One Mindanao - August 12, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

Western

Northern

Southern

Marian School culminates Nutrition Month Celebration

SurSur health office drums up school-based immunization program

DTI releases new suggested retail prices

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1st international folklore fest in PH draws in 400 performers from

DTI, BOI strengthens regional capability for investors

BTC, House committee discuss deleted BBL provisions

Gingoog, DepEd partner for “Bakuna para sa Mag-aaral” immunization program

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By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Buboy Pabia

Cover Story

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By Danilo E. Doguiles

C o n t e n t s

DILG to fund construction of 5 footbridges in Davao Sur town

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By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Caraga

SOCCSKSARGEN

National INFOCus

Western

Northern

Southern

Caraga

SOCCSKSARGEN

National INFOCus

1,260 NorMin applicants aspire to become PMA cadets

NorthCot LGU turns over covered courts to seven villages

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ARMMARMM

39 PSA-ARMM hires 3,145 contractors for POPCEN 2015

41 H-ARMM offers free immunization to 200,000 ARMM students

4 August 12, 2015One Mindanao


Cover Story

By Danilo E. Doguiles

SCome 400 performers from 10 countries, including the Philippines are here for the 10-day CIOFF 2015-Koronadal International Folklore Festival.

5August 12, 2015 One Mindanao


SCome 400 performers from 10 countries, including the Philippines are here for the 10-day CIOFF 2015-Koronadal International Folklore Festival.


Dubbed as “PiyestaKolonDatal,” the international event showcases folk and traditional dances, music, songs and other art forms of the participating countries under the auspices of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF).

The folklore festival kicked off around 4:00 pm Monday with a parade of performers along major thoroughfares here and followed by an opening ceremonies at the South Cotabato Sports Complex where each contingent presented a glimpse of their shows scheduled in different venues.


Mayor Peter Miguel, who is also the festival director, said the 10-day event will showcase a “colorful pageantry, high energy performances and an extravaganza of world-class performances in a repertoire of hundreds of traditional songs and dances.” Performers include the Academic Folk Dance

Group (Ozara) of Slovenia, PendikHalkDanslanToplulugo (PENHAD) of Turkey, IOV Indonesia Youth Sector, Weilkopolanie of Poland, the Folkloric Ballet of the State of Mexico, Chinese Taipei’s Lan Yang Dancers, Japan’s Super Taiko Junior, Russia’s Eline-Kitila Folk Dance Ensemble, and Sri Lanka’s Ranranga Dance


Academy.

“These groups were endorsed by their respective national CIOFF organizations,” said Edwin Duero, festival artistic director.

The Philippines is represented by seven groups that have performed

in international stages and events, namely: University of the Philippines’ Filipiniana Dance Group, Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe, Philippine Normal University’s KislapSining Dance Troupe, ECD Dance Company of the Philippines, Bukidnon State University Dance Troupe, Zamboanga del Sur National High School


Melengas Dance Ensemble, and KoronadalHinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe.

As an associate member and country representative to the the CIOFF, PiyestaKolonDatal highlights the culture of the Blaan indigenous people.

“We want the world to know that in this part of the Philippines we have an indigenous cultural community that is very rich in tradition, rituals, songs, and dances,” Mayor Miguel pointed out.

Over 8 days, starting Tuesdays, participating groups will be showcased in 2-hour matinee shows at the South Cotabato Gymnasium Cultural Center and 2-hour gala shows at the Rizal Park.

There are also pocket shows at KCC Mall, Ace Centerpoint and Gaisano Grand Mall in Koronadal and Veranza Mall and SM Mall and Gensan.

Performers will also conduct demonstration lectures in their out-of-town shows in South Cotabato, General Santos,

Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

Hannah Jaworska, a member of Poland’s Weilkopolanie, told local press that their team traveled 46 hours to come to Koronadal City.

“In our shows we will feature folk dances of Poland and many more surprises,” she said assuring the public of an entertaining engagement.

Weilkopolanie’s schedule include matinee show on August 12, gala show on August 15. They are also set to perform at SM Mall of Gensan and Veranza Mall (August 11) and hold lecture demos in Tboli, South Cotabato (August 16), Sto. Nino, South Cotabato (August 17).

