One Mindanao - December 12, 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

A success story: Rice-fish culture project: two birds in

one shot David M. Suyao

Caraga Region

Today’s issue... Wednesday, December 12, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 83

page 4

Aquino cites importance of technology in education for country’s sustainable growth10

Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat, Northern MindanaoR

DOLE-10 79th year highlights accomplishment, acceleration of labor reforms21DOH-CDH steps up Iwas Paputok campaign in Reg 12 23 Cathy Apelacio, Central Mindanao

Segovia: calamity areas ill-prepared to handle strong typhoons

Soldiers activate Task Group Diamond Response

Joey Sem Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

South Cotabato sends aid to Pablo victims 25 Dani Doguiles , Central Mindanao

RCoop members join CDA, RCDC in the ‘Cooperative Advocacy Run’ 2012 Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

27

4CMO/4ID/PA, Northern Mindanao

7

12

14

18

22FSUU to provide technical assistance in fram-ing Butuan’s tourism master plan Junesther Jean S. Iway, Caraga Region29

26

1915

30

Phil. Army supports “Paskuhan 2012”Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao32

Wednesday, December 12, 20124

For the 1.3 hectares of Feladelfo Sanoria, 61 years old, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in collaboration with the provincial and municipal governments, was recommended for the Rice-Fish Culture Project, with 25:75 counterparting scheme. Sanoraia’s 25 percent counterpart were be for canal development and labor for operation and maintenance while the counterpart of the BFAR were feeds and fertilizer,

and the 8,000 Tilapia fingerlings were be provided by the provincial government. Being inclined to raising fresh water fish and having small pond beside his rice field with Tilapia and Japanese coy in it, Feladelfo Sanoria was amazed how the fish pond contributed to prevent infestation in his rice field. “Early every morning, I used to walk and monitor the rice field and the expanded fish pond beside the rice

A success story: Rice-fish culture project: two birds in one shot

During rice fields pests infestation in 2004,

farmers in Barangay Kapatungan, Trento, Agusan del Sur agreed to exercise synchronous rice planting so that together, they can closely monitor and safeguard their rice fields from attacking pests, with the help of the provincial and municipal agriculture offices.

by David M. Suyao

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 5

field. I was surprised to see the Tilapia floating, with their open mouth on the surface of the water. As I observed them, I saw them eating the larvae and adult insects that are within their reach. You can just imagine the volume of pests that the 8,000 tilapia are eating! Because of what I saw, I called on my fellow farmers who were at that time also monitoring their rice fields, and all of us who witnessed how the Tilapia helped in eradicating the pests were amused,” Feladelfo Sanoria smilingly said. Harvest time came. Feladelfo Sanoria said he was amazed that from P60,000 he used to get from his rice production before, he already earned as much as P148,000 from the sales of his 77 cavans of rice during that harvest time. What amused him most is the 1,700 kilos of Tilapia he also harvested from his fish pond after four months, which he sold at P60.00 per kilo, that brought him a fortune of more than P100,000. When asked what technique he employed that he was able to harvest that much, Sanoria proudly enumerated

the following: 1. Well p r e p a r e d pond. He said, he even escaped one cropping for his rice field to be drained, hardened and sanitized; 2. The use of proper quality and quantity of fingerlings to be stocked. He said, that in four months, the stock have grown to as much as 200 grams each or about five pcs. per kilo; 3. The importance of water analysis in order to ensure the quality and sanity of water; 4. Quantity and time of feeding as it has direct effect to the growth of the fish; 5. Basic knowledge on proper technology. Sanoria said, he has attended several trainings on Tilapia production and seeds production which he owed much on the learning he acquired. He has also books on


production guides which served as his ready reference and; 6. Constant consultation with BFAR, provincial and municipal technical staffs for proper guidance and advices. Being serious and dedicated to his projects, Sanoria said he also introduce some innovations in his farm. He installed pipes to control the flow of irrigation water. He have formulated organic feeds he used to feed to the fish from his planted vegetables, banana and cassava along the dikes, which also gave him additional income for his family. Now that his farm became known to many, seed companies established techno-demo in his farm on several rice technologies, the use of fertilizer and seeds production. And as barangay official, he shared the technology he learned to the community, and personally assisted in the operation of the same projects that the Kapatungan Elementary School has adopted. With his attitude and dedication, Sanario also became recipient of the goat project that the provincial government, thru the Provincial

