One Mindanao - August 28, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Adviser :

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

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

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

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

SGP-PA sends CCT beneficiaries to college

Stella Maris V. BarcelonCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Tuesday, August 28, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 9

page 4

Aquino confers the Philippine Legion of Honor (posthumous) on the late DILG Secretary Robredo 9

Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, Northern Mindanao

DOLE brings Angel Tree project to sugarcane child workers in Bukidnon

2119

Ana Celeste W. Felisilda, Northern Mindanao

DILG-10 offers mass for Secretary Robredo

Davao Black Taxis sport tourism logos23 RG Alama, Southern Mindanao

15 Sec. Baldoz to distribute livelihood packages, SPES checks in Pagadian City

Rene V. Carbayas, Western Mindanao

BasCOMNET holds Disaster Preparedness Forum in Basilan

Kabacan, Cotabato strengthens K5 group campaign 28Shahana Joy Duerme , Central Mindanao

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

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CSC leadership, coaching brand for Caraga launched35CSC-13, Caraga Region

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Caraga ConsumerNet plans activites for the Consumer Welfare Month33Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

4 ONE MINDANAO Tuesday, August 28, 2012


Barbie Retchie Felisidad, 18, is a high school graduate from barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. She is second among the twelve siblings. Barbie believes that education and hard work are the key factors in achieving her dream of becoming a teacher someday. “Gusto gayud ko mo eskwela ma’am mao kada adlaw sa high school sa una maski wala’y baon mo sulod gayud ko kay dili ko ganahan mo absent (I really wanted to go to school. When I was in high school even if I don’t have provision either money or food, I

still attended classes),” Barbie said. She also shared that everyday she had to walk 30 minutes from their house to Simbalan National High School. “I love numbers, I want to be a math teacher,” Barbie declared while perusing her high school card. Looking back in 2011, Barbie’s perseverance and determination in her studies paid off when she graduated second honorable mention in her class. She excelled in Math, English and Science subjects. “My parents were so proud and happy, but somehow sad because we knew that I would not be able to go to

Nalipay kaayo ko pagkabalo nga naay

scholarship kay pwede na ko mo eskwela og college nga mag focus ra gyud sa pag eskwela (I was very happy when I knew about the scholarship, because I could focus on my studies),” said Barbie with a smile.

by Stella Maris V. Barcelon

Tuesday, August 28, 2012ONE MINDANAO 5


college. You see, we are twelve siblings in the family,” explained Barbie. Barbie’s world crushed when her father told her one night, “Bam, kung gusto ka mo eskwela og college dili gayud ka namo kaya nga mapa eskwela sa imong mama (Bam, your mother and I cannot afford to send you to college).” Her mother Jovy Felisidad is a plain housewife, and her father is a farmer. Much as she wanted to go straight to college after high school graduation, the family’s income could not support it. The situation, however, didn’t discourage her; instead, it makes her even more determined to reach her goal. One day, Barbie’s aunt in Manila called up and encouraged her to enroll in the six-month course offered by TESDA, Barbie grabbed the opportunity. “Ako to gikuha nga oportunidad aron dili masayang ang pila ka bulan nga dili ko maka eskwela, unom ra siya ka bulan pero daghan gihapon ko’y mahibaluan (I took my aunt’s offer because I don’t want to waste my time of not going to school, it may be only for six months but I will still learn from it),” said Barbie. enrolled Barbie in TESDA’s dress making class. Barbie enrolled in the dress making course offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and she finished the course. She then planned to work and have a part time job for her to pursue a four-year college education. “I know it’s going

to be hard, having a part time job at

the same time studying, but I really want to achieve something so I have to do everything to have it,” Barbie said with full determination. Her desire to study further slowly come to reality. One day, one the Pantawid Pamilya Municipal Link Officers (MLO) assigned in Buenavista announced that the government is implementing a scholarship program for the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who finished high school and want to pursue college education. Barbie’s dream of becoming a teacher is not far from reach because of the government’s Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program Alleviation (SGP-PA). SGP-PA aims to contribute to the National Government’s thrusts in effectively addressing poverty alleviation by the increasing of graduates in higher education among poor households and get these graduates employed in high-value occupations in order to lift their families out of poverty and contribute

