One Mindanao - July 16, 2012

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Change agents to intensify veggie organic farming in So. Cotabato

Dani DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, July 16, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 301

page 4

New Executive Order on mining to bring consistency in the implementation of mining law 8

Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region26 Police Regional Office 13 viesfor

a national award

31 Rene V. Carbayas, Western Mindanao

DSWD trains ZamPen mayors on bridging leadership

Bukidnon holds multisectoral alliance on TB detection, cure 34

ComVal launches ‘Adopt-A-Child’ batch 338

Ruby Leonora R. Balisto, Northern Mindanao

Perlita Changco, Central Mindanao14 DSWD releases P175M for housing, day care centers

21 Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

Search for 2012 outstanding volunteers now opens

grace almedilla, Central Mindanao

Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao29 Jul. 17-23 is Nat’l Disability Prevention

and Rehabilitation week

PMA lowers height requirement for incoming cadets 35 Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

7 10 12 16

19 28 33 37

4 Monday, July 16, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryChange agents to intensify veggie organic farming in So. Cotabato

Dave Nicolas of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-12 said at least 39 “change agents,” composed of 32 agricultural technicians and 7 farmer leaders, would complete 16 weeks of comprehensive trainers’ training on organic vegetable growing this month. “All local government units in South Cotabato are represented in this group of trainees,” Nicolas said, thereby assuring the province’s 10 municipalities and lone city with at least three trainers who can help the Office of the Provincial

Agriculturist (OPAG) advocate organic

vegetable growing in their areas. “They will serve as OPAG’s extension workers who would guide local farmers in growing organic crops,” he said. Nicolas explained, the training setup follows the farmers’ field school (FFS) strategy where the participants actually manage a farm and experience the entire production process in one cropping season. In April, the group setup plots of tomatoes and cauliflowers inside

Beginning next month, South Cotabato’s first

group of trained mentors would begin their mission as change agents pushing for massive adoption of organic vegetable farming in the province, an official here said.

by Dani Doguiles

Monday, July 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

the eight-hectare South Cotabato Research and Demonstration Farm a Sitio Pedregosa, Rizal, Banga as their experimental gardens as well as showcase for other farmers to observe. In the next few days, the group would start harvesting their crops, he added. “Their training started with the study of the morphology of crops as well as the characteristics of pests and diseases that control them,” he explained. They undergo lectures and practicum on all cultural management aspects from seedbed preparation to postharvest, excluding application of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pest control. “We are following the Asian Research D e v e l o p m e n t C e n t e r ’ s recommendat ion for organic soil incorporation of 30 tons per hectare or 2 kg of organic matter per square meter,” he said. As part of their integrated pest management, rows of marigold, lemon basil,

and lemongrass, were planted as fence of the organic gardens and serve “natural insect repellants.” Nicolas noted that in the course of study, the participants have observed several advantages of growing organic vegetables, “including much lesser production cost and better quality produce” and that their crops do not look inferior to crops grown using chemicals. “We should also realize that with organically produced vegetables we also reduce the risk of chemical residue contamination in our food,” he added. “Naturally-grown food have better quality and have higher natural value.” “Not only that, with


continuous organic farming, we also prevent further degradation of our environment and over time restore the quality of soil in our farms.” Regarding the issue on reduced production in organic farms, Nicolas said, “although we have yet to determine our volume of production, we are assured that the difference compared to the traditional approach would not be much.” “In fact, farmers could earn better return of investment because of reduced production cost since all fertilizers and pest control are already available in nature,” he explained.

“Organic products also command better prices.” The trainers’ training on organic vegetable growing is being implemented by ATI in partnership with the provincial LGU, OPAG-South Cotabato, and DA-12. At the grand farmers’ field day on Thursday, Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste

disclosed that nearly 1,000 hectares of farms in Surallah are now organically producing rice. Organic farming of vegetables and other food crops is also gaining grounds in Koronadal City as well as in Norala, Banga, and other municipalities.


ACROSS THE NATION

“That is something that is continually discussed. The President does make it a point to see pero hindi sa hindi pinapansin... it is just that the ERC [Energy Regulatory Commission] is the

one that determines the rate hikes and not the DOE [Department of Energy],” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

President Aquino closely monitoring impending power rate adjustment

President Benigno S. Aquino III continuously monitors the energy sector particularly the impending electricity rate increase this month putting public interest first, a Palace official

said.


“And the Energy Regulatory Commission, of

course, as we know is not under the DOE. Pero binabantayan din natin ‘yan,” she added.

Valte was responding to calls to the President saying he should give some attention to the high cost of power in the country.

