One Mindanao - August 3, 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 Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, 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 Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

A thriving rattan industry in the countryside

Alma L. TingcangWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Friday, August 3, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 315

page 4

Palace asks claimant countries in West Philippine Sea to observe previously agreed declaration to ease tensions 9

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

No loan needed in hospital construction, says Dipolog City CDC

2721

Vanessa M. Gorra, Northern MindanaoXU opens student mall to public

Dengue cases continue to rise in NorMin 28

Koronadal fast tracks lot selection for new cemetery

South Cotabato has Philippines’ best public safety company

35

37

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

15Butuan City Police conducts ‘friendly shootfest’ with local media

Caraga Region

Caraga police woman gets nat’l award

IT project to benefit UP Mindanao31 RG Alama, Southern Mindanao

Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Central Mindanao

Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region

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7 11

13

18

23

26

29

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4 Friday, August 3, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover StoryA thriving rattan industry in the countryside

Raw rattan is processed into several products to be used in furniture making. It is very good material mainly because it is lightweight, durable, and to some extent, flexible. It is extensively used in making furnitures, baskets and other decorative works. For this reason, an enterprising couple in Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur, Danilo and Brigette Ytang ventured into the rattan business in 2008 finding that rattan abounds in the nearby mountains of Biswangan, Lakewood and Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, although they also access rattan materials from

Bayugan, Agusan del Sur. Starting with a capital outlay of P20,000, Danilo and Brigette started their business, consequently registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as CSE Sawmill and Technocraft Industry. It is conveniently located along the National Highway of Tigbao and their product display easily catches the attention of motorists and passers-by. Much as the couple wanted to expand their business, having several orders from clients, one problem seemed insurmountable - the financial outlook.

Rattans are superficially similar to bamboo,

with long internodes between the leaves, and slender stems 2-5cm in diameter. They are not trees but are vine-like, scrambling through and over vegetation. But unlike bamboo, rattan stems are

by Alma L. Tingcang

Friday, August 3, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

T h e Department of Science and Technology offered to help through the acquisition of machine for their rattan business with a total cost of P300,000. However, the couple opted to turn down the offer since they have no capital for the purchase of supplies and to buy a transformer needed for the installation of the machine. In the recent SME caravan held in Pagadian City, they were invited by the DTI to air their problems in their business and to find ways how the government can extend help. DTI offered designing and packaging of their products

but the immediate concern of the couple were on the financial aspect. They needed cash capital for production. Speaking with representatives of government banking institutions like the Land Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines, they aired their problem since they would fall

short of one vital requirement, that is, a land title as collateral in order to avail of a loan package. “Gusto gyud unta mi mo-avail sa maong tanyag sa bangko. Ang problema lang kay wala mi titulo sa yuta nga gikinahanglan aron makahulam mi ug puhunan sa bangko (We want to avail of the offer. But the problem is that we have no land title which is needed so we could borrow money from the bank),” Brigette sadly narrated. However, they were able to avail of a loan package from the First Valley Bank in the amount of P100,000 using their family vehicle as collateral. “At present, the machine we have is that which splits and slices the rattan in different sizes and a sander and we have put up an investment of P200,000 for this business,” Brigette said in vernacular.


“Ang gihimo namo, gi-roll na lang ang among kwarta sa negosyo. Kung naay mo-advance ug bayad para sa order, mao to among ipalit ug materyales. Dako kayo ang among tinguha nga makakuha mi ug dugang capital kay di pud mi

makadawat ug daghang orders kung k u l a n g a m o n g p u h u n a n gawas pa naa mi

gisweldohan nga 7 ka sakop (What we did is we roll the money in the business. If we receive advance payment for orders, we use it to buy the materials. It is really our desire to have additional capital because we cannot accept several orders

if we lack capital, aside from that, we employ 7 workers), the couple explained. The rotational brownouts hamper their operations and sometimes fall short of the due date for delivery of orders. “Our desire is to obtain help from the government through an easier borrowing scheme. We do not possess a land title but only tax declaration, that is why we find it hard because this is the document needed for the approval of loans from government financial institutions,” Danilo and Brigette further said.

But despite all the odds, the couple are optimistic and determined that they will weather the storms in their business venture, and eventually be successful in the rattan industry in this part of the country.


ACROSS THE NATION

During the awarding ceremonies of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang on Thursday, the Chief Executive asked the youth to look after the welfare of fellow Filipinos to attain a brighter future.

“Binigyan ka ng biyaya ng Dios,

binigyan ka ng pagkakataon. Anong gagawin mo sa pagkakataon na ito? Tayo ba ay tutungo sa pangsarili natin o pwede tayo tumingin sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa,” he said.

