of Bayugan to be used by the municipal CBMS focal person as the data bank of information gathered by the enumerators and will serve as link to PGAS. In an Equipment Loan Contract Agreement, which was signed between PGAS who represent as lender and owner of the equipment and the 13 towns and a city as borrower cited that the latter would take care, and control of the equipment. The provincial government will provide three sets of uniform to include a sling for the tablet, ID, backpack, umbrella and cap to enumerators and supervisors. According to 2015 CBMS census contract, the municipality who could submit a complete

documents on the results of the survey within the duration of 40 working days will receive an incentive reward ranging from Php 100,000 for first prize, Php 75,000 for second place and Php 50,000 for third place. According to PPDO, the incentive reward will help motivate the local government units to maintain the quality, reliability and completeness of the data collected as input to CBMS. It would also encourage the participants to conduct 100 percent coverage of household in their respective assigned areas. The CBMS was adopted by the PGAS as a regular program since 2005 and to conduct survey every three years (2009 and 2012) to update the socio-economic data of every barangay. The data would also become reference of the province in achieving the major objective of the province - to reduce poverty incidence by 13 percent from 39 percent in 2012 to 26 percent in 2016. The census result will also be used in preparing and updating the master provincial plan including project implementation, impact monitoring, and formulation of evidence-based policies.




102nd brigade supports GMA-7 “Plastic ni Juan” project

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay– Having seen the im-pact of the “Plastic ni Juan” project to the com-munity and environment, the 102nd Infantry “Igsoon” Brigade with the help of the Ipil Taebo Enthusiast Organization has replicated it here to benefit several schools in the province. As an opening sal-vo, the group led by Captain Divar Crisosto-mo, civil military oper-

ations officer of 102nd Infantry Brigade has recently visited several establishments in Ipil


town to collect plastic wastes. As a result, the group was able to collect 14 sacks of plas-tic bottles from Barangay Sani-to, AJJ-JC Store, Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO)-II, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Of-fice (ZSPPO) and Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel, which were among the first participating groups and agencies. “We are planning to collect more before we turn-over next the collected plastic bottles to the Tabak Division next month,” Capt. Crisostomo said in a media interview. “Plastic ni Juan: Sa Plastic at Basura may Dalang Pag-asa” is an eco-project of the televi-sion network Global Media Arts (GMA)-7 aimed at collecting waste plastics to be recycled into plastic chairs that will be donated to public schools.

Crisostomo said public schools in Zamboanga Sibugay province would be the beneficia-ries of the effort of 102nd bri-gade. “This will not only benefit our schools but the environment as well. I believe we have so much wastes that we have to attend to. And this is just the right answer how we must address the issue,” Crisostomo pointed out. Crisostomo also lauded the efforts of the Ipil Taebo Enthusi-ast Organization for making it a success. “They coordinated with the establishments and made this all possible.” This project was first initi-ated by the 1st Infantry Tabak Division of the Philippine Army, which was able to turn-over last month more than 100 kilos of empty plastic containers to Eat Bulaga at the Broadway Centrum in Quezon City.


NCCA-PCEP trains Mindanao teachers on culture-based educationBy Rene V. CarbayasDAVAO CITY– The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through its Philippine Cultural Education Program (PCEP) gathered some 146 teachers from Mindanao for the 2015 Kaguruang Makabayan: National Teachers’ Training-Writeshop Series on culture-based teaching of the Basic Education Curriculum (BEC).