6 ONE MINDANAO Tuesday, August 28, 2012

to national development. SGP-PA is in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The program has already identified State Universities/Colleges (SUCs) that are approved by CHED’s Commission en Banc, other SUCs may be considered provided that programs are either Level III or II accredited by a CHED recognized accrediting agency. Pantawid beneficiary applicants need to present the duly accomplished SGP-PA application, certification from DSWD declaring as a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, birth certificate by NSO or Local Civil Registrar (LCR), health certificate issued by any government physician, forms 138 or has passed PEPT exam and certificate of grades for the last semester attended for continuing college students. With the help of SGP-PA, Barbie and other scholars will receive a total of 60,000.00 annually or 20,000.00

per year for her tuition based on the average national tuition fees of SCUs 5,000.00 for per year for textbook/other learning materials and 35,000.00 per year for her board and lodging, transportation, health/medical needs, basic school supplies and other needed costs. In return, scholars have to carry a full load per semester as prescribed in the curriculum and finish within the required period of the program, maintain

a satisfactory academic performance in accordance with the policies and standards of SCUs, render a return of service for two years after graduation in the Philippines except for highly critical courses demanded by local industry and government services and adhere to the terms and conditions as stipulated in the contract. “When I finish college and get a job, I promised my parents that I will help them send my younger siblings to school. I want our lives to be different this time; I’ve seen many of our neighbors reach college but were not able to finish it. I want to be different, I am going to finish college, make my parents proud, help my siblings and be a math teacher someday,” said Barbie. Barbie is one of the 163 potential Pantawid Pamilya scholars in Caraga region for the SGP-PA who, despite of the difficult situation, did not allow poverty to stop her from becoming a good educator in the future.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino confident new Chief Justice will renew Filipino people’s trust and belief in the judicial system

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that

the Filipino people’s trust and belief in the judicial system will be renewed and further strengthened with the appointment of new Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at the Supreme Court.

The Chief Executive expressed his thoughts in his speech keynoting the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday.

Sereno, the youngest and first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed by President Aquino on August 16 and took her oath of office

before him last Saturday, August 25 in Malacañang.

“Umaasa akong titimbangin mo ang iyong hatol at pasya upang manumbalik ang kompiyansa ng taumbayan sa institusyong iyong pamumunuan,” the President said.

“Ang atas sa iyo ng taumbayan: pairalin ang patas na sistemang

8 Tuesday, August 28, 2012

pangkatarungan; wala dapat itong kilingan, mayaman man o mahirap, karaniwang Pilipino man o nasa kapangyarihan,” he added.

The President assured Chief Justice Sereno of his administration as well as the people’s support in dispensing her job as chief magistrate of the highest

court of the land.“Sa ating bagong Punong

Mahistrado--- Huwag kang mawalan ng loob sakaling dumagsa ang mga pagsubok na kailangan mong pasanin; makakaasa kang kasangga mo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” the President said. (rck)

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9

Aquino confers the Philippine Legion of Honor (posthumous) on the late DILG Secretary Robredo

President Benigno S. Aquino III will confer on Tuesday the Philippine

Legion of Honor with the Rank of Chief Commander (posthumous) on Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash off the coast of Masbate on August 18.

The Philippine Legion of Honor is considered the highest award the President can bestow on an individual without the need for approval of Congress.

Secretary Robredo is being conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor for his achievement as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and as Mayor of Naga City, according to Bulletin No. 11 released by the Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial of the late DILG Secretary.

On Monday, the casket bearing the

remains of the late Secretary Robredo was brought to the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia from Naga City Hall. The funeral cortege went around Naga City en route to the Basilica where the Philippine National Police (PNP) rendered arrival honors.

The public viewing and vigil will continue until 5 p.m. when a Pontifical High Mass is officiated by His Excellency Leonardo Zamora Legazpi, O.P., Archbishop of Nueva Caceres. After the mass, the public viewing and vigil will resume, until 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 28.

10 Tuesday, August 28, 2012

After the Concelebrated Requiem Mass, the President will confer on Secretary Robredo the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Chief Commander.

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad will read the citation during the conferment ceremonies. The insignia will be presented by President Aquino to Lawyer Leni Robredo, widow of the late Secretary.

“The President will deliver a eulogy for Secretary Robredo, after which the casket will be brought out of the Basilica by casket bearers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), accompanied by members of the Cabinet as designated honorary pallbearers of the family,” the bulletin said.

After the conferment ceremonies, Secretary Robredo’s remains will be transported to the Funeraria Imperial for the state funeral.

The bulletin said the departure honors and a 19-gun salute will be rendered by the AFP while the national anthem is played at the Basilica.

“The casket will be loaded onto the hearse, after which the funeral cortege will proceed to the Funeraria Imperial.

A PNP band and four platoons (from the PNP and the three service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) will accompany the funeral cortege, preceding the hearse. Alongside the hearse will be the members of the Cabinet on foot serving as the Honorary Pallbearers,” the bulletin said

“Following the hearse will be the President, Mrs. Robredo, and her children; followed by the late Secretary’s brother and sister; with other relatives, government officials, and other attendees.

