One Mindanao - March 19, 2014

‘Great Love’ flows within Zamboanga and MindanaoDominic I. SanchezWESTERN MINDANAO

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 143

Aquino meets Mitsubishi chief in Malacañang

NATIONAL

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WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

ARMM

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

DOT 12 eyes 1.9 million tourists in SOCCSKSARGEN for 2014

37 OFWs undergo training for OWWA reintegration program

29 Zambo. Norte senior high school students hurdle 2014 DOST- SEI scholarship exams

RDC-9 approves P46.91-B budget for FY 2015

DTI grants P1-M SSF to Samal, Dujali coops

DepEd-Tangub bares winners of search for best class, section in writing, reading

Bazaar showcases women’s role in economic development

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14 16 19 35

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Michael Uy

Aida C. Agad

Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Information to Empower Filipinos

10 7 12CARAGA REGION

It’s all systems go for ALAGA KA launching in Caraga

Butuan City pushes through with the ‘simultaneous earthquake drill’ despite LPA rains

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Nora L. Molde

Noel B. Najarro

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Apipa P. Bagumbaran

DTI Bukidnon supports NAMARCO through SSF project 37 Junar B. Merla

Alfonso T. Ruda

Alma L. Tingcang

‘Great Love’ flows within Zamboanga and Mindanao

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‘Great Love’ flows within Zamboanga and Mindanao

September 9, 2013 will perhaps be a date that will not be easily forgotten by Zamboangueños.

The skirmishes that lasted weeks between government forces and armed followers of Nur Misuari drove thousands of frightened innocent civilians from their homes to over-crowded evacuation centers - literally paralyzing the city’s social, cultural, and economic activities. Ports were closed, and supplies had no way of getting in. Markets, stores, pharmacies, banks and other business centers were shut down. Residents were in a state of fear and panic.

Many lives were lost. Yet, as the flames faded, many still felt the heavy toll of weariness bearing down on them. Thousands had already lost their homes, their means of income, and their way of life. They were scared that even their most basic

needs like food and water were growing scarce. As early as 6 a.m. on September 9, Tzu Chi volunteers immediately mobilized themselves to help feed the lot of displaced persons and many others who were in need of food and other assistance. Since then, the volunteers were working around the clock to distribute much-needed food and other necessities. Tzu Chi conducted medical missions and set up mobile clinics in the evacuation camps. Tzu Chi has been operating in the city for at least the last 14 years; it has always been a source of hope and support not only in times of social crisis, but whenever

By Dominic I. Sanchez

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anyone is in dire need of aid.

Tzu Chi’s ‘Great Love’ “When I was small, I wanted to be a surgeon,” recounted Dr. Josefino Qua, one of Tzu Chi’s commissioners. “I wanted to serve humanity, especially the poor.” Dr. Qua came from Manila for a surgical mission in the city late this February, along with a handful of dedicated doctor-specialists. In an interview, he recalled that during his early years as a doctor, more interest was put into earning than helping. “I just forgot about the ‘serving humanity’ part.” It was during that time of realization that he wanted to do something about it. Dr. Qua’s mother was one of the pioneers of Tzu Chi Foundation in the Philippines. “My mother introduced me to her friends. It was my time to give back.” But “serving humanity” has never been easy. Dr. Qua remembered the time when he and fellow Tzu Chi doctors struggled for a surgical-medical outreach. “We had to sterilize an office, and even a classroom for

a surgical operation. We carried the patients on a make-shift wooden stretcher. We practically did not have any equipment.” Within a few years the group grew in numbers. Donors, local and international have felt the “Great Love”, and the amount of help brought to those who need it had swollen.

Tzu Chi Zamboanga for the whole of Mindanao In the year 2000, Tzu Chi reached Zamboanga for a medical mission. Dr. Anton Mari Lim, who heads the local liaison office said that after the mission, more people still needed various medical services – most of whom did not have the money to avail of expensive medical procedures. Thus, Tzu Chi Zamboanga was born. Tzu Chi medical missions have become a regular activity here – done once or twice a year, considering that the Foundation spends at the very least a million pesos for each mission. A few years later, Tzu Chi Zamboanga had realized two buildings within the premises of the Zamboanga City Medical Center – the Tzu Chi Great Love Rehabilitation Center and the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center, in 2004 and 2008 respectively. Thousands

had already availed of the free medical sessions and services from the two centers, and many more are continuing to benefit. Tzu Chi Zamboanga is one of three liaison offices in the Philippines; with one in Manila and another in Cebu. The Zamboanga office, being the only one in Mindanao caters to the other towns and cities in the island. “We have to haul our equipment for example to (Zamboanga) Sibugay, Dipolog, and even as far as General Santos City,” explained Dr. Lim. “Tzu Chi is ready to assist local governments whenever needed,” Dr. Lim clarified.