Veterinary Office offers. He recently received one goat packet (composed of five female and one male high breed goats), which someday, when multiplied, will be dispersed to other farmers. “To realize your dreams and ambitions, one should not only plan and talk, but work. Do the best that you can in every endeavor you enter, and you will not fail. Patience and perseverance are the key to success,” Feladelfo Sanoria said.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino agrees to have APECO Law reviewed

In a bid to end discussions questioning its economic viability and appease the close to 3,000 families from Casiguran, Aurora calling for its repeal, President Benigno S. Aquino III agreed to have the

APECO (Aurora Pacific Ecozone and Freeport Authority) Law reviewed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

8 Wednesday, December 12, 2012

In a dialogue held at the San Jose Seminary gym at the Ateneo De Manila campus in Quezon City on Tuesday, the President invited some 120 farmers, fisher folks, indigenous peoples, and other residents of said province to provide any evidence against the APECO Law and assured swift action on it.

“Ibigay niyo sa amin ang ebidensiya at hahanapin namin ang lahat na dapat humarap,” the President said.

The farmers, fisher folk, indigenous peoples, and other residents of the province had marched to Manila to ask the President to repeal the APECO Law which was created under Republic Act 9490 in 2007 and amended in 2010 through RA

10083.They claim that the law violates

existing laws and policies, including the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, the Local Government Code and the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, as the law covers more than 12,000 hectares of ancestral lands of the Agta Dumagat.

The President said he hopes to hear initial findings on the APECO Law in one week’s time. He pointed out that while he agreed to have the APECO Law reviewed, he still wants to see the development of the Philippines’ pacific side to prosper.


He appealed to all concerned to have an “open mind” in order for discussions on the APECO Law and parties concerned to finally reach an understanding to the controversial measure.

“Pasensiya na po kayo, alam naman po ninyo na marami tayong problemang saklaw at kung makiki-dialogo ako sa inyo pero sarado na ang isip niyo, para na rin tayo nagsayang ng oras,” the President said.

“Yung lahat po ng pinangako ko sa inyo ay mangyayari at

nangyayari na sa kasalukuyan at babalikan ko po kayo ‘pag natapos na ‘yung mga pag-aaral na ipinangako ko sa inyo para malaman lahat. Kung meron man tayong pending na kailangan ng desisyon, hindi pa napagde-desisyunan,” the President said.

“Ngayon, ang mga imbestigasyon ho, nandito ang mga kaukulang miyembro ng Gabinete...kung ‘yung consultation o concurrence hindi nangyari—ay talagang ipipilit po nating mangyari... at tatapusin lahat ng imbestigasyon sa lalong madaling panahon,” he added. PND (rck)

10 Wednesday, December 12, 2012

In his message during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) 13th International Conference at Edsa-Shangrila Hotel on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City, the President said technology has been bridging distance, filling gaps in language and culture, and becoming a vehicle for

direct action.The President said that both the public

and the private sectors are increasingly taking advantage of all that technology offers towards mutual benefit.

The Chief Executive said that the use of modern technology is also becoming an important part in the government’s agenda of open and good governance, as he noted the role of technology in instantaneous

Aquino cites importance of technology in education for country’s sustainable growth

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the importance of science, technology, and education as potent tools for the country’s sustainable growth.


Aquino cites importance of technology in education for country’s sustainable growth

interaction between the government and the people.

This, he added, has produced concrete results, as evidenced by the quick action and hundreds of lives saved during the devastation of Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao.

“The Philippine experience with the use of technology in mitigating the effects of natural disasters has made it clear: Today, it is all the more important for us to use technology in responsible ways, to empower people, facilitate the spread of knowledge, and advance causes that redound to the benefit of all,” he said.

The President has extended his gratitude to SEAMEO-INNOTECH for advancing the state of education in the Philippines for the past 36 years.

“Your initiatives have benefited thousands of our schools and even more students: from your assistance in improving the basic education of Filipino Muslims to computerized management and operations support tools to facilitate the administration of schools and student monitoring,” he stressed.

