One Mindanao - September 19, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE Officer-in-charge, PIA Caraga Region

ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., 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 Adviser :

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

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

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

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

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Cover StoryDOLE-11 reaches out to workers in far-flung communities

Joy FlordelisSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Vol. 2 No. 25

page 4

President Aquino says government is working diligently to come up with ‘creative solutions’ to all challenges 8

Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

Dapitan Mayor urges judges to combat stress 19Comprehensive feeding program seeks to address malnutrition in Tagum City21 Southern Mindanao

14 Four day care centers subject for turn-over to respective barangays this month

Keneath John O. Bolisay, Caraga Region

Convergence of NGAs intensified for Kalahi-CIDSS project implementation

David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

15

Cotabato Province gets third district 24 Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Reporma sa kalusugan, prayoridad sa South Cotabato 25 Aida Agad, Central Mindanao

Forum on biosecurity, invasive alien species held in Bukidnon 27LETiongco, Northern Mindanao

Sangguniang Panglungsod adopts Cagayan de Oro’s Citizen’s Charter 29Lorebeth C. Requiroso, Northern Mindanao

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4 ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, September 19, 2012

DOLE-11 reaches out to workers in far-flung communities

Steered by the equally dynamic Regional Director, Atty. Joffrey Suyao, DOLE-XI joins the roster of national government agencies (NGAs) in bringing a convergence of services directly to the beneficiaries through the “Serbisyo Caravan,” a banner project of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA-XI) in Region XI. The “Serbisyo Caravan” has served as a venue for DOLE-XI to ensure that the delivery of services is fast tracked and felt by the communities, Suyao says describing the caravan as unique, the first of its kind and the only in the entire country. DOLE-XI is among the NGAs in the region that provides huge assistance

to the residents and beneficiaries of the recipient-towns and cities in every roll-out of the caravan since it was launched last year. The “Serbisyo Caravan,” a convergence effort of ARENA-XI member-agencies aims to bring a one-stop-shop of government’s array of programs and services in distant municipalities in Davao region. This year, the power of the convergence has defied geographical complexity as the “Serbisyo Caravan” has gotten through to the remotest town of Davao del Sur province and the Davao Region’s last frontier –Sarangani. In this first stop of the caravan on August 26, DOLE-XI has awarded

Last The Departmentof Labor and Employment in

Davao Region takes an aggressive stance and approach in delivering its services to stakeholders, aiming to reach out to more disadvantaged workers in far-flung communities in need of assistance.

by Joy Flordelis

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

DOLE-11 reaches out to workers in far-flung communities

P450,000 worth of livelihood assistance in the form of fishing gears and tools to 100 Saranganian fisherfolks. After the success in Sarangani, DOLE-XI has joined the series of caravan services in other four provinces in the region in August and September. In Governor Generoso of Davao Oriental province on August 30, some P400,000 financial grant of fishing project has been provided to 100 fisherfolks, while P169,285 worth of cosmetology starter kits and garments for bag-making has been turned over to 60 persons with disabilities. A livelihood enhancement project amounting to P465,000 has been handed over to 222 fisherfolks in Mati City, also in Davao Oriental on August 31. The caravan also graced the recent 12th Araw ng Digos in Digos City of Davao del Sur on September 4, with DOLE-XI awarding some P425,000 to 80 ambulant vendors for their food vending livelihood project. The DOLE-XI has gone full-blast in the last leg of the caravan on September 7 at Kapalong, Davao del Norte, where it has awarded over P1,195,000 livelihood projects. Among the livelihood projects include the P602,000 given to 280 women, out-of-school-youth and farmers for their banana chips

production and peeling; P50,000 worth of starter kits on fashion jewelry making and tribal accessories making to 196 persons with disabilities; and P50,000 cosmetology kits to 120 women and youth. Other projects cover the P300,000 Negosyo To-Go in Talicud for the 99 unemployed mothers, youth, farmers and fisherfolks in the Island Garden City of Samal; the P120,000 project on native chicken-raising and ice cream making for the 60 informal sector; and the P100,000 worth of common facilities for banana flour delicacies making for 97 women and farmers. Suyao says DOLE-XI has awarded a total of P3,131,285.50 of livelihood assistance to 1,575 disadvantaged Dabawenyo workers during this year’s region-wide conduct of the Serbisyo Caravan. He states that the active involvement of the agency in the convergence effort demonstrates its unified strategy together with other partner agencies in making the DOLE

