One Mindanao - March 13, 2013

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

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

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

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

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

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

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

Cover Story

All about regional movies at Cinemarehiyon 2013Rudolph AlamaSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, March 13, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 144

page 4

President Aquino pitches Filipino labor to potential investors 9

Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

GSIS strengthens provision of quality service for its members 16

Gov’t spends P2.5B for conditional cash trans-fer in Region 12

RDC-13 invites candidates to present their platform for women

DAR-AgNor to turnover P6-M farm implements to farmer-groups

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao12

1920

Nora L. Molde, Caraga Region

Caraga Region

DAR-Sibugay holds MARO planning workshop

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Tripartite board-10 calls on entrepreneurs to join Productivity Olympics 30

Tawi-tawi CSOs raise issues, concerns on participatory governanceRaja Lakandula S. Aming, Western Mindanao

26 Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat, Northern Mindanao

NYC opens application for Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program31

7 11 13 17 24 29

Wednesday, March 13, 20134

All about regional movies at Cinemarehiyon 2013

The sprawling campus of University of the Philippines

Los Banos was the host of Cinema Rehiyon 5 an annual film festival which showcases selected films plucked from different regions of the country. The festival is a flagship program of the Cinema Committee of the National Commission for the

Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

CoVer StoRy

Being the festival director of the Mindanao Film Festival which is an NCCA affiliate film festival gave me a chance to attend Cinema Rehiyon as a delegate. Among the Davao films which were shown on the festival included MFF best picture winner Sintunado, and another MFF entry the popular comedy short Migo Nino they were joined by Alyssa is Typing written and directed by Miguel Santos, nephew of Film Development Council of

the Philippine chairman Briccio Santos, “Pangandoy” by Philippine Women’s College Visual Communication program instructor Yam Palma, PWCine film festival entries “Me” by Alex Lara,

By Rudolph Alama

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 5

“ L a b o -Labo” by Jeff Sabayle and the University of Mindanao Film Festival entry “Pulaw” by Rochelle Carino. Davao full length films programmed in the festival included Tambara by Orvil Bantayan, Ang Paglalakbay ng Bituin sa Gabing Madilim by Arnel Mardoquio, Jungle Love by Sherad Sanchez and the controversial director’s cut of Malan by Benjamin Garcia. The 5th Cinemarehiyon had the most number of films programmed with 70 shorts and 18 full-length films. Some of the films were produced by grants like those given by Cinema One of ABS-CBN, the Film Development Council of the Philippines and Cinemalaya. The films also featured a little bit of star

power, Negrense filmmaker Lawrence Fajardo’s aswang movie “The Strangers” had Enchong Dee, Julia Montes and Enrique Gil as cast, Cebuano Christian Linaban’s “Aberya” had Iwa Moto, Mercedes Cabral and Will Devaughn, Batangueno Kevin Dayrit’s “Catnip” has Lauren Young and Maxene Magalona while Peque Gallaga’s short

film (part of the Negros program) “Ang Bayi sa Aparador” had Solenn Heusaff. Apart from the record number of films, regional filmmakers were super elated with the huge crowds attending the films, long lines of movie-goers snaking through the two venues in UPLB (DL Umali Hall for the full length and SEARCA auditorium for short films) were a common sight during the four


day festival .

Apart from film showings, two fora were

conducted for the delegates, the first forum Writing About Regional Films discussed the importance of developing academic-based film writing for regional cinemas while the second forum tackled challenges and opportunities of regional filmmakers. To cap the festival, Governor ER Ejercito, a movie actor/ producer and a scion of a popular movie clan

provided a free tour around the towns of Laguna (Pakil, Paeta and Lumban) for the delegates. During the closing ceremony of the festival the chair of the cinema committee Dr. Mike Rapatan announced that Cagayan de Oro will host the 6th edition of Cinema Rehiyon.The organizers of the festival led by festival director Katrina Ross Tan, the UPLB Foundation Inc, Peliculab (organization of film enthusiasts) along with the festival partner organizations gave perhaps a very successful and memorable film festival which could become a yardstick for future cinemarehiyons.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino opens Philippine Investment Forum 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III invited potential investors to consider expanding their respective businesses in the Philippines saying the country is now in a better position to offer more and readily meet their

requirements in order for their investments to prosper.

