One Mindanao - August 18, 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

ZCHS-main receives school equipment

FDA issues warning on unregistered mosquito coils

Caraga RDC to formulate unified regional research agenda

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Fallen SAF 44 member’s bro, now a TESDA Specialista

DepEd boosts capacity for its last mile efforts

Passing BBL now will benefit next administration, says Ferrer

Flood evacuation drill set for Gingoog city

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By: Felipo David G. Malcampo

By: Susil D. Ragas

By: Marigold Cherie R. Garrido

Cover Story

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By: Sherwin E. Verdun

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OUR COVER

C o n t e n t s

Police launches safe-deposit box program

33 27 DOLE chief lauds regional

winners of Productivity Olympics AwardsBy: DEDoguiles

CaragaSOCCSKSARGEN

National INFOCus

Western Northern

Southern SOCCSKSARGEN

National INFOCus

Industry-led 2015 Regional Skills Competition kicks off

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

20 PHO-ZN assures safety of SIP on children

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Caraga

By: Catalina O. Tacubao

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

4 August 18, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

5August 18, 2015 One Mindanao

Fallen SAF 44 member’s bro, now a TESDA Specialista

The brother of one of the Fallen Special Action Force (SAF) member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now finally a certified TESDA Specialista.

By: Catalina O. Tacubao


Joel Inocencio, a resident of Bonbon, this city successfully got his National Certificate (NC-II) in Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)-Wheel Loader after passing the mandatory assessment. He is the fourth in the family while the late SPO1 Lover Inocencio came next to him. The older Inocencio underwent training on HEO-Wheel Loader NC II under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) at the Butuan City Manpower Training Center (BCMC).

It can be recalled that on February this year, Joel visited Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Caraga regional office after he was informed by a TESDA employee in Central Office that Sec. Joel Villanueva is directing all regional and provincial offices in the country to give assistance to family members and relatives of the fallen SAF 44. During his visit, TESDA-Caraga regional director Florencio F. Sunico, Jr. immediately award the Scholarship Commitment to him and immediately arranged for the schedule of his training.

After making such arrangement with the Butuan Manpower Training Center (BMTC), an LGU-funded training center of this city, the older Inocencio immediately started the training and passed the mandatory assessment on June 21, 2015.

At present, he is employed as a Foreman at the Ruin Construction in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

In an earlier interview, Inocencio said the skills he will acquire from the training will somehow be a big help not only to him but more importantly to the family of his fallen younger brother Lover as he vowed to support them financially.

He likewise acknowledged the support of TESDA for him to have been certified as an NC-II holder in the said qualification.



Japanese government assists RP infra development

MANILA -- The Government of Japan will consider assistance to the Philippines on water resources management particularly the construction of dams, sabo technology, retarding basin and other flood control structures including sharing of expertise and technologies.


Visiting Japanese Minister Akihiro Ohta of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is open to the proposal of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson in providing cooperation program on flood mitigation and management. Earlier, Secretary Singson has expressed its gratitude to Japanese government for the full support to the country’s infrastructure development particularly through a number of Official Development Assistance (ODA) provided to improve and modernize the Philippines’ infrastructure. Secretary Singson also proposed for possible inclusion of training and capacity building program assistance on water resources and flood management for selected young civil engineers joining DPWH in its recruitment program which the Japanese

Minister believes is a good idea and in need of further discussion. Singson said that the DPWH has developed a flood control master plan for Metro Manila to include the structural measures for the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and adjacent areas. The design of a proposed dam project to be constructed in the upstream portion of Upper Marikina River in Rodriguez, Rizal is now being finalized by the DPWH. Minister Ohta expressed his admiration for Secretary Singson and the Aquino administration for coming up with a long term vision for flood mitigation and roadmap for transport infrastructure development that will address worsening traffic in Metro Manila and surrounding areas. The Government of Japan thru Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided invaluable assistance


in the development of transport roadmap with the goal of modernizing transport facilities. In his visit in Manila, the Japanese Minister with his party had a brief tour of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project which is now on its third phase of implementation. The project is financed through a loan granted to the Philippines by JICA. Implemented by the DPWH, over a million people will directly benefit from the mitigating structural measures for the Pasig-Marikina River Basin and adjacent areas. Later, Singson and Ohta witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) headed by its President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Paciano D.

