One Mindanao - August 12, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

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

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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA Caraga Region Nora CL Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Life after Lolong: Crocodile’s remains to return in Agusan after taxidermy at National MuseumErwin MascarinasCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Monday, August 12, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 245

page 4

Palace assures government ready for onslaught of typhoon ‘Labuyo 8AgNor remote communities to benefit from electrification program 15Pag-IBIG Butuan Branch bares its new housing loan program

Philhealth 12 clarifies sponsored program implementation in South Cotabato

14 31Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Johny S. Natad/ Bernardo Llido, Caraga Region

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

16 posts open in Oct. 28 Barangay, SK elections28

HDMF, Caraga Region

Joey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

35Tight security for upcoming Kadayawan fest

29 Debbie de San Miguel, Northern Mindanao

NMFDC bags regional science and technology award

7 9 11

27 31

33

4

The local government of Bunawan is optimistic that after the taxidermy in Manila and the assembly of both the skin and bones of Lolong, the crocodile’s remains will hopefully be returned to the town and displayed at the building inside the eco park. Council member Ronald Nuer, chairman for the special committee for the preservation of the remains of Lolong pointed out that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) has been made between the town, the National Museum, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that assures the return of the crocodile’s remains to their town. “What we are after here is the assurance that the remains of Lolong will be returned to the town, we are not going to argue who will own the remains.

We asked the National Museum and they assured us that both the stuffed skin and the assembled skeleton will return and be displayed here in the eco park,” said Nuer. Nuer added that the MOA between the DENR, National Museum, and its local government’s office will be signed within the month. “The planned signing of the MOA will hopefully be made

Life after Lolong: Crocodile’s remains to return in Agusan after taxidermy at National Museum

After Lolong’s death six months ago, the bones of what was once

the world’s largest salt water crocodile in captivity was exhumed last July 18 from his burial site inside the fenced artificial pond where the crocodile used to live at the Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

CoVer StoRy

By Erwin Mascarinas

5

somewhere between July 23 to 26, we are just finalizing the details since the signing should be done in public and the initial plan was to have it done at the National Museum in Manila,” he said. Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde expressed his optimism on the planned display of the crocodile’s remains. “This place (eco park) has both joyful and painful memories for me and the locals. Lolong’s untimely demise was very painful for me since I’ve spent a lot of time with the crocodile in this park. But I am happy with the agreement that he will be displayed here where he truly belongs,” said Elorde. Elorde revealed that the plans of developing the eco park are already underway and that soon, they will be offering additional attractions for the tourists. “As you can see the road from

the highway and the eco park is almost complete, soon we will finalize the building where Lolong’s remains will be placed. An architect from the national museum will supervise and give us the final specification for the building since they have certain requirements for the preservation of both the displayed stuffed skin and skeletal remains,” said the mayor. The mayor also added that Davao Crocodile Park president and chief executive officer Philip Dizon has expressed his intention to donate male and female crocodiles in the park. “Mr. Dizon have already signified his willingness to donate two 13-foot crocodiles that will hopefully help repopulate the wild as we plan to breed them both here in the park and then release back to the Agusan Marsh it’s offspring,” he said.

6

Davao Crocodile Park’s president Dizon has previously stated in an interview that he is eager to donate two crocodiles to Bunawan’s eco park. “We are planning to donate a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the endangered freshwater Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis). The two crocodiles will be a male and a female. And with our guidance, we hope to successfully breed the crocodiles and hopefully help the dwindling crocodile population in Agusan Marsh,” said Dizon. Dizon explained that his objective is to use crocodiles as an inspiration for conservation in the Agusan marsh and push more people to take part in the protection of wildlife in the area. George Abcede, officer in charge of the Butuan office of the National Museum confirmed the planned transport of the bones to Butuan City. “We have been informed by our head office on the plan

and the MOA. So far we are just waiting from the town of Bunawan for them to contact us and then transport the skeletal remains to our custody. Once here we will then clean the bones before shipping it to the National Museum in Manila were it will be assembled by our taxidermist before it will be returned to Bunawan for display,” said Abcede. Lolong’s head is presently being preserved through freezing at the Davao Crocodile Park. The local office is just waiting for instructions from the National Museum on when it can be transported to Manila. Lolong was captured on September 3, 2012 after months of hunting. The crocodile was then officially certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s biggest crocodile in captivity” at 20.25 ft (6.17 m). The crocodile died at around 8 pm on February 10, 2013 due to pneumonia and cardiac arrest.

