One Mindanao - April 22, 2014

Good governance yields inclusive growth in DipologMary May A. Abellon WESTERN MINDANAO MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 164

Sen. Aquino wants investigation on slow, expensive Internet service

NATIONAL

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CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

Tabak to commemorate 78th founding anniversary

DA-ARMM holds Halal Business Forum in Basilan

PCG-GenSan says deployed aluminum boats also for rescue

Talaingod LGU pushes for welfare of IP evacuees

DENR leads Earth Day 2014 celeb

DILG-13 to push ‘Regulatory Simplification’ in 3 Caraga cities

N. Cotabato village gets new hanging bridge

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

Bukidnon PNP creates advisory council to help curb criminality, implement PATROL 2030

Electric coop shares advocacy for judicious use of power to consumers

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Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Catherine T. Apelacio

Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

Shahana Joy Duerme

Gideon C. Corgue

Rene V. Carbayas

Good governance yields inclusive growth in Dipolog

Ako si Evelyn T. Uy magkuyog ta sa kalambuan sa atong dakbayan (I am Evelyn T. Uy let

us join together for our city’s progress),” Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy appealed to all and sundry during her recent State of the City Address (SOCA).

DipologCity’s first ladymayoralsobeamedwithprideinreportingthatthecityisnowoneofthefastestgrowing component cities in thecountrytoday. “WhenIenteredpublicservicein2007itwasclearinmymindthatIwill be offeringmyself tomake adifference in our beloved city,” shesaid,bearing inmind thatshewasmakingapactwithherconstituentstobringthecitytogreaterheights. Business establishments aresproutinglikemushroomsinthecitywith the coming of new investors

in banking, hotel and restaurants,departmentstoresandmanymore.MayorUysaidDipologhasbecomea bustling city in the northwesternpartofMindanao.Dipolog Sunset Boulevard With the construction of

By Mary May A. Abellon

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Foreshore Development andWellness Center, otherwise knownas Dipolog Sunset Boulevard, thecity has been put in the map oftourism industry as countless localand foreign touristscome towatchthedramaticsunsetthere. Tomany it isnotonlyaplacetounwindandrelaxbut todo theircalisthenics like jogging and briskwalking,aswell. Other than the beachfrontrestaurants along the boulevard,hundreds of ambulant vendorsalsoconvergetheretowardsunset,selling snacks, drinks and othernativefoods.

Good governance The city leadership pursuesgood governance through thePerformance Governance System(PGS)asitsmaindrivingforceandkeyingredientforthesuccessithasreapedinthepastyears. Withalltheuntiringefforts,thecity received a special citation on“QualityManagementSystemsandInnovation”duringthe2013Searchfor the Most Business-FriendlyLGU(localgovernmentunit)bythePhilippine Chamber of CommerceandIndustry(PCCI). Last year, the city obtaineda “Very Satisfactory” rating inthe Citizens’ Satisfaction RatingSurveyconductedbytheCenterforSocialConcernsandDevelopment(CESCOD)andCODE-NGO. “We will continue to pushforwarduntilweareabletoachieveexcellenceespecially in theaspectof public service delivery,” vowed

MayorUy. The ladymayoralsosaid thattherewasarapidtransformationofthecity’soperationresultinginsoundpublicfinance. The city’s dependency onexternalincomesourcesdecreasedlast year by 9 percent with locallysourced revenuesnowreached42percentofthetotalincome. “Dipologbeingathirdclasscityis39percenthigherthantheaverageofitscounterpartswithrespectlocalrevenues,”MayorUyreportedaddingthat“thedebtserviceratioofthecityisonly7percent,whichimpliesthattherearemoreresourcesavailableforthepeople.”

Economic growth MayorUyalsoreportedthatlastyearsomeP122millionincapitalwasbrought in by the new businessesin the city. In addition, 124 newcommercialandindustrialbuildingsamounting to P169.5 million werealsoconstructedinthecity. “Dipolog as a business brandis fast becoming to be a veryattractiveonefor investors,”MayorUydeclared. Shealsodisclosedthatthecitygovernmentisnowlookingatwaystohavethiseconomicgrowthtrickle

down to small farmers, fishermen,laborers,driversandordinaryfolks.

Visions DipologCity strives tobeoneof the ten cities in the Philippinesto be presented in the Islands ofGood Governance program of theAsia-PacificEconomicCooperation(APEC)Summit2015. It aims that by the year 2020thecitywillbecomea“sporteventscenterofthesouth,”hostingnationalorinternationalsportactivities. “There could be no bettertime than now to review and takestock of our city’s contribution torealization of our national vision:Achievinginclusivegrowth,creatingemployment opportunities andreducing poverty…. “This is whatourvisionasksustodo.Thisishowwewillsucceed.YouandIhaveanimportantroletoplayforthefutureof a better Dipolog,” the first ladymayoremphaticallysaid.