The Philippine is doing its strides too, the President said, adding that last April, it

officially launched the K to12 basic education program that is aimed at raising the quality of the country’s education system to make it globally competitive.

Part of this measure is achieving a 1:1 textbook-to-student ratio, and filling the country’s lack of classrooms and school seats shortage, the President said.

SEAMEO-INNOTECH International Conference is organized every two years, attracting educators, policymakers and researchers from private and public organizations, non-government organizations and international funding agencies.

The participants seek meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences in critical education issues. “Educating for the Future We Want: A Green Southeast Asia” is the biennial conference’s theme.

Joining the President during Tuesday’s event were Education Secretary Armin Luistro, CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan, TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. and SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director Ramon Bacani. PND (as)


Army troops install water purification system for ‘Pablo’ victims

Troops from the Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion and 525th Engineer Battalion installed a temporary water

purification station to provide additional potable water for the victims of typhoon Pablo, a military official announced Wednesday.


Lt. Col. Chester Ordonio, commander of the 525th Engineering Battalion, said the purification station was installed on Tuesday in Embarcadero, Centro, Baganga, Davao oriental, one of the hardest hit provinces.

Ordonio said the purification facility system catered the water needs of about 200 residents by distributing 900 gallons in one day.

“The water purification system hopes to provide clean water in evacuation areas so we can prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases,” Ordonio said.

He said a team of medical personnel, under Major Dino Anthony Flores, arrived at I n c i d e n t C o m m a n d Post (ICP) in Baganga will beef-up medical teams from the local municipal and p r o v i n c i a l h e a l t h offices.

The medical team will be

sent to the most devastated Barangays of Ban-ao and Kinablangan to attend to the medical needs of the residents in the two areas, he said.

He said joint teams from the Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion and the Municipal Police Station escorted relief teams from Baganga municipal government to distribute food, medicines and water in Barangays Binondo, Batiano, Mikit, Campawan, Batawan and Mahan-ub.

Smart Philippines and Telecom Sans Frontieres based in Bangkok, Thailand installed a local internet capability to ensure ICP’s connectivity and provide free calls for residents.(PNA)


DAVAO CITY- The Department of Education in Region XI is eyeing the return of classes albeit “infor-mal” mode in some areas affected by Typhoon Pablo. DepEd XI regional spokesman Geneilito Atillo said that some classes have already been resumed particularly in Compostela Valley which were among the provinces worst-hit by the typhoon which made landfall last December 4. Atillo said they are eyeing the return of classes through informal education services among which included holding classes in makeshift classrooms or those facilities not damaged by the typhoon. He however said that the holding of informal classes is not obligated among the schools in the affected areas. “We view schools as an entity in the community which if it will

be opened will give hope to the residents.” Atillo said. he added that the operation of these schools will give a minute percentage of hope to those affected by the typhoon. He however said that those still in the Davao Oriental towns of Baganga, Cateel, Boston and some parts of Manay they are not yet thinking of reopening since there are still pressing things to be attended like the provisions of food and shelter. According to latest DepEd-XI estimates about 150 school buildings were destroyed by typhoon Pablo. Atillo said that the number is expected to increase once information will start to pour in as they admitted having problems in communication specially in Davao Oriental.

Informal classes eyed in typhoon affected areasby Rudolph Alama


Segovia: calamity areas ill-prepared to handle strong typhoons

EASTERN MINDANAO COMMAND, DAVAO CITY- A top military of-ficial observed that the hardest stricken areas by typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Ori-ental are not used to strong and destructive weather systems. Lt. General Jorge Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said no one also saw the extent of the devastation until the storm struck in the affected communities.

