One Mindanao - October 1, 2015

DavOrg vows as environmental communicators

AFP condemns NPAs endless use of landmines

Tripartite council for overseas employment industry organized

HI-5 Provincial Summit draws strong support in Sibugay

Pres. Aquino approves increase in employees’ compensation for public sector workers

MILF helping gov’t locate 3 kidnapped

foreigners in Mindanao10

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Cover Story

National

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: Norman M Tagros

By: Danilo E. DoguilesO

UR C

OV

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Long-awaited electricity reaches Lantad in Misamis Oriental

contents

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22

Volume 5 * Issue No. 29

By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

13

15

20 By: Michael Uy

SurSur all set for Coop Month celebration3031

CaragaFormer NPA commanders encourage fellow rebels to surrender27By: Susil Ragas

USAIDconducts training workshop for youth advocates 37By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana 35Western

26OWWA convenes scholars from Tawi-TawiBy: Oliver Ross Rivera

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSVICTORINAO VILLACRUZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 October 1, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

HI-5 Provincial Summit draws strong support in SibugayBy: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

5October 1, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

T he Universal Health Care High Impact-5 (HI-5) Summit hosted by the Provincial

Government of Zamboanga Sibugay, in collaboration with the Department of Health-9was recently concluded on Sept. 29 at the Center Podium, Capitol Building, Ipil Heights, this province. To kick off the event, a motorcade started at 7:00 o’clock in the morning which was participated by different national government agencies, non-government organizations, the academe, various development partners and private sectors starting at the Ipil Airport in Barangay Sanitopassing through the major thoroughfares before proceeding to theIpil Covered Court.

Dr. Ruby Constantino, Assistant Regional Director of DOH-9, welcomed all participants as she expressed her sincere gratitude for the overwhelming


support of the Sibugaynons. She pointed out the broad scope and importance of health-related projects that DOH is geared to implement for local folks to avail the fullest effective health services.

Acting Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Rolando A. Olmoguez, expounded on Ka l u s u g a n Pa n g k a l a h a t a n updates in the province, adding that the provincial health office is focused towards improving better access to quality health services for the Sibugaynons. The upgrading of Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH) and construction of new hospital facilities will pave the way for better health care, according to the health chief.

He explained that Sibugaynons have access to

available medicines in the hospital and that quality drugs such as anti-tuberculosis drug regimen, anti-malaria and anti-leprosy drugs are available as well.

There has been no reported shortage of blood reserve in 2015 because of a strong blood donor recruitment program and the availability of skilled health professionals had tripled in quantity in 2015 compared to 2013. To date, there are 121 nurses deployed under the Nurse Deployment Program (NDP), 24 midwives deployed under RHMPP, 10 Public Health Associates (PHA) and 5 TB Aiders.

Other available health services and programs are : 16 basic emergency obstetrics and neonatal care facilities, revitalization of mother-baby friendly facility initiative,


increased micronutrient supplementation and immunization coverage, strict implementation of milk code in all health facilities, 3 teams trained through Mini Laparotomy under local anesthesia, 16 health service providers trained on post-partum IUD, 37 health professionals trained for family planning and safe motherhood, programs on health promotions, trainings to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; youth forum, universal PhilHealth coverage and institutionalization of service delivery network with the involvement of private health institutions. Dr. Joshua G. Brillantes of DOH-9 explained extensively the HI-5 health services that DOH has launched and implemented such as: Maternal Care, Infant Care, Child Care, Service Delivery Network and Awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention. The intensive implementation of these health services is part of accelerating the achievements of the Aquino Health Agenda Goals.

The summit carries the theme “Sa TuwidnaDaan, KalusugangTuloy-tuloy para saPamilyangPinoy.”This inspires

health workers to touch the infantswith care, guide mothers for maternal health, embrace child care, promote service delivery network, take effort to halt diseases and touch the lives of patients with concern.

DOH invites stakeholders and health institution partners to cooperate, in an effort to advance the call to ensure the delivery of basic health services will be functional and that service must be made available to everyone. It aims to mobilize all health workers to reach the marginalized by focusing on the poor.