The President offered his invitation during his speech formally opening

the Philippine Investment Forum 2013 held at the Peninsula Manila in Makati

8Wednesday, March 13, 2013

City on Tuesday.He pointed out that potential

investors could partner with the government in investing in three priority sectors: agriculture, which is the source of income for some 12.1-million Filipinos; tourism, which expects some 56-million visitors by 2016; and infrastructure, which will support agriculture and tourism through the development of road networks, ports, and airports that will ensure the safety and efficient passage of tourists and goods all over the country.

“At the end of the day, we are inviting you to come to the Philippines whether in these three sectors, or in others, because we know that, here, hard work, innovation, and creativity are rewarded with success,” the President said.

“This is not an empty promise --- you will have the Filipino people and our administration as committed partners” he added.

The President noted that since he assumed Office in 2010, he had spent the last two years and eight months

on weeding out graft and corruption in order to provide a level playing field for all as well as to “ensure that integrity, transparency, and accountability characterize our actions.”

“Over the past years, we have been doing everything we can to level the playing field—from reforming the judiciary, to streamlining the process of setting up business in the Philippines, to following the proper bidding and procurement processes. We are also investing heavily in our countrymen—empowering them to take stock of their lives and to realize their potential,” the President said.

Joining the President were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Euromoney Institutional Investor Asia CEO Tony Shale.

The Philippine Investment Forum 2013 brings together policymakers, business leaders, economists and key overseas investors in painting an overview of the Philippine economy including analysis into all its key sectors. PND (rck)


President Aquino pitches Filipino labor to potential investors

President Benigno S. Aquino III

highlighted to potential investors the creativity, dedication, and loyalty of Filipino labor, saying these are the characteristics that firms want in their work force.

10Wednesday, March 13, 2013

In his speech keynoting the opening rites of the Philippine Investment Forum 2013 held at the Peninsula Manila on Tuesday, the President cited the business process outsourcing industry in which the Filipino has excelled and has brought “to great heights in such a short time.”

“Given the opportunity, they will do the same for you, whatever industry you may be involved in,” the President said.

He also called on potential investors to partner with the government in expanding their businesses in the country.

“The investments that you will bring into our country will redound to tens of thousands of jobs for our countrymen—men and women who will be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school, and meet the needs and wants of their

families,” the President said.“Together, we will be empowering

them: giving them greater power to contribute to economic growth and opportunities to uplift their lives and even the lives of their fellow Filipinos. All together, we will be building the success of the industry, the Philippines and the Filipino people,” he added.

“Even if you have come here only with a mind to invest in the Philippines and ride on the resurgence of our economy—with your decision to bet on our country, you will be doing so much more --- you will be giving thousands of Filipinos gainful employment that will empower them as consumers —thus spurring the growth of both your businesses and the Philippines. And we hope you will take this chance and join us on the straight path to progress,” the President said. PND (rck)


Region 12 is Mindanao Rural Development Program top performer

Among the six regions in Mindanao, Region 12, also known as Soccsksargen, has emerged as the top implementer of various development projects under the Department of Agriculture’s

Mindanao Rural Development Program–Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (MRDP-2).

Based on MRDP2’s year-end evaluation and assessment, the ratings indicated that the four provinces of the region were the program’s top performers so far in terms of project implementation and funds

disbursements.Soccsksargen Region (Central

Mindanao) is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal,


Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.South Cotabato province was

adjudged as the best provincial local government unit in the implementation of MRDP projects. This, after the province recorded an accomplishment rating of 129 percent, the number one among 26 provinces in the entire Mindanao region.

Sultan Kudarat, on the other hand, posted an accomplishment rating of 83 percent followed by North Cotabato with 68 percent and Sarangani with 55 percent.

South Cotabato Governor Arthur Pingoy Jr. told DA’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) that from the original target of P60 million, the province was able to implement a total of P77.5 million worth of projects in 10 localities in the area.

