One Mindanao - May 29, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII THELMA B. OLIVER Regional Director, PIA Region X

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

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

Cover Story

Soccsksargen Region’s corn production hits P15.6 B in 2012Danilo E. DoguilesCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, May 29, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 194

page 4

President aquino visits wake of marine soldiers slain in Sulu encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group 8

DOLE intensfies advocacy against child labor 14

Preschoolers benefit from free nutri food packs

Surigao Norte conducts consultation to mainstream provincial, regional development plan

South Cotabato Airshed TWG conducts roadside inspection13

18Lipsy Grace Carayo, Central Mindanao

DTI-13, Caraga Region

DTI advises online shoppers to be vigilant 17

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

PGO-SDN, Caraga Region

24Gensan to celebrate “Men’s Day” in June Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan, Central Mindanao 26DOST-9 extends assistance to metals, engineering industry Alma L. Tingcang, Southern Mindanao28

27 6 10 12 15 23

Wednesday, May 29, 20134

Zaldy Boloron, corn program coordinator of DA 12 said, the region produced a total of 1,201,579 metric tons (MT) of corn last year. “(The region’s corn) industry posted a 2.65% increase compared to its production in CY 2011 of 1,170,554 MT,” Boloron said. He attributed the increase to the cropping intensity due to favorable weather conditions and high buying price for corn grains. This was also “due to the wide area to the wide area suitable for corn production, availability od high quality seeds, and access to technology,” he explained. Soccsksargen Region, otherwise called Soccsksargen Region is

composed of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato. Region 12’s corn production ranked third in the country with Cagayan Valley on top of the list with production of 1,873,996 MT

and Northern Mindanao with

Soccsksargen Region’s corn production hits P15.6 B in 2012

Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 produced P15.6

billion worth of corn in 2012, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 said.

CoVer StoRy

By Danilo E. Doguiles

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 5

production of 1,231,417 MT at No. 2. Overall, Region 12 contributed 16 percent to the national corn production of 7,389,425 MT in 2012. Besides Soccsksargen Region and Northern Mindanao, two other regions in Mindanao made it to the list of top ten corn producers, namely: ARMM that produced 768,887 MT and Zamboanga Peninsula that produced 214,519 MT. Of the four provinces in Region 12, South Cotabato was the largest corn producer in 2012 with 435,981 MT,

followed by North Cotabato with 385,428 MT, Sultan Kudarat with 234,393 MT, and Sarangani with 145,479 MT. Average yield in the region last year was estimated at 2.8 MT per hectare In South Cotabato, at least 144,200 hectares were devoted to corn, followed by North Cotabato, 129,908 ha; Sultan Kudarat, 84,328 ha; and Sarangani, 70,883 ha. Region 12’s corn program aims at 1.24 million MT in 2013 of production and 1.29 million MT in 2014.

Soccsksargen Region’s corn production hits P15.6 B in 2012

6Wednesday, May 29, 2013

ACROSS THE NATION

In order to meet President Benigno S. Aquino III’s

directive to address the 66,800 classroom shortage by this year, the Departments of Education (DepEd) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are on top of and are addressing the situation, a Malacanang official said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is cognizant of the need to close the classroom gap in order to advance the learning of Filipino students by providing a conducive study

atmosphere for all.“Of course, tinutugunan natin

(ang classroom shortage). We are very well aware of the classroom shortage that we have apart from the year-on-year requirements that need to be met. That’s why meron

Gov’t addressing classroom shortage – Malacanang says


na nga pong ongoing project ang DepEd at ang DPWH to address the classroom shortage,” Valte said.

She pointed out that the DepEd and DPWH are acting towards constructing more two-storey classrooms in the province and in Metro Manila.

“So, yes, that is being addressed and we’re looking to cut that backlog (of classrooms) significantly,” Valte said.

She noted of the headway gained by the government under the President’s instructions to address the textbook and school furniture shortage.

“As you have seen, nabanggit po ng Pangulo ‘yung shortage doon sa mga textbooks, that has already been addressed. ‘Yung shortage doon sa mga upuan at sa mga furniture, that has already also been addressed,” Valte said.

