One Mindanao - December 22, 2015

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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]

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSEMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

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NORTHERN

8IB army deploys troops for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions

28

31 DTI conducts consumer empowerment activities in Lanao Norte

12

35

Filipino Comfort Food in Davao

Palace: Christmas, EDSA revolt offer gift of peace

DOST’s science and tech fair highlights industry benefits to Mindanao

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Cover Story

SOUTHERN

INFOCUS NATIONAL

IP youth received early Christmas gifts from Hedcor

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Contents

33

OUR COVER

AgNor SP holds barefoot journalists assembly20By: Nora C. Lanuza-Molde

CARAGA

40 18

WESTERN

2624

Zamboangueño athletes recognized for winning international competitions

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

Farmers can expect better support services in Palimbang town -- DAR

16

SOCCSKSARGEN

15

27 Zambo. Norte holds food handler’s class in Godod town By: Mary May A. Abellon

4 December 22, 2015One Mindanao

5December 22, 2015 One Mindanao

Located inside Damosa IT park is a comfort food haven.

Filipino Comfort Food in Davao

Comfort food as defined is traditional food which often provides a nostalgic or

sentimental feeling to the consumer, the nostalgic element most comfort food has may be specific to either the individual or a specific culture.

The Filipino Comfort Food showcases several well-known Filipino dishes which has served as our comfort food. The restaurant is co-owned by banana tycoon Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo

and his partner chef Cathy Binag. Some of the dishes were those Tonyboy was accustomed to growing up in the Floirendo household.

Cathy also has dishes handed down to her from her mother and lola. She says the dishes in FCF are those we have been accustomed to cook in our homes.

Take for example is FCF’s grilled spare ribs which unlike other spare ribs which are smoky and dripping in various sauces. FCF’s spare ribs is grilled dry, the old-school way. A specially concocted

6 December 22, 2015One Mindanao

vinegar by Cathy serves as a dip.

“Yan yung nakasanayan natin diba.” (That is what we are familiar with) Cathy says.

One of FCF’s bestsellers is the sinigang ng baka sa bayabas, it is a popular delicacy in Manila and Luzon which Cathy is introducing to the Dabawenyo palate.


In t h e dish, Cathy experiments by using beef instead of the usual pork or bangus.

Other experimentations include sisig tenga with balut, and the kilawing hipon, where instead of the usual tuna or malasugue, Cathy uses shrimp which reminds us of kinilaw as a variation of the Southern American cerviche of which shrimp is used.

Cathy also takes pride in her food which doesn’t use MSG as flavoring. She says the flavors of the food at FCF are natural. Rightly

so, the flavors which ooze from the dishes are from the ingredients themselves, utilizing the tastes which each element brings.

The couple which owns the White House Fusion Cuisine wants good food to be more accessible to Dabawenyos, hence the

food is priced at around P200 to P300 which is good for triple sharing. Plans are afoot to make FCF a 24-hour food establishment.

FCF is located at Damosa IT Park, Lanang, Davao City.

One Mindanao8 December 22, 2015

MANILA-- All evacuation centers, which are managed by the local government units (LGUs) , in areas affected by Tropical Depression Onyok are now closed, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which leads the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster under the humanitarian cluster system of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

‘Onyok’ evacuees now home

DSWD disasters teams are now coordinating with concerned LGUs on the provision of aid to

facilitate the recovery of the affected families especially to the eight families whose houses

file photo: phil.inquirer

9December22, 2015 One Mindanao

were damaged by the tropical depression.

‘Onyok’ has affected a total of 2,721 families or 11,756 persons.

Meanwhile, a total of 17,808 families or 79,929 persons displaced by Typhoon Nona are still inside 288 evacuation centers managed by LGUs in Regions III, IV-A, IV-B, V and VIII as of 21 December 2015, 2AM.

A total of ₱85,819,430.38 worth of relief assistance has been provided to ‘Nona ‘ affected areas where ₱76,238,503.40 came from DSWD, ₱9,510,686.98 from the affected LGUs and ₱70,240.00 from the NGOs in Regions III, IV-A, IV-B, V and VIII.