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling and signing of the Pledge of Commitment led by Dr. Olmoguez and Dr. Constantino, together with various stakeholders from the national government agencies and private health institutions, mayors, and municipal health officers.

Zamboanga Sibugay Media Press Club attended the HI5 provincial summit finale which was capped by a press conference facilitated by PIA-Sibugay with 5 panelists from the DOH.


PhilHealth, media partner in disseminating accurate information on National Health Insurance Program

PASIG CITY,- Personalities from tri-media organizations participated in the recent Social Health Insurance Education Series (SHInES) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) held at Astoria Plaza, Ortigas, Pasig City.


The activity aims to fully equip the media with basic information on the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), its benefits, services and policies as well as their role in advocating the program. The SHInES for Media in Astoria is the second and last education series in the National Capital Region for this year.

PhilHealth Corporate Affairs Group OIC-Vice President Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas thanked the media partners in taking their time to attend the activity in spite of their busy schedules. “It is a challenge for us to gather our media partners in this kind of event but we are determined not just to educate them of what PhilHealth is all about but how to appreciate and understand the program as well,” Pargas said. The SHInES for media is being conducted in different parts of the country to further strengthen ties with media and ensure that they deliver accurate information to the public. (PhilHealth)


Pres. Aquino approves increase in employees’ compensation for public sector workers

MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III approved the implementation of the 10 percent across-the-board increase in employees’ compensation (EC) pension of public sector workers, effective May 1, 2015, thus putting in place the enhanced benefits for the workers under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP). The ten percent (10%) increase in EC monthly pension covers the Permanent Partial

Disability (PPD), Permanent Total Disability (PTD), and death benefits.


Based on the data provided by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), 1,957 disability pensioners and 3,362 death pensioners will benefit from the ten percent (10 %) increase in monthly pension. Applying the ten percent (10 %) increase to the present average EC pension will result also in an increase in average EC monthly disability pension from

P1,623.00 to P1,818.00 and from P1,627.00 to P1,839.00 average EC monthly death pension. In a report to the DOLE Secretary, Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said that the last across-the-board increase for EC monthly pension in the public sector was implemented in 1982 at the rate of twenty

12 October 1, 2015ONE MINDANAO12 October 1, 2015ONE MINDANAO

percent (20%). Director Banawis added that the situation prompted the ECC to approve the issuance of Board Resolution (BR) No. 15-01-01 (“Approving a 10 Percent Increase in EC Pension effective May 1, 2015 for the Public Sector,” dated January 14, 2015). DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who also serves as ECC Chairperson, stated, “the ECC recognizes the need to increase EC benefits for the public sector to make ECP more responsive to the welfare and needs of persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) and their families”.

Secretary Baldoz added that “this development is also in line with the President’s 22-Point Labor and Employment Agenda of enhancing social protection, such as social security and workmen’s compensation, to make it adequate as an income security program.”

The recent increase in EC pension is the result of an actuarial study conducted by the GSIS. The study showed that its State Insurance Fund (SIF) can finance the said increase without affecting the stability of the SIF and without requiring additional EC premium from the government.

From 2011 to date, a review of the EC benefits has been made where six EC benefits have been increased, or rationalized, to pursue equalization of benefits for the private and the public sector workers.

As provided under BR No. 15-01-01, the retroactive application of the ten percent (10%) across-the-board increase in EC monthly pension shall take effect 15 days after the publication of the corresponding Executive Order in a newspaper of general circulation. (DOLE)


MILF helping gov’t locate 3 kidnapped foreigners in Mindanao

COTABATO CITY-- The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is helping the government search and possibly rescue the three foreign nationals and Filipina abducted in a resort in Samal Island more than 10 days ago, a ranking MILF official on Thursday said.


Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF first vice chairman, said the 1997 ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF provides a mechanism for the MILF and the government to coordinate to go after and “isolate” kidnap and ransom groups, criminals and terrorists.

