One Mindanao - July 11, 2014

Medina town, getaway for nature, food, cultureJasper Marie Oblina-rucatNORTHERN Mindanao

FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 218

Building better communities for ‘Yolanda’ victims not because of Papal visit, Palace say

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

ANECO holds public forum on PPA application

Preparations underway for DRRM summit in AgSur

Nutri-Walk highlights Nutrition Month kick-off

New PNP-9 chief holds command confab at ZNPPO

DOLE-9 chief keynotes PESO confab in Sibugay

DA 12 pushes planting of vegetables for landscapes

Plaridel food vendors undergo seminar on product packaging, labeling

Gingoog city aids 690 students

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35 37 39

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Information to Empower Filipinos

8Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Buboy Pabia

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Gleiza Delgado

Alfonso T. Ruda

Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Danilo E. Doguiiles 11

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David M. Suyao

Medina town, getaway for nature, food, culture

Medina town, getaway for nature, food, culture

Aside from its popular pristine, smooth sand, clear water

beaches, Medina town in Misamis Oriental is endowed too with a refreshing cold spring, perfect for the hot weather and a trademark Buko Pie, that is slowly but surely getting the attention of foodies everywhere. During its 66th Araw ng Medina on July 1, 2014, Mayor Ken Niño T. Uyguangco emphasized that the Duka Bay Resort, is not the only place to get a dip in the town. He introduced the Alibuag Cold Spring, only 3km going up from the municipal hall. He said, what is special about this spring i s that the source of its water is actually from its bed, f r o m the bottom. There is no flowing water from the side. It looks like stagnant but actually there is a current underneath that provides and is the source of

by Jasper Marie Oblina-rucat

COVER STORY

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water to the area. Even the ground of the pool is not cemented because the water comes from there. Also, huge trees surround the place. People can bring food and eat with family on the cottages which is maintained well by the local government unit (LGU). Uyguangco said that this tourism site is one of his priorities that the provincial government is also supporting. According to him, Governor Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” B. Emano has set aside P5 million for its improvements. Meanwhile, he is also lobbying additional funding from Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to put up more cottages and creation of a function hall to cater to various functions and seminars in the town. Buko Pie of MisOr The Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) Mananum Bag-o Multi-purpose Cooperative, a farmer’s cooperative

based in barangay Mananum Bag-o in Medina, Misamis Oriental started this Buko Pie venture in 2008 with the abundance of coconut raw material in the area.

The technology was introduced by the Kinoguitan National Agricultural High School (KNAS) under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and developed further by the Department of Trade and Industry – Misamis Oriental (DTI-MOR). Since then, various assistance ranging from product development to market access and trainings have been provided to the cooperative by DAR, DTI, LGU-Medina and the Office of Congressman Peter Unabia. The coop is also eyeing on the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) License to Operate Certification this year or early of 2015 after its training in Good Manufacturing Practices, Food Handlers and Sanitation Standards and Operating Procedures. Judy Aclan of DTI-MOR said that through DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) the coop is provided with an oven, chiller, mixer and kneader which were turned over on April 2014. This is in addition to the existing equipment provided earlier by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), TESDA and DAR. Further, Aclan said that DAR also funded the group with its production building to support its expansion and bid to be FDA compliant. Presently, the coop produces

900 to 1000 pies per month which are sold at Duka Bay, Resort de Alberto and other local stores in Medina. Meanwhile, their production area is in Mananum Bag-o, a 2km ride up the agrarian reform community of

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Medina. During its 66th Araw ng Medina, Buko Pie was displayed in one of the booths in the municipal square. One box costs P200. Street dancing, local competition Aside from tourism and food being developed in the town, cultural

street dancing is also one of its grand productions, a highlight during its 66th Araw ng Medina celebration. In fact, the cultural team of Mananum Bag-o barangay won first prize for their street dance competition which portrayed the abundance of their coconut raw materials. Colorful costumes and creative

presentation in the importance of making use of their abundance and faith in their patron saint won over the judges during the event. The local government awarded them P50, 000. Meanwhile the competitor also took home P40, 000 for their live and vivid presentation.

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Across the Nation

President Aquino highlights contribution of tourism industry to national economyThe tourism sector has made significant contributions to the

national economy, giving the government a boost to continue its reform measures to make the gains more sustainable, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.

