One Mindanao - May 12, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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]

Northern Mindanao

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

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

WEmboree gathers 69 youth in AgSur

Maguindanao gov challenges new police director to level-up performance

NorthCot BFP trains emergency responders on firefighting techniques

Butuan ranks 13th on economic dynamism index

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Remembering Fr. Gallardo’s martyrdom for peace in Basilan

NEDA signs mutual accountability framework with Canada

28,000 school children in S. Cotabato to undergo catch-up immunization

Mindanao coop leaders unite for environmental protection, peace

Zambo communication studes undergo USAID-Engage training on peace journalism

DTI-9 ‘Mobile Diskwento Caravan’ kicks off in ZamPen

BFAR lauds Tangub, Ozamiz execs for efforts in cleaning Panguil Bay

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By: David M. Suyao

By: Perlita B.Changco

By: Shahana Joy Duerme

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit

By: Stephen J. Pedroza

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

By: Dave Malcampo

By: Alma L. Tingcang

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

26 DavSur scholars converge in summer festBy: Nilda S. Aniñon

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Contents

By: Rene V. Carbayas

4 MAY 12, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story


The Claretian Missionary Fathers (CMF) and Basilan Bishop Martin S. Jumoad led the commemoration of the martyrdom of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, who stood by his Christian Faith and endured pain and suffering under the brutality of the Abu Sayyafs in 2000.

By: Rene V. Carbayas

5MAY 12, 2015 One Mindanao


The Claret community in Tumajubong, Sumisip in Basilan organized activities on May 4-5, 2015 in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the martyrdom of Fr. Gallardo with the theme, “Remembering, Rekindling and Reliving the Life of Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, CMF, and Martyr for Peace.”

Church workers and community leaders who came all the way from Maluso and Zamboanga arrived in Tumahubong to join the local community to remember that fateful day in May 2000 when Fr. Rhoel and some teachers and civilians were killed.


Many people may

have forgotten that gruesome killing of the priest and other civilians by the Abu Sayyafs, but the survivors and families of those who were killed in 2000 still endure the pain of the loss of their loved ones, as they call for justice. The pain came back with tears rolling down their cheeks, as some students and teachers reenacted the March 20, 2000 hostage-taking, when Abu Sayyafs stormed Claret School of Tumajubong and took Fr. Rhoel, four teachers and 22 students hostage. Everyone in that small hall of the school was trying to

contain their emotion, some

would rather simply wipe their eyes, and others could not explain how they feel. It was more painful for Marie to remember. She was one of the teachers who survived the ordeal, witnessing the steadfastness and strength of Fr. Rhoel, which became the source of hope and strength of those who were with him in captivity. Marie, as a teacher and worker of the Claret school, was closest to Fr. Rhoel. She occasionally paused for a moment to hold back some tears as she tried to share what happened, especially the way Fr. Rhoel would handle the situation they were in.


She remembered Fr. Rhoel as respectful, humble, obedient and enthusiastic. Faith and hope amidst violence and hopelessness “God must really be here!” The words that Marie remembered that was uttered by Fr. Rhoel when they arrived at Punoh Mahadji, where the hostages were detained for about two months. Marie recalled that Fr. Rhoel even wanted to go back to the area after they would be released, saying that “the place will be good for retreat” and that he planned to bring the teachers and church workers for a retreat in the area. Marie said that Fr. Rhoel gave

them hope and strength. “He never complained and showed he was in pain, in spite of the obvious signs of harm inflicted upon him. He used sunglasses to hide the black eye and continued to pray the rosary in the face of continued mockery and blows received from the Abu Sayyafs,” she recalled. Fr. Rhoel became the source of faith and strength even among children in captivity. He continued to speak about the beautiful life ahead and encouraged the hostages to endure the challenges at hand for a better glory in life.


Fifteen years had passed Marie can already go back to Tumahubong after several years away from home to heal the wounds and pick up the life shattered by the experience with the Abu Sayyafs. Perhaps, not completely healed by the trauma, but Marie stood as living witness to the faith, hope, and love of God shown by Fr. Rhoel. As a church worker and having witnessed that horrible incident, Miriam Suacito also shared the meaning of those events that unfolded in the life of the Catholic Church in Basilan then and today. Recalling how the church was devastated over the news of hostage-taking and eventual killing of some of the hostages, Fr. Rhoel, Suacito said despite the situation and persecution that the Church and its Faithful have experienced over the years, when Christians fall victims of kidnappings and killings in Basilan because there are Christians, the Church in Basilan remained hopeful that peace is still possible. “We are indeed an Easter people and alleluia is our song,” she said during her message, asking the people present to reflect on what this offering of

lives by the Christians brought to the lives of Catholic Christians today? “What has been the people’s response and the Church’s take on this situation?” She challenged the Christians in Tumajubong to reflect on their faith and live a faithful life where Christ is at the center. She also asked the church to engage more in peace initiatives and inter-faith dialogue as a legacy in honor of the lives that Fr. Rhoel and other Christians have offered. “This is the Church in the world that works for peace and justice,” she stressed. Strong faith in God

Bishop Jumoad, who led the Eucharistic Celebration commemorating the event said in his message that Fr. Rhoel had shown that one could overcome difficulties in life because of his strong faith in God.