Monday, August 12, 2013 7

ACROSS THE NATION

The Aquino administration joins the Filipino people in congratulating Gilas Pilipinas for winning the silver medal in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships—and with it, a ticket to the 2014 FIBA Basketball

World Cup in Spain.This victory is the culmination of years

of hard work, belief, and perseverance from our players and their families, from our coaching staff, from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, and, most of all, from the entire Filipino nation, who has always stood behind the national team through their struggles and triumphs.

In unison, the nation urged our team

forward, and with consummate “puso,” they laid everything on the line for flag and country. Gilas Pilipinas has shown the world that no one can outsize the heart of the Filipino. May their performance inspire every Filipino to relentlessly pursue excellence, no matter what field they find themselves in, so that, together, we may fulfill our shared aspiration of a Philippine nation greater than ever before.

Gilas Pilipinas’ silver medal finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships

8Monday, August 12, 2013

Palace assures government ready for onslaught of typhoon ‘Labuyo’

Malacanang said on Sunday that the government was ready for any effects the country may encounter as a

result of typhoon “Labuyo” (international codename: Utor) passing through Luzon during the next 24-hours.

In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abail Valte called on local government units expected to feel the effects of the said weather disturbance to prepare the necessary calamity reaction units in order to assist any of their constituents.

“Nakahanda na po ang NDRRMC (National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council) at ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan para tumulong o magbigay ng ayuda doon

sa mga area na kakailanganin,” Valte said.“So maghanda tayong lahat para

maiwasan natin ang aberya,” she added.In its weather update as of 11am, state

weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said typhoon Labuyo, which has maximum sustained winds at 150 kph, was located 160 kilometers Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes and is expected to be within the vicinity of Casiguran, Aurora by Monday morning. PND


Manila-Mindanao land travel time cut to 20 hours

Travel time from Manila to Mindanao will soon be cut down to only 20 hours once the Central Spine Roll On Roll Off (RoRo)

project amounting to P56.5 billion is implemented.

Monday, August 12, 201310

Travel from General Santos City to Manila by sea usually takes at least two days by sea with stop-over at Zamboanga City in Mindanao and in Iloilo City in the Visayas.

“The project will consist of a network of highways and ferry ports that will cruise seamlessly through the center of the Philippine archipelago in contrast to the coastal routes being utilized at present,” Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said Friday during the Mindanao Business Conference held in Davao City from August 8 to 9.

Abaya said they are still completing the feasibility study for the Central Spine RoRo Project but they hope to bid it out by early next year. Woodfields Consultants, Inc. has been given four months to complete

the conduct of the FS for the Project.He said the Project aims to enhance

the movement of passengers, goods and vehicles in the spine of the Philippine archipelago namely Luzon Island, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Mindanao.

The Project, he said, will integrate a transportation system that will combine RoRo ferry ports and toll roads to form a “Manila-Panay-Negros-Cebu-Bohol-Northern Mindanao Route.”

The FS will help identify the options for road and ferry routes that will link the existing RoRo system in the country to the Central Spine RoRo. Ultimately, he added, the RoRo is expected to enhance productivity, develop underdeveloped areas and create employment in the country. (PNA)


www.piacaraga.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

NCCA chair encourages Caraganons to establish its own cultural identity

BUTUAN CITY -- During his visit here recently, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chairman Felipe M. De Leon encouraged Caraganons to promote products of the localities in the region.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


“Let’s help local industry with experts of different fields who produce cultural products for tourists’ souvenirs. Travelers will never forget your respective areas when they witness and experience your culture,” he said.

De Leon added that “Filipinos are artistic in nature and we give value to our culture and traditions wherever we are in the world.”