Dedication of volunteers is essential Dr. Qua emphasized that in outreaches like surgical-medical missions, “we do not look for just ordinary doctors”. Those who perform the operations should be specialists, experts per se. “But all that would not matter if they did not have the dedication and willingness to help.” During last month’s medical mission at the Great Love Eye Center, Dr. Qua said that the doctors would work their regular hours, sometimes even beyond 12 midnight – similar hours, or even more than during the times when they were actually compensated for their services. “We need to take good care of the patients and ensure that the operations are a success,” he said. “If we did something just for the sake of it and something goes wrong, all our work would have been for nothing.” Dr. Lim added that the outreaches cover laboratory tests and other incidental expenses needed by the

patients, sometimes even food and transportation. “Wala talagang short-cut, kahit libre,” he said. (The patients are never short-changed, even if the services are for free.) Tzu Chi’s help is not limited only to providing medical services, and the volunteers, as commonly perceived, are not all doctors and medical personnel. “Plenty are ordinary housewives, secretaries, teachers, businessmen, and others. We have approximately 2,000 donor-members and most of them are working. But they shell out monthly donations and give out their extra hours like on nighttime and weekends,” clarified Dr. Lim. “Anybody who wants to help can be a volunteer-member.” Tzu Chi’s duty is to reach out to poor communities and to those who are in need of immediate help and relief, like during the Ondoy, Sendong, Yolanda and the Zamboanga siege episodes. In a press release, Judy Lao of the Manila office wrote: “Tzu Chi’s mission is more than just charity… the goal is to spread the spirit of selfless Great Love. Like a seed that produces more seeds, compassionate actions can inspire more love.”

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President Aquino says politicsnot his priority

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he will announce the administration’s bet for the 2016 election at the right time

but in the mean time he will focus on governance to improve the condition of the people.

Across the Nation

Politicians have started their posturing for the national poll two years from now.

“I will announce at the appropriate time. Pero sa ngayon, syempre naka-focus tayo sa problema ngayon imbes na ‘yung 2016 elections,” the President said in an interview during the Pinoy Music Summit in Malate, Manila on Wednesday.

The year has just started and the President said he hopes his allies would understand his priorities at this time.

With the onset of the rainy season a few months from now, the President said he expects typhoons to come and he wants to make sure that communities are prepared against calamities. He added that he has

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a few months to establish those priorities. Asked whether he thinks jockeying for

positions by politicians was helpful to the country, he said it gives the people more time to scrutinize political personalities who show interest in running in 2016.

“Baka mabibigyan ng mas mahabang pagkakataon suriin ang bawat kandidato. Mabibigyan ang ating mga mamamayan ng pagkakataon na talagang masuri, salang-sala ang pagpipili nila, so palagay ko makakatulong rin ‘yun,” he said. PND

Aquino meets Mitsubishi chief in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Wednesday Mitsubishi Motors Corp. President Osamu Masuko in a

courtesy call in Malacanang.

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Last month, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. shuffled its top brass naming Masuko chairman and CEO of the company. The changes take effect on June 25, pending shareholder approval, according to the company.

Masuko, 64, became president in 2005, has led the company to record profits following a rough period marked by red ink, allegations of cover ups over product defects, and a tumultuous split with German partner Daimler AG.

He is expected to focus his attention on building partnerships with other automakers as he takes on a chief executive title.

Accompany ing Masuko were Hikosaburo Shibata, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.;

Tatsuo Nakamura, vice corporate general manager, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.; Yoshizumi Kurata, senior vice president, machinery division, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.; Morizako Chokki, senior executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors Corp.; and Junya Masuda, executive vice

president marketing division, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.

Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo was also present.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. was established in the Philippines on February 20, 1963 as Chrysler Philippines Corp.

The company now markets over 16 types of vehicles in the Philippines, after 48 years of operation. Its assembly plant is located in Cainta, Rizal. PND

10MARCH 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Megaworld sets P15B to build first township development in Mindanao

Property giant Megaworld Corp. is spending P15 billion to build its first township development in Mindanao in the next five to seven years.

The Davao Park District, located on an 11-hectare property along the S.P. Dakudao Loop in Lanang,

is envisioned to be Davao City’s central business district (CBD) and a major center for information


technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) in Mindanao.

“Davao City is the economic center of Mindanao. This is the best place to build our very first township in Southern Philippines, which we envision to be Mindanao’s new central business district,” said Dr. Andrew Tan, chairman and chief executive officer at Megaworld.

First to rise in the township will be office towers suited for BPO companies and other corporate offices, boosting Megaworld’s portfolio of office buildings.

The property firm recently announced that its office space inventory would reach 712,000 square meters this year, the biggest in the industry.

“As the country’s largest office developer and landlord, we will also be bringing our expertise and leadership in the development of state-of-the-art office towers to Davao City. We hope to bring in new BPO locators to set up operations in the city,” said Jericho P. Go, first vice p r e s i d e n t , M e g a w o r l d .

Aside from office towers, Davao Park

District will also feature themed residential condominiums that will be built by Suntrust, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Megaworld.

The township will also have a lifestyle mall, commercial and retail strips, and a school.

Davao Park District will be Megaworld’s 10th township in the Philippines. Other successful townships developed by Megaworld include the 17-hectare Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, the 50-hectare McKinley Hill, the five-hectare Forbes Town Center, the 34.5-hectare McKinley West, and the 15.4-hectare Uptown Bonifacio, all in Fort Bonifacio; the 25-hectare Newport City in Pasay City which is home to the famous Resorts World Manila; the 12.3-hectare Woodside City along C-5, Pasig City; the 28.8-hectare The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.


