One Mindanao - August 17, 2011

Western Mindanao

P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] Skype : hnb_r9pia

Northern Mindanao Graces' Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail : [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Southern Mindanao 2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail : [email protected]

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga) Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: [email protected] [email protected],ph

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES IN MINDANAO Today’s News…

NATIONAL

EO 53 strengthens legal support for victims of child abuse Returning OFWs to be given government assistance Aquino gov’t hopeful on MILF peace pact despite possible

expulsion of Umbra Kato Malacañang urges local government units to help spread

out dengue traps Southern Mindanao

DILG expects 50+ applicants for ARMM OICs Comval LGU to invest P1M annually for Eco-Military Tourism

Park OWWA to give support for displaced DH from Saudi Sec. Paje asks mining investors to adhere to responsible

mining BFAR opens scholarship applications for fisherfolks’ kids

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Acosta shares proffered solutions to Caraga’s peace, environmental problems

OFW from Caraga dies in Kuwait, OWWA -Caraga chief confirms CSC spearheads celebration of 111 th Phil. Civil Service

Anniversary Lake Mainit Program Director resigns

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

Pag-Ibig Fund to bring program closer to the LGUs Zambo. Norte assures year-round mango supply Youths get a tour of Navy’s emergency, rescue capabilities Zamboanga Coconut Research Center produces hybrid

varieties 40 CSOs commit to rally behind poverty reduction in ARMM

Northern Mindanao

Task force dengue meets to improve referral system in NorMin New payment schedule facilitates transactions, says SSS -CDO

branch head Army’s 51IB “Fuerte Uno” troopers intercept illegally cut logs in

Lanao Sur Continuous heavy rains result in Kapatagan, Lanao Norte

landslide Cebuano news: Ochoa: 13 ka mga nag-unang balaodnon

gipresentar ni Presidente Aquino ngadto sa LEDAC

OUR COVER The cover of

this issue features the Indak-indak

streetdancing of the 2011

Kadayawan Festival in

Davao City.

ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, August 17, 2011

EO 53 strengthens legal support for victims of

child abuse

resident Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 53 to strengthen government initiatives for the protection of children against rights violations and abuses.

Executive Secretary

Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on

Wednesday the President’s

directive will boost the

country’s child welfare

program and improve the

government’s legal support

for victims of child abuse.

EO 53, signed by the

Chief Executive on August

11, amended Executive Order

No. 275 issued in 1995,

which created the Committee

for the Special Protection of

Children (CSPC).

“The President

considers it exceptionally

indispensable to give

importance to law

enforcement as a critical

factor in the overall approach

to protect children, including

their rights, and to make sure

that their welfare will not be

taken for granted,” Ochoa

said.

Under the new EO,

President Aquino reorganized

CSPC, an inter-agency body

which acts indirectly as the

coordinating body for the

implementation of the

Republic Act 7610 or the

Anti-Child Abuse Act, and

other government policies

that uphold and promote

children’s rights and welfare.

The President wanted

the CSPC to coordinate and

monitor the investigation and

prosecution of cases

involving violations of the

Anti-Child Abuse Act and

other child-related criminal

laws, as well as formulate

and monitor programs under

the law.

The Chief Executive’s

directive sought to ensure the

legal protection of children

who are victims of physical,

sexual, trafficking,

prostitution, child labor,

neglect and exploitation. He

also ordered the CSPC to

assist children of indigenous

peoples, Muslim children,

and others trapped in armed

conflicts.

Specifically, the

President instructed the

CSPC to give preferential

attention to violent crimes

committed against children,

cases with great impact on

national interest and those

referred to the body for

immediate action.

“In issuing EO 53, the

President believes that the

implementation of the Anti-

Child Abuse Act and other

similar state policies, as well

as the discharge of the

function of the body

principally responsible for

the protection of children,

will become more effective,”

Ochoa said.

The CSPC, under EO

53, will be chaired by the

secretary of the Department

of Justice (DOJ) and co-

chaired by the secretary of

the Department of Social

Welfare and Development

(DSWD). Its members

include the chairperson of the

Commission on Human

Rights (CHR) and the

secretaries of the

Departments of Foreign

Affairs (DFA), Labor and

Employment (DOLE),

Tourism (DOT), the Interior

and Local Government

P

3 4


(DILG), Health (DOH) and

Education (DepEd).

The commissioner of

the Bureau of Immigration

(BID), director of the

National Bureau of

Investigation (NBI), chief of

the Philippine National

Police PNP, the prosecutor

general, and three

representatives from non-

government or private

organizations working and

advocating for the protection

of children will also serve as

members of the CSPC.

The three

representatives can be

nominated by any member of

the CSPC and will be

appointed by the committee

chairperson for a term of

three years, which can be

extended subject to the same

process.

The Council for the

Welfare of Children (CWC)

will act as the secretariat of

the CSPC.

Among the CSPC’s

mandate is to establish a

system of collecting periodic

reports from member-

agencies on cases filed before

them, harmonize actions of

various inter-agency councils

on the legal protection of

children, and develop and

recommend policies and

guidelines to address gaps

and issues in the investigation

and prosecution of cases.

The CSPC should

also submit an annual report

and accomplishments to the

Office of the President.

EO 53 shall take

effect immediately upon

publication in a newspaper of

general circulation.

Returning OFWs to be given government assistance

alacañang vowed on Wednesday to provide government assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by untoward incidences happening in their place of work.

During a press

briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that concerned government agencies were undertaking measures to address the plight of OFWs to be evacuated due to the continuing violence in Syria.

“We will ask the Department of Labor and Employment to make sure that we will find something for them,”

Lacierda said adding that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is also moving to provide similar assistance to the OFWs.

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday said that the Philippine government has a quick response plan, as well as contingency measures in place, ready at any moment’s notice to evacuate Filipinos in Syria.

The major concern with Syria is that there are 17,000 Filipinos working in that country --95 percent of which are domestic helpers.

Lacierda said that the government assistance will cover all those affected.