“And even in typhoon-hit areas, if I may mention,’yung doon sa…

Davao at sa Compostela Valley, ina-address na rin po natin ang kanilang mga pangangailangan, kasi meron po yatang mga structures that cannot be used because of the damage caused by the typhoon,” she added.

8Wednesday, May 29, 2013

During his visit at the Philippine Marines Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, the President also extended financial assistance to

the families of the soldiers by handing them P250,000 check each.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said soldiers from the 2nd

President aquino visits wake of marine soldiers slain in Sulu encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited the wake Tuesday of the seven Marines who died in Sulu on Saturday following an

encounter with the members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).


Marine Brigade, while pursuing Abu Sayyaf group believed to be holding captive the wife of a marine soldier, encountered a large group of its members at about 6:30 a.m. Saturday at Tugay, Patikul town in Sulu.

Ensuing gun-fight lasted more than one hour killing seven Marine soldiers, including a lieutenant and nine Abu Sayyaf terrorists. Nine marines and 10 Abu Sayyaf members were also wounded.

The AFP said the terrorists fled after the fighting and the military has launched a pursuit operation against the group.

The military reported that helicopters were dispatched to evacuate the wounded soldiers who were brought to the trauma hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

The soldiers involved in the incident were on

“route security” when the encounter occurred contrary to police initial report saying they were ambushed.

The Abu Sayyaf, founded in the 1990s, has carried out a number of high-profile attacks including kidnapping particularly of foreign nationals. The group is also involved in bombing attacks.

The military estimates Abu Sayyaf’s membership at around 300, mostly based in southern Philippine provinces of Sulu and Basilan.


Power congress aims to end Mindanao woes

The Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AMRECO) convened stakeholders of the island’s power sector the other day to push for immediate and long-term strategies that will

address the region’s power problems.The two-day 2nd Mindanao Congress

of the Advocates for Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification and Development (MinCARED) in Cagayan de Oro cited the Mindanao Power Agenda on top of its pursuits, Luwalhati

Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority said.

“With the theme Mainstreaming the Mindanao Power Agenda, the congress will further highlight collaborative mechanisms that can be undertaken


to ensure aggressive promotion of renewable energy projects, and the effective delivery of sufficient power supply across the island,” she said.

Last year, the 1st MinCARED has brought to national attention the need to address the Mindanao power situation so that immediate and long term measures can be hammered out jointly by the government and the private sector, Antonino pointed out.

MinCARED participants include representatives from the local government units, which include local chief executives and legislators, representatives from non-government organizations, academe, electric cooperative constituencies, media, private sector, and business leaders as well as other power industry stakeholders.

“We are looking into the viability of investments in renewable energy projects, specifically small hydro and biomass generation to sustain Mindanao’s ideal energy mix of 50 percent renewable energy and 50 percent fuel-based plants in the future,” explained Antonino.

Currently, Mindanao is enjoying a 60-40 energy mix in favor of renewable energy largely on account of its Agus-Pulangi hydro complex, geothermal plants, several small hydro, biomass and the country’s only solar plant.

The 40 percent capacity was supplied by fossil fuel-based power plants, particularly coal, and diesel. However, by 2016, when committed power projects, which are mostly coal come online, MinDA expects reversal of energy mix.

Antonino added that in order to achieve the desired energy mix, MinDA is currently working with the Department of Energy and USAID’s Energy in conducting an energy resources assessment for small hydro and biomass energy projects. The study will help determine the most suitable areas for these power projects. (PNA)


CDO Press Club celebrates 31st Press Freedom Weekby Mary Nathalie SoldevillaCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC) is celebrating its 31st Press Freedom Week which starts today until May 31.


Preschoolers benefit from free nutri food packs

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - Fifty pre-schoolers here got a 120-day free supply of nutri-food packs fortified with vitamin A and iron.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

Provincial nutritionist and dietician Telesfora G. Madelo said it is important to address malnutrition among children, especially during their formative years or from 0 to 5 years old. These kids were listed under the severely underweight children in the province. For 120 days they will be given food packs to serve as their afternoon snack which comes in several flavors like champorado (chocolate porridge) and monggo (mung bean).