He said the facilities like gymnasiums, school buildings and barangay halls were supposed to be the strongest structures where residents took refuge. “These facilities were no match to the strong wind that deformed even steel trusses and flew away roofs like in Baganga and Cateel,” Segovia said. However, he said it did not take too long for government to organize and mobilize in order to respond to

by Joey Sem Dalumpines


the people in need. Segovia also expressed his appreciation to the provincial governments of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental which immediately packed relief goods for the affected families. “The local governments were functioning harnessing the government resources around responding immediately to the needs of the people despite the situation where the injured and the dead bodies were situated close to each other in the command post,” he said.Segovia said even if all affected areas have already been identified, government has to race time to look for the missing victims. He said the missing victims are the reason why President Benigno Simeon Aquino III gave to the military the task to conduct search and rescue operation. Segovia said the president wants to reach out to survivors cut off by means of communication and impassable roads and to give closure to families whose members are missing. “We sought for more K-9s and volunteer rescue groups which also came to assist us,” he said. Segovia also noted that the delivery of relief goods maybe fast in Davao Oriental,

but assistance cannot be given immediately to the recipients due to the destroyed bridge in Caraga. He said the restoration of the bridge is very important to hasten the rescue and relief operation. “Right now, the residents have improvised by using the bancas in ferrying relief goods and medicines from Caraga to other areas not accessible by land,” Segovia said. Segovia also said that land, air and sea searches are now conducted regularly to reach out to the survivors. He reported that the sea search being conducted by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao east of Davao Oriental Tuesday morning yielded three survivors.


He said the air assets of the Philippine Air Force were not also available a day after the storm since many of the helicopters were brought away from the path of the storm for safekeeping. Segovia also called for consideration on local government officials who did not seem to respond to the needy during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. He said it is a natural consequence for officials in hard hit areas not to respond immediately to distress calls of their constituents since they themselves were victims of the disaster. Segovia said the local government, police and even the military were victims of the disaster.He said that since the military has other forces outside the disaster area, soldiers can be sent immediately to provide assistance.Segovia said since the soldiers assigned in the disaster areas have no immediate families there, they could easily attend to the community. “Normally, the police and the local government unit are paralyzed on the first blow of the disaster while the soldiers could easily conduct disaster response,” Segovia said.He said damage to soldiers in disaster areas is negligible compared to the residents who lose either life or property. Captain Robert Emperad, chief of the Joint Task Group Sea/ Maritime Rescue confirmed the rescue of

three fishermen by the Philippine Navy Tuesday morning off the coast of Davao Oriental. He said the survivors are companions of the 301 fishermen earlier reported by their fishing firm in General Santos City as missing day during the storm. Emperad identified the survivors as Peter Madlase, Dennis Codilla, Rene Maulas, all from General Santos City. He said the survivors were rushed to a hospital in Mati City, Davao Oriental for medical treatment. Colonel Rand yTibayan, wing commander of the Tactical Operations Group XI revealed Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo and Barangay Andap in New Bataan, Compostela Valley are the only communities no accessible to the rescuers because of the debris that block going to these communities. He said the rescue crew was able to reach out to these areas delivering relief goods in small quantities due to the limited load of the helicopters.“We continue to conduct search and rescue operation right now,” Tibayan said. As of 12:00 am Tuesday the Office of Civil Defense XI reported the total number of evacuees at 43,112 families or 198,287 persons in 49 towns among 27 towns and three cities affected in the region. The death toll reached at 850 with 611 missing and 1,792 injured.


The project launching was graced by Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, vice chairperson of CCC and Toshihiro Tanaka, UNDP country director. The local governments were represented by Mayor Lawrence LL. Cruz of Iligan and Vice-Mayor Ceasar Ian Acenas of Cagayan de Oro.

The project aims to assess the disaster vulnerabilities of the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and the municipalities surrounding CdeO and Mandulog river basins in Mindanao, to geological, meteorological and meteorologically-induced hazards due to climate change.

Climate Change Commission launches Twin Phoenix Projectby Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Climate Change Commission in partnership with the United National Development Program and Australian Aid launched the Twin Phoenix Project or the “Enabling the Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to Cope with Climate Change” project here.