Casanova and Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) headed by its President and Chief Executive Officer Takuma Hatano for the Clark Green City Project in Clarkfield, Pampanga particularly in the establishment of project implementation framework to enable the project commercially and economically viable for private business and investors and attract project financing.


DepEd boosts capacity for its last mile efforts

ANGELES CITY-- The Department of Education (DepEd) is conducting a series of workshops for its regional and division coordinators for the Adopt-A-School Program (ASP) to strengthen the capacity of its field offices for building partnerships and linkages with educational stakeholders from different sectors for the Department’s Senior High School and other last mile efforts.


The workshop aims to orient newly-designated ASP coordinators on their roles and responsibilities, strengthen coordination, and reinforce guidelines concerning the said program. Standardization among ASP-related processes from project preparation to implementation and monitoring was also emphasized.

DepEd Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages Mario Deriquito said that partnerships with the Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), companies, business establishments, cooperatives and schools and other training

institutions are vital in achieving expected outcomes in DepEd’s various programs.

“Co-ownership is what we need to establish,” he said. He underscored the importance of engaging stakeholders in institutionalizing educational reforms and in ensuring the continued delivery of quality basic education to Filipino learners. “Through partnerships, we are able to build a constituency, a community of supporters,”


he added.

Deriquito cited some of the notable DepEd programs that nee TVd partnerships and linkages such the K to 12 Senior High School and programs for hard-to-reach learners like Pedals and Paddles Project, the Kariton Klasrum, and the recently launched LightEd PH. The Pedals and Paddles Project targets to provide 35, 734 bikes and 1,216 boats to learners in far-flung areas to ease access to schools. Kariton Klasrum aims to provide street children, out-of-school children (OOSC) and school drop-outs aged 5 to 14 with access to basic education. LightEd PH is a campaign that hopes to engage partners in expanding access to electricity and technology to 1,101,501 learners enrolled in over 5,000 schools that are still unenergized through conventional and alternative

sources of energy.

Emphasizing that education is everyone’s responsibility, Deriquito added, “There is no need to do everything ourselves. Partnerships allow us to focus on what we do best.”

As the Department heads in the full implementation of the K to 12 Senior High School (SHS), Deriquito believes that through the collective efforts of different sectors, we can deliver quality basic education to our learners.

“Local government units, national government agencies, companies and business establishments, civil society organizations, and other institutions can help provide work immersion opportunities, hands-on expertise, and additional resources for DepEd to be able to offer a more effective Senior High School program,” Deriquito said. (DepEd)


Passing BBL now will benefit next administration, says Ferrer

Ferrer said delaying the passage of the BBL and letting the next Congress under a new President consider it would be a big waste of all the time, resources and goodwill invested

in securing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and in coming up with the committee reports in both Houses.

MANILA -- Amid calls to let the next Congress pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) from some members of the House of Representatives and other sectors, chief government peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer remained firm that passing the law now would give the country the best shot at achieving peace in Mindanao.


“Congress can either pass this law or they can choose to throw away all the time, money, and goodwill already spent by just passing it on to the next Congress,” she said.

Ferrer, who was in the Senate anticipating the start of the deliberations on the Senate version of the Bangsamoro bill, noted that “if there’s a will, there’s a way. The power is in the hands of the legislators.” Some legislators argued that it would be best to pass the BBL during the next Congress since majority of the implementation and oversight would happen then. Ferrer, however, countered that leaving a legislation undone would be detrimental especially for the next administration. “I am certain that the next administration would be better off with a BBL in place. It will benefit from the enhanced political stability. The next president and Congress can then focus on other legislative measures and strengthening the reforms introduced in the region,” she added Ferrer noted that if not

passed, another draft BBL would have to be filed again in both Houses, requiring another round of committee hearings before the bill gets any farther from where it is now.