Other underweight children in the province enrolled in the government’s day care program were also covered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s feeding program, while the government is also regularly providing for the micronutrient supplementation, vitamin A, iron and deworming needs of the children. The malnutrition rate in the island shows a decreasing trend over the years. It dropped to 7.14 percent in 2012 from the recorded 7.33 percent in 2011.

Msgr. Elmer S. Abacahin, president of COPC, hopes to make this celebration a memorable event after all the media’s hard work on covering the midterm elections in the name of fair and balanced reporting. The celebration carries the theme: “Safe to Speak, Securing Freedom of Expression in all Media,” which was adopted from the World Press Freedom Day celebration last May 3. A holy mass opened the celebration today at 7 a.m. at the Press Freedom Monument followed by a fellowship breakfast at the COPC

boardroom. A motorcade followed at 9 a.m. along the major roads of the city with all media outlet vehicles decorated for the event. The Kapisanan ng mga Brodcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) will also be sponsoring a night of fellowship, an opportunity for media practitioners and organizations to convene as members of the COPC. Several sports competitions are also organized for the day, one of the highlights for the week-long celebration. More activities will be announced in the coming days.


DOLE intensfies advocacy against child laborby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Lanao del Norte provincial office is intensifying its advocacy on the eradication of child labor.

The DOLE-Lanao del Norte office forged an alliance with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to raise awareness among Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries on the adverse effects of exposing their children to high-risk work environments. A series of community-based anti-child labor advocacy and orientation on Republic Act 9231 providing for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and affording stronger protection for the working children and its implementing rules and regulations were held among 4Ps beneficiaries in the province recently. The orientation continued in urban and coastal barangays and

was integrated in their regular family development sessions. These activities aim to draw out support among the program beneficiaries to be vigilant and become grassroots child labor advocates. Meanwhile, around 2,000 4Ps beneficiaries through their city links supported the walk-for-a-cause dubbed: “Lakaw Ta Para sa Bata Tibuok Amihanang Mindanao” during the Labor Day celebration last May 1. These beneficiaries committed to become government partners in advocating to their co-beneficiaries to send their children to school and not to engage them in risky economic activities.

http://politekon.blogspot.com/2011/04/philippines-anti-child-labor-law.html


DENR revives forest chokepoints in Agusan del Sur & Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 13 has revived its choke points in several strategic locations here to deter the transport of illegal logs.

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

by Angel dela Torre

DOLE intensfies advocacy against child labor


The move was formalized during the meeting of the Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee ( RMFPC) presided over by DENR Regional Technical Director for Forest Management Services Marites M. Ocampo.

“We have to neutralize negative perceptions about the DENR hence there is a need to establish chokepoints in strategic places particularly in areas where illegal logs are noted” Ocampo said.

The chokepoints shall complement the existing forest monitoring checkpoints at the national highways and the Agusan river. It will be m a n n e d by the members of the R F M P C , the PNP and the D E N R personnel.

Ocampo said the move will hopefu l ly e r a s e n e g a t i v e

public perception that Caraga Region is a “haven of illegal loggings”. She said the DENR has succeeded in reducing the activities of illegal logging from 34 identified “hot spots” to 17 hot spots owing to the implementation of Executive Order No., 23.

She said the DENR-PNP-military operation has focused its efforts in the towns of Esperanza, Sibagat, Trento, Loreto, Rosario, La Paz, Talacogon, San Luis in Agusan del Sur and Bislig, Carmen, San Agustin, Lianga, Barobo, Tandag in Surigao del Sur and Tagdianao in Surigao del Norte.


DTI offices nationwide have received a number of complaints involving online consumer transactions. The complaints covered non-delivery of the items ordered, delay in the delivery and defective items upon delivery.

Like any type of consumer transactions, online shopping is protected under the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Electronic Commerce Act. However, it is not entirely considered safe for consumers considering the fact that they have to pay the purchase price before they receive the products they have ordered and paid for. Online sellers who can maintain bogus phone numbers and addresses may be difficult to locate especially if the products bought are found to be defective.