A comprehensive schedule of performances is posted in the CIOFF 2015Koronadal Philippines and City of Koronadal Facebook accounts.

Koronadal’s hosting of an the CIOFF 2015 International Folklore Festival came after the former’s PiyestaKolonDatal was voted as an associated member of the CIOFF and country representative when


Mayor Miguel attended the 44th CIOFF World Congress and General Assembly held in Bautzen, Germany in October 2014.

CIOFFisanofficialpartnerofthe United Nations Educational, Scientific and CulturalOrganization (UNESCO) and is accredited with its Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

It leads in the the “safeguarding, promotion and

diffusion of traditional culture and folklore” in 110 countries by promoting intangible heritage, through forms of expression such as dance, music, games, rituals, customs and other arts as well as support activities of its members and those of non-governmental organizations working in the areas of folklore and cultural heritage.

The Koronadal International Folklore Festival will culminate on August 18.


Gov’t hikes budget for agri research

QUEZON CITY -- As the Department of Agriculture (DA) strives to promote science-based agricultural development, the agency has increased the budget of its Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) from P281 million in 2010 to P1.12 billion in 2015.


The Research and Development (R&D) budget for 2016 is P1.33 billion, based on the National Expenditure Program. This was announced by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala during the opening ceremony of the three-day 11th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition that was held as part of BAR’s 28th anniversary celebrations.

The forum-exhibition themed “Teknolohiyang Pansakahan at Pangisdaan: Tulay sa mas Maunlad na Pilipinas Patungo sa Pandaigdigang Kakayahan” was staged from August 7 to 9, 2015 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2 in Mandaluyong City. The event highlighted breakthroughs in agricultural research and development, and provided fresh perspectives on

technology commercialization. It also showcased more than 90 exhibitors from the DA’s bureaus and attached agencies and regional field offices; and R&Dpartners such as state universities and colleges, international organizations, and the private and business sectors. In his message, Secretary Alcala emphasized the importance of matching agricultural R&D programs and projects with the actual needs of the agriculture sector, especially small farmers andfishers. “Weneedtoidentifyspecificareas where the results of researches will be actually used for the betterment of the lives of our farmers and fishers. Wedo not want these to remain in research journals and gather dust in libraries,” Alcala said.

Meanwhile, BAR Director Dr.


Nicomedes Eleazar said that with increased funding support and improved governance, the agency has strove more to conduct R&D that greatly contributed to the improving of the lives of the Filipinos, particularly those living in the countryside.

He added that the bureau, in consideration of the ASEAN economic integration, has i m p l e m e n t e d responsive R&D programs to improve both to productivity and competence, delivering relevant technologies where and when they are needed most. “With a more c o m p e t i t i v e ASEAN market, we do not only aspire to increase productivity, which

merely focuses on production quantity, but also improve our competence— highlighting improvement of product quality, too,” Eleazar said.

William Dar, BAR’s pioneer


director and former DA acting secretary lauded the current DA and BAR leadership’s achievements in agriculture R&D and proposed that these R&D milestones should be complemented with agribusiness incubation programs.

Dar, who also served as three-term director general of the

India-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), added that agriculture development should be pursued within an inclusive, resilient, science-based and market-oriented framework, which the DA actually espouses under its Agri-Pinoy overall strategic framework, according to Secretary Alcala. (DA-AFID)


DTI, BOI strengthens regional capability for investors

MAKATI CITY -- As the Philippines continues to enjoy high investor confidence, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Board of Investments (BOI) continue to build sustainable groundwork to promote investments in the various regions of the country. “In collaboration with DTI’s regionaloffices,wehavesteppedup our promotion efforts to drive economic activities nationwide, especially in investment ready areas,” DTI Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said.

The BOI through its Domestic Investments Promotion Service (DIPS) and the Investment Assistance Service (IAS) recently synchronized their respective programs to conduct the investment counseling and capability building training on


investments promotion with focus on project plan preparation.