6 ONE MINDANAO Wednesday, September 19, 2012

services, particularly on livelihood opportunities, accessible to more disadvantaged workers in far-flung areas in the region. “The projects are actually under the regular program of the agency, but we have integrated its delivery in the caravan for a holistic impact,” Suyao explains, adding “this could make a difference not only to the lives of the recipients, but also to the indirect beneficiaries.” Suyao says DOLE pushes for an upbeat economic activity in the community by providing an enhanced assistance as it envisions for a community enterprise. “We envision that the beneficiaries themselves would be able to help curb employment problem by providing employment in their own community in the future,” he intimates. “Bringing services to the people is not only a mandate, but is also a commitment from the entire workforce of the agency,” Suyao emphasizes.Meanwhile, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda

Baldoz has lauded the effort of DOLE-XI regional office, saying that the 16 DOLE regional offices should continue a proactive participation in convergent programs with local and partner agencies to further solidify the shared commitment to ensure the viability and sustainability of the DOLE’s programs and services in addressing the issues of poverty alleviation and job generation at the local level. “This unprecedented convergence of the DOLE with other government agencies will ensure the success of projects, maximize the use of limited government funds, and impact more clearly on the lives of our people in terms of sustainable incomes,” says Baldoz. “This also means faster implementation of programs and efficient and effective delivery of services to more workers even those in the remote areas. With convergence, we are sharing our mantra to enable the people to feel the DOLE,” she adds.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7

ACROSS THE NATIONSWS survey indicates radical progress in government fight against corruption since 2009

Tthe latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey of Enterprises on Corruption showing that the fight against corruption has radically progressed from 2009 is an indication that the business sector

recognizes the results of the Aquino administration’s relentless drive against corruption.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte issued the statement on Tuesday following the release of the preliminary report of the 2012 SWS Survey of Enterprises on Corruption.

“Based on interviews of 826 company executives representing large, medium and small enterprises, 71% see less

public sector corruption now compared to the previous administration,” Valte said citing the SWS survey conducted from July 16 to September 14.

“Of all the government institutions rated for sincerity in fighting corruption this year, the Office of the President shot up the most, from -37 in 2009 to +81 this

8 Wednesday, September 19, 2012

President Aquino says government is working diligently to come up with ‘creative solutions’ to all challenges

President Benigno S . Aquino III said on Tuesday that

his administration is working diligently to come up with “creative solutions” so that all challenges may be addressed” in the shortest possible time.

year, an improvement of +118,” she noted. The 2012 SWS Survey of Enterprises is the

tenth in a series since 2000, the last survey being in 2009. The 2012 round has the largest sample size (target 950 companies) and broadest area coverage (National Capital Region, Cavite-Laguna-Batangas, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao, Cagayan de Oro-Iligan, and, for the first time, Metro Angeles and Metro Iloilo) of all ten rounds, according to the SWS in a statement.

“Indeed, the President leads by example and the Filipino people see in his leadership the embodiment of positive change and honest public service. This is indicative of the overwhelming trust, confidence, and support in the President as he undertakes anti-corruption initiatives. In

the eyes of the business community, good governance is good economics,” Valte said.

“The mandate of reform is one of hope, change, and the belief that corruption is at the root of our country’s social ills,” Valte said.

Valte said the results of this survey affirm the Aquino administration’s commitment to pursuing the straight and righteous path throughout the public sector – from Malacañang to Barangay Halls that serve our people.

The 2012 Survey of Enterprises on Corruption was supported by the Australian Agency for International Development through The Asia Foundation. The survey was done in partnership with the Makati Business Club’s Integrity Initiative program and the National Competitive Council. PND (js)

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9

President Aquino says government is working diligently to come up with ‘creative solutions’ to all challenges

In his speech keynoting the 2nd Integrity Summit held at the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City on Tuesday, the President said that he would rather solve problems than just pass it on to the next person.

“I am faced with a choice: I can just kick the can down the road, and let the next set of leaders deal with this problem. After all, the politically prudent thing to do would be not to rattle the cage, not to make any noise about something that is, at the moment, not yet an issue,” the President said.

“But as a friend of mine said, my mindset and the way I do things, is not very typical of politicians. I prefer to pick up the can rather than kick it down the road. I’m here to solve problems, and I believe a person of integrity is also a person of foresight—he will not pass on a problem to someone else when he can solve it himself,” he added.

