One Mindanao - August 3, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

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

COPY EDITORS

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

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

LAYOUT ARTISTS

VICTORIANO B. VILLACRUZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

Western Northern Southern

Solon wants Aug. 2 declared as Butuan City Charter Day

SurSur PNP backs PNoy’s claim on 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio

BFP-GSCCFS new fire substation soon to rise

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Bayan-Anihan, bringing hope to communities

LightED PH campaign to improve learning for underprivileged students

Iron Fortified rice soon to hit Mindanao market

USDoL-World Vision, LGU intensify effort to combat child labor in farms

Pagadian inmates graduated in elementary and high school thru ALS program

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By: Lawig Katawhan

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Gideon C. Corgue

Cover Story

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By: Catheirine T. Apelacio

By: Abbie L. Padrones

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OUR COVER

By: Rudolph Alama

C o n t e n t s

By: Rosalie B. LacsonDOST holds science nation tour, focuses on youth By: Teresita Baluyos

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42 IGaCos given thumbs up during quake drill

CaragaSOCCSKSARGEN

National INFOCus

Western Northern Southern

CaragaSOCCSKSARGEN

National INFOCus

4 August 3, 2015One Mindanao

Jaime Severino is a 66-year old farmer

residing in Pueblo Antonio, a Gawad Kalinga Bayan Anihan community located in barangay Catigan an upland village in Davao City’s Toril District. In 2009 he along with 50 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) beneficiaries were awarded farm lots to about 30 hectares of farmland. In his 9,000 square meter lot he cultivates passion fruit and cacao.

Cover Story

bringing hope to communitiesBayan-Anihan,

By: Rudolph Alama

5August 3, 2015 One Mindanao

In 2009, Gawad Kalinga came to the community and changed Jaime and the lives of his fellow beneficiaries.

“It brought so many good to our community.” Jaime said in vernacular.

It began with a 10-week value formation seminar followed by a 4 week leadership seminar and a 13 weeks Couples for Christ seminar.

More than just instilling

family and moral values, the beneficiaries were provided technical assistance along with the help of the government with the site identified as Bayan Anihan community.

Based on the Gawad Kalinga website, Bayan-Anihan is the first family-based, sustainable farm program in the Philippines. Each family is given a 10-square meter garden plot which can yield a minimum of 10 kilograms of vegetables per month, providing 30 meals per family.


Aside from vegetables, GK has spearheaded a plantation based cultivation of purple yam or ube. According to Jaime, they can harvest an average of 1.5 kilos of ube per hill.

In Pueblo Antonio they are planting about 18,000 to 20,000 hills of ube. The yams are popular ingredients for desserts and pastries and is a sought after ice cream flavor.

They community supplies ube to ice cream maker Selecta which buys ube at around P18.00 per kilo.

Jaime said they are targeting 10 hectares of farmland to be planted to ube. GK is also providing assistance by teaching them how to process ube.

Luis Oquinena, executive director of Gawad Kalinga says they are teaching the farmers how to process ube for value-adding to their products.

A kilo of processed ube jam would cost around P250.

He said that aggregating the former farm lots into


ube plantation is a way teaching farmers to become entrepreneurs. He said that the vegetable farms has taught them to be self-sufficient, now ube farms will introduce the farmers to the principles of commercial entrepreneurship.

The farm is made thru by collaboration in the case of Pueblo Antonio, the GK has partnered with Selecta, Monsanto and the Department of Agriculture.

According to Jaime, the extra income in the ube farms, provide food on the table and also puts children to school. Their vegetable farms also gives them more ways to save on their income.

Apart from their ube farms, Jaime and the beneficiaries are also cultivating bananas, flowers and vegetables.

He said that the community once planted tomatoes before ube were planted but noted that tomatoes are unpredictable crops, there are some harvests which they would earn, while

some harvests would be at a lost. Also tomatoes are highly perishable as compared to ube.

Luis says that Pueblo Antonio is a model GK Bayan Anihan community as what the people see here is what is being done to other GK communities.

He said the Bayan Anihan is a way of raising the next generation of farmers as he noted that the average age of the Filipino farmer is 57 years old.

“They don’t want to farm anymore.” Luis rues the attitude of younger Filipinos. He hopes that the Bayan Anihan the future generation would embrace farming.

One perceived label of going into farming is the lack of income. Luis says.

For Jaime, this is not true as one just have to realize the economic potential of the farm. “Naa just kwarta sa pag-uma.” (There is money in farming).


Empowered Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries speak up

QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development said that beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program are free to decide, choose, and express their beliefs and rights on issues concerning their lives and their communities.


This developed as some sectors have expressed that beneficiaries of the program will be used by politicians to advance their political interests.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that program beneficiaries are empowered individuals and have the right as other voters in this country to choose someone whom they believe epitomizes their principles.

“During the Family Development Sessions, we tell them about active citizenship and voting according to their conscience. But we never impose on them to vote for a certain political personality,” Sec. Soliman said.

She said that if beneficiaries want to join political activities, that is their right as citizens and it is on their own free will.

“If they believe that this personality has helped them and they want to show their support, we cannot hold them,” Sec. Soliman added.