Jumoad also cited the difficulties that the Tumahubong community is experiencing, where people continue to suffer because of economic difficulties, aggravated by volatile peace and order condition in the area.


The Bishop also asked the people to draw strength from the life of Fr. Rhoel in order to endure hardships and hope for better life. “Challenges in life could easily be overcome with faith, hope and love,” he emphasized. Like in any other conflict-affected communities in Basilan, Tumahubong remains one of the poorest communities where people long for a better life. Although its road has been paved now, security remains a concern in the area. Fr. Rhoel Gallardo may have been killed 15 years ago,

but for the Claretian Missionary community, the Church of Basilan, and the people of Tumahubong, they have never lost him because the seeds of peace had been planted. And the challenge now is for the people to take care of it and see that the seed will grow and bear much fruit. Fr. Rhoel, you have died in peace amidst darkness and may this same peace brings light to our path so that every day we live this peace for Basilan. Intercede for us, that we may also “conquer our fears with faith and trust in God.”


Occupational safety and health essential to workers in informal economy-Baldoz

QUEZON CITY - Occupational safety and health is essential not just for formal sector workers, but more so for workers in the informal economy (WIE), Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz reminded DOLE partners and stakeholders, including DOLE officials and workers.


“Workers in the informal economy contribute to the country in many ways. They provide opportunities for short-term employment, especially for workers displaced by economic crisis or calamities, hence, occupational safety and health is important to them and to all of us,” Baldoz said in her remarks read by Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad III at the 2015 Labor Day celebration for WIEs held the other day at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City. Baldoz said that these contributions include employment generation and remunerative income for many Filipino workers. The celebration, with the theme, Aming Kasanayan, Tungo sa Disenteng Kabuhayan, gave credit to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s 22-point labor and employment agenda to promote inclusive growth for all Filipino

workers by providing them decent jobs, as well as productive employment opportunities and compliance to labor standards and occupational safety and health. Based on the January 2015 Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority, workers in the informal economy makes up 39.1 percent, or 14.5 million, of the total employed persons, and are categorized as mostly self-employed and unpaid family workers. They work in various industries like agriculture, forestry, fishing, and services sector. Occupational safety and health underpins the strategy in ensuring the welfare and promoting the protection of workers in the informal economy, according to Baldoz, and said the Occupational Safety and Health (OSHC) and the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) are the main DOLE


agencies pushing for various programs and services for the welfare of these workers. The DOLE, she said, has launched partnerships with the private sector to ensure the protection of informal sector workers, or workers in the vulnerable sector. Among these partnerships are those with the Philippine Commission on Women; Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW); and Pambansang Tagapag-ugnay ng mga Manggagawa sa Bahay (PATAMABA). “To these organizations, I would like to thank them for helping the DOLE and its agencies and bureaus to deliver occupational safety and health services to the informal sector,” said Baldoz, who also cited the OSHC’s free 40-hour Construction Safety Training for small-scale companies and

the Basic Occupational Safety and Health Training. “These are mandatory training for safety officers which the DOLE pushes hard to assure zero work-related accidents in the workplace. Our goal is widen the reach of this service to the country’s far-flung, rural areas,” she explained. She bared that in 2015, over 800 workers in the informal economy benefited from these training. During the celebration, the DOLE, through the TESDA, awarded P500 cash vouchers to more than 200 WIEs beneficiaries who will use the vouchers to for Competency Assessment and Certification for their skills, such as computer technician, electrical and installation maintenance, carpentry, painting, scaffolding, plumbing, and masonry—skills that Baldoz noted require the practice of safety and health in the workplace. (DOLE)


NEDA signs mutual accountability framework with Canada

MANILA - The Philippines expects greater opportunities to strengthen its poverty reduction programs and promote broad-based growth while enhancing its diplomatic affairs and economic ties with Canada with the signing of the mutual accountability framework (MAF) between the governments of the Philippines and Canada, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).


“Linking development priorities and goals between the Philippine and Canadian governments will help ensure sustainability of strategies under the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, which have already produced significant results for the Philippine economy,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The NEDA Director-General signed the MAF with Canada in behalf of the Philippine government on May 8, 2015 during President Benigno S. Aquino III’s three-day state visit in the country. This is the third MAF that Canada has signed with another government and the first that it has signed with an Asian country. The other two MAFs were with Senegal and Ghana.

The Philippines-Canada MAF’s objective is to establish the shared desire between the Philippine and Canadian

governments to support broad-based and sustainable economic growth. This will be done through creating available resources in support of programs, projects, and activities that will create employment, significantly reduce vulnerabilities to poverty, and improve the quality of life of all Filipinos.

The framework seeks to program an annual indicative amount for Canada’s bilateral development assistance to the Philippines worth CAD$12 million for fiscal year (FY) 2015-2016, CAD$15 million in FY 2016-2017, CAD$17 million in 2017-2018, and CAD$20 million annually in FY 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.