“So that is why my administration is

studying creative solutions to all of these challenges, and hopefully we can find a way to make these problems gone in the shortest possible,” the President said.

The 2nd Integrity Summit, with the this year’s theme “Driving Culture Change,” gathers experts and authorities to present ways on how to strengthen ethical business practices and institutionalize them so that “business with ethics” becomes the country’s norm, rather than the exception. The event dovetails with the President’s battle cry – “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

The summit was organized by the Makati Business Club and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, in partnership with the Management Association of the Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce, and the Asian Institute of Management. PND (rck)

Wednesday, September 19, 2012ONE MINDANAO 10

OPAPP, other agencies celebrate int’l peace day with job fair

More than 2,500 job openings are available at a job fair in KaPEACEtahan, the highlight of this year’s Peace Month

celebration, this Friday, September 21, at the SM North The Block, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles announced.

“KaPEACEtahan, a play on the word kapistahan which means festivity, brings to light the importance of celebrating peace and the journey towards

achieving it. It will be a festive celebration of the peace gains under P-Noy’s daang matuwid and a service-oriented event where Filipinos can come


together and celebrate the message of peace,” Deles said.

Leading the job fair is Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), who reported that “over 2,500 job openings both local and abroad” will be made available to the public at the job fair.

The job fair, organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in cooperation with the DOLE,is being participated in by 23 private companies, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Commission of Audit, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Deles added that jobs and investments thrive best in stable, peaceful and progressive communities. “The time for peace is now. If we are able to pave the way for just and lasting peace in the Philippines, we also help contribute in building the good foundation of job creation and economic opportunities,” she said.

“I invite the public to take part in the whole-day event,” Deles said, adding that aside from the job fair, there would

be Serbisyong Bayan booths participated in by agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, PhilHealth, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Government Service Insurance System, the Red Cross, and the National Statistics Office that would render frontline public services from 10 am to 5 pm.

A cultural gala with live performances and presentations of peace gains under the Aquino administration follow at 6 to 8 pm, Deles added.

OPAPP leads the annual celebration of Peace Month that aims to raise awareness on the peace process and urge different sectors, including government agencies, private and civil society organizations, to contribute in achieving a just and lasting peace for the country. Aside from DOLE, other partners of KaPEACEtahan include the United Nations Development Programme, SM North EDSA, Centrex, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the official sponsor for this year’s Peace Month celebration.


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DSWD, partner-agencies step up preparations for the Filipino Family Week celebby Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, as lead agency for the Regional Inter-Agency Committee for Filipino Family (RIAC-FF), stepped up its preparations for the upcoming National Filipino Family Week celebration on September 22-30. DSWD-Caraga Regional Dir. Mercedita Jabagat said that based

on Proclamation No. 60, the RIAC-FF celebrates the National Family


DSWD, partner-agencies step up preparations for the Filipino Family Week celeb

Week from September 22-30, 2012. “This year, we aim to strengthen family unity and relationship through meaningful celebration and promotion of Filipino values,” said Jabagat. On September 21, the committee will conduct the Regional Parents Education Congress to be held at the Goat2geder Hotel and Restaurant here. This will be participated in by parents coming from different local government units of Caraga region. A motorcade within the city thoroughfares will also be conducted on September 24, and a program will follow at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center.

Along with the program is the conduct of the Search for Talentadong Pamilyang Pilipino wherein the first placer will receive one sack of rice with P1,000 cash and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) scholarship. Second placer will receive P1,000 worth of grocery items and Tesda scholarship while the third placer will receive P500 worth of grocery items and Tesda scholarship. The committee will also be giving out consolation prizes. Also, the committee prepared games for parents and children during the celebration.


This is a joint project of Cong. Maria Valentina Plaza of the First Congressional District, the provincial and municipal governments and the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation- Integrated Development Center, Inc. (JPIC-IDC). According to report of Melvin Osorio, JPIC-IDC project coordinator, these day care centers are in Barangays Sto. Nino, Bayugan City, Mt. Olive also in Bayugan City, Batohon in the municipality of Esperanza and Kauswagan, Talacogon. Last month, three day care centers were turned-over in Barangay Tag-oyango in the municipality of Sibagat and barangays Gamao and Mabuhay in Bayugan City. Being a joint project, the fund for the construction of the 30 day care centers were taken from the priority development fund of Cong. Maria Valentina Plaza who shares

67 percent or P17 million, the provincial government with 12 percent or P3 million, the municipal government with 10 percent or P2.5 million and the JPIC-IDC with another 12 percent or P3 million shares. “The paintings of the day care centers are not included in the program of work undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways. We are therefore lobbying to the barangay councils where the day care centers are constructed that they shoulder the painting of the building,” Osorio said. The five municipalities and barangays where the 30 day care centers are located and under construction are Sibagat with three barangays, Esperanza with five, Bayugan City with five, Prosperidad with six, Talacogon with five and San Luis with six.