“That’s a complete waste of millions of taxpayers’ money,” she said. When President Benigno S. Aquino III assumed office in 2010, he immediately made the Bangsamoro peace process a priority of his administration. In 2014, the GPH and the MILF signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which served as basis for the original BBL drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). The signing is considered a historic milestone in the storied negotiations dating back to 1997. The House of Representatives currently holds three plenary sessions per week, meaning there are only 17 session days left before the House sets aside BBL debates in favor of budget deliberations expected to commence on September 28. (OPAPP)


by Rene V. Carbayas

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – Some 380 out-of-school youth (OSY) completers of trade and skills training showcased their products and capabilities at a recently concluded OSY Summit held at Claret School of Lamitan this city.

Product demo caps OSY Summit in Lamitan City

Nonie K. Ahaddas of Education D e v e l o p m e n t Center Inc (EDC)-

Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev) program said the participants


were grouped according to their field or chosen skill for the showcase and demonstration such as three learning groups of Alternative Learning System-Acceleration and Equivalency (ALS-A&E), five groups of ALS basic literacy, two learning groups on horticulture, two groups of animal production, two groups on shielded metal arc welding, one group on small engine servicing, two groups on carpentry, two groups on bread and pastry, and two groups on food processing. All of the participants were able to see the demonstrations and skills displayed by some OSYs. Showcased at the Summit were skills demonstration by the food processing group from Barangay Sengal, Yakan cloth weaving from Barangay Sta.

Clara, coco-based products from Barangay Maganda, peanut brittle from Barangay Maligaya, and bread and pastry from Barangay Limook. Products displayed at the booth were cinnamon, ensaymada, carrot cake, cookies, tart, pan de coco, buko pie, bibingka, macaroons, ginamus, coco jam, salted egg, peanut brittle, golden peanut and Yakan cloth. Non-TESDA courses, identified as emerging skills training that were implemented directly by EDC in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has two groups for Yakan cloth weaving, one group for peanut brittle, two groups for coco-based products and one group for banca-making. In her message, Miriam


Pahm, Deputy Chief of Party MYDev Program told the youth that good attitude towards work is essential to success. She encouraged the youth to “keep on dreaming” and that completing the course is not the end. “Ito ay stepping stone lamang, marami pa kayong pagdadaanan bago kayo ay maging matagumpay sa inyong mga napiling skills (This is just a stepping stone for you (youth) and you’ll have many things to experience and undergo in your journey to succeed in your chosen skills/field). So, keep on dreaming,” Pahm said. Other activities include team-building session facilitated by youth volunteers from Rose Youth

Leadership Academy, song writing with Margie Auxtero of Child Fund Philippines, Adolescence Reproductive Health with MindaHealth and City Health Office, project proposal write-shop by EDC, recycling by the local government of Lamitan, quiz bee, essay writing, poster and slogan

contest with DepEd-ALS, and advocacy through visual arts (painting) with PIA-Basilan. The participating barangays are Look, Boheyakan, Lumutun, Sta. Clara, Baungus, Ulame, Maloong canal, Luksumbang, Balobo, Limook, Sengal, Matibay, Malinis, Maligaya, Matatag, Maganda, Kulaybato, Sabong, Parangbasak, and Baas.


ZAMBOANGA CITY – It’s payback time.

Inspired by the spirit of giving back to their alma mater, members of the 1990 batch of IV-Lily class of the Zamboanga City High School (ZCHS)-main came back on Friday to donate 100 monoblock chairs, 3 stethoscopes, 2 walkie-talkies, a make-up kit and stickers to the teachers and students of said school.

ZCHS-main receives school equipment

By Felipo David G. Malcampo

“It’s giving back what it (ZCHS-Main) gave to us years ago,” Ms. Katrina Apostol, the class representative said in simple turnover rites at the school’s covered court. “We came back grateful and we would also like the current students to have the same opportunity as we had,” Apostol added. A thanksgiving mass and blessing of donated items preceded the turnover ceremonies with the students, teachers and alumni in attendance. School Principal Jesus Solon expressed his gratitude and

appreciation to the alumni for looking after their alma mater through their donations. “ZCHS-Main is very lucky indeed to have an alumni who have been very supportive of their alma mater. Through the years, it is good to know that


PHO-ZN assures safety of SIP on childrenDIPOLOG CITY -The Provincial Health Office of Zamboanga del Norte (PHO-ZN) has assured the parents of the safety of their Grades 1 and 7 schoolchildren who would be subjected to the School-based Immunization Program (SIP) starting yesterday, Aug 17.