“With these efforts, we expect a more vibrant DTI and BOI presence in providing frontline services to investors in the regions,” Manalo added. He also noted that this training intends to refine theskills of the DTI regional and provincial frontline staff and the Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officers (LEIPOs)assigned in the regional Negosyo Centers in assisting small and

medium enterprises (SMEs) and providing advanced advisory services on investments. Furthermore, project preparation skills of the stakeholders will be enriched to generate ready-to-go investment projects for promotion and possible BOI registration. Aside from the frontline DTI regional and provincial staff

and LEIPOs in Negosyo Centers, participants in trainings also include economic stakeholders from the local chambers of commerce and industry, industry associations, SMEs, academe, and representatives from the other line agencies. These series of trainings nationwide started last May. Similar trainings are scheduled in Region 7 (Cebu City) from July 13 to 14, and Region 3 (San Fernando, Pampanga) from October 8 to 9, 2015. (DTI)


BTC, House committee discuss deleted BBL provisions

MANILA -- Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) met yesterday with the House of Representatives ad hoc committee to discuss the possibility of restoring the more than 28 provisions in the original draft deleted prior to the bill’s submission to the plenary for debates.

According to BTC Chair Mohagher Iqbal, they raised their concerns on the current draft being deliberated in the House of Representatives during the meeting. “We...noted, more or less, the issues

that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission has brought up... [so] a good Bangsamoro Basic Law will emerge,” he said.

Last July 29, the BTC wrote House Speaker and Quezon


City Representative Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. a letter reiterating its position that Congress should pass the BBL “in its original form.” Attached to the letter is a copy of BTC Resolution 005 series of 2015 outlining the 28 provisions deleted or revised by the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“This is a continuing process, a continuing dialogue; andhopefully by the end of the day, we would be able to settle all issues that would require further discussion, that would require further action on the part of the parties especially the Congress of the Philippines,” added Iqbal.

Iqbal, the chief peace negotiator for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, shared that their discussions with the House leaders were “very frank” and “straight to the point.”

“What is important with this discussion is that we have brought the discussion in a most different manner so that all parties, these are the members of the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL led by Cong. Rufus Rodriguez, (have an) understanding that never before was discussed by the parties,” he continued.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, confirmed that the Ad HocCommittee and the BTC have begun discussing the 28 deleted provisions. “To be truthful, open and frank, in fact, we’ve started to discuss some of the 28 points. We continue with our dialogue.”

The solon from Cagayan de Oro City also said that they have asked the BTC, the Officeof the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), and the Government of the Philippines peace negotiating panel in talks with the MILF (GPH Panel) to submit their respective position papers with regard the deleted provisions.

“We’d expect the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to come out with that because the 28 points were bullet points and so, we would wish that they would be coming out with the reasons and the explanations [of] these points,” Rodriguez said.

“We likewise ask Secretary Deles of OPAPP and Chair Ferrer to likewise give their inputs and position on the 28 points and we hope to meet again because we are all partners for peace,” the ad hoc committee chair continued.


When asked on whether the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), the BBL version pending before the plenary, would be returned to the committee for revisions, Rodriguez clarified that this isnot the case.

“It will be with the amendments. There might be some consensus that might be considered. After we finish theperiod of interpellations, we go to the period of amendments on substitute bill 5811,” he added.

The OPAPP secretary, who was also at the meeting together with GPH Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferer and peace panel member Senen Bacani, thanked Rodriguez and all members of the House for working continuously on the legislative aspect of the Bangsamoro peace process. “We are grateful to the House

leadership specially the leadership of the Ad Hoc Committee…”

“The meeting resulted in an agreement of continuing to work together to be able to address the issues. All the parties remain even morehopefulandconfidentthatwith this continuing exchange, the House of Representatives and eventually the entire Congress will be able to pass a meaningful BBL that will address and resolve thelongstandingarmedconflictin Southern Philippines,” added Deles.

When asked what would happen after the meeting, Deles said that “there was consensus that all of the issues can be discussed; the perspectives canbe further clarified; I think allparties were hopeful that there can be a consensus on how this will primarily be resolved and be broughtintothefinalproductofthe BBL. (PNA)


DA Caraga optimistic for Dinagat Islands to be rabies-free By: Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga region is optimistic that within this year the entire province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) will be declared as Rabies Free Zone.