The distance to be covered by the funeral cortege is 750 meters, with an estimated marching time of 40 minutes,” the bulletin said.

At the crematorium, a three-volley salute will be rendered by the PNP. It will be followed by the playing of Taps rendered by the AFP.

Following the playing of Taps, the National Flag will be taken off the casket and folded by the PNP-AFP casket bearers, and handed over to the President. The President shall then present the folded National Flag to Lawyer Leni Robredo, marking the conclusion of the State Funeral. (js)

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11

ARMM taps TESDA to train 9,000 youth

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

(ARMM) will use a total of P61.6 million for technical vocational education and training (TVET) as part of efforts to develop and improve the socio-economic status of residents in the region.

Secretary Joel Villanueva in a statement said the training fund will be able to enroll in TVET a total of 8,956 beneficiaries through Tesda’s scholarship programs, namely: Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) program and TWSP for Youth and Ulama program.

Along with the formal training, the fund will cover the assessment fees of the graduates.

“Quality and relevant TVET is our way of pitching in to initiatives to reform the region,” Villanueva,

Tesda Director General, said. The training fund is part of the

P5.89 billion Transition Investment Support Plan (TISP) that the government provided to the region to fast track key development initiatives and reforms.

Haunted by history of corruption, the Aquino administration appointed a new government for the region headed by acting Governor Mujiv Hataman, and infused the stimulus fund to help ARMM mend its ways.

Earlier, Congress passed a measure suspending the elections in the region until May 2013 to

by Marie Angelie Villapando


allow the temporary government institute the reforms.

Hataman thanked the government for the stimulus fund and assured that the present ARMM administration can now be trusted with huge funds.

“In turn, we entrust a portion of the funds to Tesda because we believe education is always a worthy investment,” Hataman, who like Villanueva, was a former congressman.

“Education is one ticket to solving poverty and conflict in the region,” Hataman added.

Villanueva said pouring in money for TVET is a good investment as this provides the ARMM residents a better option that is honest, transparent and will go a long way in improving their lives.

Graduates will be armed with special skills that they can use to apply for jobs or start their own livelihood activities, he said.

Among the courses to be offered are Food and Beverage Services, Auto Servicing, Massage Therapy, Household Services, Masonry, Health Care Services, Agricultural Crops Production, Tour Guiding Services, Commercial Cooking, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Carpentry.

Graduates will undergo competency assessment to determine if they can be certified TESDA Specialista after the training. Passers will be awarded their Tesda

National Certificate or Certificate of Competency.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the City of Marawi.


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Cash for Training Project to benefit over 4,000 individuals in ZamPen By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Over 4,000 individuals from all over Zamboanga Peninsula are set to benefit from the Cash for Training Project to be jointly implemented by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).


TESDA-9 Regional Director Lorenzo Macapili, during the Regional Social Development Committee IX meeting last week, said Region 9 was allocated P85 million for its implementation. “The project, dubbed as TESDA-DSWD Cash for Training Project, will be a nationwide program. Region 9 has an allocation of P85 M for this, and will benefit over 4,000 individuals in a form of training voucher, tool kits, assessment fees, and allowance totaling to P20,000 per beneficiary”, Dir. Macapili said. He said this is in support to the national government’s thrust of providing a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition

of the youth, and empower them through skills training and assistance. According to Macapili the project has two (2) parts, the Training for wage-employment (Trabaho), and the Training for self-employment or Hanapbuhay. The Training for wage-employment will prepare beneficiaries for employment thru skills training. After graduation, TESDA will conduct jobs-bridging activities to facilitate their entry to jobs. Training for self-employment, on the other hand, is aimed to help beneficiaries be engaged in entrepreneurship. The program will be conducted on-site, school-supervised, or thru partner NGOs, Macapili explained. Macapili said the target of the project is the disadvantaged youths who have been assessed as eligible under the Expanded Government Internship Program of the DSWD. “As of the moment, DSWD has forwarded to us the partial list of beneficiaries, with over 3,000 identified. We have a total 4,250 to benefit from the program, if we divide P85 M by P20,000 per beneficiary”, he said. Nationwide, the project’s budget is P1.3 Billion coming from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and will be downloaded to TESDA for implementation. Macapili said they are just waiting for the transfer of the P85 million budget from TESDA Manila and the final list of beneficiaries to start the program.


Sec. Baldoz to distribute livelihood packages, SPES checks in Pagadian City By Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to attend a Stakeholder’s Forum here on September 6 and personally turn-over 20 livelihood packages to parents of child laborers (CL) and Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) checks to 49 beneficiaries. DOLE Asst. Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said livelihood packages will be given to parents of child laborers at P10,000 each amounting to P200,000 while 10 SPES grantees from ZAMSURECO I and 39 from Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology (ZSMIT) will receive Php30,277.80 and Php208,260.39 respectively. She said the Stakeholder’s Forum will be held at the Pavilion, Springland Resort here where Secretary Baldoz will meet with members of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) chaired by Mayor Samuel S. Co, the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC), members of the media and other stakeholders.