He also added that the program had served 174 people’s organizations, cooperatives and associations in the province in the last two years.

“We have received this citation because of our unique management strategy, and that is implementing the projects beyond politics,” Pingoy told RAFID.

With this excellent performance, South Cotabato will also serve as the pilot area for a bigger and wider Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) which is set to kick-off this year.

During the DA Region 12’s “Ulat sa Bayan” and “Farmers Hearts Day” celebration held at its regional station

in Barangay Bololmala in Tupi town on February 11, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala had awarded a special citation to the provincial government of South Cotabato for topping the implementation of MRDP-2 projects in the last two years in the entire Mindanao.

Alcala said that for this year, DA has allotted another P6 billion for the implementation of additional projects under the program.

Alcala added that such funding was on top of the agency’s appropriation for its priority initiatives in Mindanao this year that accounts for 38 to 40 percent of DA’s P76-billion budget for 2013.

Under the MRDP-2, the national government has allotted some P240 million for the implementation of various community-based projects in Region 12.

P80 million worth of budget has been allotted for North Cotabato followed by South Cotabato with P60 million, Sarangani with P45 million and Sultan Kudarat with P37.5 million.

The program so far benefited 771 cooperatives, people’s organizations and farmer associations in the region.

MRDP is a poverty alleviation initiative funded by the World Bank and the national government through the DA with the LGUs providing an equity share. The program seeks to further improve rural incomes and achieve food security through agri-fisheries infrastructure, livelihood enterprise, and biodiversity conservation projects. (PNA)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has alloted P3.1 billion for social services and poverty alleviation programs for Soccsksargen Region in 2013.

DSWD allots P3.1 B for Soccsksargen’s social services, anti-poverty programsBy Danilo E. Doguiles

DSWD 12 revealed this in a recent region-wide civil society organizations gathering where the primary objective was to identify various areas for convergence and project complementation.

“We need to provide our partners with data on the approved funds for the agency to become transparent in all our endeavors and provide opportunities for various civil society organizations to

see areas of partnership,” A l m a n z o r D a t a y a , r e g i o n a l planning officer of DSWD 12 explained.

He added that the move is in accordance with the n a t i o n a l government’s initiative for a bottom-up budgeting (BuB) process, which in the case of DSWD-led programs need the

active participation of its partners, including the CSOs.

“It is necessary that the needs in the grassroots are considered when it


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Philippine government has al-ready spent nearly P2.5 billion or $60.9 million for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Soccssksargen Region or Region 12.

comes to delivering government services,” he said.

Data provided by DSWD 12 indicated that the largest bulk of the P3.1 billion allocation would go to the grants and implementation needs of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) with a budget of P2.6 billion.

Moreover, P66 million is allotted for the social pension program for the elderlies while P39.4 million is intended for the operations and other expenses of community-based and center-based

services of the agencies.Implementation of the

Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) and the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS ) projects, will get P34.7 million and P33 million, respectively.

Dataya also shared that P149 million has been set for the implementation of supplemental feeding program and P118 million for the cash-for-work program for internally displaced persons.

Meanwhile, DSWD

12 regional director Zorahayda Taha, DSWD regional director emphasized, “Our CSOs are no longer onlookers of government programs and services but participants in the decision-making processes of our department.”

“While we forge ties with them, we know that we are in the right track of bringing the convergence theme at the forefront of all our actions,” Taha added. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Gov’t spends P2.5B for conditional cash transfer in Region 12By Danilo E. Doguiles

Bai Zorahayda Taha, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12, said the fund was used as cash grants to 202,851 indigent families covered by the government’s flagship poverty program since 2008.

Region 12 covers

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

DSWD 12 also covers Marawi City in the Autonomous Region

in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“We are happy to report that children of poor families are now enjoying better access to education and better health services,” Taha said.

“Our government is sincere in its campaign. No one gets left behind in


terms achieving holistic and inclusive growth,” she added.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and a social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the “poorest of the poor” households identified in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) survey in 2007.

