One Mindanao - September 18, 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

9th Asian Magic Convention: A time of Magic

RG AlamaSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 24

page 4

President Aquino leads awarding of ‘Seal of Good House-keeping for Barangay Governance’ in Quezon 8

Danilo S. Makiling, Caraga Region

City mayor supports S&T for responsible mining in Mindanao 18Canada assists Filipino children affected by flood, conflict 19 World Food Program, Caraga Region

13 DENR-10 officials express support to Pres. Aquino’s EO 23

Sandra V. Flores,Nothern Mindanao

DPWH conducts seminar on effective communication

Sandra V. Flores,Nothern Mindanao

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DAR, beneficiaries ink MOA on ARCCESS 23 Alfonso T.Ruda, Western Mindanao

Focus on Maritime safety in Davao Gulf urged26 Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

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SocSarGen to host BIMP-EAGA friendly games 30 Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

DA 12 namahagi ng vegetable prod’n starter kit sa mga paaralan sa Isulan, S. Kudarat31Central Mindanao

4 ONE MINDANAO Tuesday, September 18, 2012

9th Asian Magic Convention: A time of Magic

For many great magicians and illusionists like David Copperfield, David Blaine, Criss Angel with their mind-boggling performances have wowed millions perhaps billions across the globe. “It would be great opportunity for Dabawenyos to watch world-class magic. You don’t have to go to Las Vegas or the European countries to catch these great magicians, you can watch it here.” says Cris Castro during the pre-event presscon. Cris Castro was this year’s convention chairman. He revealed that it was Mayor Sara Duterte who sealed the deal when she personally wrote a letter to the AMA board assuring participants that Davao City is a very peaceful city to be in. Cris Castro is the foremost family magician in the country and is the only

Filipino awardee of the prestigious Merlin Award bestowed upon top-caliber magicians and illusionists in the world. Attending the convention are 300 magicians with about 200 foreign delegates from 17 Asian countries as well as top magicians from the United States, France and Australia who conducted lectures and other industry updates during the convention.

Last September 14-17 Dabawenyos got a dose of

world class magic performances with the holding of the 9th Asian Magicians Association Convention held in the City.

by RG Alama

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Aside from magic shows, the convention is a gathering of magicians from Asia with magicians from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Brunei, Iran, Macau and Hong Kong participating. There were lectures, meetings and a dealer’s fair showcasing the latest magic props and gadgets. Among the top magicians in the convention was Germain Pilou from France. Germain is the 2006 Grand Prix Champion (FISM) for stage magic. FISM (Federation Internationale des Socieities Magiques) World Championships of Magic is the magician/illusionists version of the summer Olympic games. Another Frenchman Mikael Szanyiel contributed pizzazz during the event, Mikael specialized in

comedy magic he recently placed 2nd in Comedy Magic at the 2012 World Championship of Magic. Tim Ellis of Australia was also among the attendees he was known being the 2004 Guinness World Record holder for the longest Magic Show at 75 hours. He won several awards in the World Championship of Magic and he was known to specialize in close up magic. Danny Cole from the United States

is another magician that performed during the Davao convention’s Star Magic Shows a winner of numerous magic competitions he was named Stage Magician of the Year in 2004 by the Academy of Magical Arts. 19-year old South Korean sensation Yu Ho Jin was also in the

6 ONE MINDANAO Tuesday, September 18, 2012

convention. Jin was named the FISM Grand Prix Champion in 2011 and 2012. Dabawenyo James Infiesto who is also the convention director also shared in wowing the audience, James is one of the top illusionists in the country and was the first Filipino magician to compete internationally in the Stage Magic category in China. As part of the AMA Convention Dabawenyo audiences witnessed these top-caliber illusions during the Star Magic Shows held last September 14 and 15 at the University of Mindanao Gym. Other magic performances were also held in Abreeza malls in the city. The AMA convention The first AMA convention was held in 2004 in Shenzhen, China. Bangkok hosted the second convention 2005; in 2006 it was again held in Shenzhen. By 2007, it was held in Hongkong, in 2008 it went back to Bangkok. Jong So China hosted the event in 2009. In 2010 the event was held Toba, Japan. The 2011 convention was held again in Hongkong. Davao got the hosting over a variety of factors, the first reason was political. Manila was a big no-no for Hongkong delegates particularly after the 2010 Manila bus hijacking which killed 8 tourists from Hongkong. Add

to that was the recent territorial spat by the Philippines and China over the Scarborough shoal. It took a personal letter from City Mayor Sara Duterte to cinch the country’s hosting for the event. The Mayor assured everyone of each safety while inside the country’s most peaceful city. Castro said that the successful holding of the event is an image changer for the country particularly Mindanao and could be beneficial in the long run for the country’s drive to attract more tourists in the country.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino inaugurates newly constructed by-pass road in Candelaria, Quezon

President Benigno S. Aquino III led on Monday the inauguration of a by-pass road in Candelaria, Quezon which is designed to ease the traffic congestion and boost tourism in Quezon province.

