One Mindanao - May 14, 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

DAR-Caraga trains farmers on marketing strategy, good costumer handling

PhilRice, DAF-ARMM to introduce rice management app in Mamasapano

DSWD-Caraga strengthens implementation of MCCT-IP on GIDA

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4Ps beneficiary graduates Cum Laude

NYC aims for 1M first time voters in 2016

Widening of airport access road in Misamis Oriental completed

DTI’s Diskwento caravan gives consumers opportunity to buy more

SSS to accept applicants for PESO program

Gingoog computer center produces 281 graduates

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By: Joie L. Ceballos

By: SJDuerme

By: DSWD-Caraga

By: DTI

By: Buboy Pabia

By: Claro A. Lanipa

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

20 Habitat loss, hunting, trapping continue to haunt Phil. EaglesBy: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

By: DPWH

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25 OUR COVER

Contents

By: Gideon C. Corgue

4 MAY 14, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

4Psbeneficiarygraduates Cum Laude

A Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipient has proven that poverty is not a hindrance to success, after she graduated Cum Laude from an education degree at the Josefina H. Cerilles State College-Main Campus in Mati, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

By: Gideon C. Corgue


5MAY 14, 2015 One Mindanao

Lizel Tagologuin, a former college dropout and now a licensed teacher, shared her story to 1,000 4Ps beneficiaries who just finished high school during a mass graduation held recently at the Pagadian City Gym by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

At 18, Tagologuin said, she stopped her studies because she got married and immediately bore a son.

Tagaloguin admitted that she had experienced failure in her life because of her early marriage. “I don’t have the courage to face



and mingle with people because of my shortcomings in life. But, I’ll take it as a challenge to continue my studies to have a bright future for my self,” she said. Thus, her early marriage has not prevented her to pursue her dream to earn a diploma.

4Ps recipient

Tagaloguin said she was second year college when she became a recipient of the 4Ps program.

Driven by her ambition to finish a degree, she enrolled in Bachelor of Elementary Education

at Josefina State Cerilles College in June 2010.

At first, she had a fear that she could not manage her time because she has a child to attend to. Because of her determination, perseverance and persistence, she was able to finish college with flying colors. “As a mother and student at the same time, I found it difficult to do all my work because my son was already 3 years old then. I studied in the morning and got home during lunchtime to see my son. Sometimes, I come to school late,” she recalled.


Cum Laude, LET passer

On April 2014, she graduated as Cum Laude in her class. “I did not expect to graduate and receive the award because of my situation. But because of my prayers and determination, I was able to attain my ambition in life. I realized that all of our dreams could come true, if we have courage to pursue them.”

Tagaloguin took and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers.

Grateful to 4Ps

Tagaloguin thanked the government for implementing 4Ps program for it helped her in completing her college degree.

“I am very much thankful to the government through the DSWD for implementing the program because it really helped the poor people,” Tagaloguin declared.

“The government’s 4Ps program really helped in funding my studies in college. I used the money that I received to fund my schooling because my husband is jobless,” she added.

“Without the program, I could have not finished my studies in college. I could not be, what I am today,” Tagaloguin concluded.

Role model Meanwhile, 4Ps regional program coordinator Ma. Socorro Macaso said Tagaloguin is a good role model, to be emulated by the young generation.

Macaso was also very impressed with Tagaloguin’s performance as 4Ps recipient.

Student, wife, mother

“As a student, wife, mother, and daughter she never failed to attend family development sessions and she was a top student in her class,” Macaso added. Tagaloguin is presently working for the Department of Education as a locally paid teacher at the Zamboanga del Sur Sports Academy, Dao, Pagadian City.


GOCCs remit P36.36 billion to National Treasury

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday lauded the efficiency of the Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCC) sector, which remitted some P36.36 billion to the national treasury. The President received the checks amounting to P36.36

billion from 48 GOCCs during the ceremonial turnover billed


as “GOCC Dividends Day” at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace. In his speech, President Aquino thanked the officials and employees of the GOCCs for their achievements.

“Kayo po, na mga kabilang sa GOCC, dapat naman talagang palakpakan ang bawat isa sa inyo na talagang tumulong din sa pagrerepormang ito, na talagang nagpakita kung ano ang puwedeng mangyari at dapat sanang nangyari mula noong umpisa pa,” he said.

