One Mindanao - December 10, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr. Zener R. Dumaguing Recthie T. Paculba

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

Editorial Adviser :

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Story

Court of Inspiration brings back “Bayanihan” spirit among residents of Zambo City

Michael Vincent D. CajulaoWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, December 10, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 80

page 4

President Aquino vows to work harder to make government an effective servant of the people12

Breezy C. Jimenez , Western Mindanao

DAR adheres to Mindanao Week of Peace celebration 21Majority of Dabawenyos prepared for disaster-survey 24 Rudolph Alama, Southern Mindanao

Nat’l Competitiveness Council conducts road-show in Butuan

Buy only certified Christmas lights - DTI

Danilo S. Makiling , Caraga Region

Pre-emptive evacuation results in “zero” casualty in Ozamiz28Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob , Northern Mindanao

8IB, LGU Valencia city conducts Bayanihan Rescue Operations for TC Pablo survivors8IB/PA , Northern Mindanao

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Atty. Maria Aurora R. Curaza-Maquiling , Caraga Region

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22 Gensan eyes installation of CCTV cameras in major streetsPops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao32

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Tacurong to implement anti-smoking ordinance Jesereel Billano, Central Mindanao34

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Monday, December 10, 20124

This trait is immortalized in the paintings of Filipino artists where the whole community helps in transferring a neighbor’s house by literally carrying the whole structure, usually nipa hut or “bahay-kubo.” For the Filipinos back then, there is no amount of money that can buy the gratifying feeling of helping their neighbors. As we Filipinos become “modernized”, this trademark of ours has become more and more rare.

The change in our way of living made

us less concerned with others. I thought I would never see this kind of attitude today. Not until, Alaxan FR came to the city to keep this tradition alive with the Galing Mo! Alaxan FR Court of Inspiration. I received a phone call sometime in the first week of October. It was from an anonymous number. The person from the other line introduced

Court of Inspiration brings back “Bayanihan” spirit among residents of Zambo City

I f there is one of the

many positive traits we Filipinos are known for, it’s the “Bayanihan” (camaraderie) spirit.

by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Monday, December 10, 2012 5

herself and asked if she can ask some help for their project here in the city. She is Ms. Geri Pacleb, a representative from Geiser Maclang, and is working in partnership with Alaxan FR. When Geri told me about the project, I was really ecstatic! I knew about the project thru watching Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games, the Court of Inspiration project. As a PBA and basketball fan in general, I easily grasped the objectives and saw the noble intention of the project. Not that Geri asked for a very big help from our office. She was just asking for assistance on how she can get in touch with our friends in the media, so it’s not that big a deal. But

for the office and for me ,personally, to help realize this project even in our simple way has given me

some sense of pride knowing that this will help others, especially the young ones, course their lives thru sports and one day see the fruits of their labor. What really struck me was how this project will work. Alaxan will be financing the construction of a basketball court. But that’s not about it. For this to be realized the community will have to give their fair share. It’s not money or anything financial. What Alaxan is asking is for members of the community to volunteer and help in the construction of the court. Note the word “volunteers” because they are not going to be paid. Alaxan will only be providing the


materials and food for them. The launching and groundbreaking ceremony took place last October 14 with a simple program. The program also saw over 30 volunteers from the beneficiary Barangay of Putik. For over a month, the volunteers, with the supervising engineer from Alaxan, worked together, unmindful of the scorching heat of the sun, or the incessant rains that hit the

city during their work. For them, the value of this project means the future of the young ones and the friendship made even stronger by their bayanihan. Last December 8 saw the fruit of their hard labor come into

reality. The Court of Inspiration was officially inaugurated and turned over to Barangay Putik. Volunteers took pride of their work as the whole community of Lobregat Village and neighboring communities in

Barangay Putik. One of the volunteers, a young lad of about 20, said, “It’s very fulfilling. We are just very happy that we now have this basketball court, and I can proudly say that I have been a part of this very valuable project. We really gave our all just to make this a reality for all of us here”. He pointed to me most of the volunteers and in their eyes I saw the unity, the oneness, and togetherness


that made the project a success. Happiness is written on all the faces of those in attendance. Alaxan FR rewarded the community not just with the basketball court. They were also treated to a once in a lifetime experience of sharing their joy with PBA Legends in the person of PBA 4-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), Alvin Patrimonio; 2-time MVP and Rookie of the Year, and now a certified comedian, Benjie Paras; arguably, the best point guard the PBA has ever known, 1-time and the smallest PBA MVP, Johnny Abarrientos; PBA All Star and one of the best clutch players in PBA history, Jojo Lastimos; and last but not least, one of the deadliest 3-point shooters and best point guards to ever play in the league, Ronnie Magsanoc. The PBA Legends shared their valuable time with the kids, with a 1-day basketball clinic, teaching the kids on the basics of the game that made them all successful professional basketball players. The volunteers also had fun