The Palace hopes that in considering the pending application for power increase, the ERC will be vigilant and make any adjustment reasonable, Valte

added.The Manila Electric Co., or

Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor, will be increasing its power rates this month as the generation charge component rose by 32 centavos per kilowatt-hour to P6.4549 per kWh.

Meralco said the increase in the generation charge this month was due to the spike in the cost of power sourced from the wholesale electricity spot market. (AS)

New Executive Order on mining to bring consistency in the implementation of mining law

The government is leaving it up to the local government units (LGUs) to decide for themselves whether or not to declare their respective areas of jurisdiction as mining free in line

with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive laid down in Executive Order Number 79 designed to harmonize mining policies and regulations in the country.


In a press briefing aired over government-run

radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the LGUs are allowed to accept mining applications from firms but should they, as a whole, decide not to allow mining in their areas, then it should be followed.

She added that the President issued EO 79 in order to bring consistency in the implementation of the new mining law between the national and local government.

“…‘pag tiningnan po natin ang EO 79…ang gusto lang naman po ng Pangulo ay magkaroon ng consistency between the national and the local government and in the framework of the EO, that is very possible,” Valte said.

Executive Order No. 79 identifies zones closed to mining applications – either for contracts, concessions or agreements including areas in the National Tourism Development Plan, critical areas and island eco-systems, prime agricultural lands covered by RA 6657, strategic agriculture and

fisheries development zones and fish refuge and sanctuaries declared as such by the Department of Agriculture. Mining is not allowed in areas already identified under the existing laws on mining, agrarian and protected

areas, as well as in sites that may be determined by the Department of Environment and natural Resources. (RCK)


Shallow LPA in Palawan dissipates, ITCZ brings rain in Mindanao –PAGASAA shallow low pressure area

(SLPA) spotted in Palawan has dissipated but rains over parts of Mindanao are still expected due to intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the ITCZ can bring scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.

The ITCZ is the result of the converging of trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres. It brings widespread cloudiness, thunderstorms, precipitation and moderate to strong surface winds and where low pressure areas are formed.

Aurelio said the SLPA spotted in Puerto Princesa on Sunday afternoon has dissipated in the evening.

Temperature in Metro Manila

may range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius.The Metro will also experience scattered rainshowers in the afternoon or evening.

Aurelio said a tropical depression near the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was monitored and is expected to enter within 24 hours.

“As of now may namonitor tayo na bagyo nasa northern part malapit sa PAR pero kung papasok ito, dadaplisan lang niya yung bansa para lang si Carina at tutungo itong papunta Japan (As of now, we monitor a tropical depression in northern part near the PAR and will just passed over


just like tropical storm Carina, it will just skim the country and will be headed to Japan),” Aurelio said.

He said that once the tropical depression enters the Philippine territory, it will be named “Enteng” and will be the fifth weather disturbance to enter the PAR this year.

In its advisory, PAGASA said Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers

and thunderstorms.The rest of the country will

be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Light southwesterly to variable winds will prevail over Mindanao and its coastal waters will be slight except during thunderstorms.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the Southwest with slight to moderate seas.


South Cotabato sees more farmers shifting to organic farmingBy Dani Doguies

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Expect more farmers in South Cotabato to embrace organic farming as an economic enterprise soon.

Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste said

one of their major objectives is to change

the outlook, attitude and farm management


styles of local farmers, “particularly to adopt organic growing of food crops.”

During the 3rd Grand Farmers’ Field Day on Thusday, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) showcased several plots of organically-grown tomato and cauliflower to more than 500 farmers in attendance.

The organically–grown crops inside the provincial research and demonstration farm at Sitio Pedregosa, Brgy. Rizal, Banga town are being managed by the 39 trainees of the province’s first farmer field school on organic vegetable farming.

OPAG conducts this trainers’ training in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute and the Department of Agriculture 12.

Since these plots are situated near demo gardens of hybrid vegetable commodities, “farmers could observe that they produce as much volume from their organic farms and at lesser cost as those growing crops the

traditional way.” Legaspe is confident

that with their ongoing campaign more farmers would turn to organic farming “because of its sustainability and economic potential” which should be “pushed further by the consumers’

increasing awareness of healthy eating.”

He cited Surallah and Koronadal City as among the local government units with considerable adoption of organic farming technologies.

In June, Surallah Mayor Romulo Solivio


Sr. reported that more 600 farmers, mostly rice growers, have been producing organically grown commodities.

Legaste explained nearly 1,000 hectares in Surallah are being devoted to organic rice farming “but even with this much land, they are still unable to supply the growing demand for organic rice.”