In his message during the grand launch of the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila,

the President said that the progress the country has made in the tourism

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Across the Nation

President Aquino highlights contribution of tourism industry to national economy

sector, together with the integral reforms in every other sector, has made a massive impact on the economy.

“Last year, despite the natural and man-made disasters that struck our nation, we were still one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, registering a GDP growth of 7.2 percent,” he said.

“We have steadily won the confidence of the international community.”

Also last year, he said, the most renowned credit rating agencies in the world upgraded the country’s credit ratings in a short span of time.

The launch of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila serves as proof of the newfound confidence that companies have in the country’s prospects, he noted.

He further said that the tourism industry’s potential is huge.

Over the past four years, the number of tourists—both domestically and internationally—has increased dramatically.

For instance, he said, in 2011, the country recorded 37.5 million domestic travelers, which surpassed the government’s original target, not for 2011, but for 2016.

“I can emphasize: we surpassed our original target for 2016 five years

ahead of time,” he said, adding that because of this development, the government has set the new target of 56.1 million domestic tourists for 2016.

The number of international tourists has steadily increased as well, he said, going from an average of about 3 million a year to 4.68 million last 2013.

“And we remain committed to pursuing our 2016 goal of 10 million international tourists,” the President added.

Among the factors that boosted the Philippine tourism sector were the liberalization of the aviation industry as well as the successful launch of the global tourism campaign of the government, President Aquino said.

The P2.3-billion 313-room five-star hotel, which began construction in October 2010, was developed by president and chief executive officer of XinTian Ti Development Corporation, Samuel Po, in partnership with Marco Polo Hotels.

Marco Polo Hotels is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Wharf (Holdings) Ltd., a Hong Kong-listed company with core business interests in property and investments in communications and container-terminal operations.PND

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Building better communities for ‘Yolanda’ victims not because of Papal visit, Palace say

Malacañang said on Thursday that the government is building back better communities for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda

because it is their responsibility and not for anything else. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin

Lacierda said that Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Secretary Panfilo Lacson is making sure that the construction of houses for the victims goes on as planned.

“There is really an operation that we build back better. But if there are suggestions that we are doing this just for show, no it is not,” Lacierda said in reply to a reporter’s question wether rehabilitation efforts in areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda are being done because Pope Francis will visit Tacloban City next year.

“Secretary Lacson is on the ground working, making sure that the construction continues... The Pope’s decision to come to the Philippines is just very recent, so that was not part of the equation,” he explained.

The Vatican announced early this year that the Pontiff will visit the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in January 2015.

“Regardless of whether the Pope is visiting or not, the work of the government goes on. The

construction goes on,” he added. Lacierda noted that apart from

leading the rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by the typhoon and the earthquake in Bohol, Secretary Lacson is also coordinating with other government agencies to make sure that all matters concerning the victims are addressed.

“Nag-request siya (Lacson) kay DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) Secretary Greg Domingo na mag-monitor and he also requested DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary Manuel Roxas to deputize the PNP for the reason na madami tayong nakitang substandard materials,” the Palace official said, referring to the recent raid in Cavite, where 40 million pesos worth of steel products were seized by the PNP.

Substandard steel materials were blamed for the collapse of buildings in Bohol when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Central Visayas in October 2013. PND

11JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Mindanao’s premier university bans hazing among fraternities, sororitiesHazing is strictly banned in fraternities and sororities of a state

university in North Cotabato following the death recently of a university student in Manila due to hazing.


The directive was issued by Vice President For Academic Affairs, Palasig Ampang following the death of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde student Guillo Servando during initiation rites last month.

The ban was aired over Radio DXVL-FM, a University of Southern Mindanao (USM) run radio station, after the controversy surrounding the death of Servando hugged the headlines in national media.

Ampang issued Memorandum No. 024 series of 2014 Tuesday.

Ampang stressed that hazing among fraternities and sororities is strictly prohibited within and outside the university campus in Kabacan, North Cotabato.

He issued the directive after USM President Dr. Francisco Gil Garcia approved his recommendation to ensure the safety of USM students.

In his letter to all fraternities and sororities legally recognized by the state university, Ampang told organization officials not to allow non-USM student from joining the any fraternity and sorority.