DOLE has bolstered its implementation of the

Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP) and targets 80 barangays with high incidence of child labor to be transformed into child labor-free barangays this year. In Pagadian City, Barangay Bulatoc is identified as the most high-risk in child labor considering that the Integrated Bus Terminal is situated here. Earlier, during the culmination of Labor Month celebration on May 31, barangay officials of Bulatoc signed a commitment to attain a child labor-free barangay by fully committing themselves to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, protect them from all forms of abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation and discrimination and other conditions detrimental to their development.

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BasCOMNET holds Disaster Preparedness Forum in Basilan By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Basilan Communicators Network Inc. (BasCOMNET) conducted on Thursday a forum on disaster preparedness here to update the different government agencies and non-government organizations on the state of disaster preparations of the province. In his lecture to some fifty agency representative members to BasCOMNET, Engr. Allan Labayog of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismography (PhilVolcs) underscored that the level of awareness and logistics spell out the readiness of a particular organization, and in this case, the local government unit in disaster preparation. He said that Basilan has been dealing with human-induced disasters like the armed conflict, but when it comes to natural disasters, he asked participants if Basilan is ready.

He repeatedly asked the question of readiness to the participants as he explained the vulnerability of Basilan, as an island, to be struck with great natural disasters, like earthquakes and tsunamis. Labayog explained the origin of Basilan as a volcanic island, which makes the island as a volcano itself in the real sense. He said that he did not mean to scare Basileños of this reality but to alert the people and the authorities on the very high possibility of a natural disaster that everyone must be prepared for. Basilan, he said, sits in


two active trenches—the Sulu trench and Cotabato trench. Historical facts reveal that at one point of our history, violent earthquakes in these two trenches triggered tsunamis and destructions to life and property. On September 21 of every year, Isabela City commemorates the rising of water (“Terremoto”) and the miraculous events attributed to its patron saint, Santa Isabel de Portugal. Historians believed that this celebration may have its roots at the September 21, 1897 tsunami, triggered by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake at the Sulu trench. On August 17, 1976, another destructive tsunami occurred as triggered at the Moro Gulf, near the Cotabato trench. He said that there is reason to be alarmed and alerted by these events because they were the last recorded destructive events in these two trenches. It was some 115 years ago for the Sulu trench and some 36 years ago for the Cotabato trench. And Basilan is only some 156 kilometers away from the earthquake generator (Sulu trench). He stressed that everyone must be involved in disaster preparation, especially families. He said that each family must have a disaster plan too, where every member must know

their roles and what to do when particular disaster strikes. Labayog said that institutions delivering basic services must be doing inventory to determine their disaster response capability. He also asked the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) to do the same. Basilan PDRRMC point person Anwary Akalun of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) admitted that the province and most of the institutions here are bereft of equipment and logistics to elevate the province’s readiness for disasters. He said, however, that all the necessary equipments are already enumerated and incorporated in the PDRRMC Plan. But the plan is yet to be concurred and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Governor of Basilan. Akalun presented to the participants the PDDRMC Plan, which was formulated by the members of the council in a recent workshop in Zamboanga City. “We have already the plan, what we need to do now is to implement the plan,” he said. During the forum, the newly elected officers of the BasCOMNET were also inducted into office with MTC Judge Roncesvalles Filoteo as inducting officer.


4ID welcomes 96 new soldiers

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - Ninety-six male candidate soldiers of Candidate Soldier Course Class 292 graduated last August 22 at the Division Grandstand.

Most of the candidate soldiers came from different provinces in Region 10 and Region 13. They passed the physical and academic aspect of the training as basis for their graduation. The civilian antiques of the candidate soldiers before their entry to the military were remove through essential trainings for them to fit in the organization.

The 4th Division Training Unit, headed by Lieutenant Colonel Jose Emmanuel L. Mariano, administered the training on these new soldiers. They were taught on the basic military knowledge and skills, jungle warfare, mountaineering operations, Army core values, human rights and international humanitarian law. “The pre-entry training is the


DOLE brings Angel Tree project to sugarcane child workers in Bukidnonby Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) thrilled some 105 schoolchildren working in sugarcane fields as she recently brought in the Project Angel Tree to barangay San Jose, Quezon, Bukidnon.