President Aquino also reminded the GOCCs not to be

complacent and to double their efforts to increase their dividends.

“Ang pakiusap ko po: Huwag tayong titigil; huwag tayong makontento sa nagawa na; mag-isip pa tayo ng paraan para ba lalong mapaganda ‘yung iiwan nating biyaya, pakinabang, serbisyo sa taumbayan na siya namang lumikha at talagang tumatangkilik sa atin at sumusuporta sa atin,” he further said.

President Aquino also directed Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Governance Commission for GOCC (GCG) Chairman Cesar Villanueva, and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to look into the bonuses of the employees of GOCCs for additional incentives.

“I am directing Secretary Purisima, and Mr. Villanueva, and also Butch Abad: I want a review of the bonuses that have


been accruing all of the people involved in the GOCCs. Dahil in our interest to make you more efficient, baka naman kayo ang nakalimutan. Pinasaya ninyo ang bansa, baka kayo naman ang pinalungkot nang todo-todo. So, I expect the review to happen in about a month’s time and we will seek to maximize the benefits accruing everybody as empowered by the pertinent laws,” the President added.

The GCG said the 2014 dividends and other remittances improved from P32.31 billion in 2013.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) posted the highest dividends, remitting a total of P10.137 billion, followed by Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) with P6.254 billion.

Joining PAGCOR and LBP in the Billionaires Club, an elite class

of contributors that have declared P1 billion or more in dividends, are the Bases and Conversion Development Authority (P3.201 billion); Development Bank of the Philippines (P3.135 billion); Food Terminal Inc. (P2.305 billion); Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (P2.1 billion); Philippine Ports Authority (P1.817 billion); Philippine National Oil Company (P1.525 billion); Manila International Airport Authority (P1.339 billion); and the Philippine Reclamation Authority (P1.2 billion).

Republic Act No. 7656 requires GOCCs to declare and remit at least 50 percent of their income as dividends to the national government.

The holding of the GOCC Dividends Day began in 2011 to recognize the significant contributions of GOCCs to national development. (PCOO/PND (jm)


NYC aims for 1M first time voters in 2016

QUEZON CITY - The National Youth Commission (NYC) on Wednesday has launched its campaign for voters’ registration, aiming to hit the one million mark to accomplish the Commission on Elections [Comelec] target of 3 million new voters by 2016. During the launch of ‘ROCK THE VOTE: Isang Milyong Boto, Kumilos para sa Pagbabago’

at UP Diliman in Quezon City, the youth agency has gathered youth stakeholders and various


agencies for a nationwide registration drive. With NYC are Comelec, the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, YouthVotePhilippines, First Time Voters’ Network, Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation, Ignite – UP NCPAG and other stakeholders.

“We are optimistic with our target [of 1 million] as we work together with the youth stakeholders”, expressed NYC Chairperson Gio Tingson. “Encouraging young people to register and vote is no longer just a responsibility of Comelec. Everybody has a role to play”, he added.

The youth commission also reported that registration is only the initial phase of ROCK THE VOTE. After October, the group will engage the youth through voters’ education. “We believe that young people have

the capacity of engaging the government and can be agents of change”, Tingson said.

In 2013, the Commission on Elections recorded almost 52 million voter registrants. Less than a year left before the May 2016 elections and 5 months before the deadline of voters’ registration, Rock The Vote is set to hold registration drives in cities and provinces nationwide.

iRehistro is available for NCR and CAR. The deadline for voters’ registration, manual or otherwise, is on October 31, 2015.

“We are bringing this to schools and communities, thanks to our agency and youth partners”, NYC Commissioner JP Penol answered when asked of the next steps. “We are also distributing information materials to bridge the information gap with the youth”.


Widening of airport access road in Misamis Oriental completed

The P176 million project of widening a section of the road that leads to the Laguindingan International Airport has finished.

Experience ease in travelling to amazing tourism areas of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao with the recent

completion of a road widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).


DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said DPWH Region 10 has completed the P176 million widening of Opol to Laguindingan Section of Butuan City-Cagayan de Oro City-Iligan City Road (BCIR) which covers the 3.7 kilometer access road leading to Misamis Oriental’s main airport – the Laguindingan International Airport.

The project includes the widening of the highway from two (2) lanes to four (4) lanes, with some vital sections widened into six (6) lanes.