The training, which was held here on April 17-19, sought to provide school teachers with comprehensive training on de-veloping lesson exemplars and applied classrooms teaching methodologies, which explore Multiple Intelligence Skills (MIS) and Mother Tongue-Based Mul-

tilingual Education (MTB-MLE) through culture-based, integra-tive and interactive teaching ap-proaches and strategies across the K to 12 Curriculum. The teachers underwent through four modules: 1) founda-tion and culture-based paradigm for basic education, 2) contextu-


alizing contents to culture, arts and heritage across the curricu-lum, 3) engaged teaching-learn-ing experiences as organizing frame for developing culture-based lessons, and 4) culture-based lesson integration. Prof. Ricamela S. Palis, who introduced the participants on the value of a culture-based ed-ucation, encouraged teachers to further investigate and do more research on particular subjects taught in the class and not to contend on what was written only in reference materials and text-books made available by DepEd. “We have to analyze data, not just depend on records and facts that are presented in books,” she said. She said that there are nar-ratives and or stories that are not

written in history books as some of them remained as oral tradi-tions. “Kapag ipinagitna natin ang kultura sa edukasyon, kapag dito natin inangkla ang pagtutu-ro, mas malaki ang katiyakan na magkakaroon ng makabuluhang pagkatuto (If we placed culture at the center of education and an-chored our teaching here, there is great possibility of meaningful learning),” Palis explained. Prof. Arvin Manuel R. Villalon, on the other hand, led teachers to realize the importance of lan-guage in culture-based educa-tion and analyze the relationship between Mother Tongue-Base and Multi-Lingual Education and identify its use in culture-based education so that teachers can prepare lesson exemplars.


To achieve a vibrant culture-based teaching, Villalon stressed that teachers must have the pas-sion to do this, saying “creativity is the hallmark of the gods.” Prof. Ferdinand M. Lopez af-firmed Villalon’s point of view that some teachers have lost creativity in teaching, using only one method of teaching over and over again. He said that teachers today must mold the young gen-erations of today to be-come com-petitive with other neigh-boring coun-tries and c u l t u r a l l y -founded Filipinos as the country is entering a first stage of ASEAN Integration this year. “Otherwise, we will be left behind,” he said. Dr. Orlando B. Magno led the teachers in further understand-ing the 21st century learner and for teachers to identify the need-ed skills to engage this type of learner. The teachers have iden-tified the cultural treasures and assets in their communities as ready reference to integrate cul-

ture education in their lessons. PCEP Director Joseph J. Cristobal said the Kaguruang Makabayan complements the Department of Education’s instructional and curriculum development efforts through a series of three-day training-writeshops that seeks to provide public school teach-ers training on developing lesson

e xe m p l a r s and applied c l a s s r o o m t e a c h i n g methodolo-gies through c u l t u r e -based, inte-grative and interact ive teaching ap-

proaches across the K to 12 Cur-riculum. Since 2014, the training includes the public school su-pervisors and principals to fully realize the implementation of culture-base Filipino education system. KAGUMA was also held in Ba-guio on April 10-12 for Luzon and in Calbayog, Samar for Visayas on April 24-26. The NCCA-PCEP have partnered with the Bulacan Arts, Culture and History Institute Inc. to implement this project.


DOH kicks-off Go4Health Zumba Dance 2015

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Department of Health (DOH) kicks-off anew the Pilipinas Go4Health with a Zumba Dance 2015 at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City on April 29, 2015.

By: Michelle Joy T. Gamon

Go4Health encourages Filipinos to commit to a healthy lifestyle through prevention or cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption, proper nutrition and physical activity dubbed as “Go Smoke Free, Go Slow sa Tagay, Go Sustansya, and Go Sigla. Department of Health region 10 Assistant Regional Director Adriano P. Subaan reiterates the call to the participants from various


government agencies, citing that 10 Filipinos die every hour due to smoking; 22.3 percent adult Filipinos are overweight and are at risk to non-communicable diseases; 11 percent adult Filipinos are regular drinkers, at least 4 days a week and the global mortality rate also notes a 3.2 million deaths per year for less physical activity.

`“You are here to show your support and commitment to the national healthy lifestyle campaign, to bring the message of HL to your respective homes,” he added.`DOH is hoping that through the Pilipinas Go4Health movement, more Filipinos will be inspired and make a personal commitment to embrace better daily habits.

Lanao Norte towns receive P250M infra projects

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - A ceremonial turn-over of checks and awarding of certificates amounting to P250-million worth of infrastructure projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA) would significantly benefit the seven towns of Lanao del Norte.

