One Mindanao - August 5, 2014

Polanco vet exemplifies genuine public serviceMary May A. AbellonWESTERN MINDANAO

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 234

Government determined in repatriating Filipinosfrom Libya, Palace official says

NATIONAL

9

Page 4

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

PENRO Borja urges studes to plant, grow tree

Zambo. Norte extends free medical, dental services in Polanco town

Magbalantay brigade joins Eidl Fitr celebration in Lanao Norte

BFAR backs Gensan’s push for fisherfolk registration, organization

BFP honors N. Cotabato governor

Ozamiz city gov’t awards winners in NNM, NDCM IEC contests

DASURECO lights up remote town in Davao Occidental

TESDA gets job done for first half of 2014 in SurSur

AgNor guv backs MSMEs

13 15

23

20 21

25

17

29 30

Information to Empower Filipinos

7

4th Mech IB

Danilo E. Doguiles

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

10

12

Mary May A. Abellon

Nilda S. Aniñon

Claro A. Lanipa

Greg Tataro Jr.

Aimee B. Sienes

Polanco vet exemplifies genuine public service


Becoming a public servant is not a matter of chance but a choice,” declared Dr. Alfred Mel P. Dagaylo-

an, a veterinarian of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist in Polanco town and one of the 2014 semi-finalists for the Dangal ng Bayan Award of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Choosing the path of simple yet happy life, Dr. Dagaylo-an has been resolute to go back to his hometown, leaving his money-spinning private practice as veterinarian in Metro Manila. He joined government service as Veterinarian I, a position he holds for 11 years now. Everyone in the municipal government took notice of Dr. Dagayloan’s untiring dedication to public service through his eagerness and enthusiasm in performing his duties. Besides, his adherence to the highest degree of professionalism and political neutrality has earned him the respect and admiration of his

colleagues and friends.

Working beyond regular office hours His designation as Veterinarian I does not include the task of serving as meat inspection officer at the municipal slaughterhouse. However, for lack of skilled and competent meat inspector in the municipality, he volunteered to do the work even beyond his regular office hours without additional pay. If there was no vehicle that could take him to the slaughterhouse, he would wake up as early as 3:00 a.m. and walk three kilometers from his

by Mary May A. Abellon

COVER STORY

5


by Mary May A. Abellon

residence just to ensure that the consuming public gets wholesome, quality meat. To some, it may be burdensome. But to Dr. Alfred it means walking an extra mile for the welfare of the community. Presently, he is a veterinarian from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., a nursing student from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a meat inspector at 3:00 to 4:00 a.m.

Almost lost his life In September 2006, it was the first time for the municipality through Dr. Alfred to have confiscated “double-dead” meat being sold in the municipal public market. It was disappointing that even the former municipal mayor at that time asked him to return the confiscated meat to the meat dealer, the veterinarian recalled. But he stood pat believing that the municipal government should protect the health and welfare of its people. Dr. Alfred continued with his advocacies. He filed cases against the offenders that got him death threats in return. And on one fateful day, when he was about to confiscate beef and pork that did not undergo ante mortem examinations, Dr. Alfred was shot four times - hitting his chest, arm, thigh and head. By God’s grace, he survived that tragic incident. The bullet that was meant to end his life did not pierce through his skull, giving a second lease on his life to continue his campaign against unscrupulous practices among meat dealers/traders. After six months of recuperating,

he opted to report even in crutches for duty, dismissing any fear to prevent him from serving the public.

His other advocacies He advocates food safety as a concern of everyone and the value of meat inspection in order to have healthy and safe meat on the table.Moreover, he is conducting lectures on livestock production and, at the same time, teaches the farmers the basics of financial management. In 2012 Dr. Alfred initiated an aggressive Rabies control program aimed at stamping out rabies in the municipality by 2020 in support of the Bureau of Animal Industry’s vision. His team is conducting house-to-house anti-rabies vaccination in all barangays of the municipality, crossing rivers and hanging bridges and climbing the hills even on weekends just to reach out to all barrio folks in the remote barangays, serving all and sundry regardless of political affiliation, religion or tribe.His services go beyond his

munic ipa l i ty,

a s he gives lectures on livestock raising in other municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte. He had been to Subanen communities in the municipalities of Siocon, Baliguian, Gutalac, Liloy, Sindangan, Godod, Siayan, Salug and Tampilisan to impart his knowledge about livestock production. This earned

him recognition from Provincial Indigenous People Coordinating Unit (PIPCU). The tragic event in 2006 which left him with scars and a metal plate implanted in his left arm did not stop Dr. Alfred to continue serving the people with utmost diligence and dedication to better the lives of the people in the community.