with the Legends in an exhibition game to the delight of the crowd. Jojo Lastimosa emphasized the importance and the gravity of what the community did to realize the project. “You made this all happen because you exemplified the “bayanihan” spirit. Take good care of this because this is the product of your hard work”, Lastimosa said. He also encouraged the young ones to dream big and do everything to achieve their dreams. “We are also poor before. Like you, all of us started playing basketball in dusty basketball courts. Like you, we never thought we could be where we are today. But we did all that we can to be who we are today. We all worked hard to reach our goals. We want to give you inspiration that just like us, you can also be successful”, he added. Alvin Patrimonio also urged the residents to take good care of the project. “This Court of Inspiration is


for you from Alaxan FR. We are challenging you to take good care of this, and may we be inspiration for you to succeed. Never give up. We also went through a lot of pain before we achieved success. And to our volunteers, let’s applaud them. They’ve been through a lot of pain also just to realize this project”, Patrimonio said. Benjie Paras also thanked the volunteers saying, “To our volunteers, thank you very much. Those who will become successful in basketball from this community will be thanking you in the future for your effort in coming up with this basketball court”. Paras’ long-time on-court partner from college up to their PBA careers, Ronnie Magsanoc left an encouraging message to the community and those aspiring basketball players. “The story of us, the Legends, is also the story of your life. We dreamed, we persevered, went through pains in life to achieve success. So share our stories, your stories, to become inspiration to others”, Magsanoc

said. The event may have shifted all attention to our PBA Legends, if only because they are all celebrities in their own rights. But despite all the fanfare, everyone in the event went home with a very clear message from the organizers and guests. That all these celebration and merry-making, the community owes to each and everyone who has given their help and support, no matter how small those were, to realize the Court of Inspiration. Once again, Barangay Putik have proven that the Bayanihan spirit Filipinos are known for is still within each and everyone, that when the need arises, we are still capable of extending our help without expecting anything in return, that we can still work not just for ourselves, but also for our community. Just like Alaxan FR’s campaign, we can all say Galing Mo Volunteers! Galing Mo Zamboanguenos! Galing Mo Filipino!


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino cites street sweepers of Manila, Pasay and Paranaque

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the street sweepers of Manila, Pasay and Paranaque Cities whose labor, he said, not only keeps the streets of the metropolis clean and free from debris,

but also by their dedication and discipline to their job that has become the very foundation on which government reform is anchored upon.

10 Monday, December 10, 2012

The President issued the citation in his speech keynoting the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s yearly gift-giving activity, “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012,” this Yuletide season held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Monday.

“Magandang pagkakataon po ito upang ipaabot sa inyo ang taos puso kong pasasalamat. Sa ating masisipag na street sweepers: pinapanatili ninyong malinis ang ating mga lansangan at daluyan ng tubig upang maiwasan ang pagragasa ng baha tuwing tag-ulan; ipinapamalas ninyo ang disiplina at pananagutan sa

kalakhang lipunan,” the President said.“Malinaw po, ang inyong pagpupunyagi

ay pundasyon ng ating reporma; kabalikat kayo sa pag-a-angat ng mabubuting katangian ng lahing Pilipino. Salamat po, tunay nga pong kayo ang gumawa ng pagbabago,” he added.

PAGCOR’s Pamaskong Handog event began in December 2010 under the initiative of the agency’s new management as part of its core commitment to reach out to the less privileged sectors of society.

According to the President, the project aims to bring cheers and color to our


less fortunate brothers’ celebration of Christmas.

“Layunin po ng proyektong ito na bigyang kulay ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng ating mga kababayang mas nangangailangan. Target po nitong maabot ang walong libo at anim na raang benepisyaryo sa buong bansa, na nasa pangangalaga ng apatnapu’t isang institusyon. Kabilang sa matutulungan ng programa ang mga batang naulila, mga nakatatanda, may kapansanan, kapuspalad na mga pasyente, cultural minorities, at ang mga kasama natin ngayong araw, ang

ating pong mga street sweepers,” the President said.

Prior to his speech, the President, who was joined by PAGCOR chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr, Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr, and Pasay City Representative Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, led the distribution of Noche Buena packs to some 2,000 street sweepers in attendance.

The Noche Buena packs contained the necessary food items needed for the Christmas feast such as: spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, ham, cheese, fruit cocktail, condensed milk, all purpose cream, arroz caldo and champorado mixes.

“Nawa’y sumapat po ang mga regalong ipinagkaloob ng PAGCOR, bilang munting pagtanaw sa inyong sakripisyo at dedikasyon sa trabaho, upang masayang mapagsaluhan ng inyong pamilya ang Noche Buena,” the President said. PND (rck)

12 Monday, December 10, 2012

President Aquino vows to work harder to make government an effective servant of the people

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to work harder to make government an effective servant of the people by implementing reforms that will rid it of graft and corruption.

In his speech keynoting the annual gift-giving activity of the Philippine

Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the less fortunate held at


the Cuneta Astrodome on Monday, the President reiterated his administration’s advocacy that the government should be made for the people and not for the whims of a select few.