Jaafar explained that this mechanism is under the group called the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

He added the MILF field commanders, in compliance with the existing ceasefire agreement, have been advised to “watch out” for the abductors of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Canadians Ridsdel and Robert Hall and Hall’s Filipina girlfriend Maritess Flor.

There have been reports that they were taken by the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group and brought to Sulu.

Absalom Cervesa, speaking for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has said that MNLF chair Nur Misuari knew where the kidnappers and the victims are in Sulu.

He refused to give details since Misuari is wanted by Philippine government for the Zamboanga siege.

Jaafar said the MILF has forces in Davao Oriental, Saranggani and Davao Occidental where the kidnap victims, taken from Ocean View resort in Garden City of Samal on Sept. 21, could have been kept.

Government forces have launched air, ground and sea search and rescue operations but so far no solid proof where the victims were actually taken.

Informed sources said foreigners were taken by the group of Al Habsi Misaya, a former member of the Abu Sayyaf Group who formed his owned group of kidnappers.

Misaya led in a series of kidnappings in Zamboanga Sibugay area, including the kidnapping of Malaysian resort owner in Sabah last year and Filipino factory workers eight years ago. (PNA)


CSC awards outstanding civil servants in Northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Outstanding public officials and employees in Northern Mindanao were commended during the Parangal at Pasasalamat awarding rites held on September 29, at SM City Cagayan de Oro.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Director Adams D. Torres said the awardees were recognized for their exemplary public service and noble deeds as civil servants. CSC gave the Katangi-tanging Kawani (Model Employee) awards to Edalyn M. Olis, Master Teacher I of Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School, and to PSInsp. Maricris Ybanez Mulat, Chief of Police of the Tagoloan Municipal Police. The Service Delivery Excellence Award (group category), on the other hand, was bestowed to the Science and MAPEH teachers of the Department of Education, Division of Gingoog City. The PhilHealth Valencia City Local Health Insurance Office was awarded with the Citizen’s Satisfaction Seal of Excellence (CSC-SEA). The CSC-SEA is conferred to government agencies that got an excellent rating in the Anti Red Tape Act Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS) Semi-finalists of the 2015 Honor Awards Program were also recognized. Dr. Amer A. Saber, Chief of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City, and Virgilio M. Fuertes, Senior Science Research Specialist of

the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 10, were awarded with certificates of recognition during the ceremony. Dr. Saber is a semi-finalist for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award while Fuertes is a semi-finalist of the CSC Pag-asa Award. I am so happy, this is a pride and achievement of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center and the Department of Health (DOH). We have been negatively profiled as Muslims and I hope I can make a difference, said Dr. Saber. Fuertes said he is grateful to his family for being supportive, his colleagues in the DOST for working hard in the nomination, and the CSC for giving recognition to public servants. We are inspired to do more with this recognition, he said. I also thanked the Lord for giving me strength and guiding me in my service, Fuertes added. Other awardees were PInsp. Julie Ann Tabuloc Garlic of the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office for being a semi-finalist to the Region 10 Search for Outstanding Public Servants; Legal Services of the DOH-10 headed by Atty. Carlo Limjoco; and Mr. Joel Genita, deceased agent of the Philippine Drug


“We condemn, to the highest degree, the NPA’s continuous use of landmines despite their being a signatory to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), especially that these explosives are being planted along residents’ trails,” said Ltc. Lennon G. Babilonia, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion. In the recent attack in Barangay Pagan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, he said, the troops

were conducting security and pursuit operation when hit by the IED planted by communist New People’s Army (NPA) under Guerilla Front 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) who are believed to be responsible in the aborted liquidation attempt of Barangay Captain of White Kulaman—the neighboring village of Barangay Pagan. It can be recalled that the day before the blast, the army’s 8thIB thwarted the NPAs plot to

Enforcement Agency-10. Genita, represented by his wife, Elivie Genita, was awarded commended under the CSC Pamanang Lingkod Bayani. The Parangal at Pasasalamat

awarding rites highlighted the month-long celebration of the 115th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary in Northern Mindanao with the theme “Kayang-kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani.”

