One Mindanao - May 9, 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 OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, 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

The man who lives out his passion

Alma L. TingcangWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Thursday, May 9, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 181

page 4

Palace condemns abduction of Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights 9

BFAR-13 opens farmers and fisherfolks’ month celebration16

DTI-Caraga warns on unsafe practice of refill-ing butane canister with LPG

PNP 12 deploys over 600 police officers for poll duties

60 new scholars signs MOA with OWWA-12 15

29Oliver Ross V. Rivera, Central Mindanao

55IB, Phil. Army sets up quick response teams in remote areas of MisOcc Rutchie Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

Triathlon centennial championship set May 18-19 in Dipolog 24

DTI-13, Caraga Region

Jesieca B. Babatid, Caraga Region

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

3430

BOC-10 posts P5.7-B customs collections in 2012 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao35

8 11 13 22 26 32

Thursday, May 9, 20134

Passion for farming Rogelio J. Saniel held several positions in the past, as an executive and consultant of the United Nations, among others, giving him opportunities to travel abroad. His professional career may have spelled great success, but when he retired at the age of 54, he finally decided to go back to his first love: farming. Everything started out as a

dream. But his passion was so intense that he slowly and eagerly watched as it became a reality in just a few years. “I started farming in 1998 when I retired from my job. My children were very much against it. But this did not deter me from farming. This was my passion, and passions die hard,” he recalls. “Pagsugod nako ug farm, wa gyud koy ipamalit ug chemicals ug mga pesticides. Usa ka adlaw nakakita ko ug dakong pundok sa uhot sa humay nga gi-thresher nagsugod na ug kalata. (When I started farming, I had no money to buy chemicals and pesticides. One day I saw a big pile of rice stalks which was starting to rot.) I noticed that the plants nearby looked

The man who lives out his passion

As a kid, he remembered that his parents brought him along

everyday to the farm, made him sit on banana leaves and watched as they till the soil. This farm scenario may have greatly influenced him to achieve remarkable innovation in farming, earning for himself a very sizeable income, not the conventional way but through integrated natural organic farming.

CoVer StoRy

By Alma L. Tingcang

Thursday, May 9, 2013 5

very healthy. Nakaingon ko, abono gyud ni. Tungod sa akong kalisod pagsugod ug uma, kato akong gihimong abono. (I said to myself, this is real fertilizer.) Because of financial difficulty when I started farming, I used that as fertilizer,” Saniel explained. So he started planting fruits and used the rice stalks as fertilizer which yielded very good results. He continued to read magazines and books on agriculture and learned much, equipping him with enough information as an organic farmer.

Integrated Farming System “I was used to have much money from my previous jobs, earning a very sizeable income for me and my family,” Saniel said. So he asked himself, “Kung mag-uma ko, unsay assurance nga makahatag ni nako ug dakong income inig retire na nako? (If I go into farming, what assurance do I have that this will give me a big income?) “I studied what I would plant first. So I embarked on planting fruit trees,

durian, rambutan, lanzones, pomelo, among others. In 5 years time, they would be fruit-bearing already. Then I planted plenty of bananas, then corn, camote and other root crops. So, that sustained all my needs. While I was waiting for my fruits and bananas to harvest, I was earning much from other crops in my farm such as coconut and rubber,” Saniel explained. He aimed to have a hectare earn an income equivalent to 5 hectares, so it will not be mono cropping. Instead, several varieties should be planted for it to earn much income, so that the farmer will not suffer financial difficulty. Saniel proved himself right. After planting several varieties of fruits and crops, he went to livestock production - swine, goat, sheep, cattle and chicken. He started with only a few but now there are hundreds of them on his farm. His fishpond abounds with “tilapia” and he sells fingerlings by the thousands.

Winning the 1998 Gawad Saka “Barely four years after I started


farming in 1998, I won in 2002 an award as the Most Outstanding Farmer in the Philippines “Gawad Saka” Large Animal Category (Cattle) because that was my forte. I made my own formulation of the feeds and studied their nutritional components. I also attended seminars to complement what I have learned and to broaden my knowledge,” he clarified. His piece of advice when you go into gardening is that you should not only think of family consumption but give focus on its business aspect. A good type of vermicast and compost is needed and you should not buy fertilizer, you should make your own. There is no reason for the new and younger breed of farmers not to succeed in farming.Lately, his four-hectare rice field yielded an income of P500 thousand with no commercial fertilizers and insecticides used, just his own concoction which can be found in his book, complete with the ingredients and the formula. After the rice, his next income would come from copra, then fruits, rubber,