The Secretary urged politicians to allow beneficiaries to exercise their political rights as citizens of this country.

She, however, reiterated that politicians cannot use the Pantawid Pamilya program to lure or threaten beneficiaries. (DSWD)


LightED PH campaign to improve learning for underprivileged students

PASIG CITY- The Department of Education (DepEd) expands its commitment to learners in ensuring that school and home environments are conducive to learning with the launch of the LightEd PH campaign which aims to provide solutions to schools and homes that have no power through conventional and alternative sources of energy. “Light makes vision possible. In the realm of education, let us be the light that will help our

children realize their vision for themselves, their families, and our country. We call on everyone


to be part of this LightEd PH campaign and to bring light to those who need it and to help in extending the hours of quality learning,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said on Friday. “As of School Year 2013-2014, there are 5,954 schools in the Philippines that are either un-energized or are in remote and off-grid areas, where at least 1,101,051 students, whose access to technology, enhanced instructional methods, and more engaging learning activities, are limited. The health of these students is also at risk from using kerosene lamps that emit harmful fumes, which is the only means for them to study at night,” says DepEd Undersecretary for Partnership and External Linkages Mario A. Deriquito.

Under LightEd PH, the DepEd is launching “One Child, One Lamp”, a campaign that will be implemented in partnership with

Children’s Hour and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to raise funds for solar lamps that will be distributed to students in off-grid public schools.

Undersecretary Deriquito notes, “Students in off-grid barangays have limited time to study at night. Providing them electricity or solar lamps will help them extend their study time, thus increasing the chance to improve their academic performance.”

DepEd has partnered with Global Peace Foundation, Thrive Solar Energy Philippines, Stiftung Solarenergie, and other organizations to provide mini-solar LED lamps that can be used for up to ten hours after three to four hours of charging during the day. These solar lamps are also water- and shock-resistant, produce white light that is brighter than that of a kerosene lamp, and do not emit harmful


fumes, allowing the learners to continue their studies at night.

Moreover, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and private power or energy companies, DepEd will furnish off grid-schools with solar energy sets and solar panels that will serve as a stand-alone and self-sustaining technology system to power the school.

For on-grid schools that continue to be unenergized, DepEd is collaborating with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to encourage local electric cooperatives to extend power lines to the service drop near the schools’ premises. (DepEd)


Iron Fortified rice soon to hit Mindanao market

The FNRI has been perfecting the extrusion of IRP,

an essential component in iron fortified rice.

MANILA - The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) is the lead government agency in food fortification, particularly rice fortification. The FNRI-DOST recently developed iron fortified rice (IFR) and extruded iron rice premix (IRP).

By: Abbie L. Padrones

photo: www.mb.com.ph


An iron fortificant is added to ordinary rice to combat iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which still affects vulnerable population groups like pregnant and lactating women, including children.

Currently, the Institute is innovating the IRP where multiple micronutrients are incorporated in addition to iron.

One of the challenges faced by the FNRI is transferring the technologies to adoptors who will eventually produce and market them.

Years of research spent in developing a prototype becomes gratifying once the product is made available in the market and the demand for it is sustained.

One such gratification is that extruded IRP and IFR are already available in selected retail stores in Metro Manila, Bataan, and Zambales.

Negotiations with Racky Doctor of Nutridense Foods are ongoing for the technology transfer of IRP and IFR in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan.

On the other hand, Mr. Gaspar Lorono, of Lorono Rice Mill in Compostela Valley has already fabricated a blending machine with a capacity of 64 sacks daily, which will be used in the production of IFR after it is calibrated.

Furthermore, CLG Health Foods, Incorporated of Mr. Marbil Go from General Santos City has signified interest in the commercialization of IRP in Mindanao.

Go’s company is purchasing a complete extruder line which has a capacity of producing 100-120kilos of IRP hourly.

Mr. Go is also supplier of the existing coated iron rice premix and has decided to shift to the improved extruded IRP developed by the institute.

The FNRI, in partnership with DOST Regions XI and XII, other government agencies, and the technology adaptors, is aiming for the commercialization of the extruded IRP and IFR in Mindanao within the second quarter of 2015.

Wider availability of the


extruded IRP and IFR will benefit consumers and will be a great step in eradicating IDA in the country.

Initial activities were conducted by the FNRI for the commercialization of IFR and extruded IRP in Mindanao spearheaded by Dr. Imelda A. Agdeppa, Assistant Scientist, and Ms. Marcela C. Saises, Senior Science Research Specialist.

The activities include awareness seminars for consumers, rice millers, traders, retailers, and food establishments in Davao City, Digos City, Compostela Valley, Tagum City, Mati City, Tacurong, and General Santos City.

Other activities were dialogues with local government units, health centers, and other government agencies, as well as meetings with local fabricators, prospective adaptors and the IFR monitoring task force.

The group observed increased awareness on the use and benefits of IRP and IFR.

Consumers, stakeholders and government units are

now more receptive to the commercialization of the extruded IRP and IFR in the area.

The major players for the commercialization of the IRP and IFR in Regions XI and XII are being mobilized and the market is ripe for the commercialization of extruded IRP and IFR.

