One Mindanao - September 11, 2014

Franklin P. GumaponWESTERN MINDANAO

Turtle watching at Turtle Islands COVER STORY

President Aquino receives Temasek officials during courtesy call in Malacañang

MSU-IIT to host 12th Iligan City Computing Fair anew

PIA, DENR to Tukuran studes: Be active partners in climate change advocacy

Gen. Trinidad: AFP will remain, defend Zambo amidst anxieties

by CBQEsteves

by Gideon C. Corgue

by Dominic I. Sanchez

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NATIONAL

Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO OWWA-ARMM scholarship examinees get free review

DOLE 12 promotes Gulayan sa Opisina, healthy lifestyle

SURSECO II assures sufficient power supply in the next 20 years in SurSur

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CARAGA MINDANAO

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15 17

24 25

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19 14

TESDA-Caraga recognizes institutional awardees, partners

by Oliver Ross V. Rivera

by Danilo E. Doguiles

29 by Venus L. Garcia

by Nida Grace P. Barcena

SK funds solely for use in youth development programs, says DILG 22by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Turtle watching at Turtle Islands

Our journey started with a short briefing at the La Viña Hotel in Zamboanga City to apprise us of the specific itinerary to Bongao, the capital of Tawi-Tawi Province, and to this municipality, which is composed of six islands, namely, Taganak, Baguan, Great Bakkungan, Langaan, Lihiman and Boan. From that briefing we learned that Baguan Island is a strict protection zone where no one is allowed to establish his abode; it is

the place where the most number of turtles are nesting. Mr. Cidur Julsadjiri of DENR-9’s Protected Area and Wildlife Division (PAWD), who presided over the meeting, said a navy boat would take the group from Bongao to the Turtle Islands and back.

Aboard a navy boat We arrived at Sanga-Sanga Airport at 7:15 a.m. of Sept. 5, fetched

Joining a group of personnel from the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 brought us to this nesting ground of sea turtles at the southern tip of Philippine Archipelago last Sept. 5-10.

by Franklin P. Gumapon

Turtle watching at Turtle Islands

by an easy ride to Bongao Port where the navy boat, Philippine Ship 19 (BRP-Miguel Malvar) led by Commanding Officer Jeff S. Nadogo, was waiting. The boat left Bongao Port at 1p.m. to start a 16-hour voyage to

Taganak Island where the seat of government of the Turtle Islands municipality is based. The boat sailed afloat the rough seas, negotiating the giant waves. In the middle of the sea, at around 1:20 a.m. of Sept. 6, a boisterous wind suddenly came, waking up all those lying on the boat’s steel floor to warn of a coming rain.

A few minutes later, raindrops started falling ensued by a downpour. My colleagues and I scampered to the boat’s mess hall, carrying our bags, laptops

and cameras to avoid getting soaked in the rain. At around 7a.m. of Sept. 6 we finally reached Taganak Island and Mayor Mibaral M. Tang met us at the Municipal Guest House, which is situated along the beach where the turtles lay their eggs each night.

Protected area Taganak Island is one of the protected areas covered under Presidential Proclamation 171 issued by former President Joseph Estrada on Aug. 26, 1999. It allows scientific research and monitoring in the area but prohibits turtle egg collection, destructive fishing methods, killing and/or gathering of protected wildlife, and illegal or unregulated commercial fishing. Protected Area Superintendent Minda J. Barullan told this writer that the strict protection zone covers 242,697 hectares with a land portion of 318 hectares. Barullan said the data on nesting incidence in the protected area showed that 7,465 turtles nested in 2008, 10,231 in 2009, 14,035 in 2010, 20,274 in 2011, 21,703 in 2012, and 17,290 in 2013. “The number of turtles nesting in 2013 went down due to poaching and illegal fishing,” she reported. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and Hawskbill Turtle (Eretemochelys Imbricata) are the two kinds of sea turtles endemic in the area, said Kester Yu, executive director of the Turtle Conservation Society of the Philippines (TCSP), a non-government organization

