One Mindanao - February 23, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

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

COPY EDITORS

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

SurSur guv seeks MinDA help for more roads

Dipolog CDRRMC conducts earthquake drill in Barra

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PhilHealth celebrates 20th anniv

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

February 25 is a regular working day, says Palace

Guinness World Record for the Most Tress Planted Simultaneously (Multiple Locations)

DepEd supports ‘Sining sa Eskwela’ natl arts training for SHS

Dance, musical extravaganza showcase teachers’ talents on 67th Araw ng Calamba

CDO holds highest animal rabies cases among cities nationwide

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

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By: Danilo E. Doguiles

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26 106 families in Tacurong City get livelihood from DOLE 12

By: Mario Y. Orendain

By: Alfonso T. Ruda

By: Nora Bagundol

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat Cover Story

CARAGAWESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUSSOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERNNATIONAL

23 DTI DavNor awards Gold Bagwis to Toyota TagumBy: Michael Uy

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4 FEBRUARY 23, 2015One Mindanao

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation met the local tri-media thru a press conference and gave updates on its

accomplishments and upcoming activities for this year.

PhilHealth celebrates 20th annivBy: Jennifer P. Gaitano

5FEBRUARY 23, 2015 One Mindanao

PhilHealth Caraga regional vice president Johnny Sychua bared that there are already 931,727 Philhealth members in the region with a total of 1,582,493 dependents.

“As to utilization or benefit payment to our PhilHealth members, we have paid as of last year a total of P1,295,166,135.90,” said Sychua.

From January to December 2014, PhilHealth Caraga has a total collection of P679,993,995.00 and total benefit payment of P1,295,166,135.90. “We have a low collection compared to benefit payment because one of the reasons is that most of our establishments are paying their premiums outside Caraga since their head office is outside the region,” Sychua explained.

Sychua also revealed

that PhilHealth now covers about 82 percent of the 2014 projected population and coverage is still expanding with the implementation of the new Senior Citizen’s Law and other initiatives to fulfill its mandate.

“The office is implementing Republic Act 10645 - Mandatory PhilHealh Coverage for Senior Citizens. All senior citizens shall be covered by the national health insurance program of PhilHealth. Funds necessary to ensure the enrollment of all senior citizens are not currently covered by any existing category & shall be sourced from the National Health Insurance Fund of PhilHealth from proceeds of RA 10351, in accordance with the pertinent laws & regulations,” clarified Sychua.

Sychua further reiterated that one of the benefits which PhilHealth members can avail


of is the Inpatient Package that covers medical and surgical cases. Payment is based on facility capability thru accredited hospitals (level 1, level 2, level 3), and other accredited facilities like birthing clinics and primary care facilities (limited medical/surgical cases reimbursed). It was also learned that part of its inpatient package include women who are about to give birth. “No limit to number of deliveries paid. It also includes new eligibility scheme for delivering mothers (point of care; Section 39B RA 10606); and Antenatal care package,” he said.

Another PhilHealth benefits (health care package) for Colo-rectal cancer patients and premature babies will soon be launched.

This year’s PhilHealth anniversary celebration is anchored on the theme, “Ensuring Universal Coverage for All Filipinos.”


MANILA - The President of the French Republic, François Hollande, will visit the Philippines from February 26 to 27 on the invitation of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced. Accompanied by a delegation of over one hundred officials, celebrities and media people, the State Visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947.

French President Francois Hollande to undertake state visit to the PH

President Aquino and President Hollande will discuss various facets of a bilateral relationship that has gained

momentum in recent years. They will also exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including terrorism, which


has recently manifested itself in France in the Charlie Hebdo killing spree that claimed the lives of 20 people in the heart of Paris. Upon arrival, President Hollande will motor straight to Luneta Park to lay a wreath in honor of Jose Rizal. The Philippines’ national hero was inspired by the ideals of the French revolution in 1789 - liberty, equality and fraternity. Rizal wrote the first chapters of El Filibusterismo in Paris. Aside from shared democratic values, increased economic partnership will be a common objective. France is the Philippines’ 2nd largest trading partner in the European Union (EU) with two-way trade amounting to US$2.39 billion in October 2014. This represented an increase of 24% from the same period of the year before. President Hollande will use the occasion of his State visit to

the Philippines to drum up support for action on climate change.France is hosting the 21st meeting of the Conference of Parties or COP21 in Paris in December 2015. It

is estimated that about 40,000 stakeholders will

attend COP21.