Meanwhile, at his state of the city address on July 9, Koronadal Mayor Peter Miguel said 27 farmers in the city have already shifted to organic farming; 2,157 more have recently been trained in this approach of growing crops.

Some farmers in Banga and Norala towns have also begun growing organic crops, Legaste said.

He added that strategies are being

implemented to support the organic farming industry in the province.

After completing the farmer field school at the demo farm, the 39 technician- and farmer-leader trainees are also expected to become agents of change in their respective communities and encourage more farmers to adopt the technology considering availability of support from the provincial government and other agencies and institutions.

“Before 2013, we should have established a center which will serve as a depot for organic commodities and where consumers can buy purely organic products,” he explained.

“We are also consolidating efforts with local farmers, farmer groups and LGUs

to facilitate marketing of these products because it is a reality that we can only enter into more profitable agreements with buyers and markets if we have the volume when supply is required,” he said.

He lauded the South Cotabato Vegetable Council for being actively involved in encouraging their member growers to change to organic farming.

“Within two to three years, we should be able to transform the provincial research and demonstration farm into a center for organic farming where farmers can learn technologies and cultural management techniques as well as acquire planting materials for growing of organic commodities,’” he added. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

DSWD releases P175M for housing, day care centersBy Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM) has released P175 million to Habitat for Humanity for the regional government’s socio-economic development efforts.


D S W D - A R M M Regional Secretary Bainon Karon together with Assistant Secretary Pombaen Kader turned over the amount from the Stimlus Fund for the implementation of the following programs: modified shelter assistance (MSA) for the construction of 1,000 housing units for displaced families; and 1,100 Day Care Construction Project (DCC) to be undertaken in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Beneficiaries of the MSA are displaced families in conflict-affected areas in Maguindanao with 699 housing units, Sulu (200) and Basilan (101) at the cost of P100,000

each. On the other hand,

the construction of the targeted 1,100 units of day care centers is distributed to ARMM’s five provinces broken down as follows: M a g u i n d a n a o - 6 2 0 , Basilan-60, Lanao del Sur A-75; Lanao del Sur B-75; Sulu-70; Tawi-Tawi-175 and Marawi City-25.

Cost for each center range from P617,000 to P670,000. Estimated cost, however, is higher in the island provinces due to overhead outlay.

Recipients of the ongoing construction of day care center in Maguindanao include the towns of Parang, Datu Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, Datu

Odin Sinsuat, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Northern Kabuntalan, Mother Kabuntalan, Talitay, Datu Piang and Guindulungan.

The DSWD progress report on the structural construction of the MSAs and DCCs reveal that as of June 31, 2012, 178 cay care centers had been partly accomplished in the region.In Maguindanao, 43 out of the 140 ongoing construction have been completed.while 25 units have been done in Basilan out of 38 through the support of the 52nd and 55th Engineering Brigade of AFP’s National Development Support Command (NADESCOM) ( p b c h a n g c o - P I A Cotabato)


Except for some brave souls who happily rush to Basilan for adventure, it is nonetheless a place where angels fear to tread. But if beaches were pieces of heaven for sun and sea worshippers, then

there are a lot of them on the main island and its surrounding unsullied sandbars. Most visitors coming to this place do not know that behind Malamawi islet across the wharf of

White Beach, a piece of heaven in Basilanby Maricor Dans

Basilan has been notorious for its gargantuan share of news about bombings, kidnappings, and killings. Because of such a reputation, Basilan is

not even advised to be included in a traveler’s, both foreign and local, itinerary of must-see places in the Philippines.


capital city, is a little piece of heaven on earth. How do you get there? From Zamboanga City, there are at least 10 trips by ferry boats to Basilan which take an hour and a half at a maximum. Upon disembarking, there are motorboats just a few meters away. They are ready to take you for a two-minute ride across the channel to the islet for a measly fare of five bucks. Once there, you take a habal-habal ride if there are only a few of you and do not have much to carry such as provision for food. For groups, elf and mini-trucks can also be rented for round trips. You will negotiate a typical village road with lush vegetation around, as a breath-taking view awaits you on the other side. Or if you wish to go the convenient way, get the services of a motorized boat that will take you around the other half of the island and bring you right smack to the beach. You will sail through mangrove areas and those oft-photographed houses on stilts that speak of the Badjao’s peculiar way of life. The boatman is at your beck and call as he waits for you the entire day until you decide to go back to the city proper across the channel. All inconveniences are