The widening and reconstruction of three (3) bridges namely: Alubijid, Igpit and Opot Bridges along BCIR were also part of the accomplishment under the Department of Tourism-DPWH Convergence Program.

The road is not only servicing Laguindingan International Airport but also providing better access to neighboring tourism sites like Loguilo Beach in the town of Alubijid and Opol Beach in Opol, Misamis Oriental.

“We continue to commit building better national road network, as we recognize its importance in maximizing the potential of our country’s world-class tourism destinations. This much improved road will benefit both the local residents and tourists, allowing better and safer transport of people, goods and services,” said Secretary Singson. (DPWH)

DPWH paves way for better access in Bukidnon’s largest flower sanctuary

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – More tourists are seen to flock Bukidnon’s largest flower sanctuary, with the completion of ithe P150 million access road built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), under the Tourism Infrastructure Program.

by DPWH-10

Located at Sitio Kalanganan, Barangay San Vicente, Baungon, the Rafflesia Yard was declared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a critical habitat of the largest flower in the Philippines


– the “rafflesia schadenbergiana’ also known as “bo-o” or “kolon busaw” to the Bogobo and Higaonon tribes of Bukidnon. It is also the second flower in the world, with diameter that can reach up to 80 centimeters. “Local and international tourists who want to see one of the largest flowers in the world are invited to visit Bukidnon as we have improved the tourism road to Rafflesia Yard in the municipality of Baungon,” said DPWH-10 Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso. Following DPWH tourism road design standard, the 8-kilometer access road leading to Rafflesia Yard is guaranteed to provide quality and safe travel of tourists

with its carriageway’s 6.1 meters width and 0.23 meters concrete thickness. Barroso said the newly concreted road would allow Baungon locals to showcase their place’s biodiversity, simultaneously promoting awareness on the protection of rafflesia, which is also categorized as critically endangered by the DENR. Aside from its support to the tourism industry of Baungon, the improved access road is expected to provide easy transportation of people and goods to commercial and public places in Malaybalay City, consequently improving the lives of the people around the area.

DTI’s Diskwento caravan gives consumers opportunity to buy more

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental – The Diskwento Caravan 2, from May 13-15, 2015, here, will give the town’s people and the neighboring areas, the opportunity to avail of more products at discounted prices.

by DTI


This was emphasized by Maritess B. Alcampado, Supervising Head of the Consumer Welfare Division (CWD), Department of Trade and Industry, in the province (DTI MisOcc). Alcampado said the 3-day activity provides opportunity for the Calamba residents and adjacent towns to avail of products sold at discounted prices thereby allowing buyers to maximize their budget in the purchasing of said items. Last year, with DTI and LGU’s intensive promotion and

support, 12 exhibitors joined Calamba’s Diskwento Caravan I and recorded a total sales of P 539,926, and served 70.25% more from the expected 400 beneficiaries. “For so long, DTI has been conducting diskwento caravan to sell goods to consumers at discounted prices,” Alcampado said. It’s a DTI’s brand of public service in partnership with private sector, manufacturers and distributors of basic and prime commodities,” she also added.

Gingoog computer center produces 281 graduates

GINGOOG CITY -- The locally backed-up Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad (SCALA) Training Center under the present administration has now produced 281 graduate beneficiaries out of 362 out-of-school youth (OSY) who were served by the operational zone being partnered by Canada’s Engineers Without Borders.

Continue reaching your dreams for brighter future. Live

to your aspirations and put inspirations to your endeavors.

by Buboy Pabia


Level up your good life to a better one. Help yourselves, assist your family and think of our city. That makes you better, said Mayor MArie Guingona to the completers of the joint Recognition Exercises of batches 21 and 22 at Fortunato de Lara Hall, Gingoog city. Meanwhile, center trainer Miraflor Hisula said that of the total number of graduates, 162 of them are male; that a large population of OSY is masculine whose life’s direction has been redefined and illuminated during the 6-month duration in undergoing cybernetic modules and series of capability building chores. Being the focal person on this program for the underprivileged children, Epifanio Zarate said through this continuing program powered up by the incumbent mayor, OSY figure in the city has lowered down. Further, he said membership to the local chapter of Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) has soared high because this Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD’s) Unlad Kabataan program has been serving as a requisite for the availment of this