The President feted 10 students from among the 30 national finalists who were recognized for their academic

Aquino exhorts the Filipino youth to participate in nation-building

President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the youth to participate in nation-building by showing compassion and generosity and extending hands to fellowmen to help revitalize the country’s

progress and development.

8 Friday, August 3, 2012

and professional excellence, leadership and social

responsibility anchored on good moral values.

The TOSP 2012 awardees are Kenneth Isaiah Ibasco Abante from the Ateneo de Manila University, Angelita Adajar Bombarda from the De La Salle University, Jerome Ven David from De La Salle University-Manila, John Michael Flores Dellariarte from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Daniel Philip Villaranda Dy from Ateneo de Naga University, Jay-R Mesa Mendoza from University of Rizal System-Morong Campus, Ruthell Angusto Moreno from West Visayas State University, Maria Janua Bacolod Polinar from Central Mindanao University, Kurt Gerrard Tiu See from De La Salle University-Manila, and Juan Carlo Pe Tejano from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

This year, around 243 entries were submitted for regional screening, 87 of which were screened by the assembly to select the top 30 finalists.

Aside from the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP), the Chief Executive also congratulated all 30 finalists.

The Chief Executive called on the youth to remain committed to initiating

and inspiring endeavors for the country’s progress.

The TOSP continuously recognizes the best students through the auspices of RFM Foundation, Inc. with the cooperation of the Commission on Higher Education, and National Bookstore among others.

Anchored on promoting integrity, excellence, fear of God and service as a way of life to produce competent future leaders, the TOSP was established on June 19, 1961, the centennial birth anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal, by businessman Jose Concepcion Jr. (js)


Palace asks claimant countries in West Philippine Sea to observe previously agreed declaration to ease tensions

Malacañang has asked claimant countries in the West Philippine Sea to observe the declaration previously agreed by all parties to prevent the escalation of tensions in the disputed territory.

In a media briefing in Malacanang on Thursday, Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said the Philippine government is not aware of the area in the West Philippine Sea that the People’s Republic of China is going to bid out for exploration.

There was a report saying that China plans to bid out oil blocks in portions of

the West Philippine Sea.Carandang was asked by reporters

about the country’s position in case China allows exploration of areas that are part of the territories being claimed by the Philippines.

“We’re not sure what areas specifically that China plans to bid out. So if they are in areas that are disputed like the Kalayaan Group of Islands where there are other claimants like the Philippines,

10 Friday, August 3, 2012

Brunei, Malaysia, and then Taiwan and Vietnam, then I understand that the Code of Conduct while it’s not binding, the spirit of it is that countries will not take any efforts to increase tensions,” he said.

“And so we would remind our friends, not just China that, in the spirit of the Code of Conduct, it might be better not to take actions that would raise tensions.”

The Palace official also mentioned the bidding to be held on Monday by the Philippine government to open up some areas within the country’s jurisdiction for energy exploration

The areas to be bidded out for exploration are within Philippine territory and are not being contested, he said.

“This is not part of what is generally considered disputed territory. Hindi ito kasama ng Spratlys, hindi ito kasama ng Kalayaan Islands. This is part of Philippine territory so we don’t see any problem with that,” Carandang said.

Carandang also made an assurance that the Philippine government will protect exploration companies that will work in the area, adding that the government will exercise its right as a sovereign country to bid out licenses.

“And if those people who have licenses need protection, we will provide them to the best of our ability,” he said.

With regards to the standoff in the Panatag Shoal, Carandang assured the public that all efforts are still being undertaken to find a peaceful, legal and diplomatic solution to the disputes happening over the West Philippine Sea. (as)


Sen Guigona: No progress if there’s no peace in Mindanao

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III on Thursday said that long-term peace in Mindanao is needed to further

boost economic, political and tourist potentials of the region.Speaking before the Butuan City

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. today, Sen. Guingona highlighted the business potential of Mindanao citing its strong export performance despite the negative perceptions of the region.

“I congratulate the business community of Mindanao because

despite the increasingly strong rebel presence and extremely negative perceptions of our region, Mindanao continues to be the source of six major commodities that consistently rank on top of our exports list. We have so much potential and we can do so much more,” he said.

The good governance advocate


likewise stressed his long-standing belief when it comes to Mindanao development: Walay kalamboan kung walay kalinaw sa Mindanao (There would be no progress if there is no peace in Mindanao).

“What do we need and what are we doing to foster peace? We need to have a government that we can trust. Trust is the fundamental ingredient for long-term peace. There will be no peace if the people do not trust the government to do their job: in the peace talks, in political challenges, and in economic decision-making. To foster peace, we must foster trust. To foster trust, we must have good governance,” Sen. Guingona said.

The senator said that good governance which is seen to achieve long-term peace in Mindanao can be attained in three things: transparency, accountability and people’s participation.