De Leon also suggested to make the airport as a museum of art gallery since travelers of all walks of life while waiting at the airport can get to see these things such as the regions’ artifacts, miniatures, cultural jewelries, and a lot more.

“We are also calling on cultural and art groups, academic institutions, local arts organizations, non-government organizations involved in culture and arts, and others to submit their project proposals for the NCCA Grants Program for 2014. Deadline is on Aug. 30, 2013,” said De Leon.

De Leon further bared that the NCCA is willing to provide

assistance to those groups who will have cultural-related activities in the future.

It was also learned that those interested individuals or groups must submit their accomplished project proposals to Ms. Marichu Tellano, Chief Policy, Plan Formulation and Programming Division,


5th Floor, NCCA, 633 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, with Telephone Nos. (02) 527-2192, fax (02) 527-2198/ 522-2084 and emails- [email protected] & [email protected].

The NCCA is the overall policymaking, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the preservation, development, and promotion of Philippine Arts and Culture; an executing agency for the policies it formulates; and an agency task to administer the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts.

The general functions of the NCCA include the following: promotion of cultural and artistic development; conservation

and promotion of the nation’s historical and cultural heritage; nationwide dissemination of artistic and cultural products; preservation and integration of traditional culture as part of the national cultural mainstream; and ensuring that standards of excellence are met in its programs and activities.


Pag-IBIG Butuan Branch bares its new housing loan program

BUTUAN CITY-- Pag-IBIG Fund Butuan Branch has its new housing loan program on retail financing offered a maximum loan value of P 6 million with an interest rate of 7.985% per annum which shall be repriced periodically depending on the chosen repricing period.

The loan is payable within 30 years but not to exceed 70 years old at the time of loan maturity. The interest of our calamity loan was also reduced from 10.75% to 5.95% per annum payable in two years.

Pag-IBIG Fund will require Membership Identification (MID) Numbers for all transactions.

Pag-IBIG said in a statement that “this is part of our transition to an enhanced system that will

make our services even faster and more efficient for employers and their employees alike. Hence, each time the employers remit the contributions and loan payments of their employees, the employees’ names and MID Numbers must be indicated on the remittance forms. Without the MID, processing of transactions may have delays.”

MID Numbers of employees must be indicated when submitting


Pag-IBIG Butuan Branch bares its new housing loan program

AgNor remote communities to benefit from electrification program

BUTUAN CITY-- Some 7,000 households in 36 sitios of the remote barangays in Agusan del Norte including this city and Cabadbaran are expected to have electricity connection with funding support from Aboitiz Power.

by Johny S. Natad/ Bernardo Llido

the following Pag-IBIG Fund forms: Members Contribution Remittance Form, Short Term Loan/Multi-Purpose Loan Applications, Monthly Remittance Schedule for Multi-Purpose Loans.

Employees without MID are advised to secure a Registration Tracking Number (RTN) at our Pag-IBIG Branches or via internet through our e-services found at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph The RTN can be used in place of the MID.

Said office has also transferred to its new leased office space

located at Ong Building, J.C. Aquino Hi-way (across Butuan Doctors Hospital), this city. The new building is accessible by Public Utility Vehicle plying around the city.

Employers are required, for faster posting of contributions and loan payments, to submit a softcopy (computer file) of their remittance schedules. Our easy-to-use softcopy format can be secured at all Pag-IBIG Branches or online at www.pagibigfund.gov.ph. (HDMF/PIA-Caraga)


During the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session, the council approved the Provincial Resolution No. 011-2013 which was endorsed to Department of Energy (DOE) through the Aboitiz power to fund the electricity connection to the remote areas of the province amounting to P24,352,325.15.

Provincial Board Member Rey G. Jamboy, who authored the resolution, said that the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) under its Sitio Electrification Project has

already identified sitios and barangays under the seven LGUs of the province which will benefit from the electrification project.

Jamboy added that the province aims the total development of the barangays through electrification project and providing basic facilities, while believing that its full implementation to the communities will provide the opportunity toward socio-economic development.

Establishing electricity to the remote areas in the province is one of the priority projects

of the provincial government under its economic development strategy based on the Provincial Development Investment Plan.