Hopefully, sustainability of extruded IRP and IFR in Mindanao will be achieved with the help of social marketing, strong political will, a vigilant monitoring task force,consumer patronage and quality supply of extruded IRP and IFR.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: [email protected], [email protected]; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRI-DOST.


Gov’t intensifies farm mechanization to push production – Sec. AlcalaBy:Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 3 (PIA) -- “Farm mechanization is one of the best means to lower agricultural pro-duction cost and improve the competitive-ness of our farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala told over 3,000 farmers, fisherfolk and local government officials in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Secretary Alcala came to the Regional Center at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City Thursday to distribute Php1.52 billion worth of projects and assistance to farmer asso-ciations and local government units in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

Part of the aid were over 300 farm ma-chines that are ready for immediate deliv-ery to the intended beneficiaries.

These machines, he emphasized, would boost profitability in farm production.

“More farmers in your region have expe-rienced much improved production because of the continuous distribution of pre- and post-harvest facilities and other interven-tions by the Department,” he said.

Citing data from the Bureau of Agricultur-al Statistics, the aggie chief noted, “Region


12 has achieved 128 per-cent rice self-sufficiency.

In 2014 Region 12 (SOCC-SKSARGEN Region) recorded 1.364 million metric tons of palay equivalent to 31.68 per-cent of rice production in Min-danao and 7.1 percent in the Philippines.

Among the farm machines and equipment turned over to farmer groups and LGUs were 33 four-wheel drive trac-tors with prices ranging from Php798,000 to 2.59 million each.

At the event, he also distrib-uted 47 hand tractors with im-plements, 55 floating tillers, 30 transplanters, 10 mini com-bine harvesters, 10 reapers, 35 threshers, 32 corn mills, 18 vacuum pack sealers, 21 corn shellers, 18 cassava graters, 18 cassava granulators, and many others.

He also handed Php152 mil-lion worth of machines and implements including fishing boats, motors and other equip-ment and facilities to identified fisherfolk organizations.


Mechanizing farm activities, he emphasized, would address farmers’ concern over labor cost which takes the largest portion in farm financing.

Meanwhile, DA 12 Region-al Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan told the press that the farm machineries, projects and other interventions turned over at Thurday’s event amounted to Php1.52 billion, not Php 1.32 billion as earlier reported.

The increase, she elaborat-ed, was because several proj-ects were recently approved and added to the list; they have also added to the items for distribution checks from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp (PCIC).

Director Datukan said, the activity aims to sustain the transparency initiatives of the national government by the con-tinuous delivery of remarkable interventions geared towards the achievement of Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program (FSSP).

The largest chunk of the interventions are intended for projects amounting to Php483.59 million that will be carried out under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PA-MANA) Program.

Twenty farm-to-market road projects and one potable water system project with a combined cost of Php467.9 million will also be implemented under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

Apart from the farm-to- market road projects under PAMANA and PRDP, he also turned over to LGU recipients Php124.85 million worth of FMR projects under SOCCSK-SARGEN-ADPO and Php81.69 M road projects under the Farm-to-Market Road Development Program (FMRDP).

Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) program, on the other hand, also turned over P45.9-M worth of checks and Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) to LGUs.

SecretaryAlcala also handed out projects from DA’s banner programs: Agri-Pinoy Rice Pro-gram – Php49.54-M; Agri-Pinoy Corn Program – Php60.97-M; Agri-Pinoy High Value Crops De-velopment Program – Php11.14-M; Agri-Pinoy Livestock Pro-gram – Php2.22-M as well as Php48.16 M worth of small-scale irrigation projects.

In his message, Sec. Alcala urged the farmers and fisher-folk to remain active and to


BFP-GSCCFS new fire substation soon to rise

By Catheirine T. Apelacio

trust that the government will remain steadfast in its ad-vocacy to improve the lives of the farmers and fisherfolk.

“As President Noynoy Aqui-no has said in his SONA, the national government will sus-

tain the reforms that we have started in the agricultural sec-tor. Trust that we will continue to serve you until we attain a better life for every Filipino family,” Secretary Alcala said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Aug 3– A new fire substation under the Bureau of Fire Protection-General Santos City Central Fire Station (BFP-GSCCFS) will soon rise at Barangay San Isidro here.

The BFP-GSCCFS announced this after it has acquired a 312-square meter land from the barangay local government unit of San Isidro intended for estab-lishing a substation for GSCCFS.

It said the BLGU represented by Punong Barangay Atty. Jose Edmar Yumang has entered into a “Contract of Usufruct” with GSCCFS represented by City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Nailyn Belonio, giving her the authority to use the parcel for fire substation.

Yumang said that it is high time that the Bureau of Fire Pro-

tection here has another substa-tion citing his barangay as most viable area.

The area located at circum-ferential road in Barangay Mabuhay is easily accessible to several barangays during emer-gencies and there is also just minimal traffic.

“Not only our barangay (San Isidro) will be benefited from this project but also barangays Mabuhay, Conel, Olympog, Ka-tangawan, Ligaya, Apopong, and even as far as the airport as this is situated in a circumferential road... very conducive to put


up a fire substation,” he point-ed out.

