One Mindanao - September 12, 2012

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, 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 Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

Western 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

Cover Story

Tartanilla Painting…It’s more fun in Iligan

Lorry V. GabuleNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 20

page 4

President Aquino witnesses signing of Memorandum of Agreement between DBM, DepEd and GSIS to restore benefits of teachers

9

Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region

DENR-Caraga bares salient features of Executive Order No. 2316DepEd-IX concludes sports fest in Basilan 20 Felipo David G. Malcampo, Western Mindanao

Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga RegionCDA-Caraga, RCDC to lead Cooperative Advocacy Run

PNP-RO9 conducts pre-annual inspection at Dipolog CPO22 Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

14

Mother-based medium of instruction great for kids 25 Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

PACT holds training to strengthen child protection 29 Criste O. Perfecto, Northern Mindanao

Proposed law on forced evacuation of residents in high-risk areas during calamities mulled 30 Lorebeth C. Requiroso, Northern Mindanao

Region 12 to create communication network for DRRM32Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

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13 18

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23Makilala LGU pushes values formation for public servants 34Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

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4 ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, September 12, 2012


Though with the existence of the jeepneys, the Tartanilla could still be seen around town and serves as tourist attraction in Iligan city. Gradually, these tartanillas are being restricted to travel with specific routes at the city’s thoroughfare, leaving behind the young generation to learn of the Tartanilla only from history books and stories told by their grandparents. Imagine having the chance to return to Iligan -- not a Tartanilla on sight. With this point of view, from most of the Iliganons, the Committee on History, Culture and Arts of the City

Council, through Councilor Michelle E. Sweet, has come up with an activity dubbed, ‘Tartanilla Painting,’ which is one of the events lined up for the month-long celebration of Diyandi Festival and Tourism Month in September of every year. Councilor Sweet described the event as an on-the-spot painting contest whose beneficiaries are the 25 tartanilla owners, which aimed to

Tartanilla’ was introduced during the

Spanish occupation in the 18th Century. It was used as the primary means of transportation - for personal travel and commercial as well. However, the need for Tartanilla diminished after World War II when the jeepney came along.

by Lorry V. Gabule

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5


have a replenished and aesthetically positive designed horse-carriage, enhanced source of livelihood, and become a developed tourist subject in Iligan City. This year is on its 3rd activity already. As we celebrate the Tourism Month in September, the Tartanilla Painting Contest would boost tourism through the new image of our Tartanilla as well as preserve its historical value, and this would showcase the talent of all interested amateur or professional artists, to be participated in by around 40 students and 40 professionals and non-government organizations, expressed Sweet. The contest will officially commence on September 24, at the Sheker Park, Barangay San Miguel, Iligan City, with pre-judging on September 26 (40 percent), while the final judging (60 percent) shall be on September 27. At the park, participants shall have the liberty to choose any designs, accessories and paint colors provided that the image shall not portray nudity, scandalous, immortality or anything that would imply negative conduct. All accessories used by the artists will eventually be given to the tartanilla owners. There would be a registration

6 ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, September 12, 2012

of P500.oo per team. Prizes at stake for the artists would be P15,000, P10,000, and P7,000, for the first, second and third winners, respectively, with top four to eight prizes of P3,000 and consolation prize of P1,500. While Tartanilla owners will receive P3,000, P2,000,

P1,000, for the first, second and third winners, respectively, having top four to eight prizes of P700 and consolation prizes of P500.00. Entries will be screened by prominent panel of judges selected by the organizers, based on the effectiveness-harmony of composition, visual balance, form and color coordination (30 percent); originality and accessories-possess creativity, individuality and shows imagination (20 percent); relevance to the theme-adherence to the contest theme (30 percent); and technique and appeal as a whole- skilfulness played (20 percent). This year’s theme is “It’s More Fun in Iligan.”

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino upbeat about continuing reforms at the Bureau of Immigration

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed the support of his administration to continuing reforms at the Bureau of Immigration noting the benefits of these changes to the

country’s business and tourism sectors.Speaking at the 72 anniversary of the

BI at its head office in Manila on Tuesday, the President said he fully backs BI’s

Development Plan until 2016 particularly by pushing the new Philippine Immigration Act to protect the country from trafficking

8 Wednesday, September 12, 2012

in persons, transnational crimes, illegal drugs and terrorism.