“Makaka-asa po kayo that the government will be making sure that they will not be abandoned,” Lacierda said.

M

4

5


Aquino gov’t hopeful on MILF peace pact despite possible expulsion of Umbra Kato

he Aquino government remains hopeful that it could forge a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) despite the impending expulsion of Ameril Umbra Kato, one of the rebel groups’ radical

commanders. “We remain hopeful

that the MILF will be able to resolve this internal situation. And we remain hopeful that by doing so the peace process can move forward. Everything is within the realm of hopefulness owing to the fact that we had a good meeting with Chairman Murad Ebrahim and the President,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.

President Benigno Aquino III met with MILF leadership in Tokyo,

Japan, on August 4 to show the sincerity of his administration in the ongoing peace negotiations.

Resolving the issue now remains on the shoulder of MILF because declaring Kato as renegade commander is MILF’s internal problem, Lacierda added.

MILF said its central committee will soon issue a resolution declaring Kato no longer a member.

Once the MILF resolves the issue of Kato, Lacierda said the

government panel need not raise it and negotiators could proceed with the proposal that has to be submitted before the August 22 meeting.

But the Philippine government may raise the issue with their counterparts to clarify the possible implications of the expulsion of Kato to the ongoing negotiations.

Kato, having 200 armed fighters, angered the MILF leadership when he got involved in a deadly land feud between two commanders in Min-danao.

Malacañang urges local government units to help spread out dengue traps

he Aquino government enjoined local government units (LGUs) to help spread out the dengue traps in a bid to decrease the number of dengue cases in the country.

“We are trying to make sure that dengue traps are spread out to all of the affected areas in the country,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a regular press briefing on Wednesday in Malacañang.

According to Lacierda, the government is encouraging the LGUs and the communities to get dengue traps (Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap or the OL Trap) from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

“It is actually very cheap and the dengue trap that the DOST have developed have been proven to be effective,” he said.

Last February 19, the DOST and the Department of Health kicked off the nationwide distribution of

T

T

5 6


the Mosquito Ovicidal/Larvicidal trap or the OL Trap at the Balyuan Convention Center in Tacloban City.

The launch was anchored on firm partnership between the DOST and DOH to reduce the number of dengue-

carrying mosquitoes and subsequently bring down the number of dengue cases in the country.

The OL Trap is a simple device that helps reduce the number of the dengue-carrying female Aedes aegypti mosquito by attracting mosquitoes and

killing their eggs trapped in the kit.

Lacierda said the LGUs have an important role in the successful deployment of the technology as he acknowledged the effectiveness of the DOST-developed OL Trap based on previous tests.

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the second Legislative—Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting where he presented his administration’s 13 priority bills to lawmakers representing both Houses of Congress at Malacanang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room on Tuesday (August 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the second Legislative—Executive

Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) where he presented his administration’s 13 priority bills to lawmakers representing both

Houses of Congress at Malacanang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room on Tuesday

(August 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

6

7


DILG expects 50+ applicants for ARMM OICs

by Mai Gevera-Macapagat DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Interior and Local Government chief Jesse Robredo expects more than 50 names of applicants and nominees for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) OIC (officer-in-charge) positions after the public announcement will be made.

DILG currently received 40 names of applicants and nominees for ARMM OIC Governor, however, Robredo expects more names to be submitted and be screened by the newly-formed screening committee. Executive Order 51 prompted the creation of a screening committee composed of the DILG, Department of National Defense, Office of the Political Adviser, Civil Society Representative, and LGU representative. Robredo visited Davao City to explain to the selection committee how the process will be done to select ARMM’s OICs. Following a tight criteria, the official sees an easy way of trimming down this number into six names who will then take part in a series of public fora.

“The President won’t take part in the process until the number is trimmed into 3. They will be strictly assessed if they can be good advocates for ARMM.” he said. The selection committee would have to consider the applicant’s or nominee’s educational preparation, experience, performance, accomplish-ments, reputation for honesty, integrity, incorrup-tibility, irreproachable conduct and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards. The national government is bent to prove that the appointment process will work. It is the first time that the criteria focuses more on managerial capacities, not so much on political.

“Hindi na ito utang na loob kay Pedro o kay Juan.

This becomes an entirely different ball game as we set common standards for the national government and the ARMM.”, Robredo added.

The deadline for application and nomination is on August 26, the publication of this list in the national media for public scrutiny is set before August 31. The screening process will be between September 1 to 11. Top three nominees/ applicants will then be endorsed by the selection panel to the House Speaker and the Senate President who will submit their recommendation to the President for approval and signature. (PIA-11/Mai Gevera-Macapagat)

EFREN F. ELBANBUENA PIA-XI Regional Director

8


Comval LGU to invest P1M annually for Eco-Military Tourism Park

by Jeanevive D. Abangan

MAWAB, Compostela Valley, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Camp Manuel T. Yan, the headquarters of the 10 th Infantry (Agila) Division is fast -becoming a tourist destination now with Compostela Valley Govern or Arturo T. Uy steadfast in transforming its image into an Eco -Military Tourism Park.

In an interview, Uy

revealed that he will be

pouring P1 million annually

for the develop-ment of

Camp Manuel T. Yan

starting next year.

“Soon they will be

seeing a different kind of

military camp,” he said

referring to the public who

generally holds an

impression that a military

camp is off the public.

Describing the camp

as a “beautiful place with

friendly soldiers”, Uy was

looking forward for more

visitors to take a look at the

place which had already

been visited by groups of

youths.

For Uy, promoting

the 100-hectare Camp

Manuel T. Yan into an eco-

tourism destination is a way

of forging closer relation-

ship of the military with the

people.

Maj. Gen. Jorge

Segovia, commanding

general of the 10th

ID also

had the same view, saying

opening up the camp to the

public would make his

command become part of

the community.

“We don’t want to be

isolated,” he said in a

separate interview.

Meanwhile, Segovia

made it clear that his

command would not have

the sole say on how to use

the development funds that

Gov. Uy would be pouring

for the Eco-Military

Tourism Park.