Last July 27-30, 2017, a team from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and Department of Health (DOH) headed by National Rabies Program Manager Dr. Raffy Deray conducted the finalevaluation. As per general guidelines, an area will be eligible to de declared as rabies free zone if it


has enacted a local ordinance on the prevention and control of rabies and implemented localized comprehensive rabies prevention and elimination program and notably no confirmed case ofrabies both on human and animal for the past two years. Dr. Novelle Calub, one of the evaluators from BAI, emphasized during the assessment in every municipality of the Dinagat Islands that being conferred as rabies-free zone is an honor with corresponding responsibilities. “Acquiring a status as rabies free is a great honor since it will

send a strong signal of security to your visitors or tourists yet it carries huge responsibility particularly on maintaining the province rabies free,” Calub said. Dr. Esther Cardeño, Regional Animal Rabies Coordinator said that DA Caraga and DOH with their provincial and municipal counterparts have been working closely to help PDI compliant to all the requirements particularly in the implementation of the rabies prevention and control program. If the evaluation reveals positiveresult,PDIwillbethefirst


province to be declared as rabies free in Caraga Region in addition to last years’ declaration of the island municipality of Soccoro, Surigao del Norte. Rabies, a fatal but preventable disease, remains tobea significantpublichealthconcern in the country. In the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program (NRPCP), the original plan is to work towards the elimination of Rabies in 2020. However, with the robust collaboration of the DOH, DA and LGUs in partnership with other non-government and international organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the government is optimistic to attain

a rabies-free country by 2016. The DA and DOH believe that eradicating rabies at its source remains to be the key strategy thus its objective is to cover at least 70 percent of the estimated dog population in the country to be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies, a zoonotic disease, causes 55,000 deaths every year worldwide with 56 percent of the cases occurring in Asia.

In the Philippines, there are 200 - 250 deaths every year mostly among children below 15 years of age. To date, more than 20 areas in the country had been declared as rabies free zone.

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte- The Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) under the Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) released the suggested retail prices (SRP) of basic necessities and prime commodities as of July 23, 2015.

DTI releases new suggested retail prices

The said release succeeded the April 16, 2015 SRP, except for the four products that have decreased in prices over the April 16, 2015 SRP, mostly prices of the listed basic necessities and

prime commodities are the same in the latest SRP. Among those that have reduced prices are Family Budget Pack Plain Canned Sardines, 130g from P12.60 to P12.00,


Lucky 7 Canned Sardines, 155g from P13.75 to P13.45 and Quick Chow Instant Noodles (Mindanao), 55g – P6.70 to P6.60. Major retail establishments in the city will be provided of the latest SRP for their information to make necessary adjustment on affected products. The SRP will also be posted at their firm’s premises for thereading of the buying public. Consumers interested to know about Suggested Retail Prices and other related concerns

are encouraged to visit and contact DTI Surigao del Norte provincialofficeatthe2ndFloor,Simtoco Building, Burgos Street, this city or contact telephone number 826-6129.


According to Marilou Panilan, IPHO nutritionist-dietician II/Provincial Adolescent Health Program Coordinator, who spoke on Monday before capitol employees during the flagceremony program hosted by the Tanggapan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan (TSP), this nationwide SBI program aims to protect the health of school-aged children through immunization that helps eliminate different contagious diseases, citing measles, German measles, tetanus, and diphtheria, thereby

boosting their immune system. However, only public school pupils/students in grade one and seven province-wide are set to be given a dose of the prescribed vaccine for free within this month of August through injection on their respective right and left arms, referring to Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) and Tetanus-Diptheria (Td) for the former and Measles-Rubella (MR) as well as Tetanus-Diptheria for thelatter,sheclarified. The IPHO coordinator bared some 11,360 pupils in grade one

SurSur health office drums up school-based immunization program By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here headed by Dr. Algerico Irizari has started to drum up the school-based immunization (SBI) program of the Department of Health (DOH).


and 8,564 in grade seven are the respective total number of enrollment in the Department of EducationDivisionOfficeof theprovince as of June 2015, saying also that said data do not include the number of enrollment in both Tandag City and Bislig City Divisions at the mentioned grade levels. Panilan also pointed out the importance of “CONSENT FORM” signed by parents or “guardian” of any child/student before vaccine can be given.