Health official bats for pro-active measures to prevent deaths, complications in evacuation centersBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - To prevent more deaths and health complications in the evacuation centers in the city, City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos talked with the Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Talon-Talon Elementary School evacuation center and advocated for health measures to be practiced there during an information caravan held there Saturday.


Health official bats for pro-active measures to prevent deaths, complications in evacuation centers

“We have already noted the deaths of 95 persons at the Grandstand evacuation center, and thankfully, there have been no health complications in Talon-Talon,” said Dr. Agbulos. “There are three simple requirements that we have to observe to prevent any sicknesses at the evacuation centers: clean environment, decongestion, and good personal hygiene,” he explained. Dr. Agbulos attributed the deaths in the Grandstand to a lack of the three items above. He encouraged them to maintain the sanitation and cleanliness at the evacuation center, until temporary, and eventually permanent shelters will be provided for them within months.

“Mantena lang kita el cosa kita ta ase ahora. Si limpio el lugar, nohay gayod quien ay muri (Let’s maintain what we are doing here now. If the surroundings are clean, no one will die of health complications),” he appealed to the IDPs. Moreover, he encouraged pregnant women never to give birth at the evacuation centers – they should proceed directly to the nearest health center and be attended to by medical professionals, and not quack doctors. “Huwag laging maniwala sa panday o sa albularyo. May mga midwives at nurses tayo, edukado sila at sila ang may kaalaman kung papaano kayo tulungan (Don’t always go to quack doctors. We have midwives and nurses who have the


These 29 successful examinees represent 6.9 percent of the 420 examinees coming from the various public and private secondary schools in the province who took the examination. Last year, 36 of the 321 aspirants also passed the said examination. The new DOST-SEI scholars

from the province are Elopre, Regina Vega of Dapitan City National High School, Sarcillo, Ma. Coleen Naya of Rizal Memorial Institute in Dapitan City, Amistoso, Charcille Mae Agpasa and Patangan, Hana Shenne Hamoles of St. Mary’s Academy in Dipolog

29 Zambo. Norte senior high school students hurdle 2014 DOST- SEI scholarship examsBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY – Twenty nine senior high school students from the different schools in Zamboanga del Norte hurdled the 2014 Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholarship examinations given in Dipolog City on Oct. 27, 2013.

knowledge and capacity on how to take care of you),” he said. The city health officer alsoemphasized that dengue cases may be on the rise since the city has experienced rains. “Maintain a clean environment, and if some areas are floodedwithwater,spraysomesaltinto them so that dengue-carrying mosquitoes will not breed there,” he urged. Lastly, he said that if ever some of the IDPs would feel slight illnesses and discomfort, they should already get a check-up. “Our staff at the health center is on stand-by 24 hours, you can come visit anytime. If you ever get sick and feel the need to be admitted to the hospital, get a referral from your camp managers, and come to the Zamboanga City Medical Center. Walang bayad, libre ang gamot (No

consultation fee and the medicines are free) including hospitalization,” Dr. Agbulos said. The information caravan is an endeavor of the Communications Working Group composed of the City Information Office (CIO),International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Office for the Coordination ofHumanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and various local, national and international development and humanitarian actors. The caravan’s primary purpose is to engage the IDPs to provide them with their information needs, being a venue for real-time, two-way communication between them and their government.


29 Zambo. Norte senior high school students hurdle 2014 DOST- SEI scholarship exams

City,Fudolin, Yeshia Lee Adaro a n d Saldia, Kesiah Gerodias of Zamboanga del Norte National High School in Dipolog City, Macalisang, Frechie Mapa of Dipolog City and student of Philippine Science High School-Central Mindanao Campus in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, Onganiza, Rizza Pas Solmayor of Godod National High School in Godod, Zamboanga del Norte, Suminggit, Kim Erick Debosura of Kipit Agro Fishery High School in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, Borongan, Roslie Sabado of Kalawit National High School in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte, Gumacas, Rafael Leguro of Katipunan National High School in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte, Delan, Dianne Rose Bait-it of La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte, Erojo. Mary Joy Vailocis of Ubay National High School in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, Edago, Murphy II Sangcom of Bacungan National High School in Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte, Cua, Sid Jeric Castanos of Liloy National High School in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, Ansiman, Vemalyn Belingan of Manukan National High School, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, Elcamel, Lerra Mae Icao and Suminguit, Danivie Galota of Mutia National High School in Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte, Emoria, Angel Ventolina of Polanco National High School, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, Bael, Nina Faith Balingit of Dohinob National High School, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte, Ahiyal, Alhaidar Jailani of Sibuco National High School, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, Bermudez, Glory Anne, Dagot, Christine Kimberly Panimpa,