poultry, and the fishpond with tilapia. If a fingerling would cost P1, imagine how much earning would that be if he sells thousands of fingerlings? He will soon embark on planting cacao under the coconuts and bananas since cacao thrives on shady areas. Payback Time After receiving his award, it was payback time. In gratefulness to God for the many blessings he received from his farm, he has trained more than 10,000 farmers in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, giving them free seminars on integrated natural organic farming. Everything was free including their food. For two years he did not sell his pigs and the harvest from his rice fields. He built his house as a training center for the farmers. “Of the 10,000 that I trained, there are only about 500 who adopted organic farming, since they still practice the conventional method. I was the first who introduced organic farming in Zamboanga del Sur. I made vermicast. I went to Bacolod and Tagaytay and learned bio-composting. I studied everything and implemented it in my farm. I was excited because many of them accepted the technology. Establishing the Business SchoolThe Saniel Integrated Farm Technological Business School at Sandal, San Isidro, Mahayag is a TESDA-accredited school franchised


by the Management Association of the Philippines, Meralco Foundation and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). The school opened in July, 2012 but 4 batches have already graduated or a total of 60 students. The most recent graduates were visited by Meralco Foundation, interviewed and given an examination after which 17 passed out of the 32 who took the exam. The 17 students qualified for a two-year diploma course in entrepreneurship and already left for Manila. All students are scholars of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Saniel is expecting 25 more scholars from Meralco Foundation this June funded by the ATI and the Filipino Development Foundation. The school offers such courses as: Animal production - 860 hours; Agri-crop production – 616 hours; Horticulture -1,140 hours; Aquaculture – 1,276 hous; Natural Organic Farming

Technology - 25 days; and Rubber production - 800 hours. He produced a learning module entitled “Malahutayong Agrikultura sa Pamaagi nga Natural ug Organikong Teknolohiya” (Sustainable Agriculture Through Natural and Organic Technology). He is the only accredited organic farmer in Zamboanga del Sur. Lastly, he called on farmers to practice integrated organic farming. “With the integrated farming system, you will be able to make one hectare produce a yield worth five hectares. You will have a sustainable income and save time, money and effort,” he encouraged. Saniel says a farmer needs to love farming. Passion, courage and confidence that you can do it spells the way to succeed in farming. You must have faith in your capability and set your heart to it. But above all, he exhorts everyone to live a righteous life, a life of goodness with no vices which will destroy your body. “But the most important thing is this, “Make God your partner in all your endeavors,” Saniel acknowledged.

8Thursday, May 9, 2013

ACROSS THE NATION

President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed concerned Cabinet Secretaries to look into the “consequences” of a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution imposing a ban on cash

withdrawals of more than P100,000 from banks and other financial institutions, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Wednesday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Valte said the President issued his instructions to address numerous complaints and concerns about the said resolution.

The Comelec, which issued the ban on Tuesday, also prohibited the “possession, transportation and/or carrying of cash” worth more than P500,000.

President Aquino instructs concerned Cabinet Secretaries to look into Comelec resolution imposing ‘money ban’


Palace condemns abduction of Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights

Malacanang condemned Wednesday the abduction of four Filipino peacekeepers under the United Nations (UN)

Command in the Golan Heights saying the detention is against international law.

“Since the news yesterday hit the airwaves on the money ban that is being imposed by the COMELEC, we have been receiving several complaints and concerns about it. And, as such, the President has asked concerned Cabinet Secretaries to look into the matter,” Valte said.

She added that although the President understands the objective of the Comelec resolution, which is to stem the incidence of vote-buying, the Chief Executive wanted the consequences of

imposing this resolution clarified.“We have to look at the consequences

of the resolution. While the COMELEC, as I have earlier stated, we understand perfectly the objective that is under the mandate of the COMELEC,” Valte said.

She added that the concerned Secretaries include Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, among others. PND (rck)

10Thursday, May 9, 2013

“We join the condemnation of the abduction of the four Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights. We would like to underscore that the detention of the—not just because they’re Filipinos, but of peacekeepers, in general—are against international laws,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press conference in Malacanang.

“We have called upon the stakeholders and as well as the UN Security Council to make sure and to secure, the immediate release and to ensure the safety of the four,” he said.

Valte said there is an ongoing review on the deployment of Filipino peacekeepers overseas following a similar incident in the

area a few months ago and the President is being apprised of the ongoing review.

While the government has not decided whether to make realignments on the number of peacekeepers being sent abroad, Valte said the latest Golan Heights incident would probably have an impact on the ongoing review.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the illegal detention of peacekeepers is a gross violation of international law.

The Filipino peacekeepers were abducted while on patrol in the Golan Heights, a tense area that separates Syria and Israel.