Under the program, household beneficiaries receive a monthly stipend of P500 as well as P300 a month per child for educational expenses. A household with three qualified children could receive as much as P1,400 monthly.

For these cash grants to be sustained beneficiaries should comply with certain conditions, including pre- and post-natal care for pregnant mothers, attendance of parents to the Family Development Sessions, regular preventive check-ups and vaccination of 0 to 5 year old children, attendance to day care or pre-school classes at least 85 percent of the time by three-to-

five year old children, and enrolment and 85 percent attendance of six to 14-year-old children in elementary or high school as well as compliance to the twice-a-year deworming of 6sixto 14-year-old children.

Meanwhile, assistant regional director and CCT project manager Gemma Rivera, welcomed the World Bank’s recent findings citing the program on tract in terms of meeting goals keeping Children Healthy and in School.

The World Bank also cited that CCT is on track to achieve its

objectives in promoting investments in the health and education of children while providing immediate financial support to poor families.

Under World Bank’s report, “Philippines Conditional Cash Transfer Program, Impact Evaluation 2012,” it confirms that children of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are enrolling and attending schools, with improved health due to regular visits to health stations, and pregnant mothers getting proper care. (DED-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- From a lackadaisical performance these past years and the diminished services given its members, Govern-ment Service Insurance System (GSIS) has resurrected in PNoy’s adminis-tration to bandy its enhanced and improved service to members.

GSIS strengthens provision of quality service for its membersBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

In a forum held Monday, GSIS board of trustee Mario J. Aguja said that reforms are implemented in accordance to their organization’s mission.

According to him, GSIS has renewed its partnership with Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) that is providing at least 1,000 automated teller machines (ATMs) nationwide. With this, members, especially those in provinces will have an easier way of accessing their benefits.

Aside from this, GSIS has enhanced its emergency loan program. Under this, the grace period is extended up to three months, the interest is reduced to 6 percent

from 8 percent and the 1 percent service fee had been waived.

Also, there will be additional GWAPS (GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System) kiosks to be put up in different areas.

Aguja said the annual renewal of active status (ARAS) for local pensioners as well as revised survivorship policy and improved pension program empowering retirees to choose the repayment scheme for outstanding service loans under the Choice of Loan Amortization Schedule for Pensioners (CLASP) had been cancelled.

GSIS has also strengthened its collaboration with Pag-IBIG under its

rationalized home lending program where GSIS allotted P5 billion.

Aguja assured that members will get easy updates on GSIS postings and reconciliation of accounts through strengthened and improved multiple task forces, 24/7 operations and close coordination with technology partners.

The official emphasized that reforms and initiatives of GSIS will further promote a more consultative, transparent and m e m b e r - f o c u s e d organization striving to offer the highest quality of service to its members. (SJD-PIA12)


Agusan del Sur, recipients of COSERAM program

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- –- This province became one of the recipients of the Conflict Sensitive Resources and Asset Management (Coseram) program that supports an integrated approach of poverty reduction and peace building in Caraga Region.

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

by David M. Suyao


Started in October last year, the joint program of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Philippine government will end on June 2014 with German contributing EUR 1,750,000, through the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

According to Dirk Euler, German representative of Coseram, the program will adapt indigenous knowledge and practice recognized and used for the conservation of biodiversity and are oriented towards a peaceful and sustainable governance of the natural resources in the Agusan Marsh.

“The reason for this is because Agusan Marsh has gained an official status through Presidential Proclamation No. 913 and has been named the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary,” Euler said.

The official further said they will be focusing on the conservation and protection of Agusan Marsh, and will partner with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government

(DILG) in planning that will focus on capacity development on the individual and also on constitutional and organizational level.

“It will support the intersectoral dialogue and cooperation processes to strengthen and enhance the political and legal framework conditions for a culture and conflict sensitive use of indigenous practices for biodiversity conservation,” he said.

Presently, Coseram supports in participatory land use planning and rationalization of different plans that contributes to the efforts in conservation and enhancement of the management of protected areas.