Ponce, Kim Siangco and Tecson, Christine of Sindangan National High School, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Maestre, Loriza Elumbaring of Sindangan town and student PSHS-Central Mindanao Campus, Binal, Roel Badilla of Siocon National High School, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, Dingcong, Roger Jr. Gimarangan and Dodondoyano, Noemi Baunillo of Tampilisan National High School in Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte. Engr. Marcial Dahonan, provincial director of DOST-Zamboanga del Norte attributed the increase in number of passers from the different municipalities to the efforts of the office to reach out to the far-flungareas and encourage poor but deserving graduating students to avail of the scholarship program. Scholarship privilege includes tuition and other school fees, P6,000.00 per semester; P5,000.00 book allowance per year; P500.00 MPSE uniform allowance (First semester of First Year only) and round-trip transportation allowance for those studying outside of home province and a stipend of P5,000.00 per month for those taking BS Physics/Applied Physics/Physics Teachings/Geology Mining. Meanwhile, under Merit Category, partial scholar receives P3,500.00 and special scholar receives P2,825.00 stipend per month. Other DOST-SEI priority courses has a monthly stipend of P4,000.00 and P2,400.00 and P2,200.00 for partial and special scholars under the merit category respectively and post-graduation allowance of P1,000.00 for full scholars only.


RDC-9 approves P46.91-B budget for FY 2015 By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 has approved the proposed P46.91 billion budget for 2015 programs and projects of regional line agencies (RLAs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) during its 146th meeting held recently at Roderic’s Resort, this municipality.

The proposed 2015 budget was approved after careful and thorough review by the council to ensure that resources poured into the region are aligned with the development priorities enunciated in the Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) Regional Development Plan. It is 82 percent higher than the P25.72 billion budget of 2014 as proposed by 21 RLAs and 6 SUCs in the region. Ms. Teresita Socorro C. Ramos, Acting RDC-9 Chairperson and NEDA-9 Regional Director expressed her gratitude to the members for their active participation in all RDC-9 activities in support to the Regional Development Plan 2014-2016. Dir. Ramos emphasized during the meeting to highlight the celebration of Women’s Month, the support of the council for Gender and Development as some of the priorities in the 2015 budget. A total of 45 resolutions were

passed by the council during the meeting, including the endorsement of Department of Agrarian Reform 9’s (DAR-9) Reduction of Local Government Unit Counterpart for Agrarian Reform Communities Development Project (ARCDP) II. Other matters discussed during the meeting were: sectoral concerns that impede the promising growth of the region’s economy; the creation of the Philippine Rubber Industry Development Authority; Conversion of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources into a Department; Updates on National Greening Program; National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR); Technical Vocational (TechVoc) Policy Implications of the K-to-12 Enhanced Basic Education; Creation of Regional Task Force on ASEAN Integration 2015 and other relevant issues.


Davao City school given very high marks in nationwide earthquake drill

DAVAO CITY- Pupils and teachers of the Sta. Ana Elementary School led the holding of the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill in

Davao City. Retired Brig. General Loreto Rirao, director of the Office ofCivil Defense 11 and chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction

by Joey Dalumpines


and Management Council 11 which monitored the activity gave the students a very satisfactory mark for their prompt response in observing the duck and cover action as they left their respective classrooms en routetotheopenfieldinanorderlypassion, following the sound of the alarm. He observed that only a few number of students did not tend to follow instruction, and unmindful of the exercise. “Generally the execution of the drill was very good. There were minor adjustments that need to be done though like instilling the duck, cover and hold movement among the pupils,” Rirao said. He said that aside from coping earthquakes, the RDRRMCC and PDRRMChave also intensified theinformation campaign in handling other disasters. Rirao said nine other areas

involving schools and hospitals in the region participated in the earthquake drill. The head of the Emergency R e s p o n s e Center Central 911 lauded the p a r t i c i p a t i o n of the pupils and teachers of the Sta. Ana E l e m e n t a r y School in the e a r t h q u a k e s i m u l a t i o n

drill which was conducted after heavy rains Wednesday. Emmanuel Jaldon, chief of the Emergency Response Center Central 911 said the earthquake drill is very important in order to evaluate every ways in the management of this type of disaster. He shared an observation like the need for a more effective alarm system that will warn the public on the occurrence of a tremor. Jaldon said that under heavy tremor the tendency of every person is to save his life and no one anymore has the luxury of time to bang the alarm bell. “Every member of the disaster awareness teams of every institution must have a whistle to signal duck, cover and hold when an earthquake occurs,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


TAGUM CITY– The Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Field Office recently turned over P 1 million service facilities to two cooperatives in the Island Garden City of Samal and in the munici-pality of Dujali. Under the DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) program, Tambo Seaweed Growers Development Cooperative (TASEGDECO) of Samal received mechanical dryers and manual dugouts costing a total of P 850,000 while the Dujali Free Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (DUFFAMCO) acquired a vacuum sealer for organic rice production worth P 150,000. These facilities were granted to improve the production quantity and quality of the recipient cooperatives to accelerate their competitiveness. In an interview, Pedro Pasco, Jr., chairperson of the TASEGDECO cited the facility as “great help” to his co-members “especially now that the weather has become unpredictable”. Currently, the cooperative is harvesting 1,700 kilograms of seaweeds per 45 days cycle during fair weather. However, production

fall short of the buyers’ demand during rainy days. Meanwhile, Gemma Bacurayo, DUFFAMCO manager said that the vacuum sealer will decrease incidence of spoilage as it will extends the shelf life of their produce from three months to more than a year. Presently, the cooperative is harvesting 800 sacks of black, red and brown rice per semester, which are being marketed locally for now. Having acquired the shared service facilities, officers of thecooperatives were looking forward to the prospect of realizing their dream of accessing the global market. For this year, the DTI is set to deliver another P 14.5-million SSF to various micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province. The SSF is a regular DTI program that funds better technology and sophisticated equipment as a common facility or production center of MSMEs to increase their competitiveness in the global industry supply chain. (PIA-XI, Michael Uy)