DTI-Caraga enjoins consumers to check the validity of the online store

before making any purchases. Look for customer feedbacks or comments regarding the online store as customers who have previously bought from the said store usually post feedbacks or comments about the quality of products they have bought or about the quality of services the store has provided to them.

In case of sales promotions or discounts of online products, consumers should check for the appropriate DTI permit as some online sellers are considered “fly-by-night sellers” that can no longer be contacted after consumers placed their orders and paid for the items.

For any consumer complaints or inquiries on online consumer transactions, go to the nearest DTI office.

DTI advises online shoppers to be vigilant

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Caraga Region urges online shoppers to be vigilant in purchasing items through the internet.

by DTI-13


The consultation aims to promote wider ownership and ensure vertical alignment between the regional priorities and LGU’s concerns and to highlights the assessment, challenges/opportunities and strategic framework of the Regional Development Plan (RDP).

The five-year RDP (2011-2016) which was approved and adopted by the Regional Development Council (RDC) through resolution no. 23 series of 2010, is now on its third year of implementation.

In the past two years, the region

has performed exceptionally well with a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate of 9.6% in 2011, the highest in the country.

However, human development remains a persistent challenge with poverty incidence among families hovering at 34% for the first semester in 2012. Thus, it is timely to asses and revised the plan to identify appropriate strategies which will strengthen the regions continued quest for development in the remaining three (3) years of the Aquino administration.


SURIGAO CITY -- The Province of Surigao del Norte through the Regional Development Council and members of the Regional Planning Committees will conduct a Provincial Consultation today at the Philippine Gateway Hotel, this city.

by PGO-SDN


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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The ceremonial cutting of a “balagon” makes up for the launching of Minggel Lemsnolon Agri-Forest Nursery in a community in T’boli town, an official said.

NGO launches agri-forest nursery in the countrysideBy Aida C. Agad


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Over 100 motorists were apprehended along the national highway yesterday for failing the smoke-belching test.

Trade and Industry South Cotabato provincial director Flora Gabunales who led the cutting of the vine last May 2 said, the establishment of the nursery in the area opens opportunity for residents to nurture and develop 20,000 bamboo propagules into good planting materials for the bamboo cluster areas.

The nursery, Gabunales said is a project of the TUGED, Inc, (Tboli Unifying its Generation for Empowerment and Development), an active member of the Regional Mineral Development Council (RMDC) 12.

TUGED, Inc, is a pro-environmentalist’ Non-Government Organization (NGO) led by Ms. Silin Awed which partners with local mining group, Tribal Mining Corporation (TMC), and government agencies in monitoring measures for the protection of forested areas in T’boli town in South Cotabato province.

With the establishment of the nursery project, TMC also hoped to comply its commitment to plant trees to cover around 100 hectares this year, the DTI director said.

Gabunales also said, the RMDC 12 had earlier conducted a Bamboo Nursery Training to members of TUGED, Inc, to ensure that members assigned to man the nursery are equipped with proper technologies in handling propagules and seedlings.

The nursery training was jointly organized by member-agencies, the DTI-SC, Mines & Geosciences Bureau, DENR, Provincial Environment Management Office and TMC.

The project is also in support to the National Greening Program of the government and Memo Circular No. 30 issued on May 2012 calls for the planting of bamboo to at least 20% of the NGP targets in the province of South Cotabato. (ACAgad PIA12)

South Cotabato Airshed TWG conducts roadside inspectionBy Lipsy Grace Carayo

Members of the South Cotabato Airshed Technical Working Group yesterday morning stationed them-selves in Polomolok town to conduc inspection of vehicles plying the General Santos City – Koronadal City route.

South Cotabato Airshed TWG is an anti-smoke belching unit com-posed of representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, Community Environment and Natu-ral Resources Office – General San-tos City, Provincial ENRO of South


Cotabato, Department of Health 12, local government of South Co-tabato, Department of Science and Technology, and the Environment Management Bureau-DENR.

Leonard Moliva, team leader of the TWG said the activity was con-ducted in line with their efforts to reduce air pollutants through re-duction of emission of excessive smoke from vehicles.