President Hollande’s visit reciprocates President Aquino’s first official visit to France in September 2014. In 1986, France was the first country to recognize the government of President Corazon Aquino under another Socialist President - François Mitterand.

France is the fifth largest economy in the world, and second largest EU economy after Germany. It is a major global investor and a leader in the Francophone world composed of some 40 countries in Africa, Europe and the Americas.France is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. (DFA)


February 25 is a regular working day,says Palace

“Isa lang paglilinaw hinggil sa kung holiday ba o hindi ang February 25. Batay sa Proclamation No. 831 na inilabas noon pang Hulyo 2014, ang darating na ika-25 ng Pebrero ay may pasok para sa lahat. Ang holiday o walang pasok ay para lamang sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral

o estudyante,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“So ito po ang paglilinaw natin, school holiday lang po, hindi apektado ang trabaho sa

MANILA - The Palace clarified on Sunday that the anniversary of the 29th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power is a regular working day.


February 25. Regular working day po,” he added.

Last Tuesday, EDSA People Power Commission Commissioner Emily Abrera announced that the celebration will rather be “simple” to give way for a much grander 30th anniversary next year.

“Sa darating na Miyerkules, ika-25 ng Pebrero, ipagdiriwang ng bansa ang ika-29 na anibersaryo ng People Power Revolution sa ilalim ng temang ‘Ipagpatuloy ang Pagbabago’ na magsisilbing panawagan sa ating mga mamamayan na itaguyod at ibayo pang pasibulin ang naipunlang pagbabago sa lipunan,” said Coloma.

“Dalawampu’t siyam na taon matapos matagumpay na mapatalsik ang diktador at wakasan ang diktadurya sa bansa, patuloy nating isinasabuhay ang diwa ng EDSA sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong at pagpapatupad ng mga kongkretong aksyon upang maibsan ang antas ng kahirapan at pangunahan ang pagbabagong tatag ng mga komunidad na

bumabangon mula sa trahedya at kalamidad,” he added.

The celebration will commence on February 24, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, where Former President Fidel Ramos will lead a wreath-laying ceremony. Ramos is one of the proponent of the revolt in 1986.

Followed by President Benigno Aquino III leading the 12 Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards ceremony at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang.

On Wednesday, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the People Power Monument followed by a mass to be celebrated by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.

While the Cultural Center of the Philippines at its main theater, Ballet Philippines will feature musical dance drama called ‘Manhid,’ a Filipino superhero. The play is set in a scenario where the EDSA People Power Revolution never took place. (PCOO/PND (ag)


We are happy to announce that Mindanao, Philippines has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most trees planted simultaneously at multiple locations through TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW, held on September 26, 2014.

Guinness World Record for the Most Tress Planted Simultaneously(Multiple Locations)


The new world record achieved the planting of 2,294,629 trees, carried out by 122,168 volunteers at 29 locations across Mindanao, Philippines. This is a huge feat for all Mindanawons, especially the volunteers and partners, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who showed overwhelming support in successful conduct of TreeVolution. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in the event. Their involvement has made this historic event even more meaningful.

Due to the stringent verification process of the Guinness committee, only 2,294,629 out of the 4 million trees planted were officially tallied, exceeding the previous record of India by more than 300,000 trees. More importantly, this official number from Guinness does not in any way reduce the long-term impacts of the actual 4 million trees planted in over

7,800 hectares of land all over Mindanao. The 4 million seedlings planted add 1 percent to Mindanao’s target forest cover by 2016. These trees, once fully mature can supply oxygen to around 16 million people daily, or 75 percent of the total Mindanao population. There’s also no doubt on how the seedlings we planted could eventually minimize the impacts of climate change. While breaking a world record was a recognized motivating factor for the event, it has been amply emphasized that the success of the TreeVolution goes beyond the Guinness World Record. TreeVolution has showed one overwhelming reaffirmation – that Mindanawons can unite for a common good, and that, we, Mindanawons, can truly become one for the environment.


DAR-ARMM IOs, techies undergo intensive training on journalism, website development By: Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Information officers (IOs) and information technology officers (ITOs) of the five provinces under the Department of Agrarian Reform-ARMM underwent intensive training on journalism and website development for better communications work ahead.

Ma. Corazon A. Dans, newly appointed head of DAR-ARMM communications group said that the freshly organized team would be facing some challenges ahead in terms of making communication work more effective and efficient to DAR’s beneficiaries.