Climate Change Commission launches Twin Phoenix Project

Soldiers activate Task Group Diamond Response

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City - The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division activated the Task Group Diamond Response with its command post at the Division Grandstand on December 3 a day before the typhoon made landfall.

by 4CMO/4ID/PA

All the soldiers at 4ID headquarters were reorganized to act as manpower of the task group to

provide disaster response and rescue operation to the affected areas caused by typhoon “Pablo” in the division area

It was conceptualized right after tropical storm Sendong caused the overflowing of the rivers in the said areas that greatly damaged properties as well as infrastructure and claimed thousands of lives. According to Mayor Cruz, the project can help them in generating correct and integral information such as the characteristics of the hazards of calamities. Vice-Mayor Acenas on the other hand said that having known the goals of the project, it is the local government’s responsibility to be more sensitive to vulnerabilities and CCC can rely on them for the whole duration of the project. Sering emphasized that the outputs are substantially local and their efforts are inclined to complement the initiatives of the local government in addressing climate change. ”We see the occurrence of extreme weather events in the future as a result of a rapidly changing climate. We should prepare our communities

against these events by mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)/Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) into relevant planning and decision-making process from the national to the city/municipality levels. We can’t fight nature but we can work with it,” he said. The results of the assessment will provide the basis for priority mitigation actions like community-based and managed early warning systems, and integrated contingency planning and mobilization. The Project will also conduct massive information, education and campaign to raise the awareness of the general public on climate change and its impacts.

At the end of the launching, Mayor Cruz and Vice-Mayor Acenas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Climate Change Commission stating their full support and localization of the project in the their respective cities.


of responsibility, particular in Cagayan de Oro City and other nearby cities and municipalities of Misamis Oriental. Lieutenant Colonel Rene R. Cañete headed the Task Group which directly supervised the deployment of disaster response teams to different parts of the city and other nearby cities and municipalities. To synchronize the efforts of the Division with the city and the province, Captain Christian C. Uy, liaison officer of the Task Group Diamond Response was positioned at the Command Center of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) at the City Tourism Office who relayed the updates on the typhoon upon which deployment were based. Days before the typhoon, 4ID in coordination with CDRRMC identified critical areas and residents were forced to evacuate to the pre-designated evacuation centers. Among the identified barangays were: Balulang, Carmen, Kauswagan, Macasandig, Nazareth, baraygany 1, 6, 7, 10, 13, 15, 7, 18, 23, 25, Isla Cupa, Isla Bugnao, Macabalan, Bulua, Bonbon, Bayabas, Lapasan, Gusa, Cugman, Tablon, Agusan, Puerto, Bugo, FS Catanico, Iponan, Tumpagon, Tuburan, Pigsag-an, Taglimao, Pagalungan, San Simon, Baikingon, Canitoan, Pagatpat, Iponan, and Puntod. Typhoon Pablo brought heavy rains and winds over Cagayan de Oro City and the whole of Misamis Oriental in the early morning of December 4. Disaster Response Rescue Operation Teams of “TG Diamond Response”

were deployed with rubber boats and rescued families trapped by floods at Macasandig, Macanhan and other parts of Cagayan de Oro. Other teams were also deployed to various floods and landslide-prone areas. One platoon was sent to Barangay Iponan to monitor the rising water level of the river and further gave immediate assistance to the residents trapped by the floods. Another platoon was sent to El Salvador City to provide man power assistance and rescued 61 families trapped by the floods at Zone 1, Barangay Taytay. Other teams rescued the stranded residents at Zone 1, Barangay Bonbon, Cagayan de Oro City. Other DRRO teams were sent to Valencia City in Bukidnon to augment Division Task Unit “Peacemaker” to provide rescue and retrieval operations to flood survivors. Major General Nestor A Añonuvo AFP, commander, 4ID said, “As of this time the Task Group Diamond Response is still active and ready to respond as need arises. Your soldiers are here to cater to your needs, we will assist you in any way possible especially during this time that natural calamity hits our area.” “I ordered my troops to be prepared to extend their services to our fellow Filipinos particular to the victims of the typhoon Pablo, rescue operation may have seized but the relief and rehabilitation operation is still on going,” Major General Añonuvo added.


DOLE-10 79th year highlights accomplishment, acceleration of labor reformsby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz asks the regional officials and staff to accelerate the implementation of labor reforms in Northern Mindanao to sustain its status as most labor productive and profitable region in Mindanao.