all worth the trip upon reaching the place, known for its name as White Beach. Once there, you could not help but gasp in awe at the sight of such pristine beach that has maintained its rustic ambience. The sand is naturally white, unlike other resorts filled with white sand coming from other sources. Taking a dip, lazing on a hammock, playing beach volleyball, snorkeling, or simply lazing under the shades are just few of the things you can do there. Walking on a bar of sand equally proves like walking on clouds as you allow the surf to rush to and kiss your feet. When the tide has ebbed, picnickers are transformed into beach combers who scour the stones

on the side of the beach for edible finds. You also draw a little thrill if you also happen to discover a starfish. The beach is packed on weekends and holidays. Since this is an Islam-dominated place, bikinis and swimsuits are frowned upon. So it is wise to be aware of the dress code when going to this beach or to any beach around Basilan. I prefer going there with friends during weekdays and non-holidays because that means having the beach all for us. Then maybe that’s the time we wear our skimpy suits and bikinis away from the ogling eyes of the male species. (MD/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


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The Philippine Overseas Employment and Migration (POEA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

presented on July 12, 2012 laws that would determine that illegal recruitment and trafficking in person are present during the hiring and recruitment of applicants abroad.

Training tackles laws on illegal recruitment, trafficking in personby David M. Suyao


Lawyer Antonio Millanes III of POEA presented five problems of illegal recruitment. He said illegal recruitment exist alongside legal migration, maybe committed by bothe licensed and unlicensed agencies, illegal recruiters may take advantage of announced job opportunities as an opportunity to dupe unsuspecting applicants, victims indifference and imbalance manpower supply. The training was held at the provincial training center at the D.O. Plaza Government Center in Agusan del Sur. “But these problems can be controlled by two prolonged nationwide anti-illegal recruitment campaign if we join our hands in delivering information and this is in the preventive side plus systematic law enforcement and prosecution on the remedial side,” Atty. Millanes III

said. Lawyer Jone Fung of the OIM said illegal recruitment shall mean any act of canvassing, enlisting, transporting, contracting, hring, utilizing, procuring of workers, referrals, contact services, promising and advertising for employment abroad, and Atty. Fung has elaborated all those acts in actual experience they have while enforcing the laws on against illegal recruitment. “Before we trust anybody when we apply for work abroad, we have to see to it that the representative or agent can show us that the person or entity that he is representing has a valid license or holder of authority. We must also make sure that the agent or the representative transacting with us has been duly appointed by the license or holder of the authority and that the agent’s appointment was previously


Search for 2012 outstanding volunteers now opensby Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY) -- Nominations for the 2012 Search for Outstanding Volunteers is now officially open, said Venus Derequito, chief administrative officer of the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Caraga during Wednesday’s meeting with member-agencies of the regional search committee.

authorized by the POEA,” Fung said. Glad of the training being conducted, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza asked the POEA, , the DOLE and other government agencies to encourage legal and stable recruitment agencies to conduct recruitment in Agusan del Sur because according to him, the provincial government has set aside funds to help the applicants in processing the necessary requirements in order that they can work abroad. Gov. Plaza added that the provincial

government is doing this because they want the families of Agusanons to have a better life, and the money that they will send to their families will only revolve in the province, while foreseeing that business and stability will follow. The whole day activity ended up with training of the PNP and the prosecutors on criminal investigation and entrapment procedures and the discussion on the law on anti-trafficking in person.


According to Derequito, the annual search will highlight and recognize the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities across the country through volunteerism. Citing her experiences as chairperson of the regional search committee, Derequito said during the previous years, Caraga Region has produced awardees both in the individual and organization categories. Derequito said among the awardees include: Ruel Hipulan of Save Mindanao Movement based in Agusan del Sur; Fr. Eugenio Pio in Agusan del Sur who won in the organization category; and Marivic Boholst, a barangay health worker from Brgy. Rizal, Surigao del Norte who won in the individual category in 2008. The last awardee from this region was in 2008 when Boholst wowed the judges with her exemplary volunteer works in her locality. During the evaluation conducted by the regional search committee, it was found that aside from being the barangay’s health worker, Boholst was looked up by her co-barangay as a model citizen in their area who is ready to help without expecting

anything in return. As one of the national winners, Boholst received a plaque of recognition, a free round-trip air ticket to Manila, and hotel accommodation, as part of her prize. This year, the regional search committee is eyeing for the region’s representative to the national staging of this annual award. With this, the committee members agreed to scout for individuals and groups that will qualify in the standards set by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). The search is open to all individuals of Filipino citizenship and Filipino volunteer organizations or local chapter organizations of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines.