The university administration also condemned the activities of some teachers, faculty and employees who allegedly encouraged students to join fraternities and sororities.

He said joining fraternity and sorority should be the prerogative of

the students and their joining or not should not affect their ratings in academic and extracurricular activities.

To ensure that faculty and staff legitimate activities are properly monitored, the Memorandum 024 also requires faculty and staff to secure Travel Order from the university administration for more than five days.

The Travel Order should contain detailed plan and schedule.

The same memorandum prohibits cancellation or suspension of classes except for university big events, recognition and foundation day and nationally-delcared holidays.

Ampang expressed concern over the effects of hazing to students in other universities that steps should be taken to avoid the same incident happening in USM campus.

Servando was among the recruits of Tau Gamma Phi fraternity who underwent hazing on June 28. He died while being attended to at a hospital after he was paddled several times by fraternity members.

At least 15 persons are to be charged by the National Bureau of Investigation in connection with the death of Servando.

Following the incident, the issue of whether fraternities and sororities should be abolished or not became the hottest topic in national media. (PNA)


Green nut production in region 10 posts 20% growthby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A total of 675,301 green coconuts was produced in region 10 during the first quarter of the year.


Data from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in the region shows that green nut production during the quarter was higher by 20 percent compared to the 563,306 nuts produced in the same period in 2013, The highest production was posted in Misamis Oriental with 350,000 nuts followed by Bukidnon with 181,705. Bukidnon, however, registered the highest increase in production at 134 percent. Misamis Occidental produced 73,600 green nuts while Lanao del Norte and Camiguin produced 36,311 and 33,685 green nuts, respectively. Chief Economic Development Specialist Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete said in a media forum conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday, July 3, that the demand for buko, which is processed either as juice or coconut meat delicacies, contributed to the increase in green nut production.

He said the increase in the local demand of young buko was also attributable to emergence of buko outlets in the region. Meanwhile, a total mature nut production of 418 million was registered in the region during the first quarter of 2014, up by two percent compared to the 409 million nuts produced in the same quarter in 2013. All provinces in the region, except Camiguin, exhibited increases in production led by Misamis Occidental at four percent growth with 119 million nuts. Clarete said the higher buying price of copra influenced farmers in Misamis Occidental to harvest matured nuts. Both farm and mill gates copra prices went up due to low supply of copra in the Visayas regions as a result of the damaged coconut trees brought about by typhoon Yolanda.

Plaridel food vendors undergo seminar on product packaging, labeling by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

PLARIDEL, Misamis Occidental - At least 15 “Moron” vendors, composed of 11 females and four males, attended the Seminar on Product Packaging and Labeling, here, last July 1.


Conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the seminar was done under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB), formerly, Bottom-Up Budgeting of the municipality, mayor Diego Ty said. Identified as Plaridel’s One Town-One Product (OTOP), Moron is a local delicacy made out of ground “pilit” or sticky rice with coconut milk and sugar as major ingredients. Wound with chocolate, Morons are rolled like sticks and wrapped in pre-heated, short-sized banana leaves tied at both ends, before they are being cooked in boiling water. Meanwhile, the seminar was aimed at redesigning the box to

contain the Moron, in consonance with the standard labeling requirement to generate greater percentage of market penetration. “It was conducted in line with our thrust of developing and promoting Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s),” Delia M. Alano, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Misamis Occidental, said. Facilitated by Christopher L. Gomez, the seminar was coordinated by Nila M. Maape, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, Sr. Trade and Industry Development Specialist (CARP STIDS), Ayano added.

Gingoog city aids 690 studentsby Buboy Pabia

GINGOOG CITY - Gingoog city government provided a total amount of P1.38 million financial assistance to 690 students for first semester, school year 2014-15 as part of its scholarship program encouraging them to pursue their college education.