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Palace: EDC still undergoing inter-agency review from both PHL and US sidesMalacanang said on Monday the proposed Enhanced

Defense Cooperation (EDC) agreement between the Philippines and the United States is currently undergoing an inter-agency vetting.

Across the Nation

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that because of this, it is not likely that the EDC would be signed in time for US President Barack Obama’s visit to the Philippines next week.

“Noong huli tayong nagbigay ng update, ang sinabi ng Philippine panel ay it’s (EDC) undergoing inter-agency vetting from both sides (The last time we gave an update, the Philippine panel said that it’s still undergoing inter-agency vetting from both sides),”

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Coloma said in a Palace media briefing.He further said that the agreement

is to have an implementation of aspects wherein specific agencies of the government will play a role.

“There are implementing aspects that affect agencies of government across the executive department and we will have to get their sign off before we agree on the final draft of the agreement,” he added.

Coloma also said that President Obama’s visit is not at all linked to the signing of the EDC, so there is “really no deadline or

pressure” on getting it signed immediately.“Ang mahalaga sa lahat, kung ano man

ang magiging laman nitong kasunduang ito ay dapat na naaayon sa pambansang interes ng Pilipinas (What is most important is that whatever is contained in this agreement will be according to the national interest of the Philippines),” he said.

As for President Obama’s state-visit itinerary, Coloma said its details have yet to be released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Sen. Aquino wants investigation on slow, expensive Internet serviceSenator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV on Tuesday called for an

investigation of slow and expensive Internet connection in the country, saying Internet is crucial to economic growth.

”I want to determine if consumers are indeed getting their money’s worth from Internet service being provided by telecommunication companies,” Aquino, chairman of the Senate committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, said.

Aquino made his call based on reports that the Philippines is lagging behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of Internet speed.

“There are constant complaints about

the provider’s failure to deliver on its promised connection speed, which usually leads to slow Internet link,” Aquino said.

According to ASEAN DNA, the Philippines with Internet speed of 3.6 megabytes per second (Mbps) still lags behind Laos (4.0 Mbps), Indonesia (4.1 Mbps), Myanmar and Brunei (4.9 Mbps), Malaysia (5.5 Mbps) and Cambodia (5.7 Mbps).

Other countries mentioned in the report include Vietnam (13.1) and

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Thailand (17.7), the only two other Southeast Asian countries joining Singapore (61.0) as those above the ASEAN average of 12.4 MBPS.

The senator wants to determine why some neighboring countries in Southeast Asia enjoy faster Internet speed at a much cheaper price while the Philippines bear the brunt of slow connection.

On the average, consumers shell out around P1,000 a month for Internet service with speeds of up to two megabytes per second (MBPS) while some telecommunication companies offering speed of up to

five MBPS for around P2,000 a month.“This is expensive compared to

Singapore and Thailand where we can find some of the fastest Internet connections in the world,” Aquino said.

Singtel, the largest telecommunications company in Singapore, offers 15 megabytes per second of Internet speed for 36.90 Singapore dollars or around P1,312 a month (P87 per MPBS).

Thailand’s True Internet, for its part, provides 12 MBPS of connection for about 799 baht or P1,100 (P92 per MPBS).

“Do we always have to pay a steep price for slow and sometimes unreliable

Internet connection? NTC should provide a logical and clear explanation on this,” Aquino emphasized.

The senator added that the investigation should look into ways on how to improve the country’s poor Internet connection, which is crucial to the country’s economic growth.

“We have to find ways to improve the system and fast, especially with the ASEAN Economic Integration happening a year from now,” Aquino said.(PNA)

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GPH–MILF peace agreement sparks renewed interest in Mindanao potentials

The signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation front (MILF) has set-off three foreign chambers of commerce

to pool resources in promoting trade and investment opportunities in Mindanao.Already, the European companies have

set eyes on Mindanao as a unique player for high value investment and not just a major source of raw materials, said Martial Beck, vice president and General Manager of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Inc.

With the European Union (EU) still

facing economic recession, Beck disclosed that the EU has tasked the ECCP and seven bilateral chambers of European countries to implement a new project that will precisely attract more European companies to the Philippines, be it for trade, or investment.