This is pursuant to the mandates of Republic Act 8749 or known as Philippine Clean Air Act, Moliva added.

For the activity, some LTO per-sonnel were stationed in a strategic location along the national highway to direct motorists going in and out of Gensan toward the anti-smoke belching unit at the road side where the emission test was conducted.

Each vehicle that passed the emission standard was given a certificate of compliance, which is handed to the drivers and the ve-hicle was immediately released.

On the other hand, for each ve-hicle that exceeded the emission limits, the driver’s name, along with the vehicle’s plate number, were submitted to the local LTO office where penalties were to be paid.

All vehicles, including red-plated government rides were subjected to the emission test.

Moliva explained the team used

an opacimeter, a device used to measure the density of smoke emitted by a vehicle and deter-mines whether the smoke emitted is exceeds the allowable limits.

If the smoke density is less than 60% Hartridge Smoke Unit (HSU), then it is negative If the smoke density reaches 67% HSU a vehicle is positive for smoke belching and doesn’t meet the emission stan-dards, Moliva further explained.

He added that hey also visited government offices to conduct emission tests to government vehi-cles to ensure that everyone com-plies with the law. (DEDoguiles/Lipsy Grace Carayo/PIA-12)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY--The city government here announced Thursday the programs and activities for the 6th annual celebration of Men’s Day on June 3.

Gensan to celebrate “Men’s Day” in JuneBy Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

City Population Management Office (CPMO) Acting Head, Erline Grafilo said the one-day event with the theme: “Kalalakinhan Katambayayong sa Kababayen-an” will focus on the vital role of men as partners of women in development.

The celebration will start with a brief program and a singing competition at the Covered Court of Carlos P. Garcia Freedom Park in the morning.

“A Men’s Health Fair will highlight the occasion where free health services will be provided for the male participants,” Grafilo disclosed.

Health services include pneumonia vaccination for senior citizens, Direct Rectal Examination to determine prostate related problems, Diabetic Screening, Blood Pressure Taking, Family Planning and Fertility Management Consultation; Body Mass Index Computation, and Dental Services.

“We advised those who are interested to avail of the free pneumonia vaccination to register early as this is on a first come first serve basis for the first 50 customers,” she explained.

Grafilo also clarified that diabetic screening will be provided for the

first 100 customers, however, she emphasized that patients who will undergo checkup should not take food and water the night before the screening.

The city official also disclosed that 12 hairdressers will be coming over to conduct free haircut from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00p.m.

”We are encouraging our men in the city to take advantage of these free services provided by the city government and our sponsors from the non-government organization (NGO),” she said.

Grafilo, however, explained that Men’s Day celebration was not conceptualized “to put men in pedestal” but rather to encourage them to become better informed to promote basic humanitarian values on the interest of gender equality.

The initiative, she said, aims to address issues such as parenting, positive male role models, and healthy life choices for men.

“Through this occasion we want also to empower men on how they could help in eradicating violence against women and other gender discrimination,” she opined. (PGFruylan/PIA-Gensan)


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PNP-9 readies for “Balik Eskwela 2013”

PAGADIAN CITY – As the opening of classes in all schools starts on June 3, Western Mindanao Police Director Chief Supt. Juanito Vaño Jr. has directed his men in the field to implement their comprehensive security plan to address any problem involving traffic, petty crimes and illegal peddling.

By Franklin P. Gumapon


With funding assistance worth P440,000, Ruby Grills Shop and Glass Center is the first to offer fabrication services of roll up doors/windows in Zamboanga Sibugay province which will complement the firm’s current business.

The equipment to be acquired is the same equipment adopted by another SETUP beneficiary in Dipolog City which so far, has been working efficiently. The said project aims to provide additional income to the

DOST-9 extends assistance to metals, engineering industry

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - To provide technology interventions including system and process improvement, and manpower development to the metals and engineering industry, the Department of Science and Technology IX, through the Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP) has approved the project “Upgrading the Roll up Facility of the Ruby Grills Shop and Glass Center” in this municipality.