Aquino assures public of sufficient power supply during May 13 polls

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Wednesday that there will be enough power supply during the May 13 midterm elections.

“The President was assured by concerned authorities that there will be adequate power on election day as every step is being undertaken to

ensure electricity supply nationwide on that day,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement on Wednesday.


Valte said the President asked Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla to give a regular update on the energy situation following the blackouts that affected the Palace complex Wednesday afternoon.

“Since the brownout that occurred earlier today (Malacañan was affected at 1:51 p.m.) the President asked for, and has been regularly updated by Energy Secretary Petilla on, the scope and duration of the power outage,” Valte said.

Valte said that Petilla immediately briefed the public on the energy situation.

Metro Manila and provinces in Luzon were hit with power outages on Wednesday as five major power plants in the island experienced “tripping” of transmission lines.

Luzon had power outage around 2 p.m. Wednesday, losing 3,700 megawatts of power supply. This represents 45 percent of Luzon’s total peak electricity requirements, according to the energy department.

The Department of Energy ruled out “sabotage” in Wednesday’s power outages saying there is no indication that this was an election-related occurrence. PND (as)


Regional police chief admonishes police to ensure safe, fair elections

BUTUAN CITY -- Police Regional Office 13 chief Chief Supt. Getulio P. Napenas last Monday ordered all police officers and personnel all over the region to perform all their assigned tasks well as the election day fast approaches.

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

by Noel B Najarro


Napenas who led the Monday traditional flag-raising rites at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, the regional police headquarters here, said in his message that the police at this point have been doing a lot of preparation for the coming polls such as inspecting all police units and equipment, providing security to the deployment of PCOS machines and ballots, intensifying checkpoints and conducting combat clearing operations.

“We need to enhance more our preparations to ensure safe and secure elections next week,” Napenas said.

He noted the reduced number of attendees during the flag rites which he said is because about a hundred personnel were deployed from the regional headquarters personnel to Butuan City Police Office on Friday to render general

police duties.He said that

because of that move, no major crimes were reported in the city since Friday.

N a p e n a s also said the move was implemented as most of the personnel of BCPO were deployed to secure the

PCOS machines now kept in the respective polling places in every barangay.

He also recognized the 20 police trainees (17 males and 3 females), from the region who were trained at General Santos City but were sent back to help perform police poll duties.

Napenas said they too will augment the City Police Office.

He said that the Regional Public Safety Battalion will render duties to BCPO 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. while the regional headquarters personnel will be doing their duties at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.

“It’s a sacrifice and extra mile of rendering our services, but I’m sure all of these will not be in vain as we serve our country and people,” Napenas said.


DTI cautions that these canisters are not intended for and designed to store LPG. Based on Philippine National Standard (PNS) 03-01:2000, only welded steel cylinders with water capacities of 1 liter to 150 liters are intended for storage and transport of LPG. Butane canisters are made of tin only which is thinner than the required steel cylinders for LPG. As such, the LPG, which is highly flammable, may leak from the canisters that could lead to explosion and fire thus posing great danger to its users.

Furthermore, consumers are advised to read the labels on the canisters before using them to ensure that it contains butane rather than LPG or other types of flammable gases. Article 77 of the Consumer Act of the Philippines on Minimum Labeling Requirements for Consumer Products requires manufacturers or refillers to indicate the contents of the products and its general or active ingredients.

The DTI urges the public to report any information on the said unsafe practice.

DTI-Caraga warns on unsafe practice of refilling butane canister with LPG

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Caraga Region warns the public on unsafe practice of using and/or refilling butane canisters with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking and other household uses.

by DTI-13


The activity kicked-off with a grand motorcade around the city’s major thoroughfares participated by the partner LGUs in the five provinces of Caraga.

This year’s celebration with the theme, “Mangingisdang Direktor para sa Matatag na Balikatan”, is highlighted by the implementation of 9th season

BFAR-13 opens farmers and fisherfolks’ month celebration

BUTUAN CITY -- The fisheries bureau in Caraga region opened the month-long celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s last May 2.

by Jesieca B. Babatid


Fisherfolk Directorship Program pursuant to Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88, series of 2005.

The program aims to empower the fisherfolk to govern the national and regional office for the whole month of May. This is one of the significant undertakings of the bureau to recognize the tireless effort of the farmers and fisherfolk being the government’s partner in poverty alleviation and security program.

The 9th installed Regional Fisherfolk Director (RFD) is Mr. Perfecto Lisondra from Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. He is the Chairman of City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (CAFC), MRDP-Multisectoral Representative, member of Farmer’s Association, Provincial Fisherfolk Representative for Surigao del Norte, and member of Surigao City’s Local Poverty Alleviation Program.