AFP condemns NPAs endless use of landmines

KITAOTAO, Bukidnon – After the latest bomb attack that wounded five soldiers in Bukidnon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the communist New People’s Army’s (NPA) non-stop use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or landmines.

By: Norman M Tagros


This symbolic ceremonial switch-on of electricity brought Higaonon tribe in Sitio Lantad, Brgy Balingasag, Misamis Oriental to tears. The lighting ceremony showed the government’s solid commitment for our brothers in the hinterlands. As one household applicant said… with this project “tomorrow will be a brand new day” for the people of Lantad.

The project was conceptualized as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of power producer STEAG, MORESCO II, Chamber of Commerce and Industries (COCI), Regional Association of Government Communicators (RAGCOM), Energy Development Corporation (EDC), communication company Cherry Mobile and the Soriano Philippines Community Health

Long-awaited electricity reaches Lantad in Misamis OrientalCAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Whole of the Nation Initiative (WNI) of all concerned stakeholders took an active participation in bringing electricity in an Indigenous People Community in Misamis Oriental, September 29, 2015, after long years of waiting.

kill the village chief. The troops encountered 15 heavily armed NPA rebels while White Kulaman Barangay Captain Felipe S. Cabugnason and his Council members were on a community dialogue on the outskirts. In a statement, Ltc. Babilonia said the NPA has betrayed people’s trust and defied humanitarian law, and it is very disappointing because the explosion happened

on September 20, the day before the celebration of the “International Day of Peace” which is set to be celebrated on the 21st of September. “In the spirit of peace, the NPA has violated their commitment on respect for human rights. It only proves that they are not sincere in bringing peace and development to the rural areas,” Ltc. Babilonia said.


Foundation, Inc in partnership with the Local Government of Misamis Oriental under Governor Bambi Emano and the Office of 1st District Rep, Peter Unabia. The project became possible through the support of 58th Infantry Battalion, the 403rd Infantry Brigade and the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army under Mgen Oscar T Lactao, who really pushed for the realization of this endeavour to help our less-fortunate Lumad brothers. MGen Lactao said, “Poverty is one of the causes of insurgency. That is why aside from farm-to-market road, water system, education, livelihood program, and health, electricity is also one of the infrastructures that has

a very high impact to p o v e r t y reduction.” H e emphasized how the NPA exploits the IPs. “ I P s are very vu l ne rab l e in NPA recruitment. With the p r e s e n c e of the

issues and problems in their communities, they can be easily convinced to join the armed struggle. That is why with the Whole-of-Nation Initiatives, we bring government projects to this areas. This is also part of the Government’s advocacy that no one will be left behind… Walang maiiwan sa Bayan ni Juan,” said MGen Lactao. The project is anchored on the theme” Pakigtambayayong Alang sa Kahiusahan ug Mahayag nga Kaugmaon” (A unified effort for peace and vibrant future) aims to promote peace and uplift the living conditions of our marginalized Indigenous People.


Davao City Council seeks assessment to im-prove LGU’s services

DAVAO CITY-City council committee on Finance chair Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang mulled of consult-ing all department heads of the city executive depart-ment to find ways of improving more the services of the city government.

By: Joey Sem Dalumpines

He invited the twenty de-partment heads to a conference at the Sangguniang Panglungsod on Wednesday to report to his committee their respective as-sessments on improving the ser-vices to the city residents. Dayanghirang also required the department heads to prepare to defend their respective bud-gets which they seek from the

city government. He also seeks to determine if the departments have surplus funds which are not used this year. “We just make sure that the local funds of the city are spent accordingly, with the corre-sponding reports and documen-tation, so that they can defend accordingly once the new budget


is deliberated in the city council,” Dayanghirang pointed out. In his privilege speech, he stressed that the city council must keep pace with the devel-opment of the city by expedit-ing the processes which the law-making-body needs to act. Dayanghirang urged the city council to review the bureaucratic system where red tape is seem-

ingly slowing down the processes consequently affecting the deliv-ery of services to the people. “All concerns referred to the councils created by the city council should be acted within 30 days and failure to do the same must be referred immediately to the appropriate committee of the city council,” he pointed out.