By Alma L. Tingcang

Vaño also ordered the deployment of policemen to school premises as well as to crime-prone areas in the region. “This intensified police visibility and random patrol in the vicinity of the different schools are meant to carry out an ‘Opportunities of Service’ by doing little things but producing meaningful and great impact by assisting students and pedestrians in road traffic, and interacting with the students and parents as well,” he said. Aside from securing the school premises, Vaño said, “the Philippine National Police (PNP) has to maintain police visibility and patrol in all public places and in the different entry and

exit points to monitor the activities and presence of wanted persons and criminals who might take advantage of the situation, targeting prominent students to be their probable kidnap victim.” “I want to make sure that peace and order is maintained within the vicinity of the school premises by denying the criminals an opportunity to do their illegal activities by preying on innocent children, students and the parents,” Chief Supt Vaño said. The police regional director also reminded his men to continue their vigilance and alertness to ensure the safety and security not only of the students but the entire community as well.


firm by enabling it to fabricate its own roll up doors/windows instead of outsourcing the same technology from Dipolog or Zamboanga City. Hence, it will provide additional employment opportunities for locals in the area and strengthen the metal industry in the province which is one of the priorities of SETUP. At present, it is the only business operating in terms of roll up installation in the province with workforce of adequate training and experience gained from working with big companies in similar line of business. The business focuses on roll up doors installation, glass and aluminum installation, and iron works. Due to outsourcing of supplies (fabricated roll ups) from Dipolog and Zamboanga City, the firm cannot compete with the market price. This prompted them to avail DOST’s SETUP program to acquire roll up

fabrication facility. SETUP is designed to boost productivity and competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and to encourage them in implementing technological innovations and improvements in their operations. Interested parties may visit or call DOST-Regional Office IX, Pettit Barracks, Zamboanga City with telephone numbers (062) 991-1024; the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Upper Turno, Dipolog City, telephone numbers (065) 212-2244; Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) in Rizal Avenue, Pagadian City with telephone number (062) 925-1152; and the Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) at 2/F Faundo Bldg., National Highway, Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay with telephone numbers (062) 333-2793; or you may visit the DOST-IX website at www.region9.dost.gov.ph.



Task Force Kasalimbago helps prepare Marawi for school openingby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Preparations for the opening of classes this June is in full swing here after members of the Task Force Kasalimbago joined the Department of Education (DepEd) in the annual schools maintenance week popularly known as Brigada Eskwela.


The Task Force, headed by the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, mobilized parents, teachers, police and military

personnel, youth, community r e s i d e n t s ,

and other volunteers in the cleaning-up and repairing of schools last May 21 to 25. Major Abdullah D. Mocsana, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said

the move aims to assist DepEd in preparing schools for the opening of classes next week. He said the Task Force wanted to help in providing school children an environment conducive for learning. The Amai Pakpak Central Elementary School (APCES), Marawi Central Elementary Pilot School, Dansalan Elementary School, Angoyao Central School,


Cadayonan Elementary School, and Calocan Elementary School, among others, benefited from the Brigada Eskwela. Abdel Mulay Jr., a youth volunteer, said he joined the activity to help fellow students feel comfortable in school during classes. “Through this activity, we have shown that different sectors of the society can come together and be united to improve the community,” he added. APCES School Principal Pinamili Diron-Abedin meanwhile expressed appreciation to the Task Force for helping in the Brigada Eskwela and choosing APCES as one of the

beneficiaries. She said APCES needed the clean-up and repairs after it was used as a polling center during the May 13 national and local elections. The Task Force Kasalimbago was formed following the success of the general voters’ registration in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is aimed to work as a network of government organizations and civil society organizations committed to the strengthening of democratic ideals in the province through electoral reforms and activities that broadens people’s participation.


ARMM human rights body to look into displacement issueby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) has intensified efforts to address human rights issues especially for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region.