After the ceremonial drive-through on the newly completed project, the President was briefed by Rep. Irvin Alcala on the salient features of the road project. The by-pass road is one of the two projects of Rep Alcala.

The recently completed 7.5 kilometer road is a spacious gateway to Quezon province, which also has four bridges.

In his speech in Lucena City after inaugurating the road project, the President said 40 percent of the traffic in Maharlika highway will be diverted to the by-pass road, easing traffic congestion in that portion of Candelaria.

“Kaya nung tinitingnan ko yung kalsada, siguradong makakatulong na mabawasan

8 Tuesday, September 18, 2012

President Aquino leads awarding of ‘Seal of Good Housekeeping for Barangay Governance’ in Quezon

President Benigno S. Aquino III led here on Monday

the awarding of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for Barangay Governance and the oath taking of new Liberal Party members in Quezon province

yung trapik dito sa papuntang Quezon at talaga naman pong masasabi nating medyo may pagbabago na po maski umpisa pa lang po yan,” the President said.

The chief executive said his administration has been continuously paying attention to Quezon province in building new infrastructures. For instance, he said that in 2011, Quezon’s Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had P1.19 billion budget. In 2012, it became P1.43 billion and in 2013 the administration raised the budget to P2.4 billion, he added.

If the government could save more money and Quezon province officials spend their budget wisely, the President

promised to support additional projects in the province by raising more allocation.

“Pag buo ang tiwala n’yo, may hiningi, makatwiran yung hinihingi, naitutulak natin na mas paspasan yan at puwede na tayong pumunta sa ibang problema,” the President said.

Local Candelaria leaders expect that the new road will also boost eco-tourism because of the faster and convenient travel time particularly in the second district of Quezon. The wider and more comfortable roads will also boost Candelaria’s growing commercial, residential and recreational areas. PND (as)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 9

The awarding for good house-keeping and governance is one of the two projects of Quezon 2nd District Rep. Irvin Alcala. The search, that was started in March 2011, was initiated with the help of different non-government organizations.

Winners were selected based on the following criteria: Good planning (25 percent), sound fiscal management (15 percent), transparency and accountability (15 percent), valuing performance information (10 percent), responsiveness to the public (20 percent), and policy audit and compliance tracking system (15 percent).

The Seal of Good Housekeeping reflects the kind of leadership and quality of public service that local government units possess when dealing with their official transactions.

The late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo launched the initiative to improve the way LGUs govern and conduct their businesses.

After the awarding ceremonies, the President witnessed the oath taking of LP members in Quezon. The new Liberal Party members came from 39 municipalities and two cities in Quezon. The oath taking ceremony of new LP members is in preparation for the 2013 election.

In his message during the awarding and oath taking ceremony at the Enverga University gymnasium, the President

mentioned the gains and the reforms carried out by his administration in the last two years. He also underscored the significance of Monday’s oath taking ceremony to move the country forward.

Reforms must be implemented collectively, the President said, adding he can’t do the job alone and he needs the backing of the people to ensure sustainable changes in the country.

As his government completed two years in power, the chief executive said he envisions a Philippines becoming a more progressive and prosperous country when he steps down in 2016.

“Parati akong tinatanong, paano ang mangyayari kapag wala na kayo? Ang daming hahalinhin sa atin na may parehong pananaw, pareho ang dedikasyon sa ating mga mamamayan, parehong tatahak ng tuwid na daan na hindi tayo aasa sa isang tao, sa isang grupo lang, ngunit tayo mismo maka-aasa sa ating sarili, sa ating kapwa para mapabilis na makarating sa ating gustong paroonan,” he said.

