One Mindanao - February 29, 2012

Cover Story

JTF GenSan helps make teacher’s dream come true

Catherine ApelacioCentral Mindanao

Today’s issue...Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 199

page 4

Only 8 out of 100 babies exclusively breastfed Charina A. Javier, Caraga Region

ARMM forges partnership with MSU for greening programApipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

DPWH to help in solving flooding in Tudela and Clarin 18Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

DavNor rolls out new pro-people program21Southern Mindanao

Aquino leads premier screening of National Geographic Channel’s ‘Inside Malacañang’ 9Soldiers undergo DRRO training 12 Caraga Region

Army Chief cites gains in ongoing peace talks25Perlita Changco, Central Mindanao

1317

Biometrics ang gagamitin sa 2013 ARMM election26Central Mindanao

ZamNorte’s 2 cities and 11 municipalities continue to benefit from livelihood program31Alfonso T. Ruda , Western Mindanao

PNP Dumalinao trains 300 Tanods 29 Allan June Molde, Western Mindanao

8 11 16

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

EDITORIAL BOARD

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 Bliz

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)2/F 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

Executive 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 Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors …... Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……………... Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

19 23 27

4Wednesday, February 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

In a far-flung sitios ofbarangay San Jose here, a

soldier whose vision was totouch the lives of people

through concretizingde ve l opmen t a l

projects met

a teacher whose passion was toteach, conceptualize, and inventmeaningful projects for the less-fortunate. That was how Joint TaskForce (JTF) GenSan commanderPhilippine Army Col. Joselito

What happens when a soldier who is a staunch advocate for development meets a passionate

teacher-innovator?

Cover Story

JTF GenSan helps make teacher’s dream come trueby Catherine Apelacio

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Kakilalacame to meet

teacher-thinkerWilliamMoraca,a school head then of KlolangPrimary School and Datal SalvanElementarySchool. Kakilala being so involved inthe Task Force community workshas seen the potential of Moracaas instrument in developing sitiosKlolangandDatalSalvan,SanJose

thruhiselectrificationandwatersysteminventions.

Sitio Klolang hassome 45 houses.

It had nolighttoeitherinspire childrento study harder orprovide entertainmentforadults.DatalSalvan,ontheotherhand,hadnodecentwater system to call its own.Consequently, both communitieslived then in sheer bleakness andmiserydayandnight. Thus Moraca came up withtheideaofseriouslyconsideringanelectrification project on his ownvolitionforsitioKlolang. Kakilala,aPresidentialLingkodBayan awardee has led JTF sinceassumingofficetobecomeavisibleforce in responding to variouscommunity needs in accordancewiththeunit’scapability. Through Kakilala’s vanguardofleadership,JTFevolvednotonlyas mere security peacekeepers ofGeneral Santos City but itwentthe

6Wednesday, February 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

“extramile”toextend

assistance in select areaswhere uplifting human welfareis seldom met, and that includedKlolangandDatalSalvan. Moraca’sareasofresponsibilitywere perfect for this aspiration,so JTF through Kakilala set footinmakinga teacher’sdreamsooncometrue. The 3,809-hectare spreadSan Jose, 17.5 km from the cityproper, considered as one of theproductive barangays of GenSannestled in a rolling hills of largeplantation of banana, pineapple,asparagus, corn, mango, coconutand other agricultural products, isunderdeveloped, lacking facilitiestoaddresstheneedsofits22sitiosorpuroks.

Withapopulationof7,651,the barangay has 1,614

households belongingto indigenous

people groups,

B l a a nandTboli. Someofitssitios like Klolang“does not have accesstoelectricityanditsfarm-to-market roads were oftentimesdestroyed by water during heavyrainfalls,”saidCol.Kakilala. The situation, however, neverdiscouraged the kind-heartedMoraca as he went on to servethe village children with all-outsupport. Instead of complaining his plightandthatofhispupil,Moracathoughtofabrilliantsolutiontogivehimself,hispupils,andthewholecommunitysomesortofcomfortandhope. Moracabuiltarotarywindmill-typeventilationmadeofgalvanizediron. He later converted it assourceofelectricitybyattachingabearingandshaftconnectedtoanalternatorthatchargesfroma12-voltwet-cellbattery. Notyetcontented,he furtherconnected the now tangibleapparatusto“aconvertertoproduce220voltsamperesand3,000wattscapacity.” Acompletepoweramenitynow,itwastheninstalledattherooftopofKlolangschoolbuildingwiththe