He cited PAGCOR as a concrete example that through the implementation of reforms and proper management, the once favorite milking cow of the corrupt, now holds the nation’s coffers that will be used for the uplift and betterment of the people.

“Hindi po natatapos dito ang pagsisikap nating maghandog ng biyaya sa atin pong kapwa. Patuloy po nating lilinisin ang ating pamahalaan upang epektibong makapaglingkod sa ating mamamayan. Walang alinlangan nating inaalis ang mga agiw at dumi sa sistema. Kaakibat ng pagpapanagot natin sa mga tiwali, pinabibilis din natin ang pagpapabuti sa kapakanan ng mas nakakarami,” the President said.

“Ang gusto po natin: ang inyong sipag at sakripisyo ay may katumbas na pag-asenso. Bawat patak ng pawis sa maghapong paghahanap-buhay sa katirikan ng araw; bawat metrong tinatahak upang matiyak ang kalinisan sa

kapaligiran; bawa’t puso na ‘di alintana ang peligro sa kalsada; ay may katumbas na kapanatagan ng loob na mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang inyong pamilya,” he added. PND (rck)


Ferrer takes oath as new GPH panel chair

Senior government panel member Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer of the University of the Philippines

today took oath as the new chair of the negotiating panel for talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).


“President Aquino has appointed panel member Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer as the new government peace panel chair,” Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said in a statement. “Professor Ferrer’s appointment signifies continuity and harmony in the peace talks, which is crucial towards the completion of the comprehensive agreement this December.”

“Her appointment as panel chair is well-deserved given her competence and credentials as a peace negotiator,” Deles stressed. “She has been with the Panel since 2010 and serves as adviser of the technical working groups on power-sharing and normalization.”

Ferrer is a “staunch advocate of human rights and an expert in conflict resolution and justice. She served as the director of the Programme on Peace, Democratization and Human Rights and also the deputy director and subsequently, the director of the UP Third World Studies Center at the University of the Philippines.”

Ferrer takes over the panel chairmanship from Dean Marvic Leonen who was recently named Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by President Benigno Aquino III.

She was involved in the global campaign to ban landmines, which won the Nobel Peace Prize. She co-founded the Philippine campaign in 1995 and joined international fact-finding missions investigating violence in Cambodia and human rights violations in East Timor and Nepal.

As peace negotiations move towards the homestretch, Deles reiterated the government’s commitment “to finish the comprehensive agreement with the MILF before the year ends in our endeavor to achieve just and lasting peace in Mindanao that will benefit all Filipinos.”

Both parties are scheduled to meet soon to resume discussions on the annexes on power sharing, wealth sharing and normalization that will make up the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.


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DSWD to hold Annual SLP Congress in Butuan

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) will be holding the Annual SLP Congress on December 13 at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


DSWD to hold Annual SLP Congress in Butuan

DSWD-Caraga Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat said that the congress will serve as an avenue of showcasing and exhibit of the products and crafts of the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from their livelihood projects funded thru the SLP. One of the highlights of said activity is the gallery viewing and product selling that is open to public starting 11 a.m.

until 1 p.m. “This is one way of promoting and marketing our local products to potential buyers that will eventually help beneficiaries become profitable and productive,” said Jabagat. With this, DSWD-Caraga hoped for the full support of other government agencies for the welfare of the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

Nat’l Competitiveness Council conducts roadshow in Butuanby Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY -- In line with the establishment of the Regional Competitiveness Council (RCC) the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) of the Philippines in cooperation of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga region conducted recently a roadshow, this City.


The NCC Roadshow is anchored on the theme, “Boosting Regional Competitiveness through Public-Private Partnership.” During the roadshow, Guillermo Luz of the Makati Business Club and the current co-chair of NCC, discussed the Building the Regional Competitiveness and 2012 below Poverty Line Survey (BPLS) results. Luz presented the World Economic Forum (WEF) were the country is on No. 65 out of 144 or No. 6 of 8 in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) based on the Global Competitiveness Report; No. 138 out of 185 or No 8 of 8 in Asean for the International Financial Corporation (IFC) doing Business Survey; No 43 out of 59 0r No. 5 of 5 IN Asean for the International Institute for

the Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Report; and No. 78 out of 113 or No. 15 of 20 in Asian Pacific for Future Brand’s Country Brand Index. The creation of the RCC is championed by the NCC – a public-private sector body that was formed in 2006 thru Executive Order 571 and amended by Executive Order 44 in 2011, which is tasked to improve the country’s global competitiveness ranking, Luz explained. Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. welcomed the participants of the roadshow from the government line agencies, non-government organization, local government units, and the academe. Amante also said that based on the 2011 National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) findings, Caraga Region is on its full economic growth reaching 9.6 percent from 7.4 percent of the recent years. With this development, Luz said that the NCC believes that in order to raise the country’s over-all competitiveness – the country needs to build the competitiveness of the region.