She said that most of the IOs and ITOs were just appointed in January this year and she felt the need to prepare the team for


greater tasks ahead.

In partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Zamboanga City and Basilan and the Office of the ARMM Regional Governor (ORG), DAR-ARMM hosted the seminar on newswriting and website development for IOs and ITOs from February 16 to 21 at Cecille’s Catering and Pension House, Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga City.

The first three days were devoted to journalism where PIA personnel introduced participants to write straight news and feature stories, photojournalism, creating infographics and basic newsletter production. Speakers include Information Center Manager Dave Malcampo and Dominick Sanchez of Zamboanga City Information Center and Rene V. Carbayas, information center manager of PIA-Basilan.

The next three days were devoted to website development workshops in which the participants walked through the creation of local website, hooked at DAR-ARMM regional website. Speakers were Melvin L. Ellarina, administrative assistant of the Information Communications Technology Office-ORG and its staff Charlie Magne A. Martinez.

The workshop also includes


City DRRMC head Felipe Mangila said the activity aimed to promote awareness among schoolchildren to be able to respond appropriately during disasters.

Mangila pointed out the need to prepare the kids against earthquake and tsunami, as the school is situated in a coastal barangay.

Supporting the CDRRMC’s disaster preparedness initiative are the Bureau of Fire Protection(BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD), Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs), Dipolog City Information Office (DCIO) and the Philippine

Information Agency(PIA).

Zamboanga del Norte Philvolcs provincial head, Engr. Florenette Garcia, reminded the faculty of the said school to put emphasis on the drill more particularly on the preparation and reaction during any eventuality to augment their disaster response capabilities.

Earlier, similar undertakings had been conducted at Miputak East and Miputak West Elementary Schools.

Similar training will be conducted whole-year round in all schools in the city to ensure minimum casualty during emergencies.

Dipolog CDRRMC conducts earthquake drill in BarraBy: Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - The Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) in collaboration with various concerned agencies has conducted an earthquake recently at Barra Elementary School, Barangay Barra this city.

interactive discussions and extensive hands-on activities on newsletter production and layout and participants were expected to produce local office’s newsletter, infographics, and website.

The activity is in support of DAR-ARMM Regional Secretary Amihilda J. Sangcopan’s thrust to redeem, revitalize and re-engineer the department.

“This activity is being conducted to train and enhance the skills of our Information Officers and Information Technology Officers. These IOs

and ITOs that we have now are young and very much willing to learn. So, we are expecting that after this workshop, new ideas and new innovations will be applied,” Secretary Sangcopan said.

The participants were coming from the ARMM provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi.

Dans hoped that the seminar workshop would further strengthen the recently created regional communications group of the said office.


MILF vows to pursue peace talks, says war not an option

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Two officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gave assurance that the MILF will continue to pursue the peace agreement with the government.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

“We are true to our words. We will not break the pact that we signed with the government. We are on peace treaty relations with the Philippine government, said Robert Alonto, deputy chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and senior member of the MILF peace panel during the Media Roundtable Discussion on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) held Saturday, February 23, here. Alonto said the MILF is not going back to the path of war. “The MILF does not have intention to go back to war unless wey have to defend ourselves because the act of self-defense is a right. If there is no situation that would push some of our brothers


on the ground to defend themselves, we will not go back to war,” he said. According to him negotiations with the government will continue pointing out that technically, the negotiation has not ended. It will only end upon the signing of the exit agreement. “The negotiations will continue until such time that our partners of peace realized the importance of having a BBL that would reflect the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” he added MILF peace panel member Prof. Abhoud Sayyed Lingga also gave assurance that the MILF will continue talking with the government even if the Congress fails to pass the BBL or approves a watered-down version of it. “We have the agreement and both parties have the obligation to implement and do their part in the agreement. The passage of the BBL is the responsibility of the government as its commitment. The government should pass a law that would conform to the agreement, he said. For his part, Alonto said that the MILF has held on to the principled position that the BBL should and must be in accordance with the FAB and CAB. “We have not abandoned this position, and we will not abandon it. It is for this reason that we stand behind Brother Chairman Al Haj Murad who stated without equivocation that the MILF will not accept any watered down version of the BBL let alone a