“Our regional office is not focused only on monitoring cases but is also collaborating with other agencies for potential solutions as well,” said lawyer Laisa M. Alamia, the agency’s chairperson said in a press briefing on Thursday morning. The RHRC was established last year following the enactment of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288 otherwise known as the “ARMM

Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012.” Alamia said that her agency has been receiving support from various sectors in Mindanao including a new vehicle recently donated by the United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). She said that the vehicle will be used in its monitoring activities while noting that

the autonomous region houses a number of displaced individuals. “Forced displacement gave birth to human rights concern and we are banking on establishing human rights profile mechanism in the 110 municipalities across the region,” she said. “Despite shortage in personnel and technical resources, we are ready to strategize provincial human rights action centers throughout the


region,” she added. In the 2012 forced displacement report released by UNHCR, 278,472 people were forcibly displaced in an accounted 35 incidents. Apart from natural disaster, the data cites that rido or clan feud were among the top three causes. “We are happy that UNHCR has been one of the active partners of the current regional administration in curbing the problem of human rights abuses in ARMM,” said Atty. Anwar Malang, regional government’s executive secretary. For his part, Arjun Jain, UNHCR Mindanao chief, has vowed to continue his agency’s support. “Rest assured that UNHCR and many other United Nation agencies and the international community

will be behind you, and will continue supporting your work,” said Jain.(ARMM CommGroup)


PHOTO GALLERYOPLAN BAKLAS


Veterans Bank brings WWII exhibit to Davao

DAVAO CITY -A World War II ex-hibit featuring never-before seen photos, memorabilia and artifacts will be brought to Davao City from June to June 12. Entitled “War of our Fathers.” the exhibit to be mounted at SM

City Davao Annex will feature 500 photos alongside memorabilia and vintage artifacts and will bring a glimpse of that bygone-era. The exhibit is mounted by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB).

byRudolph Alama


“It’s titled War of our Fathers since most of our fathers or grandfathers have lived or fought during that era.” says Mike Villa-Real PVB vice-president for corporate communications. Villa-Real said the exhibit will be bigger than the previous exhibits mounted by the bank and will feature newly found photos and historical artifacts. “One of which is the letter of General Vicente Lim then chief of the Philippine Army which expresses his concerns over the large population of Japanese in Davao City, we would find out that his fears would come true.” Villa-Real said. The Japanese population in World War II would later serve as part of the advance party of the Japanese invaders. Another highlight is the World

War II images of the Davao Penal Colony (Dapecol) where American Prisoners-of-War (POW) from the Death March where brought. It was in Dapecol where 10 American POWs escaped, boarded a submarine to Australia and recounted the first

eyewitness accounts of the Death March. The exhibit will also put on display emergency currency issued by the Philippine Commonwealth, Villa-Real said that unlike the Japanese “Mickey Mouse” money, Commonwealth-issued notes were backed by real gold and could be exchanged according to their value during the war. He said that possession of these money could mean death if caught by the Japanese. The exhibit will be held on Friday (June 1) at the SM City Davao where simple opening ceremonies will be graced by PVB officials, some World War II veterans and their families and City Government officials. It will be open to the public at no admission cost. (PIA/RG Alama)


DSWD turns over shelter assistance to DavNor

DAVAO DEL NORTE- The Depart-ment of Social Welfare (DSWD) XI has fulfilled its commitment to help flooded families in Davao del Norte. During Monday’s (May 27) Convocation held at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan, DSWD XI Institution Development Division Chief Helen Labrador turned over to Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario a P15,010,000 worth of emergency shelter assistance for 1,501 families whose houses were totally wrecked during the Typhoon Pablo and the succeeding adverse weather conditions

following the super-typhoon. DSWD XI will soon be turning over also a P16,700,000 worth of shelter assistance to 8,350 families whose houses were partially damaged during the same calamity that struck most areas in the northern Davao Region provinces in December last year

until early January this year. Such emergency shelter assistance was given to the provincial government on top of DSWD’s relief food packs worth P53,873,500 distributed in December, 2012 up to February this year to a total of 42,413 flood-affected families. Aside from food packs, DSWD XI allotted P7.9 million worth of cash-for-work incentives to boost the purchasing power of those who lost their source of income due to massive flooding. (PIA XI/ JMDA)

by Jeanevive Abangan

One Mindanao - May 29, 2013

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