During last Sunday’s Kapihan sa Dipolog radio program, Ms. Fely Ortega, provincial immunization coordinator, assured that the vaccines to be used are safe, effective, not exposed or expired and approved by the World Health Organization(WHO) and to be administered only by trained health workers coming from the concerned Rural Health Units and the PHO. Health and Promotions

Officer Wilma Bulahan, on the other hand, said the implementation of the program was delayed in province to give way for the massive information and dissemination on the possible reactions/effects of the vaccines on the children. Bulahan admitted that the Department of Health (DOH) had learned a lesson from the lack of massive information dissemination during the nationwide deworming activity,

they are really willing to give back what they had learned from their alma mater,” Solon said. Donating for their school is one of the highlights of the

silver jubilee celebration by the members of IV-Lily batch 1990, as they pledged to attend the grand alumni homecoming of the ZCHS-main this month. (with reports from Darwin Reyes, WMSU Masscom)


which caused panic among schoolchildren when some experienced stmach pains after taking the deworming pills. “We delayed the implementation of the program to Aug. 17 instead of the original schedule of Aug. 3 to first meet with various stakeholders like the municipal and barangay officials as well as Parents and Teachers Associations (PTAs). Moreover, the DOH has also issued an advisory for students, teachers, parents and guardians on the conduct of SIP. The students should eat before getting vaccinated and never massage the injection site after vaccination. They are also advised to go to the nearest health center should symptoms of side effects persist. “If one faints due to fear of injection or sight of blood or having not eaten prior to immunization, let the student lie down until he/she regains consciousness and to bring to the nearest hospital if still not conscious after 15 minutes. On swelling, or pain or redness on injection site or fever, warm compress using clean cloth and water and give paracetamol every four hours. Rashes are

just a normal reaction of the body to vaccines,” Ortega said. Dr. Eduardo Luayon, provincial health officer, also urged the parents to send their children to school during the scheduled SIP in their school to avail of free health services from the government. The vaccination would cost as high as P3,500 with private clinics. Department Memorandum Order No. 0148 issued by DOH on May 15, 2015 has mandated the conduct of SIP every August in collaboration with Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the different Rural Health Units (RHUs). The SIP is a follow up to Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) immunization for under five years old children to interrupt current measles transmission in the older population. Ortega said the overall objective of the campaign is to protect the targeted population from the consequences of measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and human papillona virus infection.


DSWD looks after well-being of Pantawid grantees

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao are now gathering data of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) beneficiaries to determine the status of their well-being.

by Oliver Badel Inodeo

Using the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI), the workers will record and measure changes in the lives of the beneficiaries. SWDI, a yearly monitoring of DSWD to Pantawid Pamilya grantees, aims to assess the level of well-being of the family -from survival, subsistence, and self-sufficiency.


It also serves as the reference in the case management of these said beneficiaries – to help them gain their fighting chance against poverty. In Northern Mindanao, there are 251, 727 families who will be covered by the assessment. The DSWD will be using the enhanced social welfare and development indicator (SWDI), a case management tool that measures the level of well-being of families in terms of their economic sufficiency and social adequacy. In terms of economic sufficiency, families will be evaluated based on the employable skills of members, employment and salary, source of income, membership to social security and access to financial institutions. The social adequacy, on the other hand, will rate

the families based on the members’ health condition, nutrition and education, access to safe drinking water and sanitary toilet facility, house construction and ownership, and awareness of social issues. The evaluation of poor families involves a visit to the family’s residence and an interview with the household

head. The results of the SWDI will determine the needs and capacities of every Pantawid Pamilya household and will be used by the DSWD in the planning of interventions to help them improve their families’ living condition and later become self-sufficient. Interventions may include employment facilitation, skills training, provision of livelihood opportunities and referral to other programs and services of the DSWD, other national government agencies, local government units and private organizations. This year’s assessment results will be the baseline to be used by the DSWD in evaluating the poverty alleviation programs and services provided to these households.