With this information, she then shared the necessary advisories in relation to the SBI as well as the reminders for the possible side effects of the vaccines. The SBI program is made possible through the joint undertaking of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), it was learned.


Marian School culminates Nutrition Month CelebrationBy: Rhea Grace A. La Plana


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, (PIA) – Marian School, a Jesuit Catholic school founded in 1956 culminated its month-long activities in celebration of Nutrition Month on July 31.

As the National Nutrition Council has put the spotlight on the problem of obesity in the Philippines this year, it aims to make people aware about how they can prevent obesity. The 2015 Nutrition Month campaign carries the theme, “Timbang iwasto sa tamang nutrisyon at ehersisyo,” (Correct weight through right nutrition and exercise) and this was done by providing students with adequate information on how to have a healthy lifestyle. Ms. Cynthia B. Ortega, school principal emphasized the importance of the theme to the students and presented essential information such as

consumption of healthy diets and to be physically active to prevent communicative diseases as a result of being overweight. The school registrar, Ms. Joy Erapta in her message to the students emphasized that “Proper nutrition is a must.” Participating classes were kindergarten, elementary and high school. The respective classes headed by their class advisers, showcased nutritious fruits, vegetables and nutritious meals with complete elements of go, grow and glow foods. The prevalence of obesity may be attributed to high and fast pace lifestyle. Busy people tend to go for fast food. Providing proper food intake


for healthy nutrition must be the parents’ concern. Planning and preparation of nutritious food for the family should be of prime importance.With the Nutrition Month celebration, students become more conscious to make positive decisions on consumption of healthy food, maintaining good diets and

becoming physically active to prevent health problems. The increased awareness on proper health nutrition coupled with environmental support from families and teachers paves the way to have responsible and healthy children on the go.


DOH to meet with IP leaders to help curb maternal deaths

CITY OF TAGUM, Davao del Norte- The Depart-ment of Health (DOH) 11 is set to meet this month of August with leaders of indigenous peoples (IPs) commu-nities to bring down cases of maternal mor-tality. DOH regional director, Dr. Abdullah Dumama in an inter-view with the media this morning, noted as “alarming” the number of maternal deaths among IP pregnant women. He cited, as particular case, Davao del Sur which reg-istered 25 cases of ma-ternal deaths during the firsthalfoftheyear. He revealed that in Malita, Davao del Sur 13 of 14 maternal deaths involved IP moth-ers while in Jose Abad Santos of the same prov-ince, two IP women died while giving birth. “Yes, this is alarming because these are lives,” he said while

explaining that necessary interventions to save pregnant women have already made institution-al by the national gov-ernment through DOH. He cited the availability of pre-natal care services in rural healthunits;medicinesupplies, equipment and manpower for maternal interventions at higher level hospitals. “And if they need transportation, the barangays (LGUs) can transport them and LCEs are wiling to support,” he said. Dr. Dumama washopefultosignifi-cantly bring down the number of maternal deaths among IP wom-en even to just half the number and to spread the awareness among IP community members about the relevance of safe delivery. Corollary to this concern, DOH 11 is conducting an inventory


DILG to fund construction of 5 footbridges in Davao Sur town

of barangay health workers’ (BHWs) and community midwives’ maternal delivery equipment and delivery kits especially in IP communities. “We will provide them,” he said in case of BHWs and mid-wives having problems on maternal delivery kits. Meanwhile, Dumama also revealed the willingness of DOH to adopt to IP practices of maternal delivery and eventually train skilled birth attendants to become culturally sensitive in attending to IP pregnant women.

