One Mindanao - May 21, 2014

FREEDOM Inc. installs energy-efficient lights at PIA Caraga office Venus L. GarciaCARAGA REGION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 182

Government monitoring power supply on hourly basis, Palace official says

NATIONAL

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CENTRAL MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Davao City LGU identifies 6 vulnerable areas as reference for climate change adaptation plan

SSS releases P1.46-B for members hit by calamities in 2013

NorthCot LGU keen on resolving blackouts

Madaris to receive aid from ARMM gov’t

TESDA-X holds free assessment, certification

Basilan army troops, PNP undergo conflict management, resolution skills training

Barangay forest program launching set

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33 34 22

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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CARAGA REGION

Youth leaders take youth issue debates to cyberspace 14

Honey Analou E. Doña

Rene V. Carbayas

Carina L. Cayon

Jorie C. Valcorza

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

FREEDOM Inc. installs energy-efficient lights at PIA Caraga office

The Foundation for Rural Enterprise and Ecological Development of Mindanao, Inc. (FREEDOM, Inc) has recently carried out its

commitment to upgrade the existing traditional incandescent lights of Philippine Information

Agency (PIA) Caraga regional office with energy-efficient

fluorescent and lightbulbs.

“ T h e n e w l y installed light emitting diode (LED) lights set significance in our office’s goal to address the common drawback of using uneconomical bulbs with lost energy of about 90% given off as heat and that missing energy is money we are throwing away,” stated PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga. Through the sponsorship of FREEDOM, Inc., PIA Caraga office is now experiencing a more illuminated workplace that creates a welcoming atmosphere.

In a recent visit of

FREEDOM, Inc. deputy

e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r

Epimaco Galero Jr., Caga

expressed to him with gratitude for granting solutions to its high electricity c o n s u m p t i o n charges. G a l e r o distinguished LED

by Venus L. Garcia

5

a n d compact

fluorescent lights (CFL) as the rapidly developing technology and considered as one of the best money-saving options. “The reason why we opted to donate this dependable, high-quality type of products by putting value to durability and efficiency with less regard to its principal expense,” added Galero. By citing one of the missions of the organization to stimulate growth while simultaneously ensuring that such progress will not

sacrifice the env i ronment , F R E E D O M e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r Antonio Peralta underscored that

they are helping out their beneficiaries get the real advantage of acquiring cost-effective and better outcomes specifically on decreased utility bills and more importantly protection of the environment by using eco-friendly lights. “Then, eventually make every effort in fighting ecological threats one way or the other,” bared Peralta. With such accomplishment, the

agency and FREEDOM Inc. have proven their mutual obligations as strong partners in bringing advancement and championing advocacies. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

6 MAY 2014 | PAGE

Across the NationPalace: West Philippine Sea claimants must agree on a COC

“The government remains firm in its position on observing the rule of law and finding a peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement on the reclamation project being done by China at the Mabini Reef.

The Mabini Reef is part of the Kalayaan Island Group, which is part of Philippine territory but is also

being claimed by China and Vietnam.Coloma said the President affirms

the government’s position, as reflected in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) agreed by the ASEAN and China in 2002.

The declaration calls on parties to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect regional peace and stability.

These include refraining from

Malacanang on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursue a peaceful resolution to the West

Philippine Sea dispute but also urged claimant countries to work on a binding Code of Conduct (COC) to ensure regional stability.

7 MAY| PAGE

Across the NationPalace: West Philippine Sea claimants must agree on a COC

inhabiting the uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features.

“This is reflective of the joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministers of all the member countries of the ASEAN during the Plenary Session of the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar last week,” Coloma added.

“The President believes that it is imperative to pursue an expeditious conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to reduce tensions and create an environment of mutual trust and confidence that is conducive to the

attainment of regional peace and stability.”The government reported an

extensive reclamation by China at the Mabini Reef. It said that China has been building an airstrip or a military base.

These actions are considered destabilizing and in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and international law, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The Philippines filed a protest at the international arbitral tribunal last month, but it was rejected by China.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the DOE is watching the supply of electricity on an hourly basis so it could immediately act on any contingency, such as what happened last week when power-generating plants shut down, resulting in rotational brownouts in some areas of Metro Manila.