Flood evacuation drill set for Gingoog city

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Some 742 individuals have been tapped by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to compose the enumeration teams relative to the conduct of the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015), in the province.

by Elaine O. Ratunil

This is to assess the city’s preparedness measures especially during the occurrence of floods, said City Mayor Marie Guingona. According to Ana C. Cañeda, regional director, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and chairperson for Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Council (RDRRMC) in region 10, flooding as a consequence of different

weather disturbances has greatly affected the community living nearby vulnerable areas which needs to be addressed with by the respective barangays and local government officials through disaster preparedness. Cañeda further said this is to attain the national government’s goal of zero casualties in times of emergency and disaster.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A total of 40 well-trained Tech-Voc graduates and trainees from the five provinces of Northern Mindanao participate in skills competition based on world standards during the 2015 Regional Skills Competition from August 17-18, 2015 led by the R-10 Industry Skills Competition Foundation, Inc. (RISDCFI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-10).

Industry-led 2015 Regional Skills Competition kicks offby Marigold Cherie R. Garrido


The competition formally opens today 17 August 2015 with the ceremonial cutting of the competition chain and the raising of the banners by the provincial competitors graced by Irene Floro, vice chair of RISDCFI and Provincial Director Leo V. Velez, TESDA Misamis Oriental. The skills competition serves as the venue in recognizing the skills excellence of workers and tech-voc graduates and at the same time increases the awareness of the Filipinos on technical vocational education as a viable career path. It is one of TESDA’s most effective social marketing and advocacy strategies that raise the bar of the skilled workforce and continuously strengthen the link between the tech-voc sector and the industry. The trade areas open for the competition are: Electronics, Graphic Design, Web Design/Mechatronics, Information Network Systems Administration, IT-Software Business Solutions, Information Network Cabling, Mechanical Engineering Design-CAD, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, Electrical Installation and Maintenance,

Welding, Automobile Technology, Cooking, Restaurant Services, Beauty Therapy, Plumbing and Heating and Fashion Technology. “We will continue the conduct of the skills competitions on an annual basis to continually lead the way for the career path of our trainees and graduates,” according to the TESDA-X Regional Director Edgar A. Sales. The winners of each trade area will earn the opportunity to represent the region at the Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC) to be held in September 2015. They will receive trophies, cash gifts, and certificates of recognition. The competition is sought to inspire the youth to start embarking on acquiring a skill that will pave the way to a successful career.


Duterte warns cops against mulcting and bribery

DAVAO CITY- Mayor Rodrigo Duterte justi-fied the use of large identification cards by traffic enforcers to dis-courage mulcting activ-ities involving violators of the Speed Ordinance. Speaking in the public affairs program, “Gikan sa Masa para sa Masa,” he said that traffic personnel depu-tized to impose Execu-tive Order No. 39 has to understand that he also listens to the com-plaints of the public re-garding alleged mulct-ing activities. Duterte reminded scalawags in uniform that extortion is just an underling of robbery. He assured that they will be dismissed from the service once identified. Duterte issued the warning particularly on the Traffic Management Office, Traffic Group of the local police, High-way Patrol Group and

the Land Transportation Office. “I will work on your dismissal from the service,” he stressed. He said traffic per-sonnel receives the corresponding from the city government in the performance of their duty. Duterte urged the public to observe the traffic rules particularly the Speed Limit which he stressed will stay until his term ends. “There is no way that I will lift the 30, 40, 60 kilometer-per-hour speed limits, which assure us of safe highways, safe roads, so stick to this rule,” he said. Duterte also warned violators not to offer bribes or they will be arrested. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalump-ines)