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doing research in Turtle Islands. Yu and some researchers of the Philippine Center for Terrestrial and aquatic Research (PCTAR) have joined the voyage. Yu also disclosed that there are seven species of sea turtles all over the world; five are seen in the Philippines and two of these are found in Turtle Islands. Though tired and weary from a long trip, we endeavored to stay awake from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. to watch female turtles dragging with their flippers up from the seas to the shorelines to nest. On that night we saw three female turtles lay eggs under Agoho and Talisay trees, just a few meters from where we were billeted. Baguan Island In the afternoon of the following day, Sept. 7, we proceeded to Baguan Island, an hour ride away from Taganak Island. When we reached there, we could not help but fall in love with the island’s beauty. Pristine beaches and crystal clear water welcomed us, as our eyes got awestruck by the sight. There we have validated the report that Baguan Island is, indeed, home to most number of

turtles. On that night alone, we had witnessed more than 20 female turtles nested on the beach fronting the DENR’s building. According to a DENR staff assigned in the island, an average of 80 female turtles come to lay eggs here every night. However, rats and rodents are a new threat to this nesting ground, as they are eating the turtle eggs. To curb the problem, the DENR personnel tried to poison the rats. Climate change Another threat that poses danger to the turtle islands is

climate change. Mayor

Tang told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that the seawaters have already eroded the shorelines of Taganak Island. He showed us several Agoho trees uprooted by seawaters – a clear indication that the seawater rise is now felt and observed in the area. From its original land area of 135 hectares, the island has been reduced to 116 hectares in recent years. Dr. Filemon Romero, an expert in oceanography, said, “there is really recession of seawaters inward,” which means that the sand and

soil along the shorelines get eroded due to seawater rise. If this condition goes unabated, where do we find the turtle islands in the years to come?

SEPTEMBER 2014 | PAGE 9

President Aquino leads launch of 420-megawatt power plant project

“This (project) is absolutely necessary to ensure a steady supply of the power that Filipinos need day in, and day out, even as we seek to diversify the energy mix by bringing in other power sources,”

President Aquino said in his speech during the event, held in Fairmont Hotel in Makati City. The President said that apart from supplying additional coal power, the construction of the plant

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday led the ceremonial launch of the 420-megawatt Pagbilao III Power Plant project, signaling the start of the 37-month construction of the plant in Barangay Ibabang

Polo, Pagbilao, Quezon province.


President Aquino receives Temasek ofþcials during courtesy call in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received officials of Temasek, a Singapore-based investment company, during a courtesy call in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

would create 2,000 jobs, which will have a multiplier effect in the community. “So, to TeaM Energy Corporation and Aboitiz Power Corporation, thank you for your continuing confidence in the Philippines,” he said, referring to the Japanese and Filipino companies that have teamed up to construct the power plant. President of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which is a partner of TeaM Energy, Naomi Hirose said they were investing in the Philippines due to President Aquino’s good governance, the country’s Triple “B” credit rating, and economic growth. “This investment of close to $1 billion will be equipped with the latest, reliable environmental technologies, such as state-of-the-art flue gas desulfurizer. This will ensure strict adherence to the

country’s environmental laws and regulations,” Hirose said. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power Corporation Chief Executive Officer Erramon Aboitiz said his company initiated the project because it believes that “the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) is working.” The EPIRA Law or RA 9136 is designed to reduce electricity rates and improve the delivery of power supply to end-users by encouraging greater competition and efficiency in the power industry. Also present during the launch were Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla; Aboitiz Equity Ventures Chairman Jon Ramon Aboitiz; Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation, the other partner of TeaM Energy, Mamoru Sekiyama; and Fairmont Hotel General Manager David Bachelor. PNA

The Temasek officials who called on President Aquino included Temasek International Pte. Ltd. president Then Kiat Lee; Temasek Foundation chief executive officer Benedict Cheong; managing director Jeffrey Chua; and director Eddy Jetjiwarat. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo were also present. Temasek’s portfolio is mainly concentrated in Asia and Singapore, covering a broad spectrum of industries. The Temasek Foundation, set up by the company,

is a philanthropic organization that seeks to build a more prosperous, stable and connected Asia through building human and social capital. Working with expertise institutions from Singapore and the region, the foundation supports training programs that build capabilities in health care, education, public administration and disaster response, as well as programs that promote positive networks of cooperation across Asia. PND


Legislators move beyond partisan politics, vow for swift passage of

Bangsamoro Basic Law

As President Benigno S. Aquino III led the submission of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to leaders of Congress, solons in the majority and minority blocs expressed

the importance of unity and moving beyond partisan politics for Congress to take on its monumental role to pass a law that is key for achieving peace in southern Philippines.