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 7

helpof JTF

soldiers. Col. Kakilala then decided toextend the electrification outsidetheschooltoreachseveralhousesbyputting in somemore funds toenhance and expand the project.He made sure the project will becompleted by providing all theneeded supplies and materialsmobilizing hismen to ensure thatassistancewillnotbederailed. SinceOctober,Moraca’spower-generating windmill has beenenjoyedby some300 residents inSitioKlolang.Becauseofthis,villagechildrencannowstudytheirlessonsandbothadultsandchildrenhave

nowaccesstocabletelevisionoutoffreeelectricity.

By nature,i n nova t i v ene s s

never ceasesin Moraca’s

m i n d .

H ecameuponce againwith an idea ofwater system byputting up “magneticforcefanfromwhichdrawswaterfromadownstreamspringbeside a 40-feet river.” With analmost45-degreeslope,freshwatergoesupandservesthecommunityofsitioDatalSalvantoday.Withthewatersysteminplace,DatalSalvan’schildrennowusethefreshwaterinbathingandcleaningthemselvestobeabletoobserveproperhygiene.Before,theyhadtogouphillyslopetofetchwaterfromariver. Col. Kakilala said Moraca’sinventions opened the eyes ofgovernment officials to acknowledgeand address the need of theunderdevelopedruralcommunities.He attributed the inventions astrailblazersforotherprogramsandprojectstopourintheareas. For villagers, life is not thesameanymore,nowtheyhaveanelectricitytolightuptheirlivesandwater to sustain them—all bornout of good partnership betweena concerned individual and agovernment representative, whoboth have the commitment andmandatetoserve.

8 Wednesday, February 29, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino swears in officers of MTRCB, other gov’t agencies

President Benigno S. Aquino III swore in the officers of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and other government agencies in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

ChairpersonMary GracePoe Llamanzares, vice-chairperson EmmanuelBorlaza and the 23 BoardMembers of the MTRCBwere sworn in by thePresident at the Rizal HallofMalacañangPalace.

Officers of variousgovernment agencieswho also took their oathsbeforethePresidentwere:Mark Dennis Derecho andJo Paulo Espiritu;H e a d

Executive Assistant andDirector III respectively,of the PresidentialCommunications andOperationsOffice;Efren Fernandez,

Assistant Secretary of theDepartment of National

9 Wednesday, February 29, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Aquino leads premier screening of National Geographic Channel’s ‘Inside Malacañang’

President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the premier screening of the National Geographic Channel’s “Inside Malacanang”, a documentary that will take the viewers a visual tour of the official residence of the country’s

leader.

Defense; ConstanteCaluya, Register of DeedsIIIoftheLandRegistrationAuthority;OpheliaAgawin,Assistant Secretary of the

DepartmentofAgriculture;Pedro Mendiola, Jr.,

Rogelio Elveña, andGeoffrey Gacula as ActingMembers of the Board

of Directors representingthe Tobacco Traders ofthe National TobaccoAdministration.(RCK)

In his brief messagebeforethescreeningofthedocumentary on TuesdayatMalacanangPalace,thePresident said that whilehehastheprivilegetoworkattheMalacanangPalace,he has never forgottenthat his occupancy in hisofficial home is limited.

HecalledtheMalacanangPalace as the “palace ofthepeople.” “Morethananything

else, this documentarywillopenupthePalacenotonlytoFilipinos,butalsotothew h o l e world.