Along with high officials from local government units, private firms, civil society groups and the academe, Baldoz led the giving out of heaps of school bags, school supplies and t-shirts to child workers in the village. San Jose is one of the five identified barangays in Quezon town with high count of child laborers in

the sugarcane fields. “The project has granted the wishes of thousands of child workers since the DOLE regional offices launched it several years ago,” Baldoz said, adding that “a check will also be turned over for the ‘Kabuhayan’ starter kit, which will grant livelihood assistance to child laborers’ parents who have various skills to eke out a

start of the military career of every soldier. Before they will be considered for the training they will undergo a strict selection process to ensure that we get the best and able body to serve the people and our country. Now, these soldiers are trained, skilled and

ready for combat with an aim of bringing peace and protecting the basic rights of our people,” Major General Victor A. Felix, 4ID commander said. Felix also c o n g r a t u l a t e d the graduates for successfully completing the course. “You start your service right, be an example

of a good soldier, be hard-working, internalize the military professionalism you have been taught and put in use the knowledge that you have gained from your training,” he said.


living.” She explained that those skills include hairdressing, tailoring, manicure and pedicure, auto-mechanic, electrical services, food preparations and sidewalk vending. During the event, Baldoz signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Democrito Oppus of Bukidnon Sugar Milling Co. Inc. (BUSCO) for the “Kapatiran” program to formalize the firm’s commitments such as improvement of working conditions, occupational safety and health needs, among others. She also witnessed the signing of memorandum of agreement by DOLE, Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, and five identified barangays for the Child Labor Monitoring System, centered on monitoring activities to curb child labor in the sugar industry in the province. The Mountain View College also distributed scholarship certificates to child labor beneficiaries during the program. Project Angel Tree aims to gather and grant the wishes of child laborers through the building up of a network of supporters of the government and

concerned sectors to eliminate child labor. Donors, benefactors, contributors and sponsors of the program are called Angels. Services under the program include food, clothing, shelter, mentoring, livelihood, educational and medical assistance and other work and training opportunities for target child worker-beneficiaries.


DILG-10 offers mass for Secretary Robredoby Ana Celeste W. Felisilda

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-10 offered a holy mass at the DILG Regional Office, Conference Room yesterday afternoon for the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

The mass was officiated by Fr. Casi Quiacao, an active Parochial Vicar of St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy.It was attended by the staff of DILG Region 10, headed by Regional Director Atty. Rene K. Burdeos. Also joining in prayer were the Regional Directors and staff of Philippine National Police (PNP), National Police Commission (Napolcom), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Director Burdeos announced that he will be attending the necrological service on August 24, at Malacañang

Palace where Secretary Robredo’s remains will be brought. Burdeos earlier shared that Secretary Robredo was a dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance whose track record in public service has been an inspiration to all those who believe in government as an instrument for positive change. The entire DILG-10 workforce offered their prayer to the late Sec. Robredo, expressing their gratitude to his leadership in improving local governance of the country.


Dream come true for USEP with gym’sunveiling

DAVAO CITY- It was a dream come true for University of Southeast-ern Philippines (USEP) with the unveiling of USEP Gymnasium and Cultural Center. “Right now you are witnessing the best and modern gym in Mind-anao.” Says USEP President Dr. Per-fecto Alibin during the inauguration of the7,000 seater gym last August 17.

Alibin said that the maple floor-ing along with the Porter basketball goals is the only FIBA-accredited basketball court in the region and can host FIBA-accredited basket-ball games and also the out-of-town games of the Professional Basketball Association (PBA). FIBA is the world governing body for basketball. He said that right now they are booked nearly daily with clients

By RG Alama


ranging from religious congrega-tions, musical concerts and athlet-ic events. Alibin said a UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) volleyball game has already been booked. Recently the gym hosted the concerts of come-dian Vice-Ganda and celebrity Anne Curtis, it also was the venue of the university’s commencement exer-cises. Alibin said that rental is pegged at P80,000 for 4-5 hours but he said the University board is finalizing the list of fees for the use of the facility. The facility is also intended to be a revenue generating facility for the university. The P145- million funding for the USEP gym was sourced from the General Appropriations Fund, the Priority Development Assis-tance Fund (PDAF) of then Speaker Prospero Nograles and Davao City First District Representative Karlo Nograles with further assistance

from the Pambansang Bayaning Athleta partylist congressman Mark Sambar and Senator Chiz Escude-ro. It was in 2009 when Dr. Alib-in asked the help of then Speaker Prospero Nograles to fund the con-struction of a gymnasium to which the Speaker acquiesced. The proj-ect was expanded into what would become the most modern and big-gest gymnasium in Davao City. “As the then chief-of-staff I was a witness to how Speaker Nograles tried to source fund for the gymna-sium.” Recalled Rep. Karlo Nograles during his speech at the inaugura-tion which was also graced by PBA partylist Representative Mark Sam-bar. The congressman said that an-other P44-million will be allotted for the construction of a road along the gym, improvement of drainage and further landscaping of the grounds.