“The continuing support of Canada is very important in our effort to make growth inclusive and disaster-resilient and to deepen good governance reforms,” Balisacan said.


The MAF is expected to contribute to a more disaster-resilient and gender-responsive enabling environment at national and sub-national levels of government. It also intends to increase economic opportunities for low-skilled workers, micro-entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers, and especially on youth, women, and marginalized groups.

Also, the mutual commitments in the MAF will level the expectations of both governments, particularly on the development cooperation processes, and thus may address specific programmatic and governance concerns. These will further increase transparency and accountability for results of Philippines-Canada development cooperation programs.

On June 27, 2014, the Canadian government elevated the Philippines as

“Country of Focus” in its bilateral programming towards eradicating global poverty. As of December 2014, Canada has an active or ongoing Official Development Assistance portfolio of US$111.95 million, which are all grants, for 47 projects in the Philippines. NEDA


28,000 school children in S. Cotabato to undergo catch-up immunization

GENERAL SANTOS CITY - Around 28,000 school children in various public schools in South Cotabato province will undergo another round of immunization later this year for various diseases. Ludgeria Larong, immunization coordinator of the South Cotabato Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO),

said Tuesday the initiative is part of the nationwide school-based immunization set by the Department of Health (DOH) in


August.

She said they have started their preparation for the activity, which will specifically cover pupils and students enrolled in Grades 1, 3 and 7.

“This will be a catch up immunization activity. The DOH has come up with a routine immunization plan for these mentioned population groups to ensure high levels of protection,” Larong said.

She said the beneficiaries will be mainly given vaccines for measles and rubella as well as tetanus-diphtheria (Td).

“We’re targeting to cover around 6,000 Grade 1 pupils and 12,000 Grade 7 students for the month-long campaign,” Larong said.

Based on the DOH’s guidelines, all school children enrolled in Grade 1 will receive at least two doses of measles and rubella vaccines and one dose of Td.

Students enrolled in Grade 7 will receive one dose each of measles-rubella and Td vaccines during the same immunization

schedule.

Marifort Rafael, IPHO’s acting health education promotions officer, said the DOH will provide the necessary vaccines and other immunization logistics while the Department of Education will determine the most appropriate schedule of immunization sessions and ensure that each eligible student and pupils will be covered.

The provincial government will take the lead vaccination drive in collaboration with schools, hospitals and other stakeholders within the catchment areas, she said.

She advised parents of the identified beneficiaries to support the initiative and make sure that their children will be properly immunized.

“Vaccination has been proven to be the most effective public health intervention in terms of the protection of residents against diseases so it is important for our children to be properly immunized,” she added.(PNA)

PIA, DFA hold multi-sectoral forum on West Philippine Sea

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Philippine Information Agency Region 10 (PIA 10) in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conducted a West Philippine Sea multi-sectoral forum on May 6, 2015 at VIP Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.

By: Jose Angelo Lorenzo S. Gomos

DFA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Charles C. Jose presented the dispute between China and the Philippines regarding territorial claims on West Philippine Sea and Spratley Islands. Regarding the bases of territorial claims, the Philippines relies on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) whereas China with their nine-dash line


claim. Jose also cites problems rooted from China’s assertive actions on West Philippine Sea. One is the destruction of marine biodiversity. Currently, various numbers of reefs have been affected such as the Mabini Reef, Calderon Reef, Burgos Reef, Zamora Reef, Panganiban Reef, and Gaven Reef, among others.

Jose further adds the importance of West Philippine Sea as part of Philippine territory since approximately five million Filipinos depend on Philippine waters for livelihood. With Philippines being 7th among countries in fish production and 3rd in aquatic plants, Jose said, “Ang ating karagatan ay ating kayaman.” (Our ocean is our wealth.)

Mindanao coop leaders unite for environmental protection, peaceCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The spirit of cooperativism lives on.

Leaders of Mindanao cooperatives are now pushing for inclusive, community-driven solutions to address climate change issues and the decades-long conflict in the second largest island of the Philippines. The 46th Cooperative Leaders’ Congress and General Assembly on May 1 to 2, 2015 in Butuan City marked the unity of the coops to start taking actions

toward the said issues at their own local level. “We have to be united, 13 million coop members nationwide, to develop and improve not just the quality of our lives but more importantly take care of our environment and resources,” said Orlando R. Ravanera, chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). The coop congress drew

by Stephen J. Pedroza


together more than 600 delegates from more than 140 members of MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center. Ravanera shared that cooperatives can empower their members who are mostly fisher folks, factory workers, housewives, vendors, indigenous peoples, among others, through capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and strengthening their sense of community ownership. Citing government statistics, the total volume of business of registered cooperatives in the Philippines in 2013 amounts to P437.6B or 3.8% of our 2013 gross domestic product. Moreover, the total volume of business of registered coops in Mindanao in 2013 is P101.88B and at least 60% of the latter came from Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.