The barangay chieftain also explained why the substation be erected in San Isidro. “It has a big impact to our economy in Gensan because barangay San Isidro is already a residential area wherein big subdivision developers are there and you know subdivision is prone to fire and we leaders of Barangay San Isidro are anticipating this. That’s the reason why the ba-rangay council of San Isidro fa-vors to let this area be used for substation.”

Meanwhile, Fire Marshal Belo-nio welcomed this development with a big heart noting that the new location for a substation could help firefighters in her AOR to make prompt response in any unforeseen situation that may happen.

“The site is very strategic that we could respond just on time in case of conflagrations and other emergencies,” C/Insp. Belonio said.

“By its location we can promptly respond to several ba-rangays even in those remote areas in the city in a shortest possible time during untoward incidents such as fires, road ac-cidents or even simple accidents

at home,” she added.Currently, BFP-Gensan has

one main fire station at the heart of the city and a substa-tion at barangay Calumpang serving the 26 barangays of the city.

With this new development in GSCCFS, it is now seeking the help of partners to start the foundation phase of the soon-to-be fire substation in Baran-gay San Isidro.

GSCCFS maintains that it is the local constituents that will mainly benefit from this project as the number of fire incidence will also drop, thus fatality, loss and damage of property will be minimized.

It is also expected that the establishment of additional sub-station will have impact to the growth of Gensan’s economy since primarily the safety of people and flow of business ac-tivities will be secured and pro-tected.

Gensan is now one of the fast-est growing cities in the nation where owners of huge business establishments and companies are expanding their business interests in the outskirts. (PC-Chan-GSCCFS/CTApelacio, PIA-12 General Santos City)


SEC partners with PIA Caraga, the first academe to operate AFEBS

BUTUAN CITY – A memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Surigao Education Center (SEC) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga was signed on Friday in Surigao City.

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

In line with the objectives of the Community Extension Service Program and part of the Social Responsibility for Community Development, SEC will establish a linkage with PIA, a government office with a broadcast


communication platform designed for disaster operation dubbed Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System or AFEBS Network.

During the orientation on AFEBS Network Project held on the same date at the SEC campus in Surigao City, Rosanna S. Bautista, vice president for administration/external affairs office of Surigao Education Center (SEC) presented the rationale/objectives of the Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network Project. “On September 8, 2014, the PIA technical team made a site inspection and assessment of SEC’s FM facility and equipment to determine the actual condition of the studio, transmitter, antenna and other equipment to provide practical recommendation and appropriate intervention,” she

recalled. “As part of our Social Responsibility for Community Development through the Community Extension Service Program, we saw the need to express it in different programs and activities to reach out and increase our capability to contribute to the community through a practical information dissemination program. And with this, we are partnering with the Philippine Information Agency Caraga for the fulfillment of that social responsibility,” articulated Bautista.

Deputy regional director Fryan Abkilan of PIA Caraga shortly discussed the best practices of the agency, as well as its known platforms in the region, which include the AFEBS Network. “SEC is the first private institution to adopt the AFEBS project in the region,” he


stressed. Abkilan further revealed that said project was not made possible if not because of the initiative of the regional director of PIA Caraga. “Our regional director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional office conceptualized the public communication system dubbed Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), a community-based broadcasting system designed for disaster response. It is tested and proven to operate 24/7 in all weather conditions, and can be heard over the radio, internet or cellphone/smartphones. It serves as platform of our advocacies, public paging system, entertainment/music, survey, and feedback mechanism,” he relayed.

Also, the officials, faculty and students of Surigao Education

Center (SEC) witnessed the audio-visual presentation on the PIA Caraga’s mobile application - “PIA Mindanao.” “The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga has taken a step further toward the digital age with the launch of a new mobile application that will provide the Mindanaoans with up-to-date information about the region especially during disasters and emergencies. The app was conceived as a result of the increasing intensity and frequency of disasters happening around us, the need for a new platform that will not only strengthen public awareness on the importance of disaster preparedness, but also facilitate a system for disaster response and management, is emphasized,” reiterated Abkilan.

Meanwhile, Nora CL Molde, regional operations chief of PIA


Caraga shared the evolution and organization profile of PIA. “PIA is the communication arm of the government. PIA is committed to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information to enhance people’s capabilities in decision-making and identification of opportunities for growth and development; and promote people’s participation in democratic process,” she mentioned. Molde also presented the organization profile of the agency to the officials, faculty and students of SEC.

“Despite limited manpower in PIA Caraga, we still attain our targets and goals in disseminating timely, relevant, and accurate information to the general public. We are doing multi-tasking just to achieve the tasks targeted for the day,” she emphasized. As stipulated in the MOA, SEC will provide funds for the following: 1) repair of the defective transmitter and regular maintenance; 2) retuning of antenna to maximize its power; 3) purchase of high-end desktop computer; 4) purchase of air-conditioning


Solon wants Aug. 2 declared as Butuan City Charter DayBUTUAN CITY - In pursuing a meaningful celebration of Butuan City Charter Day, Agusan del Norte First District Rep. Lawrence Lemuel Fortun has submitted a bill seeking to declare August 2 of every year as Butuan City Charter Day to be known as Adlaw Hong Butuan.