DTI grants P1-M SSF to Samal, Dujali coops


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- North Cotabato was named one of the 12 top rice producing provinces in the 3rd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards in a ceremony at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on Friday.

North Cotabato, 4 towns named winners in 3rd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ AwardsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

The Department of Agriculture also recognized four municipalities in SOCCSKSARGEN Region among the 48 top performing municipalities and cities.

In a press release sent to the Philippine Information Agency 12, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said as one to the best performing rice-


producing provinces in the country, North Cotabato also won P4 million worth of projects from DA.

Other provinces that made it to the list were Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Kalinga, Mindoro Occidental, Laguna and Lanao del Norte.

Meanwhile, four municipal winners from the region included of M’lang, Tulunan, Midsayap in North Cotabato and Lambayong in Sultan Kudarat. As winners, each will receive P1M worth of projects.

Mayors Joselito Piñol of M’lang and Lani Candolada of Tulunan were present at the ceremony to personally receive their awards from Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

No irrigators’ association and small water-impounding system farmers’ association from the region was included among the awardees.

Top provinces, towns and cities, IAs, and SWISAs were chosen based on the following criteria: incremental rice harvest and average yield per hectare over 2012 levels, increase if any over 2013 target, amount of budget devoted to rice projects and initiatives, number of farmers benefited,anddegreeofriceseedutilization, among other criteria

Moreover, Datukan also announced that of the 496

awarded as outstanding agricultural technologists, 37 were from SOCCSKSARGEN Region, particularly from the towns of Midsayap, Kabacan, M’lang, Tulunan in North Cotabato and Lambayong and Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat. Each of them was given with P20,000 cash incentive.

In his message, Secretary Alcala reiterated that Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards (APRAA) is the government’s way of thanking the country’s rice farmers and their respective provincial and municipal officials as well as agriculturalextension workers for their continuing efforts and contributions in boosting the national rice harvest.

“It is already the third year that we initiated the Rice Achievers’ Awards as part of the DA’s interventions and incentive system to encourage LGUs, IAs and AEWs to contribute their share in increasing farmers’ harvest and incomes, and subsequently attain national rice self-sufficiency,”hesaid.

Citing rice production data in 2013, Secretary Alcala disclosed that the Philippines recorded total rice production of 18.44 million metric tons that led to the attainment of the c97% rice self-sufficiencystatus.Althoughthisfigureis3%short

ofthe100%riceself-sufficiency,Secretary Alcala emphasized,


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Region 12 tourism Director Nelly Nita Dillera is optimistic the tourism sector could reach the target 1.9 million tourists visiting various tourism destinations in SOCCSKSARGEN region at the end of 2014.

DOT 12 eyes 1.9 million tourists in SOCCSKSARGEN for 2014By: Aida C. Agad

In 2013, about 345,328 tourists visited and spent at least overnight in accommodation facilities in Region 12, a report from the Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 said.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency here, Dillera said DOT 12 has set new strategic promotions and marketing of the region’s tourist attractions in local and international markets.

Dillera is spearheading a selling mission of “The 12th Paradise” in the

cities of Iloilo and Bacolod in Western Visayas on March 20-25.

This, she said is part of their strategy of giving maximum exposure of the region’s tourism destinations.

The “12th Paradise,” is Region 12’s tourism brand.

Dillera, also said, she expects to entice more Ilongos with Region 12’s tourism assets. These resources, she said are ideal venues for family and business gathering such as conferences, conventions, reunions

rice production that the country has posted.”

Once again, the secretary called on the attention of all local chief executives, AEWs, IAs, and rice farmers to double their efforts in accelerating rice productivity to ensure that 100% rice self-sufficiency status is achieved inearly 2015

Meantime, DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, who led Region 12’s delegation,saidtheregionalofficehas been undertaking innovative strategies to greatly contribute to the country’s rice sufficiencyprogram.

The lady director also congratulated the awardees from Region 12 and challenged them to strive even harder to help achieve the government’s goals for the Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program(FSSP) particularly on rice.

For the APRAA this year, DA has earmarked P110 M in prizes from its National Rice Program to 12 provinces, 48 municipalities and cities, 10 irrigators’ associations, 3 small water-impounding system farmers’ associations (SWISAs), and 496 agricultural extension workers (AEWs). (DEDoguiles -PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Overseas Workers Welfare Admin-istration (OWWA) SOCCSKSARGEN conducted an Entrepreneurship Develop-ment Training (EDT) on the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Reintegration Program on Monday.

and other similar events.Various activities featuring the

paradise-like destinations of the region highlights the launching of “The 12th Paradise” in SM Iloilo from March 20-23, 2014.