Based on rapid assessment conducted jointly by LGUs and DSWD

disaster teams, some 223,468 houses were damaged by ‘Nona’ in Regions III, IV-A, IV-B, V and, VIII.

With several towns in Region IV-B also heavily affected by ‘Nona’, the DSWD-Field Office in the region is calling on volunteers to repack family food packs for the quick delivery and distribution of goods in the areas.

Interested volunteers may visit the DSWD regional office at 1680 Benitez corner Malvar St., Malate Manila. They may call Ms. Imee Villanueva at (02) 336-8106 local 101 for the schedule. (DSWD)

One Mindanao10 December 22, 2015

QUEZON CITY-- There are ‘common trends of significance’ between Christmas and the EDSA Revolt, one of which is the gift of peace, a Palace official said during the recent gathering of Devcommnet, an organization of writers from different government agencies. “Sa EDSA, nagkaroon (din) tayo ng pagkakaisa. Parang lahat ng Pilipino, ang tingin natin sa bawat isa—kaibigan, kababayan,

iisa ang layunin natin. At gano’n din ang sinasabi natin ‘pag Pasko,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said.

Palace: Christmas, EDSA revolt offer gift of peace

11December22, 2015 One Mindanao

He cited this specific commonality as government prepares for the 30th anniversary of EDSA People Power in February dubbed EDSA Trenta.

Coloma said the important challenge is educating the younger generation of the value of commemorating the EDSA

revolt and the lessons that were learned in the aftermath of Martial Law days.

Millennials are the target audience for the upcoming 30th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution. (Janica Quizon-intern/Patricia Ruth Cailao-PIA)

12 One Mindanao December 22, 2015

DOST’s science and tech fair highlights industry benefits to Mindanao

MANILA-- The Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Science and Technology (S&T) Fair for the Mindanao Cluster got underway in Zamboanga City from December 3-5, 2015 with focus on S&T’s impacts on the rubber, mining and food industries, including halal. The fair showcased the many benefits of DOST’s Small Enterprise Upgrading Program or SETUP via project visits to program

beneficiaries Philippine Pioneer Rubber Product Corp. (PPRPC) and Monmon Bakeshoppe and Snack Haus in Zamboanga.


Organized in 2000 as a federation of six agrarian reform communities, PPRPC provides milling services to rubber-producing cooperatives, rubber farmers and traders. With SETUP’s assistance, the company has increased production by 25%, provided better quality and faster service to rubber farmers and traders, became compliant to ISO 2000 quality standards, and generated 23 additional employment from 127 to 150 employees.

Monmon Bakeshoppe was also given assistance through upgrading of the bakery facility to meet the growing demand of customers. It increased gross sales by 11.3%, upgraded its product packaging, and now employs eight additional employees aside from the previous five regular workers.

The S&T Fair also saw the launching of various DOST initiatives, such as the rubber testing laboratory inside the DOST Region IX compound at Pettit Barracks in Zamboanga City, as well as the Food Innovation Center in Northern Mindanao located at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology in Cagayan de Oro City which will

serve as a hub for innovation of food products.

Also launched was the Halal Laboratory at the DOST Compound in Cotabato City. The facility is projected to increase the integrity of locally made halal products and give credibility to certifying bodies, local halal product manufacturers, producers, and processors for local and international trading.

The Complementary Food Production for the CARAGA Region was also rolled out, featuring food technologies by the DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute. These are the Rice-Mongo Curls, a nutritious snack made from rice flour and mongo flour; and the Rice-Mongo Baby Food Blend, a ready-to-eat baby food. These technologies are part of DOST’s strategies to meet the Philippines’ Millennium Development Goals, namely, to reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger and to solve the persistent problem of malnutrition among 0-5 year-old children.

Another launching held was that for Better Mine, a DOST and University of the Philippines collaboration for the mining


industry. Better Mine eliminates the use of mercury and cyanide, thus promoting a non-hazardous and environment-friendly method to extract gold in the Philippines for small-scale mining applications through integrated gold-copper mineral processing. It can increase gold recovery from 40-50% to 80%, recover other valuable minerals like copper and zinc, has a tailings disposal and treatment system, a flexible operation, as well as low capital and operating expenses for small-scale miners.