DavOrg vows as environmental communicators

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- Members of the Davao Oriental Infor-mation Officers Organization (DavOrg) pledged yesterday (September 29) in Governor Generoso to be protectors and defenders of the envi-ronment in the province as Volunteer Officers on Information and Com-munication for the Environment (VOICE).

The VOICE was initially launched by the Department of Environ-ment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine In-formation Agency (PIA) for the Project Monitoring and Coordi-nating Center (PMCC) Project Diwalwal in Compostela Valley Province last July 2015 and was now expanded to Davao Oriental through the DavOrg. DavOrg is a network of gov-ernment communicators from local government units and na-

tional government agencies based in Davao Oriental. As a kick-off activity being the VOICE, the members of the DavOrg conducted yesterday a clean-up drive at Brgy. Tiban-ban, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The activity was participat-ed by PIA XI Regional Director Efren Elbanbuena.

By: Michael Uy


Php44.2 M set for El Niño interventions in SOCCSKSARGEN By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 -- Some Php44.2 mil-lion have been allotted for measures that would address con-cerns of farmers over long dry spell in the coming months, an official of the Department of Agriculture 12 said.


Regional Executive Direc-tor Amalia Jayag-Datukan said this amount is incorporated in agency’s El Niño Mitigation Plan crafted in response to the forecast El Nino expected to be-gin in October. The plan, ac-cording to Datukan is intended to help farmers prepare for the effects of the dry season.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Admin-istration of the Department of Science and Technology (PAGA-SA-DOST), South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat are among the provinces in the Philippines that are mostly likely to be hit by dry spell.

Dry spell means three con-secutive months of 21 to 60 percent reduction from aver-age of rainfall or two months of more than 60 percent reduc-tion of the rainfall condition.

To address the concerns of farmers , Director Datukan said, DA 12 has put in place several intervention intended to assist the farmers.

DA 12 , she said, have pre-pared provision of 500 bags of assorted vegetables seeds amounting to Php2.25 mil-lion as well as 5,000 bags of drought resistant rice seeds

(Php8 M), 5,053 bags od corn seeds (Php7.57 M).

Soe Php 3 million has also been allotted for the purchase of 10,000 bags of organic fer-tilizers that will be distributed to farmers.

They have also positioned Php 5-million worth of various feed concentrates and silo for-age seeds and another Php5 million for various drugs and biologics under the Agri-Pinoy Livestock Program.

A surveillance of pests and diseases has also been strengthened along with the distribution of Metarhizuim, a biological control.

Besides the aforesaid, DA 12, according to Director Datu-kan disclosed that P9 million has also been allotted for at least 100 shallow tube wells and other machines for sourc-ing of waters.

If necessary, DA 12 will also request for cloud seeding, for which the regional field office has set Php4.5 million.

Per PAGASA-DOST forecast, El Niño is expected to begin in October and could last until the first part of 2016.

Due to the weather condition, rice production based on tar-get in SOCCSKSARGEN Region


Tripartite council for overseas employment industry organizedBy Danilo E. Doguiles

could be reduced by more than 28,000 metric tons while that of could be reduced by 128,500 metric tons.

Yield from high value crops such as banana, coffee, rubber

and mango are also expect-ed to decrease. (DEDoguiles-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1-- In line with their ef-forts to push reforms in their sector, the overseas industry play-ers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have united to establish an Indus-try Tripartite Council (ITC).

Composed of representatives from the labor and manage-ment sectors and the govern-ment led by the Department of Labor and Employment, an ITC primarily serves as “a fo-rum for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employers and government sectors in the formulation and implementation of labor and so-cial policies” as indicated in the Department Order 111-11.

Adonis Dollente, vice chair-person of the newly-organized Overseas Employment ITC vowed that the recruitment agencies will continue to sup-

port the programs and services of DOLE and its attached agen-cies for the benefit of the in-dustry.