This was reiterated by the regional director of DOLE 10 Atty. Johnson G. Cañete, during the 79th anniversary celebration of DOLE 10 in Cagayan de Oro city, Dec. 10. National Statistics Office (NSO) said Region 10 has the highest revenue per worker, value added per worker, average revenue per establishment and average profit per establishment as indicated in its 2010 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry. Such findings according to the Secretary can be partly attributed to the DOLE’s thrust to improve regional operations nationwide, providing realistic planned targets, and helping establishments in implementing productivity improvement schemes. She asked the agency not to be complacent to continue this hard-won gain. “Labor productivity growth is a key indicator of regional competitiveness. It is an essential driver of change—in workers’ behavior, in companies’ treatment of their workers, and in the way enterprises conduct their businesses,” she explained. Sec. Baldoz further noted that the region is presently reaping the fruits of the reforms of the Aquino

III administration, particularly from the implementation by the DOLE of wage and productivity gain-sharing policies, and other reforms. The Secretary challenged officials and employees not merely of the DOLE regional office here but also in all other regional offices to focus on the implementation of productivity programs that could lead to higher labor productivity. DOLE 10 recognizes as well sectors that contributed to such growth particularly private households, real estate renting, fishing and construction, financial intermediation, mining, electricity, gas and water and health and social work. Labor productivity growth reflects either increased efficiency of workers without greater use of other inputs, or improvements in inputs, be they physical, human or intermediate capital inputs which lead to higher output produced per unit of labor.


DOE-MFO lays down solutions to power shortage in MindanaoBy Shahana Joy DuermeKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Energy-Mindanao Field Office (DOE-MFO) presented solutions that will answer the long-run-ning power problem in Mindanao.


The presentation was given emphasis during the Regional Development Council (RDC)-12 4th regular meeting held last week in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Some of the solutions tackled were the “one-stop shop,” which can facilitate the entry of power projects, and the operation of the Iligan Diesel Power Plant, which is expected to contribute an additional 100 megawatts to the Mindanao grid.

Engineer Darwin Galang, DOE-MFO senior science research specialist, stated that another possible solution to end the power shortage in Mindanao is the uprating of the Agus 6 units 1 and 2, which would extend their economic life up to 30 years, thus increasing supply of power in the Mindanao grid.

Galang also said that dredging of Pulangi IV would be very helpful to increase its reservoir capacity.

Further, he said that it is better to study the appropriate electricity model for Mindanao to establish necessary policies, rules, regulations and stakeholders’ readiness with regard to electric consumption.

He said that DOE-MFO is working closely with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation and other concerned agencies and departments in their goal to increase the power supply in the Mindanao grid.

DOH-CDH steps up Iwas Paputok campaign in Reg 12By Cathy ApelacioGENERAL SANTOS CITY- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) 12 has stepped up its information drive on “Iwas Paputok” as Yuletide season comes nearer.

The campaign aims to discourage the public in using firecrackers and fireworks to reduce the number of injuries or even casualties this Christmas.

DOH targets for a zero injury this year, it said.

In a press briefing, Dr. Marlyn Convocar, DOH-CHD 12 OIC-regional

director has called on the public to say no to banned firecrackers to avoid accidents.

“We would like to make the necessary preparations at the earliest time possible so that all information regarding Iwas Paputok will reach the public early,” she said.

She also warned parents to be watchful and urged them to educate their children on the harmful effects of firecrackers.

Convocar said they are coordinating and mobilizing their partners in different local government rural health units and health


offices in Region 12 to help them disseminate the campaign down the barangays.

Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction or APIR is this year’s info campaign theme just like last year.

DOH-CHD 12 information officer Jenny Ventura said DOH will continuously campaign for a sound holiday celebration saying a traditional way of merry-making like a noise barrage using kitchen utensils is preferable.

In General Santos City, health officer Dr. Edgardo Sandig said the city government also joins the call for safe Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“We don’t want any injuries or casualties to happen. We go for a zer injuryo this year,” he said enjoining the people in GenSan to heed the call.

He also alerted the civil society to be vigilant against the sale and distribution of illegal firecrackers prohibited under Republic Act No. 7183 in their respective communities.

RA 7183 seeks “To regulate and control the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices” to ensure and uphold “public safety, order, and national security.”

