One Mindanao - September 3, 2015

Tangub City: “Sanggab”-free, model for LGUs in cleaning Panguil Bay

CSC: Treats for gov’t workers on 115th civil service anniversary

Research & innovation seen to increase competitiveness

among ASEAN countries

DavNor bags good governance seal

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

Western

InFocus

Southern

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

By: Michael Uy

By: B Paoyon

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OUR

CO

VER

2nd LnB sa Pilipinas Caraga Chapter Assembly kicks off today

DTI awards best products in NorMin

NorthCot LGUs push for speed limit implementation

USAID launches e-PESO project in Zambo

Abusive trike drivers? File formal complaint - TAB

427 students attend ‘Talakayan sa Paaralan’ in Butuan City

About 3,000 Grade 9 students in Ozamiz take 2015 NCAE

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 10

By: Malou Furia

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

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

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTS DOMINIC I. SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 September 3, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story Tangub City: “Sanggab”-free, model for LGUs in cleaning Panguil BayBy: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

A total of 923 illegal fishing structures, particularly, “sanggab” were successfully removed from the coastal waters in Tangub City.


5September 3, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

Tangub City: “Sanggab”-free, model for LGUs in cleaning Panguil Bay

A total of 923 illegal fishing structures, particularly, “sanggab” were successfully removed from the coastal waters in Tangub City.



For this, Atty. Asis G. Perez, Agriculture Undersecretary and National Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has commended Atty. Philip T. Tan, Mayor of Tangub and the members of the City Council and declared Tangub City as “sanggab-free.” “The city now serves as model for collaboration with the local government unit (LGU), BFAR and other government agencies for a Panguil Bay clean-up to restore its marine wealth by removing these illegal fishing structures,” said Perez during a PBDC meeting at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC), Tubod, Lanao del Norte. “I brought with me the Regional Directors of BFAR Region 2, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region 5, Region 6, Region 8 and Region 9, so they can replicate what has been done here,” the BFAR National Director said. Meanwhile, Tangub’s 923 sanggabs actually represent 55.53 percent of 1,662, the total number of “sanggabs” to have been constructed in Panguil Bay, per inventory done by BFAR, of



which 596 were removed by their operators voluntarily, while 327 were removed forcibly by the LGU. Tangub City, on the other hand, has allocated P6 million for its “Bigay-Buhay sa Panguil Bay Project (Bigay-Buhay),” that extends financial and rice assistance to those affected by the removal of ‘sanggab,’ from May to August, this year. Supported by City Ordinance No. 2015-05-014-A, Bigay-Buhay adopts and approves the sustenance or “Pantawid” to the affected sanggab workers and operators who voluntarily removed and surrendered to BFAR their sanggab. Benefits of Bigay-Buhay include a half sack of rice and P2,000 cash, per month, for four months to households with four members and a sack of rice, plus P4,000 cash per month, for four months, to households with more than four members. For his part, Congressman Henry Oaminal of the 2nd District of Misamis Occidental, also added P1,000,000, to augment Tangub’s Bigay Buhay Project.


Peace Month to focus on continuing legacy of national unity for peace, progress

PASIG CITY -- The celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month will focus on continuing the legacy of peace and progress through unity among Filipinos, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) announced today. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles said the National Peace Consciousness Month will have as its theme “Pagkakaisa Tungo para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” to stress the need for unity among

Filipinos to ensure peace and the country’s progress.

The Philippines celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month during the month of September every year as mandated under Proclamation


No. 675 issued in July 2004. The presidential proclamation was issued to “instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process to strengthen and sustain institutional and popular support for and participation in this effort, as well as in the global movement spearheaded by the United Nations to promote a Culture of Peace based on nonviolence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.”

To kick off the celebration of the Peace Consciousness

Month, the OPAPP will open an information exhibit at TriNoma and at the House of Representatives in Quezon City featuring the Bangsamoro region and its people, and the campaign for the passage into law of the Bangsamoro Basic Basic Law (BBL).

The BBL is a key legislation pushed by President Benigno S. Aquino III to establish a new autonomous region in Mindanao which responds to the aspirations of Moros for self-determination, a key to ending armed conflict in the South.

