One Mindanao - July 13, 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

VENUS L. GARCIA, 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. 0919-9994516E-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, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

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

DOT-homestay training program to boost New Israel Eco-tourism Park

Gensan employees donate classroom

DavSur Guv assesses performance

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MCI donates computer equipment for AFEBS Network

Palace welcomes WHO’s recognition to PHL for rapid strong response to MERS-CorV

GenSan’s Aerotropolis to position Region 12 as major Mindanao gateway

ZamPen electric coop info officers to undergo journalistic writing workshop

Education caravan goes to Surigao City barangay

PESO managers undergo labor force data training

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By: Aida C. Agad

By: IJMLagare

By: MinDA

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: John Glenn A. Platil

By: Iris C. Asis

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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DOLE-10 intensifies Family Welfare Program

26 students in NorMin join NDCM inter-high school poster making contest

By: Glenford C. Labial

By: Titus C. Velez

By: Nilda S. Aniñon

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By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

Contents

4 July 13, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Melekon Contractors Incorporated (MCI), whose major project is the construction of the 25MW Lake Mainit Hydro Power Plant situated in the municipality of Jabonga in Agusan del Norte, extended support to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for the purchase of one unit desktop computer for

the Advanced Froward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), a broadcast communication specially designed for emergency response.


5July 13, 2015 One Mindanao

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano

As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Melekon Contractors Incorporated (MCI), whose major project is the construction of the 25MW Lake Mainit Hydro Power Plant situated in the municipality of Jabonga in Agusan del Norte, extended support to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for the purchase of one unit desktop computer for

the Advanced Froward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), a broadcast communication specially designed for emergency response.



“This is just an initial assistance, we hope that this will be of great help to the agency in its information d i s s e m i n a t i o n especially during emergency response. We believe in your capacity as the information arm of the government here

in Caraga region. This is just an initial of our assistance to the agency and there is more to come,” articulated Oropel.

MCI president Teodoro Reyes, represented by security consultant Retired Col Ephraim Oropel personally turned-over the donation to PIA thru regional director Abner Caga.

The turned-over was also witnessed by PIA-Caraga deputy regional director Fryan Abkilan and Eliezer Imus, a private individual.


Dir. Caga also expressed his thanks and gratitude to MCI for its support and willingness to help the agency in putting substance to its thrusts and mandate. “Big thanks to our partners from MCI. This is a good start of our good and strengthened partnership,” he said.

MCI is a 100 percent Filipino owned construction company whose capabilities include power generation, underground c on s t r u c t i o n , mining, dredging, r e c l a m a t i o n , and other civil e n g i n e e r i n g works.

W i t h its founders having more than 20 years of experience, M e l e k o n demons t ra tes extensive knowledge and expertise in project development, project management, turnkey

delivery and operations and maintenance. Recognizing the trend in potential projects in the Philippines, Melekon

anticipates a demand in firms with capabilities in underground c o n s t r u c t i o n and tunneling works. With a team of industry leaders coupled with a fleet of state-of-the-art u n d e r g r o u n d h e a v y e q u i p m e n t ,

Melekon is geared to be at the forefront of this highly specialized field of construction.


Palace hopes initial talk with communist rebel leaders in the Netherlands will lead to reopening of new dialogue

MANILA - Malacanang said it hopes that the initial talk with the communist party leaders in the Netherlands will lead to reopening of dialogue with the rebels. “Sana po mula doon sa inisyal na pakikipag-usap ni (House) Speaker (Feliciano) Belmonte sa mga lider ng CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of

the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) sa The Netherlands ay magkaroon po ng progreso hinggil sa muling pagbubukas


ng diyalogo o usapan sa pagitan ng dalawang panig,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma noted that the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has an “active desk” that deals with the peace talk with the communist rebels.

House Speaker Belmonte had a talk with CPP founder Jose Mari Sison last Friday in The Netherlands, where the latter is currently in exile. Also present

during the meeting was NDF Chairman Luis Jalandoni.

Belmonte was at the Hague, Netherlands to attend the hearing at the United Nations Arbitrary Tribunal where the Philippines filed a petition against China’s reclamation activities at the West Philippine Sea.

The House Speaker was representing the Philippine legislative branch at the hearing.