By: Lawig Katawhan

The proposed measure under House Bill No. 5061 is entitled “An Act Declaring August 2 of every year as Butuan City Charter Day and a Special Non-Working Holiday in the City to be known as the Adlaw Hong Butuan.” In his explanatory note,

Fortun said that “Butuan became a political entity in 1907 through the enactment of Act No. 1693 and a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 523, otherwise known as the Charter of the City of Butuan, which was signed into law on August 2, 1950. Since then, the people of Butuan have

system; 5) installation of an internet connection preferably 2-4 Mbps; 6) purchase of microphones for DJ, guest and production use; 7) purchase of headsets for DJ, guest and production use; 8) monthly preventive maintenance check of PIA transmitter by PIA Caraga team; 9) training of a staff in the operation and radio production; 10) take responsibility for its safety, security and care while the PIA transmitter is being used for broadcast; and 11) conduct monthly monitoring and report on the status of the implementation.

Hence, PIA will also provide information dissemination and promotion of SEC and its activities; provide the transmitter in lieu of SEC’s defective transmitter; oversee the overall operation of the station; provide technical assistance in the monthly maintenance check of the transmitter; and provide technical training of SEC staff in operation and radio production. It was also learned that the regular programming shall commence from 6:00 in the morning until 10:00 in the evening daily.


referred to the second day of August as the “Adlaw Hong Butuan,” or the Day of Butuan, which they commemorate every year in remembrance of its rich history, and great achievement, and the significant contributions of its people.” “Butuan City is blessed with rich cultural heritage, it has over 1,600 years of recorded history. It is known to be the Home of the Balangays, the ancient boats utilized by our ancestors in traversing Asia in the pre-colonial times, the oldest of which was carbon-dated 320 A.D. It is likewise host to the Bequibel Shell Midden that is proof to

civilized human existence in the area as early as the Neolithic Age. Thus, its people proudly lay claim to a declaration of their old folks, “In the beginning there was no Philippines, but there was Butuan.” By declaring August 2 of each year as a special non-working holiday in the city, Fortun hopes to recognize Butuan’s historical niche as an ancient city and pay homage to the men and women who have contributed to its progress and development that should serve as inspiration and example to our people.


P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, PNP provincial director here, said each member of the police force in the province has been issued a service pistol as planned. However, he pointed out that there are some members among their ranks who refused to get the service firearms since they already have their own personal ones with the presumption that perhaps some do not want to take responsibility on government

property. Besides, retiring members of the PNP have likewise joined those who did not take the issued service pistols anymore, Verdadero clarified. Meanwhile, the provincial police chief was glad to note that good peace and order situation has prevailed province-wide in spite of the protest action held by known militant groups here in time for the SONA.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur - The Provincial Police Office (PPO) in Surigao del Sur has supported the claim of President Benigno Aquino III in his last and final State of the Nation Address (SONA) about the 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio under the PNP Capability Enhancement Program.

SurSur PNP backs PNoy’s claim on 1:1 police-to-pistol ratioBy: Greg Tataro Jr.


Transforming lives through Information Caravan by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Poverty reduction is a critical challenge which the government continues to address generation after generation. Halving poverty in the country is ideal but reality tells us that this is a long way to go


Taking a step from this challenge, the Mindanao Communicators Network (MindaComNet) Incorporated and the Regional Communication Advocacy Program (RCAP) Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) made a quantum mark as the organizations embarked on an “Information Caravan”- acatalyst activity that is one step forward to helping reduce poverty. The catalyst- it’s the unison of government service providers who are dedicated to change hopingto bring even the slightestbreather to poverty. Deeply committed to serving and empowering the very poor to lift themselves out of the bondage of poverty, government agenciestook the extra mile of providing services to the disadvantaged people of Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay provinceand La Libertad, Zamboanga Del Norte. Common denominator of these two distinct municipalities is that both are fifth class municipalities. This organized initiative- responsive to the needs of the poor,was able to serve more than a thousand individuals (including school children) in two separate areas: Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay on July 21 and La Libertad, Zamboanga Del Norte on July 23. Immediate services such as free medical checkup;toothextract ion;circumcision;free haircut; animal deworming and vaccination, were made available for the local folks.

With selfless dedication to serve the poor in the community, the medical and dental team of the Philippine Army and the Municipal Health Offices of the above-mentioned municipalities served the communities up to the last patient standing. Hundreds of school children including their parents and other individuals were pampered to a supplemental feeding- a choice of healthy serving of rice congee with strips of chicken meat and hard boiled eggs popularly known as “arrozcaldo.” Nutrition education, livelihood trainings, vegetable seed distribution, provision of 736 sacks of Agricultural grade salt fertilizers to coconut farmers; free therapeutic massagewere just a few of the services immediately delivered to the delight of the people in the two separate communities. Knowledge is power and can empower, with thoughtful intention of asserting the poor of their rights to avail of government services, the information caravan participating agencies imparted in vernacular the loads of programs and projects available for them to address poverty and improve their plight. The Information Caravan is one strategy to a paradigm shift from poverty to alleviation. It is observed to be a powerful tool that will in one way or the other, empower the people in the community to overcome most hurdles and lead to


lasting change thru leadership trainings, livelihood assistance, scholarship grants, and the like, to make them self-sufficient. The dynamics of the infocar greatly affect the living condition of these poor communities, thus it is important that government participating agencies do not get the impression that this is just a “one time-big time” service provision to the poor but is a life-changing commitment and sustainable service. The infocar team gave out their sincere efforts of being part of the “change” in the lives of the poor, and this is manifested in their commitment.