A press conference was set right after the opening ceremony with the invited media, both in print and broadcast, in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Surigao del Norte. This enabled the new fisherfolk

director gets a warm welcome and shared his goals and vision in the tenure of his directorship.

BFAR-13 Regional Director Nerio G. Casil, in his message shared some inspiring words to the new Regional Fisherfolk Director and assured him full support and assistance.

Casil also said that while the RFD heads the office, he will be out for an immersion in fishing communities in the region.

A management committee meeting (MANCOM) was also held during that day presided over by the newly installed RFD.

Regional Fisherfolk Director Lisondra said that lined-up activities for the whole month of May were already arranged and these includes project monitoring and visitation region-wide, turn-over of fisheries projects, training of fishery law enforcement, mangrove planting, courtesy calls to Local Chief Executives.

The month-long celebration will commence with the search for outstanding fisherfolks in Caraga, one (1) per province, wherein big prizes awaits to the qualified winners.

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Regional learning session on human rights-based water governance held in PagadianBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – A group of Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), Municipal Engineers (MEs), Municipal Health Officers (MHOs), Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members heading the committee on appropriations and representatives from water service providers from 10 selected municipalities in the region converged here recently for a one-day learning session on human rights-based local water and sanitation governance.


Regional learning session on human rights-based water governance held in Pagadian

In a press statement issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 9 through its information officer, Lemuel Mejares, the activity was designed to address the “big Cs in water” comprising “corruption, capacity-building, culture and conduct of localized human rights-based water governance interventions.” Invited resources speakers were coming from the DILG-Water and Sanitation Services Unit (WSSU) with Ms.Fe Banluta, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with Ms. Jennifer Ginete, and National Water Resources Board (NWRB) with Ms. Belen Juarez. In his welcome remarks, DILG-9 Finance and Administrative Chief Fiorello G. Elizaga underscored the importance of holding such an activity wherein the participants share their best practices and knowledge products that can be adopted or replicated by the provinces/municipalities in implementing their water and sanitation programs. Through this activity, the participants would also know the challenges confronting the local water governance as well as the approaches to address them. Also present in the forum was the “Integrity Watch for Water Anti-Corruption Group (IWAG), a third party monitoring group based in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, sharing certain experiences in the implementation of water projects under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Highlighting the activity was the “Talakayang Tubig,” a talk show participated in by the resource persons and DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal O.

Abutazil, tackling issues and concerns relative to the implementation of water governance. “There is so much focus on infrastructure development for water but sometimes we forget that the soft component of the software is equally important, if not more important. For example, projects that fall by the wayside often lack social preparation and, therefore, no sense of ownership is generated among the people the project seeks to serve. That is why I look at capacity development both as a tool and strategy in the development of water systems and in local governance,” said Director Abutazil in the talk show. Moreover, there were also sharing of learning experiences in addressing cultural issues in local water and sanitation programs with the municipalities of Kalawit in Zamboanga del Norte and Tungawan in Zamboanga Sibugay and the IWAG as presenters. Knowledge products such as audio-visual films/compact discs on water stories, communication toolkit, IEC materials and others were distributed to the participants to guide them in communication planning. The activity ended with the filling of “Tubig-Yaman” jar with their commitment and support to the human rights-based local water governance. Aside from Kalawit and Tungawan towns, participants from the municipalities of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lapuyan, Misalip and Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur, and Katipunan and Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte also came to join the forum.


Triathlon centennial championship set May 18-19 in DipologBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY - The city government here will hold the Triathlon Centennial Championship come May 18 and 19. Triathlon is a kind of sport contest involving swimming, marathon and cycling. The event will start at the Dipolog City Boulevard to Dipolog City Sports Complex passing through the streets of barangays Miputak, Sta. Filomena, Brgy. Galas and Olingan. This event, which is being organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) of Manila and Sugbu Triathlon Association (STA) of Cebu in coordination with the Local Government of Dipolog, is part of the city’s 100th year celebration since its creation as a municipality in July 1, 1913. This is also the first time the city will hold such a sport event.Some athletes joining the competition come from other countries. The competition is categorized according to age bracket. For Trikids category, six to eight years old will join the swim-100 meters, bike-2.5 kilometers and run-1 kilometer; nine to ten years old will join the swim-200 meters, bike-5 kilometers and run-1 kilometer; eleven to twelve years

old for swim-300 meters, bike- 7.5 kilometers and run-2 kilometers. In the Super Mini Sprint category, 13 to 15 years old for swim- 400 meters and bike- 10 kilometers; 16 to 19 years old for swim- 1.5 kilometers, bike- 40 kilometers and run- 10 kilometers; and those aged 20 to 50 years old shall be the same as the challenges of 16 to 19 years old. The Mixed Relay category with swim- 1.5 kilometers, bike- 40 kilometers, and run- 10 kilometers is open only for female participants. Winners shall receive plaque and cash while those who will reach the finish line shall receive medals and t-shirts. There will be a registration fee of P1,200.00 for individual events while P1,500.00 for the mixed relay.



KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Don Bosco Multipurpose Cooperative in M’lang, North Cotabato has increased its presence in the global market as exporter of organic rice.

Don Bosco MPC in North Cotabato ships organic rice to DubaiBy Danilo E. Doguiles


Some 15 metric tons of organic black rice produced by farmer-members of Don Bosco MPC formed part of the 35-MT first shipment of rice export to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The ceremonial send-off, led by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, was held at the Manila Harbor Center.

At the event, Sec. Alcala said the ceremony was indeed very historic as it ushers in a new era in the country’s rice industry and the agriculture sector, in general.

Also part of the initial shipment to Dubai were aromatic rice and long-grain rice.

As the country is set to achieve rice sufficiency by end of this year, he said it is prudent to start eyeing the export market, particularly for fancy or aromatic, long-grain white varieties and organic coloured and heirloom rice varieties, where Filipino farmers are very much at par.

“Our exportation of rice is a result of a strong partnership of farmer organizations, private sector as well as officials and employees of the Department of Agriculture in the entire country,” Alcala said.

“We want our farmers to start considering opportunities in the export market,” said Alcala, noting rice exports would protect farmers’ incomes because prices of the commodity would drop once the country achieves rice self-sufficiency.

Meantime, Secretary Alcala

acknowledged and recognized Assistant Secretary Dante Delima concurrently the National Rice Program Coordinator for leading the rice export team along with other farmer groups and officials of the department.

Earlier, Delima noted that it is the first time in about 40 years at the Philippines exports the commodity in large volumes.

Meantime, Director Datukan noting that Soccksargen Region is officially one of the country’s rice exporters, added that there is a very strong potential for the Philippines to become globally popular because it offers quality and organi black rice.

She also believes that because more countries have expressed desire to try different rice varieties, then it would be an additional door of opportunity for Region 12 farmers who produced black and other colored rice varieties.

The lady director also disclosed that exportation of black rice from Region 12 through the Don Bosco MPC will continue and would probably open bigger market tie-ups.

With this good news, Director Datukan urges the officials of the Don Bosco MPC to expand their production areas to cater to the greater demands of black rice in the global market.

With this initial shipment, Mr. Romano Laurilla, Don Bosco MPC general manager hopes for more government partnerships especially in marketing their black rice as the cooperative’s main agricultural commodity.


“We are very happy that the Don Bosco and the DA have strong relationship especially in providing market linkages to the rice farmers for the latter to earn bigger profits,” Laurilla said.

The national rice program team led by ASec Delima coordinated the initial export rice shipment to Dubai with the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association (VIEVA).

Besides black rice from Soccsksargen Region, Secretary Alcala also led the inaugural shipment of 20 MT of Jasponica produced by SL Agritech Corporation based in Talavera, Nueva Ecija.

Also included in the shipments which will actually be shipped on May 9 is 166 MT of shallots (or small red onions locally known as ‘lasona’)

bound for Indonesia.“Another batch of 80 MT aromatic

and heirloom rice varieties are set for export in succeeding months,” Delima disclosed.

He said it is composed of 40 MT of long-grain, aromatic white rice bound for Hong Kong, and 40 MT of Cordillera heirloom rice to the United States. He said the DA is also sending a trial shipment of 800 kilograms of black rice to the Netherlands.

Among those present during the send-off ceremonies were: Atty. Miguel Varela, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; SL Agritech president and CEO Henry Lim Bon Liong; VIEVA president Lea Cruz; Romano Laurilla and Maria Helenita Gamela of Don Bosco MPC.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At least 658 police personnel from the Police Regional Office (PRO) – 12 are being deployed to different parts of Soccsksargen Region for election duties.

PNP 12 deploys over 600 police officers for poll dutiesBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal City, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

PSInsp Benjamin Mauricio Jr., information chief of PRO 12 said, 306 of whom were from the Regional Training School (RTS) 12, composed of 55 personnel undergoing Public Safety Officers Basic Course (PSOBC), 82 from the Public Safety Junior Leadership Course (PSJLC) and 169 from the Public Safety Field Training Program (PSFTP) or police recruits.

The other 77 personnel were from Regional Headquarters performing admin functions, 119 from Special Action Force (SAF) and 103 are from National Support Units.