computer literacy undertaking. According to mayor Guingona, 169 of these graduates have already employed while 73 of them have proceeded to degree courses. Hence, she is pleased to know a greater percentage of then OSY has metamorphosed into productive and beneficial individuals. Furthermore, she is overwhelmed that five among 20 street kids who are confined in city’s Balay Pangarap (Youth Home) under its Abtik Pinoy program were enabled to access these in-demand computer skills. She also recognizes the circle of religious leaders who provide spiritual sustenance to the children in conflict with the law (CICL). Salamat sa mga house parents nga nagtinabangay para sa kaayuhan sa mga bata (Thank you house parents who assisted for the benefit of the kids), the lady exec said.

Davao City needs more CCTVs

DAVAO CITY- The City needs more CCTVs to cover all the way to To-ril District.This according to Pub-lic Safety and Security Command Center (PSS-CC) head Frank Villaro-man said. Villaroman says Davao City’s PSSCC has about 173 close-circuit TV cameras used by the Intelligence Operations Center (IOC) plus 19 cameras operated by the Traffic Operations Center. The cameras are as far north as Ilang just out-side the Holcim cement plant and south in Lac-son in Calinan District. An expansion of CCTV coverage all the way to Toril which is 33 kilometers away from the City proper will need 30 to 40 CCTV cameras Villaroman said. Davao City’s CCTVs have 35x zoom capabili-ties which can reach 1.2 kilometers and provides high-definition clear visu-als even in low-light. Placed in strate-gic points in the city like

highways, thoroughfares, public parks, transport terminals and other pub-lic places, the cameras are either pan,tilt, zoom (PTZ) types or steady cams. These cameras have managed to help authori-ties track and intercept criminals and also traffic violators. Villaroman also said among his wishlist for PSSCC is the expansion of the Intelligence Op-erations Center office to allow more monitors for the growing number of CCTVs. He said that the PSSCC will be expect-ing new equipment to be procured this year though Villaroman did not specify what type of equipment the City will be acquiring.The PSSCC is a division un der the City Mayor’s office tasked to coordi-nate various agencies to provide protection, safety, security and risk management to the peo-ple of Davao City. (PIA/RG Alama)


Habitat loss, hunting, trapping continue to haunt Phil. Eagles

DAVAO CITY, May 13 (PIA) A total of 400 pairs of Philippine Eagles are being monitored by the Phil-ippine Eagle Foundation to look closely on their behavior and habi-tat. Vidalyn Dumadag, communica-tions officer of the PEF said the move is in line with the PEF’s mission in saving the eagles. She said that there are 35 eagles in captivity which are being nourished by the foundation. “Eagles in the wild are con-stantly threatened with the denuda-

tion of forests and hunting, shooting and trapping by individuals who are not aware of their importance to the environment,” Dumadag said. She said one eagle was re-leased by the foundation in Decem-ber 2014, and is being monitored in the wild. Dumadag stressed that the primary goal of the foundation is for every eagle to reproduce and to start a family on its own. She said the ones seen by the foundation so far are the active nests in the Mt. Apo National Park which the eagles use every breeding sea-son. “An eagle has a lifespan at 40 years old,” Dumadag said. To ensure the safety of eagles, she said the foundation has part-nered with indigenous communi-ties in Barangay Carmen, Calinan to monitor and to ensure the safety of the eagles’ habitat. Dumadag said they also con-nect with the IP communities as far as Arakan Valley, North Cotabato where a reforestation activity is initi-ated to ensure the safe flight of the eagles in the forest corridor in the area. (PIA-11 Joey Sem G. Dalump-ines)

Tacurong, DOT 12 highlight Baras Bird Sanctuary

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, May 14 – Over 500 tourists from all over SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region have joined the Tacurong City and the Department of Tourism 12 is cele-brating the 1st Bird Festival that puts under the spotlight the more than 20,000 egrets and heron inhabiting the Baras Bird Sanctu-ary.

Tacurong City’s 1st Bird Festival was held o May 9-10, 2015.

Tacurong City Bird Festival is the third lo-cal bird festival that sprung from the Philip-pine Bird Festival of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines or WBCP. The first was in Balanga in Bataan and the second was in Zamboanga City.

The local bird festival was driven by the theme: Be Aware! I love and protect birds and nature.

The celebration emphasized on protection and preservation of the birds and their natu-ral habitat.