Senators Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Nancy Binay, and Vicente Sotto III expressed their commitment to

the enactment of the draft BBL, asserting confidence that the process will be spared from unnecessary


distractions and delays rooted in politics. “This is an opportunity for us to find a true and lasting peace and nobody will want to squander such an opportunity,” said Marcos in an interview with the press following the ceremonial handover of the draft BBL to Congress staged in Malacañang. Binay, for her part, acknowledged the draft measure as “a significant step towards our pursuit of lasting peace in Mindanao.” Sotto commented that the Bangsamoro proposal is “very promising” and will be key to achieving sustainable development in Mindanao once the island’s issues are settled. The draft BBL was officially turned over by President Benigno S. Aquino III to Congress in a simple ceremony staged in Malacañan Palace. Once passed into law and ratified through a plebiscite, it will install and operationalize a parliamentary form of government that will replace what is currently the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).Going beyond political differences Marcos, who heads the Senate Committee on Local Government, acknowledged that political differences will create inevitable bumps along the way, in light of existing regional, tribal politics in the south. However, he insisted that the success of the Bangsamoro bill will be hinged in a bipartisan process that will take into account all possible perspectives and positions. “The Bangsamoro law will seek to acknowledge the differences in cultures, religions, and laws [in the region],” Marcos clarified. “(Our work is to find out) how to incorporate those differences into the larger system of government of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.

To this end, Marcos said that he will ensure that hearings on the proposed basic law will be held in Manila and in the ARMM alike. “It would not be right if the Bangsamoro law will be reviewed in light of concerns and opinions voiced out in Manila alone,” he said. “My approach to this process is simple: We will allow everyone who wants to say something or has an opinion that is valid and reasonable a venue to make their case.” Noting the tight timeline left for legislators to pass the Bangsamoro bill into law, Marcos pointed out that the process will be urgent, yet deliberate. “We must take full advantage of this chance. We must get this right, so we will examine every aspect of it to make sure that, in the end, it will contribute to a true and lasting peace that will benefit our entire country,” he said.

Historic opportunity for peace Senate President Franklin Drilon also emphasized the historic role and opportunity to help achieve peace in southern Philippines through the passage of the BBL. “To all of us, we should not let this historic opportunity to pass without achieving the purpose of peace. This may not come again if we don’t take advantage of this opportunity. We will respect the Philippine Constitution (in passing the BBL), but let us also be conscious of the aspirations of our people in Mindanao,” he said. As a manifestation of the unity of lawmakers for peace, Drilon said that the minority in the Senate will co-sponsor the BBL. Same with Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had earlier given his support for the swift passage of the BBL as a top priority measure in this administration.


Present during the ceremony were members of the Senate, House of Representatives; Cabinet; Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Mohagher Iqbal and commissioners; Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles; GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and peace panel member Yasmin Busran-Lao.

Bangsamoro law, a triumph for all Filipinos President Aquino referred to the transmittal of the draft BBL as a triumph for all Filipinos. He said that through the proposed BBL, “we have taken yet another step towards a more peaceful and more progressive Mindanao.” “Now that we have a proposed bill, I fully believe that it is in accordance with our Constitution and with the principles of our framework agreement, and that it reflects our shared efforts towards growth that leaves no one behind,” he said. The President assured that whether Moros,

Lumads, or Christians, “the BBL was crafted to be fair, just, and acceptable to all.” Deles, in a statement, said the transmittal of the BBL to Congress is a turning point in our national quest for peace. She said she “expects and look forward to vigorous public discussions of the provisions of the BBL.” Coronel-Ferrer in her statement said “We trust that our esteemed lawmakers, cognizant of the historic import of this process, would view the submitted draft with open hearts and minds, and would take on the monumental responsibility of bringing forth the Bangsamoro with seriousness of purpose and urgency.” Iqbal, for his part, said that he is “happy with the results” of the engagements between the BTC and the Office of the President to arrive at a mutually acceptable draft BBL. He said that “there is no other option for the MILF and for government but to move forward” in the peace process.