Almost 500 European companies from the 28-member countries of the EU have


located mostly in Metro Manila and the Visayas and only about 50 in major Mindanao cities such as Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

According to Beck, the peace agreement was the major reason of the European companies to look for new markets and between now and September the ECCP, the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Davao and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Mindanao (JCCM) will do promotions and marketing to attract investors such as the business matching event on September 19.

ECCP, JCCM and AMCHAM headed by Philip Dizon entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the business matching event. The signing of the MOA was held during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Annex.

Beck said ECCP is committed to work with AMCHAM and JCCM, recognizing that foreign business interest is very significant for its economic growth.

According to him, the business matching event, for example, will help improve the competitiveness of local industries and lead to the creation of more employment opportunities.

He, however, highlighted the importance of harmonizing promotional events with the National Economic and Development Authority’s (NEDA) Southern Mindanao Growth Corridor (SMGC) concept and roadmap which are an excellent guide for the Region’s dynamic participation in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Integration in 2015.

“This (promotion and marketing) is our homework between now and September to attract business clusters in Europe,” Beck said, adding that they are working hard to transform the perception of investors, including Manilenos who still

perceive and misunderstood Mindanao.He said Mindanao has also suffered

from negative publicity abroad.“That is why we are now working hard

together to transform the perception of Manilenos, and to let them see the reality, which is that Mindanao is ripe for a lot more business, and that it wants to attract more investments in the manufacturing sector,” Beck said.

Beck said European companies are more interested on the manufacturing sector as better growth engine.

Keisuke Nakao, president of JCCM, said the Japanese government is high on the development potential of Mindanao and in supporting to solve historical conflicts and poverty issue.

Nakao said the Japanese government’s contribution to address poverty and security in Mindanao are indicated by its continued support to projects through JICA and J-BIRD gratis fund aids and hosting conference between President Benigno Aquino III and Mr. Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, Supreme leader of MILF, last 2011 at Narita Airport Tokyo.

He also highlighted the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement signed last 2008.

Nakao, however, emphasized that investors still consider Mindanao as a high investment risk, thus JCCM has to send positive appeal to Japan and abroad in order for investors to realize the big chance to hold business in Mindanao.

Gil Dureza, regional head of the Board of Investments, said there is now a new level of optimism after the signing of the peace agreement.

He said there is a heightened interest on Mindanao’s potentials.


This was Mayor Evelyn T. Uy’s message to the Dipolognons during the celebration of Holy Week.

The city government has mobilized the entire police force to ensure the safety of the public especially the

Dipolog City joins Holy Week celebrationBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – “May the Lenten season strengthen our faith in the Great Savior and may the risen Christ bring us all more blessings to help us cope with our everyday struggles.”


Dipolog City joins Holy Week celebration

DA-ARMM holds Halal Business Forum in BasilanLAMITAN CITY, Basilan – The agriculture department of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) agriculture gathered some entrepreneurs, business establishments, restaurant owners and all those in the food industry, including some government agencies, for the Halal Business Forum held here recently.

By Rene V. Carbayas

churchgoers by securing the churches, the 3,003-step Linabo Peak where people flocked for the Good Friday’s “Kat-kat Sakripisyo” (Passion of the Cross) and other densely populated places. The Holy Week celebration began on Palm Sunday and lasted until Easter Sunday. Police personnel have been

dispatched to strategic locations to ensure safe, peaceful observance of the Holy Week. By and large the Holy Week celebration in the city including its neighboring towns was generally peaceful.All beaches were filled with, celebrating the risen Savior.


Dr. Surhayda T. Aguisanda, provincial veterinarian and concurrent ROS superintendent for Halal Industry in Basilan, said that the billion dollar potential of Halal Industry remains untapped in the ARMM region. “The Philippines has a halal market of 8 million Muslims or 10% of the Philippine population, bigger than all other Asian countries except for Malaysia and Indonesia. And ARMM is thickly populated with Muslim communities at 3.8 million or 97% of total ARMM population,” she explained. She added that the Muslim population around the globe accounts for 1.8 billion, or about one-fourth of the world’s population. “It is estimated, therefore, that the market value of Halal food for Muslims could reach as high as $150,000-200,000 million with a possibility of increasing to $500,000 million,” she said. Dr. Aguisanda further revealed that a study had showed that most of the Muslim countries, especially those in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia are the main importers of food and agricultural products from the developed countries such as the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, North America (exclusively USA and Canada) and some developing countries, such as Brazil, India, and China. “It is obvious that those significant suppliers of food products for Muslim countries are non-Muslim, thus the claim from some developing Muslim countries about the advantage of being a Muslim country may not prove to be true as an effective marketing strategy in this case,” she noted. She challenged the participants