Part of these changes also include building new facilities for the BI, modernizing the way BI conducts its business and hiring new personnel to augment the bureau’s services, he said.

“Sa pangunguna nina Kalihim Leila de Lima, at Commissioner Ricardo David, tiwala tayong sa lalong madaling panahon—diinan ko lang po—sa lalong madaling panahon, maisasakatuparan ang ating mga adhikain,” the President said.

“Mahalagang patatagin ang ugnayan ng Bureau of Immigration at ng mga katuwang nitong ahensya sa ilalim ng Kagawaran ng Hustisya upang maabot ang buong potensyal ng pagtatanggol at pagbabantay sa ating bayan.”

The President also reminded the BI leadership and its employees to always remember that their main obligation is to serve the people and not themselves, adding the guiding principles of his administration is to lead the nation towards the righteous path.

The chief executive also made an appeal to the BI to shun corruption and to do its duty with dedication noting that allowing criminals to enter and get out of the country conveniently put the Filipino public at risk.

The President cited the case of South Korean fugitive Kim Tae Dong who was able to flee last December although there were immigration officials guarding him at the hospital.

Also, the President wondered how former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, suspects in the killing of a radio commentator, were able to get out of the country despite being well-known public figures and having highly publicized case.

“Ipakita po sana nating ginagampanan ng Bureau of Immigration ang kanilang trabaho, at tiyaking hindi makakatuntong ng Pilipinas ang mga taong tulad nito. Tandaan lang po nating bawat pagkakamali ay maaaring magdulot ng peligro sa buhay at seguridad ng kapwa Pilipino,” he said.

A reformed immigration system has a lot of benefits for the country, the President said. With better services from the Immigration office, the government can easily achieve the 10 million tourist arrivals it is targeting.

At the same time, he said that by guarding the country’s entry and exit points, the government can ensure the security of every Filipino. This will make sure that only those who have good intentions can enter the Philippines, he said. PND (as)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9

The MoA, signed by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara, aims to implement a realistic and equitable solution to the “chronic issue” of unpaid

premiums by restoring the benefits of nearly 800,000 active and inactive employees of the DepEd since July 1997.

Under the agreement, the DBM will settle P6.92-billion of premium-in-arrears representing the government share and

President Aquino witnesses signing of Memorandum of Agreement between DBM, DepEd and GSIS to restore benefits of teachers

President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement between the Departments of Budget and Management (DBM), Education

(DepEd) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Tuesday.

10 Wednesday, September 12, 2012

expedite payment by advancing P3.46-billion or half of the total amount. In return, the GSIS, through its Board of Trustees, will condone P14-billion of accrued interest as well as grant a five percent discount on the principal.

GSIS president and general manager Robert Vergara said that with the signing of this MoA, DepEd employees will soon enjoy a proportionate increase in their eligible benefits, higher loanable amounts and potentially, increased retirement benefits.

He added that retired and inactive employees of DepEd may also receive higher pensions as the GSIS will recalculate their benefits and refund any amount that was deducted and will adjust their pensions accordingly.

Joining the President were GSIS chairman Daniel Lacson, Jr., Senator Edgardo Angara, Manila 6th District Representative Rosenda Ocampo, and Alliance of Concerned Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio, among others.

Also present were Teachers’ Dignity Coalition chairman Benjo Basas, Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA) president Mario

Ramirez, DepEd-NEU national president Atty. Domingo Alidon and Manila Public School Teachers Association (MPSTA) president Benjamin Valbuena. PND (rck)


ICT confab, trade exhibit slated in Zambooanga City on Sept. 26

Some 300 businessmen and representatives from the academe, national government agencies, local government units,

Information and Communication Technology professionals and enthusiasts are set to converge in this city for the one-day 2012 ZamPen ICT Conference and Trade Exhibit: An ICTO Roadshow on Sept. 26.

The exhibit is part of the effort to promote Zamboanga City as the next target of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies, according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Director Brenda Nazareth-Manzano

on Tuesday.The event’s theme “Harnessing

ICT for Smarter Countryside,” will lead the way towards the development and understanding of knowledge, linking communication and technological gaps, building

Wednesday, September 12, 2012ONE MINDANAO 12

more sustainable projects, widening local and international networks, improving society in general, and envisioning Zamboanga City as part of the “Next Wave Cities” in the Philippines and the rest of the region as an investment hub.