According to Cyril Mart Sabuga, a sophomore in Bukidnon State University (BSU) Gingoog External, such amount lightens the burden of their parents in shelling out assistance for their tertiary education. She acknowledged the high regard of city mayor Marie Guingona by appropriating the amount. Further, she thanked the

mayor for challenging the student beneficiaries to study harder and that despite the meager income and revenue of the city, the local chief has allocated for their studies as a concrete manifestation of a people-oriented administration which she is newly governing. Through the project development officer, Epifanio Zarate, the chief


executive enabled to screen and identify beneficiaries who have enrolled at Bukidnon State University – Main campus in Malaybalay City, BSU-Gingoog External, and Misamis Oriental State College of Arts and Technology (MOSCAT) in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. Meanwhile, the mayor tapped the youth service providers and some members of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP)-Gingoog chapter in monitoring and evaluating the academic performance of these scholars to ensure that they devote for their scholastic

investments. Zarate said mayor Guingona has been working together with city councilors especially with the chairperson on education, councilor Myrna Sandalo Motoomull, for the betterment of the youth both in-school and those who are not. He said the mayor believed that better education is an essential component for a better human capital which is considered as an advantageous resource in the local government.


DILG-Caraga enjoins local govt officials, LGOOs to campaign on climate change adaptationBy Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga has officially advised all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors to join the endeavor of advocating on climate change mitigation and adaptation through a regional memorandum circular. The DILG Caraga provincial and city directors, city and municipal local government operations officers (LGOOs) were likewise directed to ensure widest dissemination of the issuance.


DILG Caraga regional direc-tor Lilibeth Famacion said that the order is in response to the call of President Benigno Aquino, Jr. through the Philippine Information (PIA), encouraging all government and private sectors to intensify the campaign as it aims to create a more adaptive community that would take actions to minimize the negative impacts of climate change. “By bringing together leaders, public servants and private entities,

we will be able to affect a holistic approach and make practical choices and realistic actions to fight cli-mate change,” added Famacion. The memorandum from DILG Caraga strongly requires the hang-ing of thematic tarpaulin imprinted with “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago” and the “laKasLIKASAN” statement tarp which promotes preservation and protection of natural resources. Philippine Information Agen-cy Caraga regional director Abner Caga cited that “the Delhi Declara-tion on Climate Change and Sus-tainable Development highlights the importance of adaptation as ‘high priority for all countries.’ With the Philippines’ geophysical and socio-economic characteristics, more emphasis is given on adapta-tion to risks associated with current climate variability and extremes.” It can be recalled that the De-partment of Environment and Nat-ural Resources and Philippine Infor-mation Agency has entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to work hand in hand in strength-ening the climate change advocacy. Caga, however, emphasized that it’s everyone’s concern and that “increasing our capacity to adapt re-duces our vulnerability to its effects.”


ANECO holds public forum on PPA applicationBy Jennifer P. Gaitano

Butuan City- The Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO) conducted on Thursday at their Multi-Purpose Hall here, the Public Hearing on Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Case No. 2014-063 RC or the Application for Approval of the Power Purchase Agreement between ANECO and Asiga Green Energy Corporation (AGEC) with prayer for the issuance of provisional authority.

Commissioner Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ECC) served as the mediator of the said forum.

“The ERC has its objectives to achieve the following objectives: to promulgate/approve rules, regulations, guidelines and policies; to enforce rules, regulations including issuances of permits and licenses; to resolve cases (rates and other cases) and disputes; to promote consumer interest; and to become a dynamic organization of professional people

with the highest degree of technical competence and integrity,” relayed Asirit.

Asirit stressed that the conduct of a public forum is very important so the consumers and the public will know cases like this is being processed.

Engr. Darwin Daymin, ANECO’s Technical Services Department Manager said the demand on the supply of electricity in the province will increase in the coming years. “We are continuously looking for other ways wherein we can get more


suppliers of energy so we can secure and sustain the provision of energy to our consumers,” he stressed.

Daymin also pointed out that there is really a need of having a stable and reliable power source that is also affordable. “We see the demand of providing sustainable power source as people become dependent on electricity while at work or even at home,” he said.

Daymin also bared several reasons why ANECO should sign the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with AGEC.

“ANECO should sign the PPA because it will help address long term need of power supply, it will help meet the growing energy demand of Butuan and Agusan del Norte. It will also assure additional base power supply which would minimize if not eliminate brownouts,” emphasized Daymin.

Also, Agusan del Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Erlpe John Amante, who graced said activity, expressed his optimism that power crisis in Mindanao particularly in Caraga will be addressed and will soon have energy sources that could really provide sustainable power to the region.