who are in food production and processing that the key success in Halal market must be the strength of the manufacturing standard of the country. And that these suppliers of food products to Muslim countries should create an image of high standard in manufacturing and safety, as well as the aptness to Islamic laws. The Halal Business Forum was held last April 10 at the FITS Center of Sta. Clara Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative Inc. in Sta. Clara, this city. During the forum Dr. Norodin A. Kuit of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and ARMM Halal Program Focal Person led the participants to understanding the different aspects of the Halal Industry and the ASEAN Economic Community 2015. Kuit said that with the ASEAN integration, the more ARMM must fast track the development of the Halal Industry and appealed for local government unit’s support to the industry. “There is no 100 percent Halal products in the Philippines, thus this calls for more efforts to achieve the goal,” he said. Meanwhile, Dr. Sherwin Kasim, vice-chairman of the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board Inc. provincial committee explained the certification process of the Board. In his closing remarks, Eugene B. Strong, OIC-Provincial Agricultural Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries-ARMM challenged the provincial government of Basilan to develop a roadmap of the Halal Industry in Basilan that will provide food security and halal (a healthy way of living)


Tabak to commemorate 78th founding anniversary LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division based in this town will celebrate its 78th founding anniversary come May 5. Tabak, which specializes in anti-guerilla warfare, was established on May 5, 1936 as the 1st regular division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and was stationed at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. On December 4, 1989, it was transferred and stationed in Camp Major Cesar L Sang-an in Barangay Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur. The division is known as world’s best anti-guerilla fighters in Asia combating terrorists in Southern Mindanao. In a press release issued by the Division Public Affairs Office, it said that several activities were lined up for the month-long celebration, which formally commenced last April 8 with no less than the Tabak commander, Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as guest of honor and speaker during the opening ceremony held at the division grandstand. A squad challenge was held on the opening day with participants from the different battalions under 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division. They competed for a week to test their individual and collective competence as squad and to promote teamwork, leadership and unity. An inter-color sports fest was also held with eight teams actively participating in different fun

games, basketball, lawn tennis and badminton. On April 26 at 9 a.m., a photo exhibit will be conducted at Gaisano Mall to update the public on the army’s capabilities in safeguarding Filipino people and protecting the country’s sovereignty. This will be followed by a fun run on May 3 to be held at Pagadian City starting at Plaza Luz to rotunda. The event, which will start at 4 a.m. will have the following features: a 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 7-kilometer run. It aims to foster harmonious relationship with the stakeholders in support of the Army’s Internal Peace and Security Plan dubbed as “Bayanihan.” Following the fun run, a motorcade will also be held from Plaza Luz to barangay Kawit to be capped by a clean-up drive at the coastal area of said barangay. On May 3, a medical and dental outreach program for indigent patients will also be conducted at Barangay Deburok, Pagadian City. At 10 a.m. on May 7, an anniversary parade and arrival honors will be held at the Tabak Grandstand, and in the evening, an anniversary night will be held at the 1st Infangtry Divisions old parade ground.

By Gideon C. Corgue


2,500 students avail of summer job programby CIO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Two thousand five hundred (2,500) students got the opportunity to turn their idle time into productive as they availed of the city government’s summer job program under the auspices of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Sixty percent (60%) of the students’ pay will be shouldered by the city government while DOLE will cover the remaining 40%. During the 20-day working period which started on April 21, the students are deployed to the different barangays of the city, various

departments and offices at City Hall. In Monday’s flagraising ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Oscar Moreno explained to the students that the city government will directly pay the students’ salaries to their respective schools so as to ensure their enrollment this coming class opening.

http://unap1947unyap.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html


2,500 students avail of summer job program

Bukidnon PNP creates advisory council to help curb criminality, implement PATROL 2030 by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - In a move to effectively deal with the increasing criminality, Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial office recently created the Provincial Advisory Council (PAC).