Commitment for Talusan Island The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources committed to conduct livelihood trainings specifically on the production of seaweed by-products and provision of wooden boat and agar-agar dryer.Infrastructure/classroom building will be implemented in 2016 by DepEdRO9in Talusan as well as provision of tables and armchairs. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its part committed to conduct annual supplemental feeding while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority


Pagadian inmates graduated in elementary and high school thru ALS programBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY– At least 19 inmates from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology graduated in elementary and high school through the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) program on Monday, July 27 at Pagadian City Jail, Barangay Lenienza here. City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Marcom F. Borongan in his message said, it was the first time in his life to attend a solemn ceremony inside the city jail.

“For the first time in my

life, I have attended a solemn ceremony. I never dreamed of attending an exercise such as this, where graduates are inmates and the graduation is held inside the jail. I am very much inspired with this activity,” Borongan declared.

(TESDA) promised to give scholarships within the year to indigent youth in the area. The Department of Trade and Industry assured the Talusan of livelihood trainings on Values Orientation Rubber Productivity (Aug. 10-11, 2015); Bookkeeping & Entrepreneurship (Aug.12-13, 2015) and Entrepreneurial -related trainings (Aug.-Dec 2015). The fishermen sector submitted resolutions and project proposals to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the latter promised to take action on theses resolutions.

Commitment for La Libertad The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will go back to the area to conduct

Technology Needs Assessment to interested Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) while the Department of Agriculture (DA) will provide farmers with training / orientation. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its part promised to assist in the registration of associations. DepEd will take action on the request for additional classroom for preschoolers and will make a report on the matter for fund allocation. While on the surface poverty is often defined as lack of income or assets, in the day-to-day lives of the very poor, poverty becomes a network of disadvantages, each one exacerbating the others. This is one factor the Information Caravan hopes to address – to prevent ripple of poverty and self-inadequacy.


Borongan said who would ever think that with DepEd’s ALS program, inmates can graduate in elementary and high school?

“The government has provided you this program to inspire you to obtain education, to prepare you to earn a living, and to make you a responsible citizen in our country,” Borongan said in Filipino.

With the theme, “Saktong Buhay: Sa dekaledad na edukasyon pinanday,” he said this is one way of bringing the inmates into a level where they can best effect changes in their lives.

“The diploma that you are holding now is evidence that you are loved by the government. Thus, when you go out from jail, I encourage you to promote positive changes in your life, pursue your education, find a job and live a decent life,” Borongan challenged.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Arnulfo Obias, BJMP-9 regional director thanked the DepEd for launching the program saying that without it, the inmates could not pursue their dreams.

Obias said he salutes the inmates for embracing the ALS program despite the very gloomy and depressive prison climate.

“Saludo ako sa inyo dahil natapos ninyo ang inyong pag-

aaral at successful kayo sa pagkuha ninyo ng pasulit. Kayo ay certified ALS graduate ng DepEd,” Obial proudly announced.

“Sana ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pag-aaral sa kolehiyo dahil hindi hadlang ang edad para magkaroon ng dekaledad na edukasyon,” Obias added.

(I salute the graduates because you have successfully passed your exams. You are now certified ALS graduates of DepEd. I hope that you continue to study in college because age is not a hindrance to achieve quality education.)

City administrator Lauro Mendoza said the city government thru Mayor Romeo Pulmones lauded the BJMP and DepEd for launching the program at the city jail. “This is an evidence of the government’s sincere and genuine concern for the inmates despite their difficult situation inside the jail,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said the program has proven that indeed, the jail is not the hindrance for the inmates to obtain their education.

“Even when you’re inside the jail, the government is taking care of you and provided you education thru the ALS program for you to be equipped with knowledge and look forward to a brighter tomorrow,” Mendoza said quoting Pulmones.


Northern Mindanao economy grows 7.2%, 5th fastest in PH

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Northern Mindanao recorded the fifth biggest economic expansion in the country with a growth of 1.9 percentage points in 2014, bringing the year’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) to 7.2 percent.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

PSA Interim Regional Director Eddie E. Nasol attributed the good performance of the region to the accelerated growth in the Industry and Service sectors. The Industry sector grew from 6.8 percent to 9.0 percent while the Services sector accelerated from 5.5 percent to 8.0 percent, Nasol said during the News Conference on the


2014 Regional Economy Report held on July 30. In terms of percentage share in the Philippine economy, Northern Mindanao contributed 3.75 percent making the region the seventh biggest regional economy in 2014. Northern Mindanao was also the second largest economy in Mindanao in 2014 maintaining a share of 25.9 percent, following Davao Region. It contributed 1.87 percentage points to Mindanao’s economic growth. By sector, Northern Mindanao contributed the biggest chunk of the total Agri, Hunting, Forestry

and Fishery sector of Mindanao in 2014 with an increased share of 26.51 percent. The region ranked second in terms of contribution in the Industry and Services sectors with 27.1 percent and 24.73 percent share, respectively. Meanwhile, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Director Leon Dacanay Jr. confirmed that the report was consistent with the growth indicators monitored by NEDA. He is also optimistic the regional economy will remain strong in 2015.