Buy only certified Christmas lights - DTIby Atty. Maria Aurora R. Curaza-Maquiling

Only those Christmas lights issued with Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificates from January 2010 to present and with the appropriate ICC stickers will be allowed to be sold in the country. These also include sets with light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. The DTI-Bureau of Product Standards (DTI-BPS) has published a list of importers of Christmas lights issued with ICC license as of October 2012 available at all DTI offices. In addition, retailers/wholesalers are required to post copies of ICC certificates appropriate to the brands that they are selling. Consumers can validate the authenticity of the ICC stickers by comparing the serial number pasted on the Christmas lights with the serial number indicated in the ICC certificate. Before buying Christmas lights,

consumers are strongly encouraged to conduct a visual inspection of the sets to ensure product quality and safety, to wit; • Wire – It must have an outside diameter of 1.5 mm. • Plug – The plug must have firm pins which are not easily bent. • Package – The package must reflect the name and address of the manufacturer/importer/distributor, brand name, rated voltage and wattage of the set, rated voltage and wattage of the lamp, mark “For indoor use only”, batch/lot number, bar code, standard used (PNS 189:2000), country of origin, and suitable warnings or instructions for use. ICC mark– It must bear the ICC (Import commodity clearance) mark/sticker for products imported abroad.

BUTUAN CITY -- In anticipation of increased demand for Christmas lights, DTI-Caraga enjoins consumers to buy only DTI-certified Christmas lights which passed the Philippine National Standard (PNS) 189:2000.


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By Franklin P. Gumapon

Zambo. Norte division holds press confab

DIPOLOG CITY – Elementary and high school students from the different public and private schools in the province have converged here recently for the annual schools press conference conducted by the provincial schools division. Some 1,000 student-participants came over to compete in individual and/or group contests such as news writing, editorial writing, feature writing, sports writing, copy reading, broadcasting and others. Active media practitioners were also invited to serve as lecturers/judges during the press conference. Education Supervisor Lourma Poculan of the Zamboanga del Norte

schools division said the top ten winners of each category are qualified to participate in the regional schools press conference which will be held in Pagadian City this week. This year’s gathering of budding campus writers was anchored on the theme, “Campus Journalists: Championing ethics in social media.”


By Breezy C. Jimenez

DAR adheres to Mindanao Week of Peace celebration

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Department of Agrarian Reform here headed by PARO Rizzel B. Villanueva adhered to the activities in celebration of the Mindanao Week of Peace on November 29 - December 5, 2012 with the theme “Love of God and Love of Neighbor, a Challenge for Mindanao. In a meeting held to get the consensus on the proposed activities and establish unity in making the Week of Peace a successful one between and among national line agencies, schools and universities, Mayor Eldwin Alibutdan quipped that “peace is not a problem of a particular entity or organization, rather, peace in Mindanao is everybody’s concern.” Mayor Alibutdan further stated that “peace is a long process, it is a journey, and everyone must be proactive.” With the commencement on November 29, 2012, DAR officials and employees actively participated in the Walk for Peace during the kick-off on November 29 organized by the LGU of Ipil, manifesting the Department’s support to any endeavor which is intended for the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao. Other activities include a Cultural Show on November 30, showcasing the rich and diverse culture which flourished in

Zamboanga Sibugay Province and likewise depicting a peaceful and harmonious co-existence among the residents despite the apparent cultural differences. A Youth Peace Camp was held on December 1-2 at Marcelo Spinola Memorial School. Barangays Tenan, Bangkerohan and Magdaup were recipients of the outreach feeding program on December 3 while December 4 was devoted to Pride Campaign in Buluan Island with a symposium and mangrove planting. The celebration culminated on December 5 with a “Bangkete sa Panaghiusa,” (Feast/Banquet of Unity) which is an evidence of unity despite sheer diversity. PARO Rizzel B. Villanueva affirmed that DAR-Sibugay does not limit its Mission and Vision on farmer-beneficiaries but is proactive in terms of its corporate social responsibility especially as a catalyst for the eventual achievement of lasting peace not only in this province but in the entire Philippine Archipelago.


DAVAO CITY- A top official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Davao Re-gion cited the depletion of the for-est cover which aggravated the occurrence of flash flood in New Bataan, Compostela Valley and the towns of Cateel, Baganga, and Boston, Davao Oriental amid the onslaught of typhoon Pablo Tues-day.