Apart from telling youmoreaboutthehistoryofthePalace,itwillalsogiveyou a look into the livesof the other people whoworkhere---thepilotandmaintenance teamof thepresidential airlift wing,the Presidential SecurityGroup and others who


work very closely withme,”thePresidentsaid.The Chief Executive

also expressed hisgratitudetothededicatedmenandwomenworkingat the Palace saying thatthose people contributedalotinachievingmuchforthepast20monthsofhisadministration.The presidency, he

noted, is not about oneperson but a collectiveeffort of the peopleto achieve whateverobjective is beingpursued. Every publicservant must think thathisbossesaretheFilipinopeople,andworkforthemefficientlyandhonestly.“Let this documentary

symbolize that the hallsofpowerarenotexclusive

toelectedofficials---everysingleoneofuscantakepart.This is thepathwaythat we must take tomake certain that all ofus are involved and thatnooneisleftbehind,”thePresidentsaid.“Inside Malacanang”

also examines andbreaks long-held mythsand beliefs about thePresident’sentourage.Thedocumentaryalsofeaturesthe daily routines of thechief of the PresidentialSecurity Group, theclose in security of thePresident,thepresidentialphotographer, and thepresidentialtester.Producers, who

worked for more thana year to make thedocumentary, hope thatwith the showing of thedocumentary, Filipinoswould appreciate theOffice of the Presidentandthepeoplewhoruniteveryday.Made by an all-

Filipino production team,producersalsowantedtoshowtheworld-classtalentof Filipinos in producinglong-formdocumentaries.“Inside Malacanang”

willbeshownoverNationalGeographic Channel onMarch18at9p.m.The National

Geographic ChannelInternational (NGCI),owned by the NationalGeographic Television(NGT) and FOXEntertainment Group,contributes to theNational GeographicSociety’s commitment toexploration, conservationandeducationthroughitsdifferentchannels.The National

Geographic Television isavailable in more than315 million homes in166 countries and 34languages. (AS)


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

[email protected][email protected]

Surigao Norte gov, THPAL exec lead speech lab turn-overby Susil D. Ragas

A turn-over ceremony and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for a speech laboratory highlighted the Provincial Development Council Meeting held Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel,

Surigao City.


Governor SolMatugas and TaganitoHPALNickelCorp.ProjectSite Manager HiroshisaOda led the signing andturn-over ceremonies ofthesaidspeechlabtothethree local governmentunit recipients namelySurigao City, Del CarmenandGigaquit. Present during theoccasionwereSurigaoCityadministratorAtty.ManuelCorro, Alegria mayorDominador Esma Jr., DelCarmen mayor JR Coro,

Gigaguit mayor CarlosEgay, Sr., Placer mayorMonchingNapuli,SocorromayorElizabethGalanida,board member MamertoGalanida, provincialgovernment employeesand representatives ofthe different nationalline agencies, socio-civicand non-governmentorganizations. The P1 million-worth speech laboratorywill be installed by McJones Speech LaboratorySystemMachineatCaraga

Regional Science HighSchool(CRSHS)inSurigaoCity,DelCarmenNationalHighSchoolandGigaquitNationalHighSchool. CRSHS principal Dr.MatildeManligues,MayorCarlosEgaySr.,andMayorJR Coro expressed theirgratitude to Matugasand theTHPAL company.They said that speechlaboratory is a big helpin providing qualityeducation to the publichigh school students oftheprovince.

Soldiers undergo DRRO training

BRGY AWA, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur -- About 40 soldiers from the 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade and from its subordinate units gathered in the opening ceremony for Disaster Risk Reduction Operation (DRRO) training held at the brigade headquarters, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Monday, February 27.


Troops wereorganizedtojointhefive-dayDRRO trainingwhichcomposedoflecturesandpracticalexercises. According toCol. Romeo G Gan,commander of 401stBrigade, they invitedthe best instructors fromOfficeoftheCivilDefense–CARAGARegion,headedbyMrAmadoMPosastotrainhismenonDRRO. Ganalsoemphasizedthe Army Core purposeto serve the people and

securetheland. “The soldiers shalladheretothecommitmentto perform his duty notonly in combat but alsoin humanitarian servicesthat uphold trust andconfidence of the Filipinopeople,”hesaid. “Whatwealsowantto enforce in our unit isto develop and enhancethe capability of ourmen in rescue and reliefoperations.Wewantthemto be well-organized andfully equipped to make

them more competentandpreparedatall timestotakeactionsincasethepeople needs our help,”Ganadded. 1stLtAllanGuibone,training officer of 401stBrigadestressed that thesaid training will end onMarch2,2012. “Wehopethatafterfive (5) days of rigoroustrainingourpersonnelwillbecome a more reliablerescuer of the people,”Guibonesaid.