Joining the President during the Lucena City events were newly appointed Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Representatives Erin Tanada, Mark Enverga, Irvin Alcala and former senator Wigberto Tanada. PND (AS)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

ARMM gov to Muslims: ‘Anti-Islam”film a ploy to stir conflict

The leadership of the Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday appealed to the country’s Muslims to be “more sensible instead of being sensitive,” amid reports of indignation rallies they want staged against the makers of the film, “The Innocence of Muslims.”

This, as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) assured Western countries and Americans in the country that they will not heed calls by international terrorist organizations to attack American citizens in retaliation to the alleged anti-Islam film that sparked protests worldwide.

ARMM Officer-In-Charge Governor Mujiv Hataman said the film’s showing on YouTube, could be a ploy to stir conflict that can push individuals to wrong-doing, which can generally be attributed to Muslims and destroy the image of Islam.

He said that while Muslims may condemn parts of the film that purportedly “ridicule Islam,” they should not resort to violent acts against

innocent targets, which can destroy the image of Islam by deliberate individual misdeeds.

In the same manner, Hataman said, the Muslims should also condemn the killing of US Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stevens on September 13.

He said like many other innocent victims, Ambassador Stevens, who figured prominently in rebuilding Libya, should not have fallen victim of attacks attributed to Muslims protesting the film.

Hataman said some evil motives could prevail over good and obliterate peaceful coexistence among followers of the world’s great religions.

He said Muslim individuals should also be aware that it is not easy


to destroy the image of Islam, by any form of media, unless Muslims themselves do wrong.

He noted even great western thinkers, the likes of Thomas Carlyle, George Bernard Shaw and Napoleon Bonaparte, had left in history their kind words about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

The film, whose original title is “Fitna,” meaning intrigue, exuded what its producers believe was exploitation of young women which it directly attributes to the prophet.

Carlyle, in his European lecture-series titled “Heroes and Hero-Worship” (1838) explained the married life of the Prophet Muhammad and his fair dealing with women.

Hataman said Muslims and non-Muslims should understand that some attacks on religions through the works of art had been prompted by the growing size of their flocks or following, in different times.

Islam is said to be the fastest-growing religion in the world, with Muslims constituting about one-fifth of the world’s population. The four-fifth is divided among Christian sects, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, atheists and agnostics.

Hataman said the book, “The 100: A List of the Most Influential Persons in History” by Michael Hart has retained in its No. 1 slot the name of the Prophet Muhammad, 37 years after its first and only edition was written.

Meanwhile, the MILF urged countries in the Western Hemisphere to criminalize anti-religious acts, be they against Islam, Christianity, Judaism or any other recognized world religions.

“These anti-Islamic activities of religious extremists are bringing us to the time of the crusades which pitted the whole of Christendom against the

whole Islamic world,” according to Sheikh Mohammad Muntassir, head of the MILF Da’wah Committee, the religious group of the MILF.

He urged those countries whose national policies are mainly based on individual freedom, especially of thought, to rethink them and consider the rights especially the values, sensibilities, and beliefs of believers of other religions.

Earlier, Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said the 12,000 strong MILF forces and their unarmed members have been told to keep calm and ignore calls for violence.

The MILF is engaged in peace talks with the government.

“Collective rights are more important than individual rights,” Muntassir said, adding that individual freedom does not warrant or justify the invasion of others’ freedom even in the name of freedom of speech.

Protests have occurred in Libya, Lebanon, Egypt and across the Arab World, and demonstrators are largely blaming the American-made film that they say ridiculed the Islam religion.

Muntassir also urged Muslims all over the world to stay calm, saying that “if Muslims surrender to anger, they will achieve the satanic objectives of those who are behind the production of this offensive movie.”

He stressed that condemning the movie and those behind it should be in accordance with the Holy Quran.

Muntassir also emphasized the MILF’s strong condemnation and disapproval of such an offensive movie.

He appealed to all countries and international organizations to criminalize acts ridiculing all prophets and messengers.


Diyandi Festival theme underscores ‘Like Iligan’ thumbs-up signby Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - Thumbs-up sign ‘Like Iligan’ is this year’s theme in celebrating the Iligan City Fiesta and Tourism Month or Diyandi Festival 2012 this September.