Davao Black Taxis sport tourism logosDAVAO CITY- Davao City’s unique Black Taxi fleet have began sport-ing tourism pictures showing the different attractions of the region. The picture stickers pasted in the front doors of the taxi sedans is patterned after London Black Taxis which sported Its More Fun in The Philippines logos. However according to Pierre Ryan Tan, manager of the

Black Taxi fleet, they have taken a step further by adding pictures instead of just logos. Among the photos include the Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, Durian, spelunking, Aliwagwag Falls, Kadayawan Festival, Monfort Cave bats, Digos Bibingka makers among many other regional tourism spots and icons.

By RG Alama


Tan said that the photos were in partnership with Department of Tourism XI under Regional Director Art Boncato. Aside from promoting tourism the photos also puts an assurance to passengers with its government partnership. “The fact that we have a partnership means that our taxis are up to standards.” Tan said during the launched last August 18. The Black Taxi line, the newest addition under the Mabuhay Taxi Company started by Pierre Tan and his sister 19 years ago is reputably one of the country’s most sophisticated taxi units. It boasts of Point-of-Sales remote terminals which allows debit and ATM card cashless transactions and are equipped with Global Positioning System Terminals for tracking and efficient dispatch. Tan said the taxis combine elegance, class and passenger comfort and convenience and has been a hit with the taxi riding public and an internet viral sensation at the same

time. The Black Taxi tourism taxi launch was held at the Matina Town Square and was graced by DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez. The Secretary took a short ride at a Black Taxi unit and was briefed with the taxicab’s unique features. Aside from the Black Taxis, a homegrown coffee shop-the Blue Gre café also launched its It’s More Fun in the Philippine cups. Budget airline Seair also had the tourism slogan emblazoned on its fuselage. “These people (owners of Black Taxi, Seair, Blugre) represents those which treats tourism as an industry and not just a hobby or activity.” Sec. Jimenez said during the launching’s press conference at Blue Gre café in MTS. The tourism secretary said that these are exciting times for Philippine tourism, he added that they are hopeful of meeting the 4.16 million tourism arrival target for 2012.


Regional gallery

Maidens representing the 10 tribes of Davao await their turn to be presented as Hiyas ng Kadayawan finalists during the opening ceremonies of Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2012 held last August 3 at Davao City’s Peoples Park.


S. Cotabato eyed as venue of nat’l solid waste confabBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- A non-government organization is considering South Cotabato as venue of this year’s national solid waste management con-vention, an official here confirmed today.

Engr. Seigfred Flavi-ano, acting provincial environment manage-ment officer, said offi-cers of the Solid Waste Management Associa-tion of the Philippines (SWAPP) visited the province last week and suggested the con-duct of the nationwide gathering here.

“They came up with the proposal after they observed our ef-ficient implementation of solid waste man-agement initiatives,” Flaviano said.

Among those that caught the attention of SWAPP officials were the widespread cam-paign in the produc-

tion of vermicompost out of biodegradable waste, which is being implemented in coop-eration with the Office


S. Cotabato eyed as venue of nat’l solid waste confab

of the Provincial Ag-riculturist and the es-tablishment of a clus-tered sanitary landfill (CSLF).

The CSLF is being used by the munici-palities in the Upper Valley, namely: Sural-lah, T’boli, Lake Sebu, Banga, Sto. Nino, and Norala. It is located in Colonggolo, Sural-lah.

“South Cotabato is the only local gov-ernment in the en-tire country that has a clustered sanitary landfill,” he explained, “that receives purely residual wastes.”

“Also, all of our LGUs, including the provincial government have solid waste man-agement plan.

Flaviano added that officials of SWAPP have also indicated inter-ested in funding sol-id waste management in the province.

SWAPP is a non-prof-it organization com-posed of solid waste management practi-tioners from LGUs,

national government agencies, non-govern-ment organization, and the academe.

The executive di-rector of SWAPP may be coordinating with Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr regarding this mat-ter soon, he added.

At present, the Pro-vincial Environment Management Office is spearheading the eval-uation of finalists in the province-wide in-terschool contest on solid waste manage-ment.

They are also pre-paring activities for the 3rd South Cotabato Recyclable Waste Fair

slated in November. This early, the

fair’s technical work-ing group has al-ready decided to hold a cosplay (or costume play) contest, which has recently become a trend among youth. But instead of expen-sive anime costumes, contestants should be using recycled materi-als.