“With this festival, we aim to promote tour-ism and environment conservation at the same time,” said Mayor Lina Montilla.

Featured in the event were various activi-ties such as forums on Philippine birds, eco-tourism, and biodiversity conservation; photo exhibit; photo blogging contest; bird watch


ing; face painting; origa-mi; and wooden bird paint-ing.

“Tacurong is very blessed because it has a bird sanc-tuary. The birds have abundant sources of food and they are not threat-ened. Although there are so many of us today, they do not feel endangered because they know they will not be harmed,” said Tinggay Cinco of WBCP dur-ing a guided tour in Baras Bird Sanctuary.

Among the bird spe-cies living at the Baras Bird Sanctuary are the Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Inter-mediate Egret, White-col-lared Kingfisher, Emerald Dove, Hawk, Eurasian Spar-row, Javan Pond Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Variable Dwarf-kingfisher, Juve-nile Black-crowned Night Heron, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo, Magpie Robin, Pied Fantail, Glossy Ibis, Black-naped Monarch, Rofous Night Heron and Ruddy Kingfisher.

“We will definitely help Ta-curong identify more birds in this sanctuary, and even in the city,” Cinco promised.

According to DOT Regional

Director Nelly Nita Dillera, it is important to spread the word about this bird watching desti-nation.

“We want more people to know about Baras Bird Sanc-tuary. Aside from boosting Ta-curong’s tourism, it is also a way to encourage people to care for the environment,” said Dille-ra.

Tacurong’s Bird Festival was spearheaded by the City Gov


ernment of Tacurong in part-nership with the WBCP, Depart-ment of Environment and Natu-ral Resources, and Department of Tourism (DOT) XII.

Sultan Kudarat Water District, Sultan Kudarat Electric Coopera-

tive, Monte Vicenteau, Rotaract Club of Talakudong, and Notre Dame of Tacurong College also joined the event as sponsors. (LGU-Tacurong City Information/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

PhilRice, DAF-ARMM to introduce rice management app in MamasapanoMIDSAYAP, North Cotabato, May 14--- As part of its continued commitment to support the farmers through various research and development programs, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) is set to introduce an internet-based software Rice Crop Manager (RCM) in Barangay Manongkaling, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The project is an integral component of the Technical Co-operation Project 5 (TCP 5), a technology extension support for ARMM funded by the Japan International Cooperating Agen-cy (JICA).

Aimed at helping the farm-ers manage their crops and get a better yield, the project has a fund allocation of P331,600 which will be divided for to crop-ping seasons.

Teodora L. Briones, head of the Corporate Services Division of PhilRice and at the same time

the TCP 5 secretariat explained that the said endeavor was orig-inally proposed by DAF-ARMM Sec. Atty. Makmod D. Mending, Jr. during the 2nd Joint Coor-dination Committee meeting of the TCP 5 in March this year which gladly approved by JICA, the funding agency.

“Originally, we only have the regular farmer field school or FFS that we conduct in various areas in ARMM but since the idea is good, we acknowledge the inclusion of RCM and JICA promptly approved it,” said Bri


ones.According to her, 20 farmers

will be selected in the communi-ty who will serve as cooperators in a demonstration farm.

“These farmers will become our primary clientele who will then help us in technology pro-motion through farmer-to-farm-er approach,” Briones added.

Meanwhile, Ommal H. Ab-dulkadil, assistant project direc-tor of TCP 5 shared that prior to the establishment of a demon-stration farm, they will conduct an on-site technical briefing.

“On May 21, our team is scheduled to conduct an on-site briefing to ensure that farmers

in the community will fully under-stand the concept of the project,” he stated adding that pool of experts from their central office will person-ally attend and facilitate the brief-ing as well as to share information on the context of the project.

The Rice Crop Manager allows extension officers to provide farmers with specific rec-

ommendations particularly on nutrient, pest, weed, or water management, depending on the specific variety they used, their yield from the previous season, and the site-specific conditions of their field.

The application could be ac-cessed via a smartphone or a computer with internet connec-tion and it can be downloaded for free as an app named ‘RCM PH’ via the Google play store or at www.webapps.irri.org/ph/rcm. (SJDuerme-PIA12/AMMa-tucan-PhilRice-Midsayap)

CSC accepts nominations for the outstanding public servants, HR practitioner, Ulirang Kawani By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced that they are still accepting nominations for the 2015 Regional Search for The Outstanding Public Servants (TOPS), Outstanding Human Resource Management Practitioner, Outstanding Agency and Ulirang Kawani here in Caraga Region.