He added that the Aquino administration is now making headway to foster peace and development in the region.

“In the past, Mindanao was like a small boat trapped in the middle of turbulent seas. Nine years under Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo meant years of decayed governance, electoral fraud, and military corruption - leading to a strong distrust in the government. We could barely move as a region. The country barely moved as a nation,” Sen. Guingona said.

He added that on the current administration, the Mindanao people are slowly seeing changes and this is the opportunity that the region needs.

“As the Aquino administration continues to restore democracy and accountability in this country, we as a people have much to hope for in terms of development and growth. Mindanao is standing on the ledge of full progress, blocked only by the nagging threat of the absence of sustainable and real peace,” he said.

Sen. Guingona called on the Mindanao business community to pitch in, step forward and tell everyone what Mindanao is worth fighting for.

“If we work together to make this government work through transparency, accountability, and people’s participation, we will achieve peace in Mindanao. With peace, we will finally attain a more inclusive, progressive, and greener Mindanao,” Sen. Guingona said.


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A city official here underscored the importance of public-private partnership (PPP) as the city

government is implementing this as one of the flagship programs of the Aquino administration.

Butuan City official underscores importance of PPP

In an interview, in time with the 62nd Charter Day celebration of this city, Butuan City Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun said under the leadership of Mayor Ferdinand Amante

Jr., the PPP is among the priority programs of the city government. True to this, Fortun said the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved the city ordinance dubbed

by Robert E. Roperos


the PPP Code of the City of Butuan. He added Butuan is the first in the country to have such a code. In a press conference Fortun emphasized that the PPP can help boost the economic condition of the area, saying that the local government here cannot do alone in implementing economic development in the city. Since last year, the city government has partnered with private institutions both locally and internationally. One of these undertakings is the partnership with the Tokyo University in Japan in its quest to duplicate the solid waste management program of Japan through the said university. Aside from this, the city government is regularly conducting job fairs during important occasions such as the annual fiesta celebration where private companies are invited to hire employment to the residents of Butuan. In other development, the celebration of the 62nd

“Adlaw Hong Butuan” is highlighted by the inauguration of the Guingona Park, which is being renovated since early this year. The ceremony was graced by former Vice-President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and Senator TJ Guingona. The Guingonas turned over to the city government the five-

hectare lot owned by the family in Barangay Ampayon here for the establishment of the Philippine Science High School. Thursday, Senator Guingona will give his keynote speech during the opening of the 21st Mindanao Business Conference hosted by the city government, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the Butuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (BCCIFI). The conference will run until Saturday, August 4, and is anchored on the theme: “Invest Mindanao: Towards a more inclusive, progressive and greener future.”


“This is a replication of what is done at the national police headquarters, to teach and train local media practitioners on gun handling safety and firing so that in effect it may prepare them on any eventuality so they can respond, react and report accordingly,” said Butuan City Police Office OIC PSupt Romy I. Palgue. Palgue handled the basics of safety gun handling and firing and the range officers from BCPO while the Philippine Shooters Association assisted the media

practitioners during the actual firing exercises. Each media practitioners were allowed to fire five rounds using a 9mm or caliber .45 pistol. “We ought to learn self-protection first before we can settle down and attain our peace of mind. It may help us gain more focus and impel a better delivery of our services,” Palgue added. The activity, according to Palgue was also intended to foster stronger fellowship between the local media and the police so that both entities, instead of harboring

Butuan City Police conducts ‘friendly shootfest’ with local mediaby Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY-- The Butuan City Police Office held a friendly shootfest and fellowship with members of the local media here.


a somewhat adversarial attitude towards each other may instead try to come up with a common advocacy with the aim to properly deliver the necessary services to the community. Aside from Palgue, the activity, which included sessions on basics of gun handling safety and firing, was police officials, representatives from the Philippine Shooters Association (PSA), Rev. Charlie Prior,

Butuan City Moral Recovery Officer (representing Butuan LGU) and members of the Butuan City Tri-Media from DXBN-Radyo Ng Bayan, DXBC-Radyo Mo Nationwide, DXBR-Radyo Bombo, DXJM-Radyo Asenso, DXGL-Real Radio, 103.9 Radyo Trumpeta, Butuan Star, Medianet Balita (Butuan), Mindanao Courier, Philippine Daily Inquirer, ABS-CBN (Butuan) and ABC-5 (Butuan).

Caraga police woman gets nat’l award

BUTUAN CITY-- A policewoman from Caraga is one of the four police commissioned officers and six policed personnel named by the Metrobank Foundation Inc., the Philippine National Police (PNP), Rotary Club of New Manila East and PSBank as winners of the search for the Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (Cops) .


PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, chief spokesman of Police Regional Office-13 said Police Senior Inspector Charity S. Galvez of Butuan City was among the 10 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers chosen out of the 100 nominees nationwide. In July 2011, Galvez and a her men though outnumbered and facing better-armed foes, stood their ground and repulsed New People’s Army rebels who staged a dawn raid and tried to overrun Trento Municipal Police Station, in Trento town of Agusan del Sur. The other three commissioned officers who made it to the list included Police Supt. Belli B. Tamayo and Police Supt. Bernard M. Banac of Quezon City and Police Chief Insp. Vicente S. Cabatingan of Laguna. The other six non-commissioned officers listed also included: Police Officer 3 Eduardo D Santiago, Pangasinan; Senior Police Officer 3 Renjun O. Bagaman, Koronadal; Senior Police Officer 3 Rhia B. Sotomil, Iloilo; Police Officer 3 Mary Jane B. Perez, Cotabato City; Senior Police Officer 4 Ma. Rosario Y. Suarez, Davao City; and Senior Police Officer

Robert U. Fabregas, Quezon City. The selection process of the winners was done under a close and rigorous scrutiny of the files and documents submitted by a selection board and a final appearance before the final board of judges representing different sectors, chaired by Court of Appeals Presiding Justice Andres Reyes Jr. Cops winners will be awarded together with the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (Tops) as Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos on September 5, during the Metrobank 50th anniversary. Police winners will receive P300,000 as cash prize and a trophy courtesy of Metrobank Foundation. They will also be conferred the “Medalya Ng Katangi-tanging Gawa,” a testament of the exemplary service of the Cops awardees. The police winners will then join the rank of the 98 Outstanding PNP since 2002. They will also become members of the Policemen Responsible for Organizing, Training and Empowering Communities or (Protect).


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PRC recognizes Tabak troopers as modern day heroes By Gideon C. Corgue

1st Infantry Tabak division commander BGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III was grateful that the officers and men of the headquarters were chosen as one of the modern day heroes

by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Zamboanga del Sur chapter during the culmination of the observance of Blood Donors’ Month on Tuesday, July 31 at the City Commercial Center here.


In his message delivered by assistant division commander BGen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, the good general said he is “very grateful for the rare opportunity to be among these modern heroes, the blood donor volunteers, who selflessly share their precious time and blood for others.” Cruz said the 1st Infantry division has participated in some 178 various blood-letting activities during the past 3 years as a manifestation of their active support to the PRC’s goal of saving lives. Cruz assured PRC that the Tabak division is more than willing to maintain the strong partnership in the spirit of selfless service. “We are not only here to recognize our donor-volunteer heroes but also affirm our commitment and concern to the very people with which the AFP and the PRC have pledged to serve and protect. Through our continuing partnership, I am very confident

that we will save as many people as we can in the coming years,” Cuz announced. PRC administrator Hildaliza Muñoz said this year, 1st Infantry division, a regular blood donor has donated a total of 360 bags or with an equivalent of 162,000 cc to PRC . “These bags of blood were collected from the headquarters’ personnel and from the Candidate Soldier applicants,” she added.


Meanwhile, Blood Services Committee chair Dr. Perla Delverio admonished the blood galloners and blood donors to maintain and sustain donating blood saying that blood by itself is life. “Without blood, we might lose the gift of life,” she added. Muñoz recognized and sincerely thanked the generous blood donors and sponsors from government agencies, non-government and civic organizations for their vital contribution to the program by awarding them plaques,

pins, and certificates. (ALT/GCC/PIA9)


This was the assurance of Engr. Albert Alimpulos, the concurrent City Development Coordinator(CDC)of Dipolog City amidst allegations that the City Government is planning to apply for a loan to finance

the construction of the said city hospital. It maybe recalled that President Benigno Aquino III, in his campaign sorties during the 2010 Presidential election has committed P200-million for the construction of the city hospital of Dipolog. Alimpulos said the initial release of P50-million which was received by the City Government through the Department of Public Works and Highwayswas used for the Phase I of the project. P2.6-million was appropriated forthe general requirements of the project such as the construction of

No loan needed in hospital construction, says Dipolog City CDCBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Presidential fund is sufficient to finance the on-going construction of the Dipolog City Hospital, and the City Government need not apply for a loan to finish the project.


temporary facilities; soil exploration to determine the bearing capacity of the hospital site. P4.6 million was appropriated for site preparation which includes clearing, graveling and soil poisoning; P41million has been appropriated for civil and structural works like filing, fitting, masonry, frameworks, plumbing and electrical works or roughing-ins; and P1.75 million was set aside for DPWH retention for supervision, processing and other requirements. Alimpulos pointed out that all heavy equipment used in the

construction are owned by the City Government and no single private contractor has been involved in the project, not even consultants. He assured that all documents pertaining to the construction of the City Hospital, especially its accomplishment report are available in his office and could be scrutinized by any interested party. He added that all projects implemented by the City Government are in accordance with the budgeting rules and regulations and has not violated any provision of the rules of the Commission on Audit. (ALT/ATR/PIA9)


T he joint regional and provincial peace and order council was

convened Tuesday in Basilan with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Officer-in-Charge Governor Mujiv Hataman to discuss measures to end hostilities in Sumisip, Basilan.