According to Euler, after initial community organizing to be undertaken by the NCIP, he and his non-government organization counterpart represented by Mae Carla Sharon Buico will frequently visit the areas covered by the Coseram in order that implementation be seriously implemented and monitored.


RDC-13 invites candidates to present their platform for women

BUTUAN CITY-- As part of the 2013 Women’s month celebration in Caraga Region, the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) organized a Candidate’s Forum on the afternoon of Thursday, March 14 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

According to Atty. Marylin M. Pintor, GADCC Chairperson and Commission on Human Rights regional director, the Candidate’s Forum will serve as a venue for candidates to present their platform for women.

The forum will be attended by about 200 women and men from the different walks of life; the youth, rural women, religious,

persons with disabilities (PWDs), women NGOs, academe, civil society, health and business sectors.

Candidates invited during the forum are those running for mayor and vice mayor of Butuan City and for congress for the first congressional district of Agusan del Norte, Pintor said.

Just recently, the ninth

by Nora L. Molde


“Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan” was also held in the city where men and women enjoyed the trade fair, ukay-ukay, massage and spa, medical mission, legal counseling, parlor games, and other leisure activities.

This year’s women’s month celebration is anchored on the

theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan (Women: Guide Towards Straight and Narrow Path).” It underscores the need to accelerate women’s participation in governance and enhance gender perspective in upholding good governance.

DAR-AgNor to turnover P6-M farm implements to farmer-groups

BUTUAN CITY -- - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte through the implementation of Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) will turnover more than P6-million worth of modern farm implements to two Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) on March 20.

“The implementation of ARCCESS will contribute

significantly in transforming agrarian reform beneficiaries


(ARBs) into viable entrepreneurs resulting to poverty reduction in the rural areas. The farm equipment, are now ready for turn-over to intended beneficiaries,” said Andre B. Atega, DAR OIC assistant regional director and concurrent PARO II.

According to ARCCESS program coordinator Raul N. Hermoso, the modern farm equipment comprising eight hand tractors with implements, four cultivator power tillers, five thresher (jeep-mounted), one combined harvester and two hauling trucks, were requested by the farmers.

“These farm implements will

be handed-over to Tagabaca Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Baliguian Irrigators Association whose approved projects are Tagabaca Grains Center and Integrated Rice Production and Marketing, respectively,” Hermoso added.

The said implements are grant to the said ARB organizations which will benefit an estimated thousand of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

The program is in response to the mandate of Republic Act 9700 to provide subsidies to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

21


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Wage consultation held in PagadianBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Employers and labor representatives have converged here yesterday at the Bay Plaza Hotel for a wage consultation spearheaded by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in region 9. Around 40 participants composed of owners of local establishments, private school administrators, managers/representatives of banking and lending institutions, regional directors of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-IX and Department


of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-IX, representatives from the labor sector, media practitioners and other stakeholders turned up to join the said activity. In his welcome message as read by Engr. Joseph Isaias Quipot VI, Mayor Samuel Co underscored the need for wage adjustments among workers in the region amid escalating prices of basic goods and services. Also discussed during the wage consultation were topics like the “Two-Tiered Wage System” by RTWPB director Roberto G. Valerio,

“Socio Economic Indicators” by Mr. Manolette Jude M. Mercado of NEDA-IX, and “Labor Force Survey/Enforcement Framework” by Chief Labor Employment Officer Albert E. Gutib of DOLE-IX. All members of the RTWPB headed by DOLE-IX regional director Sisinio B. Cano were present in said gathering. Wage consultations will be also conducted in Dipolog City today and in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay tomorrow. A similar activity will be held in Zamboanga City on Friday.


The workshop was facilitated by Perlidita Engalla, OIC-CARPO for Operations, assisted by Eufrecina De Guzman Head of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PMEU) and other staff. The two-day activity was witnessed by DAR-IX Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Agnes Y. Maata and Rizzel B. Villanueva Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer of Zamboanga Sibugay. The workshop taught the participants on the identification of location of land holdings, number

of land areas, conduct of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries screening and selection, conduct of field work and the generation and registration of Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA). Director Ragandang urged the participants that a weekly report/update should be submitted to monitor the development of the project, and that the MARO of each municipality has to work on the backlogs and perform their respective functions to achieve this year’s target. “Despite the heavy workload, each should not forget to smile and enjoy the work,” added Ragandang.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Zamboanga Sibugay provincial office has recently held here a two-day planning workshop for Municipal Agrarian Reform Officers (MAROs) in the province.