“I am here not only as the representative of the province but also as a consumer. As we all know, Mindanao is experiencing scarcity of energy, and now, the challenge is on how we can overcome this and get investors to come in to help us address this concern,” Amante articulated.

Amante further said he will support any investors who will help the city and the province in its effort to provide the need of sustainable power source

to its people. “Regardless of who or what energy source are willing to help our local energy supplier here, I will support. Because I want that the city and our province can have a secure and sustainable energy. We also want that this will be affordable to all the consumers,” he said.

It was also learned that another forum will be scheduled and this time, personnel representing both parties – ANECO and AGEC will discuss further updates and details of said case at the ERC office in Manila.

The ANECO is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative created and existing pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, with principal office address at Km. 2, J. C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City. It operates an electric light and power distribution service in Butuan City and Cabadbaran City, as well as the municipalities of Agusan del Norte, namely: Buenavista, Carmen, Kitcharao, Jabonga, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, RTR, Santiago, and Tubay.

Meanwhile, the AGEC was established when Equi-Parco Construction Company and Hydropower Resources Management and Consultancy, Incorporated conceive the idea of pursuing the exploration and development of the Asiga River into a renewable energy resource in Agusan del Norte in 2010. And on July 18, 2013, AGEC was formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a corporation which is majority owned by Filipino investors.


Preparations underway for DRRM summit in AgSur

AGUSAN DEL SUR - Members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) convened on Wednesday in order to brace for the DRRM provincial summit here set on July 15 while taking the opportunity to update the Executive Order No. 15-13 series of 2013, Organizing the Provincial Coordinating Clusters for Calamities and updating resources of member agencies that can be utilized in times of calamities.

By David M. Suyao

Recognizing the presence of the members of the PDRRMC who have the hands in formulating the PDRRM plan, provincial administrator Jesusimo Roquillo representing governor Adolph Edward Plaza said the governor is expecting more effective and efficient strategies after the summit when members of the PDRRMC will see where the team is effective and where the team fails in order to hit the target of zero casualty and less destruction to properties.

According to PDRRMC provincial coordinator Roberto Natividad, regional directors of agencies who are directly mandated to implement and monitor disaster management programs will be the resource persons to present disaster management and strategies while harmonizing the local (provincial and municipal) plans.

“Regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense as well as NEDA regional director will be with us in order to talk on how important the strategic plan that we formulate in order to respond effectively during

disasters and calamities in order to save lives and properties. For us, we are also expecting that our efforts during the past calamities be evaluated so that we will know how effective we implement our plans and what we still need in order to improve our performance during disasters and calamities that will strengthen our efforts in our quest to have zero casualty and lesser destruction to properties,” Natividad said.

In order to strengthen the PDRRMC plan, Natividad said it is necessary to update the provincial coordinating clusters for calamities so that all the member agencies and stakeholders will have correct direction and will be “singing in one tune” during the actual situation to avoid confusion.

Natividad also ask the members of the PDRRMC to list down their resources that they believe could supplement the provincial and municipal resources, both manpower, equipment and facilities that can address the immediate needs in times of calamities.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato- The provincial government of South Cotabato opened yesterday the weeklong 15th T’nalak Festival celebra-tion, which Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes foresaw would be more exuberant than the previous festivities.

T’nalak Festival kicks off By: Danilo E. Doguiles

Gov. Fuentes told local media in a press conference on Tuesday that all is set for the festival and that visitors and tourists joining the festivities could expect “more lavish presentations in all the events”

The festival, which also commemorates the province’s 48th Foundation Anniversary, will begin

with an inter-faith thanksgiving and ecumenical service at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, 4:30 this afternoon.

This will be followed by a torch parade, tree lighting, and opening of the various product display and exhibit, trade, and entertainment venues.

Officially, however, events will


start on Friday, July 11, with a thematic parade along Koronadal City’s main thoroughfare as well as the T’nalak Festival and Foundation Anniversary opening program with Senator Cynthia Villar as guest of honor.

Gov. Fuentes and the executive committee also flaunted of many firsts in this year’s festivities including the following: a 42-kilometer marathon which has already drawn foreign athletes and Mindanao-wide volleyball competition on July 12; canoe racing and mountain bike competition in Lake Sebu and exhibition game of Ateneo Lady Blue Eagles and La Salle Lady Spikers alumni and current UAAP athletes at the South Cotabato gym on July 13; car show at FB Hotel from July 13 to 15; and the Governor’s Charity Ball on July 17.