Joint reg’l, prov’l peace councils meet to end hostilities in Sumisip by Rene V. Carbayas

During discussions, Regional Governor Hataman underscored the need for government agencies and local government unit to address the issues and conflicts affecting the communities south of Basilan with pro-active stance. Hataman specifically asked the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) to explain the situation of the Tumajubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative (TARBIDCI) that may have escalated and caused the series of hostilities

in Sumisip municipality. He also asked the concerned agencies for specific interventions made to address the problem of the cooperative. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Suwaib Ismael reported that the TARBIDCI cooperative was beset with problems on management and infightings among some beneficiaries, which eventually became violent for some disgruntled individuals. At least three separate incidents of harassments since last year were reported, where rubber plantation workers fall victims of


ambush, waylaid and strafing on their way to gather rubber produce inside the plantation. The latest bloody incident occurred last July 11, 2012 where seven plantation workers died and several others wounded. Pursuit operations against perpetrators ensued resulting to armed confrontations on July 26, 2012 against some 150 lawless elements (some of them believed to be

members of the dreaded Abu Sayyafs) that killed some 11 government soldiers, wounding some 18 others, and displaced over a thousand families in Sumisip, Basilan. Outgoing Basilan Police Chief PS/Supt. Alex Lineses reported that appropriate charges in court were already filed involving some suspects which the police did not identify. He added that the police joined and provided security to the social welfare personnel in delivering relief goods in different affected areas last July 29. Anwary Akalon of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and point person of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee reported that 2,000 family packs relief


goods were prepared and served to some 1,961 displaced families. He said that a total of P603,000 worth of assistance to internally displaced persons were delivered. Meanwhile, Tipo-Tipo Mayor Ingatun Istarul has asked the military to re-establish the abandoned detachments along major roads in Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip, which he believed will help reduce atrocities in this troubled southern part of Basilan. Istarul fears that as an adjacent town of Sumisip, Tipo-Tipo is highly vulnerable and that spillover violence may strike anytime if security is not tightened. Outgoing Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Col. Arthur Ang of the 104th Philippine Army Brigade reiterated the call to foster the spirit

of ‘Bayanihan’ in Basilan, urging stakeholders—the local government units, civilians, government agencies, the military and the police—to strengthen cooperation and collaboration to attain the elusive peace and development. Ang underscored the importance of completing the on-going Basilan Circumferential Road (BCR) concreting as detrimental to the full development of the province. He further announced that the arrival of the 64th Infantry Battalion in Basilan recently is not intended for military operations as alleged by some sectors but were here solely to protect and provide security to ensure completion of the BCR. (ALT/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)


DIPO Eastern Mindanao turns over motorboat, lifesaving vests to PRO-10by Elaine O. RatunilPolice

director Felicisimo

V. Khu, Jr of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Eastern Mindanao turned over one motorboat and 15 lifesaving vests to Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 last July 31.

The ceremony was made at the covered court of Barangay Macabalan, where PCSupt. Catalino B. Rodriguez, Jr, deputy regional director for administration, formally accepted the symbolic key from Khu. The motorboat will be used by the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) of the Philippine National Police to boost its search and rescue capabilities, particularly in times of

natural calamities such as typhoons and severe flooding. It is a rapid deployment unit tasked to assist provincial and city police offices during emergencies and special events when needed. Last February 6 and 11, PRO-10 completed the six-day trainor’s training on disaster preparedness. Participants consisted of the different members of barangay peacekeeping


XU opens student mall to publicby Vanessa M. Gorra

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Xavier University and Pryce Corporation Inc inaugurated the Xavier University – Pryce Center for Entrepreneurship on July 29 during the celebration of the Feast of St Ignatius of Loyola.