P o l i c e S e n i o r Superintendent Glenn dela Torre, Bukidnon police provincial director, said PAC shall serve as an advisory body to support them in the

implementation of PNP Integrated Transformation Program-Performance Governance System (PNP-ITP-PGS) known as “PATROL Plan 2030.” “This council—composed of sector leaders known for their integrity, probity, and leadership—shall provide the needed external perspectives on key issues and act as channel for networks that can help us find solutions to pressing issues, he said.” In the organizational meeting, city councilor Provo Antipasado and businessman Edgardo Villamayor were elected council chairman and vice-chairman, respectively. Its members are leaders from government, religious, and non-government organizations.Data from the provincial police office

showed that total crime volume increased by 44.14 percent from 4,712 in 2012 to 6,792 in 2013. Owing to the rising crime incidents, Dela Torre said the newly-formed advisory body shall carry out an active advocacy program, leading up to the formation of a broad and effective multi-sectoral coalition that would have a better understanding and deeper commitment to support PNP in curbing criminality. Dela Torre clarified that PAC’s role is advisory in nature. It will not have any administrative nor operational responsibility or authority over specific decisions within PNP. Its role is limited to interpretation and analysis of ongoing programs and projects relating to PNP’s reform and development. It shall also assist in identifying gaps and make recommendations to fill the gaps and address any existing or emerging critical issues. PATROL PLAN 2030 is PNP’s roadmap and management tool to track progress in attaining its vision by year 2030, which is in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s PNP modernization program.


Electric coop shares advocacy for judicious use of power to consumersby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI) II, has advocated for the judicious use of power among its consumers, even as it implements a voluntary load curtailment (VLC) due to generation deficiency.

“We support the campaign of the Department of Energy (DOE) that encourages the public for the judicious use of power and observe energy efficiency measures not only

during the summer period, but throughout the year,” Jemilo L. Pelimer, MOELCI II General Manager, said. Meanwhile, MOELCI II’s VLC, has resulted to the rotated power interruption (RPI) or brownout in its franchise coverage, namely: the cities of Tangub and Ozamiz, and the towns of Bonifacio, Clarin, Tudela, Sincaban, Panaon and Jimenez, all in the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental. Thus, Pelimer said the franchise coverage of MOELCI II has been divided into four areas: Area 1 and 3, experienced the RPI from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Area 2 and 4, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A VLC of 244.25MW was implemented by MOELCI II, from April 1-7, and 248.74MW, each, for the period April 8-14 and April 15-21, that resulted to the RPI in its franchise coverage, Pelimer

added.Photo:http://www.kilovox.com/electric-rates-in-the-philippines/


Electric coop shares advocacy for judicious use of power to consumers

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified six caves in different parts of SOCCSKSARGEN Region as open to ecotourism activities.

6 caves in SOCCSKSARGEN categorized Class II, IIIBy: Danilo E. Doguiles


These activities, however, must be under the guidance and super-

vision of the DENR.Environment Secretary Ramon

Paje, through DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2014-03 date April 8, 2014, classified four caves in the region as Class II and two

more as Class III.The memorandum identified the

Class II caves as Linao Cave in Maitum, Sarangani; Cathedral and Avenue Caves in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Kofnit Cave in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and Tenobak Cave

in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.Categorized as Class III are

Lupi (Lope) Cave in Kabacan, North Cotabato and Malibato Cave in

T’boli, South Cotabato. Classification of these caves as

such was recommended by the National Cave Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Republic Act No. 9072 or the National Caves and Cave Resources Management

and Protection Act.Section 2 of RA 9072 indicates

that Class II caves are those with portions which have hazardous conditions and are open to experi-enced cavers or guided educational

visits.Class III caves, on the other

hand, are considered unthreat-ened and are safe to inexperienced visitors but should still be accom-panied by cave guides. The caves may also be utilized for economic purposes such as guano extraction

and edible birds nest collection.When a cave is classified as

Class I it is closed to any ecot-ourism activity because it is con-

sidered delicate and fragile.In the same memorandum,

Secretary ordered DENR 12 to prepare separate cave manage-ment plan for each of the classified cave, emphasizing further that all ecotourism, scientific, educational and economic activities, whenever allowed, must be guided by con-

cerned DENR personnel.DENR Regional Executive Direc-

tor Datu Tungko Saikol said he is pleased with the inclusion of the six caves among the classified

caves.He also pointed out that all

geological formations in the re-gion should be classified so that conservation and protection mea-sures can appropriately be put in

place. “Up to this very day, we have

not yet documented all caves in the region,” Saikol confirmed. “I am urging our local chief executives to take stock of these natural forma-

tions in their respective area.” “If they need some assistance

on this aspect, my office through the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Ser-vice, is willing to help you in going through with the classification pro-

cess,” he offered.The latest batch of classified

caves included 206 caves across


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station-GenSan said recently-deployed aluminum boats are also for rescue operations.