“With DOST, with the help of the science and technology agenda, we Filipinos must

chart our own course guided by the principle that what we do ultimately benefits Aling Maria and Mang Juan, that science is being felt by the people,” said Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, undersecretary for S&T services of DOST during the S&T fair opening ceremony.

A Sci-Tech Campus Journalism Training-Workshop, research forum, and exhibit, were also held, among others. (Ma. Lotuslei P. Dimagiba, S&T Media Service, DOST-STII/PIA-Caraga)


SOCCSKSARGEN farmers send more mangoes to Dubai

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 22 — Less than a month since shipping a trial batch, mango growers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region sent more carabao mangoes to Dubai, United Arab Emir-ates.

By: Danilo E. Doguiles


Farmer Rickson Olimpus of Tu-lunan, North Cotabato and other members of the Region 12 Mango Industry Development Council shipped 1. 5 metric tons of carabao mangoes to Dubai on Thursday, December 17.

Olimpus and fellow farmers first shipped 1 metric ton of mangoes to the same place on November 29

The business deal is a result of the participation of SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region through the Agribusi-ness and Marketing Assistance Divi-sion (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture 12to the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) in Dubai in the first week of November.

MENOPE is a fair featuring or-ganic products such as food, bev-erage, beauty products and others.

DA 12 Regional Executive Direc-tor Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the regional field office of DA brings farmers and farmer groups to inter-national trade fairs to expose them to export opportunities not only

for additional income but also to help them understand the flow and processes of the world market.

Andy Ango of AMAD told Philip-pine Information Agency 12 that the importer buying local mango prod-ucts is Elite International, a consoli-dator of various Philippine products based in Ras Alkhaimah, UAE, a few hours drive from Dubai.

“The second ship was sent in response to increasing demand of mangoes in UAE with the advent of Christmas and the New Year,” Ango said.

He added that more product ship-ments are expected in the coming weeks.

“We are eyeing to ship lakatan and saba bananas and other prod-ucts as well” he said.

Included in the December 17 shipment were two boxes of ba-nanas from General Santos City and Tampakan, South Cotabato as samples hoping to attract potential buyers of the local products. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, Dec 22– “Farmer-beneficiaries can now

Farmers can expect better support services in Palimbang town -- DAR


This came following the recent launching of Batang Bagras as a Special Agrarian Reform Com-munity (SARC) in Palimbang town.

Rodolfo Alburo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Offi-cer II (PARPO II) said that along with the increased influx of support services for farmers in Batang Bagras is the growth of the skills of the people and the development of the community.

Batang Bagras is being re-ferred to as a special ARC be-cause of the nature of the farmer-beneficiaries living in the area.

“The declaration of Batang Bagras as a special ARC will avert the influence of any mis-guided armed groups on our farmer-beneficiaries and on the community as a whole,” Alburo said.

He explained that ARC is a ba-rangay or cluster of barangays in a municipality where farmers and farmworkers are awaiting the full implementation of the agrarian reform.

He added that ARC is a de-velopment strategy taking into consideration the economic and socio-political aspects of the area.

“Greater impact can be

achieved with regard to devel-opment if the limited resources of the government are concen-trated on an area where major-ity of the residents are ARBs,” he said.

Samsudin Talipol, Batang Bagras Punong Barangay ex-pressed his gratitude to DAR and hoped for more intervention in the area.

He said his constituents can now enjoy more of the services from the government such as roads, bridges, trainings to im-prove productivity and livelihood projects.

Batang Bagras was declared SARC pursuant to Resolution No. 03, Series of 2015 of Na-tional Agrarian Reform Com-munities Task Force (NARCTF), making it the 17thARC in Sultan Kudarat and the second ARC in Palimbang town. (ACAgad PIA 12/ with reports from JJB-Dael-DAR-SK)


DENR 13 eyes 29,000 hectares for NGP in 2016

BUTUAN CITY --- About 29, 647 hectares of denuded, open and ac-cess timber land in Caraga Region are being considered next year for reforestation and development by the DENR under the National Greening Program over and above with the accomplished projects since 2011.