Undersecretary Louis Napoleon Casambre, Executive Director of DOST-ICTO, will be the event’s keynote speaker.

Highlighting the road show, Manzano said, is an industry panel discussions of distinguished resource speakers from various ICT industry associations, such as the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Animation Council of the Philippines, Incorporated (ACPI), Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP), and Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA).

Manzano said that Nicholas Luff, Sustainable Development Specialist based in Canada, will make a presentation on “Developing Cross-Sector Partnerships at a Global Stage: Case Studies between the Philippines and Canada.

Mayor Celso Lobregat will officially welcome the delegates and host

the Fellowship Night.The road show is organized by the

Regional Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Committee under the Regional Development Council (RITECC–RDC-IX) and Zamboanga ICT Council of Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation (ZICTC-ZCCCIF), with support of the Information and Communication Technology Office-Department of Science and Technology (ICTO-DOST), Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX (DOST-IX) and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP).

The ICTO-DOST is the Philippine government’s lead agency on ICT-related matters. Its primary thrusts are: ICT Industry Development; eGovernment; ICT Policy Development; Internet for All; and, Cybersecurity.

Participation to the one-day event is free-of-charge, according to Manzano.

Interested individuals must confirm their attendance to the Event Secretariat: DOST IX at telephone numbers 991-1024 or 991-2051 and look for Thelma/Jill or the NCC at 993-2878 and look for Leony/Christine or email at [email protected]. -


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Agusan del Sur among the top performers in the implementation of health programs nationwideby David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- Agusan del Sur is among the top performing cities and provinces in the implementation of health programs, the Department of Health (DOH) said during the DOH forum in Davao City last August 15. Agusan del Sur topped 10 other contenders in providing immunization to children under its maternal and child health program, a report by Provincial Health Officer Joel Esparagoza said.

It also ranked third in contraceptive prevalence rate under reproductive health program and is among the top rank provinces in the implementation of out-patient benefit package under


PhilHealth Insurance Program. “Our purpose in going to Davao City last month was just to attend the DOH forum. We were surprised when Undersecretary Lozada announced the status of performance in the implementation of various health programs of the cities and provinces nationwide and we were very glad to hear and receive the recognition that we rank number 12 top performer in the entire country,” Nanette Cabanos, head of the PHO technical team, said. Esparagoza also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Plaza for his continued support to the implementation of the different health programs of the province. “We in the DOPMH/PHO are very thankful to Gov. Plaza for his sincere support to us in the implementation of one of his priority programs in governance which is health. Gov. Plaza

never fails to find ways and means that our facilities here will from time to time be upgraded. Last month, because of Gov. Plaza’s intervention, medical facilities that include three X-ray machines, 20 hospital beds and medical supplies were donated by the World Medical Relief to the DOPMH/PHO that really helped us extend better service to the people,” Esparagoza said. Esparagoza said the DOPMH is a certified secondary hospital, with 100 beds capacity. Early last year, the construction of an extension started with 50 beds capacity, which will address the increasing needs of the people in Agusan del Sur and neighboring provinces. With its present set up, the DOPMH is also serving patients from as far as Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley province.

CDA-Caraga, RCDC to lead Cooperative Advocacy Runby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2012 will culminate with a fun run activity, dubbed “Cooperative Advocacy Run” on December 12, 2012, done simultaneously in all regions.


The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga through the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) chaired by Mr. Brix Merlin will be spearheading the said activity that will start at 5 a.m. The event is anchored on the theme, “Transformative Cooperatives for People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace (Run 4Ps).” Merlin said the activity aims to increase public awareness about cooperatives and their contributions to advance People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace of Sustainable Development and to strengthen and unite the cooperative movement. “It shall also integrate the promotion of CDA’s three-point agenda, particularly the mainstreaming of cooperative membership, and encourage youth participation, and if necessary, create activity that will capture their interest to join or organize laboratory

cooperatives,” Merlin said. Merlin also mentioned that a registration fee of more or less P250 shall be collected from each participant, though the final amount of fee is still to be finalized by the IYC steering committee. With this, CDA and RCDC encouraged the coop sector in the region to give their support and cooperation on the said activity. For more information, the CDA-Caraga can be reached at telephone number (085) 342-5530.


Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Paterno B. Olivera presented that moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forest is declared. PENRO Olivera also emphasized the prohibition of DENR to issue logging contracts/agreements in all natural and residual forest; renewing tree cutting permits except for the cleaning of road right of way by DPWH. The official further said under EO

23, the DENR directed to close and not to allow sawmills, veneer plants and other wood processing plants to operate that cannot present proof of sustainable source of legally cut logs for the period of at least 5 years. He pointed out, however, tree cutting associated with cultural practices pursuant to IPPA law may be allowed only subject for strict compliance; 5) thru the DA-DENR-DAR convergence initiative , develop a National Greening Program (NGP)

DENR-Caraga bares salient features of Executive Order No. 23by Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Caraga region has presented the salient features of Executive Order No. 23 “Declaring a Moratorium on the Cutting and Harvesting of Timber in the Natural and Residual Forest and Creating the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force” in a recent joint meeting with the Provincial Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (PAILTF) and Provincial Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (PMSFPC).


DENR-Caraga bares salient features of Executive Order No. 23

with DepEd, CHED, DILG, and DSWDwith BDM to provide funds for the production of seedlings. The official likewise said the law directed the creation of Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force. Olivera also emphasized that EO 23 as a national strategy aims for a sustainable protection of the forest and requires an active support. “The Implementation of EO 23 requires an active support of the Local Government Units (LGUs), Non-government Organization (NGOs), Government Agencies (Gas), law Enforcement agency, local Communities and the Indigenous People,” Olivera said. Meanwhile, DENR-Caraga Regional Environment Director (RED) Asec. Marlon Mendoza said that Loreto in Agusan del Sur is still a hotspot area for the illegal logging where they apprehended some 2,000 illegally cut logs recently. The official also said that because of the bad image of checkpoints in some areas in Caraga region, they will reduce the numbers of checkpoint. “Instead of putting up checkpoints, we will put up a multi-sectoral inspections team so, every truck will be checked and be placed on record to found out where the logs they carry originated from and they will also check sawmills in the region,” Asec. Mendoza said.

The official further said that they will strengthen the existing green court especially now that the cases to be filed for those government employees who were found to have been violated the order will be field with administrative and criminal cases. Furthermore, Asec. Mendoza said DENR-Caraga will also have a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing with the member agencies of the Provincial Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee to intensify anti-illegal logging campaign activities in the region.


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DA-9 distributes P1-M worth of MRDP-CFAD projects to POs By Gideon C. Corgue

MIDSALIP, Zamboanga del Sur – At least six (6) people’s organizations (POs) recently received a total of P1-M worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), regional office thru the Mindanao Rural Development Program–Community Fund for Agricultural Development (MRDP-CFAD) during the 48th Founding Anniversary of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur held at a gymnasium.


Department of Agriculture (DA-9) regional director Eduardo Holoyoyoy, who was assisted by governor Antonio H. Cerilles and Midsalip mayor Leonida Ancap distributed the checks to the following PO’s: Tuluan Women’s Association for the Rice and Corn Production project worth P150,000; Dakayakan Women’s Association (pre-post harvest facilities) P150,000, Guma-Poblacion B Irrigators Association (rice production) P150,000, Kahayagan Women’s Association (Corn Production) 150,000 , New Katipunan Women’s Association (Rice and Corn Production) 150,000, and Pisompongan Farmers Association (Rice Mill) 250,000. The release of MRDP-CFAD livelihood projects was the third in a row. The first was in 2008 and second in 2010. The MRDP is a medium-term poverty-alleviation initiative implemented under the Department of Agriculture which is funded by the World Bank and the national government as well as the Local Government Unit providing an equity share, while, CFAD is one of the components of MRDP which

provides livelihood opportunities to its beneficiaries.Holoyohoy said the World Bank (WB), funding institution of the MRDP was elated of the accomplishments done in Mindanao. “The WB was happy of the accomplishments made by the local government of Midsalip in the successful implementation of the MRDP-CFAD projects which aimed at improving the living conditions of the marginalized sectors of our community especially the farmers, women and fisherfolks,” Holoyohoy was quoted as saying. Following the successful implementation of the MRD-CFAD projects in Mindnao, Holoyohoy said the government has planned to expand the program in the Luzon and Visayas regions. “The program will no longer be called MRDP when it will be implemented in Luzon and Visayas and it will be soon called Philippine Rural Development Program or PRDP,” Holoyohoy announced. With these projects, Holoyohoy said the POs should exert more efforts and hard work to attain progress.