By Claro A. Lanipa

The participants, who are members of the Tawi-tawi Alliance of Civil Society Organizations (TACOS) and coming from the different island municipalities, brought to the attention of government leaders certain issues and concerns affecting their respective areas. Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, who was the guest of honor,

Tawi-tawi CSOs raise issues, concerns on participatory governanceBONGAO, Tawi-tawi - As stakeholders of various government programs and projects implemented under the Aquino government, some 50 civil society organizations raised several issues and concerns to the local and regional governments in a recent summit held at a local hotel here.

By Raja Lakandula S. Aming



took time to answer these issues and concerns. He also informed his listeners of the reforms the regional government had accomplished under his watch, particularly on graft and corruption. Hataman said the “matuwid na daan” agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino is his guide in instituting reforms in the ARMM. With the Regional Governor were some ARMM cabinet secretaries and members of the Regional Legislative Assembly who also engaged with the participants. Assemblywoman Dayang Carlsum Jumaide, who formally opened the two-day summit, underscored the role that CSOs play in monitoring government programs and projects. On the other hand, DTI-ARMM Secretary Sangkula Tindick said in his message that “being a Bangsamoro, good governance must be defined as in the Qur’an, Hadith and the Sunnah of Rasul.”

In her presentation during the workshop, Ms. Melba Matba cited an array of problems relative to the delivery of basic services, health and education in the municipality of Languyan. Matba heads the CSO in said town. Similar concerns were also aired by other municipalities. Speaking as one voice, the CSO members of TACOS formulated some resolutions to address the issues and concerns besetting their respective towns. The resolutions were a realization of the summit theme, “Mainstreaming CSOs in Participatory Governance.” In his closing remarks, TACOS Chairman Prof. Magsaysay Werble challenged the sincerity of both the local governments and the CSOs. “Participatory governance would require that we are more open in helping one another and sincere in our mission to be of service to our people,” he said.



Women organizations in Lanao Norte plant 1,000 mangrove seedlingsby Lovely A. Rosario

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- Women organizations from all over the province planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings at the town of Bacolod last March 8 in celebration of International Women’s Day.


The Olympics is a national competition for best productivity programs or practices focused on business excellence and resource management of MSMEs nationwide. It is organized by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) in coordination with all its

tripartite boards. The Olympics aims to intensify national awareness and commitment to quality and productivity. It also seeks to enhance establishment’s performance in quality and productivity, as well as, showcase the best productivity improvement programs and

Tripartite board-10 calls on entrepreneurs to join Productivity Olympics

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Region 10 (RTWPB-10) is calling all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region to participate in the 2013 Productivity Olympics.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Among those who participated in the activity were policewomen from the provincial headquarters, members of the provincial gender and development committee, women’s groups from Magsaysay and Bacolod, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), provincial employees, provincial board members, Bacolod municipal officials and Liangan East elementary pupils. “Mangrove planting is critical in protecting our coastal communities, especially during storm surges. We also let the students participate so they will appreciate nature and help in its preservation,” Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction

Management Office (PDRRMO) Head Marlyn Trozo said. The event was organized by the Provincial Population Office (PPO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and PDRRMO. The celebration which lasted a whole day started with a program followed with “larong Pinoy” (Pinoy games) in the afternoon. Winners received packs of noodles, household plastic wares and canned goods. The tree planting activity is an annual program of PGAD, PSWDO, PDRRMO and PPO usually held during women’s month.