7 AUGUST | PAGE

Palace open to inquiry on Conditional Cash Transfer, official saysMalacañang is open to any congressional probe on the

effectiveness of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Monday.

Secretary Lacierda was commenting on reports that Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. is seeking for a review of the CCT program to see if it

has helped poverty alleviation efforts.Lacierda said the CCT program

provides a bridge between that stage when the poorest of the

Across the Nation

8AUGUST 2014 | PAGE

poor have nothing and the time when they find employment.

“Kaya pumapasok ang gobyerno, kaya tinatawag itong intervention, pumapasok ang pamahalaan para hanapin sila at bigyan sila ng kapasidad umangat sa kanilang stage level ngayon,” he said.

He explained that the “poorest of the poor” are identified through a National Household Targeting Survey.

“May survey na ginagawa, ina-identify natin sa bawat rehiyon kung sino ang dapat sumali diyan. May mga qualifications ito,” he said, noting that choosing the CCT beneficiaries is not based on recommendations.

He said the government provides them livelihood.

“For instance, we give them 10,000 pesos to start a business. No interest, no collateral, and payable in two years,” he said.

To ensure the success of the CCT program, the Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) monitors the beneficiaries if they do send their children to school and give them proper health care.

“Kapag tumanggap ka ng CCT, kailangan mag-aral at pumasok sa eskwela ang iyong mga anak. Kaya nga ito tinatawag na conditional. Hindi ito ibibigay lang sa’yo at bahala ka na. May monitoring na ginagawa ang DSWD,” he said, adding that those who do not comply are taken out of the program.

“To a large extent, it will be criminal for us not to help the poorest of the poor. That is our commitment—that no one should be left behind,” Lacierda said. PND

9 AUGUST | PAGE

Government determined in repatriating Filipinos from Libya, Palace official says

The Palace said on Monday

the government is determined to bring home overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose lives may be in danger in Libya.

“For those who find themselves in a very, very dangerous situation, in a very perilous situation, the government would certainly want them to come home safely,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), some 831 Filipinos have returned from Libya as of August 3.

Secretary Lacierda however noted that there are a number of reasons why some Filipinos in Libya refuse to come home.

“For instance, a number of them are already married to Libyan nationals. So, mahirap biyakin ang pamilya ‘pag ganoon ang situation,” he explained.

For those who fear facing unemployment when they return, Lacierda said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) could help them find new jobs here and abroad.

“It has happened to us. If you recall, in our row with Taiwan, we were already looking at other countries that would like to absorb our OFWs. And for instance, in Batangas, there was a company called [AG&P], which absorbed a number of OFWs to their fold,” he said.

He said the government is trying to contact the OFWs by coordinating with the Filipino community in Libya as well as their relatives in the Philippines. PND

Photo Credit: www.rappler.com

10AUGUST 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Mindanao tree planting program attempts world record Mindanawons will try to break the Guinness world record for

most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations on September 26, 2014 – a world record-breaking attempt that will mobilize 185,440 people who will give a shot at planting 4,636,000 trees at various sites covering a total area of 9,200 hectares within the island-region.

Co-organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and

the Department of Interior and Local Government, the world record attempt is designed to entice massive participation by various stakeholders and sectors in efforts to hit the Mindanao target for


the National Greening Program (NGP).Dubbed as “TreeVolution: Greening

MindaNOW,” the Guinness world record attempt will combine the efforts of DENR’s NGP and MinDA’s MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, which aim to plant trees in 690,815 hectares and reach at least 30 percent forest cover as envisioned in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan or Mindanao 2020.

The current world record for the most number of trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations was achieved in India on August 15, 2011, which hit the record of planting of 1,945,535 trees. The world record was carried out by 340,200 participants across 408 locations.

“We encourage every Mindanawon to participate in this endeavor, which will not only elevate the island-region as a Guinness world record holder, but more importantly will also provide the constituents the opportunity to be part of the larger efforts to reforest Mindanao,” said MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino.

She added that should Mindanao be successful in this attempt, this would become the country’s second Guinness world record in the tree-planting category.