The announcement and turning-over was made during the visit of DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala in Lanao del Norte on April 22-23, 2015 in three host towns with clustered municipalities. Among the towns that were called for support from the national government to their local agri-

sector are Munai, Kapatagan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Baroy, Tubod, Kauswagan, and Lala. Funded projects include construction of diversion dam and multi-purpose drying pavement (MPDP) project for the interior town of Munai; construction of

By: Vincent N. Labial


small water impounding pond, rehabilitation of diversion dam, concreting of farm-to-market roads for Kapatagan; construction of diversion dam for SND; concreting of farm-to-market road for Baroy; concreting of farm-to-market road for Tubod, organic trading post (2nd tranche) for Kauswagan; and construction of three barangay food terminals, MPDP project, concreting of farm-to-market road for Lala town. “We really feel the progress and development under the Aquino administration. He (Secretary Alcala) is clearly

delivering the marching order of President PNoy na ‘kayo ang boss ko (You are my Boss),’ said Governor Khalid Dimaporo. During his visit, Secretary Alcala also distributed fishing gears thru its attached agency Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to coastal communities in Linamon and Maigo. “On behalf of the people of Lanao del Norte, we thank Secretary Alcala for bringing the services of the Department of Agriculture closer to the people”, expressed Governor Dimaporo.

Tax bureau closes food chain in CDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region 16 temporarily closed today a food chain in Cagayan de Oro City after violating the tax code.

According to Alberto Daba, regional investigation division (RID) chief, investigation showed that the establishment had understated its sales by more than 30 percent, and failed to issue official receipts or sales invoice -- violations of the National Internal Revenue Code

of 1997. Further, it was found that the establishment had registered as non-VAT (value-added tax). It should have registered itself as a VAT payer, said Daba. Investigation followed after a client of the establishment filed a complaint for failure to issue

By: Elaine O. Ratunil


official receipt. Under Section 115 of the law, the BIR can close the operations of a taxpayer for no less than five days if it fails to do any of the following: register, issue value-added tax (VAT) official receipts or sales invoices, file correct VAT returns, or pay the correct VAT. Lawyer Alberto Olasiman, BIR RR 16 regional director, said BIR closed the restaurant operator after it failed to address the concerns raised by the bureau within the prescribed period. Olasiman further said BIR enforcement of tax laws is not

only to raise revenues for the government but also to intensify campaign against tax cheats as part of the crackdown on graft by President Benigno S. Aquino III and his administration. Everyone who is earning income should pay taxes and contribute his/her share in running the government, said Olasiman. The closure of business establishments that violate tax laws is part of Oplan Kandado under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares.


Moderate labor groups to muster 5,000 workers for Labor Day

DAVAO CITY- A total of 5,000 workers under the banner of Nagkaisa, a coalition of moderate labor groups will gath-er at the People’s Park at Roxas Avenue to dramatize their plea in time for the commemo-ration of the Labor Day on May 1. Michael Ybanez, spokesperson of Nag-kaisa said efforts of the government to address the issues of unemploy-ment need improvement. He said the issues like unemployment and underemployment re-main unchanged because of the prevalence of cheap labor policy, regu-lations allowing rampant contractualization, labor repression through hiring and firing policy and the preference of govern-ment to foreign invest-ments and public-private partnership. Ybanez said that the cheap labor policy fa-vors more the capitalists than the workers since

the former rake more profit than the laborers who solely rely on their wages. He stressed that the real value of the minimum wage in Davao Region at P317 is only P214.19, while a family of five needs more than a thousand peso-living wage a day to enjoy a decent life. He urged the gov-ernment to certify as urgent the bills assuring the Security of Tenure, living wage, univer-sal health system and the passage of a better Bangsamoro Basic Law. Ybanez said they will dramatize these con-cerns by marching from the Freedom Park to-wards the city thorough-fare and back to show that the workers are aware of the issues be-setting their plight. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalump-ines)