Initial deployment was carried out on Monday, May 6 Mauricio

said, through a send-off ceremony held at PRO 12 Headquarters

A mass presided by PSupt Noel R. Ponsaran highlighted the ceremony where prayers for the safety of deployed personnel and for safe, secure and fair elections were offered.

Mauricio explained the deployment will help in the conduct patrols, checkpoints and anti-crime operations in the area while the local police are to fill up the required two police officers per polling center.

The personnel from SAF are divided into teams that were distributed according to the security needs of every city or province.

Meanwhile, personnel from the Regional Headquarters and National Support Units are to be deployed on the day of election on their respective provinces

Meanwhile, information provided by the BiosDynamis, marketing arm of the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development, Inc., to Philippine Information Agency 12 indicated that around August last

year, they shipped a total of 5 tons of organic rice to Germany and Macao.

Another shipment is being scheduled for delivery to Hong Kong within the next six months. (DEDoguiles- PIA 12 with LMSalvo-DA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- New beneficiaries of the scholarship programs of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Region 12 inked a memorandum of agreement that finalized their status as official OWWA scholars starting this school year 2013-2014.

preferably nearest to their voting place so as to afford them with the opportunity to exercise their rights to suffrage.

PCSupt Charles Calima Jr, PRO 12 regional Director said the deployment is in line with the standing directive from the PNP Chief Alan Purisima with regard to the maximum deployment of uniformed personnel for election duties.

Calima further explained that, the implementation also includes the activation of the Reactionary Standby Support Forces (RSSF)

at the Regional Headquarters who will be deployed to areas that need an immediate reinforcement.

As guidance, Calima reminded the deployed officers to always remain non-partisan and to extend appropriate assistance as needed.

He further assures the public that PRO 12 is on top on the security situation of the Region with the help from other law enforcement agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Commission on Elections tasked to ensure the conduct of secure and fair election (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

60 new scholars signs MOA with OWWA-12By Oliver Ross V. Rivera

The new scholars, one for Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), three for Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP), and 56 for the OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), along with their parents attended the scholarship agreement signing ceremony and scholarship orientation at EMR Center in Koronadal City.

OWWA-12 Director Abdulghani Umag along with newly assigned Department of Labor and Employment-12 Director Ofelia B. Domingo were present during the activity to witness

the special event.In her message, DOLE-12 Dir.

Domingo urged the new scholars to choose courses which are in-demand so it would be easier for them to have jobs when they graduate.

OWWA-12 Programs and Services Division Chief Marilou Sumalinog headed the MOA signing and orientation where she explained the important aspects of the scholarship including the responsibilities of the scholars, their parents and OWWA.

Under the EDSP, scholars will receive financial assistance amounting to P30,000 per semester; they are


free to choose any 4-5 year course at any CHED accredited college or university.

A passer of CMWSP, on the other hand, is entitled for inactive OFWs not more than 45 years or their children not more than 21 years old who wish to take up science and technology courses at any CHED accredited school within the region. This grant includes tuition fee and other school fees of P10,000 per semester, monthly stipend of P3,500, book allowance of P1,000, and clothing allowance of P500.

OFWDSP is for qualified incoming college students taking up any baccalaureate or associate degree in any state or public university with a P10,000 financial assistance per

semester.To qualify for the program, a

minimum monthly salary of US $ 400 from the parent OFW is required. Although there is no qualifying examination needed, applicants still need to pass the entrance examination of the OWWA-partner state college or university.

The scholarship grants are part of the continued efforts of the OWWA and the government to look after the welfare and condition of the OFWs and provide them with support in recognition of their valuable contribution to the country’s economy.

All the scholars are incoming first year college students. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


DILG leads ‘Salintubig’ forum for Bukidnon’s waterless communitiesby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon -- More than 100 local government officials, mayors, indigenous people (IPs), local water users associations, water service providers, and representatives from waterless communities here participated in the ‘Salintubig’ forum spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).