He said discussions

had been made together with

the Provincial Tourism

Office, and that the

construction of comfort

rooms and the development

of a trekking area, cultural

village and zip line were

some of the projects seen to

be put in place.

The joint

undertaking to open Camp

Manuel T. Yan as an eco-

tourism destination was

strengthened with the

signing of a memorandum

of understanding (MOU)

on Aug. 12 at the 10th ID

headquarters by Gov. Uy

represented by his executive

assistant Belo Melendres,

Maj. Gen. Segovia and

Mawab Mayor Evalina

Jampayas represented by

Vice-Mayor Ruprio

Gonzaga.

On the other

hand, provincial tourism

officer Christine T.

Dompor revealed that the

Eco-Military Tourism Park

is now creating quite an

interest as her office has

been receiving a number of

inquiries about it.

“We have conducted

initial tours that feature a

trek to the cave of

Mahayahay. We have also

received queries from as far

as Manila about our

ecotour, particularly of the

cave which is inside the

camp,” Dompor said. (PIA-

11/ Jeanevive Duron-

Abangan)

9


OWWA to give support for displaced DH from Saudi

by Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration here has urged all displaced domestic helpers from Saudi Arabia to approach the agency for livelihood interventions through the “Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay” project.

OWWA regional head

Zenobia Caro said that the

agency is set to provide skills

training to help the Overseas

Filipino Workers affected by

the recent decision of the Saudi

Arabian government to stop

hiring household service

workers from other countries.

Caro encouraged the

concerned OFWs to register

with OWWA until August 31

this year to avail of the skills

retooling that is expected to be

given by September.

“Household service workers

who went for a vacation but

were not able to go back to

Saudi and who were sent home

by their employers, you can

approach OWWA for the

livelihood training,” she said

during today’s Club 888 Forum

at Marco Polo Hotel.

However, she clarified

that the qualified beneficiaries

for the skills transfer are only

those OFWs who were

displaced from 2010 to present.

Caro said that the

recipients have to identify their

interest and needed skills prior

to the training, adding that this

would ensure that the skills to

be acquired would be useful

for their livelihood or for

another employment.

According to her, the

former OFWs would be

awarded with the “starter kit”

after the three-day training.

She said that the

livelihood training would be

the third and the last one that

OWWA would give this year

under the “Balik Pinas, Balik

Hanapbuhay” project.

She added that earlier

they have conducted training

on flower arrangement and

haircutting.

In an earlier interview

with the Philippine Information

Agency, Caro said that

OWWA and the Department of

Labor and Employment

(DOLE) have issued a directive

to their respective local offices

to provide the livelihood

interventions for the displaced

OFWs.

She said that they are

expected at least 15 OFWs to

avail of the skills transfer in

September.

According to Caro, no

one yet from the recently

displaced domestic helpers

from Saudi has come to their

office for assistance. (PIA-

11/Carina L. Cayon)

Sec. Paje asks mining investors to adhere to responsible mining

by Jeanevive D. Abangan

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Environment Secretary Ramon Paje called on mining investors to adhere to responsible mining, taking into consideration some social and environmental concerns. 10

10


His speech address-

ing the participants of the

recently concluded mining

summit also stressed the

importance of partnering with

locales not only in search of

economic benefits but also in

building sustainable

communities.

Read by Department

of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) XI

Regional Director Jim O.

Sampulna, Paje’s speech also

projected a vision of how the

country’s mining industry

would develop following the

parameters set forth in

Philippine Mining Act of

1995.

He reiterated national

government’s stand for

mining as an option “to

catalyze economic

development” but he

emphasized that it can only

promote a “minerals industry

that is responsible.”

As mining is not

separate from all other

concerns of the society, Paje

reminded mining stakeholders

that its economic parameter

“entails fair and equitable

sharing of benefits among the

mining company, the

government and the

communities.”

Mining is also

bounded by a social

parameter to recognize the

rights and participation of

communities and indigenous

peoples in mining operations

and in decision-making

processes, and by

environmental parameter to

adequately

protect the environment

before, during and after the

mining operation.

“This is what we wish

to continue to see: a well-

managed mining industry

where the private sector can

put a premium on

environmental protection and

corporate social

responsibility, and care for

the welfare of indigenous

communities that host mining

projects,” Paje said.

He challenged mining

companies to invest on

“building lasting relationship”

with stakeholders, some of

whom, he said, are still

skeptical about the concept of

responsible mining,

consequently dismissing

“mining as evil.”

“Rather than

continue bickering on our

philosophical differences, I

believe it is more prudent to

involve them in

the consultation process,”

Paje said.

In dealing with communities,

Paje discouraged mining

investors to just satisfy

locales with giving dole-outs,

instead they should apply

social development and

environmental management

to effect real community

development.

He also told investors

to come not just as

“businessmen out to make

money” but to immerse

themselves and become part

of the community because

doing such would make them

sensitive to people’s needs,

their aspirations as well as

their apprehensions.

“Ultimately, we are

able to fashion our programs

and operations with the best

interests of the community at

heart,” he said.

On the other hand,

Paje also divulged some

positive gains of

implementing the Philippine

Mining Act of 1995.

Among these were the

direct and indirect

employment of 996,000

people in the

minerals industry and the

P1.89 billion commitments

for social and community

development projects in the

733 host and neighboring

communities of mining

projects.

Paje said that the

Philippine Mining Act caused

the planting of 9.24 million

seedlings in over 11,000

hectares under the Mining

Forest Program, and that it

generated P25 billion in

commitments from mining

contractors and permit

holders, for collective

environmental management

protection and mine closure

and rehabilitation. (PIA-11/

Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

11


BFAR opens scholarship applications

for fisherfolks’ kids

by Carina L. Cayon

DAVAO CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources in the region has announced that it is now accepting applications

for its college scholarship program for the fisherfolks’ children, with a

deadline on August 31.

BFAR regional

director Fatma M. Idris invites

the sons and daughters of

bonafide small-scale

fisherfolks to avail of a full

scholarship grant for college

studies leading to the degree of

Bachelor of Science in

Fisheries.