Josilyn Marcus Fragada, director of the DENR XI said the devastation created by the storm to many communities only indicates the long practice of illegal logging activities in the region, which the current administration tried to arrest in the past two years with the implementation of Executive Order 23 banning the logging activities in Mindanao. He also observed that the typhoons nowadays are stronger compared to the storms in the past, an offshoot of the climate

change, prompting their office to encourage residents to stop cutting and plant more trees. “We have to plant more trees in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental areas,” Fragada pointed out. He also attributed to the strong wind and rainfall brought about by the storm to the uprooting of many

Logging aggravated flashfloods-DENR-XIby Joey Dalumpines


Logging aggravated flashfloods-DENR-XI

trees which destroyed many bridges during the flashflood. Fragada said there were also cut logs before which were drifted during the flash flood. “We coordinated with the local governments for the retrieval of previously cut logs. It so happened that they were carried downstream during the typhoon,” he said. Fragada said they are still waiting more reports from the field since many areas have not yet been reached by authorities. Engr. Edilberto Arreza, director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI welcomed the information citing negative casualty in the mining areas of the region. He said even in small-scale mining areas, there were no casualties during and after the storm.Arreza said six-shanties were

reported to have been hit by a landslide in Pantukan, but there were no casualties because of the p r e - e m p t i v e evacuation of miners. “I am glad that all our warnings reached the miners who i m m e d i a t e l y c o n d u c t e d p r e - e m p t i v e evacuation,” he

said. Arreza clarified that there agency is still investigating if mining operation aggravated the occurrence of mudflow and flashflood . He said that as far as their agency is concerned, Barangay Andap is a watershed area, where exploiting of natural resources like cutting of trees and mining activities are prohibited. Arreza said they are also verifying the report that a natural catch basin in the highlands of Barangay Andap gave way causing massive destruction downstream. “Andap still have plenty of trees which might have fallen and created a natural dam which gave way amid the storm. We are still verifying it. The area has two active water tributaries,” he said.


Majority of Dabawenyos prepared for disaster-survey

DAVAO CITY- More than half of Davao City residents believe they can brace themselves against ty-phoons. This was the result of a survey conducted by the Univer-sity of Mindanao’s Institute of Public Opinion which ran from No-vember 20-28. Dr. Linda Arquiza, director of the IPO said that the survey in-volved around 1,400 respondents from the city’s 162 barangays us-ing a 3% margin of error. In the survey about 52 out of 100 Da-bawenyos believe that they are ready for a storm, 19/100 would

be frantic amidst the horrendous effect while 30/100 needed a lit-tle help as they consider them-selves as somewhat ready.Ironically, typhoon Pablo would hit Davao City along with nearby provinces a week after the com-pletion of the survey. However the residents re-veal that the occurrence of earth-quake is one disaster they feel they are least ready for. Only 44 out of 100 respondents believe they are prepared in case a strong quake would rock the city while 24/100 said they are not ready

by Rudolph Alama


and 32/100 consider themselves as somewhat prepared.According to Arquiza, it appeared from the survey that Davao City is readying itself for a typhoon and its accompanying strong winds and consequential floods and this could be impressed as a direct response to climate-change related disasters and not for earthquakes. Another result of the survey is the people’s trust in the City Government towards it capabil-ity to respond quickly towards disaster of which 83% of the re-spondents are certain that the City could dispatch an immediate and effective first responders. Also 82% believe that the Davao City have the vehicles ready for use during emergencies (82%) which could reduce if not zero out casualties during disas-ter of any kind. They also believe that the City has an emergency fund which could be utilized for relief operations and eventual rehabilitation and reconstruction of damage homes and communi-ties. Dabawenyos also have faith in their local leaders capacity to handle disasters. Ratings were significantly high ranging from 72% to a high of 92.24%. The Mayor has a high readiness rat-ing of 92.24% followed by the Vice Mayor (91.15%), the ba-

rangay captain (83.87%), po-lice (83.11%), fire department (82.12%) barangay councilman (72. 26%). When disaster strikes, the survey revealed that Dabawe-nyos expect their barangay cap-tain as their first responders with a rating of 37.18% followed by the Mayor (23.27%) and the 911 Emergency Response (18.51%). According to Arquiza, the finding is an important informa-tion useful for disaster prepared-ness to post-disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. To success-fully conduct rescue, rehab and reconstruction efforts the baran-gay captain must be taken into the layers of communication and into the set-up of coordination. On the whole about 50% of the people are self-assured about their personal preparedness for disasters and calamities however they have high trust in the City Government’s capacity for quick response and they see that the government is ready with the needed resources. Arquiza said that based on the survey it can be gleamed that the Davao City with its Public Safety Unit, support of the local government and the resources for rehabilitation and reconstruc-tion is perceived as a disaster-ready city.


The activity was conducted to help curb future incidence of flash floods and landslides and to raise the awareness on Mindanao Nurturing Our

Waters (MindanaNOW) program of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). “We have been planting trees

MinDA, MASS-SPECC to hold Mindanao-wide tree growing driveby Minda

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - At least 6,000 trees will be planted all over Mindanao by the Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC) Cooperative Development Center on Monday.