Only 8 out of 100 babies exclusively breastfed by Charina A. Javier

The proportion of infants receiving exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months decreased

from 2003 to 2008, according to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).


The NNS showedthat only 8.6 percentor only about 8 outof 100 of 0-23 monthold children receivedexclusive breastfeeding,while 29.9 percentreceived breastfeedingand complementaryfoodby current feedingpractices. E x c l u s i v ebreastfeeding is not

givinganinfantanyfoodordrinkotherthanbreastmilk, nor other fluidsincluding water, tea orsugar. Complementaryfeeding, meanwhile, isgiving other foods toinfants until the babybecomesaccustomedtofamilyfoods. Among 0-5 monthold infants, exclusivebreastfeeding is

practiced only by 35.9percent which meansthatonlyaboutone-thirdofinfantsinthecountrymet the World HealthOrganization (WHO)recommendation ofexclusive breastfeedinguntil6months. Moreover,the2008survey showed thatthe mean duration ofexclusive breastfeeding


significantly decreasedto 2.3 months from3.0 months in 2003.The mean duration ofbreastfeedingin2008is4.9monthscomparedto5.6monthsin2003. Among 6-11month-old babies,exclusive breastfeedingdropped to 0.5 percentwhilebreastfeedingandcomplementary feedingwas practiced by 39.4percent.Also,morethanhalfor59.8percentwasgiven other milk andfoodsinthisagegroup. Among 12-23month-old babies,about two-thirds or65.7percentwasgivenother milk and foods,and only about one-

fifth or 21.6 percentof mothers practicedbreastfeedingandgivingcomplementaryfoods. The decreasingrate of breastfeedingpractice is alarming,considering the variousphysiological and socio-economic benefits ofbreastfeeding. Breastmilk is theperfect food for infantsbecause it provides allthe nutrients that areneededforpropergrowthand development. Italsocontainsantibodiesthathelpprotectbabiesfromcommonchildhoodillnesses like diarrhea,pneumonia andmalnutrition. Moreover,breastmilk is readily safe,availableandaffordable,and it strengthensthe bond between themother and baby, andthewholefamily. Message No.2of the NutritionalGuidelines for Filipinos(NGF) recommendsbreastfeeding infants

exclusively from birthto six months, andto give appropriatefoods while continuingbreastfeeding. P r o m o t i n gbreastfeeding focusingon nutrition, healthand economic benefitsshould be intensifiedamong women,especiallyamongwould-bemothers, to preparethem to breastfeedimmediately afterchildbirth. For moreinformation about theNNS and food andnutrition, contact: Dr.Mario V. Capanzana,Director, Food andNutrition ResearchInstitute, Departmentof Science Technology,Bicutan, Taguig City;Trunkline: 837-2071local 2296; Telephone/Fax No.: 837-3164;e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]; Website:http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph


Energy firm gives solar power lamps for Ecoville by Jerome R. SoldevillaEnergy firm

STEAG State Power Inc.

handed-over some 500 pieces of solar-powered emergency rechargeable lamps to the residents of Xavier EcoVille in Lumbia Cagayan de Oro City.

Present during the turn-over program were Steag officials led by Dr. Carsten Evers and Ghaye Alegrio, Fr. Eric Velandria of Xavier University, and Bam Aquino of Hapinoy. The assistance is a part of Steag’s support to the rehabilitation efforts for the victims of typhoon Sendong. The solar lamps will provide alternative source of lighting for the residents of the relocation site considering the

limited supply of electric power in the area. The project is implemented in partnership with Xavier University, CARD Business Development Service Foundation Inc., and Hapinoy. (SPI)


ARMM forges partnership with MSUfor greening programby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government has forged a partnership with the Mindanao State University (MSU) to rehabilitate the critical watersheds in the province.

The partnership was formalized last week with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region represented by its Secretary Kahal Kedtag and the MSU administration represented by its President Macapado Muslim. The MoA involves the establishment of forest tree nurseries and facilities to answer the 500,000 required number of seedlings to cover the 856 hectares of forest land in the province in line with the National

Greening Program (NGP) of the government. A flagship program of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the NGP involves the planting and growing of 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide in six years, from 2011 to 2016. The program also aims to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation for farm lands, reduce the potential for flooding, absorb carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and lay the foundation for an expanded wood-products economy.