Police launches safe-deposit box program

DAVAO CITY, Aug 14 (PIA) The Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office formally launched the safe-deposit box program for all detainees starting particularly at the Sta. Cruz Police Station. Senior Superintendent Dario Gunabe, provincial direc-tor of the DSPPO acknowledged that accounting the personal items of the detainees was a problem in the past. He said that his office in-tends to replicate the project in all police stations in Davao del Sur. “We had no system to safe

keep the personal belongings of the ac-cused in the past. The rights and per-sonal items of the accused must be protected,” Gunabe pointed out. The deposit box will be used to safe keep the personal ac-cessories of persons accused of legal of-fenses and are de-

tained in the facility. Every locker has padlock to ensure that the items are intact and to be given back when the prisoners are released. Mayor Ray Lopez of Sta. Cruz lauded the local police for its new innovation. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DOLE 12 created 500K jobs in 4 years

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabaro Aug 18 — From 2011 until 2014, some 501,560 individuals in SOCCSKSARGEN Region got employed because of job facilitation and similar interventions of the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

At the recent midyear performance and re-planning activity of the Department, Secre-tary Rosalinda Baldoz praised DOLE 12 for helping spur the development in SOCCSK-SARGEN Region under the Aquino adminis-tration. SOCCSKSARGEN Region is comprised of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cota-bato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Ta-curong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.Baldoz commended DOLE 12 being proac-tive in the multisectoral pursuit of develop-ment via effective and efficient implementa-tion of programs and services intended to promote employment opportunities through its job facilitation and capability-building services. Data indicated that from 2011 to 2014, a total of 412,997 jobseekers gained reg-ular employment from participation in DOLE-12 led job fairs.


At the same period, 53,618 poor but deserving students were also provided interim em-ployment through the Special Program for Employment of Stu-dents (SPES). Moreover, 34,945 individuals benefited under the DOLE In-tegrated Livelihood and Emer-gency Employment Program (DILEEP).“The gains achieved in the past five years must serve as a vi-able building block for the DOLE in SOCCSKSARGEN to continue the task of helping the region in particular and the Mindanao in general to spur sustainable de-velopment,” Baldoz said.In response, Regional Director Ofelia Domingo said: “Modesty aside, we have surpassed even our expectations with our major accomplishments from 2011 up to the present,” Director Domin-go said.Domingo further reported that under the agency’s labor force welfare services,particularly in case disposition, the regional office attained 100 percent in mediation and arbitration, 72.64 percent in SEnA and case settlement rate of 70 percent.“In 2011, we implemented two developmental approaches to enforce and assure the rights of

our workers. These are through the Incentivizing Compliance Program, and the DOLE Kapati-ran WISE-TAV Program,” RD Do-mingo added.Detailing DOLE 12’s accom-plishment, she added that its employment regulation services inspected 3,561 establishments through the Labor Law Compli-ance System (LLCS)In 2011, she emphasized, DOLE 12 was certified under ISO 9001:2008, which they are able to sustain up to the present. They are able able to strengthen the partnership and collaboration among govern-ment, labor and management sectors. “Tripartism is very much alive in the region with the existence of one Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (RTIPC) and sev-en Industry Tripartite Councils,” Domingo shared. Established industry-based tripartite councils in the re-gion include tripartite councils for manufacturing, academe, wholesale and retail, fishing and allied services, construction, plantation, and tourism. Domingo also pointed out the DOLE 12 leads the regional of-fices in pioneering initiatives.


DOLE chief lauds regional winners of Productivity Olympics Awards

In 2013, DOLE 12 established its Internet-based Quality Man-agement System (IQMS) which significantly increased personnel productivity, eliminated paper-work requirements, enhanced transparency, simplified DOLE transactions, and enhanced the region’s services delivery ca-pability. This innovation allows clients easy access to relevant information on their DOLE trans-actions.This system was followed with the establishment of other web-based services for its important services, namely: Special Program for the Em-ployment Students (SPES), Reg-istration of Workers Association (RWA), and Construction Safety and Health Program (CSHP). In the same year, DOLE 12 in-stalled a 300-watt solar panel to address the frequent power out-age in the area.