Tripartite board-10 calls on entrepreneurs to join Productivity Olympics

practices. According to RTWPB-10, awards and incentives await the 2013 winners such as Productivity Olympics trophy, cash award, use of Productivity Olympics 2013 award logo for publicity purposes for three consecutive years, and priority endorsement to other training programs and services of the NWPC/RTWPBs and other agencies of the Department of

Labor and Employment (DOLE). Interested MSMEs can download the nomination form from the NWPC website at www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph or they may also inquire from the RTWPB office. The last day of submission is on June 30 while the awarding will be held in October in line with the celebration of the National Quality and Productivity Month.”

NYC opens application for Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Youth Commission (NYC) region 10 is urging all qualified Filipino youth to apply for a chance to represent the Philippines in the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP). SSEAYP is an annual youth cultural exchange program between Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries and Japan. Now on its 40th year, SSEAYP continues to promote friendship and goodwill among young people of Southeast Asia and Japan. The program is sponsored by the Government of Japan and is implemented in the Philippines by the National Youth Commission. “This is one way of honing the skills of our Filipino youth; SSEAYP provides our youth the opportunity to showcase their unique talent and truly become global ambassadors

of goodwill,” said Commissioner Erwin Andaya, 40th SSEAYP National Organizing Committee Chair. Delegates to the program will embark on a 52-day voyage across Southeast Asia and Japan aboard the Japanese Ocean Liner Nippon Maru. The country program for the Philippines is scheduled on December 6 to 9, 2013. The selected delegate will be one of the 28 participating youths between 18 to 30 years old as of April 1, 2013. Application forms are available on NYC’s website at www.nyc.gov.ph. Application period deadline is April 12, 2013.


Durian Summit to tackle improved fruit production

DAVAO CITY- A Durian summit which will be held this March 13 to 14 in Davao City will hope to tackle issues that hinder durian production in the region. According to Larry Miculob president of the Mindanao Fruit Council- durian growers in the country are lagging behind Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of production per hectare. Miculob said that neighboring

countries have an annual yield of 10 tons per hectares year this compared to local production which could only amount to 2 tons per hectare. He said there is a big market potential for durian overseas and these markets cannot be tap unless there is a problem in the production.Miculob added that China needs about 800 tons of

durian monthly and these cannot be met by local growers. Also the low prices of durian can be attributed to the grower’s focus on the local market instead of the growing overseas consumers.He said that they are eyeing at least to double the current production of durian farmers to at least 4 tons per hectare or

by Rudolph Alama


equal the normal production of their Asian neighbors of about 10 tons per hectare. Miculob said that the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology is aiming for a 26 tons per hectare production. According to Miculob an increase in production will help increase the durian growers’ profit and will take his mind away from shifting to other high-valued fruits like bananas.

Miculob said the Durian Summit to be held in Davao City’s Grand Men Seng Hotel will discuss and impart to growers ways on improving their current durian production particularly disseminating new growing technologies and tackling important concerns which would affect the durian industry. The Durian Summit is organized by the MFC and the City Agriculturist Office of the local government of Davao City. (PIA/RG Alama)

regional gallery

TAGUM CITY – Senior City Councilor De Carlo “Oyo” L. Uy sharing inspiring thoughts to the Completers of the Army Literacy Patrol System (ALPS), a com-ponent of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency during their Closing Ceremony last March 6, 2013 at Brgy. Visayan Village Gym, Tagum City. (Photo by Ramil Gregorio- Office of DCLU)


Coops pooled P1.5 million for typhoon victims TAGUM CITY- Cooperatives in Luzon and in the Visayas together with Tagum Cooperative served a total of 5,480 families who ex-perienced the wrath of typhoon Pablo and the consequent adverse weather conditions causing mas-sive floods. Recently released Relief and Rehabilitation Report of Tagum Cooperative showed that cooperatives in Luzon and in the Visayas and Tagum Cooperative pooled together a total of P1,490,400 to reach out to the affected families. Tagum Cooperative pitched in a counterpart donation of P940,000; Cebu Court of First Instance put in P300,000; Paco Soriano Pandacan Development Cooperative shared P150,000; CLIMBS Insurance, P40,000; Valenzuela Development Cooperative, P30,000; Nocaliches Development Cooperative, Inc (NOVADECI), P20,000; and San Jose Del Monte Cooperative, P10,000. “They extended and gave us their donations to typhoon victims without us asking them,” Tagum Cooperative Chairperson of the Board of Director Norma Pereyras said. As the trusted conduit of donations from fellow cooperative,