Cooperativism for Mother Earth Ravanera challenged the different cooperatives to come up with their own long-term initiatives to make their communities resilient and more prepared for disasters. In 2008, according to

the Brussels-based Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), the Philippines was one of three countries hit by most disasters, and leads the list of (vulnerable) nations most in danger of facing frequent and more intense storms. Cooperatives serve as partners of Xavier University’s Valuing Ecosystem Services Together (VEST) project in an environmental undertaking for Mt. Kalatungan in Talakag, Bukidnon and the Cagayan de Oro River Basin. “The challenge is helping cooperatives to be resilient and sustainable as it is not only about saving lives but preserving livelihoods as well,” said Analyn B. Mejares, VEST technical officer and environmental consultant of MASS-SPECC. VEST is the social marketing arm of the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) for Mt. Kalatungan which acts as a “rewarding mechanism” with a slew of activities to encourage Kagay-anons to participate in the fund drive to reforest the denuded mountain range. Different sectors—corporations, cooperatives, the academe, religious groups,


and households—in NorMin will reward the lumad community with economic incentives for acting as forest managers to ensure that watersheds along the region develop high water infiltration capacity. “What more can cooperatives do?” she asked. Mejares recommended that cooperatives can invest a significant portion of their community development fund to the PES/VEST project, sustainable agriculture and solid waste management, among other interventions. “The Philippines ranked 2nd in the world in terms of vulnerability to disaster and natural hazards, according to the World Risk Index 2014 report and one of the major reasons why the Philippines is at high risk is poverty,” said Mejares, who studied Environmental Systems, Markets and Climate Change at the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. “We still lack the resources, technical capacities and infrastructure to cope with disasters,” she said, highlighting the urgency for a sustainable resource management in the hope that cooperatives can create localized disaster risk reduction

and management programs.

Achieving peace through cooperatives

Cagayan de Oro-based MASS-SPECC is the largest cooperative federation in the Philippines with a total of 272 active members and with assets amounting to more than one billion pesos. Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. was one of the guest speakers at the coop congress, presented on federalism as an option for lasting peace and sustainable development in Mindanao. “The unitary form of government or a centralized government that has its orders coming from Metro Manila or the ‘imperial Manila’ has been proven inefficient and culturally insensitive to the many ethno-linguistic regional groups and to the indigenous and Moro people, especially in Mindanao,” Pimentel said during one of the thematic sessions. For Pimentel, Mindanao cooperatives play a huge part in achieving understanding and peace because of the diverse ethnicities of their members.


BFAR lauds Tangub, Ozamiz execs for efforts in cleaning Panguil Bay

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has lauded the local chief executives (LCE’s) of Tangub and Ozamiz Cities for their efforts in cleaning Panguil Bay.

Particularly, Atty. Asis G. Perez, Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture and National Director of BFAR, has cited Atty. Philip T. Tan of Tangub

and Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., of Ozamiz for their extensive campaign to rid the bay of illegal fishing structures, commonly called “sanggab.”

According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Davao Region, the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) and NorMin have the most number of registered cooperatives in Mindanao. “Through federalism, unity in diversity can become a living and powerful statement that can break the chain of poverty and inequality that has characterized our history as a people,” he continued.

Cooperatives are considered “drivers of development” in the country especially in rural areas. Both Pimentel and Ravanera believe that the issues on peace, environment and social inequalities are intertwined with one another, and aside from aiming for poverty alleviation, coops serve as platforms in reaching out to more marginalized sectors of our society and mainstreaming them in the development saga.

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


“Thank you for your sincerity in helping clean the bay. We know this could pose a big challenge to your career, but removal/dismantling the sanggab in your area needs your political will,” Perez told the LCE’s. “Removal of sanggab and other illegal fishing structures from the bay will not only solve the difficulty of navigating the municipal waters but also allow the rehabilitation of the bay and return its marine wealth,” said Perez. Meanwhile, Perez, who chairs the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC) finds it very important for the LCE’s themselves to convince the sanggab-owners to dismantle the illegal fishing

structures, in their areas, as of the second quarter, this year. “We need to protect, conserve and manage the bay’s aquatic resources and restore it back to its productivity for a sustainable fisheries and aquatic resources, which can be done only through a collective effort of BFAR and the concerned local government units (LGU’s) surrounding the bay,” the BFAR National Director said. About 12 LGU’s are covered by the PBDC: Bonifacio, Clarin and Ozamiz and Tangub cities in Misamis Occidental, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala and Kapatagan in Lanao del Norte and Aurora and Tambulig, in Zamboanga del Sur.

Palaro 2015 puts Tagum City and Davao del Norte on the map

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, May 12 (PIA) The Palarong Pam-bansa 2015 has cre-ated a good impression of Tagum City and the province of Davao del Norte nationwide ac-cording to Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario. Speaking at the Biztalks @ Big 8 Hotel, he said the event had placed the city and the province on the map. Del Rosario said many athletes from other parts of the country were amazed of the peace and

the warmth of people that they called in their parents to come and fol-low them. “More than ever, many discovered that the City of Tagum and the Province of Davao del Norte are peaceful and its people very warm to deal with,” he said. `Mayor Allan Rel-lon of Tagum City said that the recent Palaro delivered the message nationwide that there is true peace in Mindanao, particularly in his city where the people are kind and caring.