Davao City’s Central 911 to be deployed in Palarong Pambansa 2015

DAVAO CITY-Emergency Response Center Central 911 will deploy its ambulance and personnel at the venues of the Palarong Pambansa 2015 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte to look into the health of the athletes and to immediately respond to contingencies. Cynthia Perez, spokesperson of the Central 911 said two small and one bus-type vehicles will be as-signed in the playing venues while 12 medical personnel will tag along from May 1 up to the culmination of the Palaro on May 9. “We will look into the welfare of the players, particularly their health needs,” she On the other hand, Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, chief of staff of the Police Regional Office 11 said the security sector composed of the police, mili-tary and the local government units in the area is already in placed with the arrival of the delegations from various parts of the country. He said three hundred soldiers from the 10th Infantry said. Divisi-ion will be directly involved to se-cure the playing venues and billeting areas. “They will be responsible for the inner security and the border security checkpoints,” Cascolan said. He said checkpoints will be set

up on a regular basis composed of military and police personnel whose concern is not only the borders of Tagum City, but also outside of the city, in Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte and as far as Davao del Sur. “These checkpoints will be set up by the municipal police stations in coordination with the Philippine Army,” Cascolan. He said days-off for policemen are cancelled for the meantime. Cascolan said security will be provided to athletes who would visit the tourist destinations in the re-gion. Earlier, Lt. General Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said a military task force has been organized to support the security needs of the Palarong Pambansa 2015. He clarified that the police will take the lead role in the implemen-tation of security while the Army lends support. Baladad assured that the mili-tary will provide the assistance of bomb experts as the need arises. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Sun Life launches financial literacy journalism awards

DAVAO CITY- Sun Life, a finan-cial services company is inviting journalists and writers to join its Sinag, financial literacy journalism awards. The awards aims to recognize financial literacy journalism in the country. Its objective is that thru the media, every Filipino is encouraged to become more financially prepared and break-free from the bondages of ignorance, worry, debt and financial dependency. Sinag, a part of Sun Life’s Fi-nancial Literacy advocacy also hopes to enable media to become a cata-lyst of change that can bring about a future-ready Philippines. The contest is open to Filipino print journalists from both broad-sheets and tabloids nationwide. Writers may enter the contest them-selves or may get nominated by their editors. To qualify for Sinag, a nominee must have written at least three arti-cles that would address the following objectives: Promote the importance of fi-nancial literacy. Educate readers on different financial products and services. Share stories that readers may draw inspiration from their own financial journey. Articles should be original, writ-ten in English, bylined and published

between December 1, 2014 and Oc-tober 30, 2015. Participants can sub-mit up to five articles. Entries should be submitted on or before November 6, 2015 and submitted to Sun Life PR and Com-munications via Lalie Novero thru email [email protected]. The en-tries must contain the nomination form (provided by Sun Life), Micro-soft Word files of the articles each clearly labeled with the date the story was published and the name of the publication and curriculum vitae. The entries will be reviewed and screened by a panel of judges com-posed of the prominent personalities from the private and the public sec-tors. The winning articles will be chosen on the following criteria: Rel-evance to the theme of financial lit-eracy (50%), Overall impact (must be accurate, informative, educational and compelling (50%). There will be only one Grand Champion each from Luzon (includ-ing National Capital Region), Visayas and Mindanao. The Grand Champion will re-ceive a cash prize of P35,000 plus a Sun Life Prosperity Fund starter fund of P5,000 plus a trophy. (PIA/RG Ala-ma)


EMB 12 extends aid to boost LGUs’ solid waste managementBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 20 -- Three local government units in SOCCKSARGEN Region re-cently received financial aid intended to strengthen their ecological solid waste management efforts.

The Environmental Management Bu-reau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) 12 and the National Solid Waste Management Com-mission (NSWMC) turned over turned over checks for P260,000 to the LGUs of Tampakan and Surallah in South Cota-bato and Maasim in South Cotabato.