DepEd-IX concludes sports fest in BasilanBy Felipo David G. Malcampo

ISABELA, BASILAN - The City Schools Divisions of Zamboanga and Isabela emerged as the champions in the recently concluded Regional Sports Fest - for the big and small schools division categories, respectively. The 3-day sports competition conducted September 7-9 in Isabela City, Basilan was participated in by teams from the Provincial Schools Divisions of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and from the City Schools Divisions of Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, Isabela and Zamboanga. The DepEd Regional Office has its own team. A total of 700 players and officials registered for the sports fest. Program Supervisor Catalina S. Nabi of the Isabela City Schools Division specified the different sports events, these are: basketball, volleyball, softball, dart, chess, table tennis, badminton, and tennis. Also included are singing and tango dancing competitions. In an interview, DepEd-IX Regional Director Walter O. Albos confirmed that only the teaching and non-teaching personnel of the different schools divisions are


participants in the sports fest. Done in his tennis outfit, Albos explained that, “Our aim here is primarily not for winning titles in sports events, but for attaining sound body and mind of our personnel in the Department.” “Our first sports fest was conducted in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. The second one was in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte; and this time, here in Isabela City, Basilan,” Albos recounts. Almost all of the teacher-athletes revealed that they are “first-timers” in Basilan. In random interviews, some of them expressed reservations in coming to Basilan primarily due to the peace and order news stories emanating from the province. However, “things are quite different when you are in Basilan yourself,” they say. On the other hand, Mr. Elbert Torres, principal of Mate Elementary School in Dulop, Dumingag, Zambonaga del Sur, found Basilan peaceful. He said he loves joining the sports fest wherever it is held

because it is an opportunity to break the monotony of routinary work and to see new places. “Aside from sweating out in the sports, I got the change meet old friends and classmates, and have new friends, too.” With Torres is his wife, also a public school teacher. At the conclusion of the sports fest, runners-up in the big schools division category were: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur. In the small schools division category, runners-up were the Pagadian City, DedEd Regional Office, Dapitan City and Dipolog City. Regional Director Albos said he wont be around anymore for the next sports fest. “I’m 64 and retiring in March next year,” he declared. “We are doubly thankful for the City Government of Isabela for their special participation in the sports events, and this for hosting this event itself. In gratitude, all of us who came here will be your ambassadors of will in our respective places, “he said.


PNP-RO9 conducts pre-annual inspection at Dipolog CPO

DIPOLOG CITY - The inspection team of the Philippine National Police Regional Office-9 (PNP-RO9) has recently conducted a pre-annual inspection on the Operational, Readiness and Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (AGI-ORGSITE) at the Dipolog City Police Office (DCPO).

By Alfonso T. Ruda

According to City Information Officer Roberto Pinsoy, the inspection was conducted to assess the readiness and capability of Dipolog City Police Office personnel to perform its mandated task and is also in preparation for the up-coming national evaluation that will be conducted in all police stations throughout the country. “The inspection gauges DCPO’s readiness to respond to any eventuality in the maintenance of peace and order in their area of jurisdiction and ensure the safety of the civilian populace,” Pinsoy said.

The DCPO workers were also subjected to various test to evaluate their competence to respond to any emergency situation by putting them in various scenario such as Camp/Station Defense Plan; Hostage-taking; Checkpoints/Choke Points; and Fire/Earthquake drills. Recently, the Dipolog City Police Office was adjudged as the Best Police Station in Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The PNP-9 Regional inspection team includes Police Chief Inspector Rockie Laungayan, P/Sr. Insp. Eleno Dondoyano, P/Sr. Insp. Rey Tolosa Jr.


TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – Over 4,000 constituents from Kapalong town benefited from the wide array of government ser-vices in laid one setting when the ARENA-XI Serbisyo Caravan joined forces with the local convergence program of Davao del Norte held last Friday (September 7. ) Hordes of beneficiaries crowded the Kapalong Town

Square and nearby facilities last Friday to avail of the millions worth of services and assistance brought by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI (ARENA-XI). Budget and M a n a g e m e n t

Regional Director Achilles Gerard Bravo, who is President of ARENA-XI, led about 250 officials and personnel from the 36 participating NGAs in serving constituents at the 10th and last leg of the serbisyo caravan. The whole contingent of the Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development, led by

DavNor town receives deluge of Govt services, assistanceby Noel Baguio


Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario, further augmented the massive display of government services. The Governor expressed his satisfaction to see for the first time all the regional directors in one setting personally attending to the needs of the constituents. “This is really a big boost to the convergence program of the province,” he said. Bravo lauded the province for initiating its own convergence activities that shares the same purpose of bringing the government closer to the people, in coordination with the army, the police and other agencies. He bared ARENA-XI’s one-stop-shop of services and the convergence program are the only one of its kind in the whole country, where the various national and local line agencies banded together to haul essential services directly to the communities. “It is a pleasure to work

with the convergence program of the province, as we have long been hearing about its numerous accomplishments,” he said. According to him, the recipients were able to save a lot of time and money by directly availing the vital services at their doorsteps instead of going to capital cities or towns. Services during the caravan include medical, dental and surgical services, legal services, livelihood and capital assistance, supplemental feeding, OTC payment for 4Ps and social pensioners, agri-services and animal care, issuance of ICC stickers, mobile licensing, dialogue, among others. The ARENA-XI Serbisyo Caravan has already served over 20,000 beneficiaries in the region, while the convergence program of the province have so far served about 40,000 recipients since their start last year.

Did you Know that Davao Light and Power Company was incorporated in 1929 by P.H Frank a former American soldier turned businessman. World War II halted the negotiations for the sale of the power utility to the Aboitiz group. Davao Light was formally by the Aboitiz group acquired shortly after Philippine Independence.


Mother-based medium of instructiongreat for kidsby Rudolph AlamaDAVAO CITY- Teaching young kids using their mother-based medium of instruction is better than trying to teach them using their second or third language. Cecille Osoria-Van Zante, literacy specialists of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) said that numerous studies have supported mother-based medium of instructions. Van Zante said that the recent Department of Education order which adopts the Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education (MTB-MLE) program from kindergarten and early elementary starting from school year 2012-2013.as been met by various oppositions particularly from parents of children who feared that the move will be a backward step in attaining English proficiency. Van Zante said that using the mother tongue in the classes would enhance a child’s cognitive skills particularly the ability to analyse and understand the language. That skill could also be put to good use if he takes on learning a second or third language such as English. “They thought that when you are good in speaking the language, you are good.” Van Zante said. She said that mimicry of the language particularly English is often misunderstood as cognitive

intelligence. According to a research in the United States where about 42,000 schoolchildren from immigrant the population were measured by their performance, those who were using mother-toungue based multi-lingual instruction performed better than immigrant children who were exposed to English based medium of instruction. Van Zante also said that studies conducted in the Philippines revealed that students in experimental classes (using mother-based multi-lingual education) fared better than students in the traditional set-up.She said that second language can be taught if the child already has a good grasp of her mother language. “Until you build the foundation of your first language then you can truly teach the child her second language.” She said that younger children just tend to mimic particularly an introduced language such as English, older children analyze their language rather than just mimicking it. According to studies it would take 2 to 3 years of learning a language before he or she can adequately converse in it and 4 to 7 years of learning before that language can be used for higher-order purposes like academics.


DPWH-ARMM launches major activitiesby Apipa P. BagumbaranThe Department

of Public Works and Highways

in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DPWH-ARMM) launched four major activities last September 11 in an effort to carry out infrastructure-related initiatives consistent with the “Daang Matuwid” policy of the Aquino administraation.

The launching of “9/11 DPWH-ARMM EVENT” was held in Sulo Hotel, Quezon City. The DPWH-ARMM website was among those unveiled in the 9/11 event. The website contains all information and activities such as the DPWH-ARMM Reform Agenda 2012, the midyear accomplishment report of the regional public works and highways office and the ARMM Public