He saw the necessity to bring in as partners those IP leaders who are attending to mothers in de-livering their babies. “Kung pwede ang mga tribal leaders na nagpapaanak, bigy-annatinngimportansya;bringthemin and become partners and adopt their practices,” Dr. Dumama said. “We will also train them to bring in mothers for pre-natal check-ups,” he added. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur– The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is allocating P2.5-million to construct five foot-bridges in different far-flung sitios here. The local government is also counterparting P325,000 to imple-ment the project, totalling the total project amount to P2,825,000. Municipal Engineer Haide dela Torre said the footbridges will be built at sitio Labidangan in Barangay Upper Bala, sitio Asinan in Brgy. Bal-nate, sitio Asbang-Elok in Bacungan, Brgy. San Isidro and Brgy. Tagaytay. Dela Torre said that the project is one of the priority projects under the Bottoms-Up Budgeting (BUB), a

government program designed to in-volve the grassroots like civil society organizations (CSOs), people’s orga-nizations, cooperatives, associations and the academe. Mayor Arthur Davin said the construction of the footbridges will be a big help to hasten the transport of farmers’ produce as well as pro-vide a better path for children to go to school. (ASA)


PSA cites uses of POPCEN 2015

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has cited the many uses derived from 2015 Census of Populations (POPCEN 2015), that will be undertaken from Aug. 10 to Sept. 6, this year.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

“The uses of POPCEN data encompass all sectors and among its important users are the government, business and industry, and research and academic institutions,” Julito F. Pilar,ProvincialStatisticsOfficer,said. Particularly, in the government, the data will be used in the following: redistricting and apportionment of congressional seats, allocation of resources and revenues, and creation/conversion of political and


administrative units. Formulation of policies concerning various segments of the population, such as, children, youth, elderly, women of reproductive age, voting age, and working age. Formulation of policies and programs relative to the delivery of basic services, such as on health, education, employment, housing, infrastructure, disaster relief, and other socio-economic concerns. In business and industry, the census data will be used

in the identification of sitesfor establishing businesses, determination of consumer demands for various goods and services and improvement of supply of labor for the production of goods and services. In research and academic institutions, the census data will be used in the conduct of researches on population and related disciplines; andstudy ofpopulation growth and geographic distribution as bases in preparing population projections at the national and sub-national levels.

Gingoog, DepEd partner for “Bakuna para sa Mag-aaral” immunization program

GINGOOG CITY -- City government of Gingoog, in partnership with the schools division of the Department of Education (DepEd), has started the month-long immunization program to school children.

by Buboy Pabia

This is anchored to the Garantisadong Pambata (GP) program of the city. Being the chairperson of Red Cross, Mayor Marie Guingona has been consistently considering the value of health to schoolers whose energies are mostly

maximized to studies, games and other activities. “Our kids should be highly protected from illnesses that would disrupt to their daily’s routine,” the lady chief executive said. She further said it is in this


salient premise that the city’s continuing GP’s program ensures for the healthy conditions of their children. The city is consistently coordinating with the City HealthOffice inworking closelywith the schools’ Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA’s) for orientation and permission prior to the actual immunization to schoolers. As the focal person of this August-wide “Bakuna Para sa Mag-aaral,” Dr. Grace Jadol has been coordinating with school heads and concerned parents for their approval.

The city government has prioritized Grades 1 and 7 students whom majority of them have not immunized yet with vaccines on tetanus and measles. “Our city has been joining with the Department of Health (DOH) in the implementation of city-wide health-related programs because every Gingoognon deserves the right to be healthy,” said the mayor. Meanwhile, health personnel have launched the immunization activity at the city’s Manuel Lugod Central Elementary School (North Central).

CAMP EVANGELISTA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Thousands of hopeful youth applicants in Northern Mindanao took the Philippine Military Academy Entrance Examination (PMAEE) last August 2, 2015 in Regions 10 and 13.

1,260 NorMin applicants aspire to become PMA cadets

A total of 1,260 young aspirants who are willing to join the profession of arms have undergone the PMAEE in Northern Mindanao where 818 youths come from Region 10 and 442 applicants from the CARAGA. MGen Oscar T Lactao,

commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said the figure manifests that thereare thousand youth leaders in this side of the country who are more than willing to serve the nation;whilethousands,whoarefriends, relatives, and loved


ones of these young aspirants, believes and supports our cause of having a peaceful and united country. Hence, he expressed his gratitude to all the parents and guardians for allowing their sons and daughters in taking the PMAEE. ThePMAEE is thefirst stepin the selection process of this prestigious military school. This marks the start of a new life for the eager examinees from different parts of Mindanao. The examination is an opportunity for the applicants to measure their mental ability in becoming the future leaders of the Nation.