In mid-March, it has distributed seven aluminum boats with 40HP out-

the country. Regions with most classified caves were Region 2, Region 11, and Region 4 with 101,

30, and 28 caves, respectively.Moreover, 8 caves were classi-

fied in the Cordillera Administrative Region; 20 in Region 1; 3 each in Regions 3 and 6, 2 in Region 8;

and 5 in Region 13.The new list was in addition to

the caves classified under DMC

No. 2012-03.Additional list of classified caves

shall be issued on a yearly basis pursuant DMC No. 2007-04 (Pro-

cedure in Cave Classification).Aside from the Regional Cave

Committee, an inter-agency body that recommends the classifica-tion of caves in the region, the Na-tional Museum assesses and classi-fies caves that have archaeological

PCG-GenSan says deployed aluminum boats also for rescueBy: Catherine T. Apelacio

board motor to its sub-stations based here and Sarangani.

The boats, according to Lt. Jay Tarriela, station commander, Coast Guard Station here were obtained by the Department of Transportation and Communications to be assigned in different Coast Guard Stations (CGS) and Coast Guard Sub-sta-tions.

Five of the boats were turned over to Coast Guard sub-stations manning the coastal municipalities of Saran-gani while the two remained in Gen-San in a simple ceremony held at the CGS GenSan, Makar Wharf.

Sarangani has six coastal munici-palities and a landlocked town.

Tarriela said the boats have many uses, foremost they are for “rescue operation” since they can “be used for rapid response in conducting search and rescue” in times of ca-lamity and disaster occurrences.

Also, they will help expedite in “apprehending lawless elements at sea, in protecting the marine envi-ronment and in enforcing all appli-cable laws within the Philippine wa-ters.”

“These boats may serve as deter-rence against illegal activities at sea specifically the illegal fishermen,” said Tarriela.

The distribution forms part of the PCG’s capability development plan


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato-- Residents of Indangan village in this city will no longer be worrying on crossing a stream in their barangay. This after the provincial government completed recently the construction of a 60-meter steel hanging bridge in the area.

to boost the efficiency and the ef-fectiveness of the PCG.

It is also hoped to increase the number of apprehensions as well as speed up rescue operations.

Meanwhile, CGS-GenSan Chief Petty Officer Noli Caspillo said the deployment of the boats was a sig-

nificant gesture to inspire personnel of CG stations and their sub-stations “to diligently perform our mandates in ensuring a safe, clean and se-cure maritime environment for the people” in our respective areas of responsibility. (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)

N. Cotabato village gets new hanging bridgeBy: Shahana Joy Duerme

The hanging bridge which is included in the list of infrastructure projects ready for turn-over this year cost P2.5 million.

Eddie Egay, chairman of Barangay Indangan, said that crossing the said stream had been a common problem among residents especially during rainy season.

He added that prior to the construction of the hanging bridge, students and residents from Indangan and nearby villages in Makilala town were always affected by the situation where they are hampered from crossing the stream when the current is strong.

“This project has solved our difficulty in crossing the stream from one point to the other. This

also gives safety and convenience to the elders and the students,” Egay noted.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmylou Mendoza explained that she is mindful of the difficulty of the residents crossing the stream and accentuated on the provincial government’s concern of providing such needed project in the area.

The governor told the residents of Barangay Indangan to take care of the project and make it useful to the villagers. She then emphasized that her administration will continue to perform its mandate of bringing the government closer to the people. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


DavSur Guv hopes positive yields from Dubai biz meet

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – Davao del Sur Governor Claude Bautista has hoped that his re-cent attendance to an investment meeting in Dubai would create positive impact to the economy of the country, particularly in the

Province of Davao del Sur. Bautista was the first Philippine public official delegate to participate in the 4th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) organized by the Ministry of Economy in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 9 this year. The Governor received great appreciation from the organizer for responding to the special invitation called by the Minister of Economy, His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri. Bautista participated in the Country Presentation showcasing Davao del Sur as one of the best investment sites in Asia. His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz

Al Shehhi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, also expressed gratitude to the Governor. AIM is one of the biggest events in Dubai, hosted by the Ministry of Economy, where investors, chief executive officers , diplomats,


government leaders and high ranking officials all over the world gather together to establish possible networking and stimulate business and investment. This year is the 4th Annual AIM and so far, the first time that a Local Chief Executive of a province from the Philippines has participated. Among the important points discussed by Bautista with His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, were the potential areas for investments in Davao del Sur which include renewable energy projects, Water Treatment Project and Bulkwater Distribution System, and the establishment of Industrial Park in the province. For the Agribusiness projects, investment prospects include the Tunnel Ventilated Poultry Farm Project to export halal dressed chickens in the Middle East Countries, and the promising agricultural products grown in the province which are currently gaining high profile in the export market. Other identified probable business ventures are those which will essentially create demands like the organic rice, coco sugar, and the Civet Coffee which His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi found interesting, and has in fact expressed desire to be able to taste it in the next visit of Gov. Bautista in Dubai. His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi has also hoped that the output of this year’s AIM will create a