Four day care centers subject for turn-over to respective barangays this monthby David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur-- Four day care centers will be turned-over this month in District 1 of Agusan del Sur. This is part of the 30 day care centers programmed for completion and turn-over this year.


Convergence of NGAs intensified for Kalahi-CIDSS project implementationby Keneath John O. Bolisay

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga sees the importance of convergence efforts of government line agencies in its implementation of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS). During the Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) orientation on the project, DSWD Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat said the revitalization of a convergence strategy among national government agencies (NGAs) is tantamount to carrying out the objectives of the project and its scale-up initiatives. “As we gear towards a more comprehensive implementation of

the project, intensifying our efforts in the regional level for a more collaborative partnership should be done in addressing the needs of our communities,” Jabagat said. The project was supported by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Caraga Assistant Regional Director for operations Alejandro Otacan, saying the activity is very timely as majority of the special projects


administered by NGAs throughout the country are community-driven development (CDD) projects. “Our government is favoring CDD programs and this is also becoming a trend for international development programs since the CDD technology ensures transparency and accountability,” Otacan said. The official added that DAR’s CDD project also funded by World

Bank is implementing the same process as Kalahi-CIDSS and both programs have one common goal: to improve the quality of lives of the vulnerable and the disadvantaged. The objective of community empowerment and the principle of participatory approach in the implementation are also observed by another community-based project of the Department of Health (DOH). Meanwhile, Center for Health Development (CHD) Caraga focal person Daylinda Alvizo said a convergence strategy should be in place to continue enhancing and updating the implementation

mechanism of all CDD projects. The DSWD along with other line agencies will be conducting series of consultation-dialogues in the coming months. “This is a start of a more meaningful and fruitful partnership that will bring about the development we dream for our communities,” Otacan said.


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VP Binay urges ZamboSurians to continue to unite in attaining strong and progressive local governmentPAGADIAN CITY – “For the Philippines to be progressive, our local governments must be strong and progressive,” emphasized Vice Pesident Jejomar Binay during yesterday’s 60th anniversary celebration of Zamboanga del Sur at the Grand Arena, Provincial Government Center, Dao here.

By Gideon C. Corgue


Addressing an estimated crowd of 5,000, Binay who was guest of honor and speaker during the event said “a progressive town is the result of a progressive province, and a progressive province will build a strong and progressive country.” Binay lauded the ZamboSurians for being united. “ Alalahanin nating wala sana tayong ipagmamalaki kung hindi tayo nagkakaisa, at kung hindi namayani sa mga taga-Zamboanga del Sur ang pagkandili sa bawat isa. Iyang pagkakaisa at pagkandili na iyan mula sa ating mga lungsod at lalawigan ang bukal ng lakas ng buong Pilipinas (We should remember that we have nothing to be proud of if we are not united

and if unity did not prevail among ZamboSurians. That oneness and unity from our municipaity and province is the source of strength of the entire country),” Binay said. Binay advised the local government to continue to hasten infrastructure developments and showcase the rich culture and tradition of the province. The vice president also encouraged the local officials to keep on pouring more developments in the province and to establish private and public partnership, saying that the initiative will further strengthen the foundation of sustainable development and change in a locality.


This was the gist of the message delivered by Mayor Patri Bajamunde-Chan of Dapitan City before the officers and members of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines (MCJAP) who held their national convention at the Dakak Park and Beach Resort in Dapitan City recently. Mayor Chan said “a judge’s life does not only revolve around his sala, as he has family, community and social obligations as well.” Thus, she underscored the importance that each judge must be able to balance his wellness and stress. The lady mayor stressed that a judge may suffer from burnt-out because of “compassion fatigue,” resulting from constant stress and anxiety wrought by the nature of his work. MCJAP held its 14th national convention at Dakak Park and Beach Resort with newly appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno as keynote speaker. For her part, Mayor Chan expressed her gratitude to MCJAP for choosing Dapitan as the venue of its convention, saying “it augurs

well for the city government’s effort in promoting the city as one of the premier tourist destinations in the country.” Dapitan is known as the Heritage Center and Eco-tourism paradise in the country where the national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, spent four years of his life as an exile in 1892 to 1896.