Idris said that the

scholarship program covers

free matriculation and other

school fees; a monthly stipend

of P2,500.00; semestral book

allowance of 2,000.00;

research/thesis/special problem

support worth P3,000.00; and a

graduation support of P500.00

The qualified benefi-

ciaries must meet the following

criteria: must be high school

graduates or 4th year graduating

students who are not more than

20 years old; must also have an

annual gross family income of

not more than P25,000; and

must be residents of the

municipality for at least four

years.

For high school

graduates, applicants must not

be presently enrolled in any

course and with general

weighted average of not lower

than 80 per cent.

The parent/s must be a

member of a fishing

association/cooperative duly

attested by the chairman and

secretary of the association.

Idris said the

applicants will undertake the

examination on September 17,

2011, from 9:00 am to 12:00

noon at BFAR regional office

at Ramon Magsaysay Avenue,

Davao City.

According to BFAR

director Atty. Asis G. Perez,

the agency has increased this

year the number of slots for the

scholarship program from three

to ten per region and 20 slots

for the Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao.

Idris said that the

selected grantees would form

the 6th batch of scholars in the

region.

Application forms and

other information on the

scholarship program are

available at the BFAR

website www.bfar.gov.ph or

could be requested from BFAR

secretariat at its regional office.

Clarifications and

further inquiries could be

directed to Jaime S. Fernandez,

FSP regional coordinator, or to

Lani Te, FSP alternate

coordinator through telephone

no. 300-0995.

The following

documents must be submitted

on or before August 31, 2011:

authenticated copy of diploma;

authenticated copy of transcript

of records (form 137);

authenticated copy of report

card (form 138); authenticated

copy of birth certificate; and

latest BIR-income tax return of

parents.

The other pertinent

documents are: certification of

residency by the barangay

chairman/municipal mayor;

certification of good moral

character from the school

head/principal; membership

certificate(fisherfolk

association); and one (1) recent

2” x 2” ID picture attached to

the filled-up BFAR-FSP

application form.

Idris reminded the applicants

that the above-mentioned

papers must be attached to the

application form, otherwise

they will not be considered.

(PIA-11, Carina L. Cayon/

BFAR)

12


Acosta shares proffered solutions to Caraga’s peace, environmental problems

by Jennifer P. Gaitano BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Representatives from government line agencies, teachers from different schools, & some members of the local tri-media convened recently to listen and interact in the discussion with Dr. Nereus "Neric" Acosta, who is the guest speaker of the 2nd series of lecture on Political Will & Grassroots Movements: Proferred Solutions to the Caraga Region's Peace & Environmental Problems, spearheaded by the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Policy Center headed by Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty, Executive Director, held Tuesday, Aug. 16 at the AVR-1 FSUU Main Campus, this City.

"Only when we fully understand the importance of nature, we will also be able to give value, love & dare to care in order to protect our home - the living earth," this was the opening statement stressed by Dr.

Acosta as he started his lecture. Acosta also said that giving equal importance to "Ecology" & "Economy" for people to survive is the best thing that we can do to cope with this changing world.

“In this sense, the government should not only focus to what the economy can do to us but also must look into the importance of the ecology where we get our resources from nature so we can live and enjoy life peacefully, without being

ABNER M. CAGA PIA-XIII Regional Director

Representatives from government agencies, teachers and local tri-media are shown here listening attentively to the discussion of Dr. Nereus "Neric" Acosta (right photo) who is the guest speaker of the 2nd series of lecture on Political Will and Grassroots Mo vements: Preferred Solutions to the Caraga Region's Peace & Environmental Problems. Dr. Acosta is an academician, and pol itical scientist in the Philippines. This activity is also spearheaded by the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Policy Center headed by Atty. Josefe Sorrera-Ty, Executive Director, held Tuesday, Aug. 16 at the AVR-1 FSUU Main Campus, Butuan City.

13

13


destructive to the environment,” Acosta emphasized. When asked what the government must do to eradicate illegal logging especially in Caraga, Dr. Acosta said that the government with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who is tasked to formulate and implement policies, guidelines, rules and regulations relating to environmental management and pollution prevention and control must really enforce the Executive Order No. 23 otherwise known as the total log ban which was signed by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. Aside from that, the government should also goal for an economically enabling society, wherein people are given incentives thru the ‘Tree Certificates’ if they preserve the environment

and plant trees in their community so they will no longer indulge into such acts of illegal logging. And with this, the more certificates that they will have, the more incentives they will receive from the government with aide from non-government organizations abroad. Most importantly, the government with the Department of Education (DepEd) should intensify its information campaign to students on the environmental issues and concerns so students will know its value and would initiate activities that could help the environment, and if possible put up a nursery area in every preschool. It can also be recalled that Dr. Acosta authored the Clean Air Act of 1999 recently called for the lessening of human impact on the environment, as the

stress on nature has probably contributed to natural disasters such as simultaneous flooding in various parts of the world including the Philippines, and the 2004 Clean Water Act and the 2001 Solid Waste Management Act. Also, Dr. Acosta pointed out that no matter how progressive a country is but the environment is polluted and is not conducive for the people’s health especially children, it will not serve the purpose. And at the end, you will realize that you cannot eat money. With this, Dr. Acosta calls on all Caraganons to plant trees, and always apply the proper solid waste management, and other ways that could be beneficial to both people and the environment. (PIA-Caraga)

OFW from Caraga dies in Kuwait, OWWA -Caraga chief confirms

by Robert E. Roperos BUTUAN CITY, August 17 (PIA) – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Director Dr. Marietta A. Lumawag today confirmed an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Caraga Region who is working in Kuwait died recently.