The BBL Info Exhibit will run from September 1 to 7 at TriNoma and from September 14 to 17 at the House of Representatives. To give Filipinos an opportunity to learn more about the impact of peace on the country’s development efforts, the OPAPP will hold a Media Forum on September 18, with


experts, particularly Socio-Economic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Agency (NEDA) Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan and an official of the World Bank Asia-Pacific Division invited to speak on the socio-economic aspect of peace promotion. Secretary Deles is expected to deliver the closing remarks during the forum. The OPAPP will also celebrate its 22nd anniversary on September 25 in Pasig City with a focus on the socio-economic program Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) and its achievements in helping conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities.

This is expected to be achieved with PAMANA beneficiaries sharing heart-warming stories of struggle and resilience in a special story-telling session, and a PAMANA Food Festival featuring delicacies

and food from 13 regions in the country where there are communities serviced by PAMANA. To underscore the need for the public to be kept informed of the government’s effort to improve the socio-economic condition in these communities, the PAMANA website will also be launched in the same event.

“Through these activities, we hope that the Filipino public will appreciate more the peace process, and our call for unity behind the efforts to forge peace in all parts of the country, so that the next generation of Filipinos will benefit from the development that will come with the onset of genuine and lasting peace in our entire country,” Secretary Deles said. (OPAPP)


CSC: Treats for gov’t workers on 115th civil service anniversary

QUEZON CITY -- Special discount packages await government employees as the entire bureaucracy celebrates the 115th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced. From September 25 to 27, 2015, state workers can avail themselves of a 10% discount at all SM Department Stores nationwide, valid on regular-priced items for a minimum purchase of P500.

SM Appliance Centers will offer a 5% discount nationwide, as well as financing promos for select branches in Metro Manila and nearby Luzon. Shoppers

at SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket will get a free item with a minimum purchase of P500. A list of exempted items has been provided.

To be eligible for the promos, civil servants should present their official government office ID or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID card, including an SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige Card, MOM


Card, or BDO Rewards Card.

From September 1 to December 31, 2015, Executive Optical branches are offering up to 20% discount on exclusive frames and sunglasses, up to 10% discount on signature frames and sunglasses except for select brands, and free services. State workers only need to present their official government office ID and/or GSIS ID to qualify for the benefit, which is transferable to the employee’s dependents.

Red Ribbon is also offering a 10% discount for a minimum purchase of P350 from September 15 to November 15, 2015. Government employees will also get a free 12 oz. iced tea for every P200 purchase at any Chowking store for the month of September.

The National Museum will provide government employees free admission this September

to the National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Fine Arts, National Planetarium, and its branch museums nationwide.

The Manila Ocean Park is offering discounted packages for entrance to its attractions. Government employees may purchase a maximum of 10 tickets for their family and friends. Schedule of ticket reservations at the Manila Ocean Park Reservation Office is from Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ticket validity is from September 1 to December 31, 2015.

Star City is also offering a P280/Ride-All-You-Can (RAYC) ticket (discounted from P420) to government employees and three (3) of their family members. This treat is available from September 4-6, 2015 and September 11-30, 2015; Monday to Thursday (4 p.m.onwards)


and Friday, Saturday, Sunday (2 p.m. onwards).

To avail themselves of the museum and theme park promos, government employees must present their office ID or GSIS ID card at the reservation or ticketing booths and the service gates.

Themed “Kayang-Kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani,” the month-long PCSA celebration aims not only to commemorate the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service in 1900, but also to recognize the contributions and achievements of civil servants in national development.

Aside from special treats, the CSC is spearheading the R.A.C.E. to Serve V Fun Run on September 12, 2015 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, and the 5th Government Choral Competition Grand Finals on September 15, 2015 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay City.

Civil servants are urged to read the announcements at www.csc.gov.ph for more details on the PCSA promotions. (CSC)


Research and innovation seen to increase competitiveness among ASEAN countries

DAVAO CITY -- A key official from Mindanao underscored the importance of investing in research and development to improve the competitiveness of ASEAN economies in pursuit of the objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). At the recently concluded 5th International Conference on Public Organization (ICONPO) held at the Ateneo de Davao University, Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, executive director

of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said there is strong correlation between the growth and level of economic maturity of economies in ASEAN and their investments in


research and development and innovation.