DPWH to help in solving flooding in Tudela and Clarin by Pat Nano

TUDELA, Misamis Occidental - Even if their concern is only the national highways and bridges, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is always ready to extend technical help in finding solutions to the problem of flooding in Tudela and Clarin.

This assurance came from Engr. Dario Pusod, district engineer of the Second Engineering District of Mis. Occ., who said the DPWH infrastructure in the area were also affected by the flooding in both towns. The district engineer pointed out that the recent flooding in the area had almost destroyed the foundation of a bridge in Tudela because of the debris that piled up under the structure brought about by the floods. He said every time there is heavy rain, water overflows at

the Paca Irrigation Dam, which is under the National Irrigation Administration. “Now, if they would need our technical help, we’re just too glad to help in any way, so that the residents will be protected from any flooding tragedy,” Engr. Pusod added. (PIO)


Tagum City emerges as mall capital of Davao del Norte by Jean Abangan

Tagum City is emerging as the mall capital and commercial

center of Davao del Norte, with the number of malls rising in the city. In an interview with the

media, Department of Trade and Industry Davao del Norte Field Office Vedastito Galvez said that these malls contributed to the substantial increase in number of jobs generated last year.


The Gaisanos have put up a chain of malls in Tagum City. Aside from the existing JS Gaisano and Gaisano Center, they are putting up new and much bigger malls--- the Gaisano Grand Tagum and the Gaisano Mall of Tagum. Galvez said that new mall operations in Tagum City accounted about 40 percent of the P1.7 million investments monitored by DTI through its network with local investment promotion offices of the local government units. He also said that the existence of new malls in the city contributed to the substantial increase of generated jobs which last year totaled 6,916, hitting 1,284 percent increase compared with that in the previous year. Meanwhile, Galvez bared the investment interest of Robinsons to soon put up a mall also in Tagum City. “They’re in the preparation

stage,” he said. His office also received reports from Carmen investment promotion office that a branch of Gaisano Grand will soon rise in Carmen Business Park in Carmen town which lies in between the cities of Panabo and Tagum. Galvez said branches of malls in the nearby towns are not threats to those located in Tagum because the city is strategically situated at the intersection of major highways going to Butuan in the Caraga Region, to Mati in Davao Oriental. “People from nearby areas are dropping at Tagum to shop instead of proceeding to Davao City,” he said. Tagum City is also seen to benefit from the transport traffic once the Davao del Norte-Bukidnon Road will finally be made operational. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)


DavNor rolls out new pro-people program

TAGUM CITY-The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte is rolling out another pro-people program seen to contribute to the realization of President Benigno Simeon Aquino’s social contract with the people. Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario believes that the social contract of President Aquino is made “binding” and seen “unfolding” in Davao del Norte through carrying out pro-people programs designed to “bring the government closer to its people, and its people, to its government.” Last Monday (Feb. 27) Provincial Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario launched

the Ugmad Komun idad t r a n s l a t e d as nurturing communities, which he cited as the “ n e w e s t offspring of our PEOPLE development t h r u s t , ” b a s i c a l l y aiming at b r i n g i n g government benefits to majority of the people. P E O P L E is the

acronym that puts together the development thrusts of Del Rosario’s administration. It stands for People Empowerment, Education, Optimum Health and Social Services, Public-private partnership, Link to the world, Employment and livelihood opportunities. Ugmad Komunidad is a joint effort of the Provincial Tourism Division, the Provincial Sports Division, the Information Technology Division and the Livelihood and Manpower Development Division, which are all under the Assistant Provincial Administrator (APA).