They have also slated a search for Mr. Iron Man and Ms. Beautiful where 60 percent of the points will be based on their recycled waste mate-rial attires. (PIA 12)


Kabacan, Cotabato strengthens K5 group campaignBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY--The town of Kabacan in the province of North Cotabato empowers its K5 group drive or “Kilusan tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kalinisan at Kaunlaran sa Bayan ng Kabacan” which focuses in monitoring the criminal-ity and other detrimental incidents in the said town.

K5 President David Don Saure Sr. stated that the organization was formed as response to the series of killings and illegal drug trade that is rampant in Kabacan.

The organization started in 2009 and continues its endeavor in encouraging more people to cooperate and be part in solving the problems of the town.

As part of its initiative in making Kabacan a peaceful place, an assembly was conducted recently for the formulation and discussion of strategic plans for the promotion of lasting peace and progress.

In his message during the conference, Kabacan Vice Mayor Policronio Dulay extended his support to the organization due to the noble deed it can cause for the mentioned town.

K5 is composed of the residents of Kabacan from different sectors who aim to retain not only the cleanliness but also the peace and order situation of the place. (with RBeñez-DXVL)


DAF intensify efforts to raise farmers’ productivity in Lanao de Surby Apipa P. Bagumbaran The

Department of

Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Provincial Office is intensifying efforts to boost local farmers’ productivity and subsequently uplift their standard of living.

The assurance came from DAF Provincial Head Pangalian Balindong Jr. saying they will continue to provide support and assistance to local farmers through the provision of farm implements and machineries, conduct of projects to educate the farmers, and proper implementation of programs patterned to the four banner agricultural programs of the national

government. He said these programs, aimed at sustaining food security and sufficiency, are the agri-pinoy rice program, agri-pinoy corn program, agri-pinoy HVCD program, and the agri-pinoy livestock and poultry. Data from the DAF-Lanao del Sur shows that 235 bags of registered palay seeds and 650 bags of organic


fertilizer were distributed to local farmers under the agri-pinoy rice program during the period January to June, this year. In addition, some 122 bags of OPV white corn seeds and 98 bags of yellow corn seeds were handed-out to farmers under the agri-pinoy corn program while 1,427 pieces of assorted fruit tree seedlings and 1,114 packs of vegetable seeds were distributed to farmer-beneficiaries during the same period in line with the agri-pinoy HVCD program. Balindong said five corn demonstration farms and 13 vegetable demonstration farms were also established in selected municipalities of the province during the first semester of 2012. “Specifically, a demonstration farm was established in the Basak area to enhance the knowledge of farmer-beneficiaries on utilizing and applying organic fertilizer,” he added. He further reported that a training of trainers on organic agriculture was also conducted during the period in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Bureau

of Soils and water Management (BSWM). Balindong said the livestock section of the DAF has distributed 1,000 chicks and 170 ducklings, both with starter kits, and 50 heads of goats since January, this year, under the agri-pinoy livestock and poultry program According to him, veterinary civic action programs were also undertaken in the municipalities of Butig, Balindong, and Saguiaran during the first semester. In terms of institutional development, the DAF-Lanao del Sur has organized this year a total of 17 4-H clubs with 425 members and 16 Rural Improvement Clubs with 400 members.


www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

DENR-Caraga steps up requirements in NGP sitesby Eric Herson F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) top management is prioritizing dipterocarp species in the choice of planting materials in its reforestation activities as it stepped up its standard requirements in all reforestation sites under a revived “Timber Corridor” management setting, a move that will ensure sustainable growth of quality trees.


“We want to ensure that dipterocarp species are also prioritized in the choice of species in the establishment of tree plantations” DENR Assistant Secretary Marlo D. Mendoza, who is also the Regional Executive Director for DENR 13 said during a Management Conference with the newly-assumed Provincial and Community Environment Officers of Caraga Region held at in this city on August 16, 2012. This was first management meeting done by Mendoza since he assumed his new post in the DENR Regional Office 13 following

a recent major shake-up of the middle management organization at the DENR 13 by Secretary Ramon JP Paje in June this year. “ Henceforth, all planting materials for the National Greening Program (NGP) in all planting sites must either come from the DENR–accredited nurseries or Seed Production Areas ,” Mendoza stressed. He also discouraged the practice of “pwede na or bahala na” attitude in preparing planting materials for the NGP because it only result to poor growth and low productivity. He said only indigenous tree species shall planted in the 339,963-hectare protection forest area, which is about 30 percent of the region’s total land area of 1,913,842 hectares. The production forest area is 991,528 hectares. This comprise 375,509 hectares of land classified as “without tenure” and 616,019 hectares with tenure. He said that as part of the sustainable forest management practice under the NGP, dipterocarp wildlings or saplings of lauan, apitong, bagtikan, tangile, guijo, and yakal should not be allowed to be cut down even in reforestation undertakings n in production forest areas. He said a guideline , sort of “commodity road map for 2013 to 2016 is being prepared during a planning workshop seminar to be held sometime in September this year to serve as a