The student-run shopping and business center is under the University’s Student Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) and designed to train students to become successful entrepreneurs. At the ground floor are shopping stalls operated by students taking up entrepreneurship courses while the second floor houses the training and incubation center, a conference room and the SEP office. “There is a real need for the economy of Cagayan de Oro, the

region and the country to have entrepreneurs,” Fr Roberto Yap, XU president, said. “It’s not enough that we produce good employees. We have to train our students to be entrepreneurs and serve the community.” He thanked Pryce Corporation headed by its Chief Executive Officer Salvador Escaño for this wonderful gift to Xavier. Further, Fr Yap encouraged the students

to use the business techniques they are learning to serve the poor by contributing to jobs and livelihoods generation. “St Ignatius challenges us to find God in all these worldly things and serve Him,” he said. In the same light, Escaño inspired the student-entrepreneurs to dream big, telling them that it’s normal to face difficulties. “I believe you cannot learn until

action teams and police officers of provincial and city police offices, as well as of RPSB. After completing the course, they were required to re-echo their new

acquired skills to the different police stations in the province, with the assistance of local government units. (PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga/PRO)


you fail,” Escaño said. He explained that there is no shame in failing. What is important is that you come out a better person from all your experiences. The mall is open to the public daily except Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. XU souvenir items, apparels, agri products and computer services are among the items offered by the mall. Food kiosks, meanwhile,

can be found at the SEP Food Court situated between the Engineering and CIT buildings. Fr Yap described the Xavier University – Pryce Center for Entrepreneurship as a gateway to XU’s service to the community. The mall entrance is now the main access gate to the university both for students and guests. (XU)

Dengue cases continue to rise in NorMinby Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - Dengue cases continue to rise in the region as the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit of the Department of Health (DOH)-10 said 192 new cases of dengue were monitored from July 21 to 30 this year.

From the 2,112 reported cases as of July 20, it had now risen to 2,304 cases, as based on the region-wide hospital records, with no reported deaths on the same period (July 21-30). Epidemiology unit chief David Mendoza said this is 109.45 percent higher than the same time period last year, which was 1,100. Mendoza pointed that most of the cases were from Misamis Oriental with 74.70 percent of the regional total whereas the municipality of Jasaan posted the highest in number at 2.90 percent, followed by Tagoloan at 2.70 percent of the total suspected admissions. The same province is also reported with the highest increase for this year compared with same period last year.

The province of Bukidnon followed with 12.20 percent; Lanao del Norte, 9.10 percent; Misamis Occidental, 3.60 percent; and Camiguin with only 0.40 percent. Among the cities, Cagayan de Oro had the highest increase at 54.60 percent, followed by Iligan at 6.50 percent, and Valencia at 2.40 percent.


The major benefactors of Philip-pine boxing Olympian Mark An-thony Barriga are reaping fruits of a youth development program focused on sports. Barriga defeated Wednesday Italian Manuel Cappai in the light flyweight category of London Olympics. He beat Cappai in a 17-7 score. The lone Philippine boxing contender to the London Olympics rose from the grassroots sports initiative of former Davao del Norte

2nd District representative Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo who started rolling out the Barangay Una Boxing Program in 2003. In a statement, Floirendo sends hope for Barriga to become an inspiration for “other athletes to strive for excellence at all times.” “Mark, you are a shining example of

determination and valor,” Floirendo said. He also looks at Barriga’s initial win in London Olympics as a message to “exhort sports leaders to focus on their sport of choice as their contribution to the development of our youth and national pride.” Before Barriga’s stint in this year’s Olympics, the Barangay Una Boxing Program had sent home-trained boxers to national and

Mark Anthony Barriga- fruit of DavNorsolon’s youth dev’t program


international boxing bouts. Rey Saludar became the 2010 Guangzhou, China Asian Games gold medalist, while Victorio Saludar reaped bronze medal in the same year Asian Games boxing competition. Barangay Una Boxing Progam also provided grassroots training for Charly Suarez who grabbed gold medal during the Southeast Asian Games in 2011. “I had envisioned the Barangay UNA boxing Program to produce world champions, from the grassroots particularly from Mindanao, who will compete in the international arena most especially the Olympics. In less than 10 years my vision has borne fruit,” Floirendo said. Meanwhile, Barangay Una Boxing Team manager GeneRose Tecson looks at Barriga as “the embodiment of dreams and hopes for Mindanao athletes,” to carry the Philippine flag in the Olympics. Tecson testified the arduous and dedicated training Barriga exerted to sharpen his boxing prowess under the support of his coaches, mentors and teammates of Barangay Una Boxing Program. Born on June 11, 1993,

Barriga is a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Panabo City where he started his boxing training in 2003 during his elementary years. He finished his elementary education at Salvacion Elementary School Panabo City as scholar of Barangay Una Boxing Program which was initially aimed at keeping youths from drug influence. He went and finished his high school education at Panabo National High School, keeping his scholarship grants from the boxing program. The Barangay Una Boxing Team had seen Barriga’s exceptional skills “in boxing and ring generalship,” reaping wins in inter-barangay tournaments, district meets, regional and Palarong Pambansa competitions. The Barangay Una Boxing Team then endorsed Barriga to the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) for him to join the national training pool. Barriga has established a track record of boxing triumphs in ABAP National Open Tournament, in Palarong Pambansa and in international tournaments. (Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, PIA-11)

facts and figures9 Amount of medals won in the country’s 75

years of olympic participation.