Emily Pascua, chairperson of the Promotions Committee - City Fiesta Executive Committee, said they aimed to take advantage of the present technological phenomenon through Facebook. She said they are taking advantage of the “thumbs-up” symbol’s popularity and recall in online social media, so they are campaigning through the use of the internet, particularly Facebook, to “Like Iligan.” The campaign address is for the people in the world to visit, discover and experience what the beloved city

Iligan can offer, Pascua added. She said they want everyone to discover the splendor of their majestic waterfalls, the cold waters of Timoga Springs, the hidden caves of Hindang, Rogongon and other unexplored spelunkers’ dreams, and the gastronomic taste that is distinctly Iligan. According to Pascua, “Discover & Experience Iligan” is a campaign for all the people in the world to discover the splendors that are found in Iligan and when they do. Meanwhile, “Like Iligan” is a


DENR-10 officials express support to Pres. Aquino’s EO 23by Jopat D. Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The regional and provincial officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - 10, have expressed their support to Executive Order (EO) No. 23 of President Benigno S. Aquino III that prohibits the transport and cutting down of naturally grown trees.

Such EO will be strongly enforced by the officers and employees of DENR 10 to protect and conserve the naturally grown trees from illegal loggers, Dr. Corazon G. Galinato,

regional executive director of DENR-10, said. She said EO 23 aims to put a stop to the illegal cutting of these trees and prevent a repetition of the tragic

follow through of the first line to encourage others to follow and is a call for all Iliganons to share their thumbs-up sign. Diyandi is a ritual performed by an all-female group outside the Cathedral during the Pagpakanaug of the city’s patron saint from his pedestal, before every novena and

before the start of the Komedya, or Comedia de San Miguel, a folk stage play depicting the celestial battle. The ritual depicts the courtship between a Maranao male and Higaonon female, and culminating into an offering symbolic of their union and bountiful harvest to St. Michael, the Archangel, Iligan’s patron saint. The ritual aptly describes the peaceful co-existence of Iligan’s tri-people – Maranaos, Higaonons and Christians. Everyone is invited to visit LikeIligan@Facebook for them to see what the province could offer them. They may also visit their official city website at iligan.gov.ph and the Iligan City Tourism website at iligancitytourism.com. It is also an invitation addressed to all Iliganons all over the world to use ‘Like Iligan’ as a campaign for everyone to visit, discover and experience Iligan, said Pascua.


incident that happened to the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro due to tropical storm Sendong in December last year. The incident resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and huge damage to properties worth millions of pesos, particularly, infrastructure brought about by floods carrying numerous logs from the mountains, Galinato said. Meanwhile, she said because of the implementation of EO 23, she is now facing a law suit for not allowing lumber of illegally-cut trees from other areas of Mindanao that attempted entry in Region 10, but all the same, this would not stop her from implementing the order of the President.

In Misamis Occidental Provincial DENR Officer Antonio Mala Al Hadji said EO 23 will also be strongly enforced with the help and support of the provincial and local government units headed by Governor Herminia M. Ramiro. Mala said only industrial trees planted by private individuals are allowed to be harvested and transported but with the proper documents in his jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Secretary Nereus Acosta, Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection said EO 23 imposes penalties to those caught transporting illegally-cut natural grown trees.


DPWH conducts seminar on effective communicationby Sandra V. Flores

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 10 has spearheaded a five-day seminar workshop participated in by 29 employees from the district offices of the region.

Engr. Evelyn T. Barroso, regional director of DPWH 10, said the activity aimed to increase participants’ knowledge in English grammar and effective writing. “The workshop will provide the needed skills in writing technical reports, crafting presentations, conducting meetings and handling question-and-answer sessions,” she said. She added this is the second batch of the seminar participated in by employees directly involved in writing official reports and those usually engaged in preparing technical detailed reports in the department’s day-to-day activities. The topics discussed included public speaking and preparation of office communications, such as memoranda, e n d o r s e m e n t s ,

letter writing and reports preparation. Some issues on developing a paragraph, sentence construction, grammar usage and style were also discussed and reviewed. Trainers were composed of experts from the academe and communication professionals who wittily shared knowledge and wisdom in communications-related field.


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Blessing & inauguration of New DILG-Agusan del Norte Prov’l Office conductedby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte Provincial Office Building was held on Monday at the Capitol Compound, this city. DILG Agusan del Norte Provincial Dir. Romeo Solis, together with DILG-Caraga Regional Dir. Lilibeth Famacion, Agusan del Norte Vice Gov. Enrico

Corvera and Provincial Administrator Percianita Racho led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new DILG provincial office situated beside its old building.