The country’s first Guinness world record for most trees planted simultaneously (single site) was achieved in Camarines Sur on February 23, 2011. In breaking the world record, 6,893 participants actively took part in the activity and planted 64,096 trees in a 32-hectare area.

“This looks like an insurmountable task, but with a well-planned and synchronized mobilization, coordination, and information campaign, there is no doubt that Mindanawons can carry out this challenge,” added Antonino.

Part of the guidelines in breaking the Guinness world record requires the simultaneous planting of trees in exactly one hour. A pre-registration must be conducted to ensure the correct number of participants, while an official head count of the number of trees planted must also be documented in writing.

Digging machinery cannot be used during the planting, and actual digging of plots must take place at the time of planting, not prior to the attempt.

“One of the main goals of this Guinness attempt is to showcase collaborative efforts in Mindanao, particularly on the island-region’s greening efforts,” said Joselin Marcus Fragada, DENR XI regional director.

The activity is also part of the long-term campaign by DENR and MinDA’s MindaNOW! Program to instill among Mindanawons the consciousness towards ecological integrity as climate change adaptation.

He added that in order to break the record, DENR, MinDA, and its partner agencies will mobilize all of their employees, as well as the people’s organizations, academe, national government agencies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, business sector, and religious groups to participate in the attempt.

“We are practically encouraging almost every Mindanawon to be part of this endeavor, which we hope would solicit a greater public participation and appreciation on the government’s efforts in growing back some of the forests of Mindanao,” said Fragada.

Part of the guidelines however requires that participants to the attempt must be at least 17 years of age. Interested parties may coordinate with their local DENR offices or their local government units.


DirectorPamaran, however, said the growth pace last year was way down below the 12.9 percent growth

rate in 2012’s, putting the region as the country’s fastest growing economy that year.

ZamPen economic growth slows down in 2013By Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Despite the 23-day MNLF siege last year, Region 9’s economy still grew by 4.3 percent, National Statistical Coordination Board-9 (NSCB) Regional Director MewchunPamaran said in a press conference recently.


ZamPen economic growth slows down in 2013

PENRO Borja urges studes to plant, grow tree By Claro A. Lanipa

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur – “In a nutshell, the simplest thing to do to address climate change is to go back to the basic: plant and grow a tree,” Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Adelaida Borja told the students of Dumalinao National High School here.

“The deceleration in the region’s economic performance was due to the 2013 MNLF siege in Zamboanga City. Zamboanga City contributes about 50 percent of the total regional economy,”Pamaran explained. National Economic Development Authority-9 (NEDA) Assistant Regional Director Susan Valerio echoed the same, specifically pointing to two economic sectors in Zamboanga City. “The siege last year has greatly affected the manufacturing and services sectors, thus pulling down the regional economic growth,”Valerio said. The industry sector growth decelerated from 31.2 percent in 2012 to a measly 4.3 percent growth last year while the manufacturing sector which accounted for 26.1 percent of the regional economy posted loss from 35.2 percent in 2012 to a staggering negative 0.1 percent last year due to the decrease in food production. She, however, said the construction sector’s growth is a “bitter-sweet” development. “The rehabilitation efforts in the

city spurred construction activities, in a way, offsetting some of the losses in the manufacturing sector,” she added. Service sector remained the largest contributor to the region’s economy, barely posting an increase from 43 percent in 2012 to 43.7 percent, followed by industry and Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry, and Fisheries sectors with 34.6 percent and 21.7percent, respectively. Not all is negative though for Zamboanga Peninsula last year as the Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry, and Fisheries (AHFF) rebounded from a negative 2.6 percent in 2012 to 0.7 percent last year. Valerio said despite the deceleration, the total contribution of the region to the national economy remains the same at about 2 percent. However, the deceleration has put ZamPen from fastest growing economy in 2012 to only 14th out of the 16 regions in the country. Pamaran, on the other hand, is very optimistic that the region will bounce back this year with economic indicators showing promising performance.


In her message during the Information Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction held at the Dumalinao National High School on Friday, PENRO Borja said that it is not merely tree planting, but “tree planting and tree growing.” “We must have to nurture and take care of the seedling we have planted,” Borja emphasized. She said “every one of us is accountable for the impact of climate change; it’s everybody’s responsibility to protect the remaining natural resources.” “The protection of our environment is not only the duty of the government, nor the work of Maam or Sir, not only the work of our barangay officials and other workers, but it is the duty of us all. So, let us help protect our environment,” Dr. Borja said.