While the executive branch was represented by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, the judiciary by Supreme Court Justices Antonio Carpio and Francis Jardeleza. Also present were other cabinet secretaries and Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, also representing the Philippines together with American lawyers. (PCOO/PND (ag)


Palace welcomes WHO’s recognition to PHL for rapid strong response to MERS-CorV

MANILA - Malacanang welcomed on Sunday the recognition given by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Philippines for its rapid strong response to a 36-year-old foreigner who has been diagnosed positive of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CorV).

Photo: www.canadianinquirer.net


”The government gladly welcomes the recognition given by the World Health Organization,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a Radyo ng Bayan interview.

According to the Department of Health, the foreign patient is expected to be released anytime from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) after the results of the examination for the last 48 hours became negative.

Meanwhile, Coloma said other passengers of the same flight where the foreigner boarded last June 19 have also been found negative from the MERS-CoV.

”They will remain at the RITM until the 14th day of confinement period,” Coloma said.

Coloma said the government continues to strengthen its quarantine measures in all airports, ports and other ports of entry.

”We will also make sure that all hospitals will report any symptoms of MERS-Cov so that they will undergo isolation, medication based on the directives of President (Benigno) Aquino,” Coloma said.

Coloma also said the DOH has improved the capability of the RITM and other public hospitals to monitor and detect and eventually provide necessary medication for any kind of diseases.

”In fact, the budget of the DOH has been increased by 25 percent as it will now reach PhP128.5 billion,” Coloma said. (PNA)


GenSan’s Aerotropolis to position Region 12 as major Mindanao gateway

KORONADAL CITY - Majority of Filipinos are satisfied with the Aquino administration’s resolute stance in the pursuit of peace in Mindanao, according to the findings of the Second Quarter 2015 Social Weather Survey.


MinDA Undersecretary Janet Lopoz said the Aerotropolis, a major infrastructure project being pushed under the Mindanao Development Corridors will boost the competitiveness of Region 12, located in the South-Central Mindanao Development Corridor.

“The project will integrate the different points of entry in Region 12, particularly General Santos’ international airport, fishport complex, and Makar Wharf,” said Lopoz at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Regional Development Council XII at Villa Amor Hotel, held here recently.

Region 12 is composed of the four provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani Province, and Sultan Kudarat,

and the five cities of Koronadal, Tacurong, General Santos, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

The proposed Aerotropolis will develop some 200 hectares of property surrounding the General Santos airport to an integrated complex that will include business parks, amusement parks, hotels, integrated food terminal, food processing and manufacturing activities, and shopping malls.

“General Santos City has the potential to be a hub for the consolidation of products and services due to its proximity to major economic centers of Mindanao and the BIMP-EAGA,” she added.

BIMP-EAGA stands for


Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, an economic sub-grouping aimed to accelerate social and economic development of less developed areas in participating countries.

Other projects

On top of the General Santos City Airport Industrial Complex, other projects being pushed under the Mindanao Development Corridors are the Mindanao Railway System, the Davao South Marina and Industrial Park, the Davao International Airport Operations, Maintenance, and Development Project, the Davao City Sasa Port Modernization Project, and a number of major road projects connecting the South-Central Mindanao Corridor to other development corridors.

The Mindanao Development Corridors is a key spatial strategy of MinDA that will help pave the way for a connected and globally competitive Mindanao. Cited under Chapter 10 of the updated Philippine Development Plan, this strategy captures the Aquino government’s accelerated infra development agenda for

Mindanao.

“We need to interconnect Mindanao for it to be efficient,” said Lopoz while adding “the corridors strategy will accelerate development and ensure aligning of infrastructure projects in Mindanao to facilitate better economic activity and a much attractive investment climate.”

The Mindanao corridors will also help position the island-region as a single, integrated economy that is able to leverage and actively participate in the BIMP-EAGA and the rest of the world.

“In the past several years, Mindanao has been experiencing an economic growth of six to seven percent, but this increase must also translate into higher incomes and more jobs,” she said.

The corridors strategy will allow for the improvement of infrastructure, establishment of connectivity, and spur the development of growth clusters within Mindanao, to achieve a balanced and inclusive growth among its regions. (MinDA)


OCD, RDRRM hold disaster preparedness seminar for school focal personsBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-9 in cooperation with the agencies comprising the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) last week gave a seminar on disaster preparedness for focal persons from the different schools at a local hotel here. During the seminar, resource speakers that included Engr. Alan Labayog of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) oriented the participants on disasters and how to be prepared.