remarkable impact for Davao del Sur, as it starts to open new investment opportunities for the province thru the Governor’s participation. The Undersecretary looked forward to meeting more public leaders from the Philippines in the next AIMs. The special meeting with His Excellency Engineer Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi also made the Philippine Ambassador felt proud when the Undersecretary praised the Filipino workers in UAE for being hardworking, kind and reliable, and most preferred by companies in Dubai. The Undersecretary further expressed gratitude to the Filipino workers for being part of the remarkable growth of Economy of UAE as well. Philippine Ambassador to Dubai, Ambassador Grace Princesa conveyed to His Excellency that it is built within the culture of the Filipinos to be hospitable by treating visitors with a smile. She explained that the Philippine Government continues to provide trainings to enhance the educational capabilities and technical of the Filipinos so that they become highly competent employees. Along with Philippine Consulate General Frank Cimafranca, Ambassador Princesa was more than grateful and happy to welcome the delegation from the Davao del Sur Province. (LGU-Davao del Sur)


Talaingod LGU pushes for welfare of IP evacueesDAVAO DEL NORTE--- The Munici-pal Government of Talaingod this morning set a Tribal Forum at the Tribal Council in JBL, Barangay Sto. Nino to further look after the welfare of displaced Ata-Manobos. In a letter of invitation dated April 18, Municipal Mayor Basilio A. Libayao revealed the Tribal Forum as an offshoot to the lingering concern of the LGU over the Ata-Manobos who left for Davao City from Sitio Nasilaban in early April due to military operations. “This is in relation with the Local Government Unit and its officialdom’s anxiety and apprehensions on the plight of our lumad (indigenous people) constituents who were dragged by NGOs to leave their abodes in Sitio Nasilaban on April 3, 2014 and labelled them evacuees because of supposed military operations in the area”. Libayao revealed the partial number of displaced individuals running a total of 1,795 individuals. In his report to the Governor, Libayao said the affected were coming from sitio Bugni, Laslasakan, Bagang, Sitio Bayabas, Sambolongan, Nalubas-1, Nalubas-2, Pongpong, Saso, Nasilaban and Banwalay and that they were taking refuge at Sitios Nasilaban and Banlaway of Barangay Palma Gil.

However, in a press conference held at the Municipal Mayor’s Office of Talaingod on April 7, the total number of affected individuals ran up a total of 2,352 as registered by the Municipal Social Welfare Office (MSWDO) LGU Relief Operation In the same letter to Del Rosario, Basilio set the first round of relief operation on April 4 in Barangay Palma Gil, bringing five kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, two pouches of noodles, one pack of coffee of 25 grams, sugar and detergent soap. However, he said some of the evacuees were “hauled” by certain NGOs at wee hours on April 3. The LGU together with contingents from the military and the police still went on to deliver the relief goods on April 4 to Brgy Palma Gil but their convoy almost got hit by a landmine. In a continuing effort to address the outflow of Ata-Manobo to Davao City, Libayao during the press conference appealed to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to help Talaingod LGU bring back its constituents. Libayao assured evacuees of enough relief supplies and medicine including a safe place to stay at an evacuation center in Barangay Palma Gil using the P500,000 calamity funds


released by the LGU after declaring a partial State of Calamity. Municipal Administrator Zandro Tocmo in a separate talk revealed that on April 9, the LGU brought food and medicine to the evacuees housed by a certain NGO in Davao City. Basilio revealed the same in his letter to PIA but he said “unfortunately, our offer was rejected by the NGOs”. During the forum this morning, Basilio identified the NGOs as the Rural Mission of the Philipines (RMP) and PASAKA (a confederation of IP organizations in Southern Mindanao) which had been keeping the Talaingod Ata-Manobos at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Davao City. Meanwhile, the LGU waged another relief drive on April 15 in Barangay Palma Gil. Tocmo told PIA XI that the LGU was set to deliver on that day 30 sacks of rice, 600 packs of relief goods from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI and 800 packs of the same from the provincial government of Davao del Norte to the evacuation center in Palma Gil for the evacuees who stayed in the barangay. The relief supply delivery was also in anticipation of the return of the Ata-Manobo evacuees from Davao City, Tocmo said. NGO Appeal On the other hand, the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanogon- PASAKA published an Appeal for Support “Defend Talaingod, Save Pantaron Range” dated April 10, posted at bayanusa.org, saying