In an interview with PIA, Dr. Lumawag said Juvy Montesoso from Bayugan City, Agusan del

Sur was reportedly died after jumping on the sixth floor of the building where

she is working as a receptionist. Lumawag said a thorough investigation is

14

14


currently conducted by local authorities in Kuwait and result of the investigation will be revealed soon. She also said after result of the investigation will come out, the Philippine government through the Philippine Embassy will immediately report the details to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and OWWA. “Right now, police officers in Kuwait are still investigating the case and as soon as investigation is finished, the Philippine Embassy will immediately submit the report to

OWWA and DFA regarding the incident,” Lumawag said. When asked what assistance the OWWA can give to the victim’s family, the regional OWWA chief said the agency will extend assistance for the transfer of the victim’s remains from Kuwait until it will be brought to their residence in Bayugan City. “As soon as matapos ‘yung kaso, talagang i-aasist natin siya… nakaantabay ang OWWA upang maibalik agad ang katawan ni Juvy (As soon as investigation of the case will be fnished,

we will really assist her… OWWA is already doing everything so that Juvy’s remains will be brought immediately),” Lumawag said. Lumawag said, Montesoso’s aunt, Mrs. Virginia B. Serrano informed OWWA-Caraga on August 9 to 11regarding the incident. Accordingly, her niece died on August 5, 2011 after committing suicide by jumping on the sixth floor of the building where she is working. (PIA-Caraga)

CSC spearheads celebration of 111 th Phil.

Civil Service Anniversary by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission will be spearheading 111th Philippine Civil Service anniversary (PCSA) celebration on September 2011. The birth of the civil service signifies the start of the Philippine government’s journey after the declaration of independence.

This year’s theme: “Championing R.A.C.E: Public Service Excellence at Full Speed,” it urges civil servants nationwide to respond to the call for change and be servant-heroes (lingcod bayani) by joining CSC in building a responsive, accessible, courteous and effective public service or R.A.C.E.

According to CSC-Caraga Regional Director Adams Torres, this year’s celebration is anchored on President Benigno S. Aquino III’s call for reform, ‘daang matuwid’, and on his pledge to implement change in government. “The anniversary celebration aims to showcase and celebrate

reforms and milestones of government agencies as they fulfill their respective mandates,” Torres said. In giving highlight to the PCSA celebration, the CSC has lined-up activities like the Honor Awards Program (HAP) Rites for the 2011 President Lingkod Bayan, Dangal ng Bayan, and

15

15


CSC Pagasa Awardees and Fun Run, and PCSA contests like - Give It Your Best Shot! Photography Contest, Government Chorale Competition, Essay Writing Contest and

Digital Book Cover Contest.

With this, state employees in all govern-ment agencies and instru-mentalities are enjoined to actively participate in the

activities and contests stated below to be under-taken at the national, regional and agency levels. (PIA-Caraga)

Lake Mainit Program Director resigns

by FEAbkilan

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Aug. 17 (PIA) –Lake Mainit Development Alliance (LMDA) Program Director Engr. Kaiser Recabo on Tuesday has resigned and cited personal as his reason for leaving his post effective August 30, 2011.

LMDA, is a special body organized through a Memoran-dum of Agreement between Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, eight municipalities and selected national line agencies on March 1999, foremost in its vision and mission is to protect the ecology of the lake system and the environment that sustain the 4th largest lake in the country – Lake Mainit, situated in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. In a letter sent to LMDA chairperson Gov.

Sol Matugas, copy furnished the members of the Board of Trustees, Technical Working Group mem-bers and partner non-government organizations, he thanked the people behind LMDA who made him changed and developed to love for the environment. “It gives me the opportunity to meet a lot of people who are in one way or the other working for the sustainable development of Lake Mainit,” he said. “However, due to some circumstances

and for personal reason that I had to manage and focus now on our family business… I would like to inform you that I am resigning as Program Director of the Lake Mainit Develop-ment Alliance effective August 30, 2011,” Recabo said. Having been served for 10 years, Recabo revealed that he also enjoyed working for the alliance and that he is willing to offer his assistance on part time basis. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

16


Pag-Ibig Fund to bring program closer to the LGUs by Claro A. Lanipa PAGADIAN CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – A top official of the Home Development Mutual Fund, also known as Pag-Ibig Fund, is now making rounds in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region to bring to the local government units (LGUs) the priority program of the agency known as the “Pabahay Caravan.”

In an exclusive interview, Home Deve-lopment Mutual Fund chief executive officer and President Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe said she is here to visit their branch office and to pay a courtesy call with Provin-cial Governor Antonio Cerilles and City Mayor Samuel Co.

Berberabe said one of the mandate of the Housing Urban and Development Coordi-nating Council (HUDCC) chaired by Vice President Jejomar Binay, is to bring closer to each LGU the housing program of each shelter agency.

She said there are six (6) existing shelter agencies under the umbrella organization of the HUDCC.

This LGU program consists of two (2) types of financing, one of which is the developmental loan. Pag-Ibig Fund will extend developmental loan to the LGU who owns a land for them to develop it. And the other one, Pag-Ibig office will assist the LGU in providing end-user finan-cing, intended to help the LGU make turn-around and get back their investments so that they

can move on to the next project, Berberabe said.

She further said, this program has a very affordable rates ranging from 6 to 7 percent and it also pays to promote socialized low-cost housing because this program caps the amount of housing package up to P750,000.00.

A loan of P400,000.00 at 6% rate requires payment of amortization of P2,000 per month, while a loan of P750,000 at 7% interest rate requires a P5,000 monthly amortization, Berberabe explained.

NOEMI B. EDAGA PIA-XII Regional Director

PIA-9 regional director Noemi B. Edaga takes time to chat with Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer/president Atty. Darlene Marie B. Berberabe after the presscon on PIA's thrusts and programs to effectively disseminate timely and relevant informations to the general public. (PIA-9)

17

17


Our intention is really to reach the socialized and low-cost

housing to the LGUs and eventually for them to promote the said

program, Atty. Berberabe concluded. (JPA/CAL/ PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)

Zambo. Norte assures year-round mango supply

by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Any prospective investor in food processing is always after the availability of raw materials in a particular place where he is planning to put up his business. This is what POMS Ventures Corp. has discovered in Zamboanga del Norte, the number one mango producer in the region and number two in the country. Mr. James Santos, manager of POMS Mango Processing Plant in Irasan, Roxas, Zam-boanga del Norte, disclosed during yester-day’s session of the three-day investment promo-tion seminar spearheaded by the Dipolog-Dapitan-Polanco-Katipunan-Ro-xas-Manukan (DDPKa RoMa) Project Manage-ment Office that the province has “abundant and whole year-round supply of mangoes.”