DENR Regional Director for Region 13 Nonito M. Tamayo said the five Provincial and 10 Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers of Caraga Region including the Protected Area Site Unit of Dapa, Surigao del Norte have reported full accomplishment of NGP target for 2015 in their respective area during the DENR’s 4th Management Conference held in the city on Monday. This year’s achievement has brought to 65,951 hectares the total NGP area developed in the region by the DENR in over five years since the program was implemented. The total number of seedlings planted in the different NGP sites in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the Dinagat Province from 2011 to 2015 have reached 38,993,226 according to DENR -13 Technical Services Assistant Regional Director Roberto Oliveros. Tamayo said the mechanized-nursery center in Bislig City which has a daily capacity to produce one million seedlings is expected to augment the requirement in the NGP sites when it is completely operational in January 2016. “We need to produce about

53,237,039 seedlings most of which will be provided by the mechanized nursery center,” Tamayo said. At the opening program of the Management Conference, Tamayo has relayed the message of thanks and congratulations of Secretary Ramon JP Paje to the entire senior staff, the PENRO and CENRO and the personnel of the DENR-13 for a well-done job on the NGP. “Secretary Paje was very happy about the output of the NGP in Region 13,” Tamayo said. “I commend the entire personnel of the DENR for their full cooperation in achieving 100 percent of the NGP target this year,” he said. As of November 20, 2015 about 12,119,900 seedlings were planted in 16,649 hectares of timberland which are spread in different NGP sites. PENRO Paterno Olivera of Agusan del Norte together along with his CENR Officers Norman Asugan of Nasipit and Vince Estopito of Tubay have posted better performance in the NGP. (DENR-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


AgNor SP holds barefoot journalists assembly

About 1,000 purok legpersons/individuals or ordinary citizens are expected to attend the assembly with the theme “Empowering and Uniting the Agusanons through Information and Effective Communication.” The assembly aims to enhance the skills of the legpersons especially on news writing, reporting and to have confidence in facing the public. According to Atty. Ramon AG Bongabong, the assembly cum seminar-workshop on para-media/citizens journalism was conceptualized because on their evaluation of the performances of the barefoot journalists/purok legpersons. “There is a need for the legpersons who ordinary citizens or known as the ‘yanong tao’ in the barangays to be trained because

they serve as the mouthpiece and citizens patrol of the province,” Bongabong said. Also, Bongabong cited that the very purpose of training the legpersons is because they help bring the provincial government’s chamber closer to the people especially in the grassroots level. The functions of the legpersons include providing information and updates to the people particularly those living in the far flung areas on the recent plans and developments, approved legislative measures, programs, projects and activities implemented in the province. They also collect feedbacks from the ground especially on the issues and concerns of the communities that need actions and interventions of the provincial government, Bongabong added.

BUTUAN CITY– The 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of the province of Agu-san del Norte will hold its 1st Provincial As-sembly of the Barefoot Journalists on Decem-ber 23 in one of the convention centers here.

By Nora C. Lanuza-Molde





Robredo graces Choral Competition, Lantern Contest in Sibugay

by: Rhea Grace A. La Plana


The University of the Philippines Economics graduate also met with the informal settlers of Barangay Magdaup, this town. Cong. Robredo stressed, “Nag request po talaga ako na makabisita ng isang informal settler community dahil buong buhay ko ay inalay ko sa pagtulong sa mahirap.” The politician-lawyer stressed, “Gusto kong makita ang tunay na sitwasyon ng mga lupa at bahay para alam ko kung paano ako makatulong.” She also met with provincial and municipal officials headed by Gov. Wilter Y. Palma and Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan, women’s group, youth, farmers and senior citizens. “Good leadership is the element of progress. Unity is the key to a blessed and peaceful holiday celebration,” she encouraged the local folks. Various public

schools in Ipil district showed their singing prowess as they sang Christmas hymns. The angelic voices of students from Ipil Heights Elementary School captured the judges’ hearts as they emerged champion, besting five other choral groups vying for the coveted prize. IHES Principal, Mrs. Minerva T. Carballo showed much enthusiasm in supporting the students and was overjoyed for the achievement. Meanwhile, Schools Division Superintendent Felix Romy Triambulo lauded the cooperation and participation of

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Atty. Leni G. Robredo, Camarines Sur 3rd District representative and vice presidential candidate recently graced the Christmas Choral competition and Lantern Making Contest here through the invitation of Congresswoman Dulce Ann K. Hofer, in coordination with the Department of Education – Zamboanga Sibugay Division.