“Every citizen shall see himself as part of a solution to environmental problems,” said the lady PENRO. The activity was attended by some 500 students, teachers together with the barangay officials of Paglaum where the school is located. Meanwhile, Roservirico Tan, chief, Regional Public Affairs Office discussed the strategies on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, National Greening Program and Biodiversity Conservation. Other speakers were Maribel “Hasanah” Enriquez, Chief Meteorological Officer of PAGASA, who discussed Understanding Hydro-Meteorological Hazards while Joselito Casinillo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-9 talked on Early Warning System and Building Emergency Evacuation Plan (BEEP). He also led the emergency drill.


By Mary May A. AbellonPOLANCO, Zamboanga del Norte – Some 395 children and adults have availed themselves of free medical and dental services conducted recently by the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at New Lebangon Elementary School in Barangay New Lebangon this town. The medical team of composed of doctors, dentists, nurses and other health personnel from the provincial government, PNP and AFP conducted free medical checkup, circumcision and dental services with free medicines. Meanwhile, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has also given supplemental feeding to 161 pupils of said school.

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) also gave deworming and rabies vaccination to 55 animals/pets. School Principal Kent M. Adolfo expressed his gratitude to the provincial government for responding to his letter request saying “this was the first time the community received such an outreach program from the provincial government.”

Zambo. Norte extends free medical, dental services in Polanco town


Tudaya hydro plants on its 100th day of generating powerSTA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur– Four months after its commercial op-eration, 14MW Tudaya Hydro 1&2 power plants continue to be a reli-able partner of renewable power generation in the region. As of yesterday (August 3), Tu-daya Hydros generated over 25 GWh to the Mindanao grid. Tudaya Hydro 1 jumpstarted its operation last March, and is now on its 147th day of operation. Meanwhile Tudaya Hydro 2 is on its 114th day of delivering renewable power to the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO). “To meet the power demand of our customers, we always ensure that our hydro plants are 100% ready and available. The additional 14 mega-watts capacity of Tudaya Hydro helps in the power supply of the region,” said Rolando Pacquiao, Hedcor vice president for Mindanao Operations. To track back, Tudaya Hydro was inaugurated by Department of Energy

Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla last May 11. The two power plants are locat-ed at Barangay Sibulan and Barangay Astorga in Sta. Cruz town. Its construction reached to a to-tal investment of P2.5 billion. As host to the power plants, Davao del Sur will benefit from the taxes, royalties and shares from the generation. Aside from these, Hedcor con-ducts corporate social responsibil-ity programs such as on education, health, livelihood and environmental needs of the host locality. As the leading force in run-of-river hydropower development in the country, Hedcor proactively seeks bet-ter solutions towards a better future. With its vision of generating 2bil-lion kWhs of Cleanergy by 2020, Hed-cor develops and operates efficient hydropower systems. Hedcor is a subsidiary of AboitizPower. (Hedcor)


DASURECO lights up remote town in Davao OccidentalJOSE ABAD SANTOS, Davao Occi-dental– After almost twenty years, the once upon a time elusive dream of having a 24/7 electricity in the remote municipality of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, has finally come true. The Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) has recently energized said town which in the past could only avail of power supply from 2:00pm until 12:00 midnight with the use of generator powered by diesel. Fulfilling its commitment and dedication to public service, DASURECO initiated the historic power switch-on in the presence of Governor Claude Bautista, the town’s local officials and other sectors in the community who have been very supportive to the project. Danny Canastra, chief of DASURECO’s Member Services Department, bared that the project cost of the energization would total to P51 million when interconnection from Don Marcelino town had to be done stretching to Jose Abad Santos which has 50 kilometers in distance. “This power distribution is unique because from a low voltage of 13,002 kilovolts, it was stepped up to 35,000 kilovolts with installed transformer for a mini-power substation that has obtained a standard power serving

from 220-230 voltage,” Canastra said. He added that through an intensive study and with the initiative of DASURECO General Manager Engr. Godofredo Guya, the upgrading was made possible along with budgetary considerations. The funding of the energization project was extracted from the Disbursement Acceleration Program of 2nd District Congressman Franklin Bautista. The electrification efforts have given the constituents of Jose Abad Santos a sigh of relief because they will be enjoying 24 hours of quality power serving barangays in the poblacion area. The electric cooperative is pinning hope that at the later part of 2015, the remaining barangays of the southern part will be generated upon availability of budget. Both towns of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani island were served under the Small Power Utility Group (SPUG) with the close supervision of the National Power Corporation. It was at this time when the distribution grid of DASURECO was only up to Don Marcelino due to budgetary constraints which resulted to slow pace of economic development. (PLGU-Davao del Sur/ Nilda S. Aniñon/CLC, PIA-11)