MinDA, MASS-SPECC to hold Mindanao-wide tree growing drive

before. But now we thought of tying up with MinDA under its MindaNOW program, in order to align our efforts with the national government’s thrust on the National Greening Program (NGP),” said Bernadette Toledo, MASS-SPECC chief executive officer. MASS-SPECC is a group of 300 primary cooperatives all over Mindanao holding at least P11 billion assets with more than 1.5 million individual members and has recently pledged support for MindaNOW which consolidates all efforts for the development and management of the island-region’s watersheds and river basins. While the primary role of a cooperative is to eradicate poverty, MASS-SPECC has embarked into a program called “Co-ops Love Green Earth” since flash floods and landslides have become serious threats not just to Mindanao’s economy but most especially for the lives of its people. “We’ve learned our lessons—from Tropical Storn Sendong to Tropical Cyclone Pablo---we at MASS-SPECC see the need for a long-term solution to these problems,” said Toledo, adding that the Mindanao people must restore its environment if it wants to be spared from natural calamities. She said many of their members were also victims of Typhoons Sendong and Pablo. “A MASS-SPECC member-cooperative in Davao del Norte with 1,000 hectare of banana plantation was badly hit by Typhoon Pablo”, Toledo said, adding that more than 80% of the said plantation was gone

to waste. While they hope to contribute to making the country achieve its millennium development goals on eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, Toledo said the cooperative principles have also expanded to ensuring environmental sustainability. She pointed out that cooperatives are mandated to allot a maximum of 10% of their net surplus for community development fund which includes allocation for green projects. “This is where we get our resources for the Mindanao-wide tree growing,” she said, stressing that to sustain this undertaking, MASS-SPECC shall provide host communities and partner organizations with livelihood opportunities. MASS-SPECC board member Manny Dela Pena said this is to ensure that the trees planted will serve its ultimate purpose- to prevent flooding in the lowlands. “In areas where we are going to grow timber trees such as in Malasag here in Cagayan de Oro City, MASS-SPECC will pay for the honoraria of the caretakers just for them not to cut down the trees for kaingin,” said Dela Pena. In other areas where fruit-bearing trees are planted, Dela Pena said host communities can turn their harvest into cash in three years time, citing rubber and cacao as profitable high value crops. “MASS-SPECC is also willing to extend other forms of assistance to host communities ranging from farm


inputs to capability building just to ensure that trees will be nurtured to grow,” said Toledo. He said that on Monday, MASS-SPECC member cooperatives will simultaneously plant in the following areas: Municipality of Bayug, Zamboanga del Sur for Region 9; Sitio Quidulum, Malasag, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City for Region 10; Sitio Tibal-ug, Marilog, Davao City for Region 11; Sitio Manirub, Brgy. Pamantingan, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat for Region 12; Sitio Tabon, Brgy. Aclan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte for Caraga and one in the island provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “The MindaNOW program serves as a platform for all sectors---government and civil society organizations--- to rally for the restoration of Mindanao’s heavily degraded watersheds and river basins,”

said Romeo Montenegro, MinDA director for investment promotions and public affairs. Montenegro said MindaNOW is anchored with the National Greening Program and advocates for policy push necessary to achieve a dynamic, inclusive and green Mindanao economy. He said MinDA has also organized river basins and watershed councils all over Mindanao to ensure coordinated ridge to reef planning. “MinDA welcomes this partnership with MASS-SPECC and we hope that more organizations---big or small--- will join our cause,” said Montenegro, adding that the tree growing is just one of the many activities that MinDA and MASS-SPECC will carry out. The signing of partnership agreement between MinDA and MASS-SPECC shall highlight the tree growing activity here on Monday.

Pre-emptive evacuation results in “zero” casualty in Ozamizby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - Strong political will of the local chief executive and understanding the benefits of pre-emptive evacuation by the residents of Ozamiz City paid off.

These were among the reasons why no one was hurt and no casualty resulted from the onslaught of Typhoon “Pablo” last Dec. 4. This assessment came about during the post-Pablo meeting of

the members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) composed of the different clusters of government and nongovernment organizations in the city.


Nearly 4,000 families with more than 6,000 people from the flood-prone areas of the city, mostly the low-lying areas, mountain slopes, river-banks and coastal areas, including those living in houses made of light materials, trooped to the identified evacuation centers for shelter ahead of the typhoon. The move of the residents was in answer to the call of Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez for preemptive evacuation before Typhoon Pablo was about to hit the city at about 4 p.m. Tuesday. Mayor Echavez sounded her call during a press conference that gave updates on the coming typhoon. During that press conference she announced that the residents of the afore-mentioned areas had only until 12 noon to evacuate, after which, the CDRRMC will go to their areas to force them out. Thus, at 12:01 p.m., Mark

Vincent Israel, leader of the Ozamiz City Search and Rescue Team, together with the members of the Law Enforcement Team headed by P/Supt. Jonas Amparo, Chief of the Ozamiz City Police Station, had set out to areas where people were reported reluctant to leave their homes. Only after the law enforcers assured the reluctant residents of the safety of their homes from robbers and thieves and for as long as they lock them up, did they finally leave their homes and went to the evacuation centers. Meanwhile, Israel said among the advantages of the preemptive evacuation was that the residents were able to plan ahead what things to bring with them, including beddings, clothings, food and even their pets, which they could never do in forced evacuation. Also, there was no need for the families to panic and they can check