mangled one that is far removed from the spirit and letter of the FAB,” he said. He said government ought to have held on to the same. “This is not just wishful thinking on our part. This is not mere imagination. This is a commitment of government in the peace negotiations. Otherwise, it would not have signed the FAB and CAB from which the BBL draws its rationale and legitimacy,” he further said. In response, Lawyer Anna Tarhata Basman, chief legal counsel of the government peace panel, said there is no Plan B for the government either. She said the government also wants a BBL that is consistent with the CAB. “We offer the Bangsamoro Basic Law not as a be-all-and-end-all solution to the decades-long conflict but as a crucial step towards the right direction – the direction of recognizing historical injustices, the need to address them, and only then to move on. We have to stop thinking of the BBL as a reward to the MILF, a prize they earned after negotiating with the Government for 17 long years. We need to realize that the BBL is a government action, a legislation, that is due all Moros, all Lumads, all Christian settlers, all Filipinos in conflict-affected areas who are tired of the status quo, who are tired of living their lives awaiting the next armed skirmish – whatever the trigger may be – that will leave them IDPs, out of school youth, orphans, widows, or worse, dead,” she said.


Echoing the statement of GPH peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer that “no BBL is better than a mangled BBL,” Basman reiterated that the peace process will not stop no matter what happens to the BBL The Media Roundtable Discussion on the BBL was organized

by MindaNews and the Philippine Information Agency Mindanao Cluster to get the views of media on the Mindanao peace process and come up with ways to promote the culture of peace in Mindanao. It was the second media roundtable discussion on the BBL conducted in Mindanao.

Dance, musical extravaganza showcase teachers’ talents on 67th Araw ng Calamba

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental - A five-hour dance and musical extravaganza showcasing the teachers’ talents was featured on the “Educators’ Night,” of the “67th Araw ng Calamba,” at the Municipal Gym, here, celebrated Feb. 9-14, this year.

By: Nora Bagundol

A 15-minute fireworks display at the Municipal Quadrangle preceding the extravaganza was witnessed by people from all walks of life, who came to view the teachers’ creativity through choreography and song performances, mayor Ezel T. Villanueva said. Villanueva who welcomed the guests talked about this year’s celebration theme: “Tungod sa Gugma ug Panaghi-usa, Nagpadayong Nilambo ang Calamba (Because of Love and Unity, the Development of Calamba Continues).” She also led the local government officials in rendering a special dance

number, along with vice mayor Jesus C. Enerio, the Sangguniang Bayan Members (SBM), and the District Supervisors and School Principals from the different schools in the municipality. Villanueva said the crowd enjoyed the impressive music and extravagant choreography and creativity in the rendition of cultural, pop and modern dances, as well, as song performances by the teachers from the following schools: Calamba Comprehensive National High School (CNHS), Southwestern Poblacion Elementary School (SPES),


Out of the 62 total samples submitted in 2014, 32 were positive with rabies. Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental ranks second among provinces, where CDO is under, out of 88 samples submitted, 48 cases were positive. Region 10 on the other hand is fourth among regions wherein out of 106 samples submitted last year, 57 were positive of rabies. According to Dr. Emelinda L. Lopez, Rabies focal person of the Animal Health and Welfare Division in the Bureau of Animal Industry, their project is on Accelerating the Achievement of Rabies-Free Philippines (AcARP) through Dog Vaccination. She said that the Department of

Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) are partners. They intend to fast track working together for a Rabies-free Philippines by 2020; be rabies free by 2016; hold yearly mass rabies vaccination for the three consecutive years from 2014-2016; targeting at least 70% of the total dog population; and focusing on high risk areas.Animal Rabies Situation in CDO In an interview, Dr. Perla T Asis, CDO city veterinarian said that there is no change from 2009 to 2013. The numbers are constant. For the past five years from 2009 to 2013, positive cases for animal rabies were 34, 39, 32, 33, and 33 respectively. And recently in 2014,

CDO holds highest animal rabies cases among cities nationwide

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The 2014 Rabies Situation presented by the Bureau of Animal Industry during the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), Communicating Health Advocacy Mentorship Program (CHAMP) in Tagaytay revealed that CDO holds the highest animal rabies cases among cities in the entire country.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

Singalat, Mamalad, Siloy and Bonifacio ES, Philippine Independent School (PIS), and Liberation Institute (LI). Sacred Heart College (SHC), Mauswagon, Langub and Calaran ES, College of Communication,