He said the coordination meet-ings with the security sector com-posed of the police, military and force multipliers worked in order for the peace and order to hold. “We give credit to the coordi-nation of the Regional Peace and Order Council headed by Mayor Ro-drigo Duterte and the provincial and municipal peace and order councils which looked over the peace and or-der condition,” Rellon said. Del Rosario affirmed that the peace and order was given primary by the authorities during the holding of the Palarong Pambansa.

He said that from the start, ath-letes had been escorted from their places of origin to the venues of the games. “The security plan covered not only the province which was the site of activities but extended to the re-gions where the athletes came from,” Del Rosario said. He said the whole security force of the government was involved in the process. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

did you know...

That the Palarong Pambansa was known as Bureau of Public Schools-Interscho-lastic Athletics Association Games or (BPISAA). It was renamed into its cur-rent name in 1974 when the games was hosted in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.


DavSur scholars converge in summer fest

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – Some 3,000 scholars and 500 mas-teral grantees from different mu-nicipalities in the province recently converged at the Davao del Sur Coliseum for the 1st Scholars Sum-mer Festival that showcased liter-ary cultural presentation, Dance Sports, Zumba and Gaya-gaya. The event held on May 5-6, 2015 was highlighted by an evening Search for Ginoo and Binibining Is-kolar with seven pairs representing the 14 municipalities vying for the competition. Scholarship program coordina-tor Genaro Dumayas II, who took the initiative in gathering the schol-ars, pronounced that the scholarship program of the provincial govern-ment is open to those who are quali-fied and deserving students regard-less of political affiliations. He underscored the desire of Governor Claude Bautista to contin-ue the delivery of education services to the less privileged but deserving students. Vice-Governor Aileen Almen-dras urged the capitol scholars to put value to education, saying that knowledge cannot be stolen from them, and the only legacy their par-ents could provide and a tool for a better future. Meanwhile, Board Member Atty.

Lani Gabutero advised the students to maintain their grades in order to continuously avail of the scholar-ship program until they finish their course. “This is not only good for col-lege but also to those who to pursue masteral degree to enhance their learning capabilities,” Gabutero stat-ed. The scholarship program of the provincial government of Davao del Sur has always been a big help to students who have been confronted with financial difficulties and wanted to pursue their studies. It can be recalled that Gov. Bautista has issued a directive to the scholarship coordinator to have the scholarship categorized into three groups. Category A is to those who are identified as honor students, catego-ry B are those being recommended by barangay officials and category C is open to the public. The scholarship program of the provincial LGU has a budget of P40 million this year. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/ Nilda S. Aniñon)

DSWD-12 honors Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers in SaranganiKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 12 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) -12 recently gave rec-ognition to the volunteers in Maitum town, Sarangani for the implementation of one of the government flagship poverty-reduction programs, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), an agency top official said Friday.

Bai Zorahayada T. Taha, DSWD-12 region-al director said that the initiative aimed to recognize volunteers for their contributions for the efficient and effective implementa-tion of various Kalahi-CIDSS projects in Mai-tum.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Program,”Taha said. “Without them, it will be difficult for us to realize this kind imple-mentation of projects in the communities, so they deserved to be honored,” Taha added.

Among those who received Excellence Award for Kalahi-Cidss implementation were villages Maguling, New La Union, Ticulab, Wali for their school building projects and Mabay for their 31 units housing project.

The Regional Development Council-12, through its monitoring committee, earlier commended the aforementioned projects for


having excellent workmanship and overall implementation.

The awards were given to the volunteers through their baran-gay sub-project management committee or BASPMC, a com-munity organization, composed of various volunteers tasked to carry out the implementation of their chosen community proj-ects.

The said award was also given to the local government unit and the municipal coordinating team of Maitum.

On the other hand, BayanI Ka! Awards were given to Bau-tista Agbay, BSPMC chairperson of Mabay and Ned Taniedo, a

community facilitator of town.Bayan Ka! Award is special

recognition given to individuals for their selfless efforts in cham-pioning community-driven de-velopment (CDD).

The awards were given dur-ing the Community Night of the town’s Binuyugan Festival of the town.

Felly Constantino, the pro-gram’s area coordinator in Mai-tum said the town has com-pleted some PhP38.28 million various community projects from Kalahi-CIDSS since 2010.

Constantino added that for 2015, the town is implementing Php14.47 million projects in the


Maguindanao gov challenges new police director to level-up performance

COTABATO CITY, May 12—Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu expects the new Maguindanao police director to lev-el-up his performance at par with his predecessor.

By: Perlita B.Changco

In a statement made during the turnover rites held recently, Mangudadatu expressed satis-faction over the performance of outgoing police provincial direc-tor PSSupt Rodelio Jocson who has been promoted to a higher position at the Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Re-gion in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM).