“It is very important for each and every one of us, especially those who work in the schools to be aware of what to do before, during and after a disaster,” Labayog said.

Labayog, an earthquake expert, emphasized that disasters can happen anytime, and even the most high-tech of instruments cannot detect just when or where they will strike. “We cannot predict earthquakes, but they are happening, and will happen anytime. We need to be prepared,” he said.

Labayog taught the participants the proper maneuver that people should do during earthquakes. “We should remember: duck, cover and hold,” he said, demonstrating the maneuver to the participants.

Other resource speakers also provided inputs such as how to do a proper evacuation, and other tips on how to be prepared, even before a disaster would strike.

Meanwhile, OCD-9 Regional Director Emilia Julhajan told the participants to “do their share in making the schools prepared.”

“Everyone has a role [to play] in disaster preparedness. For schools, it has to emanate from you, the focal persons, and it is your duty to share your knowledge down to the students,” she said.

July is celebrated as the National Disaster Consciousness Month. The RDRRMC has lined up several activities for the month, to include participation in a simultaneous nationwide earthquake drill to be held on July 30.


ZamPen electric coop info officers to undergo journalistic writing workshopBy Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – The Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO-1) in coordination with Region IX Electric Cooperatives Association (RENECA) and Regional Association of General Managers (RAGMA) is slated to conduct a three-day seminar-workshop on newswriting dubbed on July 15-17 at Heroes Function Hall here. Dubbed “Journalistic Writing Workshop for Zamboanga Peninsula Electric Cooperatives Information Officer,” ZAMSURECO-I General Manager Jose Raul A. Saniel said the project was conceptualized to encourage the designated information officers to learn how to write news.

Saniel said the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 through Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga was invited to share the expertise of the agency’s information officers by giving the participants a lecture not only on newswriting but also on photography and social media utilization.

Saniel said the participants are coming from ZAMSURECO-I in Pagadian , ZAMSURECO-II in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) in Putik, Zamboanga City, and Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) in Dipolog City.

Saniel said the electric cooperatives in Zamboanga Peninsula have various programs

that need to be disseminated to the public.

Saniel particularly mentioned the “Sitio Electrification and Barangay Line Enhancement Programs,” which were given priority by President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III as part of his administration’s social contract with the Filipino people.

“We have a lot of success stories to tell to the people. Thus, we need them (info officers) to write press releases and disseminate their news stories to the public,” Saniel stressed.

Moreover, Director Edaga disclosed that the participants should undergo actual interview and taking of pictures as part of a news gathering activity.

“Their news stories will be based from the pictures taken from the field and from their interviews,” Edaga explained.

Edaga said the participants are also encouraged to bring their individual laptop computers, DSLR camera, and flash drive.


Indigenous people to receive livelihood assistance from DSWDBUKIDNON – More than 1,000 indigenous peoples from the Talaandig tribe in the municipality of Lantapan in this province are going to receive livelihood assistance provided through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

by Jamila M. Taha

This assistance is in line with the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP) who are in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). The MCCT-IP is a special program of the


department that focuses mainly in the provision of support services to the indigenous peoples. For region 10, DSWD serves 18,901 MCCT-IP beneficiaries. “For a long time we are being neglected and even mistreated sometimes by the general public, and the government who supposed to protect us was not there,” elders of the Talaandig tribe said. “It almost seemed like our children are left behind in terms of education and other basic services, we have dreams for them too. We are just glad that we are now going to receive livelihood assistance from DSWD,” they added. As a celebration of peace and partnership, the tribe offered their rituals and prayers to the whole

group. This signifies positivity among the implementers and even more a responsibility to work harder to support these people. As the DSWD secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman says, “No one should be left behind.” In Mindanao there are a total of 18 indigenous groups collectively known as “Lumad” with a population of about 60% of the overall population of IPs in the Philippines as disclosed by the National Commission on Indigenous People. SLP will provide all the technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of this MCCT-IP Support Services Program, which will commence this month.