Lately, the regional office rolled out its DOLE XII SMS Text Blast system, a pro-active approach to reach clients through mobile phone text messaging. SMS Text Blast aims to gener-ate feedback on the effective-ness and efficiency of the agen-cy’s programs and services; respond immediately to queries, transactions or workplace acci-dents; determine level of clients’ satisfaction; generate real time reports on clients’ feedback; and reduce paper and printing costs with an estimated savings of P471,400.00.“These innovations aim to reach more clientele, as we continue to be more proactive in re-sponding to the needs of our beneficiaries,” Director Domingo said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from KZTurnos-DOLE 12)

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 18 — Labor and employ-ment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recently congratu-lated six establishments in SOCCSKSARGEN Region for winning


Productivity Olympics Awards is an initiative of the National Wages and Productivity Com-mission (NWPC) intended to in-tensify national awareness and commitment to quality and productivity and showcase best productivity practices of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Held every two years, the Pro-ductivity Olympics recognizes MSMEs that have demonstrat-ed excellence and best produc-tivity improvement after receiv-ing technical assistance from NWPC, an attached agency of DOLE. To qualify, MSMEs should be registered with government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Securi-ties and Exchange Commission, Cooperative Development Au-thority, and local government units. They must have a productiv-ity program, existing for at least two years, preferably under the ISTIV program. Regional Productivity Olympics awardees are South Cotabato Integrated Port Services; Dole Philippines, Inc.; Dole Stanfilco Station 88; Dolefil Employees

Cooperative Complex; Green-tropics Coffee Enterprise; and Cinco Niñas Restaurant Cinco Niñas Restaurant, was awarded NWPC’s Service Quality Seal of Recognition. They will vie for the 2015 Na-tional Productivity Olympics Awards in October.Congratulating the awardees, Sec. Baldoz emphasized the award is “very significant and valuable.” “It means you have success-fully implemented and sustained your respective productivity improvement programs and practices resulting to more sat-isfied clients, harmonious labor-management relations, and in-creased profits, thus, enabling you to provide bigger incentives to your workers,” the secretary told the awardees. Secretary Baldoz herself hand-ed the trophies and cash prizes of Php5,000 during the 3rd Quarterly Meeting of the Re-gional Tripartite Industry Peace Council and Awarding of Region 12 Productivity Olympics Win-ners, Service Quality, Seal, and Livelihood held at the Sabrina Resort in Tambler, General San-tos City.

the Regional Productivity Olympics Awards in 2015.


Baldoz, who was joined in the event by NWPC Executive Direc-tor Ma. Criselda Sy. According to DOLE 12, all six establishments have been is-sued Certificates of Compliance in both general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards.

“As winners, we recognize your accomplishments in productivity that had led to spectacular im-provements and growth in la-bor and management relations, productivity performance, and human resource management,” Baldoz said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Blaan way of life Blaan residents of Barangay Assumption, Koronadal City depicted in a dance ensemble their way of life as a farming community. The lumad dancers dances as an intermission between the shows of Turkey’s PENHAD and Philippune Zamboanga del Sur National High School Melengas Dance Ensemble during the CIOFF 2015 Koronadal International Folklore Festival.


Butuan media, RCC members join TESDA’s skills training By: Jennifer Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY – The media partners here and member agencies of the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) Caraga had expressed their interest to join the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the skills training starting this month of August. The first skills training is on Barista and many had committed to join while others would avail for the other skills training which the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are also offering.


“Said activity formed part of the month-long celebration of TESDA’s 21st anniversary with series of activities for its partner stakeholders,” cited DOLE Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson Cañete

TESDA Caraga regional diretor Florencio Sunico Jr., emphasized that said training will boost the confidence of the media considering that they will be issued an NC-II certification by the time they finish the training and pass the assessment. “We will be very happy to join you with the RCC for the Barista skills training and we hoped to work with you in another trainings after this one,” he said.

Meanwhile, Earl Dela

Victoria, Board Secretary IV of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) Caraga also revealed that on September 1, 2015, their office along with the RCC will be holding an information drive on the P268 floorwage for all the workers in the region with the management and labor sector.