In 2011, DOH recorded more or less 200 firecracker-related injuries in the Philippines.

DOH-CHD 12 said it has posted 65 firecracker-related injury cases involving 53 males and 12 females in the Soccsksargen Region in 2011.

Based on its registry, piccolo has been identified as the leading cause of injuries accounting for at

least 24, followed by 15 for kwitis.

It also listed 23 injuries which figured children aged 1-10 years old followed by 11-20 years old with 20 cases.

Meanwhile, Asst. Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag, health department spokesman, appealed to the public especially the children to say “Goodbye Paputok” this holiday season.

As protest against this year’s use of firecrackers, Tayag has recently tried dancing the Korean pop song “Gangnam Style” craze to advance the campaign across the country.


South Cotabato sends aid to Pablo victimsBy Dani DoguilesKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- South Cotabato’s provincial govern-ment yesterdat sent assistance to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Compos-tela Valley and Davao Oriental.

This after the S a n g g u n i a n g P a n l a l a w i g a n approved on Monday Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.’s urgent request for an authority to donate P500,000 to each of two provinces that took the hardest hit.

Per letter of the governor, the amount was charged against the PDRRMF Quick Response Fund.

Gov. Pingoy clarified, the donation was not be given as cash to the recipient local government units. Instead, the LGU donated food items and other goods as expressed by ComVal Gov. Arturo Uy and Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon.

Pingoy said, South Cotabato also be sent

vehicles that to help transport relief items to their destinations.

M e a n w h i l e , Koronadal City government is also expected to send anytime this week its assistance to the typhoon victims.

City administrator Cyrus Urbano confirmed, the city government has allotted P100,000 each for the two provinces as well as P50,000 worth of assorted medicines.

The city LGU has also opened a booth at the city hall in Barangay Carpenter Hill where residents could drop their donations for the typhoon victims.

Urbano said, most needed are food items and water as well as

blankets, mats, and cooking tools.

Per report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center at 6:00 a.m. yesterday, Typhoon Pablo has affected at least 486,554 families or 5,409,000 individuals across 30 provinces in 9 nine regions.

Of these, 81,680 families (643,966 persons) are in Compostela Valley and 66,102 families (486,204 persons) in Davao Oriental.

Total cost of damages to properties amounted to P7.1 billion, P3.48 billion in infrastructure, P3.62 billion in agriculture and P18.38 million in private properties.


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

Phil Red Cross to distribute relief Kits to the victims of Pablo in Lingig town

BUTUAN CITY -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will distributed today the relief kits to the victims of typhoon “Pablo” in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross in Lingig town.

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

Lingig is among the towns here that was devastated by the recent typhoon “Pablo” that destroyed several houses and uprooted trees and claiming several lives and properties in Caraga region as well

as in Compostella Valley As per report from the PDRRMC as of December 10, casualties reported raised to four in Lingig while several posts of the power lines also were damaged resulted to no power and


Phil Red Cross to distribute relief Kits to the victims of Pablo in Lingig town Coop members join CDA, RCDC in the

‘Cooperative Advocacy Run’ 2012

BUTUAN CITY -- Some 200 members of the cooperatives from different provinces in Caraga region participated the ‘Cooperative Advocacy Run’ on Wednesday from Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) gymnasium, J. C. Aquino to Agusan del Norte Provincial Covered Court, this city.

communication had been restored as of today in the area. In an interview with PRC Chapter Administrator Abel de Guzman, they will be distributed today the 1000 relief kits from the ICRC to theidentified barangays in Lingig and according to him they had already distributed the 380 kits in the said municipality earlier.

Each relief kit contained 25 kilos of rice, oil, sardines, soy sauce; essential household items such as shelter kit (mosquito net, blanket, water jug, and pail/basin) Kitchen kit (cauldron, plates, glass etc) & hygiene kit (bath soap/laundry soap, toothpaste & tooth brush). Each contains items is enough for a family with five members.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


This is the first time that the CDA with the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) conducted a fun run activity, CDA-Caraga Regional Director Manuela Pelaez said. This activity is also simultaneously done in all regions of the country by the coops, as the celebration of the International Cooperative Year (ICY)

culminates today. “Thank you very much to our coop members and partner agencies in the government for their cooperation and support for this event. The C o o p e r a t i v e Advocacy Run is aimed to promote cooperativism with prosperity and peace… As coops, we should always do our duties and respons ib i l i t i e s honestly with integrity,” said Pelaez. Pelaez added that cooperatives should be transformative and innovative in order to sustain, expand and affect more lives for its development. Meanwhile, after the culmination

program at the provincial covered court, representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga led the ‘Hataw’ exercise. The event is anchored on the theme, “Transformative Cooperatives for People, Planet, Prosperity and Peace (Run 4Ps).”