IT project to benefit UP Mindanao

DAVAO CITY- The ambitious e-UP project of the University of the Philippines system will greatly benefit UP Mindanao says UP Min Chancellor Gilda Rivero. “A lot, it makes it more efficient.” Rivero said when asked if the IT project would yield benefits to the Mindanao campus. Rivero cited e-UP’s benefits in terms of enhancing manpower

efficiency. “ UP Mindanao is lean particularly on manpower.” she said adding that the IT project will help them perform their tasks more efficiently. The chancellor also said that the university can share its resources more particularly in talent sharing. “We have so many talents, it would be easy for other constituent universities to tap the


resources available.”Rivero also cited that with academic resources being made available online, the IT project makes UP Min more relevant particularly in giving support to Mindanao’s agrculture. The e-UP project is an ambitious 3- year program which aims to put in place integrated, interconnected and interoperable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and infrastructure in and across all UP campuses. A flagship program of UP President Alfredo E. Pascual the eUP project is scheduled to be implemented in UP Mindanao by 2013. currently the project is in the design stage of various information systems. According to Dr. Elvira Zamora, UP Systems vice-president for development, the project is initially worth P750-million but reiterated that it is a running budget citing the different needs of specific constituents in the UP system. The project covers five compenents namely: 1.) policy formation, organization and mobilization, 2.) benchmarking and IT audit, 3.) acquisition/ development and installation of information systems, 4.) ICT infrastructure development and 5.) ICT competency building. Among the tangible infrastructure will include

enhancements of wi-fi access, upgrading of fiber-optics procurement of top-of-the-line software like Oracle for Human Resources, Financial Management, Peoplesoft campus solutions among other applications. Added capabilities include video-conferencing, online enrolment, wi-fi campuses, online learning materials among many others. Zamora said that the project will optimize the IT resources of the UP system integrating it based on the state university’s guiding spirit “One University, One UP. Zamora and Rivero also allayed fears that the subsequent modernization will lead to lay-offs of university workers. “Nobody would lose his or her job but the nature of the jobs had changed.” Zamora said. she added that part of the project includes competency building where personnel will be trained on IT matters. The system also has inputted costs for continious upgrades to protect the system from obsolescence and also the budget of the IT program will not eat up to existing budgets of different constituencies. The funding allocation of the e-UP project would come from reprogrammed funds of the UP system and additional funding from the Commission of Higher Education (PIA/RG Alama)


GenSan city gov’t identifies five priority investment areas for PPPBy Cathy Apelacio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY--- The city government has proposed five priority investment areas to the private sectors here which they could develop and operate under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.


Meriam Buguis, department head, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), presented the proposed investment areas at an investment forum on public-private partnership held recently here.

Buguis expressed confidence that the development of the sites would push local economy forward and help generate jobs for the unemployed sectors in the city.

The city government’s proposed investment sites, according to Buguis include the construction and operation of GenSan integrated food and transport terminal complex; construction and operation of GenSan “AAA Inter” Abattoir; construction and operation of upgraded GenSan Central Public Market; development of Klaja Karsts Ecotourism Park; and the development of Queen Tuna Park as tourism destination.

The terminal complex is comprised of food terminal, transport terminal and “AAA Inter”

Abattoir. Buguis said the current capacity of the terminal complex fails “to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic” aside that its presence in the heart of the city is “congesting the central business district.”

Buguis also cited the lack of “appropriate facilities and technologies” for product handling inside the complex, which are way below international standards.

The proposed development of the 20-hectare complex, which is pegged at P700 million also comes with the construction of a solid and liquid waste management facilities.

The city also bids for the “redevelopment”of its 20,450sq.m central public market under the PPP scheme with an indicative cost of P200 million.

The project will entail the construction of a mall-type building complex which will replace the existing public market. The mall-type includes facilities like wet market; shopping center with commercial spaces and

“crowd-drawer” add-ons such as recreational, amusement and entertainment facilities to include a parking building.

Meanwhile, the Klaja Karsts ecotourism park project, according to the CEMCDO head involves the development of several land sections covering some portion of batangays Upper Labay, Olympog, Conel and Mabuhay.

Priority development in this area includes road rehabilitation, hanging bridges, ladders and safety cables, campsites and cottages, tourist information center and ranger station, solar electric and water system, eco-lodge and other facilities for mountain trail, rock climb, zipline, among others.

The government-owned 31,715 sq.m Queen Tuna Park, on the other hand, could be developed into “a world-class tourism destination within the city.”