Other events in the weeklong treat for Ilonggos in the Visayas include the crowd-drawing cultural presentations, business meetings/matching and

familiarization tour.All year round, SOCCSKSARGEN

region, composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal and Tacurong, features events and festivals, drawing both local and foreign tourists. (ACAgad PIA 12)

37 OFWs undergo training for OWWA reintegration programBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Some 37 OFWs and their beneficiaries from different parts ofthe region attended the activity at the OWWA-12 training hall in this city.

The participants were composed of 15 OFWs from North Cotabato, 5 from South Cotabato, 13 from Sarangani and General Santos and 4 from Sultan Kudarat.

During the activity, OWWA-12’s family welfare officers gaveorientation on the OFW Reintegration Program which was followed by the entrepreneurship development training (EDT).

The topics include introduction to business, choosing a business, learn and earn, simple bookkeeping and preparation of simple business plan.

According to OWWA-12 OIC Marilou

Sumalinog, EDT is a prerequisite for OFWs and their beneficiaries whowant to avail the business loan under the OFW-RP.

“Since most of our OFW clients are first-time entrepreneurs, theentrepreneurial development training helps them to be prepared and gain additional techniques and knowledge on how to deal with their own businessesasefficientlyaspossible,”Sumalinog said.

The OFW-Reintegration Program is a special loan program of the OWWA in partnership with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the LandBank of the Philippines intended to support enterprise development among OFWs and their families. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


Butuan City opens ‘Forest in the City Hall Exhibit’By Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY - In relation to the launching of Butuan 2020: Premier Forest City, the city government here opened on March 17 the “Forest in the City Hall Exhibit” set up at the city hall lobby.


Butuan City opens ‘Forest in the City Hall Exhibit’

A ribbon cutting ceremony led by city councilor Samuel Alan Amante is conducted to formally signal the launching. A ceremonial watering of plants was also initiated that suggests each person’s responsibility to foster clean and green environs.

Highlighted in the exhibit are the programs and projects or the so-called 13 Strategic Initiatives for Vision 2020.

Councilor Amante encouraged the public to replicate the good practices of greening drives so they can prove to people from other countries what makes Butuan a better place to visit and an ideal place to reside.

He likewise invited the public to visit and enjoy the scenery of the ‘Forest in the City Hall Exhibit’ and be inspired to do

their part as the city aspires for increased income opportunities and empowerment among Butuanons to own and participate in the development of the locality.

As included in the planned agenda, the Butuan Forest Festival, a showcase of forest-based exhibitions, parades and competitions is aligned to promote public and private participation in

the planning and implementation of forest projects wherein several sectors are expected to be involved in the annual forest festival.

Meanwhile, Butuan City mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. gave his message through a phone patch and expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their cooperation and combined effort during the “Grow a Million Tree” kick-off activity on March 16 wherein 1,500 mahogany seedlings were planted


along the five kilometer stretchfrom Bancasi rotunda going to Brgy. Bonbon road in this city.

“It is one of the most organized tree planting activity and its overwhelmingsuccessissignificantin describing good governance. Let’s prepare for growth-related actions similar in nature with this in the future as Butuan goes global,” he remarked.

Moreover, the exhibit aims to create public awareness about the Butuan strategy map - stakeholders to utilize production zones for short-term and long-term agroforestry

products; attract ecotourism investments by integrating urban forestry in planning and development; attract investors to buy and process raw materials in Butuan.

As envisioned by 2020, “Butuan will be a model for sustainable forest-based economy in the country, thereby giving its people the highest per capita income in Mindanao.”

On March 21, Friday, the Butuan City band will be staging again to entertain the guests who will go to see the exhibit.


It’s all systems go for ALAGA KA launching in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga regional offices of the Department of Heath (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the city government of Butuan and provincial government of Agusan del Norte are now set for the nationwide launching of the ALAGA KA Para sa Maayos na buhay Program.

By Nora L. Molde

A series of partnership meetings have been held to prepare the big event that will be happening on Monday, March 24.

In Caraga region, the launching will be held at the Agusan del Norte

provincial capitol covered court where some 800 family-beneficiaries fromButuan City and from the different municipalities of the Agusan del NorteidentifiedbytheDSWDwillbeattending.



BUTUAN CITY -- Light to moderate rains affecting Butuan City and the neighboring places of Caraga since Tuesday afternoon brought about by the low pressure area, 845 kilometers East of Mindanao, has not keep Butuan City Hall from pushing through with its scheduled earthquake drill, early morning on Wednesday.

By Noel B. Najarro

DOH Caraga Local Health Support Chief Dr. Ernesto Pareja said during the series of partnership meetings, partners’ support to PhilHealth during the launching isverysignificantandwill surely contribute to its success.

According to Angelita Luta of PhilHealth, during the event, attendees will be provided with the health services and information services; LGUs and DOH will provide primary health care services; and the DSWD and PhilHealth will do the validation of members’ records.