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MSMEs showcases best productsin Kahimunan Trade Fair 2013by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Over 30 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from different provinces in Northern Mindanao will showcase their best products at the Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair on August 24 to 28 at the SM City mall here.

The Kahimunan (Creations of Northern Mindanao) regional trade fair, as component activity for the city fiesta celebration, will feature products coming from Bukidnon,

Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. These products vary from processed food, gifts and housewares, fashion accessories, beverages,

https://www.facebook.com/KinilawMix


This, as the officials to be elected in each barangay are the following: One (1) Punong Barangay and seven (7) members of the Sangguniang Barangay and one (1) SK Chairman and seven (7) members of the SK. Per guidelines set in Resolution No. 9740 of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), a candidate for Punong Barangay and Sangguniang Barangay must be a Filipino citizen and a registered voter of the barangay where he intends to be elected. He/she must also be a resident of the barangay for at least one year, immediately preceding the day of the elections, able to read and write Filipino or any other local

dialect and at least 18 years old on election day, Atty. Cirilo E. Nala, Jr., Provincial Elections Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said. Likewise, to be a candidate for Chairman and members of the SK, one must be a Filipino citizen, a qualified voter of the Katipunan ng Kabataan, and a resident of the barangay where he/she intends to be elected for at least one (1) year, immediately prior to the elections. He/she must also be at least 15 years old but less than 18 years of age on the day of the elections, able to read and write Filipino, English or any local dailect, and must have never been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, PES Nala said.

16 posts open in Oct. 28 Barangay, SK elections

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - A total of 16 positions per barangay will be contested during the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections in Oct. 28, this year.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

home style and living, and health and organic products. The Department of Trade and Industry in Region 10 (DTI-10) will also present its Shared Service Facility (SSF) product which improves the quality and productivity of MSMEs through the provision of processing machines/equipment for the use of

MSMEs. This trade fair is a marketing event to enable MSMEs to promote and access new markets for their products. Also, trade trainings and product development were conducted as part of the preparatory activities for the event.


16 posts open in Oct. 28 Barangay, SK elections

NMFDC bags regional science and technology awardby Debbie de San Miguel

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) Highland Fresh Dairy Products was awarded Best SETUP (Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program ) Adoptor by the Department of Science and Technology – X on July 16, during the Regional Celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) held at Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City.

SETUP is DOST’s flagship program to empower SME’s in the country by assisting and encouraging them to adopt to new technologies and gain competitive advantage using appropriate technology. Last year, NMFDC was a recipient of a P600,000 grant from DOST for the Upgrading of the Milk Processing Plant Equipment. It was able to acquire display chillers, cream separator and mozzarella stretching machine. Part of the fund was also used in the improvement of the labels in the butter and cheese. The NMFDC represented Region –X and competed with 16 other SETUP

regional winners in Manila last week. An exhibit was held at the Mall of Asia from July 22- 27 to showcase the products of the winning entrepreneurs. SET-UP national winner was awarded to Farmtech Foods Incorporated (FFI) of Silang Cavite, the company that produces dehydrated and powdered food products such as spices like chili, ginger, turmeric, tamarind;

vegetables/ herbs like ampalaya, ube, malunggay, and banaba. Highland Fresh Manager Bismela Lancin shared the joy of competing in the national level. The event, she said, has all the more challenged them that they can make it big with constant quest for excellence in the business. “This has also opened wider market opportunities for dairy products as many food processors are looking for big supply of dairy products. It has also created a greater network of industry partners that can help NMFDC more efficiently produce and earn,” she added.