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Tacurong City Mayor Lina Montilla recently related to officials of 28 cities across the country the city government’s experiences in the implementation of Project PAGLAUM.

Tacurong mayor imparts Project PAGLAUM experience with 28 citiesBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

PAGLAUM stands for Panata at Adhikain Gutom ay wakasan Lingap, edukasyon, kalusugan, Asal na mabuti ay isulong at Ugaling makamtan ay Malinis, matiwasay at maunlad na pamayanan.

Project PAGLAUM is the Tacurong LGU’s initiative for the Millennium Development Goals Family-based Actions for Children and their Environs in the Slums (MDG-FACES)


of the United Nations.Mayor Montilla’s presentation of

the project to fellow local chief executives and other LGU officials was part of the MDG-FACES 4th National Roll-Out 1st Business Meeting in Quezon City on July 24.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) wanted to motivate the 28 participating cities with the experience and best practices of Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province, Dasmariñas City in Cavite, and San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan.

The presentation of the three cities was dubbed Sharing the Fruits of the Harvest: the MDG-FACES experience.

Among the cities represented in the event were Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, Gingoog, San Fernando, San Carlos, Lipa, Quezon City, Legazpi, Bacoor, Masbate, and Alaminos.

“When we launched Project PAGLAUM in November 2013, none of us in the LGU ever expected that we will come to this moment..that we will be given this opportunity to share the results of our undertakings to these big cities,” said Mayor Montilla.

During the business meeting, the said participating cities were also briefed about the mechanics of implementing FACES projects in their respective areas. The participants were also asked to initially plan for initial stages of project implementation.

“We are hoping that our audience was able to capture lessons and innovations,” added Montilla.

Montilla recounted that through Project PAGLAUM, LGU-Tacurong City was able to mobilize various organizations and agencies for the improvement of living conditions of 40 children-beneficiaries in the city’s lone slum area—Purok Onse in Barangay Poblacion.

Project PAGLAUM addressed the top three concerns of mothers in Purok Onse, namely: peace and order problems caused by illegal gambling and drugs; low family income and hunger; and poor sanitation.

Among the remarkable changes in the mentioned Purok, she added, include rehabilitation of streetlights courtesy of Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative; regular PNP patrol and anti-illegal drug operations; and establishment of container gardens in the vicinity that supply the needs of families and also serve as source of income.

Mothers were also taught about Cavendish banana utilization and water lily handicrafts.

Medical mission and sanitation activities such as Limpyo Kalog have also been conducted in the area.

Mayor Montilla is set to presentProject PAGLAUM to another batch of cities in January 2015. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City Information)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 12) recently has expressed com-mitment to support the efforts of the local government of General Santos City to strengthen its small-scale fisherfolk sector.

BFAR backs Gensan’s push for fisherfolk registration, organizationBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Among these are the present initiative of the city government to register the city’s fisherfolk and organize them into associations to facilitate their representation in the LGU’s Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (FARMC).

BFAR’s support is packaged in a series of information drive on fish R and FARMC activation that started in July this year.

Fish R is the registration mechanism for the small-scale fisherfolk and fishworkers earlier launched by BFAR to develop a simplified and standardized list of stakeholders.

The registration runs until all coastal and inland barangays of the city are covered.

BFAR 12 Regional Director Ambutong Pautong said the registration is one venue to reassert advocacy to maintain database for our fisherfolk.

“By doing this, we are assured that right projects are given to the

right beneficiaries,” Pautong said.Meanwhile, the thrust to push

for FARMC activation is pursued by virtue of two city resolutions seeking support for the strengthening of FARMCs and organizations both at the barangay and city levels.

This entails necessary preparations at the community level including massive advocacy and facilitation to accredit them to concerned agencies.