ALAGA KA Para sa Maayos na Buhay

Program, according to PhilHealth regional vice-president Johnny Sychua, is a term for ALAmin at GAmitin, it is an integrated advocacy program for the poor to know their rights and utilize the services under the PhilHealth Sponsored Program.

This program integrates the DSWD National Household Targeting System (DSWD-NHTS) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) efforts to enroll the poor and provide them with the necessary essential health services, Sychua said.



The activity was part of the 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, with the Butuan CityHallasoneof its identifiedceremonial site.

The regional pool of evaluators under the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by theCaragaOffice ofthe Civil Defense Regional Dir. Liza Mazo, conducted the drill.

This year, Butuan City is the pilot city which represented Caraga region in this national simultaneous earthquake

drill. The city, particularly the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), had been preparing for the said activity since few days ago. The proper signages had been set up on strategic places and officesof the city hall premises, a city hall disaster control group had been formed and earthquake marshals had been oriented in eachoffices.

A post-activity assessment, evaluation and comments will be soon be rendered by the OCD evaluators.

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


PHIVOLCS reminds to ‘Duck, Cover, Hold’ during earthquakes by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reminds the public three things during an earthquake, ‘Duck, Cover and Hold’.

china.org.cn

PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. during ‘IbaNaAngPanahon’ Science for Safer Communities Roadshow here reminded everyone to stay calm during an earthquake. He said when you are inside a structurally sound building home, stay there and duck under a sturdy

desk or table, and hold on to it, or protect your head with your arms. He said that if possible quickly open the door for exit. Otherwise, stay away from glass windows, shelves, cabinets and other heavy objects and beware of falling objects. Be alert and keep your eyes open. Meanwhile, if you are outside,


DepEd-Tangub bares winners of search for best class, section in writing, readingby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Department of Education, Division of Tangub City, has declared the winners of the “Tangub Rewards” for School Year 2013-2014.

move to an open area. Stay away from trees, powerlines, posts and concrete structures. He said to move away from steep slopes which may be affected by landslides. He adds that if you are near the shore and feel an earthquake, especially if it’s too strong, move quickly to higher grounds. Tsunamis might follow. Otherwise, if you are in a moving vehicle, stop and get out. Do not attempt to cross bridges, overpasses, or flyovers which may have beendamaged. The reality he said is that due to the geologic and geographic setting, the Philippines is prone to many natural hazards including volcanic eruptions, lahars, earthquakes and tsunamis. In region 10, Musuan Volcano in Bukidnon erupted in 1867 while Mount Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin erupted in 1948-1953 which caused the death of 500 lives. On April of 1955, magnitude of 7.6 earthquake struck Lanao. It has recorded intensity eight in Dansalan,

Lanao, intensity seven in Dipolog, Ozamiz and intensity six in Cagayan de Oro and Malayabalay. A total of 400 people died. He said that active and inactive volcanoes in Mindanao with erodible deposits can be sources of destructive lahar events in case of extreme rainfall events such as the 2011 Typhoon Nanang in Camiguin. Earthquake related hazards include faulting (ground) rupture, ground shaking, liquefaction, tsunami,fireandlandslide. Dr. Solidum said they have 69 station networks for earthquake monitoring. There are 33 unmanned, real-time seismic stations with VSAT (10 broadband, strong motion) and 36 manned, with telephone and internet; and two data acquisition and processing systems for local and global earthquake and monitoring. They have up to 85 station network target by 2016. Appropriate preparedness, mitigation and response activities must be based on appropriate hazard and impact scenarios, he said.


A search for the “Best Class/Section in Writing & Reading, Tangub Responding Challenges, Reaping Awards (Tangub Rewards) is initiated by DepEd-Tangub in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU), Dr. Victoria V. Gazo, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS), said. Aimed to encourage and inspire pupils, teachers and school heads to work for exemplary academic performance on a class level in all elementary schools within the division, the recognition was given to the whole class and not to an individual pupil, for their efforts to team-teach and help all their classmates to be able to read and write. Gazo said the Division Winners who have reached the Mean Point Score (MPS) of 70 and above and District Winners who have reached the MPS of 60 and above were given certificates and will receive, later,cash incentives from the LGU. Meanwhile, the following were declared Division Level Winners of Tangub Rewards, SY 2013-1014: Grade 1, The Reading Champions, Class Readers, Sections and Reading Teachers – Tangub City Central School (CCS), 1-Genuine, Marilou O. Datoy, 1st place, Tituron Elementary School (ES), 1-Gold, Mary Ann B. Jimenez, 2nd place and Sta. Cruz ES, 1-Polite, Evangeline O. Largo, 3rd place. Consolation Prizes: Tangub CCS, 1-Kind, Daylinda Labrado and