8IB, LGU Valencia city conducts Bayanihan Rescue Operations for TC Pablo survivors

The flash flood destroyed houses, infrastructure, and agricultural crops when the water reached as high as six feet in barangays Batangan, San Isidro, Nabag-o, and in Pulangi Riverside of Poblacion. Unfortunately, one casualty was reported on the said incident - six-year-old Roniel B. Brandares, resident of Barangay San Isdro, Valencia City. The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) of Valencia together with the Army and other concerned stakeholders who conducted rescue operations during the flash flood, recorded an estimated of 2,809 affected families. Residents were brought immediately to the evacuation areas who returned to their homes as the water subsided. The rescue operation was the initiative of the LGU of Valencia City and the army to provide assistance to

families who are most affected by the recent flooding. Rosita R. Songkit, 63, whose house was destroyed, said she appreciated the efforts of government and the commitment of the Philippine Army on disaster response. Meanwhile, the residents and the local government had learned from their experience during the devastating effect of tropical storm “Sendong” a year ago in the those barangays. Hence, the city government was prepared with relief goods, medicines and evacuation centers for the affected families. The Philippine Army is always ready to respond in times of calamities. Ltc. Cuerpo urges the public to prepare and cooperate in mitigating the effects of this hazard. He encourages the conduct of disaster response and rescue training to the local residents especially in flood-prone barangays.

VALENCIA CITY - The local government of Valencia City headed by Mayor Leandro Jose H. Catarata and the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, conducted rescue and operation to more than 2,809 flashflood-affected families brought about by typhoon Pablo in barangays Poblacion, Catumbalon, Vintar, Dagat Kidavao, Laligan, Maapag, Pinatilan, San Isidro, Sinabuagan, San Carlos, Lumbayao, and Batangan, this city on.

by 8IB/PA

the safety of all their members, saving their own resources and those of the rescuers, if the residents go to the

evacuation centers voluntarily before the disaster occurs, Israel added.


RDC 12 honors outstanding volunteers in SoccsksargenBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) 12 in coordination with the National Economic and Development Au-thority (NEDA) 12 awarded on Thursday, plaques of recognition to outstand-ing volunteers in the Region 12.


Cited for the organization category are the Dadiangas Baptist Church in General Santos City and the Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, Inc. in Cotabato City

Marlon Ceballos of the 505 Disaster Rescuers for Emergencies, Assistance, and Management, Inc. (DREAM) in the province of North Cotabato was honored under the individual-adult category.

Meanwhile, under the individual youth category, Sharon Jane Biton of the Kidapawan City Emergency

Response Unit (KidCeru) was also recognized.

The outstanding volunteer organizations and individuals were awarded due to their selfless service and dedication to helping others through volunteerism.

The awards were bestowed during the 4th regular meeting of the RDC 12. Nominees in each category were also recognized and were given certificates of recognition.

The awardees were judged based the following criteria: qualities – 25%, performance – 40%, and impact – 35%.

The national awarding will be held this month in Manila.

The Search for Outstanding Volunteer (SOV) is an annual recognition by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) to highlight and recognize the exemplary performance of Filipino volunteers.

Meanwhile, RDC 12 chair, Darlene Antonino-Custodio, expressed her appreciation for the effort of the volunteers in their endeavor in building strong communities across the country.

Gensan eyes installation of CCTV cameras in major streetsBy Pops Gumana-FruylanGENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The local government here is eyeing the installa-tion of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in major streets of the city as one way of intensifying its anti-criminality campaign. City Councilor Dante Vicente said that Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio is considering a plan to allocate budget for the purchase of CCTV cameras to be

installed in major thoroughfares of the city especially in the entrance and exit roads.“The highest priority should be given to the major streets as

this is a very useful security measure,” he said. Vicente said the plan will deter criminal activities especially in the financial districts of


the city and will boost security confidence of investors and the community.In 2008, the city government enacted an ordinance that required all public and commercial establishments in the city to install CCTV security camera with digital video recorder. The ordinance particularly referred to establishments such as “banks and other financial institutions, land transportation, terminals, airport and seaport, public and private markets, g o v e r n m e n t institutions, drug

stores, groceries, gas stations, malls, pawnshops, colleges and universities, hotels, resorts, r e s t a u r a n t s , c o n v e n i e n c e stores and other e s t a b l i s h m e n t s operating 24 hours.”“However, some provisions of the ordinance were amended and made it optional for establishments having yearly gross sales of less than two million pesos,” he explained. The use of CCTV camera was proven very useful in providing invaluable information to help

local authorities in investigating and solving crimes.Meanwhile, City Police Community Relations Officer, PCInsp. Reynaldo Denila Jr. said that security preparation for the celebration of “Pasko sa Gensan” is all set with the help of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Gensan and other force multipliers. “All stations and units of the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) have their respective task for the entire duration of the festival to ensure the safety of the civilians,” he said.