POMS Ventures Corp. is engaged in manufacturing, process-ing, marketing and distribution of agricul-tural products such as coconut, mangoes, du-rian and other fruits. Santos said the province has adequately supplied the 714.43 metric tons of mangoes that the company needs each year. “So, the supply of raw materials is not a problem here,” he said, adding that “the problems lie in solid waste disposal, water treatment facility and the shipment of products.” Roxas town has yet to formulate and implement its solid waste management system.

The Dapitan port, on the other hand, has no boats direct to Manila. The company has to ship its products to Manila via Ozamis City. The POMS mango processing plant, which is situated at the Provincial Agri-Indus-trial Center at Irasan, Roxas, Zam-boanga del Norte, is now producing dried man-goes, dried green man-goes, green mangoes puree, mangoes puree, and other processed fruit products. It can be recalled that coconut and mango are the major cash crops in the province. Like coconuts, mangoes grow all over the province. (FPG/ PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

18


Youths get a tour of Navy’s emergency, rescue capabilities ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 11 (PIA) – Students and faculty members enjoyed a shipboard tour showcasing the combat, emergency, and rescue operations of the Joint Task Force Malampa ya in Palawan.

This educational tour is part of the Civil -Military Operations (CMO) activities programmed by Task Force Commander Capt Alexander Lopez PN (GSC) aimed at fostering understanding and cooperation among the youth in the municipality.

Faculty members and students of El Nido High School (ENHS) Palawan headed by its principal Arson G Paredes were accommodated aboard the JTFM floating assets by Commander Maritime Task Group Malampaya LCDR Sherwyn Respeto PN and Captain of BRP Filipino Flojo (PG 386), Boat Assault 484 (BA 484) skippered by LTJG Jeffrey Esteban PN together with Philippine Coast Guard Search and Rescue Vessel BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV 3504) commanded by LCDR Genito Basilio PCG during an Open House at the El Nido pier last August 13.

Showcased during

the shipboard tour were the static display of combat equipments of the Naval Special Operations Unit 10 (NAVSOU 10) and orientation briefing on the general characteris-tics and capabilities of each floating unit.

After the shipboard orientation tour, the ships set sail for the highlight of the

activity. A joint air and sea capability and inter-operability demonstration among Maritime Task Group Malampaya (MTGM), Air Task Group Malampaya (ATGM) & Special Operation Task Group Malampaya (SOTGM).

Scenarios on anti terrorism and search and rescue (SAR) were incorporated during the exercise for the visitors

who were eagerly observing the event on board the viewing vessels, especially the stealth and quick response capability of the attack boat and the special operations team led by LTJG LEMUEL L ROSETE PN in handling anti terrorist concerns.

The SAR and fire at sea scenario also showcased the capability of S76 202 with CAPT

Faculty members and students of ENHS, El Nido, Palawan posing with Malampaya Task Force Personnel after capability demo. (6CRGAFP/PIA9-BST)

6

19


ISAAC L GOMEZ PAF as the pilot in command in spotting and relaying information of survivors in the water to the SAR vessel.

The viewers watched the ability of the Joint Task Force Malampaya in conducting Maritime Interdiction Operation against lawless elements at sea and search/rescue operations during

disasters or ship in distress.

Likewise, the said activity showcased what the naval, air force and coast guard teams are capable of. The mock scenario’s presented by the respective task groups which provided better understanding and profound appreciation to students and faculty members of ENHS on how to perform the function in order to save

the lives and protect our maritime domain.

More so, the demonstration exercises displayed the capability of said task groups to quickly respond in different situations involving threats to MALAMPAYA thru detection, interception, handling of apprehended persons, raid, patrolling, extraction, fire and maneuvers. (6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

Zamboanga Coconut Research Center produces hybrid varieties

by Franklin P. Gumapon DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Around 20 hybrid coconut varieties have been developed by the Zamboanga Coconut Research Center, according to Philippine Coconut Administration (PCA) Administrator Euclides G. Forbes. Administrator Forbes was here recently to grace the regional coconut week celebration in consonance with the observance of the 55th National Coconut Week, Aug. 14-20. Forbes said the Zamboanga Coconut Research Center at San Ramon, Zamboanga City “is the best research center in the world.”

This research center has also discovered some coconut varieties which could weather the dry spell. These coconut varieties will be bred to produce a drought-resistant coconut variety. Forbes, on the other hand, advised the farmers to always apply fertilizers to their coconut plants to increase their yield. And the cheapest

fertilizer for coconuts is the salt, Forbes stressed. The PCA adminis-trator also disclosed that his agency is willing to assist groups/individuals engaged in salt making to ensure abundant supply of salt in the country. “In the absence of rock salt, coconut farmers can fetch sea water and water it to their coconut plants,” Forbers said. (FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)

20


40 CSOs commit to rally behind poverty

reduction in ARMM

by Rene V. Carbayas ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Aug 17 (PIA) – Forty (40) civil society groups have committed to rally behind government efforts at reducing poverty incidence in the country, following their participation in a planning workshop on partnership-building conducted recently in Cotabato by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a press release, the Bureau of Public Information of the ARMM said that during the seminar-workshop held in this city last July 30, government technical people and their counter-parts in CSOs formulated mechanisms for partici-patory governance involving all stakeholders in the implementation of pover-ty-alleviating interventions.

Hadja Pombaen Karon-Kader, acting secretary of the DSWD office for the Autono-mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) said the forty CSOs through their participating leaders assured to help in the evaluation and moni-

toring of poverty alleviation programs especially the conditional cash transfer, known as the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

DSWD statistics reveal that ARMM has a total of 261,951 eligible 4Ps beneficiaries as of June 2011.