Blessing & inauguration of New DILG-Agusan del Norte Prov’l Office conducted

Rev. Fr. Stephen Broncano led the blessing of the new building, witnessed by other employees of government agencies and media personalities. Solis expressed his thanks and gratitude to the provincial government for their efforts in sponsoring the funds for the construction of the new building of DILG Agusan del Norte provincial office. “I’d like to express my big thanks and appreciation to Gov. Erlpe John Amante for approving the budget intended for the construction of this building and to the series of follow-ups made by our provincial administrator to really finish the construction as early as September instead of October as targeted by engr. George Tan,” said Solis. Meanwhile, Corvera, representing Amante, expressed his happiness for employees of the DILG-Agusan del Norte will now have a more comfortable office at the newly constructed building inside the provincial capitol compound. “I am very happy to see that workers of the provincial government are working hand in hand to address the constituents’ issues & concerns. I am hoping that we will continue to have a harmonious relationship among other offices of the government,” said Corvera. Solis assured that he and his working staff will do their best to provide the service to the public.


Speaking before the participants from the public and private sectors, Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr emphasized that the key to a sustainable environment should come from each individual. “This administration has been battling for a sustainable environment in order to protect our surroundings and the great number of people in the low-lying areas who are effected with flood caused by illegal mining in the uplands,” Amante said. Amante also said that the government is continuously finding ways

for alternative livelihoods for the people who are involved in illegal mining activities. “As we continue to implement the anti-illegal mining laws, we also continue to find ways to give the people who are involved in illegal mining alternative livelihoods,” Amante said. The launching of S&T program for responsible mining in Mindanao convened different line agencies of the government, non-government organization, local government units and leaders of SUCs who also participated in the open forum.

City mayor supports S&T for responsible mining in Mindanaoby Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY -- The city mayor here has expressed support to science and technology (S&T) for responsible mining in Mindanao, which was formally launched Thursday through the initiatives of state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Mindanao.


Canada assists Filipino children affected by flood, conflictby World Food Program

Manila -- Emergency food assistance donated by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has boosted government-led emergency relief efforts in flood-affected areas in Central Luzon and conflict-affected areas in Central Mindanao. “WFP is grateful to CIDA for its steadfast commitment in responding to humanitarian needs in the Philippines when they arise, which has enabled WFP to be an effective partner to the Philippine Government,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson. Plumpy’Doz, a nutritious ready-to-use supplementary food product, is currently being distributed

to flood- and conflict-affected children aged six to 36 months. Beneficiary identification and distribution is being done in close partnership with the Department of Health and local governments. “Canada has a long record of providing assistance to those who are most in need,” said Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornely. He added that “Canada’s long standing partnership with the


WFP has served to help many people around the world, including with the delivery of rapid and effective humanitarian assistance in the Philippines.” In Central Mindanao, where tens of thousands of people were displaced in August following a series of armed clashes, almost 2.7 metric tons of the nutritious ready-to-use supplementary food has been provided to over 2,000 children, complementing the local and regional government’s emergency relief assistance for the displaced. For Central Luzon, in the wake of massive flooding caused by the Southwest monsoon in early August, over 33 metric tons of Plumpy’Doz have already been distributed to about 26,000 flood-affected children from

the National Capital Region, Region III, and Region IV-A. A total of 60 tons, enough for more than 92,000 children for two weeks, will be provided. Specialized nutritious foods are an effective form of relief assistance for young children, who are more vulnerable to malnutrition, particularly in the early stages of a crisis when the quality and quantity of food available is often inadequate. The Canadian Government has been one of the top donors to WFP globally, becoming the second largest donor to the organization in 2011. In the Philippines, CIDA contributions have supported WFP nutrition and livelihood support programmes in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, as well as emergency relief programs following Tropical Storm Sendong.


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Midsalip holds first ever “Lechon festival”

PAGADIAN CITY – The best-looking and crispy ‘lechon’ (roasted pig) takes home the bacon.

By Gideon C. Corgue


Over 42 “lechons” (roasted pigs) were showcased in a competition at the municipal government complex in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur to highlight its 48th Founding Anniversary on September 9. Committee on lechon festival chairman Protacio Elmidulan, Sr. said the ‘lechon’ festival was held for the first time in the municipality. “The festival was the first of its kind in the province where barangays and government offices joined the activity,” Elmidulan remarked.Elmidulan said he conceptualized the festival to show to the people that Midsalipnons are best ‘lechon’ makers and to provide bystanders the opportunity to taste crispy ‘lechon for free. Elmidulan said the Liga ng mga