Information and Technology (CCIT), Calamba Central School, and Pestañas, Sulipat, San Isidro, Bunawan, Dapacan Alto, Dapacan Bajo, Libertad, Magcamiguing, and Salvador ES.


there were 32 positive rabies cases in animals here. She said that for the past five years (2009 to 2013), there had been no intervention. Budget for animal rabies vaccines was very low. Dr. Asis said that in 2013, they have only vaccinated 55% of total dog population, below their target of 80% with just P700, 000 budget for animal rabies vaccines. Further, in September 2011, the dogs impound facility in barangay Indahag was abolished for social housing. Since then, the City Vet Office has not conducted city impounding anymore. However, in 2014 the budget has augmented to P1.6M. She said that in 2014, they have vaccinated 31,000 dogs in the city which is 89% of total dog population. She added that currently, there is an estimated 35,000 dogs in the city. According to the study of Dr. Asis, that from 2009 to 2013 while the number of dogs impounded decreases, the number of dog bite increases. There is a bloat of the dog bite victims, she said. She also said that stray dogs are rampant in the city because dogs multiply easily and pet owners are not responsible to have their dogs caged or leashed in their backyards. Barangays with highest number of incidence of animal rabies from 2009 to 2013 are Carmen with 21 cases; Patag, 12; Camaman-an, 11; Lapasan, 11; Tablon, 11; Kauswagan, 10; Balulang, 9; Bulua, 8; Agusan,

Bugo, Cugman, Gusa, Iponan and Macasandig with 7 cases. However, one of their accomplishments she said that from 2013 to 2014, there were no human rabies cases in the city, a result from their strong Information Education Campaign (IEC) in schools.Plan of Action in 2015 Dr. Perla Asis said the city is creating a Rabies action plan of for the next five years. “It’s a big challenge for us,” she said. They have plotted strategies particularly in 2015. Dr. Asis said, rabies vaccination in animals must continue to reach target dog population of 80% or more; implement city ordinance of P20 dog registration in the city vet office where owners will also be given certificate of rabies vaccination; and resume city impounding and build city impounding facility. Although their budget proposal for 2015 which was P2.4M for the facility was cut significantly by the city council, she said they will find ways to still pursue the project and this time they will also follow the rules made by Animal Welfare Committee on proper dog euthanasia. Further, Dr. Asis said that cooperation is still key. Implementation of city ordinance must be applied at the barangay level. Barangays should create their own rabies barangay ordinance and assign their barangay rabies coordinator to monitor dog vaccination in the area and make sure residents are compliant to Republic Act 9482 (Anti-Rabies Act of 2007)


and its pet owner penalties. She said, although CDO has the highest number of rabies cases in animals, there has been no case of rabies in humans for the last two years from 2013 to 2014. This is because of the massive Information and Education Campaign (IEC) in schools. In 2014, Dr. Asis said that they have campaigned in schools per barangay. About 80 schools and total of 12,000 schoolchildren have been given orientation on rabies and what to do when bitten by a dog, proper washing and to go directly to the Animal Bite Center. She also said that rabies can be eradicated through anti-rabies vaccination. They vaccinate 20 to 30 dogs per day. Communities and homeowners can request vaccination schedule from them so they can visit personally in their homes. The City Vet Office can be reached through telephone number 857-2185.Republic Act 9482 (Anti Rabies Act of 2007)

Dr. Asis enumerated some of the salient points under RA 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. She emphasized that there are penalties for pet owners who will not follow these rules. One is that pet owners who fail or refuse to have their dog registered and immunized against rabies shall be punished by a fine of P2,000.00 Pet owners who refuse to have their dog vaccinated against rabies shall be liable to pay for the

vaccination of both the dog and the individual bitten by their dog. Moreover, pet owners who refuse to have their dog put under observation after said dog has bitten an individual shall be meted a fine of P10, 000. Meanwhile pet owners who refuse to have their dog put under observation and do not shoulder the medical expenses to the person bitten by their dog shall be meted a fine of P25,000. Further, pet owners who refuse to put a leash on their dogs while they are brought outside the house shall be meted a fine of P500 for each incident. Moreover, Dr. Asis said something should be done and cooperation from the barangays and the community is needed. The law must be implemented at the barangay level and pet owners must be responsible to make sure their dogs are vaccinated with anti-rabies every once a year starting from three months of age and make sure their dogs do not become stray.