The National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) is a recognition conferred on outstanding volunteer individuals and organizations chosen from among the regional qualifiers. An individual volunteer is a person that engages in activity/ies that benefit the community, the environment, or individuals outside one’s immediate family. This category is further classified into youth and adult. Nominees must be 15 to 30 years old for the youth category and at least 31 years old for the adult at the time of submission of nomination. They (nominees) must provide volunteer assistance consistently for at least three years (youth category) at least five years (adult category) in socio-economic, civic and humanitarian programs or projects in institutions or communities. Further, the nominees must be

members of a volunteer organization or institution registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); or registered by the PNVSCA or duly recognized by an accrediting government institution; or is recognized as a volunteer by communities, groups or institutions which he/she serves. Under the organization category, volunteer organizations are classified into non-profit and corporate. For purposes of the search, a non-profit refers to any non-stock,


n o n -governmental organization including schools and academic institutions and not affiliated with any company/corporation and one that engages the services of volunteers in socio-economic and cultural development, humanitarian, civic activities, advocacy, capability building and networking for volunteerism or is created specifically to recruit, train and deploy volunteers for such purpose. A corporate, on the other hand, refers to companies that engage employee volunteering as

an approach to achieve corporate social responsibility’ or to corporate-supported or affiliated foundations that engage volunteers to implement volunteer program/s. Qualified to be nominated in this category are those providing volunteer assistance consistently for at least five years (for non-profit) and at least three years (for corporate). Also, nominated organization must be formally organized, with SEC registration and/or duly registered by the PNVSCA or granted accreditation by government or non-government organizations duly recognized by government or is informally established but is recognized as a volunteer organization by communities, groups ,or institutions it serves. Meanwhile, the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) is conferred to an individual volunteer of Filipino citizenship, or Filipino volunteer


organization or a local chapter of a foreign volunteer organization serving in the Philippines. Qualified nominees have been engaged in consistent volunteering activities for at least 25 years, have attained national status, and recognition in the field of volunteerism, and have been recipients of national and international recognition or awards. They must also play a significant role or contribution in promoting volunteerism and possess the capability to mobilize others to support volunteer causes. Finally, they served as role model through a positive representation of volunteerism as a

development resource. All nominations must be received by the SOV regional search committees not later than August 17. Mailed nominations must be postmarked not later than said date. Regional qualifiers will receive certificates of recognition. National awardees will receive trophies, while recipients of VLAA will receive medals and certificates of recognition. Awardees and recipients of VLAA based outside Metro Manila will be provided round-trip transportation and accommodation for their attendance in the awarding ceremony. Awards will be conferred in Manila in December 2012. For more details, please contact the secretariat at NEDA-Caraga regional office at (085) 342-5774, and look for Ms. Derequito or Lorraine Mendoza.


Police Regional Office 13 viesfor a national awardby Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY-- Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) is one of the three police regional offices in the country, selected by the national headquarters to contend for this year’s top police prestigious award a chief police regional spokesman said. PSupt Martin M Gamba, chief public information officer of the Caraga PNP said in an interview that Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) is one of the three regional police offices in the country selected to contend for the prestigious “Best Regional Police Office for 2012.” The other two police offices competing for the said award are Police Regional Office 2, based in Camp

Adduru, Alimanao, Tuguegarao City (Cagayan Valley Region) and Police Regional Office 6, which is based in Camp Martin Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City (Western Visayas Region). The basis for the evaluation and validation to attain such award will be the performance, programs and accomplishments of the respective police offices as of last year, 2011


Gamba said. In this connection a team of field evaluators from Camp Crame arrived in the region on Wednesday noon to conduct the evaluation and validation of the regional police headquarters here. The team from Crame consisting of the representatives from the five directorial offices of the national police headquarters is headed by Police Director Elpedio Z.de Asis, Jr. chairman of the field evaluation and validation (FEV) team according to Supt. Gamba. The award, according to Gamba will be given at Camp Crame in August 8, this year during the occasion of the 111th service anniversary of the Philippine National Police. The PNP regional spokesman believed that Caraga PNP can present among its significant accomplishments, the successful anti-insurgency campaigns particularly the gallant defense of its two police municipal stations in Lianga, Surigao del Sur and Trento, Agusan del Sur respectively, from being overrun by rebel forces during separate predawn attacks last year. Moreover, our regional headquarters down to the municipal police stations, has also improved significantly its facilities,

augmentation of personnel, equipments, transportation, communications and trainings, according to Gamba. Gamba also said that almost all of our key police offices have its specially trained units such as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), the Deep Reconnaissance Unit (DEU), a K-9 Unit, our Explosive and Ordinance Device (EOD) Unit and the Disaster Response Teams. The rapport, linkage, support and joint cooperative endeavors with the local government units as well as the community in the region is also significantly strong, Gamba said.