“Si Kalihim Jericho Petilla, habang siya ay nasa Gabinete, ay nagbibigay ng continuing updates kay Pangulo hinggil sa power situation,” Coloma said.

Petilla has been reporting to the President any rotational brownout and has called on consumers who have their own generating facilities to use them to ease demand for energy in Luzon.

“Sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay masinsing tinututukan ng Department of Energy ang sitwasyon para makatugon at para maibsan ang maaaring epekto nito na maaaring magpahirap sa mga mamamayan,” he said.

Asked if the government is doing more preparations because of the WEF, Coloma said the effort is not only for the WEF but also for the general population. PND

Government monitoring power supply on hourly basis, Palace official says

The Department of Energy (DOE) has been closely watching the power supply situation in the country, especially as demand

increases in the waning days of summer and as the country hosts the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia this week.

8MAY2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Aquino cites EAGA connectivity as vital to ASEAN integration

President Benigno Aquino III underscored the establishment of new transport linkages within the BIMP-EAGA as key

contributions to the physical and social connectivity goals of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

President Aquino who attended the 10th BIMP-EAGA Leaders’ Summit in Nay Pyi Taw in Myanmar recently said the establishment of new air, sea, and land routes within the sub-region are key drivers in attaining economic and social connectivity, which will further enhance trade, investment, and tourism within the area.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the

Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, a key strategy launched in 1994 to accelerate social and economic development of less developed areas in participating countries.

The BIMP-EAGA summit, held back to back with the 24th ASEAN Summit, gathered the four countries’ heads of states to discuss developments, assess the accomplishments, and come up with stronger strategies to meet the goals of the sub-regional economic cooperation.


Sub-regional economic groups like BIMP-EAGA are seen as test-beds for ASEAN agreements, proving to be effective platforms and useful mechanisms for fast-tracking ASEAN protocols.

Among the transport linkages highlighted by the President during the BIMP-EAGA summit is the direct flight from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah to Puerto Princesa in the island province of Palawan, seen to boost tourist exchange between the two destinations. The thrice weekly flights are currently serviced by Malaysia-based airline, MASwings which had since applied for daily flights to commence in June.

President Aquino also commended the efforts of the Chambers of Commerce of Davao, General Santos, and North Sulawesi for establishing a sub-regional shipping service through the Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung sea route. The shipping operation is expected to commence this month.

Other connectivity developments within BIMP-EAGA include the completion and opening of the Brunei Darussalam-Malaysia Friendship Bridge that links Brunei to Sarawak, Malaysia; the road improvement projects in Pontianak-Tayan Road section in Indonesia, and the port improvement projects in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

“We emphasize the importance of sustaining these routes through the joint efforts of the transport and tourism officials by means of incentives, policy support measures, and extensive marketing and promotions,” Aquino said in a statement.

He also urged the member countries to send their delegations to the 2ndBIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference, which will be held at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center, Davao City on October 23-26.

Meanwhile, the head of Palawan BIMP-EAGA Business Council commended the government for exerting efforts to revive the province’s private sector participation in the sub-regional cooperation.

According to retired Commodore Nicanor Hernandez, Palawan has been receiving increasing inbound missions from business leaders as well as local officials from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan manifesting strong interest to boost trade and tourism links within the EAGA focus areas.

“There is so much opportunities that we can realize under BIMP-EAGA and we are glad our government is scaling up efforts to entice private sector participation in this economic cooperation,” Hernandez stressed.

In a joint statement, the leaders of BIMP-EAGA recognized the four-day event as an opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises of the two sub-regions to access new markets and develop potential partners.

“We are encouraged by active participation of the private sector and the increasing number of private sector-led projects. In this regard, we look forward to the conduct of the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference,” the joint statement said.


Caraga RDRRMC chair sees AFEBS as useful communication tool during disaster operation By JenniferP. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY - Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Liza Mazo has seen the ‘Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System’ (AFEBS) of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as useful communication tool during disaster operation.


“Congratulations to PIA-Caraga led by director Abner Caga in creating and establishing the record-breaking communication system– the AFEBS. As discussed earlier during our RDRRMC meeting, for us, we consider this facility as a noble initiative of the PIA as a communication arm of the RDRRMC so that communication especially early warning and response activities will be disseminated quickly and promptly,” expressed Mazo.