Zamboangueño athletes recognized for winning international competitions By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some three Zamboangueño athletes, who have excelled in recent international competitions, were given recognition yesterday morning at the City Hall here led by Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar.

The honored athletes were identified as pool star Chezka Centeno and weightlifting title holders Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia. Centeno became the youngest Filipino World Champion after besting equally competent billiard players from all over the world in the World Juniors Championship held in Shanghai, China, on Nov. 14 to 17, 2015. City Sports Director Dr. Cecille Atilano said the 16 year-old pride of Zamboanga City won over strong Chinese

competitors namely Xia Yuying, who landed second place, Dou Xue who bagged third place, and Jiang Teng Chian, who got fourth place. Winning the 2015 World Juniors Championship has made Centeno, the Zamboanguena billiard player, as the first Filipino to be a World Junior Champion in the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA), according to Atilano. On the other hand, Diaz and Colonia garnered medals in the recently concluded International Weightlifting

public schools. Robredo’s visit has inspired Sibugaynons to be empowered and to observe unity towards

a strengthened partnership between the national government, local government units and civil society.


Federation (IWF) World Weightlifting Championship in Houston, Texas, held on November 20 to 28, this year. Diaz had earned three bronze medals in the snatch, clean and jerk and total events in the Women’s 53-kilogram category while Colonia hauled a bronze medal in Men’s 56-kilogram category. Diaz also won gold in the 3rd Qatar International

Weightlifting Championships held from Dec. 8 to 9 this year. Certificates of recognition were awarded to the three athletes as well as to Professor Elbert Atilano Sr. and Alfonsito Aldente, team manager and head coach of the Philippine Weightlifting Team, respectively by Mayor Salazar.

Zambo. Norte holds food handler’s class in Godod town By Mary May A. Abellon

GODOD, Zamboanga del Norte – The provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte has conducted a food handler’s class at the Auditorium Sports Arena, Godod here last week.

Some 320 participants turned up during the training, which was handled by Provincial Sanitation Inspector Restie Kyamko, Nutritionist and Dietician Rosita Gonzalez, Sanitary Inspector Catherine Barbaso and Maribel Martinez. The participants were taught proper sanitation in order to have safe and clean food for consumers. Vendors were also

reminded that before they can be issued business permits, they need to acquire health certificate to start their business operations. Among the lectures given include food sanitation and laws governing food handling, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, waste management and temperature control.


Mobile laboratories deployed in MisOcc, tech-voc trainings more accessible

Two mobile training laboratories (MTL) from Our Lady of

Triumph Institute of Technology (OLT) were deployed during the job fair held on 21 October 2015 in Oroquieta City Misamis Occidental.

The mobile lab is a compact box loaded on top of a trailer. It carries a complete set of training tools, training specific equipment and sufficient number of training packages (curriculum, learning materials, assessment tools, mock-ups) and appropriate multimedia equipment and accessories. (www.tesda.gov.ph) The mobile laboratories target roughly 25 households at one time, bringing a complete package of learning to their doorstep, helping the participants save on transportation, boarding house and meal allowances. This, through the collaboration

with the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10), through its Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office (MisOcc PFO), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the City Government of Oroquieta. OLT had launched on May 2014 the community-based Mobile Housekeeping Laboratory, a first in the Province. It is public-private partnership project between OLT and the TESDA as implementer, funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR).


Further, OLT has reached out to a large number of barangays in the two towns and three cities of Misamis Occidental—Aloran, Bonifacio, Oroquieta, Tangub, and Ozamiz, respectively. Just as the project was scoring success, OLT has introduced another mobile laboratory for Culinary Cookery, Bread & Pastry Production and Negosyong Pangkabuhayan Para sa Pamilyang 4Ps sa Pilipinas. MisOcc PFO Head Leonardo Rodrigo revealed that during the job fair, the participants were delighted to have witnessed first hand state-of-the-art training facilities through the mobile laboratories. Their accomplishments illustrate how the institution helps students achieve their goals and equips them with the skills and experiences their future employers covet. The MTL project is a Technology-based Community Training Program (TBCTP) targeting the poor residents in the far-flung communities in the provinces with the highest poverty incidence. The project covers the areas that have little or no access to colleges and technical vocational schools. Meanwhile, DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante stressed the importance of strong foundation skills to “getting a decent and productive job” in the country and abroad, a major goal of the DOLE. “Along with basic knowledge, technical skills are critical to enhance