Police and military leaders brush aside coup rumors

DAVAO CITY-Police and military commanders asserted their loyalty to the people and to the duly constituted authorities amid the coup jitters and bomb threats circulating in the city, following the Mamasapano incident. Speaking at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing at the Task Force Davao Headquarters, Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario, director of the Police Regional Office 11 said there is no need of loyalty check among his men since everyone remains loyal to the people and the constitution. He stressed that the police in the region is more focused on its law enforcement functions and in target hardening against the New People’s Army due to the recent foiled attack at a police station in Mati City Sunday night. “Our men remain

loyal to the hierarchy of our commnad,” Rosario pointed out. He stressed that the citizenry and the economy suffer much whenever there are rumors of destabilization. Rosario said that coup jitters are mere speculations. “We always abide with the chain of command or line of authority,” he said. Major General Eduardo Ano, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the soldiers are also concentrating on fulfilling their mission and are no longer concern with the political issues besetting the country. He said they are busy running after the communist rebels. “The military in the region is united and are doing our job alongside with our counterparts in the police,” Ano said. F r a n c i s c o Villaroman, chief of the


DTI DavNor awards Gold Bagwis to Toyota Tagum

Public Safety Command Center has brushed aside any coup jitter in Mindanao but takes bomb threats seriously. He said his office would immediately dispatch K-9 units whenever they receive calls of bomb threats coming from different establishments in the city. Villaroman expressed relief that all responses yielded negative result. He warned rumor-mongers using

the cellular phone that the PSCC will surely arrest once they are traced using a state-of-the-art technology. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DAVAO DEL NORTE, February 20 (PIA) - - The Department of Trade and Industry awarded on February 13, Toyota – Tagum the Branch the Gold Bagwis seal. Romeo Castañaga, provincial director of DTI – Davao del Norte, said that conferment to Toyota Tagum was based on their compliance to fair trade laws, corporate social responsibility projects and observance to ISO 9001 standards. According to DTI Davao del Norte records, Toyota Tagum is the sixth in the province to have been conferred with Gold Bagwis seal since conception on 2007. The other Gold Bagwis seal awardees were NCCC Supermarket, NCCC Department Store, Davao City Hardware (Sobrecarey St.),

Penshoppe (NCCC), Sharp Phils. Corporation, all located in Tagum City. The records also stated that the DTI Davao del Norte has issued Silver Bagwis seals to 21 establishments and Bronze Bagwis seal to 4 establishments. Castañaga said that the consumers can be assured that they are getting the best out of their hard earned money through quality services and products provided by the enterprises. The Bagwis Seal, formerly the DTI – Certified Establishment seal, is given to businesses that promote consumer welfare and uphold fair trade practices. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


regional gallery

“Handog Kalusugan Para Sa Mga Lumad” medical outreach with free medical check-up services and medicines was held in Sitio Ladi-an in Marilog, Davao City recently for some 400 children, mothers, and senior citizens of the Obu-Manuvu tribe. The outreach was initiated by the UP Beta Sigma alumni led by Dr. Frank Mamaril, with collaboration from the Dept. of Health-XI led by Director Abdullah Dumama, Isaac Robillo Memorial Hospital led by Dr. Ruben Robillo, the City Health Office-Marilog Dist. Hospital, and the Davao Medical School Foundation.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 23 —The General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) has posted the highest number of index crimes in the region in 2014, according to the director of the Police Regional Office 12.

Index crimes are highest in Gensan in 2014 -- RD CambaBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

PRO 12 Regional Director PCSupt. Lester O. Camba, during the Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting held recently, said that Gensan posted 5,003 crimes against persons and against property.

“From the said number, 1,359 index crimes were cleared while 784 were solved.

“The GSCPO posted the highest number of cases in rape with 119 cases, robbery with 864 cases


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Feb 23 -- Some 106 families – parents of child laborers -- will soon have small-scale businesses courtesy of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 12)

and theft with 2,606 cases,” Director Camba noted.

Second to General Santos City is South Cotabato where its police provincial office has recorded a total of 3,430 index crimes. Among the index crimes mostly committed in the province are physical injury with 1,527 cases and cattle rustling with 52 cases.

From the total number of index crimes listed by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, 1,697 were cleared and 1,338 were solved.

On the other hand, in North Cotabato, major index crimes recorded were murder with 186 cases, homicide with 123 cases and carnapping with 224 cases.