Mazo also said that the AFEBS is a good avenue for the RDRRMC in disseminating information to the public. “Congrats to PIA for this effort. I think it’s only us Caraga region that has this facility and equipment,” she added.

“This is what we usually lack taking considerations of the previous incidents. The AFEBS will improve our delivery of early warning to the public,” emphasized Mazo.

Mazo further shared that with this facility, the public will be more informed even when communication networks will be destroyed due to disasters.

“We look forward that we can really use this not only during disasters, but if there are disasters we can also test its efficiency and effectiveness especially those in remotest areas and those which communication networks are shut down or destroyed due to disasters,” Mazo remarked.


SSS releases P1.46-B for members hit by calamities in 2013BUTUAN CITY-- The Social Security System (SSS) announced that it had disbursed a total of P1.46 billion in relief grants to members who were affected by the string of natural and man-made calamities that hit the country last year.

SSS Vice President and Officer-in-Charge for Lending and Asset Management May Catherine Ciriaco said that more than 80,000 members and pensioners had received relief assistance in the form of salary loans and advance pensions under its calamity relief packages, which it unveiled following the onslaught of typhoons Labuyo and Santi, super typhoon Yolanda, southwest monsoon (habagat), tropical storm Maring, the Bohol earthquake, and the Zamboanga City siege, all in 2013.

“We opened five separate calamity relief packages last year, consisting of early salary loan renewals, preferential terms for new salary loans, easier house repair loan terms, and advanced release of pensions. As of March 2014, before the availment period ended on April 30, we already granted more than P1.2-billion in salary loans and released P225-million worth of advanced pensions,” Ciriaco added.

The first component of the SSS calamity relief package, the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP) and eased-down terms for new Salary Loans, registered a total of 67,023 borrowers, which translated to total

loan releases of about P1.24 billion. Out of this amount, the SSS granted loans of P477 million to 22,013 borrowers affected by Labuyo/habagat/Maring; P67 million to 5,030 borrowers from strife-stricken areas in Zamboanga; P8 million to 378 borrowers affected by Santi, P277 million to 15,320 borrowers hit by the Bohol earthquake; and P408 million to 24,282 borrowers devastated by Yolanda.

The SLERP allowed affected members to renew their existing salary loans earlier than the prescribed date under regular SSS loan guidelines. Current sanctions imposed on borrowers in affected areas who had earlier availed themselves of the SSS Loan Penalty Condonation Program were also lifted. New loan borrowers benefited from the waived one-percent service fee under the relief package.

“The second component of the calamity relief package focused on the needs of our pensioners,” Ciriaco noted. “Except for super typhoon Yolanda, the rest of our calamity packages offered the advanced release of three months’ worth of pensions for retirement, disability and death survivorship pensioners. Pensioners


SSS releases P1.46-B for members hit by calamities in 2013

in Yolanda-stricken areas, due to the extent of destruction they suffered, were offered six month’s worth of pensions,” she explained.

A total of 13,746 affected pensioners received their pensions in advance, which amounted to P225 million total releases. Majority of the releases were for Yolanda-hit pensioners, which made up 90 percent of the total amount or P204 million.

“The impact on the lives of our members after all these calamities was particularly severe. Many of them were displaced, lost their jobs or means of livelihood, or suffered deaths in their families. We sincerely hope that the

assistance we made available helped them get back on their feet,” Ciriaco said.

As part of its corporate social responsibility program, the state-pension fund also donated a total of P500,000 to the Philippine Red Cross for the victims of the Zamboanga siege and super typhoon Yolanda, as well as P2.52 million to Gawad Kalinga in support of its rehabilitation projects for families affected by Yolanda. These amounts were sourced through the corporate SSS Calamity Fund, as well as by the voluntary donations of SSS employees and management.


Youth leaders take youth issue debates to cyberspace MANILA- More than 200 youth leaders from all over the country took to the web to discuss pressing and emerging youth issues facing young Filipinos today.

The 216 young individuals, all participants of the 10th Parliament of Youth Leaders (NYP), gathered virtually in a social networking site to campaign for their particular advocacies in the fields of health, education, employment and youth participation.

“It’s only natural that we take the debate to cyberspace as almost 7 out of 10 young Filipinos age 15 to 30 years old are on social media,” said Commissioner-at-Large Kit Cruz, NYP Organizing Committee Chair.