Police Senior Superintendent Nixon Moksan has assumed his new post as the new police chief of Maguindanao after two years serving as provincial director of Lanao del Sur prior to his new assignment.

Mangudadatu said in his more than two years stint has Maguindanao police provincial

director, Jocson’s very good performance in the relentless campaign against lawlessness, illegal drugs and criminal ac-tivities leading to the significant improvement of peace and sta-bility in the area.

With the assurance of full support and cooperation, he urged Col Moksan to continue and sustain the programs, activ-ities and services initiated and undertaken by his predecessor to further improve and strength-en the peace and security ef-forts in Maguindanao.

“Ini-expect natin ngayon na kung ano ‘yung nagawa ni Col. Jocson na napakaganda kung di man matatapatan ni Col. Mok-san ay sana masundan niya es

villages of Mindupok, Maguling, New La Union, Batian, Tuana-datu, and Kalaneg. (HTEstacion-

DSWD 12/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


NorthCot BFP trains emergency responders on firefighting techniques

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, May 12 -- With the ob-jective of maintaining a fire-safe and fire-free community, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recently conducted a three-day basic firefighting technique training with emer-gency responders.BFP Cotabato Provincial Fire Marshall Supt. Sambas D. Muham-mad said a total of 50 personnel from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (PDRRMOC), its associate the North Cotabato Emergency Response Team (NCERT) and from the different departments of the Provincial Capitol par-ticipated in the event.Aside from the important aspects in firefighting and the BFP’s ad-vocacy to keep a fire-safe community, Muhammad said that the lecturers from the BFP also provided the participants with basic information on the most common problems in responding to fire incidents as well as firefighting techniques and procedures.Meanwhile, Cynthia Ortega, officer-in-charge of the Cotabato Pro-vincial Planning and Development Office and the action officer of the PDRRMOC stated that the activity served as refresher for the emergency responders of the provincial government particularly

By: Shahana Joy Duerme

pecially doon sa pagpuksa ng illegal drugs at pag-neutralize sa PAGS o private armed groups sa Maguindanao,” Mangudadatu said.

Accepting the governor’s chal-lenge, Moksan vowed to contin-ue his predecessor’s programs

and services to enhance police performance through regular coordination with partner agen-cies, local government units and local residents and communities in the maintenance of peace and stability. (PBChangco/PIA Cota-bato City)


the NCERT and other volunteers in updating their knowledge on emergency response and reviv-ing their life-saving skills.“As first responders to any emergency situation such as fire incident, our responders and volunteers need to upgrade

their skills and this three-day training is a good way for them to re-fresh their proficiency in emergency re-sponse,” Orte-ga added.On the other hand, Gover-nor Emmylou Mendoza em-phasized that the provincial government is extending its full support to any endeavor of the BFP in saving lives and properties.According to her, BFP’s three-day ac-tivity is an im-portant avenue for the partici-pants not only

in educating them about fire-fighting but also in making them responsible individuals in having a safe community. (SZJDuerme-PIA12/JSta. Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

DENR 13 exec lauds mining firm for Adopt a Mangrove program By: Eric Gallego

BUTUAN CITY - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 13 regional director Nonito M. Tamayo on Monday lauded the officials of Philsaga Mining Company (PMC) for initiating the “Adopt a Mangrove Project“ in Wakat, Barobo, Surigao del Sur in support to the National Greening Program (NGP). The firm’s effort is viewed as very timely at a season when the DENR is looking for appropriate sites for the implementation of


its P400 million initial funds released by the Department of Budget and Management for the establishment of mangrove and beach forest plantations in four provinces particularly in areas affected by the killer typhoon Yolanda in the north eastern seaboard of Caraga Region. “The initiative of the PMC to share its resources in NGP is considered beneficial and good to the community“ Director Tamayo said. The PENRO of Dinagat province was the first to have received funds amounting to P3.6 million for the rehabilitation of shorelines and beaches hit by destructive typhoon in 2013. Director Tamayo said the DENR is validating other shorelines in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the towns of Carmen and Nasipit in Agusan del Norte for mangrove and beach forest plantation development project. “Several areas are now being validated before the funds are released for the purpose,” Tamayo said. The Adopt a Mangrove project by the Philsaga Mining Company in Barobo, Surigao del Sur was formalized during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among the company

President Atty. Raul C. Villanueva, the mayor of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Felixberto S. Urbiztondo, the Barangay Captain of Barobo Jaime Roquete and OIC CENR Officer Hernan Ramirez representing Director Tamayo held at Licanto Beach Resort in Wakat, Barobo. More than 500 participants mostly students, employees and workers of the mining firm have come all the way from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur to join the mangrove propagules planting at the 5-hectare site in Wakat. Tamayo said the event is part of a collaborative efforts provided through Executive Order 26 and Republic Act 7160 or the local government code which mandates local officials to share responsibility with the national government particularly the DENR in protecting, developing and managing natural resources and the duty of sustainably


managing natural resources and environment within their administrative jurisdiction. The MOA allows the DENR to provide technical assistance and extension services in the implementation of the program, to take the lead in the site assessment, as well in monitoring and evaluation of the site to assure at least 85 percent survival. The PMC in coordination with the other co-partners, on the other hand, shall provide funds for the establishment, maintenance and protection activities of the 5-hectare mangrove area for three years from 2015 to 2017. It will also assist in the implementation of the “Adopt a Mangrove Program” as well in the conduct of site evaluation and inspection, and protection and maintenance activities to ensure at least 85% survival. Mangrove forests stabilize the coastline and reduce erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. The detritus in mangroves are food to fish and other organisms and the intricate root system provides them shelter from predators.