Dapitan Mayor urges judges to combat stress By Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY - A life of a judge may be glamorous but the weight and burden of the task can make him lonely and stressful.


DAVAO CITY- Dynamite fishing remains an urgent concern for en-forcement in the municipal waters of the city according to Leonardo Avila III, city agriculturist. He revealed based on monitoring that illegal fishing using dynamites continues to thrive especially if fishers notice plenty schools of fish in the water.

“Occurrence of dynamite fishing may either go up or down, but it happens regularly either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, in the waters of Bunawan, Tibungco, and towards Island Garden City of Samal,” Avila said. He said that even the local government of IGACoS complains about these incidents. Avila surmised the proliferation of mining activities in the

countryside also impacts on fishing with several explosives like dynamite ending up in the hands of fishermen.He said there no clear government accounting on how miners use the excess explosives used in their operation which can be sold to fishermen for illegal fishing. Avila said blasting caps are

Dynamite fishers still major threatto fisheriesby Joey Dalumpines


Comprehensive feeding program seeks to address malnutrition in Tagum CityTAGUM CITY- To arrest the grow-ing number of malnourished chil-dren in Tagum City, the City Nu-trition Council re-launched the Supplemental Feeding Program to the identified 161 severely under-weight pre-school children from the 23 barangays that was jump-started in Barangay Mankilam last September 12, 2012. Each of the undernourished children was given first laboratory test and medical check-up to assess its physical condition before they could be enrolled in a 90-day feeding program as jointly conducted by the City Health Office headed by Dr. Arnel Florendo and City Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Mrs. Nora Lupiba. These malnourished children, according to City health Action Officer and City Councilor Joedel

T. Caasi, who spearheaded the supplemental feeding program, were found out to perform poorly in school and were also susceptive to illnesses. To ensure sustainability of the program and positive result in ensuring the improvement of the nutritional status of these children, the parents were oriented on the proper nutrition and feeding of their children. The activity also saw the help of civic organizations such as the Tagum City Food Bank and the Rotary Club of Tagum that regularly conduct feeding activities in different barangays . From 103 cases of severely malnourished children last year, the number rose to 161 this year due to increased population as a result to influx of settlers in the city.

readily available for fishermen, making dynamite fishing viable even it explodes underwater. “As long as there are people who sell these goods to fishermen, dynamite fishing will continue,” he said. Avila cited the need to strengthen community cooperation to control illegal fishing with the local government providing them, respective fishing

buoys. Fishing buoys where illegal fishing occurs normally have low fish yield, so it is the communities in its immediate environ suffer. So people need to cooperate with the control and enforcement,” he said. Avila also hoped that the Maritime Police with its bigger patrol boat can pursue and file cases against the perpetrators.(PIA)


P7.32 M released to 5 LGUs for Liguasan Marsh rehabBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- More than P7.32 million has been released to five local government units of Maguindanao and North Cotabato for the rehabilitation of Liguasan Marsh.


A statement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 12 indicated the amount was intended for maintenance of a combined 796 hectares of plantation of indigenous species in several areas of the marsh.

Forester Iskak G. Dipatuan, manager of the Liguasan Marsh Biodiversity Conservation Project (LMBCP), said the amount represents the full and final tranche of plantation maintenance fund under the National Program Support to Environment and Natural Resources Management Project (NPS-ENRMP) funded by the World Bank (WB) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Grant Fund.

The World Bank through the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) in Manila has debited the funds to the respective accounts of the following municipalities,

namely: Kabacan, (125 hectares) – P1,192,312.50; and Tulunan, (60 ha) – P765,000.00 in North Cotabato as well as in Paglat (257 ha) – P1,638,274.00; Datu Piang (140 ha) – P1,785,000.00; and Sultan sa Barongis (214 ha) – PhP1,943,205.00 in Maguindanao.