“ We will continue to abide by the rules and regulations, and we hope that through this newly established ITC we can resolve issues affecting our labor force,” Dollente said.

Meanwhile, DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo em-phasized that the establish-ment of the Overseas Employ-ment ITC in SOCCSKSARGEN Region along with the Overseas Regional Reintegration Network (ORRN), all industry stakehold


ers, especially the overseas Filipino workers, are poised to gain more benefits.

The ORRN aims to inform OFWs and facilitate their needs from DOLE’s program and ser-vices particularly on the reinte-gration program.

Among the Overseas Employ-ment ITC’s initiatives include passing resolutions to con-duct pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS) for skilled workers and domestic help-ers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, to include Cantonese language in the PDOS, and to expedite passport processing in the re-gion.

The council also adopted its

Voluntary Code of Good Prac-tices to enhance the enterprise level bipartite dialogue and pro-vide a venue for any industry issues.

It also intends to provide safety measures against illegal recruitment and establish unity among the legal and licensed recruitment agencies.

Apart from the overseas em-ployment sector, DOLE has also steered the establishment of industry tripartite councils in manufacturing, academe, wholesale and retail, fishing and allied services, construc-tion, plantation, and tourism in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region or


OWWA convenes scholars from Tawi-Tawi

COTABATO CITY, Oct 1 – The Overseas Workers Welfare Admin-istration in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OWWA-ARMM) recently convened scholars form the far-flung province of Tawi-Tawi.

OWWA-ARMM Director Amy Crisostomo said some 15 OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP) scholars in the prov-ince made it to the conference.At the meeting, the scholars were re-oriented on the OWWA’s programs and services particu-larly on the scholarship guide-lines.Crisostomo asked the scholars to address her as ‘nanay’ as she feels like mother to them and she treats them as her children.“We at OWWA share and sup-port every OFW’s dream of pro-viding better education for their children and have a bright fu-ture ahead of them,” she said.The official also cited previous OWWA scholars who excelled in their respective fields like Bai

Lejanie Diocolano who graduat-ed with honors and is now han-dling various tasks including the Scholarship Program at OWWA-ARMM.Former scholar Hubaib Midte-meg was specially for ranking 9th in the 2015 Board Examina-tion for Social Workers.The activity is part of OWWA’s Learning Support mechanisms to enrich the skills and attitudes of the OWWA scholars towards their studies and develop well-rounded individuals.Crisostomo recently returned at her post as OWWA-ARMM’s chief after being assigned as Welfare Officer at the Philippine Over-seas Labor Office in Abu Dhabi for three years. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

By Oliver Ross Rivera

Region 12 straddles the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities

of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cota-bato. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from KZTurnos-DOLE 12)


Peace pact to address tribal conflicts in Caraga pushed

BUTUAN CITY– Following the recent development on the conflict involving lumads in Surigao del Sur, the convenor of the Victims of Injustice, Criminality & Terrorism in Mindanao (VICTIM), Arthur Tariman put forward for the mediation process between the contending lumad parties by pursuing indigenous peace process known as ‘Tampudah’, a peace pact, wherein the contending clans and warring members of a clan within a tribe should resolve their differences through a dialogue and negotiation procedure also called ‘Kahimunan’ as strictly done among them and excluding other people to be held right at their ancestral homeland and not elsewhere.

By: Jennifer Gaitano


In a press conference held today at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga regional office here, Tariman specified that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) must work hand-in-hand with the local government officials and lumad tribal leaders to facilitate a mediation process to stop further escalation of violence among tribal clans in Caraga region. “The ongoing hostilities between the battling tribes were triggered by the disagreement on revenue sharing out of the investments (mining operations, logging concessions and

agricultural plantations) inside of the ancestral domain. Due to the lack of education and their strong adherence to tribal norms and practices, the opposing forces do not discriminate combatants from non-combatants,” underscored Tariman. He further mentioned that the AFP strongly denies that the Magahat Tribal Force is part of its command structure. Likewise, it was learned that the only paramilitary force in Caraga region is the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) which is under the supervision of a Cadre Battalion.