In Ugmad Komunidad, the four divisions work together to pursue their respective functions of pursuing tourism, sports, livelihood and information development in identified depressed barangays, but Del Rosario underscored Ugmad Komunidad’s overarching goal of preparing “our rural communities for the inward pressures of globalization.” In his presentation, APA Romulo Tagalo explained that Ugmad Komunidad seeks to address the education, health and income goals of the PEOPLE development agenda of Gov. Del Rosario. He cited it as also a mechanism to empower community folks through forging various partnerships with non-government organizations (NGOs), the academe among other sectors to work with, enabling people to access funds for local development initiatives as well as exposing students to research and extension. Positioning tourism as the primary component of the program, Ugmad Komunidad aims to make Davao del Norte a premiere tourist destination in Mindanao by developing destinations and products, providing access to “existing and tourist potential sites,” and aggressive promotions and marketing. Its tourism component is dubbed as “touR DavnoR”. Meanwhile, the program intends to work with provincial sports associations in conducting grassroots sports training, providing athletes some opportunities to

join higher level of athletic meets, hosting tournaments and other physical fitness activities that welcome public participation. It also intends to integrate sports in the development programs of target barangays. Billed as DULA Dabaonon, the projects and activities lined up under the sports component of Ugmad Komunidad are seen as vital part of operating the Provincial Sports Complex which del Rosario will inaugurate in December this year. On the other hand, the livelihood and manpower development component referred to as LEARN & Earn, seeks to transfer skills, leading to the creation of livelihood enterprises. Tagalo is banking on the competent and highly skilled workers developed through Ugmad Komunidad efforts, to become a “support system to the tourism growth and sports development.” He is also tasking the IT division together with the Provincial Information Office to maximize the use of IT to “tell the whole world about what is going on in the farthest barangays in Davao del Norte.” Tagalo bared efforts of re-building and making fully functional the website of the provincial government, and that an IT Summit was set to discuss ways of maximizing the social media to widely disseminate information regarding Ugmad Komunidad initiatives. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)


MGB sends geohazard maps to barangaysby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Geohazard maps are being distributed to barangays all over the region, Engr. Constancio A. Paye, Jr., regional director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau - 12 announced today.


Paye said all 1, 194 barangays in Region 12 will be given copies of geohazard maps.

“We are p r i o r i t i z i n g distribution in barangays that are considered high risk to flooding and landslides,” he said.

These maps are very important tools for each barangay in identifying flood and landslide prone areas, in the preparation of the disaster risk and reduction plans, and in identifying safe locations for evacuation, he explained.

Marilyn Dicierto, designated information officer of MGB -12, said they started printing of geohazard maps in January.

“Each barangay will receive two versions of their geohazard map, one map identifying flood-prone areas and another identifying landslide-prone areas,” she said.

These maps have color codes; locations that are in red pose

high risk, green have moderate risk and yellow have low or no risk, she explained.

Dicierto added, these maps are sent via mail to the recipient barangays.

She, however, pointed out that features of these maps have been discussed in several meetings with barangay, city and municipal risk reduction and management councils all over the region as well as in meetings with local government officials, she said.

“We also make sure that these geohazard maps are discussed

in our weekly radio programs and in our guesting with other media programs, press conferences and other similar gatherings.”

In several occasions, Paye reminded local government units, especially those in the barangays to prepare their own disaster risk reduction plans that would equip their communities with knowledge on what to do before and at times of disasters and prevent loss of lives in case floods, landslides and other natural or man-made disasters occur.(DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


Army Chief cites gains in ongoing peace talksby Perlita Changco

COTABATO CITY-- Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista believes that peace and stability in Mindanao would sooner or later be realized with the progress of the 25th round of the GPH-MILF exploratory talks.

Citing positive indications and intensified pro-peace campaign by local officials and the military, Bautista expressed optimism that both sides could possibly arrive at a consensus on signing a peace agreement soon.

Bautista said, the growing pro-peace consciousness among communities brings

bright prospect for the possible signing of the peace agreement soon.

“We remain hopeful, iyon naman ang matagal na nating hinahangad at pinagsisikapan for lasting peace to reign in Mindanao so malaki ang maitutulong ng media to encourage everyone to support the peace

process after all we are all the beneficiaries,” Bautista said.

He noted the relatively improvement in the security and stability in the region which he said is a positive indication that the peace advocacy campaign is gaining ground.

Bautista arrived at the Army’s 6th Infantry

“Kampilan” Division based at Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao to grace the blessing of seven (7) structures and facilities inside the camp which include the 50-bed Camp Siongco Station Hospital with medical equipment, grandstand, Technical Operations Center, mortuary chapel, soldiers’ mess hall, and VIP guest house.