After a month, a letter coming from the Office of theCadet Admission, Philippine Military Academy will be sent directly to the given address of the applicants if he/she successfully passed the PMAEE. The result will also be published online at the officialwebsite of PMA, www.pma.ph, or in national and local newspapers. “With the blessings coming from our Almighty Father, I am hoping that we will get more passers from Northern Mindanao who will serve as leaders of our Nation,”said MGen Lactao. (4ID/PA)


ARMM, Lanao Sur dads lead groundbreaking of P220 million road concreting in Kapai town

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Provincial Governor Mamintal “Bombit”Alonto Adiong, Jr. led on August 7, the

groundbreaking ceremony of the P220 road concreting project in Kapai town.


PSA-ARMM hires 3,145 contractors for POPCEN 2015MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Philippine Statistics Authority in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA-ARMM) has deployed 3,145 service contractors to conduct the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN) in the region.

The contracted personnel are composed of 2,402 enumerators, 604 team supervisors and 139 census area supervisors.

The POPCEN 2015 is a complete enumeration of households in the country and is designed to take an inventory of the population of

Before proceeding to the groundbreaking site, the two governors were joined by Department of Public Works and Highways ARMM Secretary Don Mustapha Loong in a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing that paves the way for the start of the Phase II of the 63-kilometer Kapai-Tagoloan-Talakag Provincial Road Concreting. UndertheMoA,thethreeofficialsalso committed the completion of the project by the end of 2016. The Kapai-Tagoloan-Talakag Road will connect the municipalities of Kapai and Tagoloan, Lanao del Sur to the municipality of Talakag, Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City. As of press time, almost 21 kilometres of the road has already been concreted. Adiong said the road project is seen to enhance trade between the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon. “Soon, the road to Talakag,

Bukidnon will be fully paved. It will help boost Lanao del Sur’s economic growth and provides livelihood to our farmers and constituents,” Adiong said. Meanwhile, DPWH Regional Office No. 10 said small portions ofthe Kapai-Talakag road which was damaged by natural causes through the years will also be rehabilitated because the government will turn it into a national road. “Government is upgrading roads to national roads when they connect regions, and the Kapai-Talakag road will connect ARMM to Northern Mindanao,” Engr. Mikunug R. Macabantog said. The Kapai-Tagoloan-Talakag Road Project is being implemented by the ARMM-DPWH Lanao del Sur First DistrictEngineeringOfficeheadedbyEngr. Luz Sani. (PIO-Lanao del Sur / APB/PIA-10)


the entire country. It also collects information about basic characteristics of the population such as age, sex, marital status, religious affiliation,highest grade/year completed and usual occupation, among others. The project will also gather selected housing data such as type of building and construction materials used, especially roofs and walls, as well as barangay characteristics like presence of selected facilities and informal settlers. “It provides government planners, policy and decision makers with updated population counts on which to base their social and economic development plans, policies and programs,” said Hadji Abdulkareem Suod Barodi, PSA-ARMM interim regional director. He said the data and information gathered in the census will be the

local government units’ officialbasis when preparing and filingordinances. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10625, or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, the PSA, formerly the National Statistics Office, isthe lead agency tasked to take an inventory of the population in the Philippines. Barodi urged the public to support and cooperate in the population survey by supplying complete and correct information. Section 27 of RA 10625 cited that “respondents of primary data collection activities such as censuses and sample surveys are obliged to give truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries. The gathering, consolidation, and

analysis of such data shall likewise be done in the most truthful and credible manner.” Failure to provide truthful and complete answers to statistical inquiries, the law added, will be penalizedwithafineofP100,000andone year imprisonment. The last census done in 2010 registered a population 3.2 million for ARMM. The region is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. The listing and enumeration for PopCen 2015 are scheduled from August 10 to September 6. The population count by province, city, municipality, and barangay will be submitted to the Office of thePresident forproclamationasofficialcensus counts in January 2016. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