“By understanding the nature of the conflict, the different stakeholders can work together to end the senseless deaths of the rival lumad groups. The AFP vows to continue performing its mandate of protecting the people against armed violence perpetrated by the New Peoples Army (NPA) inside lumad communities and to support law enforcement operations against armed groups which perpetrated violent attacks against rival clans,” Tariman said. As convenor of VICTIM, Tariman emphasized the role of his group to facilitate in bringing in front of the media the former rebels (FR) to let people know and understand the prevailing conflicts in the region. “They are combatants against NPA and sincerely seek for the opposing forces to surrender and support the true government for a more peaceful nation,” Tariman said. Moreover, he is even open to the idea of fast tracking the

judicial proceedings of finding justice to the recent criminalities. “To the three suspects of the killings of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. or ALCADEV executive director EmeritoSamarca; MAPASU chair Dionel Campos; and civilian AurelloSinzo in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, we are willing to assist them in providing legal counsel to expedite the resolution of the case,” remarked Tariman. Also, Tariman acknowledged and thanked PIA-Caraga headed by regional director Abner M. Caga for giving them the opportunity to voice out the sentiments of the former rebels. The 16 former rebels who were present during the press conference revealed their sad and hurtful experiences as followers under the NPAs in their respective areas.


With the theme “Kooperatiba: Ika-100 Taong Pagpupugay, Tulay sa Maunlad na Buhay,” various activities would be carried out in all two cities and 17 municipalities, this province, according to Angeles “Nik-Nik” Canda, provincial cooperative officer-designate. For the first day of the month, hanging of streamers would signal the opening of the month-long celebration province-wide, the provincial coop chief said. Meanwhile, Lorna Novo, Tandag City cooperative officer, had already sent a letter of invitation to all concerned for the scheduled City Cooperative Development Council (CCDC)

quarterly meeting at the Season’s Park Apartelle here at 2:00 p.m. on October 6, 2015. “Election of CCDC 2016 Officers; Last quarter planning; and Stategic Planning for 2016” were the agenda cited. In addition, she likewise encouraged fellow coop enthusiasts to attend the culmination rites of Cooperative Centennial Celebration and Cooperative Expo at the Philippine Trade Center in Pasay City on October 20-23, 2015 as well as the 5th Philippine Cooperative Teamshop at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Malaya, Aklan on November 12-14, 2015.

SurSur all set for Coop Month celebrationBy: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The province of Surigao del Sur is all geared up for the Cooperative Month celebration this October 2015.


“We are calling our former comrades who are still taking part in the fight against the government to veer away and stop supporting with the communist acts for us to have a peaceful community and peaceful region as a whole,” said former rebel commander Julieto G. Canoy alias “Kumander Boom.” He said that by stepping down, they will be assured of a better life by acquiring a legitimate job that can sustain a living for their family. Meanwhile, Amado “Kumander Dodoy” Zata said that when he was still an active member of the NPA, he used to

believe in the ideology of the communist movement. “But sad to say we just ended up being slaves. We experienced more sufferings, caused havoc to other people’s lives and properties, and that was really the biggest mistake I’ve ever done,” Ka Dodoy said. However, Ka Dodoy stressed that it is not yet too late, “that is why I am calling our fellow NPA rebels to do the right thing and surrender to the government.” The former rebels aired their sentiments against the NPAs following the recent incident involving the lumads in Surigao del Sur.

Former NPA commanders encourage fellow rebels to surrender

BUTUAN CITY – Two former New People’s Army (NPA) commanders encourage their fellow comrades to surrender and abandon the armed struggle during Wednesday’s live radio interview here over PIA-Caraga’s 107.8MHz Power FM.

By: Susil Ragas


LABASON, Zamboanga del Norte – To ward off attacks by lawless elements operating in the coastal towns of Zamboanga del Norte’s third district, a patrol boat has been turned-over recently to the Bantay Dagat/Kalikasan Task Force led by the 21st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) based in the area.