DOLE-10 intensifies Family Welfare Program

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- As part of the continuing effort in intensifying the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - region 10 Family Welfare Program (FWP) pursuant to 2011-2016 Labor and Employment Plan, the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) team from the central office conducts monitoring and assessment of the FWP in the Northern Mindanao region on 23-26 June 2015.

by Glenford C. Labial


Primarily, the purpose of the said visit is to determine the milestones achieved and good practices as well as the challenges in the implementation of the program. In this line, the BWSC holds plant-level meeting with its local chairman and some labor laws compliance officers to update on important developments in the implementation of the program. More importantly, it will also update and validate the following information: establishments with Family Welfare Committee/FWP; Profile (e.g. employment size, nature of business) of establishments with federation; and establishments with lactation stations. During the exit conference with regional director Raymundo G. Agravante on 26 June, BWSC representative, Roberto C. Cudal lauded the regional FWP through the Northern Mindanao Federation of Family Welfare Committees for its splendid implementation and good practices worth replicating to other regions. Agravante acknowledged the BSWC for the effort in intensifying the program that enabled the workers to enjoy with improved quality of life and productivity in their respective workplaces

CEPALCO, Nestle Phils., Inc; Coca-cola Bottlers Phils., Inc.; Philippine Sinter Corp.; Pilipinas Kao, Inc.; Granexport; Pilmico; Petronas Corp.; and Mabuhay Vinyl Corp. were among the establishments assessed by the team. The FWP advocates for the integration of its 10 dimensions namely: Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood; Education and Gender Equality; Spirituality and Values Formation; Income Generation, Livelihood, and Cooperative; Medical Health Care; Nutrition; Environment Protection; Hygiene and Sanitation; Sports and Leisure; and Housing and Transportation.The Family Welfare Program is pursuant to Article 134 of the Labor Code and to D.O. 56-03 in line with R.A. 10354, or “An Act Providing for a National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health”.

Region 10 has 222 establishments with active FWP membership with federation existing in 22 years.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Twenty six (26) students from different school districts in Region 10 joined the National Disaster Consciousness Month Inter High School Poster Making Contest held at Limketkai Activity Center, 2nd Floor, LKK Mall, Cagayan de Oro City on July 10, 2015.

26 students in NorMin join NDCM inter-high school poster making contest

The contest was organized by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The winner will receive cash prizes and certificates of recognition from the organizers which is one of the highlights of the month long observation. The winners will be announce on July 31, 2015 during the NDCM culmination ceremonies.

R D R R M C chairperson and OCD Regional Director Ana C. Caneda said that they organized the competition to provide the youth a venue wherein they can express and share their ideas and talents on how to help people and the communities and to reduce the risks

from natural calamities and other disasters as well as how to make communities safe and resilient. The competition focused on the theme of this year’s observance, “Pamilya at Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bansa.” The event was assisted by Department of Education (DepEd) 10 and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 10.

by Titus C. Velez


MATANAO, Davao del Sur– An official of the Department of Agri-culture’s rice process-ing center here has assured that the rice milled from the facil-ity are safe and of good quality. Engr. Ricardo Onate Jr., project manager of the Davao Rice Process-ing Complex, raised the assurance during a media tour at the com-plex amidst the fake rice scare in the region. Onate said the RPC Davao only provides safe, quality and afford-

able rice to its con-sumers mostly from Davao City and Digos City. The pro-cessing com-

plex based in the mu-nicipality of Matanao in Davao del Sur province mainly provides process-ing services such as dry-ing, storing and milling of rice bought from pro-ducers in said town and neighboring areas. Onate said that the one-stop service center is equipped with state-of-the-art postharvest facilities and technolo-gies capable of producing genuine premium, well milled and regular milled rice. He said that with the capability of mechan

DA-XI milling operation as-sures safe, quality rice


ical dryer to dry fresh palay harvest, preservation of the quality of newly harvested palay is also assured. He added that the RPC has higher milling recovery of 65 percent and only 15% loss compared to oth-er milling facilities which only have 50% milling recovery. About 50 to 60 bags of rice are being milled at the RPC in an hour or 400 to 480 bags of rice in an eight-hour operation, or an average of 3,000 bags of rice in one month. Onate said they have already established regular suppliers of palay from various farmers’ organizations and irrigators’ associations such as the Badagoy Irrigators Association in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. He said individual farmers or farmers groups could directly go to the RPC with a minimum require-ment of 100 bags to avail of the dry-ing and milling services. The established markets of the milled rice from the RPC include food chains, public markets and Gaisano malls in Digos City and Davao City. The RPC Davao is one of the four rice processing facilities located in major rice producing provinces in the country being operated by DA as a grant from the government of Ko-rea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with a total funding of $13 million. RPC Davao started its full op-eration in August 2013. The other RPCs are found in Pangasinan, Iloilo and Bohol. The first RPC was built in Aurora, Quezon Province.