Works Act of 2012, among others. Also launched was the procurement of civil works for ARMM, including the construction of Molundo-Wao road under Package IV, as well as the construction of the Ganassi-Tubod road, construction of Masiu-Ganassi road and repair of Cotabato-Lanao road under Package V. The proposals on five feasibility studies on several strategic and high


impact projects for the region was also introduced. This consists of the following: feasibility study and detailed design of the Sumisip water supply project and drainage improvement; rehabilitation and expansion of Jolo water supply project under public-private partnership; Jolo national road and drainage improvement project; development of Lamitan-Sumisip transcentral road and the development of Molundo-Wao-Bukidnon-Cagayan de Oro national road. A ceremonial turnover of ROCOND instruments and infrastructure management manual by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to DPWH-ARMM was also conducted during the event. The ROCOND instruments will result in a comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date road and bridge information while the infrastructure management manual can provide engineers and other technical personnel of the DPWH-ARMM on the proper

guidance and management of project supervision and implementation. D P W H - A R M M Secretary Emil Sadain said the 9/11 event is line with the President’s policy of good governance for the region towards its development. The national government upon instruction of the President has come up with a mini-marshall plan for the ARMM where the DPWH-ARMM plays a vital role.


Lanao del Norte holds festival management workshop

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - A two-day workshop dubbed as ‘4th Northern Mindanao Festival Management’ was held in this fast-rising province to help further improve the existing festivals in Lanao del Norte.

“This training will provide the participants with new and creative ideas on dance choreography, formation, festival costumes, props, choice of music and style,” explained Provincial Tourism Officer Minda Regis. The workshop was conducted on September 6 and 7, 2012 at Macapagal Training Center, Capitol Site, Pigcarangan, in the capital town of Tubod. The workshop was organized by the Provincial Tourism Office and funded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 10. Thirty-nine participants composed of teachers, choreographers,

town council members and barangay captains attended the festival management training. The DOT initiative is aimed at assisting the Lanao del Norte municipalities in enhancing their

by Lovely A. Rosario & Vincent N. Labial


Lanao del Norte holds festival management workshop

PACT holds training to strengthen child protectionby Criste O. Perfecto

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippines Against Child Trafficking (PACT) in partnership with European Union and Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines recently conducted a Community Educators Training on Strengthening Child Protection Mechanisms in Iligan City.

Some 48 participants from the different government and non-government organizations in Regions 10 and 12 attended the training. Lawyer Chemene Nacua of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Regional Office 10 discussed Republic

Act (RA) 7610 or the Act Providing for Stronger Deterrence and Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination. She also discussed the salient features of RA 9231 and RA 9208. RA 9231 is an act which provides for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor and affording stronger protection for a working child while RA 9208 is act to institute policies to eliminate trafficking in persons especially women and children, and the penalties for violators. During the training, participants also role-played scenarios of caring

local festivals with the ultimate goal of increasing tourist arrivals and strengthening local tourism industry. “The workshop also supports the latest advertising campaign of the Department of Tourism - It’s more fun in the Philippines, by helping make our festivals more colorful and lively,” DOT-10 Marketing and Promotions Specialist Decius Esmedalla said. The second and third festival management workshop was held

at Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental respectively. Gov. Khalid Dimaporo urged the participants to actively promote Lanao del Norte to help erase the negative publicity received by the province in previous years stressing that, “bad publicity can only be neutralized by good publicity. So we need to see exciting festivals and colorful celebrations in all our municipalities.”


environment for Filipino children. Meanwhile, the PACT emphasized that each city or municipality should have a Local Council for the Protection of Children which is the case of Iligan, was authored by Michelle Echavez-Sweet. PACT likewise created a directory for easy contact of implementing

agencies during rescue operations. PACT is a network of advocates promoting child protection. It is composed of individuals, groups, and NGOs with a long term vision of children having a protecting and caring environment free from abuse, exploitation and violence.

Proposed law on forced evacuation of residents in high-risk areas during calamities mulledby Lorebeth C. Requiroso

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) chaired by Mayor Vicente Emano is coming up with an ordinance for the implementation of a pre-emptive/forced evacuation of families living in high-risk areas during times of calamities.

During its meeting last Sept. 6 presided over by CDRRMC vice chair Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas, CDRRMC officer Engr. Mario Batar explained that this is in line with the general welfare clause of Republic Act (RA) 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and RA 10121 and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. Pursuant to the proposed legislation, punong barangays with the CDRRMO Quick Response Team will initiate the forced evacuation of families in their respective areas. The chief of police and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commander, fire marshall and jail chief will be enjoined to assist and mobilize their respective

units for the transport of the evacuees. The Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMC) shall ensure that the forced evacuation shall be done in a manner that is humane and respectful of the dignity of persons, without discrimination and with conscious attention to the needs of vulnerable sectors such as children, women, the elders and persons with disability. It provides that it is the LDRRMC that shall declare the period when the affected families will be allowed to return or go back to their homes. The proposed legislation is undergoing refinement and will be submitted to the City Legal Office for review and to the City Council for approval.