“Based on studies conducted by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, research and development play major roles in the creation of development plans that will drive the growth among ASEAN economies,” said Lopoz.

She added that research and development will lead to innovations that will improve the implementation of strategies in infrastructure and investments.

“We should look into how research and our teachings can trigger more innovation so that we can increase productivity and improve economic opportunities for the larger part of the population,” Lopoz added.

In a bid to boost research and development in Mindanao, MinDA established the Mindanao Knowledge, Research and Policy Center, which is a network of the pool of knowledge and information from the island’s higher education institutions (HEIs), research institutions,

training institutions, and service providers.

“The context is that we now have to empower the HEIs and research institutions in building their capacities to prepare human resources and bridge the gap between industry, research institutions, and academe,” Lopoz added.

She said the network is established with the aim to trigger more innovative ideas and researches that will power the industries and economies of Mindanao.

Lopoz said innovation is among the three strategies – investment, infrastructure, and innovation – that is being


implemented in preparing Mindanao for the AEC.

In the international level, she said the senior officials of Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) has adopted the Socio-Cultural and Education Pillar in 2014 in their view of the recognition that innovation is a very important strategy to prepare their economies for the ASEAN Integration.

BIMP-EAGA is an economic

cooperation formally created to spur development in the lagging sub-economies of the member countries by boosting intra-EAGA trade, tourism, and investments.

“With the changing landscape, we hope to see empowered and synchronized higher economic, learning, and research institutions that provide innovative researches and business models designed to increase competitiveness and prepare the ASEAN economies for the much anticipated integration,” said Lopoz. (MinDA)

17September 3, 2015 ONE MINDANAO 17September 3, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

Together with local officials, provincial government heads and employees, Governor Del Rosario kicked off his birthday celebration with a concelebrated mass. During the mass, Del Rosario revealed that even up to today, he has no plans yet after his term will end. ‘It is so difficult because I am really lost as to where I want to go after being a governor of this province,’ he stressed. He also emphasized that he thought he had not done enough for the province. ‘Although I think that I have tried so hard in trying to serve our province for 15 years, I feel that I have not done enough,’ Del

Rosario said. He added that there were no ending in the challenges ahead of him even if he has done great things for the province and its people. ‘But life is life. And my governorship has to end. I just hope that the next leaders will continue the legacy that we have instilled in our people.’ Governor Del Rosario identified the three values that should be continued by leaders of the province: Integrity, Competence and Commitment. As a highlight to the celebration, the provincial government conducted a Safe Motherhood Day, which brought

DAVAO DEL NORTE -- Governor Rodolfo del Rosario celebrated yesterday his 81st birthday.

DavNor guv turns 81


several health and wellness services concerning women at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex.

Del Rosario also invited Vice Ganda to entertain the Dabawnon in the evening. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

DAVAO DEL NORTE -- In time of 81st birthday, Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, together with the other provincial government officials, received yesterday the Seal of Good Local Governance.

DavNor bags good governance seal

The seal was turned over by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Alex Roldan during the Safe Motherhood Day celebration at the RDR Gym, Davao del Norte Sports Complex. Director Roldan said that Davao del Norte was one of the 43 provinces that passed the said certification. The Philippines has more than 80 provinces, he added. Roldan emphasized that the province passed the seal’s criteria: good financial housekeeping, disaster preparedness, social protection, business-friendliness and competitiveness, peace and order and environmental management. The mechanics of the Seal of Good Local Governance are stipulated in the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2014-

39. Roldan revealed that the provincial government is entitled to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) for this year amounting to P7-million. He added that the fund was not yet released since the DILG still awaits the project proposal from the provincial government. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


CSC to CS examinees: Please donate pencils

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Sept 3 -- For the first time, examinees of the Career Service Examination will be requested to leave their pencils after completing the test on October 18.