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LGU-Bayog conducts medical, dental mission for its constituents

The local government unit of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur conducted a medical and dental outreach in several barangays of the municipality.

By Bernadine Astillero-Gabawan


Some 80 residents of Brgy. Sigacad, this municipality and its neighboring barangays were given free medical checkup and medicines, while 30 others underwent oral examination and prophylaxes on Tuesday, June 10 at the Barangay Hall of Sigacad. The medical outreach which is part of Mayor Leonardo Babasa, Jr.’s health program was spearheaded by the Rural Health Unit led by Dr. Gretchen A. Dubrico. A similar activity is set to be conducted on July 17 by the same

medical team at Brgy. Depore in the morning and Brgy. Canoayan in the afternoon. (JPA/BAG/CAL/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Aimed at stimulating public awareness on the issues and problems of disability and to encourage every citizen of the country to take active responsibility in the upliftment of the economic and social conditions of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in our society, July 17-23 of every year was declared National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week as a state policy enshrined in Proclamation no. 1870 (in 1979) as amended by Proclamation Number 361 (in 2000) and Administrative Order No. 35 (in 2002).

Jul. 17-23 is Nat’l Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation weekBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

For this year, the country will celebrate the 34th NDPR week with the theme: “Mainstreaming persons with Disabilities in Economic Development.”

The theme was conceptualized to contribute and promote the full employment of PWDs and to tackle barriers and gaps, facilitate stakeholder’s cooperation, develop


innovative approaches and support human rights-based initiatives for the economic development of the PWDs. Here in Zamboanga City, the Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA) recently met to formulate plan of activities for the up-coming NDPR week celebration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the lead-agency or the over-all administrator and coordinator of all activities to be undertaken. To drumbeat the weeklong fete, the RCDA came up with various activities. The celebration will kick off July 17 with a motorcade starting at the Red Cross Center in Pettit barracks and will end at the Zamboanga City High School (ZCHS) Main in Tetuan where a short program will be held and a free vaccine against flu and pneumonia for PWDs ages 18 and up will be conducted by the Department of Health (DOH). To further widen awareness on the NDPR week celebration, a Media Forum will also be conducted July 17 at 10am at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office. The PWDs will share their “contribution” in the NDPR week celebration by conducting a tree planting activity on July 17. The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for their part in partnership with the ZCHS, Dept. of Social Welfare and Dev’t (DSWD) and AVRC will conduct skills training for PWDs on haircut, foot and hand spa on July 16 to 18.

The DOLE aside from being the lead agency in this celebration, will have its turn-over of “kabuhayan starter Kit” to beneficiaries and will conduct orientation on “employees compensation program” on the 17th. A PWD congress is slated on July 19 at the Garden Orchid Hotel with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) as the organizer in partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) focal point. A psychological test for children with learning disabilities will also be conducted on July 20 at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) with the Department of Education (DepEd)-ZCHS and DOH taking responsibility in this activity. PWDs will also be given skills demonstration on siomai and tocino making by the DSWD and Dept. of Agriculture (DA) on Jul. 20. In appreciation and recognition to establishments- government and non-gov’t, employing PWDs, the DSWD and DOLE will award them with certificates and plaques of appreciation- still on July 20. Meanwhile, the Commission on Election (Comelec) will have its PWD voter’s registration on July 21 while an ecumenical mass for PWDs is set on July 22. Closing day-July 23, will be filled with fun as the DepEd-ZCHS will be conducting a PWD sports festival at the Sta Maria Elem. School while the CSWDO is set to conduct a forum on economic empowerment. (JPA/ PIA9-ZBST)


In a press statement, DSWD-9 Information Officer Narrabelle Bue said the training is aimed at enhancing the capacities of the local chief executive in leadership for attaining social objectives and outcomes through the development of personal awareness of their capacities and purpose as leaders, analyzing the social problems of

their constituents and identifying stakeholders as partners. DSWD Regional Director Teodulo Romo, who addressed the mayors and staff from the 11 municipalities in Region 9, highlighted the importance of their leadership in guiding the communities to development. He cited some social realities in the Philippines, such as the state of

ISABELA CITY, Basilan - The Department of Social Welfare and Development, in partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation, has organized a four-day seminar on bridging leadership in Zamboanga City last week.