Pangabuan Beach ES, 1-Earth, Nympha G. Tachado and Grade II, The Writing Experts (Cursive Writing) - San Vicente ES, Virginia P. Hisuler, 1st place, consolation prize, Tugas ES, Analyn A. Gudilos and Best School in Cursive Writing, San Vicente ES, Richel B. Ongcol. Grade III, The Reading Champions, Class Readers and Reading Teachers - Banglay ES, III-Emerald, Jocelyn C. Gulahab, 1st place, Tangub City ES, III-Fortitude, Emily B. Erquita, 2nd place, Pangubuan Beach ES, Rita V. Sumalpong, 3rd place, Sta. Cruz ES, III-Helpful, Lucita R. Rivera, 4th place, and Balatacan ES, III-Ruby, Grace C. Serino, 5th place. Grade IV, The Math Wizards - Manga ES, Josie Pama, 1st place, Bongabong ES, Julie D. Taga-an, 2nd place and Labuyo ES, Marife Morales, 3rd place and consolation prizes - Kauswagan ES, Angelina Labrador, and Capalaran ES, Amparo Mortes. Best School in Mathematics: Manga ES, Yolando L. Ca?ete, 1st place, and consolation prizes: Labuyo ES, Segundo S Datoy and Garang ES, Roberto F. Singgit. Grade V – The Writing Experts (Enhanced Writing). No division winners were declared in this category, only district level winners. Grade VI, The Science STAR - Tangub City, Jocelyn E. Azcona, 1st place, Lorenza Tan MCS, Glenn Payot, 2nd place, Labuyo ES, Naoime Guba, 3rd place and consolation prizes: Sta. Cruz ES, Araceli T. Cruda, and


Maloro ES, Lornita E. Duhaylungsod. Best School in Science, Big School Category, 1st place, Tangub City Central School, 2nd place, consolation prize: Lorenzo Tan

Memorial CS, Relita P. Decina, Small School Category, consolation prizes: Labuyo ES, Seguno S. Datoy and Tugas ES, Dorris D. Jornales.

DTI Provincial Director Ermedio J. Abang said a total of P84,000.00 has been allotted to provide three units stainless working table and one unit vinegar aerator for the cooperative. NAMARCO is engaged in pineapple-based processing project in San Nicolas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. Majority of its members are beneficiaries of the ComprehensiveAgrarian Reform Program or CARP of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Abang said the SSF project provides processing and manufacturing tools, machinery and equipment for the common use of Microenterprises and Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of priority clusters all over the country. “The SSF project aims to improve

the quality and productivity of MSMEs and give them access to better technology with more sophisticated equipment in order to accelerate their bid for competitiveness and help them graduate to a next level where they could tap a better and wider market,” he said. It is a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative which is being implemented through private sector partners who can provide facilities to house the machinery and equipment. Meanwhile, in an interview during the “Strictly Business News Conference” held at the DTI, Business Development Division Chief Venus S. Villanuevasaiditsofficehasapproved14 projects in Bukidnon last year to be supported by the government through the SSF project.

by Junar B. Merla

DTI Bukidnon supports NAMARCO through SSF project

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bukidnon tied up with the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose Cooperative (NAMARCO) to support the group through the Shared Service Facility (SSF) project.


600 job seekers apply in ARMM

Over 600 job seekers were screened

last week by the Personnel Selection and Promotion Board (PSPB) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the 350 positions at the different agencies and offices of the regional government.

ARMM Cabinet Secretary and PSPB Chair Khal Mambuay-Campong said applicants have undergone three phases of screening that include registration and preliminary assessment or the paper screening process, computerized examination and panel interview. She said the record number of applicants was due to the massive information drive they have conducted toencouragequalifiedandcompetentindividuals to join the regional

government. “Gone are the days that all are secret. Gone are the days that the job vacancies are not being publicized. Today, everything is transparent. We don’tgiveroomforinfluence-peddlingand other anomalies in the hiring and promotion of employees,”she said. Campong said the PSPB is mandated to assess, screen and rank aspirants to government positions or promotion in the ARMM. It ensures an equitable and fair process of selection


Bazaar showcases women’s role in economic development

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - A s part of the women’s month celebration, a two-day women’s market and bazaar was organized by Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation (AMDF), Inc. to showcase the role of Meranao women in economic development.

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

and promotion of employees in ARMM, she added. A similar procedure has also been conducted by the PSPB in the different

provinces of ARMM since January this year until March, when result of the screening process will be published. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM)


AMDF Executive Director Zahria Mapandi said the Meranao Women’s Market and Bazaar held from March 10 to 11 at the Mindanao State University (MSU) Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM) was aimed to highlight the leadership and participation of women in the economy. “One of the challenges is how to make women’s contributions to the economy visible, thus, we organized the bazaar to showcase the various economic activities where women are actively participating,” she said According to her, AMDF is continuously assisting women in their economic activities by facilitating their involvement in the various livelihood programs of government agencies.

“AMDF does not have resources to give livelihood opportunities to women so what we are doing right now is connecting them with the government...and we hope that those who participated in the bazaar have connected with the government agencies that graced the two-day activity, she added. Government agencies present include Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,

Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, and Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women, among others. Mapandi further said that AMDF is also targeting at least one agricultural activity of women where they can assist either in improving production or in marketing.

One Mindanao - March 19, 2014

Documents

tzu chis great love

tzu chi volunteers

tzu chis commissioners

tingcanggreat love

need of food

caraga butuan city

early years

ssf project