The online discussion started last April 19, 2014. Guided by National Youth Commission (NYC) designated facilitators, the participants actively engaged in online debates while at the same time presenting data and research to support their arguments.

Delegates’ advocacies are wide ranging, with some delegates batting for the implementation of a comprehensive in-school nutrition program for elementary and high school

students while others campaigned for workplace equality. Other delegates focused on the more visible youth issues like teen pregnancy, access to education, and the increasing HIV-AIDS incidence among the young.

“The discussions were intense and free flowing. Immediately we saw how passionate the discussions were, that’s why we’re anticipating a scorching but productive youth parliament. These young people do not believe that their participation, particularly in politics, should be limited to being followers and observers. These youth leaders are here to change all that,” added Cruz.

NYP is the biennial gathering of the country’s youth leaders. Convened every two years at the call of the NYC, the NYP’s output serves as the government’s guide in crafting youth development policies. It is the only of its kind mandated by law through Republic Act No. 8044.


The allocated P2.9M budget was appropriated from the province’s Special Education Fund. This is chaired by the provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano in coordination with

the Department of Education ( D e p E d ) Superintendent Cherry Mae L i m b a c o , Misamis Oriental Division. The amount is intended for the renovation and cleaning of the school campus in order to create a conducive l e a r n i n g

environment now that the school year is about to start in June. Fifty-thousand pesos in form of cash were given to each of the 10

MisOr aids Brigada Eskwela Program, sponsors P2.9M cash assistance to public schoolsby Ariana Cristelle Pagdanganan

MISAMIS ORIENTAL - In support of the annual Brigada Eskwela program implemented by the Department of Education, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental funded a total of P2.9M financial aid to public schools in the province.


TESDA-X holds free assessment, certification by Honey Analou E. Doña

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Office X is holding a series of competency assessment and certification across the region from May 12, up to October 24, this year.

The National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) is a synchronized conduct of competency assessment and certification in identified key qualifications. It is offered for free to provide an avenue to those who wanted to upgrade their level of skills competency and ensure better delivery of services. In region X, the NATCAC Program targets to benefit 3,585 coming from the ranks of trainers of public and private Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs), including TESDA Technology Institutions (TTIs), Local Government Units (LGUs),

government agencies providing TVET programs and private enterprises with registered TVET programs. Targeted beneficiaries also include Department of Education trainers, public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, workers/industry practitioners/professional/career shifters, returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)/Filipino expatriates with relevant experience who want to undergo competency assessment as well as industry practitioners who are prospective competency assessors. The qualifications offered in this program are based on the market demand per province with

selected public schools during the Cash Assistance Turn-over Ceremony on May 16. These schools were recommended by the DepEd division office due to their dire need of repairs and major makeovers in their campus. The ten schools that received P50,000 cash were the Santa Cruz Elementary School (ES), Mat-i ES, San Alonzo ES in Balingoan, Punta Silum ES, Manticao Central School

(CS), Sugbongcogon CS, Hermano ES, Balingoan CS, Kinoguitan CS, and Laguindingan CS. The rest of the schools were also given cash aid according to the amount of repairs they need for their campus. The Brigada Eskwela repair-cleaning program is an annual activity by the DepEd in preparation for the opening of classes this school year.


Barangay forest program launching set

the following scheduled date of assessment per sector: from May 12 to 23 for Automotive, Land Transport and HVAC; July 14 – 25, Construction and Metals and Engineering; August 11 – 22, Tourism, Electronics and ICT; and October 13 – 24, Agri-Fishery/Food Processing and Health, Social

and Other Community Development Services. Interested applicants may download the NATCAC application form and the self-assessment guides for various qualifications at www.tesda.gov.ph.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A joint cabinet working visit is set on May 21 here in the city to launch the Mindanao Barangay StraTREEgic Forest Program (BSFP).