DSWD trains ZamPen mayors on bridging leadershipBy Rene V. Carbayas


the poor families. “Accordingly, where the trickle-down (effect) theory has failed, a paradigm shift is being done by the government, by ensuring that services and programs are directly implemented at the grassroots level, which immensely requires the full participation of the local government units,” he said. Romo added that the bottom-up planning strategy of the government encourages inputs from the community and becomes bases for national budgetary and developmental planning. Zuellig Family Foundation institute director Bong Villamor affirmed the participating agencies’ and organizations’ goal of equipping and enhancing the capabilities of the

local government units particularly in making a difference in achieving the Millenium Development Goals on poverty-reduction and maternal and infant mortality. Other partners involved in this effort include the Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Davao Medical School Foundation who were represented during the seminar. The activity includes 12 sessions with focus on leadership and governance addressing social and health issues. The mayors were expected to come up with a six-month plan addressing challenges in the attainment of improved poverty-reduction and improved maternal and infant mortality. (JPA/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


Revenue Region 16 reminds taxpayers of installment payment deadline

Revenue Region 16 (RR16) reminded individual taxpayers that the deadline for the second

installment of taxes payment is today, July 16.

This is for those who chose to pay their income taxes for 2011 in two installments. According to RR16, like the April 16 income tax filing/payment deadline this year, there will be no extension. The corresponding penalties as provided for in the Tax Code will be imposed for late payment of the tax still due. Under the Tax Code, when the

tax due exceeds P2,000, the taxpayer may choose to pay in two installments. The first installment is to be paid at the time the return is filed (on or before April 15) and the second will be on or before July 15 of the same year. Since July 15 this year falls on a Sunday, the deadline is automatically moved to the next working day, which is July 16 (Monday). For the period of January to April this year, taxes generated by the RR16 reached P2.34 billion, surpassing its target by P109.87 million or five percent, and exceeding the collections during the same period last year by 25 percent or P466.74 million.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Bukidnon holds multisectoral alliance on TB detection, cureby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Provincial Health Office (PHO) will hold a multisectoral alliance (PMSA) on tuberculosis (TB) control at The Garden, Malaybalay City, July 13.

Dr. Teresita G. Damasco, provincial health officer, said tuberculosis remains a huge burden to human health, which needs special attention. “This consultative meeting aims to explore possibilities in creating joint actions to improve TB detection rate in the province to prevent rapid transmission,” she said. Latest provincial data show 131 deaths attributed to TB, but only 43

deaths or 33 percent of the cases were reported from rural health units. Based on the figures, 88 of the patients or 67 percent, died without getting treatment. “Most of these people have poor health-seeking behavior for fears of humiliation or ashamed of their conditions,” Damasco said. Apprehensive of the situation, the provincial government, in partnership with local government units, business

establishments, private sectors and civil society groups are pooling resources and expertise to work to combat TB in Bukidnon. Damasco explained that despite the fact that TB drugs are free in the province’s 24 directly observed treatment (DOT) facilities, TB is the eighth biggest cause of deaths in Bukidnon. TB is a contagious

Revenue District (RD)-98 in Cagayan de Oro remains the biggest contributor among the six RDOs under RR16 during the four-month period, posting P1.18 billion tax revenues. Collections of the other RDOs are as follows: RDO-101 in Iligan City,

P376.45 million; RDO-99 in Bukidnon, P350.72 million; RDO-100 in Ozamiz City, P213.86 million; RDO-102 in Marawi City, P130.62 million; and RDO-97 in Gingoog City with P91.89 million.


respiratory disease, but Damasco said that, “People should know that TB is curable through the DOT or ‘Tutok Gamutan.’ What we need is the patients’ cooperation by going through the protocol to prevent the risk of

acquiring multiple-drug resistant TB cases.” Damasco said that information and education drive will help address the problem on TB detection and cure.

PMA lowers height requirement for incoming cadetsby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Here’s good news to those who would like to join the cadetship program of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, but fall short of the required height.

“Male and female students who are at least five feet or 1.52 meters tall will now be accepted to compose the members of PMA Class of 2017, who will start the training in school year 2013-2014,” Maj. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Tadeo Peralta Jr., PMA Superintendent, in a phone interview, said. In the past, the height requirement used to be 5’4” for men and 5’2” for women, but this has now been changed, said Peralta who served as commanding officer of the 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao before assuming his post at PMA. Himself a member of PMA “Matapat” Class of 1979, Peralta said a lot of the youth had been disenfranchised to join the institution in the past, for failure of meeting the height requirement.

“We want to invite the cream of the crop to join us in professionalizing and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which is now focused on internal peace and security operations (IPSO),” Peralta said.