Tagum Cooperative brought relief goods to one city and three towns in Davao del Norte and to four towns in Compostela Valley.Recipient areas in Davao del Norte were barangays San Miguel and Liboganon in Tagum City; barangays Guadalupe, Maligaya and Salvacion in Carmen; and in the municipalities of Kapalong and New Corella.In Compostela Valley, Tagum Cooperative relief operation reached the evacuation site of New Bataan; in barangays Poblacion and Bagungon in Compostela; New Visayas and Lino-an in Montevista; and in barangays Babag, San Jose, Tubo-Tubo and Salvacion in Monkayo. Including the P9,961 worth of relief goods given to Davao City, Tagum Cooperative distributed P1,065,188.08 total worth of family relief packs to operation areas in Davao del Norte and in Compostela Valley. Tagum Cooperative stretched the pooled resources to also buy P334,638 total worth of galvanized iron (GI) sheets for building of new houses for typhoon displaced families in New Bataan, Nabunturan, Compostela, Laak and Monkayo; and in reconstructing elementary schools in Agusan del Sur. (Tagum Cooperative PR)


Women’s rights champion to lead ARMM’s human rights bodyby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Human rights lawyer Laisa Masuhud Alamia has formally assumed Tuesday as chairperson of the newly-established Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after being sworn in by acting ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.


Hataman said Alamia’s appointment was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on February 7. The RHRC was established last year following the enactment of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288 otherwise known as the “ARMM Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012.” The acting ARMM chief said the subtleties of human rights in an area like the region can be best tackled by someone with Alamia’s competence and background. “Her track record on human rights work in different parts of Mindanao is commendable,” he said. Alamia is the former program manager and one of the founders of Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro (Women for Justice in the Bangsamoro), a human rights group based in

Mindanao who actively engage in women issues and rights advocacy with particular reference on Islamic views. She was also a program coordinator and board secretary of the Bangsamoro Lawyer’s Network (BLN), a member of the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC). Human rights cases in ARMM spring mainly from the on and off armed conflicts and prevalence of several armed groups in the region. Alamia said women empowerment and gender issues will be among the RHRC’s top agenda. She is joined in the RHRC by fellow lawyer Alikhan Abuat, who took oath on the same day as a commissioner. (ARMMCommGroup)


Marawi collects P388M in taxes, surpasses target by 7.41%by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Marawi Revenue District Office (RDO 102) surpassed its revenue goal for 2012 by 7.41 percent after it collected P388.73 million during the year.

The RDO 102 posted a P26.83 million jump in its collections; the target for the year was P361.90 million. Year-on-year, RDO 102 tax revenues went by 14.43 percent or P45.10 million compared to the P312.55 million it collected in the same period in 2011. Collections from income tax made up 77 percent of the RDO’s total revenues reaching P298.22 million, up by 11.47 percent or P30.68 million than the P267.54-million goal for the year. This amount is also higher by 27.21 percent or P63.78 million against the P234.44 million income tax collections in 2011. Collections from value-added tax (VAT) which comprised 21 percent of the total tax revenues was posted at P83.07 million, higher by 16.68 percent compared to the P71.19 million VAT collections a year ago. Collections from percentage tax and other taxes, on the other hand, were recorded at P1.34 million and P6.09 million, respectively. Revenue District Officer Aminoding Macarampat attributed

the positive performance to the conduct of extensive tax information and education campaign down to the barangay level. He said tax-mapping operations was also continuously undertaken to educate the business community of their registration and bookkeeping requirements. Meanwhile, Macarampat underscored the support of local banks such as the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines in helping the RDO in disseminating tax information at the municipal and barangay levels. He also lauded the provincial government and the Mindanao State University in the city for the correct implementation of withholding tax.

One Mindanao - March 13, 2013

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