DENR-9 readies for Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”By Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – To beat India’s record as having planted 1,945,535 trees for an hour in 408 locations with 340,200 participants, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 is joining other regions in Mindanao to plant 4.6 million trees in 9,200 hectares across the island on Sept. 26, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.


DENR-9 readies for Sept. 26 “TreeVolution”

PIA, DENR to Tukuran studes: Be active partners in climate change advocacy By Gideon C. Corgue

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Students of Tukuran Technical-Vocational High School (TTVHS) have been encouraged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-9 and Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9to help solve climate change problems. In a forum on climate change adaptationjointly conducted here on Tuesday by the DENR and PIA, Regional Public Affairs Officer RoserviricoA. Tan challenged the students to do their share in helping solve climate change issuessaying that“its adverse impacts are already felt in our country.”

“We reach out to you students because it is you who would inherit this earth that is still livable with clean and healthy environment and life-giving natural resources,” Tan pointed out. Tan said the climate change advocacy campaign pursued by theDENR and PIA is a project of

Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow,” the activity aims to achieve the 2014 target of the National Greening Program (NGP) for Mindanao by breaking India’s record of having planted the most number of treesin different locations simultaneously. NGP is targeting 690,815 hectares to be planted with trees in Mindanao by 2016. “For Zamboanga Peninsula, DENR-9 aims to cover 1,000 hectares to be planted with 700,000 seedlings in various NGP sites,” Regional Director Arleigh Adorable said. Adorable also disclosed that some 35,000 participants/volunteers

would be mobilized during the said activity involving 700 validators and independent witnesses from the academe and religious sector. More, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local government units (LGUs) have also signified to join the activity by planting 167,500 seedlings in 335 hectares, bringing a total of 867,500 seedlings to be planted within the region during the “TreeVolution” activity. Presently, India holds the title in the Guinness World Records as having the most number of trees planted in various locations simultaneously.


the national government aimed at raising the level of awareness of the public on climate change mitigation and adaptation to lessen its adverse impact onthe humans. Tan said“the campaign is truly a gargantuan task to perform by the agencies. That is why we need help from other sectors of society.” “We are trying to reach out to the communities - especially the academe - to be our partners in helping us protect the environment,” Tan said, as he recognized the youth’s vital role in our society. Tan explained the major effects of climate change particularly the extinction of living and non-living things. “The climate change has severely affected our environment,” Tan said. Tan encouraged the students to

support and the National Greening Program (NGP) by planting trees. He also called on the students to support the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act otherwise known as Republic Act 9003.Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Information Center Manager Claro A. Lanipa emphasized that the said forum was conducted to address public apathy to climate change in order to engender active cooperation and support from all sectors. Lanipa said this forum here was the second advocacy activity conducted by the DENR and PIA to public secondary schools in Zamboanga Peninsula. The first was held in Bayog National High School, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur on Aug. 22, 2014.


Gen. Trinidad: AFP will remain, defend Zambo amidst anxietiesBy Dominic I. Sanchez

Lt. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, Jr., who represented AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang quoted, “rest assured that your AFP will continue to be here in Zamboanga and in the adjacent areas to protect the people.” Gen. Trinidad, according to Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar personally manned the defense strategy during the siege. “Este noche, ta rindi quita gracias con el Armed Forces que ya

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A top military brass reassured the Zamboanguenos on the night of the Zamboanga siege anniversary (September 9), that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will remain and defend the city amidst anxieties of a possible attack a year after.