The upgrading and renovation of the Camp Siongco Station Hospital was funded by the Department of Health (DOH) at the cost of P35 million while the materials of newly completed grandstand estimated at P400, 000 was provided by Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangundadatu.

The official assured continuous support to


the peace advocacy efforts of 6th ID through Bayanihan

in achieving the goal of sustaining the security environment

in Central Mindanao. ( p b c h a n g c o / P I A Cotabato City)

Biometrics ang gagamitin sa 2013 ARMM electionCOTABATO CITY --Sa pagpapatuloy ng pagpapatala ng rehistrasyon ng mga botante sa ARMM na magsisimula sa Marso a-5 ng taong kasalukuyan sinabi ng Comelec na Biometrics ang gagamitin nitong sistema.

Ito ang sinabi ni Comelec Chairman Atty. Sixto Brilliantes sa ginanap na ARMM election democratization summit kahapon.

Ayon kay Brilliantes bukod sa napakalaking halaga ang magagastos ng komisyon kinukulang na ng panahon ang Comelec na baguhin ang aabot ng dalawang milyong butante sa buong ARMM kung magkakaroon ng panibagong pagtatala ng lahat na mga botante.

Sa halip ipagpapatuloy na lamang ang pagtatala ng mga bagong botante gamit ang biometrics system kung ssan kukunin din naman ang lahat na impormasyon lalung-lalo na ang fingerprint ng isang botante.

Pagsapit ng halalan ayon kay Brilliantes,

madali lang mahuli ang isang botante kung siya nga ang nakarehistro sa pamamagitan ng biometrics. Maiiwasan din naman ang tinatawag na ‘double o multiple registrants’ gamit ang naturang sistema.

Ang magandang ibinalita, ayon kay Brillantes, gagamitin ang ‘automated machine ’ sa darating na 2013 ARMM election.

“Kami po sa Comelec ay hinihingi ang tulong ng mga civil society organizations sa buong ARMM para malinis ang registration of voters sa pamamagitan ng biometrics system,” pahayag ni Brilliantes.

“Mula Marso 5 hanggang matapos ang 45 days na continuing registration, iyon lamang ang ilalaan na panahon ng Comelec bago sumapit ang halalan para may

sapat na panahon ang komisyon na marepaso ng maigi ang mga nagrehistro sa ilalim ng biometrics system”, dagdag ni Brilliantes.

Ang isang araw na election summit ay itinaguyod ng Office of the Regional Governor (ORG), ARMM, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Development Academy (ADA), civil society groups at ng Comelec-ARMM.

Matatandaang hiniling nga mga civil society organizations (CSO) at ilang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa ARMM sa Comelec ang panibagong pagtatala ng mga botante sa buong rehiyon sa halip na ipagpapatuloy ang kasalukuyang ginagawang rehistrasyon ng mga botante. (Moner C. Dayaan-PIA Cotabato City)


piazampen.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-WesMin-Info-Blitz/204864762911310 [email protected]

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

Zamboanga police conducts tree planting in support of greening program By Gideon C. Corgue

Clad in blue t-shirts printed with ‘pulis’ and black short pants and in rubber shoes, the police of Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City conducted on

Friday (Feb. 17) a tree planting activity here.


In response to the government’s call for the participation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the government’s priority program – the national greening program (NGP), the joint forces of Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office, Regional Public Safety Battalion, and Police Public Safety Battalion launched the project with the theme, “Pulis Makakalikasan: Sampung Milyong Puno, Pamana sa Kinabukasan.” Police community relations (PCR) chief Sr. Inspector Simplicio Pasaol said a total of 258 police personnel planted ‘bakhaw’ and mahogany seedlings in the coastal area in barangays Kawit and Buenavista. “The seedlings were given by the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the barangay officials

of Kawit,” Pasaol reported. Pasaol said the project is the convergence initiative between the PNP and DENR as their contribution in the administration of President Benigno Simeon S. Aquino III. Under the Executive Order (EO) No. 6, Pasaol said each PNP personnel in the country are required to plant six trees per month until February 28, 2013 to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduction,

food security, biodiversity,


conservation and climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, provincial director Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela said the PNP organization advocates the need to protect the environment to prevent the public including the policemen

and their families the risks of the natural disasters like deadly landslides and flashfloods. Pasaol said each PNP personnel will be planting 72 within a year to cope up the quota of 10 million trees. PNP has a total strong force of 145,000 members. Pasaol said in pursuing the project, the ZSPPO is still searching for

the next site to be planted such as forestlands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, inactive and abandoned mine site, and other suitable lands. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)

PNP Dumalinao trains 300 TanodsBy Allan June Molde

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur - “Believing that tanods are the best source of intelligence report as well as force multipliers in their respective barangays, equipping them with the needed knowledge and skills would be very relevant in the discharge of their duties and functions.”