DILG leads ‘Salintubig’ forum for Bukidnon’s waterless communities

Ronelo P. Alvarez, DILG provincial director, said the ‘Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig)’ program is designed to grant financing and capacity development programs for the implementation of water supply projects in poorest barangays and communities deprived of access to safe drinking water. Alvarez explained that despite the bounty of springs and abundant water sources in Bukidnon, still we are facing problems on gaining access to clean and safe water supply due to lack of expertise in water management. Engr. Marisia C. Naybe, Project Development Monitoring Unit, DILG 10, said a total of 93.3 million has been allocated for the 32 LGU recipients in Northern Mindanao, of which, 16 were from Bukidnon namely Pangantucan, Kalilangan, San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Quezon, Kibawe, and Don Carlos. Other recipient towns are Manolo Fortich, Impasugong, Malitbog, Baungon, Maramag, Lantapan, Kitaotao, and the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay. The forum started with solemn ritual led by the IP leaders and keepers of the tribes’ cultural history and identity. This is in recognition of IPs customary rights to lands and resources duly covered by native titles as mandated in R.A.. 8371 or the Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA). Engr. Naybe said the forum will enhance knowledge and skills of the participants like the local water users, IPs, local government units, and local water associations like the Barangay Water and Sanitation Association

(BWSA) in gaining and sustaining access to clean and safe water. “This is a learning event on human rights-based local water and sanitation governance as it embraces our right to have clean, safe and affordable potable water,” she said. The participants were tasked to cite water issues in their respective areas and do shareholder analysis. It allowed them to explore all avenues in order to craft recommendations and commitments on how to improve water situation in their own communities. Mayor Romeo Tiongco of Damulog—one of the sixteen (16) identified waterless communities in Bukidnon--called on the “Salintubig” team to propose the creation of a national government agency tasked to oversee and regulate water stakeholders and propose water policies to ensure that every Filipino enjoys provision of safe water especially those belonging to the underprivileged sector of society. Anchored on the theme ‘Tubig natin, buhay natin (Our water, our life)’, “Salintubig” is implemented through the Millenium Development Goals Achievement Fund (MDGF 1919) of the United Nations Development Program. The number “1919” stands for the number of the program proposal approved by the United Nations General Assembly. The fund aims to accelerate progress of the MDG worldwide by supporting efforts of the national government, local authorities, and citizen’s groups to tackle poverty and inequality, which is in line with


55IB, Phil. Army sets up quick response teams in remote areas of MisOccby Rutchie Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), 101 Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, has set up quick response teams (QRT) for deployment in the remote areas of Misamis Occidental.

The deployment will complement that of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province, whose concentration is on the municipalities along the national highways and secondary roads, as well as the coastal areas, Lt. Col. Rommel A. Almaria, Commander of 55IB, said. “Although our main concern is counter-insurgency, the 55IB is also concerned of making the May 13, 2013 national and local elections safe and orderly,” Almaria said. He also said they have already coordinated with the Misamis

Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPO) and taken the task to provide security to the people living in the boundaries of the province and the Zamboanga provinces, located at the foot of the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP). Particularly, these municipalities had histories of election-related atrocities and rebel infestation, such as Concepcion, Don Victoriano, Bonifacio, Tudela, Sinacaban and Ozamiz City. Meanwhile, Almaria assured the residents of the province that

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s program on inclusive and sustained economic growth. The national agencies tasked for the program were the National Anti-Poverty Commission, Department of Social Welfare and Development, DILG, NEDA, Department of Budget and Management, Local Waterworks Utilities Administration and the Department of Health, in cooperation with the Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD).

The forum was highlighted with the closing rites by filling up the “Tubig Yaman Jar.” The ritual marked the commitment of the local officials, water stakeholders, water users, and all the participants to meet the challenges in water conservation and management thus, making it on top of their list of priority projects to unlock difficulties in gaining access to safe and clean drinking water.


they have organized more than 400 members of the Civilian Auxiliary Forces Ground Unit (CAFGU) to serve as augmentation force to close to 300 regular members of 55IB. On the other hand, Almaria said the 55IB soldiers, along with the

members of the CAFGU will be providing security support to the deployment of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), as well as the voters, on election day, on May 13.

BOC-10 posts P5.7-B customs collections in 2012

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Regional Office 10 posted a total collection of P5.7 billion in 2012, up by 10 percent compared to the total customs collections recorded in 2011.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Records from the BOC-10 show that while there was a slowdown in collections in the fourth quarter of 2012, the annual figure still exceeded the BOC’s annual target by P181 million. The same records further show that collections in Cagayan de Oro Port and the sub-port in Iligan City went down by 19 percent and 23 percent, respectively. The decrease in Cagayan de Oro Port, from P969.1 million to P789.5 million, was due mainly to the stoppage of the importation of palm oil in mid-2012, the BOC-10 said. This commodity accounted for 29 percent of the region’s base port’s total collections in 2011. Customs collections in Iligan

City also decreased due to the implementation of an executive order exempting wheat importations of PILMICO Foods Corporation from payment of customs duties until 2015. However, the increase of customs collections in the Mindanao Container Terminal Sub-Port (MCT-SP) more than offset the declines in the two ports. MCT-SP now accounts for 82 percent of the region’s customs collections in 2012 from 75 percent in 2011. Collections in the MCT-SP rose by 20 percent reaching P4.6 billion, partly due to the entry of the Phoenix Petroleum Inc. in the region.