EMB 12 Regional Director Socorro Lan-to, told Philippine Information Agency in a statement that the LGUs may use the funds for construction of MRF facilities, purchase equipment or in other purposes related to intensifying their waste manage-ment initiatives.

Lanto, along with NSWMC Secretariat Ex-ecutive Director Eligio Ildefonso and DENR 12 Assistant Regional Director for Manage-ment Services Muripaga Umpar, led the distribution of checks in a ceremony at Sa-rangani Highlands Garden and Restaurant


in General Santos City on April 23.

Tampakan Mayor Leonardo Escovillo, Maasim Vice Mayor Utto Salem Cutan and Surallah Vice Mayor Pinky Divinagracia received the checks for their respective LGUs.

The aid, according to Lanto, comprised “the fourth batch of recipients for the MRF as-sistance. This assistance aims to help LGUs in implementing Republic Act 9003.”

Republic Act 9003 is also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

Recipients of the same fi-

nancial aid were: City of Ko-ronadal in South Cotabato and Kabacan in North Cotabato in 2012; Aleosan in North Cota-bato, Tantangan in South Cota-bato and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat in 2013; and Alabel in Sarangani Province, Lebak and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat; and Sto. Nino and Norala in South Cotabato in 2014.

Meanwhile, Executive Direc-tor Ildefonso explained further that “the financial assistance is a continuing project that pro-vide funding support to LGUs in implementing ESWM.”

He added that assistance


RSC 12 calls for support to search for outstanding volunteersBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

for the remaining four cities and 33 municipalities in SOCC-SKSARGEN Region are in the pipeline.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotaba-to, Sultan Kudarat and Saran-gani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Along with the distribution of the financial assistance EMB officials also refreshed the LGUs on the ESWM framework, MRF systems and operation, composting techniques and op-eration, composting enzymes

preparation with environmental entrepreneurship, alternative technologies for recyclables and residuals, as well as the Re-vised Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazard-ous Wastes.

During the event EMB 12 also signed memorandum of agreement with Arowana Agri-ventures Corporation, BioTech Farms Incorporated and La-panday Food Corporation for the Adopt-an-Estero Program (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from JADomingo & MBCollong-EMB 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Apr. 30-- To advance the pro-motion of this year’s Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV), the Regional Search Committee 12 under the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 12 encouraged different govern-ment and private agencies to take part.

NEDA 12 Regional Director and SOV 2015 Chairperson Ar-turo G. Valero said that with the support of different entities in the facilitation of the search,

more volunteers could apply and the RSC 12 could select the best volunteers who could compete with other volunteers around the country.


“It is a challenge to find hard-working and dedicated individu-als that is why there is a need to partner with other agencies in the promotion of the SOV 2015,” Valero stated.

He also noted that the call was posted after only a few indi-viduals joined the search for the past years.

“We are hoping to nominate more volunteers for the na-tional level.” Valero emphasized adding that this is one way of marketing the SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region to other places and showing that the region is home to hardworking and dedicated individuals.

Meanwhile, RSC 12 revealed that deadline of submission of submission of nomination forms will be on May 15.

The SOV 2015 is open to in-dividuals of Filipino citizenship, Filipino or local chapters of for-eign or international non-profit organizations and Filipino or local chapters of foreign or in-ternational corporate organiza-tions.

Categories of awards include: National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) for individual and organization and the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA). Also a Special Citation

in Volunteerism will also be con-ferred to those that do not qual-ify under the two categories.

Other details as well as nomi-nation forms can be seen and downloaded in the search’s of-ficial website, www.pnvsca.gov.ph.

On the other hand, Valero suggested that nominating bod-ies or individuals should make sure that documentation of the volunteers’ works should be ad-equate and comprehensive.

This, he emphasized, could put greater impact on the ap-plication of the volunteers to the search.

He then noted that the move to send nominees to the na-tional level does not only mean adhering to the competition but also telling the stories of the volunteers, recognizing their efforts and encouraging other volunteers to inspire others. (SJDuerme-PIA12)


One Mindanao - April 30, 2015

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