San Miguel firm turns over ambulance to LGU Sta. CruzSTA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur- The San Miguel Brewery, Inc. (SMBI) has recently turned over one unit of ambulance to the local govern-ment of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, as part of the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the municipality. With the arrival of the new ambulance unit for the brewery, the company’s management immediately thought of contributing and helping the town in terms of health services delivery and providing emergency response in the communities. Being in operation for more than 16 years in Sta. Cruz, SMBI would like to think that it is not only a neighbor but also a family that is always willing to extend a help hand, said SMBI communication officer Meggy

Santos. Santos said the firm believed that putting up such project is also a way of putting life and meaning to their brand of corporate citizenship by caring beyond business or doing business honorably which the company believed would be able to help fellow countrymen live a better life. SMBI is already known for its huge CSR programs like scholarship grants, environmental conservation and medical services delivery among others. Meanwhile, Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez said the ambulance will further beef up the LGU’s efforts to deliver medical services to its constituents. (MIO-Sta. Cruz/Julius Paner)

by Julius Paner


Tight security for upcoming Kadayawan festby Joey Dalumpines

DAVAO CITY- Police and military authorities in nearby municipali-ties, cities and provinces and in Davao City have strengthened the security to ensure the safety of visitors and residents during the Kadayawan Festival. Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office said target hardening measures have be instituted even outside the city to deter any

potential threat to the holding of the annual cultural festivities. “We will do all humanly possible to secure the city, it is the instruction of Mayor Rodrigo Dutere,” he said.De la Rosa said even the Police Regional Office XI ordered the provincial offices of the Philippine National Police to heighten their respective security measures to pre-empt any attempt to disrupt Davao City’s peace and order during


the Kadayawan. He said even the police provincial offices sent additional policemen to Davao City to assist the local police in setting up checkpoints within the city. “All security measures are already in place,” De la Rosa said. He said a total of 2,800 police officers and soldiers have been deployed to guard and to gather intelligence information against all lawless elements including terror groups.De la Rosa said barangay watchmen are also helping the local authorities serving as force-multipliers in their respective areas of responsibility. “Intelligence units are also roaming around the city looking for suspicious looking individuals and objects,” he said. De la Rosa also discouraged residents and visitors from carrying their back packs and utility bags in public during the holding of the street-dance and floral float

parade. “We will confiscate your things and if you resist, we will arrest you. So avoid bringing back packs so that you will not be disturbed by random inspections,” he said. De la Rosa also discouraged motorists from parking their vehicles along the route of the parade. He said zero parking will be strictly imposed on the parade route which will eventually affect the owners of establishments in the area. “Park your cars somewhere, because we will have them towed once seen on the restricted area,” De la Rosa said. Earlier, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gave his go signal for the holding of the Kadayawan after the security forces guarantee the safety of the city. He said he will leave the decision to the police and military on the manner security will be handled during the Kadayawan celebration.

facts and figures

700 school kits, teachers’ kit and books in Cateel Central Elementary School and signed livelihood assistance with the provincial government. Distributed by the Manual V. Pangilinan Group of Companies


GENERAL SANTOS CITY-- The South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) reiterates its vision toward power stability while allaying the fears of city officials and worried residents here over a “large-scale” brownout.

Socoteco II allays fears of large-scale brownouts in GenSanBy Catherine T. Apelacio


Socoteco II management said it continues to coordinate and collaborate with the city government officials to discuss possible measure that would deter any more long power outages.

This amid the National Power Corporation or NPC’s recent advisory announcing the 90 MW energy shortage in the Mindanao power grid due to ongoing preventive maintenance work on one of its coal plants.

Socoteco II general manager Rodolfo Ocat said the city government’s vision of “sustainable power supply”

also epitomizes the company’s direction toward power stability for its consumers.

Briefing City Mayor Ronnel Rivera of GenSan’s current power situation, Ocat assured the mayor of the possibility of no brownouts citing the cooperative’s venturing into many more projects if only to concretize the goal of “no brownouts” in line with the city government’s power sustainability program.

Rivera, on this note, commended the cooperatives’ efforts to stabilize the supply of energy noting its commitment

SOCOTECO II general manager Engr. Rodolfo Ocat( foreground) presents the Power Supply Capacity Update within the coop’s coverage area in a follow-up meeting with City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (ex-treme left) and City Administrator Atty. Arnel Zapatos (2nd from left), Engr. Franciso Provido of the City Engineering Office and officials from the City Planning and Development Office Friday, August 2. The meeting focused on the immediate implementation of sustainable power supply in General Santos City through the synchronized partnership with SOCOTECO II and City Hall.


and openness to many strategies and new schemes for the welfare of its member-consumers.