employability and competitiveness of workers. When one is equipped with the right skills for a certain task or duty, the more he/she gets and keeps the job”, Agravante further emphasized. OLT is a premiere college in Ozamis City which offers a menu of regular and special courses and training programs in the field of Hospitality Management. It is highly equipped with first-class training facilities to provide quality education and training at the highest level, creating an extraordinary educational experience for the students. In its second year of operation, OLT has already forged local and international alliances with some of the biggest names with the most influence in the hospitality industry, including academes, agencies and business establishments. Rodrigo commended OLT not only for its commitment to the implementation of one of DOLE’s employment facilitation programs, the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) but also for making the extra mile of initiating the MTL project with TESDA, adding that these will very much contribute to “addressing youth unemployment through skills development and eventually workforce development”. (Lei Garrett I. Miraflor/DOLE-X MisOcc PFO)


8IB army deploys troops for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missionsMALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon —Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army were deployed on December 19 in disaster-prone areas in the province of Bukidnon at the height of Tropical Depression “Onyok” (TD Onyok) that brought heavy rains in Bukidnon.

Ltc Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said the soldiers were set out to assist the local government units (LGUs) in its effort to address disaster-related incidents that may occur due to heavy rains brought “TD Onyok.” “Although, the local weather station said “Onyok” has weakened into Low Pressure Area (LPA) as it

enters Philippine area of responsibility, heavy rains are still expected to affect the province, which may cause flooding and occurrence of landslides in disaster prone areas, the whole Saturday. The battalion is coordinating with the Incident Management Teams of the different municipalities and cities in Bukidnon, as well as with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,” he said.


DTI conducts consumer empowerment activities in Lanao NorteCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Lanao del Norte conducted consumer protection and empowerment activities with the Barangay Councils in Iligan City which aims to campaign for consumer empowerment.

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion has been an active partner in disaster preparedness, disaster mitigation and environmental protection activities in Bukidnon. It plays a vital role in helping communities during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, being one of the members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The battalion also continuously strengthens its HADR capabilities by equipping the troops with proper gears and regularly training them along with LGU rescue units and different government agencies during all-hazard disaster preparation, planning, response and recovery trainings organized by the Office of Civil Defense. In his statement, Ltc Babilonia said his troops had been advised since December 18, 2015, to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and make necessary preparations for contingencies that TD Onyok may bring. They also assisted the LGUs in informing residents in low-lying and

flood prone areas to move to higher grounds. With this, he lauded the Bukidnon’s because they have been doing this for many times now and the people showed others how to cooperate with the army troops. He said they want everyone to know that they don’t only run after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. They also help the people in disaster mitigation efforts especially that this is also the people’s security concern. “With this, I challenge the NPA and their leaders to be very discerning in their decisions. If indeed you are pro-people and pro-poor, you should quit from attacking our troops who are doing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions—just like what you did in Pinabacdao, Samar. Our troops there were ambushed while delivering relief goods to communities. It is a cowardly act made by bandits and outlaws and is so frustrating. The NPA should think deeply on this “Let’s all work together instead, and help our people in times of dire need,” Ltc. Babilonia said. (Norman M Tagros/8IB/4ID/PA)


During the DTI press briefing on 11 December 2015, it was revealed that there were three participating barangays namely, Hinaplanon, Suarez, and Dalipunga with 163 participants including barangay officials, purok presidents, members of women’s group and livelihood associations, youths, retailers and consumers have joined the activities. While in Barangay Hinaplanon, Mahayahay and Buruun, barangay officials and purok presidents were introduced to barangay-based and supply monitoring. The results of the monitoring will be used as baseline data for price databases which will be collected by the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) and these databases are needed in times of declaration of calamity. DTI - LDN has also coordinated

with DepEd in conducting four Student Consumerism Seminars. This includes the participation in the 2015 Consumer Welfare Month Quiz Bowl in which Lanao del Norte pronounced as champion having P8,000 a plaque and token as an award. Further, the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) – Malingao Community Services Cooperative (MCOCO) considered as BEST SSF NOMINEE having a total project cost of P3,858,000.00 benefitting 750 households in eight barangays. MCOCO continues to drive its weaving industry to increase employment and reduce poverty incidence among MCOCO members. (Mariel B. Urdaneta/PIA10)