“the Manobo People’s Exodus is part of their continuing struggle for justice and peace, to fulfil their quest for land rights and self-determination.” It appealed for food, psycho-social services and medicine including vitamins. Aside from in-kind donations which “may brought to UCCP Haran House in Father Selga St., Davao City”, the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanogon- PASAKA is also open for donations in pesos and in dollars. PDOP Military commander Lt. Harold Cabreros of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, denied accusations on military abuse saying troops deployed at the outskirts of Talaingod were well educated on proper conduct and human rights laws. He said they belonged to Special Forces specializing on “mass-base operation” tasked to carry out Peace and Development Program (PDOP), Libayao was against the idea of pulling out the military troops saying the military serves to clear the far-flung areas of Talaingod of New People’s Army (NPA)s who continue to control some sitios. “There are still areas where even we, in the LGU cannot enter. We cannot deliver our development projects,” he said particularly referring to sitios Pongpong, Bagang, Lasaban and some other were areas at the outskirts of Talaingod. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


DOLE-13 chief lauds construction companies participating in ISO Certification Seminar By Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY - Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson Cañete lauded the participating construction companies for their willingness and interest to learn about the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certification and to comply with the requirements.


This was held in time with the opening of the Two-Day Orientation/Awareness Seminar on ISO Certification organized by ACE Training Services (a provider of affordable with quality training and consultancy services) held recently in one of the local hotels here.

Cañete bared that construction industry is one of the hazardous types of business. “That is why DOLE ensures the safety and health of the workers by providing them programs, services and trainings, as well as help employers comply with the labor law compliance system,” he remarked.

“I am very happy to see you (contractors) in this activity and hoping that with this effort, you could finally have your ISO certification soon. Once you’ll be an ISO certified, more projects will come in because your certificate will prove that your company guarantees safety and quality output,” expressed Cañete.

Cañete further revealed that with the ASEAN Integration come 2015, free flowing of goods, capital and investments will be implemented in the 10 member-countries which include Philippines.

“This is very advantageous and opportune time that you are already oriented on ISO and are willing to undergo its process and be able to comply with the requirements,” he said.

He then invited the construction companies here in Caraga region to participate in the upcoming Construction Industry Tripartite Council Meeting sometime in May 2014. “We will discuss with you how we can help your company expand, maintain or sustain the business and be compliant to the labor standards,” he added.

Cañete also expressed his hope to train well the said sector to help them become more competitive and efficient in their field of work.


DENR leads Earth Day 2014 celeb

BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga is spearheading this year’s celebration of the country’s Earth Day on April 22.

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

“This celebration is aimed to raise the level of awareness on the gravity of environmental degradation and destruction in the country that threatens the very quality of life of many of our countrymen and on the premise that all have a moral right to a healthy and sustainable environment,” bared regional executive director Nonito Tamayo.

It was also learned that in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 1481, it declared April 22 as the permanent “Earth Day” in the Philippines.

“We are asking our partners in the

government and private sector to support this celebration by hanging streamers and conducting activities in their respective offices,” added.

Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, and as the bleak reality of climate change becomes increasingly clear, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere, for Everyone.”



BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region XIII with the support from the Local Government Academy (LGA) has conducted an Orientation-Workshop on Regulatory Simplification for Local Governments (RS4LG) for the cities of Butuan, Surigao and Bislig on April 3-4, 2014 here.

By Don Manuelo O. Patrimonio

The three cities are the pilots for the RS4LG program which has only been started by the DILG this year. The participants were the Mayors or their Administrators, Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), Heads of the Office of the Building Official or the City Engineering Office, City Treasurer’s Office and City Health Office of these three cities.

The orientation-workshop is in line with the department’s thrust for building Business-Friendly and Competitive Local Government Units (LGUs). As such, the activity aimed to enhance the business climate of the LGUs and to achieve regulatory simplification of the business processes

by making them simple and efficient through systemic and structural reforms. Specifically, the participants were able to get a grasp of the concept of regulatory simplification; understand and distinguish its phases (i.e. preliminary, diagnosis, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and lessons learned sharing) and prepare an Action Plan for the program in each of their cities.

The DILG Caraga flew in Manila-based Professor Simeon A. Ilago, Consultant from the International Finance Corporation – World Bank, as resource speaker.


Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph

Documents

One Mindanao - April 22, 2014