National and local DSWD officials have admitted the need for continuous verification process of list of beneficiaries amid persis-tent grapevine talks that well-off families related mostly to local political camps have been registered in the 4Ps.

In his recent State-of-the-Region Address (SONA), President

Aquino said his administration has already registered 2.3 million 4Ps beneficiaries and the figure will be made three million by the end of this year.

The Chief Executive insisted that the conditional cash transfer program has helped alleviate the pangs of poverty in the country-side by providing each family with three infant children P1, 400.00 monthly subsidies. Nine hundred of the amount goes to the school needs of the three children and the remaining P500.00 is allotted for their regular medical checkups. (BPIARMM/RVC-PIA9 BaSulTa)

21


Task force dengue meets to improve referral system in NorMin

by Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The dengue core group commissioned by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) is set to come up with a dengue regional operational manual, primarily aimed at reducing the incidence of dengue of in Northern Mindanao. Dr. Ramon Moreno, Chief Medical Professional Staff of the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and Chairperson of the Dengue Technical Working Group (TWG) said the dengue commission report will provide a coordinated approach on how to best respond to the prevailing problem in the region. The said report will also highlight the concerted efforts on prevention, correct diagnosis and well-coordinated management with impact on cost-effectiveness at the level of the basic health unit and referral hospital. Initially, the TWG has already created a flow chart of action from the

basic health unit, to the next level health unit up to the referral center. Moreno pointed out the importance of establishing dengue hot lines from the three (3) major government hospitals in the region and eventually come up with a contact data base of all referring health care providers. “No transport shall be allowed without prior call from the referring health care provider to the referral hospital. This is to assess the condition of the patient and be able to provide needed medical attention during transport or to asses if the transport is really necessary,” Moreno explained.

He likewise enjoined the cooperation of key line agencies and local government units to help in curbing dengue incidence in the region by actively doing its share in the prevention aspect. Meanwhile, Dr. Patricia V. Gaid, Department Chairperson of the NMMC Pediatric Medicine, emphasized that resident doctors from referring provincial hospitals should observe proper referral system, indicating all needed medical information, before sending their patients for transport. Having discussed such, the group has agreed to come up with refresher training before the year

RUTCHIE C. AGUHOB PIA-X Officer-in-charge

22

22


ends in order to correct such practices from the basic health unit. Aside from training, the team is also looking for means to provide other basic equipment needs such as blood pressure apparatus designed for children’s use and

provision of oral hydration fluids. “We should not let our guards down as regular admission on dengue rises every two or three (2-3) years. In 2009 we were the worst hit, we should pursue this more aggressively to better prepare our health care

providers and ultimately help turn down the dengue cases in the region,” Gaid noted. From January to July this year, there were 1,022 dengue cases reported by the hospital sentinel sites in region 10, lower by 73.78% compared to the same period, last year. (PIA-10)

New payment schedule facilitates transactions, says SSS-CDO branch head

by Apipa Bagumbaran CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, August 17 (PIA) – The revised payment deadlines of the Social Security System (SSS) has helped in facilitating transactions and decongest the long queue of members paying their contributions and loans.

This assessment came from Atty. Edwin Halo, Head of SSS-Cagayan de Oro, who said that they observed a shorter queue of paying members when they started implementing the revised schedule, last July, for the applicable month in June. “As stated in SSS Circular No. 2011-003, the revised payment schedule, provides the new deadlines for the payment of contributions and member loans of employers, self-employed and voluntary members based on the 10th digit of

their Employer (ER) Number,” he said.

Thus, for regular employers, the payment deadline on the month following the applicable month is:

On the 10th day if the ER number ends in 1 or 2, on the 15th day if ending in 3 or 4, on the 20th day if ending in 5 or 6, on the 25th day, if ending in 7 or 8, and on the last day if ending in 9 or 0. For instance, if the ER number is 01-1234567-8-910, where eight (8) is the 10th digit, the payment deadline for both contributions and member

loans for the applicable month of July shall be on August 25.

Likewise, for household employers, self-employed and voluntary members, the following payment deadline on the month following the applicable month or quarter, as the case may be, applies:

On the 10th day if the last digit of the SS number ends in 1 or 2, on the 15th day if ending in 3 or 4, on the 20th day if ending in 5 or 6, on the 25th day if ending in 7 or 8, and on the last day if

23

23


the SS number ends with 9 or 0. Originally, the general deadline for payment of contributions and member loans was on the 10th day of the month following the applicable month for all members.

The frequency of payment, however, shall remain on a monthly basis

for regular and household employers, and a monthly or quarterly basis for self-employed and voluntary members.

Halo also clarified that in case the deadline falls on Saturday, Sunday or holiday, payments may be made on the next business or working day, otherwise, penalties shall

be imposed on late contribution and member loan payments.

Meanwhile, the payment schedule for Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) - members shall remain as stated in SSS Circular 32-P dated 15 November 2006, Halo added. (PIA-10)

Army’s 51IB “Fuerte Uno” troopers

intercept illegally cut logs in Lanao Sur

by 1Lt. Emil Charlie B. Jaudian MALABANG, Lanao del Sur, Aug. 17 (PIA) – The massive campaign for environmental protection and global warming through a series of information drives undertaken by the 51 st Infantry Battalion (51IB), Philippine Army, has paid off.

This was the assessment of Lt. Col. Ceasar Marlon Yadao, Commander of 51IB, after his troops apprehended another truck load of illegally-cut logs based on reports from people in the community.

Yadao said about 9:00 p.m, last Aug. 14, about a month after they conducted the IPSP Plan “Bayanihan” in their area of responsibility (AOR), a concerned citizen reported that a “Town Ace” vehicle loaded with illegal lumbers will be travelling

from the towns of Pualas to Malabang, Lanao del Sur (LDS).

Immediately, he instructed his troops who are conducting 24/7 check point operations along the Narciso-Ramos Highway in Barangay Matling, Malabang, LDS, to apprehend the said vehicle.