DOH-ARMM offers free immunization to 200,000 ARMM students

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - More than 200,000 students in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will receive free immunization from the region’s Department of Health (DOH-ARMM) within this month. Around 55,000 Grade 1 and 157,000 Grade 7 pupils from different public schools in the region are targeted to receive free immunization against measles, rubella, tetanus, and diphtheria. These are infectious diseases that could cause serious illness and disability and could even cause death in worst cases. The school-based immunization program is part of the DOH’s national drive dubbed “Bakuna para sa Kabataan, Proteksyon sa Kinabukasan.” The program is

pursued in coordination with the region’s Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government. The immunization program was officially launched in the region onMonday, August 3, in Maguindanao province. As of date, DOH-ARMM already immunized students in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan, including the city of Lamitan. The program will run until the end of the month.


DOH-ARMM officials said thevaccines used for the program are safe and effective, approved by the World Health Organization, and are used worldwide. An orientation involving the parents, guardians, as well as teachers, are conducted prior to the actual immunization. Students could experience discomfort due to the painful yet tolerable administration of the vaccine. The vaccine might also have

possible side effects such as fainting, swelling or redness on the injection area, fever, and rashes, DOH-ARMM noted. The school-based immunization program targets to immunize over 2.4 million Grade 1 and more than 1.6 million Grade 7 pupils all over the Philippines. However, only children with consent forms from their parents, or guardians would undergo immunization. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


Cotabato City to voters: Have your biometrics takenBy:Oliver Ross V. Riveral

COTABATO CITY, Aug 12– A poll official re-minded voters in Cotabato City to have their biometrics taken, as the period of validation is coming down to its last two months.

CityElectionOfficerAtty.MichaelIgnessaid, the Comelec will cater the revalidation and submission of biometrics only until October 31, 2015.Atty. Ignes urged voters to validate their reg-istrations immediately and do not wait for the last minute to avoid any inconvenience.Thepollofficialsaid,thisispartofthe“NoBiometrics, No vote” campaign of the Com-mission on Elections (COMELEC).The Comelec stresses that the “No Bio, No Boto” rule is one of their steps to ensure a clean and honest election in 2016 and the coming years.The Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act (Republic Act No. 10367), signed into law in 2013, requires registered voters to have their biometrics captured, or otherwise be deactivated.The law says biometrics refers to information that positively identify a person through his orhervoice,photograph,fingerprint,signa-ture,irisand/orsuchotheridentifiablefea-tures.Data from the Commission on Elections


NorthCot LGU turns over covered courts to seven villagesBy:Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Aug. 12- Seven villages in Tu-lunan town recently received covered courts from the provincial

(Comelec) show that more than 23,000 registered voters in the city who have no biometric re-cords as of yet.

“If they will not validate their registration, for sure they can-not vote,” he said. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

The villages include Tuburan, New Panay, Bagumbayan, F. Cajelo, New Culasi, Bunawan and Damawatu.Each infrasture costs Php2 mil-lion to construct with support from the Trade Union of the Philippines. Governor Emmylou Mendoza said the infrastructure projects implemented in the said villages resulted from the active coop-eration and coordination of the national and provincial govern-ment, and the TUCP as well as the local government units of thebeneficiaryvillages.She further noted that the im-plementation is among the ini-tiatives of the government to use its fund in building useful fa-cilities.Meanwhile, 3rd dis-trict board members Jomar Cerebo and Ivy Dalump-ines- Balli-toc empha-sized the

provincial government’s efforts not only in implementing vari-ous projects in the province par-ticularly in her district but also in making sure that economic productivity is strengthened.Likewise, the chairmen of the seven villages expressed their appreciation for the projects implemented in their areas.Tuburan barangay chairman Crispin Fajurano noted that the provincial government’s, ‘Ser-bisyong Totoo’ program is an avenue for the implementation of useful projects aimed toward promoting development and progress. (NorthCot Media Cen-ter/SJDuerme-PIA12)

government.

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One Mindanao - August 12, 2015