“Total number of index crimes listed in North Cotabato reached to 3,375 and from this number, 1,790 were cleared and 1,014 were solved,”

RD Camba stated.He also said that Sultan Kudarat

Police Provincial Office, Sarangani Police Provincial Office and Cotabato City Police Office have recorded total index crimes of 968, 520 and 191 respectively.

With the 2014 index crime results, RD Camba emphasized that PRO 12 will strengthen initiatives to lessen index crimes this year.

“Amidst the limited number of our police personnel catering the security needs of our constituents, we will see to it that we will be working actively on the ground,” the police director noted.

Meanwhile he called for further cooperation and support from the public in SOCCSKSARGEN Region to any actions of the PNP in promoting peace and order in their areas of responsibility. (SJDuerme-PIA12)

106 families in Tacurong City get livelihood from DOLE 12By: Danilo E. Doguiles

DOLE 12 Regional Director Ofelia Domingo, handed to the city government of Tacurong, through Mayor Lina Montilla, a check worth P748, 436 on Tuesday.

Said amount which will be spent to purchase materials that would comprise the starter kits that will be distributed to the beneficiaries through the DOLE Integrated


Livelihood and Employment Program (DILEEP).

Beneficiaries are parents whose children are either engaged in child labor or at risk of becoming child laborers.

In an earlier interview, Director Domingo explained that starter kits for parents of child laborers are intended to help parents establish a small business of their choice where they could get income.

This way, she explained, parents may be prevented from sending their children to work to help support the basic needs of their families.

Aids are grants, she explained, meaning, the beneficiaries are not required to pay the national government for the amount given.

“They should, however, be responsible for developing the small businesses given to them and in making these into full-scale business ventures,” she emphasized.

Information from the government also noted that the beneficiaries came from five barangays -- Poblacion, San Pablo, New Isabela, EJC Montilla, and Griño.

In 2014, these families pledged to eliminate child labor in their respective areas.

Said families will avail of the assistance the amount of which will depend on their individual business proposals.

Some of the enterprises proposed by the beneficiaries and approved by the DOLE were dressmaking, carpentry, welding, rice trading, vulcanizing,

food processing, and vending.Director Domingo said that the

livelihood assistance given to the beneficiary families is DOLE’s way of holding true to its commitment of helping the communities in their goal of eliminating child labor.

In June 2014, DOLE entered into a Memorandum of Understanding together with LGU Tacurong City, City Schools Division, Philippine National Police and the above-mentioned barangays with the primary aim of converging the agencies’ efforts in curbing and eventually eliminating child labor.

Through the livelihood project, the beneficiaries can start their own business or augment the income of their existing economic enterprises.

The project promotes that instead of compelling their children to work, parents should encourage their children to devote their time to school.

Mayor Montilla said that the continued partnership of the DOLE and the LGU in mainstreaming the members of the informal sector to the economy will surely create a favorable ripple effect.

“By giving attention to the informal sector, the public shall cease to see them as marginalized members of society but rather a contributor to economic development”, Montilla said. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU Tacurong City Information)


DA bares rice sufficiency in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY - Towards achieving food staples sufficiency, the rice and corn subsectors delivered a record of 18.88 million metric (mt) tons of palay and 7.77 million metric tons (mt) of corn (white and yellow) through the concerted efforts of farmers and irrigators’ associations, local government units and the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional field offices and operating units.

By: Rhea C. Abao

philstar.com


DA secretary Proceso J. Alcala said that the gains were attributed to generally favorable weather condition and higher farmgate prices benefiting farmers which encouraged them to adopt high yielding technologies resulting to increase in yield at national scale by about 3 percent for rice and 3.41 percent for corn. To put the contribution of Caraga in perspective for rice, the region attained the volume production of 574,499 mt. of which Agusan del Sur, considered as the rice hub of the region, has the highest contribution with 292,019 mt followed by Surigao del Sur with 112,493mt, Agusan del Norte with 99,786 mt, Surigao del Norte with 63,694 mt, and Dinagat Islands with a contribution of 6,507 mt. Further, the region contributed 125,406 mt volume production for corn. Agusan

del Sur contributed the highest production of 97,864 mt. Followed by Agusan del Norte with 15,153 mt, Surigao del Sur with 10,768 mt, Surigao del Norte with 1,558 mt, and Dinagat Islands with 63 mt. Based on the Caraga Rice Sufficiency Level and Utilization data from 2011 to 2016 with a population of 2,429,244 and growth rate of 1.5 percent based on 2010 NSO survey result, the region targeted 111.90% sufficiency level for the year 2014. According to Philippine Statistics Authority – Bureau of Agriculture and Statistics (PSA-BAS) the effort to attain rice self-sufficiency has paid off as the region exceeded its target to 113.56%. In 2012, Survey of Food Demand (SFD) per capita rice consumption in Caraga is about 128 kilogram per person per year with which 23,998 mt was wasted due to irresponsible rice consumption. “The findings of the BAS has prompted the DA-13 to continue and pursue the Be RICEponsible campaign among consumers. As this aims to promote responsible rice consumption for better health and less rice wastage and productive farming