By 11:40p.m. of the same day, a squad of 51IB soldiers intercepted the said vehicle with plate number YFK 385 driven by certain Ettiy Balindong of

Barangay Banday, also of Malabang, LDS.

Said vehicle was loaded with 700 bd. ft. of red “Lawaan” wood, and found out to have no authorized travel documents and permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

After coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DENR, the 51IB Commander turned-over the driver and crew to the Malabang Police Station for filing of appropriate

24

24


charges against the offenders.

The seized lumbers, meanwhile, were temporarily impounded at 51IB Headquarters for proper disposition and safe keeping.

“This only shows that the populace of Lanao

del Sur, especially, in our AOR are willing to help the military and the government in the campaign against anti-illegal logging activities,” YADAO said.

Last July 25, at about 9:02 p.m. and 11:45 p.m., almost 12,000 bd. ft.

of illegally-cut lumber were also confiscated in collaboration with officials of the Malabang Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). (CMO/PIA-10)

Continuous heavy rains result in Kapatagan, Lanao Norte landslide by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob KAPATAGAN, Lanao del Norte, Aug. 17 (PIA) – Continuous heavy rains that occurred, yesterday, Aug. 16, resulted to a landslide in Purok 6, Sitio Bayabas, Barangay Margos, here, at about 6:00 p.m., last night.

Initial reports

reaching the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said an estimated seven to eight (7-8) truck loads of landslide debris with huge rocks and fallen trees blocked the highway.

“No casualty was reported. But the situation caused the passenger buses and other vehicles passing the route to Zamboanga from Iligan City to be stranded in the area for more than an hour,” Ana Cañeda, Asst. Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, said.

She said the Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur- Kapatagan Road was temporarily closed forcing the motorists to use the Kapatagan-Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND)-Pagadian City Road as alternative route.

The Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI) deployed buses from Pagadian City to pick up the stranded passengers.

Meanwhile, soldiers belonging to the 35th Infantry Battalion (35IB)’s Charlie Company and personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and the

Provincial Engineer’s Office immediately went to the area to conduct DRR operations.

Also present were members of the Provincial DRRMC headed by Chairperson Joselito Quibranza and Barangay Rosemeraldo dela Cruz, who rushed to the area for the disaster analysis and assessment, Cañeda said.

She said the road has been partly cleared of the landslide debri and that one lane has been opened and rendered passable, as of press time. (PIA-10)

25


Cebuano news: Ochoa: 13 ka mga nag -unang balaodnon gipresentar ni Presidente Aquino ngadto sa LEDAC (Ochoa: 13 more priority bills presented by President Aquino to LEDAC)

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, August 17 (PIA) – Gipresentar ni President Benigno S. Aquino III ang trese (13) ka mga nag -unang balaodnon ngadto sa mga miyembro sa Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) aron malakip sa agenda sa administrasyon karon nga tuig.

Si Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. miingon nga ang mga Cabinet Clusters maoy naghan-ay ug nag proseso sa nasangpit nga mga balaodnon.

Unom (6) niini nga mga nag-unang balaodnon (priority bills) gi-anunsyo na sa Presidente atol sa iyang State of the Nation Address (SONA) niadtong July 25. Ang nag-una sa baynte dos (22) ka bag-ong mga ‘priority bills,’ nga gisumiter atol sa LEDAC meeting niadtong Pebrero nagsubay gayod sa mga nakatakda nga mga polisiya nga naa sa Philippine Development Plan (PDP), sa paninguha sa administrasyong Aquino diha sa iyang16-point agenda kon Social Contract sa katawhang Pilipino. “Atong lantawon ang progreso nga anaa sa kumon nga ‘legislative agenda’ sukad kita nagsabot kabahin sa mga kinahanglan unahon paglihok, aron usab nga mapasar kini nga mga ‘priority bills’ sa labing madaling panahon. Gipresentar usab ngadto sa mga ‘leaders’ sa kongreso ang Php1.816 trillion nga

‘proposed spending package’ alang sa tuig 2012. “Atong paningkamutan pag-usab ang mas sayo nga pagpasar sa mao nga budget aron makatukod usab kita ug maayong kalamboan nga nasugdan na,” matud ni Ochoa. Gipasalamatan ni Ochoa ang kongreso sa ilang ‘statesmanship’ ug kooperasyon tungod kay nagkinahanglan gayod kini ug hini-usa nga paningkamot. Lakip sa 13 ka mga ‘proposed measures’ ang ‘protection for house help’, ‘expansion of science and technology scholarship programs’, ‘amendments to the Rural Electrification Law, sin tax, amendments to the Human Security Act, Data Privacy Act’, ug ang ‘responsible parenthood (RP) bill.’ Ang proposal sa Presidente naglakip usab sa “expanded consumer protection, reorganization of the Philippine statistical system, amendments to the PTV-4 law, provision for the delineation of the specific forest limits of public domain, stiffer penalties for stealing and tampering with government

risk reduction and preparedness equipment, and amendments to the Lina Law or the Urban Development Housing Act of 1992.” Matud ni Ochoa nga sa 22 ka mga ‘priority measures’ nga nasumiter, tulo (3) niini nahimo na nga balaod. Kini mao ang GOCC Governance Act of 2011 (Republic Act No. 10149), Rationalizing the Night Work Prohibition on Women Workers (Republic Act No. 10151) and Resetting and Synchronizing the ARMM Elections with the National and Local Elections in 2013 (Republic Act No. 10153). Ang nahibilin nga disenuybe (19), kamulo pa nga giproseso ug gi-‘review’ sa lehislatura. Miingon usab si Ochoa nga ‘enacted’ na sa Kongreso ang Republic Act No. 10150 nga naga palapad sa implementasyon sa ‘Lifeline Rate to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.’ Ug usa kini sa atong gi-rekomenda alang sa “amendments sa EPIRA Law sa ‘Executive’ nga departa-mento. (NCR/PIA 10)

Documents

One Mindanao - August 17, 2011