This is the idea shared between the local government of Dumalinao under the sterling leadership of Hon. Ace William E. Cerilles and the support of PNP Chief Inspector Lee Eric Humpa. Three hundred (300) Barangay Tanods from the 30 barangays of

Dumalinao actively participated in the Tanod or Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team (BPATS) Seminar held on February 22-24 at Dumalinao Municipal Gym. In his message during the Opening Ceremony of the 3-day activity, Mayor Ace expressed his


gratitude and appreciation to the support of all barangay captains who brought along their participants and attentively listened to the lectures. Mayor Ace also recognized the relevance of information from respective barangays whereby our police force will be able to immediately respond whenever distress calls are made by barangays who cannot anymore handle certain situations and the need for police presence is urged. He further committed to help all the tanods in the exercise of their duties by providing them the needed equipments such as uniforms, flashlights and other paraphernalia. Mayor Ace received a standing ovation from the participants who were so happy that all concerns were addressed by the young mayor giving them his overwhelming support. ABC President Julieto Penonal said, “Mayor Ace has been instrumental in keeping Dumalinao one of the safest towns in the province because of the kind of support he has done for the Tanods

and to the police force in general.” He further shared that, “even petty crimes have been eliminated because people in Dumalinao have been helping each other. Penonal further said that barangay officials were one in saying that Mayor Ace has initiated reforms to safeguard peace and order in Dumalinao. Moreover, PSI Lee Eric Humpa, Dumalinao police chief said that he is very happy with the outcome and support of the LGU particularly Mayor Ace Cerilles for making the activity possible. He said that part of their mandate is to provide basic training and information to the tanods recognizing them as great help to the PNP in the maintenance of peace and order. “Dumalinao is the first municipality in the province who underwent such training. These tanods are now equipped to discharge their duties and functions, that is to help maintain peace and order in their respective barangays”, concluded Humpa. (JPA/Allan June A. Molde/ALT/PIA9-Zambo Sur)


DIPOLOG CITY - The two cities and 11 municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte continue to benefit from the various livelihood programs implemented through the Regional Livelihood and Fisheries Program in the province. The program is funded by the Kingdom of Spain, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nation, and in coordination with the Bureau of Food and Aquatic Resources(BFAR). Former BFAR Regional Director and now consultant of the RFLP Virigilio Alforque said the program gives opportunities to the organized fisherfolks, including their wives, find additional source of income through the funds coming from the RFLP. The program, funded by Spain in partnership with the BFAR, started in 2009 and will last until 2013. Grace Batong, RFLP Project Management, Gender and Communications Officer said organized fisherfolks and their wives directly benefited from the program through various livelihood activities like underwear and bag-making and seafoods preservation such as shrimp paste production and teaching the fisherfolks produce better qualities of pump-boats. Former BFAR Regional Director

and now consultant of the RFLP Virigilio Alforque said aside from those benefits, RFLP will also hold poster making contest in the different secondary schools throughout Zamboanga del Norte, with big prizes coming from the Spanish Government. Alforque thanked the local chief executives of the different municipalities, cities, and the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte for their coordinative effort in the implementation of the program. The RFLP consultant hoped that once the program is already established, the beneficiaries of the program would be able to pass it on to their children who will comprise the next generation of our society for the sustainability of the program. He also urged the fisher-folks not to abuse our marine resources and avoid using illegal way of fishing and participate in guarding our territorial waters against violators of the law of the sea. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

By Alfonso T. Ruda

ZamNorte’s 2 cities and 11 municipalities continue to benefit from livelihood program

Documents

One Mindanao - February 29, 2012