Top military regional commander assures AFP readiness in May 13 polls

DAVAO CITY-The top commander of the Armed Forces of the Phil-ippines in Eastern Mindanao as-sured the readiness of the military in providing security to ensure peaceful elections on May 13. Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said that all Precinct Count Optical Scan machines

in its areas of jurisdiction have the corresponding security by police and soldiers. He said almost all of the PCOS machines are already in the respective municipal hubs being secured by the military, police and officials from the poll body. Cruz said based on their monitoring there are still municipalities awaiting for the delivery of PCOS machines like the hinterland barangays

of Cagayan de Oro City and several islands of Davao del Sur. He said based on the latest command conference with President Simeon Benigno Aquino III Wednesday, none of the areas within the Eastern Mindanao Command is placed in the election watch-list. However, he said the military is concerned with areas where the communist rebels are highly

by Joey Dalumpines


particularly in the tri-boundaries of provinces in Region X, XI and Caraga Region. “The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front is the primary threat in the elections in our area of responsibility,” Cruz said. He said the communist rebels are clearly disturbing the conduct of the campaign period to extort money from political candidates. Cruz assessed that the rebels are hard press to achieve the level of strategic stalemate by the end of 2013 when, their forces will be at par with the forces of government, and they can just cause atrocities anywhere. “The rebels are rushing up to

attain this objective,” he said.Cruz said that this year, the military will pursue its effort to immerse in the communities, particularly those influenced by the rebels in order to coop the organizations which they organized in order for the people to fully give their support to the government. He said the movement of government forces entails the immersion of peace and development teams in these areas with the objective of recovering the areas influenced by the rebels. “It will take awhile, as we need to retrain the soldiers on peace and development efforts,” Cruz. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

facts and figures

529 The number of clustered precincts in Compostela Valley province.

284 The number of voting centers in Compostela Valley province


Gov’t provides funding to roll out SAHATRA program for BangsamoroDAVAO CITY- Through the Saja-hatra Bangsamoro Program, the national government has allotted about P600 million to roll out var-ious socio-economic projects for the Bangsamoro areas, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras said. In a press conference at the Insular Hotel Davao, Almendras explained that the fund will, for a start, be used to implement quick projects that would not need thorough needs assessment. Almendras was in Davao City to meet the Joint Coordinating Committee members of the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) represented by Ustadz Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, head of the MILF Task Force on Sajahatra Bangsamoro. Almendras bared efforts of the JCC to rush discussion on SAJAHATRA college scholarship which will benefit a total of 639 students who will be given a grant to enter any state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Mindanao come school year opening in June. Sajahatra Bangsamoro Secretariat revealed that about P20 million of the initial funding will go to the college scholarship project which will grant 539 slots for Bangsamoro members, 50 slots for settlers and 50 for indigenous peoples (IPs) residents in the Bangsamoro area.

Aside from the college scholarships, the SAJAHATRA JCC also rushes to discuss “some DepEd (Department of Education) programs to prepare for the school opening in June.” Almendras had no specifics on DepEd programs being prepared in line with the SAJAHATRA Program implementation, but he said 10 Madrasah schools will be put up and 10 other day care centers will be built. The initial SAJAHATRA funding will also include Philhealth coverage of 11,000 families; construction of 10 health centers, two mobile health centers; and coverage of 500 technical skills trainees. There will also be cash-for-work activities, and agriculture assistance. SAJAHATRA will also roll out the nutrition program of the government especially in areas where people need it most. “We are moving forward. This is not just a piece of paper. It is a real program touching the lives of the people,” he told members of the Davao media. Meanwhile, Almendras revealed that the World Bank will be providing technical assistance on Community Livelihood Needs Assessment to determine the particular type of livelihood each communities in the Bangsamoro area would need.Offhand, Almendras revealed initial talks with the Technical Education and


Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which agreed to provide a training on Halal Food Technology, among other skills training. He however, made it clear that the menu of livelihood training will still be subject to the assessment of the MILF which will decide what would fit with the needs of its people. On the other hand, Almendras and Yacob commonly agreed that the trust and confidence that the government and MILF members to the JCC have been

enjoying, becomes the primary factor leading to success of the SAJAHATRA Program. “We are happy because we are given the chance to take part in delivering basic services to address the needs of the Bangsamoro people. We are now partners to reach out to real beneficiaries,” Yacob said. “The MILF is very sincere to facilitate this program as it is our responsibility to reach out to the right person,” he added. (PIA XI/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

regional gallery

One Mindanao - May 9, 2013

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