CCT expansion to cover homeless, displaced families in Central MindanaoBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY-- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) or the Con-dition Cash Transfer (CCT) is expanding further reach out to families and children in need of special protection around the country, a senior official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12.


Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD regional director and regional project manager of 4Ps, said the now ‘modified CCT’ will “provide and strengthen the safety, protection, and development of children in difficult circumstance.

Taha said more than 8,000 beneficiaries that include homeless families, families of child laborers, indigenous peoples, migrant families, families with children with disabilities, displaced families due to manmade and natural disasters and other families in need of special protection

will be covered in the modified CCT.

“We will work with members of civil society organization in the region in implementing the program. Recently, we gathered CSOs to discuss about the program expansion,” she said.

Taha said the agency is still accepting CSOs interested to become partners for the modified CCT implementation.

To date, more than 196,000 households are being covered by the program in Soccsksargen region.

S o c c s k s a r g e n covers the provinces of Sarangani, South

Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos.

The CCT program provides direct education and health subsidies for families who comply with certain conditions, including regular school attendance for children and regular health centre visits for mothers.

Each household can get P500 for health and P300 educational assistance for up to three children below 14 years old, or a maximum of P1, 400.

Region 12 to create communication network for DRRMBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Soccsksargen Region’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD 12) is organizing the Regional Communication Network that would ensure efficient delivery of information to complement efforts in di-saster risk reduction and management.

“We are also reviving the emergency broadcast system,” OCD 12 Regional

Director Lita Enok said.On September 18

to 20, OCD 12 will be spearheading

workshop to be held in General Santos City where the CommNet as well as the reactivation


Region 12 to create communication network for DRRM

of the emergency broadcast system will be discussed.

Participants will include representatives from regional offices and other stakeholders involved in the government’s DRRM program.

Roy Dorado, OCD 12 operations chief, said the gathering aims to familiarize the participants with the mechanics and protocols of the operations of the Regional Communication

Network and its its functions in DRRM .

How the program should be implemented will also be made clear in that workshop, he added. Gaps in the quick response operations will also be discussed and addressed.

Director Enok further explained that the creation of the CommNet is in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen delivery of information to warn the public of

imminent dangers , ensure constant flow of information that would aid in disaster response and efficient dissemination of reliable information regarding incidents.

This is also in accordance with the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) that the OCD 12 is pushing for local government units to implement.

Recently, OCD 12 in partnership with the Philippine Information


Makilala LGU pushes values formation for public servantsBy Aida Agad

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The local government unit of Makilala in Cotabato province continues its campaign for values formation of its employees.

Makilala town Mayor Rudy Caoagdan led the campaign to ensure efficient service of the civil servants of the locality to the constituents.

The crusade, the mayor said, is in addition to the LGUs effort to resolve the local government’s problem on poverty.

Caogdan vowed to make sure that all government workers in the municipality should complete the two-

day values formation trainings and spiritual retreat commissioned by the local government in partnership with spiritual adviser Fr. Jun Matas of the Oblates Mary Immaculate (OMI) congregation.

The recent values formation and spiritual retreat attended by the local government employees was held on September 4-5, 2012. The first session was conducted last April with about 300 municipal

personnel attending.The Department of

Education (DepEd) Makilala District had also let their more than 700 teachers underwent the same training activity last August.

With more government agencies joining in the mayor’s crusade, Caoagdan is hopeful that more personnel will have greater commitment for an honest and dedicated public service in Makilala town.

Agency (PIA 12), conducted a seminar -workshop on laymanizing environment, weather and climate reports where participants included media practitioners and information officers of local government units and national line agencies.

“I really commend

the support of PIA 12 in coming up with such training for our partners in disseminating important information using terminologies or explanations that are easily understood by the public,” she said.

Discussions focused on clarifying highly technical terminologies used in

weather and climate reports of PAGASA as well as those used in tsunami, earthquakes, and landslides.

She lauds PIA for helping the OCD in promoting ICS among LGUs and other stakeholders and in the implementation of the disaster risk reduction program.

Makilala LGU pushes values formation for public servants

One Mindanao - September 12, 2012

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