CSC Caraga regional director Resurreccion Pueyo said that the programs recognizes and rewards civil servants who have given pride and glory to the government service by continuously showing excellence in terms of innovations and inventions or who bravely carry out duties mindless of the obstacles and difficulties. Each government agency is encouraged to commence the periodic review of the performance of officials and employees. “There is no limit to the number of nominees your agency may submit,” added Pueyo. TOPS is open to all elective and appointive officials in this region. Should be recipient of Award (national and regional) within three years prior to the date of nomination, and must bare significant accomplishments for the last two years. Also, the general qualification for the Outstanding Human Resource Management Officer (HRMO)/ Administrative Officer (AO) Award Category includes any position who actually performs human resource related functions; must have rendered at least one year of service in the job as of December 31, 2014; must have attended relevant

CSC initiated trainings in 2014; and must have conducted at last 1 CSC training in his/her respective agency. As to criteria, the policy implementation is 40%; records management-30%; human resource development (HRD) capacity buiiding-20%; and inter-intra personal relationship-10%. According to Pueyo, the Outstanding Agency Award is awarded to the agency of the awarded outstanding HRMO/AO who is supportive to the programs of the Commission. Meanwhile, the Ulirang Kawani Award is open to all appointive officials and employees in the region nominated by the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) Committee/ Non-government Organization (NGO) Employees’ Association; has no absences exceeding 3 days for the whole year of 2014, exclusive of absences due to forced leave, special leave privileges, paternity or maternity leave, sick leave; has no tardy and /or undertime exceeding five times in 2014; has good inter-intra personal relationship with co-employees, superirir officers, and the transacting public; has involvement in the co-curricular


DAR-Caraga trains farmers on marketing strategy, good costumer handlingBy: Joie L. Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY - To improve the skills of the farmers in handling costumers and further enhance their marketing strategy, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Caraga in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted the three-day training on marketing strategy and good costumer handling and services to 10 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations on May 5-7, 2015.

and extra-curricular activities; and with special achievement/contribution to the office based on the norms and conduct. “With your full support and assistance in this undertaking, we are assured of a continued partnership in promoting a

culture of ethics and excellence in the public service,” emphasized Pueyo. For additional details, you may contact the Regional Search Secretariat at telephone numbers (085)342-6089/815-3370.


These products are turmeric powder, virgin coconut oil, squash flour, tableya, sweetened kaong, kaong sugar, nipa vinegar, ground coffee and processed meat. DAR-Caraga regional director Julita Ragandang, during the opening of the activity said, that this effort is towards making farming entrepreneurial

more rewarding. “We teach our agrarian reform beneficiaries to maximize the potentials of their products,” she added. The said activity is under the Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project (VLPCEP) and Up-Valuing of ARB Products’ project of DAR.

DSWD-Caraga strengthens implementation of MCCT-IP on GIDA

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program strengthens the implementation of Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous People (MCCT-IP).

By: DSWD-Caraga

photo credit: DSWD


This project under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program was created for the Indigenous People (IP) in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA. MCCT-IP as a program is driven with its three main goals; (1) to empower, (2) to promote, (3) and protect from any unavoidable adverse effects caused by the development process. On its implementation, MCCT-IP uses the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) strategy but with modifications in terms of processes in targeting, conditionalities, package of benefits, interventions and modes of implementation. The project also employs holistic approach of community organizing. “This project requires close coordination with the tribal chieftains to ensure that cultural integrity remains while the project is implemented,” said DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli. On the identification of potential beneficiaries, community facilitators consider the following; Indigenous peoples living outside or inside their ancestral domains particularly those with no or

limited access to social services, IP families with children aged 0-18 years old and/or pregnant member of the family at the time of selection, and IPs who are vulnerable and disadvantaged based on the assessment done by the community facilitators. “Because IP plays a significant part in our community. Like those partner-beneficiaries belong to the regular CCT, MCCT-IP-beneficiaries deserve to receive equal opportunities. And we do it by giving them support services interventions like working hand in hand with them on livelihood activities, capability building training, promotion of IP rights, or any collective engagement that will enhance self-determination, and through community family development sessions,” Brigoli added. MCCT-IP for GIDA is arranged with the following institutions, DSWD with the Department of Health, Department of Education, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Anti-Poverty Commission and qualified civil society organizations.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Groups coming from the different areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula region have expressed their varying positions regarding the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during a senate hearing held here today by the Senate Committee on Local Governance chaired by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Senate hearing on BBL in Zambo draws varied opinions, reactions from stakeholders By Dominic I. Sanchez