The resolutions are authored by Councilor Brix Tan, chairman of the Committee on Fisheries, Marine Life, and Aquatic Resources of the city’s Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Tan mentioned in his talks that the activity is one of the vital requisites to hear the collective voice of the fisherfolk as major key player of the fisheries industry.

The fisherfolk organization will culminate with the staging of the first ever Fisherfolk Congress, projected to happen in October this year.

Two weeks of information drive


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato —The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) National Headquarters in Quezon City has chosen North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza as one of its outstanding individual awardees on its 23rd Founding Anniversary on August 2, 2014.

has already resulted in over 500 registered fisherfolk in the city.

These represent 10 organizations involving all sectors including the youth, women, fishworkers, and the fisherfolk.

With this trend, several other organizations and thousands of fisherfolk are expected to be

included in the near future.Two barangays and two Puroks

have already been covered while many others are waiting to be tapped in the coming days including the coastal and inland barangays of the city.(DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with OSabal-BFAR 12)-

BFP honors N. Cotabato governorBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Sr. Supt. Norman V. Pinion, deputy director of the Directorate for Plans and Standard Development and the chairman of the Steering Committee of the BFP Anniversary Celebration for 2014 said that Gov. Mendoza has given a remarkable support to the campaign of BFP on fire prevention and safety in the province of North Cotabato.

“Every year BFP gives recognition to persons with exceptional contribution in community development and who actively engage with the advocacy of the BFP to attain fire safe communities,” Pinion stated.

He also said that Mendoza has supported the BFP in implementing Republic Act 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines and all endeavors to include fire safety and fire prevention trainings and seminars in schools, business establishments, government offices and others.

In North Cotabato, the provincial BFP through Inspector Marleap P. Nabor, deputy provincial fire marshall, has been in dynamic partnership with the provincial government in ensuring public safety through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires, a venture that brings security and protection to the people.

Meanwhile, aside from the governor, Matalam Mayor Oscar N. Valdevieso was also given recognition by the BFP for his notable fire safety campaign in the aspect of local BFP.

The awarding ceremony which was held at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Campus in Quezon City centered in the theme, “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan”.(SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


COWD’s serbisyo program reaches barangay Kauswaganby COWD

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Residents of barangay Kauswagan, many of whom wanted to apply for a water connection, trooped to the barangay’s covered court on July 25, to attend the orientation-seminar conducted by the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).

http://www.lwua.gov.ph/news_10/dec_11/news_CDO.htm


The seminar, which is a basic requirement for new service connection applicants, is among the various services that COWD provides for its Serbisyo sa Barangay Program facilitated by the agency’s public relations (PR)/Information Division. Normally, the seminar is held every Saturday afternoon at the ground floor of the Administrative building in Corrales Avenue. During the seminar, the residents are given information about COWD - its organization, vision, mission, water sources and production facilities, treatment and water quality monitoring procedures, various programs and projects aside from the service connection application procedures. Aside from the seminar, the COWD Serbisyo sa Barangay team brought along a teller for those who wished to pay their water bills, customer care service staff to address water supply concerns/reports/queries of

the residents and leakage repair and reconnection-disconnection teams to attend to pipeline leakages and service connection problems in various areas within the barangay. Representatives from other departments were also present to answer specific operational concerns the residents may raise during the open forum.Barangay Captain Pedro Balite, Administrator Sonny Achacoso, Secretary Floro Antiquina and the zone leaders were present and encouraged their constituents to actively participate in the activity to address their water concerns. They also thanked COWD for the services brought to their barangay. One of COWD’s sub-offices is in Kauswagan. It houses the agency’s motorpool, property division office, repair and maintenance department and as well as the collection office.

Magbalantay brigade joins Eidl Fitr celebration in Lanao Norteby 4th Mech IB

ILIGAN CITY - The 2nd Mechanized Infantry (Magbalantay) Brigade joined the Eidl’l Fit’r celebration with a Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw- An Interfaith and Multi-Cultural Solidarity at Barangay Pagayawan, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte on 30 July 2014.