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon JP Paje, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino are expected to attend and witness the ceremonial MOA signing and turn-over of check. The BSFP is a tripartite partnership which seeks to facilitate the implementation and attainment of the objectives of the National Greening Program (NGP) in Mindanao. It initially targets to cover some 200 barangays for reforestation activities and generate at least two million seedlings of forest trees planted in typhoon prone and perennially flooded areas in Mindanao. Alongside with the BSFP launching

is the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) for Miarayon-Lapok-Tinaytayan Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) of Mt. Kalatungan Range Natural Park cum Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDORBMC) special meeting. The PES for Kalatungan is supported by CDORBMC for pilot testing within the basin and is envisioned to scale up the efforts of other indigenous peoples communities within the basin, including those in Mt. Kalatungan and Mt. Kitangalad Natural Parks. MinDA, MASS-SPECC and the four cooperatives: Bukidnon Pharmaceutical Multipurpose Cooperative (BUPHARCO), First Community Cooperative (FICCO), and National Federation of Cooperative (NAFE) are the initial “buyers” of the PES scheme for MILALITTRA.


CHED-9 approves tuition fee hike of 15 private schoolsZAMBOANGA CITY – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has approved the request of 15 higher education institutions (HEIs)in Western Mindanao for increase in tuition fee for the coming school year, CHED-9 Regional Director Juanito Demetrio said.

By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao


Director Demetrio said 15 out of 16 HEIs were given the green light to increase their tuition fees, the other one was disapproved due to late submission of requirements to his office. “The final listing of schools approved was given to the Central Office. The increase will be discussed with the stakeholders in the coordination with the student governments, faculties, administrations, and it could also be with the presidents,” Demetrio said. He said this year’s average increase of 4.30 percent is lower than last year’s 6 percent. He also quickly pointed out that out of the 16 HEIs in the region, only eight of them implemented tuition fee hike last year, making it understandable

for the rest of the schools to ask for increase this year. The newly installed CHED-9 regional director also explained that the increase will be prorated using the 70-20-10 arrangement. “Seventy percent will go to the teachers’ salaries, 20 percent will be for the improvement of the school laboratory, physical plan and library, and lastly, the 10 percent will be the return of investments of the school owners,” Demetrio said. Demetrio said they had carefully evaluated all documents of the different schools regarding their request for tuition fee increase and deemed it acceptable. He added that his office is open to parents and students who wish to ask or be enlightened about the increase.


Basilan army troops, PNP undergo conflict management, resolution skills trainingBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY – Selected army troops and policemen underwent a training on conflict management and resolution skills aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of soldiers in peace and development work in Basilan.

Some 47 soldiers of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, the 104th Civil Military Operation (CMO) Unit, some members of the CAFGU, and the Basilan Philippine National Police participated in the three-day training last May 11-14 at camp 4SFBn, SOCOM, Philippine Army in Barangay Cabunbata this city. Miriam L. Suacito, executive director of the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. said that the “Bayanihan”

training-workshop was part of the Bantay Bayanihan program that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is implementing in partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSO). She explained that the AFP and some CSOs in Western Mindanao have formed a coalition that works on the civil military affairs whose aim is to maintain civilian-military relationship and changing the mindset of the security sector from


Basilan army troops, PNP undergo conflict management, resolution skills training

military operations to doing peace and development work. “The Bantay Bayanihan program is still a work in progress in Basilan Province in partnership with the 104th Brigade and all units under its command and some NGOs in alliance with peace and development work, where Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. acts as its secretariat,” she said. Suacito added that the training specifically aimed at equipping our soldiers with knowledge and skills in community organizing, in handling conflict situations, and most importantly equipping themselves with right attitude and behavior that will contribute to peace-building in the communities that they will

serve. Resource persons from the Nagdilaab Foundation and the Philippine Information Agency led participants to various activities on personhood, values clarification, role playing on conflict resolution, and community organizing, among others. With the AFP’s direction of winning the peace, rather than winning the war, the government forces are making a drastic move that may change public perception toward the military in the hope that the communities will appreciate the role of the soldiers in peace and development.


The military confers medals to soldiers wounded in action against the rebelsDAVAO CITY- A top military officer in Davao Region urged soldiers to perform their mission with dedica-tion as peace is gradually realized in the countryside. Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division in his pep talk to the wounded soldiers said they must continue to serve more since their mission precedes the realization of development longed by residents in far-flung areas. He said that part of performing their mission is to get hurt in the process. “The people see the improving peace and order condition in their area. We need to work hard since ultimately, our effort brings development to them,” Bernardo said. The soldiers were wounded in an encounter between the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion and New