dale servicio na maga residente,” (We express our gratitude to the Armed Forces who served and protected the residents) said Mayor Climaco-Salazar. On Tuesday, the night of the Zamboanga siege anniversary, government officials and employees, police, military, academe, religious sector, and local residents gathered around City Hall and Plaza Rizal for a solemn candle-lighting ceremony dubbed “Luz de Ezperanza” (Light of Hope). Residents paid tribute to those who have fallen in defense of the city, including the young officers and men of the Armed Forces. “We honor both the fallen and living heroes that have stood by in defense of our city,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

Prior to September 9 this year, numerous scare text messages were circulating, allegedly that of a looming attack in Zamboanga City. Residents have expressed their anxiety and concern. “Sobra saltao kame si ta recivi maga ansina clase de text. Hinde na gayod quita puede ase de nohay lang cay ya socede ya se del otro año,” (We panic whenever we receive these messages. We can’t remain apathetic towards them since we have already experienced the siege last year) said one concerned resident. The mayor has continuously appealed to residents to be “calm but vigilant always,” and to report and validate these messages with the authorities.

370 pilgrims avail Lanao del Norte’s Hajj programby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - A total of 370 Muslim pilgrims from different towns of Lanao del Norte availed the provincial government’s Hajj program.

The first batch of 265 Muslim pilgrims had their departure for Medina, Saudi Arabia on September 8, this year, while 105 pilgrims are set to leave on September 11. This is the 10th year of implementation of the Hajj program since it was launched in 2004 as part of the Dimaporo-Quibranza initiative. This is a unique program that is currently only being implemented by the local government unit of Lanao del Norte. “The hundreds of positive feedbacks that we


got from this program are enough justification for us to continue this one-of-a-kind program. Governor Khalid Dimaporo ensures equal benefit and support for both the Muslims and Christians in Lanao del Norte,” explained Information Officer Lyndon Calica. It can be recalled that for several years already that the provincial government is sending its delegation to participate in the world-renowned Sinulog Festival of Cebu City, every month of January. The annual Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. Lanao del Norte’s Hajj program is fully supported by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by vice-governor Cristy Atay and Hajj committee chairman Mohamad Moamar Jack Maruhom. Under the Hajj program, enrolled

pilgrims receive assistance in securing their passport, vaccination and other required travel documents. They are also assisted in reserving airline seats for their flight to Saudi Arabia.As part of the program, the provincial government also help facilitate for the transportation needs of the pilgrims from Lanao del Norte to Manila as well as book their hotel accommodation while awaiting for their scheduled international flight. The Hajj organizing team is composed of personnel from the Provincial Community Affairs Office (PCAO) and the Provincial Information Office (PIO). “We are thankful to Governor Dimaporo for the continued implementation of the Hajj program. This is truly a big help to us (Muslims) in making our pilgrimage a more meaningful and spiritual experience,” expressed MSU-Marawi Asst. Director Raquela Dimalutang. The Hajj is expected to fall between October 2 to 7, 2014.

ILIGAN CITY - It’s computing season again at the School of Computer Studies (SCS) at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).

MSU-IIT to host 12th Iligan City Computing Fair anewby CBQEsteves


For 12 seasons, stakeholders from the academe and the industry have been invited to the Iligan City Computing Fair (ICCF). This year, SCS is inviting everyone to another exciting ICCF celebration on September 15-17, 2014 at the MSU-IIT campus, this city. This year’s theme is “Next Level. Power Up!” for which we are gearing up to welcome the incoming challenges in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) industry and education; the K to 12 education reform; the 2015 ASEAN Integration; the Internationalization of our academe and industry’s standards, said Prof. Alquine Roy F. Taculin, Dean of the School of Computer Studies, MSU-IIT. “These and many more challenges, we together will see as opportunities. Let us converge and ride these waves that is everyday changing the landscape of ICT,” expressed Taculin. We will be showcasing a fun-filled set of activities such as ICT seminar,