Col Demy T Tejares CAV (GSC) PA, 2nd Mech Inf Bde commander, said the celebration is one of the most joyous days in Islamic calendar that marks the end of Ramadan.Highlighting the activity was the Interfaith Celebration, spearheaded by Executive Director Musa Mohamad Sanguila of Pakigdait Inc., in partnership with its stakeholders the PAMANA Lanaw composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Civil Society Organization, religious group and the local government unit of Bacolod. The celebration signifies building confidence with the stakeholders and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under the border command of Commander Abedin Sanguila, Camp Datu Tomanong, Barangay Pagayawan, who are now in the folds of the law. In his statement, Col Tejares emphasized that with the participation of the stakeholders, and the government efforts to pursue peace and development projects under the PAMANA program for the MNLF communities, slowly transforming the place into a progressive barangay. With the project implementation at Brgy. Pagayawan, this would create a positive outlook for our men in uniform and stakeholders to establish a genuine peace, said Col Tejares. Exec. Dir. Sanguila expressed his message with a common goal of bringing peace in the area of Lanao Norte and gives assurance to support the projects of the government in MNLF areas through the Office of the

Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) under the PAMANA or the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn.MNLF Commander Sanguila on his part appreciated the efforts of the government with the support of the stakeholders. During the day, AFP provided Feeding Program to around 400 school children of Pagayawan Elementary School, serving arrozcaldo. Also, the Department of Agriculture, region 10, turned over to Commander Sanguila 20 bags of corn seeds, fertilizer, and 1,500 fruit seedlings (lanzones, durian and mangosteen) for the MNLF community. Mayor Joselito Miquiabas of Bacolod extended his gratitude to all stakeholders who extended assistance and services to the people of Pagayawan, as this was once an armed-conflict area and now a place with confidence to the security forces provided by OPCON Units of the 3rd Cavalry Squadron and 15th Infantry Battalion as well as the Provincial Philippine National Police law elements headed by PSSupt. Madid Paitao. “For our Muslim brothers, Ramadan is celebrated by gathering with friend’s family, preparing foods and giving each other gifts. But then, whether you are Christian, Muslim or non-Muslim, we are all brothers and sisters we should live up to the ideals of fraternalism, religious solidarity, piety and compassion for all people regardless of what religions we have,” said Col Tejares. We, men in uniform want a


lasting peace in Mindanao and call on local communities to sustain the gains of the peace process and

bringing together among all people thus “serving the people and securing the land,” Col Tejares concluded.

Ozamiz city gov’t awards winners in NNM, NDCM IEC contests by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Ozamiz City Government has awarded the winners in the Nutrition-Disaster Management (Nutri-DM) Quiz show and Oratorical, Essay-Writing and Poster-Making Contests, in today’s flag-raising ceremony, at the City Hall Grounds.

As culmination of the July National Nutrition and National Disaster Consciousness Months (NNM/NDCM), the contests held last July 31, were part of the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on both monthly themes, Lelita G. Naarez, City Nutrition Action Officer (CNAO), said. These were: “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan! (Disaster Preparedness Prevents Hunger and Malnutrition)” of NNM and “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran (Community Safety and Preparedness, Foundations of Progress)” of NDCM. It was also held along the advocacy for climate change adaptation “Nagbago na ang Panahon,

Panahon na para Magbago! (Times have changed, It’s time to Change!),” of the City Nutrition Committee (CNC) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Council (CDRRMC), she said. Held at Labo National High School (LNHS), the “Nutri-DM” Quiz Show for elementary pupils was attended by 33 out of 49 elementary schools and the other contests by all the high schools in the city. Meanwhile, the following students were declared winners in the contests: Oratorical – Melchie M. Tapang, Ozamiz City School fo Arts and Trade (OCSAT), 1st place; Deol Bodiongan, La Salle University-Integrated School (LSU-IS), 2nd place; and Dyce Drizzle Lalimos, Misamis University High


School (MUHS), 3rd place. Essay-Writing – Trischa Sheen A. Dumanjug, Ozamiz City NHS, 1st place; Alexanra P. Neri, FCMA School, 2nd place; and Shainavy V. Laoganas, Gala NHS, 3rd place; and Poster-Making – Jade G. Ramirez, OCSAT, 1st place; Renato N. Jumawan, Labo NHS, 2nd place; and Arian Sofia T. Francisco, Misamis University High School, 3rd place. Nutri-DM Quiz Show - Edyr Ryle G. Ilisan of Feliza C. Ma (FCM) School,

1st place; Mariella Gerlie Wamil, Ozamiz City Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School (OCSDAES), 2nd place; and Sophia Baudelie Joy C. Go, United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP), 3rd place. Cash prizes of P3,000, P2,000 and P1,000, were given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, respectively, plus a plaque of recognition, each, while the non-winners received consolation prizes of P500, each.