Bantay Dagat/Kalikasan Task Force gets P2.5-M patrol boatBy Franklin P. Gumapon


Speaking during the patrol boat launching held at Barangay Osukan here, Col. Jesus Mananquil Jr., commanding officer of the 101st Infantry Brigade, PA, emphasized that the goal of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) “is to promote peace and order in the whole of Mindanao.” “With this patrol boat, the Bantay Dagat/Kalikasan Task Force which is composed of the army, police, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), local government units (LGUs)

and other stakeholders, will now be able to run after illegal fishing, piracy, kidnapping, extortion and other forms criminalities perpetrated by the lawless groups in the province’s third district,” Mananquil said. The P2.5-million patrol boat was acquired through the congressional office of Congressman Isagani S. Amatong, representative of the third district. On behalf of Congressman Amatong, his chief of staff, Adrian A. Amatong said, “no single agency of the government can solve the problems of illegal fishing, piracy or extortion activities,” as these need collective efforts among government agencies.


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay –The United States Agency for International Development John Hopkins (USAID JH)Piego– Mindanao Health,in cooperation with the Department of Health-9 and the Commission on Population-9 conducted a Training Workshop for Youth Advocates on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Rights at Casa Mea Hotel here on Sept. 28-30.

By Rhea Grace A. La Plana

USAIDconducts training workshop for youth advocates

For his part, Engr. Joseph Florig, assistant regional director of BFAR-9, expressed his gratitude to all agencies and organizations, which take part in protecting the seas and the marine resources saying “BFAR before acted alone and it was a lonely job.” “Ang dagat problema kay daghan man ang tag-iya dili sama sa yuta nga kadtong lamang adunay titulo maoy manag-iya (The sea is a problem because a number own it, unlike the lands that only those with land titles owning them),” Florig explained. The BFAR official also hoped that the involvement of the

different agencies in the fight against illegal fishing would continue. Moreover, Vice Governor Senen O. Angeles also said “the unified movement for Batay Dagat/Kalikasan is a very good move in the protection against piracy, terrorism, kidnapping and illegal fishing that would redound to the protection of our environment.” Nine of the 13 municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte’s third district have coastal barangays facing the Sulu Sea that stretches up to Zamboanga City.

Adolescence is the stage when teens go through a lot of changes physically and experience emotional and mental adjustments. This is a critical stage wherein young minds

are exposed to the realities in life, and need the guidance of parents, teachers and elders in making the right decisions. Global investment in adolescent health has been


scarce despite its importance and significant impact on returns in individual well-being and national progress in the past. For this reason, USAID JH Piego – Mindanao Health launched series of trainings in Zamboanga Peninsula with the ultimate purpose of equipping the youth with established dispositions to gain chances at leading productive lives in adulthood. “Teenage pregnancy and drug addiction have relatively increased in the past threeyears in this province,” Ms. Cecille A. La Plana, Area Administrative Officer of USAID JH Piego –

Mindanao Health said.The training provided essential knowledge to encourage the teens to set priorities in life, focus on their studies and get involved in productive undertakings. At an early age, making wrong decisions may bring about unwanted teenage pregnancies, drug addiction and other teenage problems that can totally crash their youthful dreams and goals. Mr. Eryl Jove D. Jocson of DepEd Ipil facilitated the invitation of participating schools and teen representatives to attend the 3-day workshop for 10 guidance counselors and 30


young teen students from various public and private schools in Ipil, Imelda, Talusan, Tungawan, Diplahan and RT Lim. A registered nurse from Ateneo de Zamboanga, Mr. ArvieArcilla articulated that the role of each teen is indeed very important in sharpening their minds and shaping their own future. Ms. Maria Rosalinda K. Fernando, Information Officer of PopCom R9 explicitly emphasized to the youth that they are the ones shaping their

own career paths, so they need to have the right thinking and be guided to reacha right decision. Such training indeed provided the right venue to capacitate the guidance counselors with techniques and skills to enable them to become effective moderators of the youth. The USAID-sponsored workshop was construed as initial session for the preparation for the Teen Summit in Sibugay to be held in October 2015.

One Mindanao - October 1, 2015

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