“We hope to see you (media) on Sept. 1 at the Robinsons Place in Butuan and please join us during the short program and will be followed with a Zumba activity,” Dela Victoria said. “We are the first region to have the P268 floorwage to all workers. And we are calling on to all industries to comply with it... This is for the welfare of our workers. Join us on Sept.


1, 2015 during our information drive thru a motorcade that will start from DOLE office going to Robinsons Place. We will have a short program there and Zumba activity,” added Cañete.

Also, Austin Bade, accountant of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga relayed that from January to July 2015, their office was able to release P10,000 each for the distressed OFWs from the region. “We also conducted recently the community organizing training for Caraga with a total of 208 participants. In the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, we also held the organizational development trainings,” he said.

Christian Lee Jaguit, Engr. II of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Caraga emphasized that companies must always ensure the safety of their workers when at work. “We have been going to different establishments, companies to equip them with full awareness on safety and health of their personnel,” he said.

According to Edna Nambatac, administrative officer

of the Philippine Regulatory Commission (PRC) Butuan, as of August 7, 2015, they recorded some 510,748 total number of license renewals at the PRC Butuan Satellite Office. She also extended her support to all the examinees especially with the coming Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

On the other hand, Olga Virginia Demata, information officer of the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) Caraga expressed her thanks to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for its active support to ECC especially in information dissemination of its programs and services to the public. She also recognized the media partners in the region who religiously get updates from their office and report it during their programs and publications in their local newspapers. “We, in the government are always doing our best to be of good service to our constituents. Please continue to help us disseminate good news to our people especially in the remote areas so they will know that there are programs and services that will help them,” stressed Demata.


BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) is set to formulate a regional research agenda aimed at generating knowledge support needed to attain the region’s goal of becoming the FAME (fishery, agro-forestry, mineral, eco-tourism) Center of the country.

Caraga RDC to formulate unified regional research agendaBy: Sherwin E. Verdun

The objectives of the endeavor are to provide a framework for developing research agenda; identify knowledge gaps; determine specific research topics; identify research institutions, collaborators, and funding

institutions. Further, the Caraga RDC recognizes the challenges that will result from ASEAN integration that may require research for informed decision-making. The research agenda will be organized as a framework of


two broad streams as follows: FAME research agenda (broad research topics in fishery, agro-forestry, mineral, eco-tourism); and support research agenda (broad research topics that covers the macro-economy, good governance, human development, and peace and order). To prepare the unified regional research agenda, all regional line agencies (including attached agencies and government owned and controlled corporations), academe (government and private higher education institutions), local government units (provincial and city), and research consortia in the region will formulate their own research

agenda. NEDA-Caraga, as secretariat, will then integrate all research agenda into a publication available for consumption of all stakeholders. The research agenda will cover broad scale research activities in the following areas: Assessment of problems; Assessment of causes; Evaluation of solutions (programs); Program or project review; and Policy Review. The research problems that will be identified must correspond to the goals of the Regional Development Plan and can be addressed through government intervention. It should also be suitable for empirical analysis and should lead to potential policy initiatives.

FDA issues warning on unregistered mosquito coilsBy: Susil Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) – At least eight mosquito coils are being sold in the market although they are not registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In an advisory dated July 30, 2015, the FDA said the products, “are harmful, toxic and may pose

imminent danger to human and animal health.” These products are Wawang


High Quality Mosquito Coil, Anlu Mosquito Coil, Frog King Mosquito Coil, Anlu Plant Fiber Mosquito Coil, Lao Jun Mosquito Coil, Shertox Mosquito Coil, Brother Mosquito Coil, and BNC Mosquito Coil. The FDA said the safety of the abovementioned products cannot be ensured since the said products were not evaluated to be compliant to FDA regulations and ensured its safety and efficacy. In line with the said advisory, the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office warned against the use of these unregistered mosquito coils and also advised all consumers to purchase only registered Household Urban Pesticides (HUP) products, distributed by FDA licensed manufacturer/trader/distributor. The consumers were also encouraged to check for the other registered HUP products at the website www.fda.gov.ph/consumers-corner/registered-household-hazardous.




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One Mindanao - August 18, 2015