DENR 12’s OIC-Regional Executive Director Adeluisa G. Siapno has already directed the LGUs to pay people’s organizations which maintained the tree plantations in compliance with World Bank documentary requirements and the existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

Dipatuan said the agency has sustained technical support to the said LGUs and maintained extensive monitoring by institutionalizing the composite inspectorate and validation team to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project. Likewise, linkage among

stakeholders had been improved and strengthened.

“The strong partnership of DENR and its stakeholders coupled with the sincere and dedicated efforts of the project management team helped the project achieved its goals at a higher level,” Dipatuan said.

The goal of many wetland policies and best management practices is to ensure that there is no net loss of wetland habitat and ecosystem, he said.

Liguasan Marsh is one of the largest wetlands in the country with an area of about 220,000 hectares, comprising about ten percent of the Mindanao River Basin. It is composed of three marshes, namely: Liguasan proper, Libungan, and Ebpanan marshes.

It is regarded as an important wetland site of many water bird species. In 1979, 30,000 ha of the marsh were declared a game refuge and bird sanctuary.


Cotabato Province gets third districtBy Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- President Benigno Aquino III signed Friday a law splitting North Cotabato into three districts.

Under Republic Act 10177, An Act Reapportioning the Province of Cotabato into three Legislative Districts, assigned to the new district the municipalities of Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, M’lang and Tulunan.

Cotabato’s First District retains Pikit, Pigkawayan,

Alamada, Midsayap, Libungan, and Aleosan while the second district shall be comprised of the city of Kidapawan and the towns of Makilala, Magpet, President Roxas, Antipas and Arakan.

“The incumbent representatives of the first and second districts of the

Province of Cotabato shall continue to represent the respective legislative district until the new representative shall have been elected and qualified,” the law says.

Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Nancy filed House Bill 4111 on February 2, 2011 that sought for the creation of another district in the province. It was co-authored by Cotabato 1st District Rep. Jesus Sacdalan, TUCP Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza and Agham Party-list Angelo Palomes.

Senator Panfilo Lacson filed the counterpart Senate Bill 2945.

The Act was passed by the House of Representatives on February 22, 2011 and by the Senate on July 24, 2012.


Cotabato Province gets third district Reporma sa kalusugan, prayoridad sa South Cotabatoni Aida AgadLUNGSOD NG KORONADAL, South Cotabato -– Kabilang ang reporma sa ka-lusugan ang pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng pamahalaang lokal ng South Cota-bato.

Sa isang l i n g g u h a n g programa sa radyo, sinabi ni Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. na sisiguruhin ng kanyang adm in i s t r a s yon na patuloy na tutugunan ang mga pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng mga taga-South Cotabato.

Ito ayon sa gobernador, ay dahil na rin sa pagkapili sa lalawigan bilang “consistent top performer” sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang pangkalusugan, base sa isinagawang evaluation ng Department of Health.

Ipinagmalaki ng gobernador ang pagkakapili sa South Cotabato sa buong Rehiyon 12, bilang nag-iisang top performer base sa mga performance indicators tulad ng protein

energy malnutrition, facility-based deliveries, contraceptive prevalence rate, fully immunized child at TB-DOTS accreditation.

Ang pagkilalang ito sa lalawigan bilang isa sa nangungunang “15 performing LGUs” sa buong bansa, ayon kay Pingoy ay natamo dahil sa pagtutulungan ng

lokal na pamahalaan at mga residente.

Sa buong Mindanao, kasama ng South Cotabato ang mga lalawigan ng Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, at Agusan del Sur sa mga nangunguna sa pagpapatupad ng reporma sa pangkalusugan.


Organic rice and cattle farming get boost from MRDPby Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - Three coastal towns from this province received financial support from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) of the Department of Agriculture for the implementation of its agricultural projects, particularly those on organic rice production and livestock production.

The municipalities of Kapatagan, Lala and Baroy are the latest towns to benefit from this anti-poverty program from national government. Among those who received financial assistance are two farmers’ cooperative and two livestock raisers from Kapatagan, four farmer groups and two livestock raisers in Lala, one farmer’s cooperative from Baroy and one people’s organization in Tubod. The seven farmers’ organization

each received close to P500,000 as integral support for their organic rice farming. Livestock raisers also received P750,000 for their cattle


Forum on biosecurity, invasive alien species held in Bukidnonby LETiongco

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental - The Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) and the Technology Transfer and Information Division (TTID) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 10 (DENR-10) held an information education campaign-forum on biosecurity issues and concerns and invasive alien species at Kaatuan, Lantapan, Bukidnon on September 5.