Tacurong to implement anti-smoking ordinanceBy Jesereel BillanoTACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudara-- The Anti-Smoking Ordinance of Tacurong City will be fully implemented effective January 2013.

H o w e v e r , according to councilor Psyche Sucaldito, the ordinance will already take effect in the city g o v e r n m e n t b u i l d i n g s and areas on December 10, 2012.

“We are setting the standard so we need to start earlier than the rest of the city. We should be good examples,” said Sucaldito, author of the said ordinance.

To kick off the ordinance’s implementation, an orientation among city anti-smoking enforcers was conducted on November 26.

Salient points of the ordinance were discussed during the activity which was participated

in by at least 33 representatives from Task Force Talakudong, DepEd, PNP, civilian volunteer officers, barangay councils, traffic enforcers, etc. Enforcement procedures were also deliberated.

In the ordinance, b u s i n e s s establishments are directed to designate smoking areas and sari-sari stores must be prohibited from selling cigarettes to minors.

Regulation of

smoking among adults was also discussed. Smoking will is prohibited among minors.

The body agreed that a Tacurong Anti-Smoking Task Force must be created to strengthen the campaign against

smoking. Details of the anti-smoking ordinance will be posted in conspicuous areas in the city.

“ T h i s i m p l e m e n t a t i o n needs an extensive information and education campaign among the citizenry. They should be well-informed of all our undertakings on this matter,” said Mayor Lina Montilla during the orientation.


Tacurong to implement anti-smoking ordinance

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – An open and tolerant Islam has made Indonesia what it is today, “a non-Islamic State that is home to most Muslims of the world” that enjoys peace and progress amidst diversity.

Finding the “we” among the “I’s”, the Gus Dur wayBy Rene V. Carbayas


This was the gist of the message of Alissa Wahid, daughter of the first elected president of Indonesia Abdurarahman Wahid also known as Gus Dur who visited Zamboanga and Isabela Cities recently to promote the legacy of her father, the GusDurian way of finding the “we” among the “I’s.” Respect for multiculturalism and the desire of the tribes to unite for one Indonesia was the key to the prosperity and peace that Indonesia enjoys today, which she hoped the people of Mindanao could draw inspiration from. Through the GusDurian Network, she said that she is able to share the

dream and ideals of her father who said in 2005 that “our goal must be to illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity, and offer a compelling alternate vision of Islam, one that banishes the fanatical ideology of hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.” The GusDurian Network was established by the Wahid family to honor the former president and keep fresh his legacy of values and personal philosophy for the development of Indonesia and the promotion of an open and tolerant Islam. Wahid explained the name “GusDurian Network”, saying that


Gus is an honorific name used in her country to refer to a young Ustadz and Dur is a nickname derived from the second syllable of her father’s name. Gus Dur was also a Ramon Magsaysay awardee. On November 20, Alissa visited Isabela City and met with some religious personalities, mostly Muslims, and shared how Indonesia came to be as she challenged them to find the appropriate Muslim role in society. She said that Indonesia became a state as a result of the decision of its very diverse tribes to become one country. “The present 235 million population of the country live in several islands that make up the archipelago, speak some 300 different languages, and follow different religions. The majority of the population however, some 85%, are Muslims. Against this background, it was very important to promote respect for multi-culturalism if an Indonesian ‘nation’ is to prevail,” she stressed. This was a dream of her father, who besides having been a president of the country, was educated to be a Muslim cleric. He was president of the Muslim group Nadhlatul Ulama which counted some 40 million members. “Islam is about inclusion, tolerance, community” he once said. “My father promoted solidarity among Muslim, solidarity among Indonesians and solidarity among humanity. It is good to note that the word INDONESIA has nine letters and

the second group of 3 letters spelled ONE. The values espoused by Gus Dur were to promote one country in spite of its diverse religious and cultural differences,” she said. The Silsilah Dialogue Movement with the Interfaith Council of Leaders in Isabela City has made it possible for the GusDurian Network to visit Basilan. Aminda E. Saño, Silsilah Dialogue Movement President said that the visit is “timely that we in Mindanao learn about the values of Gus Dur since we are still forging a Mindanao that seems at times being pulled in different directions.” She noted that Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world and although it is not homogenous in everything it has been lucky that once upon a time there was a president schooled as a Muslim cleric who believed firmly in an inclusive, tolerant Islam and who dedicated his life to this personal philosophy. In its demographics Indonesia is 85% Muslim and 15% other religions. In Mindanao the numbers are the opposite. For Silsilah, however, the numbers do not matter, saying that “what matters is how we look at each other and what our vision is of living together in one country.” Mindanao is thought to be the promise land, and for many it still is. And it needs a compelling vision that will truly unite the people in Mindanao. And perhaps, Gus Dur’s way of finding the “we” among the “Is” will generate a vision that is truly one Mindanao.

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One Mindanao - December 10, 2012