As the recipient province and municipality, the Davao del Sur pro-vincial government and the Matanao municipal government provided their respective counterpart of construc-tion preparations. DA-XI, meanwhile, handles the RPC operations and owns the one-hectare area where the facility is presently put up. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)


DavSur Guv assesses performance

DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur– Gover-nor Claude P. Bautista believed that he has given a good service and ad-ministration despite several challeng-es during the last two years since he assumed office as chief executive of Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental provinces. Bautista was proud to say that it is only in his administration that local officials in the two provinces that he’s currently serving, have united despite different political affili-ations. “A good person delivers good performance,” he stated in a speech during the 48th Araw ng Davao del Sur celebration. The governor attributed his ac-complishments to the support and cooperation of his work force at the provincial capitol, provincial Board Members, city and municipal mayors and barangay officials. He said he took all efforts to approach all local officials in Davao del Sur and in Davao Occidental which is still under his administra-tion being a newly-created province, and he added that he broke political fence. “I obtained their (officials) sym-pathy and cooperation. Maybe be-cause they saw that I have nothing to hide,” Bautista stated. He said that all his programs and projects gear towards inclusive

growth, aiming to provide to all com-munities in his provinces, “so that no one will be left behind.” The governor enumerated proj-ects and services being extended for his constituents, with a total alloca-tion of P1 billion. The allocation was meant for projects on infrastructures, medi-cines and health services, housing, water management and agriculture. He hoped to provide one unit of bus for the district supervisors and teachers for their travels to attend seminars, trainings and educational tours. Near the end of his speech, Bautista announced that he won’t be seeking reelection bid for gubernato-rial seat in the May 2016 elections in Davao del Sur as he will be running for elections in the newly-created Davao Occidental. The new provincecovers the second district towns of Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani. Digos City and the municipali-ties of Sta. Cruz, Hagonoy, Padada, Kiblawan, Sulop, Malalag, Bansalan, Matanao and Magsaysay are still un-der Davao del Sur province. (PLGU-DavSur/Nilda S. Aniñon)


Tacurong launches organic trading post

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, July 13-- The City Government of Tacurong, to-gether with the Department of Agriculture (DA) 12 and San Antonio Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAFAMCO) launched the Organic Trading Post (OTP) project on Wednesday in New Isabela, Tacurong City.

The OTP will serve as a venue for farm-ers to showcase and sell their organic prod-ucts. Tacurong OTP is the first of its kind in the province of Sultan Kudarat. It is also one among the only five OTPs in Region XII.

According to City Agriculturist Ramon Losañes, the project is being implemented in accordance to Republic Act 10068 or the Or-ganic Agriculture Act of 2010 with hopes to encourage and boost organic agriculture in the city.

In attendance during the launch-cum-turnover ceremony were Mayor Lina Montilla, who gave her message of support to the program; Dr. Lorna P. Vilbar, Regional Fo-cal Person on Organic Agriculture; Nestor D. Casador, Provincial Agriculturist; Hon. Joseli-to L. Cajandig, Sr., SP Member and chairper-son, Committee of Agriculture; Marcon Gulle, SAFAMCO chairman; and Jose S. Laygan, SAFAMCO manager.

City Agricultural Services personnel, SAFA-MCO members, and other farmers also came


to express support.The trading post costs Php1.4

million. Of the said amount, Php1 million was spent for in-frastructure while Php200 thou-sand was for equipment such as a freezer and a chiller.

The remaining amount of Php200 thousand served as cap-ital of SAFAMCO, the designated people’s organization (PO) to manage the OTP.