DTI to business establishments: Secure per-mits for your sales promos

DAVAO CITY- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Region warned business establishments and consumers against illegal sales promo-tion especially dur-ing holiday seasons.

While many stores comply with the requirements of secur-ing permits before conducting any sales promotion activities such as raffles, offering dis-counts, free items, contests, re-demptions and the like, there are also entities which do not bother to get any permit. As a legal requirement under Republic Act No. 7394, also called the “Consumer Act of the Philip-pines”, any person who wants

to conduct any form or scheme for a sales promo campaign of a consumer product, service or credit facilities shall first secure a permit from DTI, Department of Health (DOH) for food, drugs, cosmetics and hazardous sub-stances or from National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) for meat products at least 30 days before the start of the promo pe-riod. DTI-Davao Regional Director


Maria Belenda Q. Ambi cautioned the public to ensure the legality of a sales promo by checking if it indeed has a DTI Permit. “Promo registered and ap-proved by DTI is essential as it protects the welfare of the con-sumers from fraudulent promo activities and failure to register a sales promo with the Department is punishable by law as provided for in RA 7394,” Ambi said. Meanwhile, Ambi clarified that promos like fundraising, in-store promotion, imported prod-ucts under promotion in their country of origin (not covering the Philippines) or those spon-sored by government do not need to be registered with DTI. DTI is also reminding retail-ers that having separate prices for cash and credit card payment is strictly prohibited. The price should remain the same whether a customer pays in cash or using a card. Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 10, Series of 2006 clearly states that when a consumer pays in cash or credit, automated teller machine (ATM) or debit card, they shall only pay the price indicated in the price tag. Moreover, the same DAO also emphasized that, “All retailers

who honor/accept credit/ATM/debit card for payment shall not require the cardholders to pay a surcharge, extra charge or addi-tional charge over and above the price tag on the consumer goods and services.” T h e DAO applies to all retailers and establishments, therefore, they are expected to comply with the provisions of this order. For inquiries and complaints, consumers may visit nearest DTI Provincial or contact the Region-al Office at (082) 2240511 local 417.DTI11/LTC/jmm


IP youth received early Christmas gifts from HedcorSTA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur – To attain sustainable inclusive growth, Hedcor continues its Technical Vocational Program for secondary students of ad-opted schools located in its host communities as early Christmas gifts. Recently, after evaluating and assessing the current needs and interest of both the market place and the target beneficia-ries, Hedcor turned over electri-cal tools and equipment to Sibu-lan National High School and will send the teachers to train for Consumer Electronics servicing in order to meet the expected demand of enrollees for Sibulan High’s NC II course. Consumer Electronics ser-vicing NC II covers repairing and cleaning cellphones, MP3 Players, laptops, desktops, vid-eokes, electric fans, radios, irons, and the like. This is the second year of the TechVoc program for Sibu-lan High. Last year, the school received health, wellness and cosmetology equipment and also trained teachers to become equipped and reliable sources of

new knowledge and skills for the incoming students. Simultaneously, this pro-gram is an Employee Volunteer-ism Project, too, in which aside from the trained teachers, ex-pert Hedcor team members and team leaders also impart their mastery of electronics to the students. The company believes that this will uplift the quality of edu-cation, make students not just knowledgeable but also skillful and would eventually help them find better livelihood opportuni-ties in the future. 70% of Hedcor’s CSR bud-get is allotted for education. Hedcor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AboitizPower en-gaged in run-of-river hydro de-velopment and operations. It is currently expanding its operations in Bukidnon with the 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich Hydro. Currently, Hedcor operates 22 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 185 MW. (Hed-cor)

Documents

One Mindanao - December 22, 2015