People’s Army in Sitio Diat Palo, Barangay Kingking, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province last May 4. Among the wounded was 1st Lt. Ari Ben Hernaez who sustained a bullet wound in his right leg. In March 12, the lieutenant was wounded in his left leg in an encounter against NPA in Barangay Panoraon, Maco, Compostela Valley Province. Aside from Hernaez, Major General Bernardo also conferred the Wounded Personnel Medal to Privates First Class Jovert Torres, Renier Osotio, Albert Edem, Haris Winsly Villacentio and Wyli Tobia. Meanwhile, while Civilian Activie Auxilliaries CAA Gilber Into and CAA James Nadio were also awarded related to a separate incident in Asuncion, Davao del Norte where they were slightly wounded by landmine shrapnels. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


Davao City LGU identifies 6 vulnerable areas as reference for climate change adaptation planDAVAO CITY– Six barangays in Davao City have been identified priority critical barangays to be given focus in the preparation of the local government’s climate change mitigation and adaptation plan. After a climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment done in December 2012 to July 2013 in the city, barangays Talomo, Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing, Maa, Tigatto and Bucana came out to be the “most vulnerable” to disasters due to climate change. Arceli Dela Cruz, science research specialist of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI, bared this during Friday’s Hermes Club Forum at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, this city. Dela Cruz said that based on the vulnerability and adaptation assessment, the Davao City LGU would prepare its climate change mitigation and adaptation plan focusing on the six priority barangays. She said there was a need to narrow down the 24 identified

high risk areas into six in order to appropriately and promptly provide mitigation and adaptation interventions to said barangays. “The vulnerability assessment helps the LGU formulate its mitigation and adaptation measures for people to be aware of what to do in time of disasters,” Dela Cruz stated. She said that the vulnerability and adaptation assessment has identified five climate change drivers in the city, such as climate change drivers as sea level rise, rain-induced landslides (occurrence of continuous rains for weeks), strong wind (mostly in Marilog area), salt water intrusion and flooding. The assessment results, she added, were based on secondary data from the LGU’s documents like the social economic profile and Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Series of consultations were also undertaken across all sectors like the DENR, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services


Administration (PAGASA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). Among the recommended actions was the need for the LGU to revisit its CLUP and integrate in it resilience, mitigation and adaptation measures related to climate change, Dela Cruz stated, citing drainage system plan as one measure. The vulnerability and adaptation assessment report for Davao City, which was funded by the US Habitat and World Food

Program, is currently on its final editing stage, she bared. Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City were among the three cities in the entire country that were given the opportunity to undergo the assessment. “The mayor (Mayor Rodrigo Duterte) really wants to address this,” Dela Cruz said referring to the climate change vulnerability assessment results, adding that the city would finish first from the others in the finalization of the assessment report. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Brigada Eskwela highlights the Filipino tradition of bayanihan, education assistant secretary Jesus Lorenzo Mateo said Monday

Brigada Eskwela underscores bayanihan tradition – Asec MateoBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


Asec Mateo was here for the kick-off ceremony of the Brigada Eskwela 2014 in SOCCSKSARGEN Region held at the Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS).

“Our actual aim in holding Brigada Eskwela every year is to revive the Filipino tradition of bayanihan,” Asec. Mateo told hundreds of education officials, teachers, parents, students, police officers and private sector representatives attending the event.

In his message, the official emphasized that ownership of public schools does not only rest upon local government officials, teachers, students, police officers, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders but is a responsibility of everybody.

“I hope all the residents of every place would go out and volunteer for the Brigada Eskwela,” he said, emphasizing further that this year, DepEd aims to double the 7 million volunteers recorded in 2013.

Brigada Eskwela 2014, scheduled on May 19 - 24, is anchored on the theme “Making Our Schools Safer.”

As in the previous years, the department is appealing for public volunteerism in preparing classrooms and other school facilities for the opening of classes on June 2, thereby addressing the

problem of students and teachers spending the first few weeks of the school year cleaning up and beautifying classrooms rather than immediately getting down on their learning activities on the first day of classes.

Volunteers may repair and clean classrooms and school buildings, repaint walls and roofs, remove out grasses, seek and destroy mosquito breeding areas and other necessary works.

During this time, schools may also receive donations of paints, cleaning tools, and even food and drinks for the volunteers.

In his message, Asec Mateo emphasized that in the past two years of Brigada Eskwela DepEd was able to rack up over P3.5 billion worth of contributions.