There are about 80 different species of mangrove trees. All of these trees grow in areas with low-oxygen soil where slow-moving waters allow fine sediments to accumulate. Mangrove forests only grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Many mangrove forests can be recognized by their dense tangle of prop roots that make the trees appear to be standing on stilts above the water. This tangle of roots allows the trees to adapt to the daily rise and fall of tides, which means that most mangroves get flooded at least twice a day. The roots also slow the movement of tidal waters, causing sediments to settle and build up the muddy bottom.


Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the activity is the 5th component of the program called WEmboree, which is part of the holistic approach in increasing the community’s awareness and sense of responsibility on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. It is a gathering of

young, able-bodied people from different communities, academic institutions and organizations, celebrating one goal: Changing the mindset of participants and all stakeholders from “ME” . . to . . “We”. “I am very glad and proud that another set of young volunteers are gathered here today to signify their noble

WEmboree gathers 69 youth in AgSurBy: David M. Suyao

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Some 69 youth identified to become frontline volunteers in times of calamities convened recently at the covered court here in order to gain the skills designed for them to become effective in extending their roles in times of calamities thus, realizing the aim to have zero casualty and less damages on properties.


intention to become front liners and become part of the provincial search and rescue teams in times of calamities and disasters. Honestly speaking, it is your group that can do something in terms of advocacy, team building, strategic actions, responses to situation and many more because you are young, strong and able. What we can share here is to equip you with knowledge and additional skills in gatherings and trainings like this so as to strengthen your camaraderie, cooperation and teamwork. We have started this, and rest assured, I will give you my sincere and full support for you to excel in your noble purpose, which is to help save life and properties,” said Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza as

inspirational message for the participants. The actual training ranged from Effective and Creative Communications Strategies, Resource Mobilization for Youth Organizations, Effective Disaster Response for CSOs and Youth organizations and Rehabilitation and Recovery. The WEmboree was participated by 69 volunteers (5 participants per municipality and lone city) from all over the province, with age ranging from 14 to 28 years old. The activities for the two-day WEmboree were Body Painting contest, Poster Making contest, Jingle composition, and the signing of commitment as the final sign of dedication to responsibilities.


The report further revealed that it is the only city in Caraga to be included in the top 15 cities of one of the three indices of CMCI with 11.675 score out of 100 points. According to its official website, the council had set CMCI with the following indices to consider: Economic Dynamism, which based the scores on the gathered and validated data on the size and capital, revenues,

and occupancy permits, capacity to generate employment, cost of doing business, financial deepening, productivity, and presence of business and professional organizations; Government Efficiency, which based the scores on the gathered and validated data on transparency, economic governance, local taxes and revenues, local competition-related awards, business

Butuan ranks 13th on economic dynamism indexBUTUAN CITY - The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) – Philippines reported that the city ranked 13th out of 136 participating cities on the Economic Dynamism Index of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) 2014.

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit


registration efficiency, investment promotion, compliance to national directives, security, health, education; while Infrastructure scores were based on existing road network, distance from city/municipality center to major ports, Department of Tourism-accredited accommodations, health infrastructure, education infrastructure, basic utilities, infrastructure investments, information and communications technology (ICT) connection, ATMs, and public transportation. “Butuan is doing okay in terms of economic dynamism but needs to improve in government efficiency. But overall, Caraga needs further improvement to be able to compete with other cities. We must think global, act local now,” said NCC Capacity Building Program program officer Marina N. Saldana during the NCC regional road show held on Tuesday here. “Let us all work together, public and private, because we cannot do it alone, we need your help. And of course, to build that long term competitiveness i-push na natin ‘to! (Let’s go for it!) Let us help each other, engaged and be involved!” Saldana added. Saldana also quoted an African proverb saying “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if

you want to go far, go together,” as an encouragement to the audience during her CMCI report. Now on its fourth year, the event was attended by some 100 participants coming from the local business chambers, industry associations, academe, non-government organizations/civil society organizations, concerned government agencies and representatives from the local government units of the region. Other highlights of the activity were the presentation of the overview of competitiveness ranking by Saldana, the reporting of the updates on the NCC’s activities and programs by NCC Business Permits Licensing System program officer Faisah Dela Rosa, and the giving of the Philippine Quality Award and Philippine Quality Challenge by Competitiveness Bureau representative Mario Jusi. The roadshow was themed “Boosting competiveness through public and private partnership.” For complete list of the CMCI 2014 report, see http://www . compe t i t i v e . o r g . ph /f i les/downloads/STATE-OF_C O M P E T I T I V E N E S _ - 4 T H _A R A N G K A D A _ F O R U M _ - _MARCH_3_2015.pdf.