With this new development, we will now be able to give the opportunity to those who only stand 5 ft. tall but has the potentials and meet the requirements to become a cadet,” Peralta said. To qualify, one must be a natural born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and never been married and must have no record of administrative and criminal cases. Applicants must at least be high school graduates and at least 17 yrs. old and not a day older than 22 yrs. old on April 1, 2013, the start of the training, and must pass the


PMA entrance examination given on August 26, Sunday, this year. Peralta said PMA qualifiers will receive pay and allowances while taking up a four-year college education for free, which gives them the privilege to become officers in any of the three major services AFP. The tri-service curriculum prepares the graduates to be squadron-ready, field-ready, and fleet-ready officers upon graduation, the PMA Superintendent said. Graduates of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) curriculum are provided the academic “ground school” portion before taking up the Military Pilot Training (MPT), while graduates of the Philippine Army (PA) curriculum

are equipped with knowledge and skills in management of equipment and leadership of their men, Peralta said. Graduates of the Philippine Navy curriculum are assigned aboard ships and assume initial billet post without the need of taking up the Naval Officers Qualification Course. Peralta said cadets who excel both in academic and physical training are also given the opportunity to enter the following institutions in the United States of America (USA): US Military Academy in West Point, US Naval Academy in Annapolis, US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and US Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.


The City Government of Davao has declared July 17 to July 23

as the National Disability Preven-tion and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week. This is in consonance with the national observance of the 34th NDPR week set on the same date. City Mayor Sara Duterte signed Proclamation No. 09 last July 11, 2012 which declares the observance of NDPR week in Davao city.

The NDPR week is held on the week prior to the birth date of Filipino hero, Apolinario Mabini, the sublime paralytic. Overcoming his physical disability, Mabini’s heroic acts during the Philippine Revolution and as one of the leaders of the first

Philippine Republic greatly influenced the declaration and observance of the disability prevention and rehabilitation in the country. The proclamation also recognizes the aspirations of Presidential Proclamation 240 which declares 2003-2012 as the Philippine Decade of Persons with Disabilities. The decade is aimed at highlighting the goals of the state in promoting the plight of Filipinos with

Davao City sets week for persons with disabilities


as well as their rehabilitation, self-development , self-reliance and integration in the society. City proclamation adopts, the NDPR’s Week theme, “Mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities in Economic Development.” Where the city government realizes the importance of persons with disabilities, letting them enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else, actively contributing in nation-building. The City proclamation was read

during the flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall attended by representatives from both the local government and the national government agencies. Among the events to be held during the NDPR week included Pag-Asa games on July 17, career and employment advocacy, entrpreneurship forum on PWDs on the 18th. Also on scheduled are regional livelihood and employment summit on July 19 and a jobs fair on July 20. (PIA/RG Alama)

ComVal launches ‘Adopt-A-Child’ batch 3NABUNTURAN-----Now on it’s third wave, the Adopt-A-Child Program of the provincial govern-ment finds another 23 malnour-ished children to cater with nutri-tion and health services at Brgys. Nueva Visayas and Nuevo Iloco in Mawab starting July up to Novem-ber 2012. The presentation of the 3rd batch was part of the launching of the 38th Nutrition Month celebration on July 9 at the Capitol Lobby. Right after the short program, the focal persons went to the Adopt-A-Child recipient areas in Mawab to join the barangay officials, local government unit, and parents for a vegetable planting. Adopt-A-Child is a nutrition program started by the provincial government with its respective

departments and offices adopting malnourished children identified by the Provincial Nutrition Office and the employees facilitating a 120-day food supplemental feeding. The program also serves as an entry point of the other services and interventions that the provincial government could extend to the family and the community as a whole. In their first and second batch experiences, the employees had a big heart of not only adopting the malnourished and severely underweight children but the family as a whole. They extended services like parents’ medication, house repair, giving of basically needed furniture, livelihood provision such as fishpond and sari-sari store, vegetable gardening, and other


household support. They even became part of family events such as birthday celebrations of their respective adopted children. After the successful performances of its first and second series, this initiated program of Governor Arturo T. Uy as the Chairman of the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC), has gone far touching lives that cause government

units, private individuals, and organizations to reach out on the same purpose. Showcasing the program as one of the best practices of the provincial government in the locality, some local government units replicated it and the SEA-K (Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran) organization in the province. (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

regional gallery

STA. ANA WHARF

Buit in the 1920s the City Government of Davao wants the control and management of the once thriving seaport to develop it into a tourism destination.

One Mindanao - July 16, 2012

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