MARAMAG, Bukidnon -- The World Vision Development Foundation, a non-government organization, funded by the United States Department of Labor (USDoL) recently conducted a consultative workshop anchored on the theme “Capacity Building for the Local Council for the Protection and Welfare of Women and Children.”

USDoL-World Vision, LGU intensify effort to combat child labor in farms

During synthesis and group planning, LGU officials and members of the Municipal Council

for the Protection and Welfare of Women and Children (MCPWWC) of Maramag town—along with

by Rosalie B. Lacson


the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) of three identified barangays namely Panadtalan, Kuya and San Roque—tackled the issues on the rate of occurrence of children laboring in sugarcane fields. Such issues include situations of child laborers like cuts and injuries from the use of sharp and/or pointed tools, falling from trucks during harvesting and hauling of produce like sugarcane for milling, exposure to extreme temperature and injuries due to carrying extremely heavy loads. Aside from these, children endure long hours of work, most times with little or no food, suffer from burns and poisoning from handling insecticides or fertilizers and are exposed to snake and insect bites. With these concerns and issues for child labor in farms, proposed projects were framed. Among them, the formulation of Citizens’ Charter for Children which shall allow access of children to different service providers in the community and the updating of Children’s Code to incorporate additional and opportune laws and ordinances passed between the years 2007 to present. These would also serve as an input in drafting municipal

ordinances on child labor and devising a functional child monitoring system with the help of World Vision Development Foundation through the ABK3 LEAP or Pag-aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan 3-Livelihoods, Education, Advocacy and Protection program. The workshop also succeeded at refreshing information on ABK3 LEAP and its mission to reduce child labor in sugarcane areas. The key outputs are: Reduction of child labor by providing direct education, livelihoods, social protection, youth employment assistance and linkages to support services. Strengthening of policies and the capacity to address child labor, education, sustainable livelihoods and social protection. Raising of awareness to effectively reduce child labor and its root causes, emphasize the importance of education, social protection and decent work for children/ youth of legal working age. Extending of support for research, evaluation, collection and dissemination of reliable and pertinent data on child labor, its root causes, and/or effective strategies. Promotion of long-term


Students in Cagayan de Oro City and neighboring areas are the target participants of a number of activities to be conducted by DOST Region 10 as part of the Science Nation Tour. DOST Secretary Mario Montejo will grace the events. With the theme, “Agham na Ramdam,” Science Nation Tour

in Region 10 will be a four-day event starting on August 20 and to culminate on August 24. A number of activities have been lined up to be participated by the young people. One of these activities is the Career Guidance and Leadership Forum on August 21 at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST)

DOST holds science nation tour, focuses on youth

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will hold a Science Nation Tour (SNT) in region 10 on 20-24 August 2015 here in Cagayan de Oro where lined up activities are anchored on youth participation such as Career Guidance and Leadership and Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit, among others.

by Teresita Baluyos

sustainability of efforts to combat child labor and improve livelihoods. The Philippine Statistics Authority 2011 Survey on Children showed that there are 3.03 million Filipino children engaged in child labor with 2.99 of them working in hazardous situations. While Maramag is one of the

44 prioritized towns nationwide for the banner project “Sugar is Sweeter Without Child Labor”—due to its vast sugarcane fields—it is still hoped that the famous “sugarcane fields” of barangays Kuya, Panadtalan, and San Roque will be child labor-free; with a conducive social environment for children.


of which about 150 high school students are expected to attend. Students (college, high school and elementary) with science projects/researches are also invited to join the three-day Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit which will be held at the event Center, 2nd Level, Limketkai Mall. Also, on August 22, there will be a Science Quiz Show for both high school and elementary students. Meanwhile, DOST scholars who graduated with honors and students who won in international science and mathematics competitions will

also be awarded on August 23. The four-day event will be capped by the zumbagham which will be facilitated by selected on-going DOST scholars enrolled at MSU-IIT, MUST and Xavier University. The same DOST scholars are to take charge of the conduct of the Career Guidance and Leadership Forum and the Science Quiz Show. Other activities of the SNT are project visits by DOST Secretary to selected DOST projects in the region, a press conference, Gabi ng Sining at Siyensiya, Aghamtahan:

An S&T Concert, Inauguration of the Food Innovation Center at MUST, Innovation forum for IT Professionals and Students, S&T Forum for Oro Chamber Members, and Whitewater Rafting. The Science Nation Tour is a nationwide road show aimed at making science ‘felt’ by the people. In Region 10, SNT will be held on August 20-24, 2015. For more information, you may contact Tess Superioridad Baluyos, [email protected], 09177908899.