To augment its energy supply, Socoteco II has recently forged a contract deal with SOEnergy International for the diesel-fired modular generator sets aside from its existing partnership pacts with Therma Marine, Incorporated and Mapalad Power Corporation.

Both local energy suppliers provide 30 MW of power to Socoteco II. SOEnergy, on the other hand, is a large-scale energy solutions provider based in Miami, Florida, USA leasing for two years to Socoteco II the modular generator units.

Vickie Fernandez, Socoteco II public relations officer told PIA General Santos that the modular generator sets are now ready for use having been delivered in June this year and installed at Socoteco’s property-owned compound at New Society, Barangay Apopong here.

She said Socoteco II signed the power sales agreement (PSA) with SoEnergy last May.

Among the vital provisions covered in the PSA, Fernandez said include the operationalization of the modular units and the generation of 15 MW

of embedded power supplies for Socoteco.

When asked of the new possible power rates as a result of PSA signing, Fernandez said its implementation has yet to begin pending approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

We are just waiting for the go signal from the commission, she added saying the ERC is thoroughly assessing, evaluating, and studying still the documents they submitted.

Earlier, the cooperative said that it will look into the implementation of the so-called Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in the city tapping major industrial and huge commercial establishments enrolled in the scheme here to help generate some megawatts of power for its member-consumers.

Socoteco II believes that sharing a power load to the residents is part of the corporate social responsibility of big corporations in this area.

It also urges all power consumers to implement an individual energy conservation effort at homes so they themselves can do their share in attaining the goal of no brownouts in GenSan. (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The provincial government of South Cotabato has P11 million debt to Philhealth XII for the imple-mentation of the Philhealth sponsored program, an official of the health insurance agency confirmed.

Philhealth 12 clarifies sponsored program implementation in South Cotabato By Danilo E. Doguiles


Dr. Miriam Grace G. Pamonag, OIC- regional vice president of Philhealth XII said this is based on the memorandum of agreement signed between Philhealth and South Cotabato LGU pertaining to the latter’s sponsorship of 17,111 indigent families.

In total, the sponsorship program of South Cotabato is valued at P30.8 million.

The sponsorship program has a lock-in period of two years and payable until December 31, 2013.

“The 2-year locked-in period covering 2012-2013 adopted by former Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. is discounted by 25%, from supposedly P2,400 annual fee per family enrolled with partial subsidy scheme on the part of the beneficiaries,” Pamonag clarified.

Partial subsidy refers to contribution shared by the beneficiaries to sponsors upon enrolment.

For example, when Philhealth shoulders P900 of the 1,800 annual membership fee, the remaining P900 will be shared between the sponsoring entity -- such as an LGU -- and the beneficiary.

Sharing between the sponsor and beneficiary could be set at 50:50 ratio, 25:75, or 75:25.

Asked to confirm whether the funds collected from the beneficiaries were actually remitted to Philhealth XII, Pamonag replied that Philhealth has no control over the issue.

She added that what the corporation is more concerned with is that the transaction between Philhealth and the sponsoring office was done in good faith as proven by a letter of intent by the sponsor and signing of agreement with Philhealth.

Pamonag also told local reporters that Philhealth 12 has already presented the matter to incumbent Governor Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes, who she added would find means to settle the P11-million death.

“In fact, she is supportive to the program,” Pamonag said.

She added, “For investing P54 M to health insurance since 2001 until 2013, South Cotabato has already received a capitation fund of P3 M to 8 M and the beneficiaries have already availed of P238 M worth of Philhealth benefits.

Capitation Fund or per family payment (PFP) is the money Philhealth plows back to sponsors for the families they have enrolled to Philhealth. This fund could be used by the Rural Health Unit to purchase drugs and medicines, cover administrative cost, and pay for the health workers.

Pamonag also assured that despite the existing debt, benefits for the sponsored program beneficiaries will not be hampered until the culmination of health coverage on December 31, 2013. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/HG Naanep)

One Mindanao - August 12, 2013

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