The charity ball which charges P2,000 per plate intends to raise funds for the provincial government’s Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program.

Regarding the canoe competition, Board Member Vicente de Jesus explained, “At least 12 pairs will be participating in competition, which will be held in Lake Sebu. They will be using traditional T’boli canoes, which have form and length specific to the tribe.”

Visitors and tourists are also offered several choices to look for local products, seek for livelihood opportunities, taste local cuisine,

or be entertained -- all situated along the length of Alunan Avenue, this city.

PROTECH Center holds the Regional Industrial, Technology and Trade Expo where products like food and handicrafts of South Cotabato and neighboring provinces are on display.

The expo also features agricultural technology symposium on July 10, job fair on July 12, passport pre-registration on July 13, skills competitions on July 14-16, seminars on spawn mushroom production and waste recycling on July 15-16, and culinary competitions using local products on July 17 – 18.

Local bands will entertain diners in barbecue and food stalls lined up at the front yard of the PROTECH CENTER.

In front the Provincial are the Bahay Kubo of the province’s ten municipalities and lone city.

Unlike in the past, the Bahay Kubo competition would not focus on beautification of the traditional huts but would instead highlight the products of each local government unit.

“We asked the LGUs to give more importance to their local products because many jewelers, designers, artists, and other prospective investors will visit South Cotabato to observe the potential of our products,” Gov. Fuentes said.

Organizers have also revived


competition along with the Bahay Kubo exhibits. The Adusay contest will be hold on July 16.

They also boast of a star-studded nightly entertainment at the T’nalak Strip in front of the DPWH compound.

In addition to performances of local artists and comedians, the T’nalak Strip will also feature celebrities, including the couple Melai Canteveros and Jason Francisco on July 10, Rocksteddy and Wowowee Dancers on July 12, Carlos Agassi and Keanna Reeves on July 14, look-alikes of Nikki Minaj, Coco Martin, and Robin Padilla on July 15 and Valerie Concepcion on July 17.

Congressman Dinand Hernandez has sponsored a street party – complete with DJs from Metro Manila and neon spray paints -- on July 18, also at the T’nalak Strip.

Moreover, plant collectors will also have their treats from the Agri-Fair which features 98 stalls selling ornamental plants, flowers, nursery and other agricultural products. Of these stalls 36 are located in front of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist while the other 62 are located at the PROTECH Center.

Also a first this year is the Dreamweaver Garden and Food Bazaar at the parking lot of the South Cotabato Sports Complex spearheaded by the South Cotabato Tourism Council. The

area will feature cuisine unique to the province in a garden setting. Acoustic bands will also entertain diners.

Other events that are expected to draw crowds include LBGT Empowerment Event on July 11, Motocross competition on July 12 – 13, cheerleading competition on July 14, pop music solo voice competition on July 16, Mutya ng South Cotabato on July 16, and the Mindanao Hiphop and team ballroom competitions on July 17.

The foundation day anniversary on July 18 will be highlighted by the traditional T’nalak Festival Parade, anniversary program and capped with a fireworks display.

Senate President Franklin Drillon and Health Secretary Enrique Ona have already confirmed their presence on the culmination activity where they are set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government for the assignment of the Upper Valley Community Hospital in Surallah as a regional medical facility.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas was also invited as the anniversary speaker.

The 15th T’nalak Festival and 48th Foundation Anniversary of South Cotabato is anchored on the theme, “Sharing Our Best to the World.” (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 11 (PIA) -- Officials of the De-partment of Agriculture inSOCCSKSARGEN Region is urging the public to plant and consume vegetables by actually landscaping a residential lot with vegetables, in lieu of ornamental plants.

DA 12 pushes planting of vegetables for landscapesBy: Danilo E. Doguiiles

DA 12 Regional Executive Direc-tor Amalia Jayag-Datukan and Ag-riculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns Bernadette Puyat led the launching last week of the Vegetable Landscape Project in front of the Agre-da Residence along Gensan Drive, this city.