A representative from the Maranao-Iranun Sultanate League expressed

his support to the passage of the BBL. “We would like to be included in the BBL,”


he said, citing that their tribe, their people and their communities have been victims to decades-long armed struggle. “We are expecting enduring peace and development once the BBL is passed,” he added. On the other hand, Msgr. David Alonzo a representative of the Diocese of Zamboanga of the Roman Catholic Church said “we advocate peace and meaningful coexistence with other groups.” “We support the BBL as long as its provisions are within the framework of the Constitution,” Msgr. Alonzo declared. For his part, Indigenous People’s (IP) Council representative Abdul Baki asked for recognition, equality and justice for IPs in the BBL. However, Prof. Shariff Moshim Julabi of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen Alliance expressed his opposition to the BBL. “We are against the BBL, we are not part of it, that is only for the Maguindanao,” he said. M e a n w h i l e , Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar together with the vice mayor, city councilors

and other local officials expressed their support to the peace initiatives of the administration, however, they emphasized that the city “should never be part of the Bangsamoro.” Other stakeholders shared that “we do not want war, but we want to be under one flag, one nation in serving Allah.” Yesterday (April 14), Senator Marcos was in Jolo, Sulu meeting with local stakeholders there regarding the proposed BBL. He shared that the people has voiced out their concerns to be excluded from the BBL, and instead have their own autonomy. “It is very important to hear from the people themselves what they have to say about the BBL, if we do not consult them, all we hear are filtered versions of their position,” Senator Marcos said.


SSS-Pagadian Branch head James Buckly said this program is open to all members who are 54 years old and below, and have at least six consecutive contributions under the SSS regular program within the last 12 months prior to enrolment. The member’s effective date of membership commences at the month a contribution is first made to the SSS-PESO fund, Buckly asserted. “Members may participate for an initial contribution of P1,000 with succeeding contributions of at least P1,000 or more in multiple of P100. An SSS-PESO member can contribute up to a maximum of P100,000 per year, Buckly said.

Interested members are required to personally appear before any SSS branch office or authorized representative to sign the accomplished forms for confirmation. “This procedure allows us to verify the authenticity of the document and the identity of the applicant,” Buckly explained. By September 2015, all SSS branches nationwide will accept applications to the SSS-PESO fund. Enrolment may be done online through the My.SSS portal. The program’s guidelines which were released recently, stated that employed members, regardless of the amount of their current monthly contributions,

PAGADIAN CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) will soon be accepting applications for its Personal Equity and Savings Option (PESO) Fund program, a provident-fund scheme that aims to increase savings among SSS members, particularly for building their retirement fund.

SSS to accept applicants for PESO program By Claro A. Lanipa


could join the SSS-PESO Fund while self-employed, voluntary and OFW members should be paying the maximum SSS contribution to be able to contribute in the SSS-PESO Fund. The guidelines further stated that there has to be a corresponding SSS contribution on the month the member will make contributions to the SSS-PESO Fund account. Refunds, withdrawals or benefit claim will be credited to the member’s single savings or current accounts with a SSS depository bank. Early termination of membership is not allowed, Buckly clarified. SSS members can enjoy

higher return on their savings under the tax-free fund, which offers guaranteed earnings that are based on rates higher than those offered in a savings account or bank deposit. SSS-PESO savings are allocated to three accounts namely,

retirement, medical and general puspose, which covers education, housing, livelihood and unemployment. Only the portion allotted for medical and general purpose can be withdrawn before the member’s date of retirement. A corresponding management fee will be charged for each SSS-PESO account while penalties will be charged for any withdrawals made before the fifth year of membership in the SSS-PESO Fund. SSS-PESO Fund members may also receive additional earnings depending on the actual income of the fund at the end of each year.

One Mindanao - May 14, 2015

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