Barangay has actively supported the festival which made the celebration a success.Each entry was chopped for the judges to taste where the lechon’s skin crackled at their every bite. Cash prizes for winning entries were as follows: For the inter-barangay category, first prize - P5,000, second, 3,000, and third, 2,000.00. For the cluster category, first – 3,000, second, 2,000, and third, 1,000.00. While the non-winning participants received P1,000 each. Barangay Guinabot was adjudged first in the Inter Barangay category, while barangays Timbaboy, second and Canipay Sur, third respectively. For the Cluster category – first, Cluster 13 (DepEd), second,


Cluster 9 (Sanggunang Bayan), and third, Cluster 12 (DepEd ). “Because we are confident of the superior taste of our lechon, we will make the festival a yearly event in our municipality,” Elmidulan

announced. The festival was participated by 33 barangays and 9 government offices.

By Alfonso T.Ruda

DAR, beneficiaries ink MOA on ARCCESS

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Zamboanga del Norte (ZaNorte) has recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) with three Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization(ARBOs) in the province for the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services(ARCCESS).


Ms. Anjanette V. Nemiaga, DAR-ZaNorte Information Officer said the contracting ARBOs include the Guinles Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GUIFAMUCO); the San Miguel Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SMARBEMCO); THE Joaquin Macias Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (JMARBEMCO), with DAR-Zamboanga del Norte represented by PARO II Virgilio L. Alcomendras. ARCCESS which addresses the Agrarian Reform Community (ARC)-ARBOs needs of production assets is a creative support services approach with two-pronged objectives – the Agricultural Productivity and Agri-Enterprise Development. The program intends to achieve economies of scale in agricultural production by organizing the important facets of land preparation, harvesting, logistics, and marketing in order to reduce the cost of inputs, improve production efficiencies, and increase productivity, and income of Agrarian Reform beneficiaries. ARCCESS also considers the

capacity, capital and equipment requirements of different crops and commodities such as rice, corn sugar, coconut, banana, cassava, fruit trees and high yielding crops. The program operates on two major interventions. First, is the delivery of Business Development Services (BDS) to ARB Organizations through the development of Community-Based Enterprise Organizers (CBEOs); and the second, the provision of farm equipment and machineries of Common Service Facilities (CFs) to ARB Organizations. The DAR will finance the provision of equipment and facilities and the cost of BDS and CBEO engagement. “However, no matter how efficiently crafted the intervention is, without the support of stake holders and key players, particularly the ARBOs and the ARBs, other farmers, LGUs and other development-oriented institutions, success maybe an illusive objective. Hence, this MOA signing is a significant step of partnership towards ARC Development,” Nemiaga said.


DAVAO CITY– The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) re-gional offices in Mindanao will be hosting a seminar/workshop on Friday (Sept. 21) in the city, to focus discussions on competitive-ness of professionals and global mobility of Philippine professions. PRC takes partnership with the Philippine Association of Professional Regulatory Boards (PAPRB) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in holding the seminar/workshop in preparation for the “First Professional Summit” slated in October this year in Manila. Expected to attend the regional seminar/workshop are presidents and regional governors of various Accredited Professional Organizations (APOs), leaders of other professional organizations and associations of educators. The heads of selected government agencies, and Deans

of colleges offering programs with licensure examinations, are also invited to grace the activity to be held at Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City. In an invitation, PRC-Davao Regional Director Josephine Villegas-Liamzon said the activity primarily aims for the participants to be fully aware and understand the implementation of free trade in services under the various international agreements. With the “Strengthening the Competitiveness for Nation-Building and Global Mobility of Philippine Professions,” the event wants the stakeholders to prepare and improve the competitiveness roadmaps of their respective profession and align it with the Philippine Development Plan. Villegas-Liamzon said it is also an intention for PRC to strengthen collaborative partnerships with PAPRB, PRBs, APOs and DTI, in

PRC Mindanao to hold seminar on competitiveness of professionalsby Carina Cayon


Focus on Maritime safety in Davao Gulf urgedDAVAO CITY-Davao Gulf Man-agement Council chair Leo Avila has urged stakeholders to uphold maritime safety in the Davao Gulf Area. Speaking during occasion of the National Maritime Week celebrations in Davao City held last Sept. 17, Avila hopes that the entire maritime industry particularly in the Davao Gulf area may soon be fully compliant with the International Safety Management Code. “For those who are not from the industry, the code emphasizes that safety violations, collisions, grounding and pollution incidents were caused in part by poor management standards which could be corrected by standardization and enforcement.” Avila said in his speech.