Director Datukan and Usec Puyat, along with City Mayor Peter Miguel led the ceremonial harvesting of pre-viously grown vegetables and plant-ing of new vegetable plants in the ed-ible landscape project.

The launching was also timed with the agency’s kick-off celebration of the Nutrition Month 2014.

The event was also highlighted by a contest on cooking eggplant-based veg-etable recipes by rural women from different places in South Cotabato.

Datukan explained the vegetable landscape project is part of the initia-tive of DA 12 to encourage families to plant assorted vegetables in vacant spaces around their residences, even in front yards, traditionally devoted only to flowers and other ornamental plants.

The vegetable project was not es-tablished like traditional rectangular garden plots but was laid out like

ornamental plants in front of a resi-dence.

It is being supported by the local government units of Koronadal City and Polomolok municipality that pro-vided the planting materials, the Yel-low Bus Line, Inc. that donated old tires used as plant receptacles and Cesar Agreda and family who own the space where the vegetable landscape project was established.

The project is located at the right side of Gensan Drive coming into the city’s business center when traveling from General Santos City.

The Agreda family’s front fence was also used as canvass of the mural painting contest of DA 12 early this year.

Before this, DA 12 also initiated a partnership with local radio stations in Koronadal City and ABS-CBN in General Santos City for the Adopt-a-Station project where DA initiated the establishment of the traditional nipa hut with assorted vegetables planted in its surroundings.

Moreover, DA also has a continu-ing collaboration with the Department of Education for the establishment of Gulayan sa Paaralan.(DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LMSalvo)


Buyers can go to DTI for action against erring online sellers

DAVAO CITY- Mark (not his real name) was enticed with the lower than regular retail price of a lap-top offered at an online Facebook shop. He contacted the online shop-owner and they agreed with the price. Mark paid the amount of the unit depositing it at the agreed

bank. The laptop unit did arrive but Mark discovered that it was not the same specifications as listed. It had lower specs than the one posted online. The buyer contacted the online shop, but after a few messages from Mark, the seller was completely ignoring him. According to Rachel Remitio, Division Chief Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulatory Division, Department of Trade and Industry-XI Mark can lodge the complaint in the DTI Office of the buyer’s residence or in the place where the online seller is based. “Online sellers are not exempted from the regulations of the DTI, the obligation of the retailer in a regular establishment applies also to the online seller.”

by Rudolph Alama


Nutri-Walk highlights Nutrition Month kick-offTAGUM CITY- The City Govern-ment of Tagum through the City Nutrition Council (CNC) kicked-off its celebration of the 2014 Nutrition Month last July 8, 2014 through a nutri-walk participated by all the day care centers (total of 91) in Tagum City, which aims to increase awareness among fami-lies and individuals on strategies to prevent malnutrition among youngsters. The event, dubbed as “Piso Walk Campaign for Nutrition,” also aims to generate funds to supplement the feeding programs in their respective day care centers. Pupils, their parents and the general public were encouraged to contribute in the feeding programs. Also highlighting the event was the annual Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) through the Regional

Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), which consists of the evaluation of three selected barangays, which were validated on their performance and accomplishment on nutrition programs. These barangays are Canocotan, Bincungan and Magugpo North, whose accomplishments and performance will be the basis if the city will advance to the next level to clinch the Green Banner Award, considered to be the highest award in nutrition. Serving as Guest Speaker during the program was Dr. Maria Teresa L. Ungson, Nutrition Regional Coordinator, who highlighted the importance of breastfeeding as a basic foundation in attaining proper nutrition for children. This year’s celebration banners the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!” (Gleiza Delgado of CIO Tagum)

Remitio said. She said that as of the present, there had been no complaints lodged in the DTI-XI office against online stores but she said in their Manila office, there had been numerous complaints reported against fraudulent online sellers. Remitio said buyers should be cautious on engaging with online shops and one tip is to determine if online shops has their business name registered under the DTI. Having a DTI-registered

business name means the DTI has the following information particularly, the identity of the seller and the locality where the online shop or seller is based. With a registered business name the online consumers are assured of fair trade transactions because they are provided with the mechanism to trace essential information on the online shop and its owner. (PIA/RG Alama)


Gov. Palma distributes 385 PhilHealth cards under “Point-of-Care enrolment program” By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - Governor Wilter Yap Palma distributed a total of 385 Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) cards under the “Point of care enrolment program” in the province at the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH) recently.