SurSur guv seeks MinDA help for more roads By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY - Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel recently sought the intervention of Secretary Luwalhati Antonino of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) for the construction of more road infrastructures in the hinterland areas of the province.

through promotion of efficient rice technologies and inspiring farmers to do better,” said DA Caraga assistant regional director Edgardo D. Dahino. DA Caraga regional director Edna M. Mabeza said that the success in rice sufficiency is due to the various factors cited, foremost is the budget support for the required infrastructure, pre and post harvest intervention, farm mechanization, and buffer stocking for quick turn around

after calamities. “The partnership with the Farmers Associations, Peoples Organizations, Irrigators Associations, Local Farmer Technicians and LGU’s – especially the provincial and municipal agriculturists and technicians makes the story complete as DA bares rice sufficiency in Caraga. Kayang-kaya basta sama-sama,” Mabeza said.


BUTUAN CITY - With the aim to provide the teachers with basic training in facilitating integrated subjects in the arts and design, artistic guidance, and production of instructional materials, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and DepEd Cultural Education Program was signed.

The MinDa chair was in the province for an “area visit” and a meeting, especially with the mayors. Pimentel admitted that while the concreting of national highways is no longer a concern, citing the near-completion of main roads like Surigao-Davao Coastal Road (SDCR) as well as the roads going to Agusan del Sur, but the province needs more “lateral” roads in far-flung communities. Pimentel said “this is where I think probably Secretary Antonino could come in.” “Our main trust now is to construct lateral roads so that we can create growth centers,” he pointed out. Beforehand, the governor assured “so by the yearend of 2015, in fact it will not reach the year-end, in the middle of 2015,

we hoped to concrete all the roads from the boundary of Surigao del Norte to the boundary of Davao Oriental and to the boundary of Agusan del Sur. All of these have already been bidden and all these have already the funding for the year 2015.” During the occasion that was held at the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO), Pimentel presented before MinDA chair Antonino the comprehensive profile of Surigao del Sur from its inception up to the current state of affairs. In return, Secretary Antonino lauded Governor Pimentel of his presentation. “I’d like to congratulate the governor and the whole province of Surigao del Sur for a very comprehensive plan. And I appreciate the plans made by the province together with the mayors,” she noted.

DepEd supports ‘Sining sa Eskwela’ natl arts training for SHSBy: Mario Y. Orendain


In a memorandum issued by DepEd secretary Br. Armin Luistro, DepEd will support the conduct of different activities of the Sining sa Eskwela National Arts Training for Senior High School (SHS) Arts and Design Track Teachers. The conduct of the activities are scheduled on April 13 to 17, 2015 for the first batch and May 11 to 15, 2015 for the second batch. The training activities include Creative Industry I and II and Apprenticeship in the Arts; Leadership and Management and Entrepreneurship in the Arts; Developing Filipino Identity and the Arts and Social Science; Applied Research in the Arts; Personal and Physical Development in the Arts and Physical Developments in the arts and Physical Education/Health. In Butuan City, the Agusan National High School offers the

Special Program for the Arts (SPA) education. The Sining sa Eskwela (SSE) is an arts education training program primarily for public school teachers specifically those teaching the Arts. This program provides arts experience to the teachers, through trainors’ training workshops, lecture-demonstrations, exhibitions and performances, film/video showings as well as cliniquing, mentoring, arts management, professional development and teacher wellness. Participants for the trainings are the K to 12 Arts and Design senior high school teachers from public schools who will be handling the early implementation of the arts and design track of the K to 12 Curriculum this School Year (SY) 2015-2016, as SY 2016-2017. The National K-12 Arts Training for Senior High Arts and Design Track is for teachers who will be handling the Arts and Design Track subjects of Grade 11 and 12.





Documents

One Mindanao - February 23, 2015