Research Forum, Quiz shows for collegiate and high school, Programming Competition, Digital Arts Competition and Hardware Servicing Competition, said Taculin. ICCF is not just to create another 3-day event, but also to encourage participants from the academe not only in Iligan City but Mindanao-wide and from the industry and business sectors to participate in the events, enrich their

experiences, gain knowledge, skills and views on ICT. This will also be a good opportunity to reach prospective clients and strengthen customer-supplier relationships. The Computing Fair is regularly included in the month-long activities of the Diyandi Festival-annual celebration of Iligan’s city fiesta. The ICCF is the first-ever regional computing fair in Mindanao which started in 2002. On its 12th year, together, let us power up and face the next level, said Prof. Taculin. If you would like more information about this affair, please call Prof. Alquine Roy F. Taculin, Dean of the School of Computer Studies at 221-2002, or cellphone number 09177110099, or Prof. Nerissa Adlaon, chair of the Steering Committee of the 12th ICCF, Cell Phone: 09177066155 or Chona B. Que Esteves, chair of the Program and Promotions Committee of the 12th ICCF, Cell Phone 09177167101 or visit their website at [email protected].


This was emphasized by Sanivier G. Patoc, provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Misamis Occidental, during the recent Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) and Full Disclosure Policy (FDP) Summit held in the city, attended by all 490 Barangay Captains of the province. This provision is in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10362, “An Act To Postpone the SK Elections on October 28, 2013, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act 9340 and for Other Purposes,” which took effect on April 13, 2014. The IRR also provides that all incumbent SK Chairpersons and members remain in office only until their terms expired at noon of November 30, 2013, as “no hold over” order took place and no appointments were made to the vacated positions, which shall remain vacant until the new set of SK officials have been duly elected and qualified. Meanwhile, all SK Chairpersons who were ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Barangay, Sangguniang

Bayan, Sangguniang Panglungsod or Sangguniang Panglalawigan, as the case maybe, have ceased to serve in such capacity after the expiration of their respective terms as SK Officials. The 10 percent of the barangay general fund allocated for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) shall be used by the sangguniang barangay solely for youth development programs or projects until the new set of SK officials have been duly elected and qualified. The IRR provides that the said fund shall only be used for the following: Youth Development Programs and Projects, such as, but not limited to, Capacity-Building, Leadership Training/Youth Camp Program, Employability Skills Training and Value Formation, Citizenship/Nation-Building Seminar. Health Services and Adolescent Reproductive Health Program, Out of School Youth (OSY) Program, Socio-Cultural and Sports Development, Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), and other similar youth-related development programs and projects.

SK funds solely for use in youth development programs, says DILGby Rutchie Cabahug-AguhobOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Funds intended for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) shall solely be used for youth development programs and projects.

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—A total of 119 inmates from the province will avail of the services of the Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) pro-gram on September 25 this year.

119 inmates in NorthCot to avail of the EJOW programBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Judge Lily Lydia A. Laquindanum, over-all co-chairperson of the program said that 93 of the in-mates are from the Cotabato District Jail, 9 from the Kidapawan City Jail, 4 from the Kabacan Refor-matory, 7 from the Pigcawayan District Jail and 6 from the Makilala District Jail.

She also explained that the program is set to resolve a total of 167 cases as other inmates have more than one case.

“Inmates who availed of the EJOW program are only those who have exceeded their jail term but their cases remained unresolved,” Laquindanum emphasized, adding that high-profile inmates and those who committed heinous crimes are not quali-fied to avail of the program.

The Enhanced Justice on Wheels Program which was first implemented in the province on 2012 and has helped 89 inmates aims not only to resolve cases but also to address problems on jail decon-gestion.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmylou Mendoza noted that aside from the trial, there will be a jail visita-tion as well as provision of dental and medical ser-vices which will be headed by the provincial gov-ernment in coordination with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) North Cotabato Chapter, Phil-ippine Army and other partners.


COTABATO CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-ARMM is set to conduct free review sessions for its scholarship examinees.

“Further, there will be a dialogue between the officials of the Supreme Court and the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System,” Mendoza explained.