Davao Gulf is home to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world according to a research from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), also as the 10th major fishing ground in the country, the Gulf is a critical resource supporting the economies of five coastal cities and 18 coastal municipalities. Among major threats in the gulf area are increased shipping which increases the chances of pollution incidents like oil spills. In 2006, local government officials in the Davao Gulf area raised alarm on the issue of maritime safety after the sinking of an oil tanker in the island of Guimaras which led to a massive oil slick in the island province located in Western Visayas. Avila in his speech emphasized the need to embrace maritime

by Rudolph Alama

building up competitiveness of Filipino professionals. Firming up the roles, responsibilities, and action plans of the participants’ respective professions would also be integrated in the seminar/workshop in support to the PDP implementation, she stated. The participants are expected to become channels in disseminating the outcome of the discussions in this program to their respective

offices and groups. Villegas-Liamzon expressed hopes for the undertaking to strengthen partnerships in achieving a goal to “ensure the competitiveness of Filipino professionals in time for the full implementation of global free trade in professional services by 2015.” PRC-Davao will be joined by PRC-Zamboanga and PRC-Cagayan de Oro in hosting the seminar/workshop.


safety not just in preserving lives and property but also as a way of protecting the waters that sustain future generations. The current City Agriculturist Office head also reiterated that the culture of safety does not entirely rest on the hands of the regulatory agencies such as the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), The

Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority but also the ship owners and the management companies must also contribute, the passengers must also follow rules and procedure. “We must protect the people who patronize industry, we must protect the businesses that depend on the industry, we must protect the population who derive their subsistence and nutrients from marine

waters.” Avila said. The Davao celebration of the National Maritime Week is part of the commemorations for the 100th year of the International Maritime Organization, which was borne in the aftermath of one of the world’s worst sea disasters- the sinking of the Titanic.

Facts and Figures

100 Since the sinking of the Titanic and the founding of the International Maritime Organization in its aftermath. An event considered as the birth of maritime safety.


DA-12 boosts garlic, onion production in SoccsksargenBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA-12) is intensifying garlic and yellow bulb onion production in Region 12 to meet market de-mands for both spices.


DA-12 boosts garlic, onion production in Soccsksargen

The region will be given allocation for this project since Soccsksargen Region is good for off-season production of onion and garlic, Onion and Garlic Focal Person Jocelyn Torres said.

“We are expecting that this project will succeed and that someday we could top the production of Luzon,” Torres said.

Twenty five hectares in different provinces of Soccsksargen will be allocated for the production of yellow bulb onion and another five hectares will be allotted for planting garlic.

Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces

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

Meanwihle, HVCDP Regional Coordinator Danilo Centillas emphasized that this initiative is DA’s answer to the increasing demand of garlic and onion in the market.

It also aims to enhance the production of onion and garlic through open field off-season planting and planting material production to boost supply in the fourth quarter of the year, he added.

This endeavor was

emphasized during the launching of Onion Bulb and Garlic Development Program in Region 12 at the DA-Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CEMIARC) Research Outreach Station for Upland and Lowland housed in Bololmala, Tupi, South Cotabato.

The effort is being pushed by Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan not only to increase production of garlic and onion but also to help farmers in the region earn a living from crops considered in the locality as alternatives.


SocSarGen to host BIMP-EAGA friendly gamesBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At least 400 young people from Bru-nei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines (BIMP) are coming to SocSargen (South Cotabato–Saragani–General Santos City) in December for a sports competition, an official of the Philippine Sports Commission said.

Lawyer Maria Fe Alano, national events and competitions head of PSC said members of the BIMP-East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Council visited SocSarGen last week to thresh out concerns for the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games on December 8–11.

Members of the council visited venues where sports will be held. They also inspected hotels for billeting of their delegations as well as look for food providers, considering that most of the participants require halal foods.

As decided in the meeting, Alano said, swimming and Pencak Silat will be held in Koronadal City while golf will be played in Polomolok town, all in South Cotabato.

Pencak Silat is a grouping of indigenous

martial arts in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand and Southern Philippines. It is a combination of performing arts, fighting and self defense.

Table tennis and sepak takraw will be hosted by Sarangani Province while athletics, badminton and lawn tennis will be played in venues in General Santos City.

Alano said, all athletes who will be joining the friendship games are 21 years old or younger and have not participated

in international games as SEA Games and Olympics.