The forum aimed to disseminate information on biosecurity issues, concerns and invasive alien species (IAS) to local communities living within the vicinity of a protected area (PA) like Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and capacitate them on the identification of IAS that may invade

and affect biodiversity of the PA. Kaatuan Barangay Captain Renald Dinglasa welcomed the participants and gave full support to the activity. He emphasized that biosecurity and invasive alien species are new terms and information that needs to be understood by the local stakeholders

fattening and halal meat production projects. Formal turnover of checks, representing the provincial counterpart was held last September 11 and 12 at barangays Butadon in Kapatagan, Rebe in Lala and Maliwanag in Baroy. As of writing, only 50 percent of the project amount was released to the beneficiary organizations. The remaining balance will be released on the second tranche of the program. The Department of Agriculture and the provincial government of Lanao del Norte each contributed 20-percent of the project cost as their monetary counterpart. The remaining 60-percent is taken from the World Bank loan grant.

Present during the turnover ceremony were Gov. Khalid Dimaporo, town mayors, provincial employees, barangay captains and councilors. The Mindanao Rural Development Program – Adaptable Program Loan Phase 2 (MRDP2) is a poverty-alleviation initiative implemented through the Department of Agriculture (DA) jointly funded by the World Bank, National Government, and Local Government Units covering Mindanao’s 26 provinces and 225 municipalities. MRDP seeks to further improve rural incomes and achieve food security through agri-fishery infrastructure, livelihood enterprise, and biodiversity conservation projects.


so that they would be able to act as a vehicle for the protection of biodiversity of Mt. Kitanglad. TTID Chief Gina C. Padilla, meanwhile, presented the rationale of the forum. Biosecurity reflects the concern of a lot of countries over the negative effects caused by alien organisms such as foreign animals, plants, insects, bacteria, viruses and other life forms and neatly describes the phenomenon of alien organisms struggling to dominate native organisms. The introduction of exotic species, either intentionally or unintentionally, constitutes one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. Those alien species that become established in a new environment then proliferate and

spread in ways that are destructive to human interests and natural systems are considered invasive alien species. A total of 43 local stakeholders attended the forum which include local residents of Barangay Kaatuan, its barangay captain, secretary, treasurer, seven kagawads, six purok leaders, 19 members and officers of Kaatuan Women’s Association (KWA), two representatives from the Eighth Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army based in the town and six Kitanglad Guard Volunteers. Protected Area Superintendent Office Mt. Kitanglad Desk Officer Benedicto S. Golosino talked on the overview of biodiversity in Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park. Simplicia I. Pasicolan, supervising science research specialist, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau discussed the principles, regulations, issues and concerns of biosecurity. Lydia E. Tiongco, ERDS-10 science research analyst, showed the invasive alien species in agro- and forest ecosystem: pathways, threats and impacts to biodiversity. KWA President, Mercy Hermoso, expressed her gratitude to the DENR for providing new information on IAS that enhanced their awareness on the existing plants and animals in the locality that might invade the protected area without their proper knowledge. Also, KGV Chief Emiliano Lumiston asked the participants to help protect the biodiversity of Mt. Kitanglad, particularly the Philippine Eagle.


Sangguniang Panglungsod adopts Cagayan de Oro’s Citizen’s Charterby Lorebeth C. Requiroso

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Cagayan de Oro finally has a Citizen’s Charter.

The 16th City Council, headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas, passed last Tuesday Resolution No. 1138-2012, adopting the Citizen’s Charter, which defines the nature and scope of the city government’s services. The charter also shows the operation and structure of different departments, persons to approach to avail of government services and the time table for each transaction. This is in compliance with Republic Act 9845 or the Anti-Red Tape Act and Executive Order No. 057-2012, issued by Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, mandating the establishment of the Citizen’s Charter. To facilitate this, the mayor created a Steering Committee, which he chairs with Acenas as the vice

chair. Members are Councilor Alvin Calingin and City Legal Officer Atty. Maryann Enteria. A task force headed by City Administrator Atty. Leon Du M. Gan, Jr worked with the different departments in coming up with the charter. According to the committee, through this initiative, government services will be known to the constituents and will increase transparency. It will also open itself to feedbacks, facilitate interaction with its people and pave the way for improvement. This is in keeping with the city government’s mandate and intention to provide good governance to the people of Cagayan de Oro.

Documents

One Mindanao - September 19, 2012