On the other hand, the governor is hopeful that the program will help transform the lives of the 119 in-mates. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz- N. Cotabato Provincial Government)

OWWA-ARMM scholarship examinees get free reviewBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

OWWA-ARMM officer-in-charge Habib Malik said, the review is for the


Education for Education for Develop-ment Scholarship Program (EDSP) and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) appli-cants who will take OWWA’s qualifying examinations set on September 21.

“The review sessions aims to pre-pare the examinees and to increase the number of OWWA scholars in the autonomous region next school year, said Malik

“Through this review, we hope that more OFW dependents in ARMM will pass this year’s scholarship qual-ifying examinations,” Malik added.

Malik said some 200 examinees from the province of Maguindanao will have their review session on September 13 at Cotabato City State Polytechnic College audio-visual room.

“We will also conduct review classes for examinees from the is-land provinces of Basilan, Sulu and

Tawi-Tawi through our provincial sat-ellite offices and in partnership with DOST,” Malik added.

Malik added that there are desig-nated testing centers all over the re-gion, namely: Notre Dame University in Cotabato City,

Lamitan Central Elementary School in Lamitan, Basilan, Mind-anao State University-Main Campus in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, Notre Dame of Jolo for Girls in Jolo, Sulu and Mindanao State University-TCTO in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

EDSP is a scholarship program offered to qualified dependents of active OWWA-member OFWs who intend to enroll in a four to five-year baccalaureate course in any CHED accredited college or university of their own choice, while CMWSP is for children of inactive OFWs not more than 21 years old. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

DOLE 12 promotes Gulayan sa Opisina, healthy lifestyleBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 are currently enjoying their regular harvest of organic vegetables grown inside the regional field office com-pound.

The “Gulayan sa Opisina” is part of the advocacy of the DOLE


12, headed by Regional Direc-tor Ofelia Domingo, to encourage la-bor employees to adopt healthy lifestyle and organic farming.

In the initial implementation of the project, employees under the Internal Management Services Divi-sion started planting vegetables within the agency’s compound.

They utilized plant boxes and recycled cabinet drawers to grow alugbati, kangkong, and pechay, among others. In August, they started gathering vegetables from their garden.

“Gulayan sa Opisina” is a pro-gram that the National Nutrition Council (NNC) 12.

It was launched on July 13, 2013 to encourage planting and produc-tion of organically-grown vegetables among government employees.

The project also intends to in-

crease awareness on the benefits of vegetable consumption to help reduce malnutrition and prevent the onset of non-communicable diseas-es.

Through “Gulayan sa Opisina,” NNC 12 also desires to promote the different technologies of planting vegetables such as raised beds, con-tainerized and bag gardening.

Besides the Gulayan, DOLE 12 regularly holds 5s activities, in-cluding greening the offices with ornamental plants to improve oxygenation; maintenance of office equipment, air conditioning units and vehicles; and recycling of papers and other usable waste materials.

In May this year, DOLE 12 also installed 300-watt solar energy pan-el to illuminate offices during power outages and lunch breaks. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)

SurSur guv guarantees steady support for tech-voc education

In his testimonial message during the 20th Anniversary Celebration

and Awarding Ceremony of TESDA-Caraga held here on Monday,

by Venus l. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY - Being previously recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga as the 2012 National Kabalikat Awardee for local government unit category, Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel expressed incessant efforts and support to sustain its technical-vocational (tec-voc) education programs.


Pimentel said that one of the priority programs for the province is to help the marginalized sector including the out-of-school youth. “Jobs through technical vocational program contributed a lot in addressing the needs of our out-of-school youths. They may have missed out on schooling but have seen a better future on tech-voc education. We also provided trainings to our marginalized sector which include the women,” he cited. Pimentel disclosed that the provincial government of Surigao del Sur has provided a building for TESDA provincial office, provided them free water and electricity among other logistics because they have seen the need for a better office building in the area. He underscored as well that as the local government’s way of helping the indigents/marginalized sector they conceptualized Jobs though Tech-Voc Programs (JTP) producing around 9,636 graduates to date and they now have their own job and are earning. “I can say that we are successful with our objective and I’d like

to assure TESDA-Caraga that the LGU-Surigao del Sur will continue to help uplift the lives of our constituents by facilitating livelihood trainings and technical-vocational education,” remarked Pimentel. Meanwhile, TESDA-Caraga regional director Florencio Sunico, Jr. said that what lies ahead of the reforms in TESDA requires a lot of responsibility from its personnel together with its partners in the government and private stakeholders. “Through this simple ceremony, we pay honor to your efforts in providing the programs and services to our clientele. We certainly have done good jobs for the previous years and definitely more jobs are to be done,” expressed Sunico.