Buguis said the project that could be constructed in this area may include tourism-related facilities like ampitheater,


children playground, sea museum, exhibits park, dancing fountain, baywalk, café, or anything befitting a tourism business by the bay.

With the city continuously booming as evident by the mushrooming of high rise buildings, Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio urged the private sectors to help the government build the vision of making the city truly a “Magandang Gensan!”

She said until it is achieved, the tagline remains a welcome greeting, and “as brand” that embodies “the city’s

vision which may only be achieved with the participation and support of the private sector.”

“The government needs the support of private sectors in terms of fueling the local economy,” Mayor Custodio told the bunch of local investors citing their capability to finance huge projects which the government at times cannot.

Eleazer Ricote, PPP Center director for Capacity Building and Knowledge Management Service, who was the forum speaker, defined PPP as “a range of possible contractual arrangements between

public (implementing agency or local government unit) and private entities targeted towards financing, designing, implementing and operating infrastructure facilities and services that were traditionally provided by the public sector.”

Ricote also described PPP as “social contract” of President Benigno Aquino III with the Filipino people. Therefore, “all transactions are transparent and above board” and it guarantees “the protection of public interest.” (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)

Koronadal fast tracks lot selection for new cemeteryBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The city government here is expe-diting the process for the establishment of the new Koronadal City Public Cemetery.

Mayor Peter B. Miguel recently ordered the task force to fast track the selection of the site where the public graveyard will be located.

Thus, on July 17 and 22 the selection committee met with homeowners in Purok Sto Niño, Barangay Paraiso for consultations on the issues and

concerns pertaining to the project.

The project is one of the priority thrust Mayor Miguel for 2012-2013, considering that the


present public cemetery here has become very congested to a point that several niches are already piled up to four levels.

The city LGU has allocated P3 million for the purchase of the lot for the cemetery, which according to the local chief executive will offer the frills of private graveyards yet affordable to low-income families.

Benito Quirao, acting head of the City General

Services Office and head of the task force secretar iat, said the p r o c e s s started early last year with an invitation for lot owners to sell their property to the LGU.

After land search and assessments, m e m b e r s of the Lot S e l e c t i o n C o m m i t t e e identified a 3.5-hectare lot at Purok S t o . N i n o ,

as best suited to the project.

Quirao said, the proposed site passed the following requirements: zoning classification of open space, not within Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones (SAFDZ), not tenanted, not covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), not prime agricultural land and not irrigated.

After the lot selection, appraisal, purchase and site development should immediately follow, he said.

At present, the CGSO is updating and verifying lease contracts of existing burial lots and niches in the old cemetery.

Part of the development plan of the city, Mayor Miguel disclosed, the old cemetery will be transformed into a public memorial park patterned to that of Tagum City and local private memorial park Koronadal Golden Valley.

In June, the mayor along with some city officials visited Tagum for a benchmarking study tour.

Besides acquiring the impetus for the development of the city’s cemetery, Mayor Miguel also wants to replicate Tagum City’s concept of a night market to boost the micro-economy sector of the city. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/Caroline Mariano-Koronadal City Information Office)


South Cotabato has Philippines’ best public safety companyby Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The South Cotabato Police Pro-vincial Office’s Public Safety Company in the country this year.

Police Provincial Director PSSupt Randolph Delfin yesterday said he has already received confirmation regarding the award.

“We have outdone more or less 180 public safety companies all over the Philippines,” he said.

He said, Supt. James Gulmatico, commander of the public safety company, will receive the award on during the 111th anniversary celebration of the Philippines National Police (PNP) at Camp Crame on August 8.

“We will not be sitting on our laurels,” he said, “but we will continuing doing our best to maintain the foundations that we have laid down here to keep the peace and order of the province.”

This feat, he said, should be challenge to the next police provincial director once he leaves his assignment in South Cotabato.

He also commended the media and the residents of the province for their support that resulted in the commendable performance of the provincial police office.

Delfin also announced that a police officer assigned at the South Police Provincial Office will also receive an award, this time from the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and partners Rotary Cub of New Manila East and PSBank.

He identified the policeman as SPO3 Renjun Bagaman, one of the 10 outstanding

policemen in MBFI’s Search for Country’s Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS) this year. Another police personnel from the region, PO3 Mary Jane Perez of Cotabato City, is among the winners of MBFI’s search for COPS.

Bagaman and Perez and the other COPS awardees will be conferred Medalya ng Katang-tanging Gawa from the PNP.

They are also slated to receive P300,000 cash prize and trophy from Metrobank Foundation Inc.’s 50th Foundation anniversary along with winners in the the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT) and the Search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS). (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

Documents

One Mindanao - August 3, 2012