DAVAO CITY – Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of the Moro Islamic Lib-eration Front (MILF) said they will contin-ue to demand for the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreements even if the Bangsamoro Basic Law will not be passed with-in the term of President Benigno Aquino III. Though Murad has hoped for the passage of the BBL before the end of the term of the pres-ent administration in June next year, he was apparently opened to the possibility that the proposed law will not be approved. “If not passed, we’ll continue to demand that the Comprehen-sive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Frame-work Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its an-nexes will be implement-ed,” he said. “The ideal is that

the BBL will be passed as it is now. Because we don’t want to fail the hope of our people,” Mu-rad told 50 media mem-bers from across Mind-anao and Manila-based journalists during a con-versation at Camp Dara-panan on July 25. The MILF leader has also hoped that the original draft of the BBL will be passed according to the peace agreements with the government, but would allow improve-ments in some provisions of the BBL. “It is now the re-sponsibility of the Phil-ippine government to deliver the agreements with the Bangsamoro,” he stated. On their part, Mu-rad assured that they will try their best to help “because we always con-sider that we are part-ners with the govern-ment trying to achieve genuine and long lasting peace.”

MILF to push for peace agree-ments sans BBL’s passage in Pres. Aquino’s term


IGaCos given thumbs up during quake drill

“As far as we’re concerned, we continue to uphold the agreements, to uphold the peace process,” he said, adding that he will see to it that his people abide with the peace pro-cess. Murad believed that the success of the peace process “lies on the main support, popular support of the Bangsamoro people,” and he raised the need to rally with stakeholders who are not in the Bangsamoro terri-tory. The visit in Camp Darapanan was part of the site visitations which included the visit in Mamasapano during the Mindanao Media Forum held on July 24-26 in Cotabato City,

which bannered the theme: “Be-yond Mamasapano: Reporting the Bangsamoro Peace Process.” The forum which was attended by media members from across Min-danao including some Manila-based journalists, was organized by the Mindanao Media Forum with conve-nor editor-in-chief Carolyn Arguillas of the Davao-based Mindanao News, Inc. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, - The IGaCoS Nationwide Simulta-neous Earthquake Drill Evaluators gave an outstanding grade to the 7.2 Earthquake Drill conducted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council coordi-nated by CDRRM Executive Officer Janus Rafailes. The drill was held in coordina-tion with Barangays Moncado and Miranda at Holy Cross of Babak Inc. and was hailed for its excellent and realistic performance on July 25. The shake drill evaluators com-posed of IGaCoS Bureau of Fire Chief

Valentino Israel,IGaCoS City Jail Warden Senior Inspector Roberto C. Gotico, PNP P/Supt Lito Rondina Im-pas, Task Force Samal 1st Sgt Her-nani Mabato and Barangay Villarica Councilor Hur Camporedondo. The team highly commended the very organized and realistic en-actment, well executed and full co-operation of the 470 students , 17 faculty and admin staff of the school in their excellent execution of the drop, cover and hold exercise, evac-uation, performance level dramatiza-tion of teachers and Crossian Scouts performing as victims. They also commended the well-executed


extrication and treatment made by the responders from baran-gays Moncado and Miranda and the CDRRM responders and for a job well done. IGaCoS DRRM Executive Officer Janus Rafailes expressed his grate-fulness and commendation to Holy Cross of Babak Inc. (HCBI) headed by Directress Sr. Ma. Editha Dismas for their all-out support to the drill. Rafailes was thankful to the support and cooperation of baran-gays Moncado and Miranda for ex-tending their human and land asset to make the drill realistic and satis-factorily executing the Incident Com-mand System specially to Barangay Moncado Barangay Captain Benny Estrada for acting as the incident commander in the drill. Rafailes also commended the cooperation and support of the IGa-CoS national agencies (BFP, BJMP, PNP, Task Force Samal and Barangay officials) who acted as the evalua-tors of the drill and for finding the simulation activity outstanding and the BFP for their prompt response to the fire as part of the drill. Barangay Moncado Barangay Captain Benny Estrada was also grateful to the drill because this was a good exercise for them in respond-ing to disaster especially that their barangay is the most populous ba-rangay in Samal Island. HCBI Directress Sr. Dismas was also grateful for choosing the school for the drill of which she was hesi-tant at first for she don’t want their

school to be put on shame. And yet, she was amazed of the very good outcome and the serious perfor-mance, she was happy, thankful and honoured and proud for choosing their school to the drill which she found would also help the prepared-ness of their students to probable disaster. Sr. Dismas also gave a 101% rating to the coordinators of the earthquake simulation for a realistic performance and job well done. Meanwhile, Office of Civil De-fence XI, Regional DRRM headed by Regional Director Liza Rosales Mazo gave a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) Orientation tothe IGaCoS DRRM Council and CDRRRM EMT on July 27 at the ABC Function Hall, Ba-rangay Penaplata, Samal District. The activity aimed to update the Council on the importance of un-derstanding PDRA to further enhance the DRR mechanism of the City an-das a step ahead of a likely disaster. “Less casualties and less dam-ages when an LGU is prepared, with PDRA we aim for a zero casualty”, RD Liza Mazo said. She said that by implement-ing PDRA, the concerned agencies, stakeholders and communities of the city will be more prepared and could readily bounced back in any calamities. City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan-glaldly welcomed RD Liza Mazo and was pleased of her being back to OCD- Region XI. (MTA Samal Info.)

Documents

One Mindanao - August 3, 2015