“DepEd has saved P1.5 B worth of labor and in-kind contributions from Brigada Eskwela volunteers in 2012. In 2013, the cost of labor and in-kind contributions increased to over P2 billion,” he said.

Prior to the start of the kick-off ceremony yesterday morning, over 50 men and women police officers of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) have already started clearing a grassy portion of KNCHS.

Police provincial director PSSupt. Jose Briones Jr. told local media that the SCPPO has laid out schedule of deployment of


MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato—The provincial government is eager to lessen if not resolve, the continuing problem of power supply in the province par-ticularly in the towns of Pikit, Pigcawayan, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayap and Alamada or the PPALMA area.

police personnel for the Brigada Eskwela.

“Police stations across the province are also conducting Brigada Eskwela in their respective jurisdictions,” he said, adding that in some remote areas police officers will be donating items to schools in addition to volunteer work.

After the event launching, DepEd 12 immediately activated its monitoring team for the Brigada Eskwela 2014 in a bid to sustain the region’s standing in the

implementation of the program.Region 12 boasts of six hall of

famers in the list of Brigada Eskwela best implementers: Calauag Elementary School in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; New Consolacion Elementary School in M’lang, North Cotabato; Bambad Elementary School; Esperanza National High School in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat; Tupi National High School in Tupi, South Cotabato; and Isulan National High School in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

NorthCot LGU keen on resolving blackoutsBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

In the forum held recently, Governor Emmylou Mendoza revealed that the provincial government has offered help to the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco)PPALMA by lending them funds to purchase power supply.

“The fund, amounting to P2 million would enable the cooperative to buy an additional two megawatts of power, an action expected to lessen power outages,” Mendoza said.

This action, the governor explained, is a practical remedy to the worsening power outages in PPALMA.

Since April, Cotelco PPALMA only receives 4 megawatts of power from the National Power Corporation (NPC) which is very inadequate for the total

13 megawatts the whole area needs every day.

Felix Canja, Cotelco PPALMA general manager stated that with this problem, the cooperative cannot do anything but to implement the 10-14 hour power outages due to insufficient supply of power from the NPC.

“The inadequate supply Cotelco PPALMA receives from NPC led to awful brownouts which heavily affected all sectors especially the businessmen,” he noted.

It was recommended in the forum that the two megawatts would be coming from Cotelco main which has already secured 10 megawatts from the Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI).


COTABATO CITY – More than 80 madaris or Islamic schools in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will get financial assistance from the region’s Department of Education (DepEd) this school year, an official of the autonomoud government confirmed.

With this, Cotelco PPALMA must have to comply and submit important documents to the provincial government, in order for them to avail of the loan.

This would include the audited financial statements of the cooperative which would help determine their liquidity and capacity to repay obligations.

Meanwhile, during the forum, Mendoza emphasized that the provincial government is doing all it

can do to give remedy to the problem of heavy brownouts in PPALMA.

The event was attended by officials and representatives from power sectors such as the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Coporation-Power Sector Liabilities and Assets Management, Inc (NPC-PSALM) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philipiines (NGCP). (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

Madaris to receive aid from ARMM gov’t

Alzad Sattar, DepEd-ARMM’s undersecretary for madaris education, said the agency has earmarked P5,000 financial support for every madrasah student.

The fund, he said, would be used to support infrastructure improvement of madaris and the salaries of their instructors.

“We like to help madaris operating in the region keep up with the education standard we want to establish in ARMM,” said Sattar, adding that mos madaris are facing financial difficulty

“Pilot madaris should be at par with other private educational institutions, if not today, maybe in the near future. Once we achieve quality management and quality education, we will produce quality leaders who can lead the Bangsamoro,” said Sattar.

A madrasah must have a permit to operate from the DepEd and follow the prescribed basic education curriculum to qualify for the financial assistance, he said.

The curriculum is the combination of Islamic studies and Arabic Language (ISAL) with core madrasah subjects like Qur’an, Aqeedah (Theology) and Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Seerah (Prophet’s Biography) and Hadith (Prophetic Traditions) and the Revised Basic Education Curriculum such as English, Science, Math, Filipino and Makabayan (Social Studies).

Pilot madaris in ARMM have recently adopted the Standard Madrasah Curriculum or known as Refined Enhancement Madrasah Curriculum (REMC). (BPI-ARMM/PIA12)

One Mindanao - May 21, 2014

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