FSUU to provide technical assistance in framing Butuan’s tourism master planby Junesther Jean S. Iway

BUTUAN CITY -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod has authorize City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. to sign a memorandum of understanding with Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) for the latter to develop a Butuan City Tourism Master Plan. The FSUU will provide technical assistance in terms of document

processing through its development center.


http:/ /www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310

Want to publish your photo, news and feature release just email

[email protected]

10,000 join “Paskuhan 2012” celebration

PAGADIAN CITY – An estimated crowd of 10,000 people trooped to Plaza Luz-the Christmas village of the city, to witness the much awaited opening of the “Paskuhan 2012” held December 8.

By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


The throng of people started to literally “fill” the Plaza as early as six in the evening to get a nice spot and view for the much awaited ceremonial switch-on of the 100ft giant Christmas tree and other Christmas decorative lights. While waiting for the ceremonial switch-on, some dance and song numbers performed by the ABS-CBN talents from Cagayan de Oro City cheered the crowd away. It was about nine in the evening when the gigantic Christmas tree, lanterns and other Christmas décors were finally lighted as thousands of

people including children watched with amazement. The opening salvo of the “Paskuhan 2012” was made even more exciting with the feet stamping, hip swaying musically gyrating “dancing fountain” that “dance” its water into ranged of more than 20 feet high with colorful spot lights. The spectacular dancing fountain show consisted of carefully selected and diverse songs with different beats that synchronize with the rhythmic dancing of the water with lights, sound and enhanced special effects.


By Gideon C. CorguePhil. Army supports “Paskuhan 2012”PAGADIAN CITY – The First Infantry (Tabak) Division Philippine Army actively participated in the successful opening of the Yuletide celebration “Paskuhan 2012” held December 8 at Plaza Luz.

The Paskuhan activity was highlighted with euphoric fireworks display that illuminated the night sky. Paskuhan is an annual Christmas activity initiated and launched by the

city government in 2004. The festivity has provided total entertainment not only to Pagadianons but to local visitors as well.

Tabak Division Commander MajGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, in his message read by Col. Michael Lowell Chiong, the commanding officer of the Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion

(HHSB), said “I am in high spirit as we participate and witness the lighting of giant Christmas tree and colorful dancing fountain signaling the month long celebration of the Yuletide season,”


The ‘Paskuhan’, is an annual undertaking of city government celebrating the Christmas season. Paskuhan provides entertainment to the public thru the fabulous dancing fountain show, fireworks display, lighting of the giant Christmas tree, , lighted Christmas lanterns and décors, nightly carol bonanza and variety shows, etc. at the Christmas village of Plaza Luz. “Truly, Christmas is in everybody’s hearts and minds. The enjoyment that we have now is in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who was sent to us on earth by the Heavenly Father to be our savior and our exemplar,” Cruz added. The Tabak commander said that in the celebration of Christmas, the 1st Infantry division continues

to perform their duties and tasks in protecting the country’s sovereignty in the pursuit of peace, progress and prosperity. Mayor Samuel Co in is message said “let us learn to forget our mistakes and misfortunes and hope that this Christmas and New Year 2013, we will receive abundant blessings from the Almighty Father.” Co said “Pagadianons should be thankful to God that we only lost time, and not lives, money, and property unlike the victims of super typhoons ‘Sendong’ and ‘Pablo’ who suffered much from the wrath and devastations of natural disasters. The chief executive also said that this year’s 9th Paskuhan celebration is the grandest Christmas festival ever under his administration.

This is a free ad

This is a free ad

14

Documents

One Mindanao - December 12, 2012