Caraga ConsumerNet plans activites for the Consumer Welfare Monthby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- - In preparation for this year’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration in October, the ConsumerNetwork (ConsumerNet) member-agencies led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga have planned various activities for the event.

direction for the NGP in Caraga Region. He said the commodity roadmap shall serve as a guide on what to plant in a specific geographical area considering the type of soil, climate and markets. “We are planning to establish 100,000 hectare area under the NGP,” Mendoza said. “We see a reforestation area with a combination of bamboo and fast-growing trees and other shade-tolerant fruit tree species like langka, lansones, coffee, cacao and other in an upland community,” he added. He said that the clonal nursery center being maintained

by the Eco-System Research and Development at Barangay Buod, Butuan City should be strengthened. He said all seedlings that are planted and maintained in a NGP site especially dipterocarp species shall be closely monitored, “geo tagged” and counted which are pre- requisites for harvest. He likewise encouraged the PENRO and CENRO officers to establish their respective 25-hectare model forest zone within the NGP production area of their choice in their respective jurisdiction which will showcase tree the application of appropriate technology in forest tree farming.


This was confirmed during the special meeting of member agencies held recently at the DTI-Caraga, this city. Elmer Natad of DTI-Caraga said that on October 1, during the kick-off ceremony for the Consumer Welfare Month celebration, the ConsumerNet member-agencies will be signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the D&V building grounds here. “This is a refresher to all member-agencies to remind them of their functions in implementing the laws for the welfare of the consumers,” said Natad. Along with the MOA signing is the conduct of the two-day Diskwento Caravan to be held at the same venue. Government agencies and local tri-media will also be participating in the motorcade. Natad added that the celebration will culminate with the conduct of the “ConsumerNet Meets the Public” on October 31 at the

Luciana Convention Center here. Target participants to the forum are representatives of consumer organizations in the region, youth organizations, senior citizens, government employees, transport groups and academe, among others. It will also serve as a venue for the target participants to raise their issues and concerns, suggestions and recommendations with the presence of the concerned government agencies and partner stakeholders at the forefront in providing the welfare of the consumers. Also, the ConsumerNet will be conducting a quiz bowl during the culmination day with students from different schools in the region as the participants of said activity. Meanwhile, the DTI-Caraga reminds the public know their rights as consumers and asked for their full support and cooperation on the programs and services provided to them by the government.

CSC leadership, coaching brand for Caraga launchedby CSC-13

BUTUAN CITY -- Civil Service Commission (CSC) Assistant Commissioner David E. Cabanag, Jr. headed the launching of CSC Leadership and Coaching Brand for Caraga Regional Office, along with CSC Caraga Regional Director Adams D. Torres and Assistant Regional Director Noemi Rabe-Torres.


The launching was held at the CSC Caraga Human Resource Development Center and this was attended by majority of CSC regional and field operations’ personnel. The CSC Leadership and Coaching Brand encapsulated by the phrase “Coaching for Integrity and Excellence” is supported with seven leadership brand attributes, such as thinking strategically, leading change, building commitment, partnering and networking, managing performance, developing people, and coaching for results. Part of the launching activity was the symbolic Leadership and Coaching Pin which the respective CSC Caraga regional and assistant regional directors personally imposed upon the Corps of CSC Caraga Leaders for Field Operation, namely Director II Christopher C. Mabale of the Province of Agusan del Norte; Director II Harold P. Pareja of the Province of Agusan del Sur, who is likewise the concurrent field officer of the Province of Surigao del Sur; and Director II Meshach D. Dinhayan of the Province of Surigao del Norte. A s s i s t a n t C o m m i s s i o n e r David E. Cabanag,

Jr. administered their pledge of commitment to transformational leadership through upholding the leadership brand and living the seven attributes to fulfill the CSC’s vision of becoming the leading center of excellence in Asia for strategic human resource and organization development in the year 2030, with its core purpose of making every public servant a servant hero, or “Gawing Lingkod Bayani ang Bawat Kawani.” Assistant Commissioner Cabanag, in his leadership message, said, “… this morning’s event is more than just a culmination of the previous months’ work. It signals the start of a new journey as we wield the CSC Leadership Branch in our everyday dealings with the staff, our partners, clients and stakeholders. The challenge now is to prove that we are able to embody, that we can live, that we are worth the leadership and coaching brand – Coaching for Integrity and Excellence!”

Documents

One Mindanao - August 28, 2012