Gov. Palma distributes 385 PhilHealth cards under “Point-of-Care enrolment program”

New PNP-9 chief holds command confab at ZNPPOBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Newly-installed regional director of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-9, Chief Superintendent Edgar Basbas recently held a command conference with the officers and members of the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office (ZNPPO) at its headquarters in Barangay Sicayab this city. In said gathering Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. James B. Mejia briefed the new PNP-9 chief on the accomplishment and best practices of the ZNPPO,including the existing threats of the peace and order in the province. Basbas admitted that he was

dismayed by the accomplishment of the local police office as he noted the big disparity between the accomplishment and its target, which he considered “below par.” He reminded the chiefs of police of the 27 police stations throughout the province, including the cities Dapitan and Dipolog of

This enrolment strategy targets the poor who make up a significant portion of our society, and envisions to change traditional health-seeking behavior to defer treatments due to lack of financial resources. In his brief message, Palma encouraged Sibugaynons to enroll in PhilHealth and not to hesitate being admitted to the hospital where the “No Balance Billing” policy is implemented. He also announced that anti-rabies vaccines are available and free at the provincial hospital for all 4Ps members and those sponsored by the barangay.

Dr. Arthur W. Luspo, ZSPH chief and Mrs. Filma F. Compra of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) assisted the governor in the distribution of PhilHealth cards and Member Data Records (MDR). Philhealth’s Point of Care enrolment program is implemented in partnership with DOH, DSWD and local government units. Indigent families in the DSWD list are automatically given Philhealth coverage totally financed by the national government.


their responsibilities as the protector of the lives and properties of the people and in preventing crimes in their area of responsibility. Basbas urged the chiefs of police to personally monitor and supervise their men in the performance of their assigned task. ”The work of the chief of police is 1% order and 99% supervision,” Basbas said. The new PNP-9 Chief said he would be going around the different police stations in the region tosee the actual situation in the ground. “Based on your performance as indicated by your statistics, you are not doing your work.” Basbas pointed out. He warned that he would not hesitate to relieve and file a case against for “neglect of duty” against chiefs of police who fail

to improve in their performance of their functions and duties after three months from his visit. Aside from the officers and men of the ZNPPO and police chiefs of the 27 police stations in the province, Engr. Roland Soliva, chairman of the Provincial Advisory Council, City Councilor Atty. Cyril Ruiz, Imam Nasser Pango, and the manager of PIA-Zamboanga del Norte also attended the said conference. The command conference was also highlighted by the ceremonial turnover of short firearms (9mm) to the members of ZNPPO, particularly the PO1s, PO2s and PO3s. Zamboanga del Norte is the first province visited by Basbas after he assumed as Acting Regional Director of PNP-9 last month.


DOLE-9 chief keynotes PESO confab in SibugayBy Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – “Let us continue to aspire for excellence in the Public Employment Drvice Office (PESO) organization and hopefully, may we bring the beacon for the National PESO Congress.” This was the statement of Regional Director Sisinio B. Cano, as he spoke before the officers of the PESO Federation during their second regional quarterly meeting held here at the Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel recently. Director Cano commended PESO officers from the provinces, cities and municipalities for their active participation in the delivery of services to all stakeholders. “In terms of financial delivery, we have hit the target and even exceeded it,” Cano reported. He challenged the group to continue its commitment to the people and to sustain the partnership between DOLE-9 and PESO Federation. The said gathering also tackled the preparations for the regional PESO congress in August, action plan for the programs, projects and other activities to be implemented by the association, search for best

PESO and national PESO congress. They also agreed to have a “networking” on job opportunities among PES offices in the region. Mr. Albert E. Gutib, DOLE-9 acting assistant regional director, said the idea would help jobseekers from other provinces to be informed of job vacancies and opening in other cities and towns. He also requested that the group require jobseekers to submit skills profile during job fairs to avoid job mismatch. “Skills profile of jobseekers will help us identify which agency or company to invite and take part during job fairs,” stressed Mr. Gutib. DOLE-9 together with the PESO Federation urged the public to promote local employment and encourage jobseekers to apply vacancies in their localities first before embarking on an overseas job.

One Mindanao - July 11, 2014

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