RDC-Caraga opens photo, jingle-making competition


RDC-Caraga opens photo, jingle-making competition By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY - The Regional Development Council (RDC) - Caraga in partnership with the GIZ-German Agency for International Cooperation is now accepting entries for the photography and jingle-making competitions bearing the theme, “Be the Agent of Change,” as one of the many strategies of communicating the Revised Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2013-2016.


The photo competition is open to all hobbyists, novices and pro-fessionals. Winning prize category will be P2,000 for the third prize, P3,000-second prize, and P4,000-first prize and the most liked photo. On the other hand, ama-teur and professional songwriters, whether group or individual, are also encouraged to join the jingle-making challenge with P15,000 at stake for the first prize winner, P10,000 and P5,000 also for the first prize winners, respectively. The contest secretariat will

accept song entries of not more than 60 seconds in length. Origi-nal photos and song competition must be submitted at the Naton-al Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Caraga re-gional office located at Nimfa Tiu Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, this City. Submission of entries is from August 5 to 31, 2014. For more details and mechan-ics of the competition, you may visit caraga.neda.gov.ph/caraga or call at telephone numbers 085-341-4195 or 342-5774-local 18 or 19.


TESDA gets job done for first half of 2014 in SurSurTANDAG CITY - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Sur has gotten their job done for the first half of 2014.

Aside from the six major programs it is tasked to accomplish as shown with corresponding numerical outputs, provincial director Rey Cueva also cited the key initiatives and interventions his office has carried out.

These cover the various skills training and services it has provided in partnership and coordination with local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders.

On Major Programs: Number of persons profiled under Youth Profiling for Starring Career (YP4SC) – 819; Number of Persons Granted with Scholarships – 462; Number of Persons Trained in Various Skills/Qualifications – 2,937; Number of Persons Assessed – 3,595; No. of Persons Certified (Issued with National Certification) – 3,152; and Number of Graduates Employed: Wage-employed – 1,054; and, Self-employed – 249.

In addition, Cueva also pointed

out some particular undertakings they initiated which include, among others: Construction of 28 houses affected by Typhoon Agaton via training cum production arrangement in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel town; Primary partner of LGU Cortes relative to the development of tourism industry especially in the skills of their manpower requirements and livelihood program where over 100 town folks benefited; Primary partner of three army battalions in the province in the conduct of Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) program especially to peace-challenged barangays.

The TESDA chief here made sure that the office under him lives up to the expectation of many as “the leading partner in the development of Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values.”

By Greg Tataro Jr.


AgNor guv backs MSMEs

BUTUAN CITY - Agusan del Norte Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba gave full support to the small, micro and medium enterprises and put more emphasis on projects and programs that will give additional income for the community. This is one of her 6-point guides in the administration of the province that she is pushing.?

By Aimee B. Sienes

Recently, she indorsed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte for appropriate action her letter dated June 18, 2014 requesting for an authority to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in behalf of the province with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), represented by its Governor, Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Gil A. Buenaventura,

the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Gilda E. Pico and the Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund (IGLF), represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Benel D. Lagua for the implementation of the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Program in the province.?

The CSF Program, conceptualized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, aims to help the micro, small, and medium enterprises to access


credit from financial institutions without the need for collateral to generate economic stimulus in every province of the country, as mandated under Section 13 Republic Act (R.A.) 6977, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Small Enterprise,” and Section 82 R.A. 7653, otherwise known as “The New Central Bank Act.”?

The CSF is a guarantee fund program spearheaded by the BSP in coordination with the local government units and other financial institutions which intends to help the marginal farmers and fisherfolks in the identified areas. To implement the project, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Gov. Amante-Matba to sign the said MOA through Sanggunian Resolution No.173-2014, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong.?

The MOA stipulates the terms and conditions, as well as the roles and responsibilities, of the signing parties to create an environment that is conducive to the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to a well-capitalized and well-

managed cooperatives operating in the province.?

The other five in her 6-point guides include 1. true public service; 2. priority in implementing the infrastructure projects in far-flung areas; 3.delivery of public service to the most needy and regular visit to far-flung communities; 4.hiring of employees based on merit and capacity; and 5. high ethical standards of officials and employees and strong campaign

Documents

One Mindanao - August 5, 2014