TESDA-Caraga regl director Florencio Sunico, Jr. said that the agency’s achievements and success would not have been possible without the support of partner stakeholders in empowering fellow Filipinos in honing their skills.

“With their technical competence we take pride in preparing our way to ASEAN recognition as we thrive for relevance and meaning in all our efforts,” he said. TESDA-Caraga conferred plaque of recognition to the following 2014

TESDA-Caraga recognizes institutional awardees, partnersby Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY- Highlighted on the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga was the giving of recognition to the agency’s partners and stakeholders who have been regularly supporting its programs in the region during the Awarding Ceremony held in one of the convention centers here on Monday.


Regionall Idol/ Kabalikat Awardees: Ronnie Abao-Regl TESDA Idol (Wage-employed Category); Hinatuan Mining Corp. - Regl Kabalikat Award (Industry Category); AMA-CLC, Agusan del Sur (Institution Category); Provl Govt of Agusan del Norte (LGU Category); and Surigao del Sur 1st Congressional District (Legislative Category). Sunico personally handed-over the token of recognition for the 2014 Reg IDOL/Kabalikat Awardees. As one of the provincial awardees from Surigao del Sur province, Surigao del Sur First Congressional District Representative Philip Pichay expressed his gratitude. “Education and training is our priority because it has developed our people in Surigao del Sur. We will always be here for TESDA as partner in continuously providing technical education and skills development to the marginalized sector,” he said.

Pichay was also the guest of honor during the event. Local Chief Executives from different provinces are also in attendance together with other partner stakeholders in the government, private sectors and local media. TESDA-Caraga also paid tribute to their loyal employees. Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Abner Caga duly received an award for its invaluable support extended as partner in the information and communication efforts in disseminating TESDA’s thrust, mandates, and programs; bringing the government closer to the people. This year’s TESDA Caraga anniversary celebration is anchored on the theme, “20 Taong World-Class na Pagsasanay Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan at Pamumuhay.”


SURSECO II assures sufficient power supply in the next 20 years in SurSur

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands- The Surigao del Sur II Electric Coop-erative (SURSECO II) assures the public of sufficient supply for the next 20 years, an official said recently.

by Nida Grace P. Barcena

This was reveled by SURSECO II General Manager Engr. Iglorio R. Hinayon during the press conference conducted in time with the celebration of their 35th Founding Anniversary held recently at the board Room of the SURSECO II Main Office in Tandag City. Engr. Hinayon said, “by 2015 SURSECO II will have a secured power supply because right now we are entering into a contract with the different private power companies.” He cited the following companies: the Therma South Incorporation which will operate accordingly on the last quarter next year; the GN Power which will commence its operation on 2017; the 640 KW Sagbayan Hydro Power Plant which will operate probably next year; and the 7.8 MW Surigao del Sur Power Plant which will commercialized this year. “The average contract period of these power plants will last for at least 15 years,” Hinayon said.

Accordingly, the present peak demand of SURSECO II covering the 1st district of this province composed of 13 municipalities and Tandag City reaches around 13 MW with a five percent (5%) increase of demand per year. Manager Hinayon further explained that it is the responsibility of SURSECO II to secure its power supply by entering into power supply agreements with the private companies. The power rate will be higher as he emphasized because these power plants are expensive compared to the hydro-run electricity. The consumers should also weight the impact of the higher power rate versus less frequency of brownouts which will give considerable effect to the economy and the consumers themselves, he added. “Surigaonons are really secured as far as the demand for the power supply is concerned,” Hinayon said.

One Mindanao - September 11, 2014

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