Currently, the trading post carries certified organic prod-ucts from the surrounding prov-inces. These products include black rice, red rice, coffee, tea (malunggay, sambong, and ta-wa-tawa), honey, fruit juices,

and charcoal, among others. Fresh organic produce from Ta-curong farmers are also avail-able. According to the Office for City Agricultural Services, Ta-curong’s own certified organic products are in the works.

As per RA 10068, organic farming “will cumulatively con-dition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm produc-tivity; reduce pollution and de-struction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the general public.” (LGU-Tacurong City Information/DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)


DOT-homestay training program to boost New Israel Eco-tourism Park

MAKILALA, Cotabato, July 13 – The Department of Trade and In-dustry (DOT)-funded homestay training program in Makilala town has pumped up the promising tourism industry of New Israel Eco-tourism Park, a local official said.

By: Aida C. Agad

According to Isidro Mainit, tourism officer designate of Makilala, the five day training held at Eva’s Hotel in Kidapawan City graced by renowned lectur-er Dr. Gina Garcia, enabled resi-dents to acquire techniques and skills in catering to the needs of tourists flocking the scenic park. Garcia is a certified ASEAN mas-ter trainer on tourism industry and the Homestay program.

Under the Bottoms-Up- Bud-geting (BUB) program, funded by the Department of Tour-ism, 15 households from Ba-rangay New Israel in Makilala underwent the 5-day training on homestay program on June 15-19.

The P505,000 BUB project has counterpart equity of 10% from LGU Makilala.

The five day training module orients the residents the basic

know-how on the provision of accommodation; housekeep-ing and bathroom maintenance; health, hygiene and sanitation of the premises; proper food handling and preparation; and safety, security and protection of guests.

Mainit said, the DOT National Homestay Program will enable travelers or tourist with com-fortable accommodations that will be provided by Makilala native families living near the tourist attraction.

The local tourism official re-counted that as an alternative to the lack of hotel accommoda-tions and pension houses for the tourist and visitors to stay in the locality, the Makilala Tourism Of-fice had proposed to DOT for the homestay program.

Barangay New Israel is the home of the longest 2.3 kilome


ter zip line, the main attraction at the center of New Israel Eco-tourism Park.

The barangay with a pristine and serene atmosphere also serves as habitat of the mem-

bers of the Alpha and Omega Peace Crusaders Mission and the tamed Macaque monkeys. OCDeseo LGU Makilala/ACAgad-PIA 12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, July 13 – City Hall employees were able to build a classroom in a far-flung school with their P10 contribu-tions.

Gensan employees donate classroom

The General Santos City Gov-ernment Employees Association (GSCGEA) donated a makeshift classroom to the New Society High School Extension at Pu-rok Cabuay, Barangay Sinawal through their Sampu Ko, Klas-rum Mo program.The classroom was officially handed over to the officials of New Society High School on July 3.One makeshift classroom costs around P110, 000. On the other hand, a regular classroom fol-lowing the standards of Depart-ment of Education amounts to P600,000 or more.Sampu Ko, Klasrum Mo is a pro-gram initiated by the GSCGEA to complement the thrust of City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to improve the educational system of the

city by providing school facilities such as armchairs and by giving scholarships to needy but de-serving students.Currently, Mayor Rivera leads a donation program for public schools called Armchair Dona-tion and PTA Donation.During the classroom turnover ceremony, Rebecca Magante, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSW-DO), said it was her first time to participate in a simple but noble advocacy.“Sa tagal ko dito sa city govern-ment, ngayon lang ako nakara-nas na magbigay ng classroom para sa mga paaralan natin. Na-kakatuwa kung iisipin dahil ang classroom na binigay namin ay galing lang sa P10 na kinakaltas sa aming sahod buwan-buwan


(For how many years here in the city government, it was my first time to experience to give class-rooms for our schools. It is quite amusing because the classroom we gave just came from our P10 that we deduct from our month-ly salary),” Magante said.“Actually, half lang ang ginas-tos naming para sa pagpatayo namin ng classroom nato. Ang kalahati ay galing na sa sariling bulsa ni Mayor Rivera (Actually, we only spent half for the con-struction of this classroom. The other half came from the pocket of Mayor Rivera),” Magante re-vealed.The city government has around 1,400 regular employees.Mayor Rivera said that it was his commitment to the Department

of Education that the local gov-ernment of Gensan will be their partner in advancing educational reforms for the city. “If we can continue this, we will be able to give more classrooms to the public schools in the city, especially those that are located in far areas,” Mayor Rivera ex-plained.The GSCGEA also donated a makeshift classroom to Calum-pang National High School last October 2014.Aside from the GSCGEA, the Ig-loo Storage, a subsidiary of the RD Group of Companies, has also donated three makeshift classrooms to the New Society High School Extension. (IJML-agare-Gensan CPIO/DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)