Including chaperons and officials, SocSargen could host more than 600 delegates, she added.

Alongside sports competitions, cultural shows and trade fair will also be held. These, Alano said, are being prepared by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

She said, the event should also boost tourism as well as boost investments


DA 12 namahagi ng vegetable prod’n starter kit sa mga paaralan sa Isulan, S. KudaratLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato -- Aabot sa 36 na mga pam-publikong paaralan sa elementarya sa Isulan, Sultan Kudarat ang pinag-kalooban ng Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 ng starter kit para sa produksyon ng gulay.

Nilalaman ng starter kit ang mga binhi ng kalabasa, talong, okra at iba pang mga gulay.

Dagdag pa dito, kasamang ibinigay ng nabanggit na kagawaran ang mga kagamitan sa paghahalaman kagaya ng pala, kalaykay, asarol, bolo, dulos at mga plastik na dram.

Ang pamimigay ng starter kit ay bahagi ng programang “Gulayan sa Paaralan” na itinataguyod ng DA 12 katuwang ang Department of Education (DepEd) 12.

Ayon kay Isulan Central District Head Simeon Lotilla, Jr., habang sinusulong ng DA ang kasapatan sa pagkain sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng

mga kagamitan sa pagtatanim, p i n angungunahan naman ng DepEd ang capability building dahil sa pagtuturo sa mga mag-aaral na magtanim.

Ang pamamahagi ng starter kit sa vegetable production ay pinangunahan ni Jocelyn Misterio, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer for Gensan and Sarangani at Focal

Person ng Gulayan sa Paaralan Program at sa inisyatibo na rin ni DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag Datukan.

Ang “Gulayan sa Paaralan” ay isang malawakang programa ng DA at DepEd sa buong Rehiyon Dose na may layuning hikayatin ang mga mag-aaral sa pagtatanim at maikintal sa kanilang isipan ang kahalagahan ng agrikultura.


ARMM seeks inputs of stakeholders to ARMM Organic Act amendmentsby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has engaged the participation of key stakeholders in coming up with

improvements to Republic Act (RA) 9054, the law which amended RA 6734 or the Organic Act that created the ARMM.

Members of the RLA are currently holding a series of public consultations in several parts of the region to seek inputs and suggestions on the proposed amendments to RA 9054.

The first leg of the consultation was held August 28 in Cotabato City for stakeholders in Maguindanao while the second consultation was held here on September 11 for Lanao del Sur


constituents. Public consultations for the island provinces kicked-off on September 13 in Lamitan City for Basilan stakeholders followed on September 15 in Bongao for Tawi-Tawi. Stakeholders in Sulu province will likewise be consulted today, September 18. Assemblywoman Sittie Norhanie Lao said the ideas and inputs coming from the public will be the foundation and bases of the RLA members in coming-up with substantive recommendations and proposals to amend RA 9054. The outcomes of the consultations along with the other inputs from different sectors including civil society organizations will be reviewed and consolidated by the RLA before final deliberation and adoption by the

regional body. Meanwhile, some of the major issues raised during the consultation here included wealth sharing and control of strategic minerals. Lanao del Sur stakeholders particularly recommended that at least 70 percent of the income from the National Power Corporation situated in the province should be for the Bangsamoro and the 30 percent for the national government. Under Section 5 of RA 9054, the control and supervision over the exploration, utilization, development, and protection of the mines and minerals and other natural resources within the autonomous region are vested in the ARMM government except for strategic minerals such as uranium, petroleum, and other fossil fuels, mineral oils, all sources of


potential energy, as well as national reserves, aquatic parks, forest and watershed reservations. The same section further provides that 50 percent of the revenues, taxes, or fees derived from the use and development of the strategic minerals should accrue to the regional government while the remaining 50 percent should accrue to the national government. Among others, concerns on the educational system, especially on the release of education funds and operationalization Islamic education, and the development of the banking industry were also brought-up in the consultation. Assemblywoman Samira Gutoc-Tomawis said the conduct of the consultations is part of the huge mandate of the RLA to recommend amendments to RA 9054 for submission to Congress by October this year. RA 10153, which provides for the synchronization of the elections in the ARMM with the national and local elections, has paved the way for the appointment of caretaker officials of the ARMM government. Section 6 of RA 10153 mandated the appointed members of the RLA to conduct a study and review of RA 9054 and submit recommendations to the Congress within six months from their appointment.

One Mindanao - September 18, 2012

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