By Gideon C. Corgue

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – The Environ-mental Management Bureau (EMB)-9 and the municipal government here have formally opened the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) building erected at this town’s Agro-Tourism Park.

EMB-9 Regional Director Jacqueline Caancan said Bayog was one of the recip-ient-municipalities of a financial assistance

from the EMB through the National Solid waste Management Commission (NSWMC) for MRF acquisition in 2014 amounting to

EMB-9 chief lauds Bayog town for establishing MRF


P250 thousand. Caancan said the NSWMC had identified Bayog as one of municipalities in the region to receive the MRF financial assis-tance for calendar year 2014 in order to increase the waste di-version rate and strengthen the town’s waste management prac-tices. “Part of the EMB’s programs is to support the local govern-ment units (LGUs), which have submitted their 10-year solid waste management plan by pro-viding them material recov-ery facilities. Caancan lauded the municipal leadership for playing the key role in the implementation of Repub-lic Act (RA) 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Sol-id Waste Management Act of 2000, and highlighting the solid waste management

initiatives. For his part, Mayor Leon-ardo Babasa Jr. thanked the EMB for the support extend-ed to the municipality say-ing “the facility is needed in the implementation of our solid waste management program.” With the MRF, the mu-

nicipality will now strictly imple-ment waste segregation in sup-port of RA 9003. Babasa said the LGU adopt-ed the best environmental prac-tice by doing proper segregation, collection, transport, storage and disposal of solid waste. “We have also encouraged active participation from the public and private sector in the implementation of solid waste management program,” Babasa concluded.


Zambo communication studes undergo USAID-Engage training on peace journalism

By Dave Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Eighteen communication students from Ateneo De Zamboanga University (ADZU), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College (ZCSPC) underwent a three-day intensive training on peace journalism starting May 7-10 at a local hotel here in Barangay Tetuan.


DTI-9 ‘Mobile Diskwento Caravan’ kicks off in ZamPen By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-9 is now conducting its Mobile Diskwento Caravan in the Zamboanga Peninsula region’s depressed areas, according to Regional Director Sitti Amina M. Jain.

Sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Engage Project in partnership with the city government of Zamboanga, the training covered lectures on newswriting and feature news writing interspersed with con-cepts on peace and conflict with reference to news articles pub-lished in local papers. Public Information Officer Sheila E. Covarrubias of the City Government of Zamboanga lec-tured on straight news writing while Executive Assistant Chris-tian Olasiman of the City Mayor’s Office gave a review on feature news wrting. Frencie L. Carreon, a Ph.D.

candidate discussed peace jour-nalism with the participants and Ms. Stella A. Estrella, editor of The Sun Star Davao also gave a lecture on the Mindanao Peace Lens. The student-participants also underwent a workshop on envisioning peace journal-ism through drawing with Jules Benitez, USAID-Engage’s munic-ipal and community engagement officer as facilitator. They are now deployed for a 20-day internship to the differ-ent media outfits in the city with meals and transportation allow-ance from USAID-Engage. (with reports from Shiela May Aquino)


The Mobile Diskwento Car-avan, which runs from May 11-17, 2015, aims to reach out to the rural municipalities for them to have easier access to basic commodities at discounted pric-es. “We will cover rural munici-palities identified by our provin-cial offices,” Jain said. Michael Vincent D. Caju-lao, DTI-9 regional information officer said the activity would start in the coastal Barangay of Labuan, Zamboanga City on May 11, then to Siay, Zamboan-ga Sibugay on May 13, Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte on May 15 , and finally at Sominot, Zam-boanga del Sur on May 17. In Zamboanga Sibugay, the Diskwento Caravan will be held on May 13 at Siay Pubic Market. As in all other diskwento cara-vans of the agency, discounts start at 10%, according to Dir. Jain. At least 10 participating es-tablishments including Permex, LB Supermarket, and Century School Supplies, all from Zam-boanga City have committed to join by consigning their prod-ucts with DTI as it would be ex-pensive on their part to travel

for one week. “The difference between the mobile diskwento caravan from the regular one is that the distributors will not be join-ing the DTI staff in going to the provinces. Instead, they will be consigning their products to the Department of Trade and Indus-try,” Jain explained. Items that will be sold dur-ing the caravan include basic and prime commodities like noodles, canned sardines, milk among others, and school sup-plies just in time for the open-ing of classes. “We are tying up with some partner agencies like Depart-ment of Agriculture for rice and other agricultural products like vegetables; TESDA for some services that can be provided during the caravan; and as well as our close coordination with the local government units,” Jain said. Meanwhile, DTI Provincial Offices in the region are also scheduled to conduct the Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan be-fore the opening of classes right after the Mobile Diskwento Car-avan.

One Mindanao - May 12, 2015

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