Population workers undergo short course on responsible parenthood, family planningBy: PopCom-Caraga

BUTUAN CITY – The barangay population volunteers (BPVs) from various barangays in the cities of Butuan and Cabadbaran, and in the province of Agusan del Sur are now ready to reach-out more couples in the community after completing a short course on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP). The training was aimed to enhance the capacities of the BPVs to become more effective


and efficient in providing quality family planning and health-related information and services to the couples and in performing their duties and responsibilities in their respective barangay. Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that this capability building activity included training on interpersonal communication (IPC) and counseling techniques and skills on modern methods of

family planning. “Training and intensified mobilization of barangay population volunteers would be a great help in promoting Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Family Planning in the community level,” Makinano emphasized. Said activity was facilitated by the PopCom-Caraga in partnership with the Department of Health-Caraga.

By: John Glenn A. Platil

Education caravan goes to Surigao City barangaySURIGAO CITY – To inspire the schoolchildren of Canlanipa Central Elementary School in barangay Canlanipa, this city, the provincial government through governor Sol F. Matugas initiated the distribution of packbags filled with school supplies and health kits during the recently held education caravan.


DepEd Surigao City district supervisor Dr. Richard Antallan and Canlanipa Barangay captain Joel Cambalon, also supported the caravan in line with the HEALS Plus agenda of the governor dubbed “Marajaw Edukasyon.” “I am truly beholden and definitely thankful to be with you all in this very important caravan which is a pure confirmation and solid testament of ‘Marajaw Edukasyon’ (good education) to sustain ‘Ang Bag-ong Surigao’ (the new Surigao),” governor Matugas said in her message. She said that the packbags that were distributed are filled with school supplies and health kits because she wants the pupils to be the smartest, the brightest

and the healthiest kids in town. “What we aim is for our schoolboy and schoolgirls to appreciate, understand and study their lessons well because we love them and we want to dedicate our best for them,” she said. Matugas further said that the Education Roadmap of the province is rightly anchored on sincere aspiration to mold the character of the young, and introduce them to a world thriving and brimming with complete understanding, active involvement and pure wisdom and to be clear in guiding and training them how to become productive, noble and responsible citizens of the country.

photo: Richard Beldas Antallan


By: Iris C. Asis

PESO managers undergo labor force data trainingBUTUAN CITY – For the longest time, the local government units have been requesting provincial disaggregated labor force data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Now, the Philippine Employment Service Office (PESO) managers can make their own LMI (Labor Market Information) based on the links and Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) data. Seventy three PESO managers along with their respective staff were taught on how to go about the matrices from PSA and DOLE on the “Provincial Evaluation and Assessment from 1st-5th Waves Cum LMI” held on July 9-10, 2015 at Prince Hotel, this city. “Now we know how to get our own employment and unemployment rate, mas madali na sa para sa amin makagawa ng analysis on our economic progress specially with the skills map we now have,” Emilio Pantejo, Surigao del Norte, Provincial PESO said. Participants presented their employment data as part of the workshop as well as their individual skills maps and updates on the number of skills registered. The SRS (Skils Registry System) plays a vital part in the

LMI. The data derived from this program may be used to analyze job mismatch and identify the rise and fall of employment. To further enhance the SRS, Mark Portillo, IT of the municipality of Socorro, presented their newly installed PESO system. He showed the crowd how easy report generation is using the program. The parties were also taught the basics on news and LMI writing to formalize their interpretation on their calculated employment data. “Jam-packed ang activity na ito, we learned a lot, thanks to DOLE Caraga for continuously conducting capacity building activities like this. Iba ang set-up ng SRS Assessment and Evaluation Exercises ngayon, improved talaga,” James Soria, PESO Manager of Hinatuan said.



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One Mindanao - July 13, 2015