“It is the first time in history that the Civil Service Commis

By Danilo E. Doguiles


NorthCot LGUs push for speed limit implementationBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Sept. 3 -The lone city and two other municipalities in North Cotabato are pushing for enforce-ment of a speed limits in their jurisdictions.

sion will ask the examinees to offer the pencils they will use during the examination for donation,” Atty. Venus On-doy, director II of the CSC-South Cotabato Field Office an-nounced in a press conference Tuesday.

She explained that this is a nationwide initiative and that the “pencils that will be col-lected will be donated to stu-dents of the Department of Education.”

Paper-and-pencil career ser-vice exam takers often bring No. 2 lead pencils, often more than two pencils each.

If CSC-South Cotabato Field Office achieves its quota, this would mean 2,000 test takers in South Cotabato.

“Donation of the pencils will be voluntary,” Atty Ondoy em-phasized.

In SOCCSKSARGEN Region, testing centers are located in Kidapawan City, Cotabato City, Koronadal City, and General Santos City.

At least 12,000 individu-als are expected to take the exam in Region 12.

Passing the CS exam is one of the primary requirements to get a position in government offices.

Ondoy also clarified that the Commission does not recom-mend any review book nor endorse review center con-ducting reviews supposedly to help examinees pass the exam.

“We in the Commission are also prohibited to conduct re-views,” she emphasized. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)


In Kidapawan City, Sangguni-ang Panlungsod (SP) Commit-tee on Transportation Councilor Jivjiv Bombeo said that it is im-portant to implement 40 kilo-meters per hour speed limit to avoid or lessen road accidents.

Bombeo noted that this move also endeavors to discipline drivers who do not follow traffic rules.

Meanwhile, in Kabacan town,

the proposed speed limit was already approved in the third and final reading.

Vice Mayor Myra Dulay Bade stated that when signed by the municipal mayor, the ordinance will be of help to the motorists and pedestrians par-ticularly those traversing the na-tional highway.

She added that the speed limit could help curb crimes in the mu-nicipality.

Likewise, Makilala town is pushing for the same ordinance.

Following the road mishaps recently, Municipal Councilor Pe-dro Ang said that there is really a need to implement the speed limit.

He emphasized that with the ordinance, the residents will be protected from accidents. (DXVL News/SJDuerme-PIA12)


Interfaith dialogue to tackle environmental problems of Agusan Norte By: Climate Change Commission

MANILA -- Some 200 representatives from different religious groups, NGOs, academe, youth, and local government units convene for the 8th regional conference for the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change today, September 3, 2015 at the Dottie’s Place Hotel, this city.


Climate Change Commissioner Heherson T. Alvarez, who is the confab’s main convenor, said that holding the dialogue in the Caraga region is vital to make the residents aware of the grossly negative climate impacts and how to take mitigation measures. “The Taguibo watershed in the region faces increasingly greater hazards because of illegal activities such as timber poaching and illegal mining. These illegal activities have denuded forests and destroyed the equilibrium of the region’s ecosystems,” the former senator says. Alvarez stressed that

another major effect of forest denudation is the regular flooding in Agusan del Norte and nearby areas, causing millions of losses in livelihood and agricultural productivity as well as the brutal murder of several forest rangers by illegal loggers. At the same time, the climate change official lauded the local government for approving a watershed code that seeks to protect the watershed in the region and to maintain high water quality for the population in the area. Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of DENR, a co-convenor of the conference, stressed that “the


government is taking concrete steps to combat the violence against defenseless forest workers and volunteers.” The problem of Illegal logging will be one of the issues to be tackled during the IFD workshop, the results of which will form part of the Philippine report to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France November this year. “The dialogues highlight the need for anticipation and adaptation measures to climate vulnerabilities with integrated mapping on floods, soil erosion, landslides, sea-level rise, storm surge, earthquake, volcanic eruption, and others,” says

Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma of the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines. Topics of the event will include the climate vulnerabilities in the region by Dr. Esteban C. Godilano, and mobilizing faith-based communities by the IFD co-convenors Archbishop Ledesma and PCEC National Director Bishop Noel A. Pantoja. The IFD is co-sponsored by the Climate Change Commission, Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches, Climate Change Congress of the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy.


All barangay captains in the entire region are expected to come, including the 309 punong-barangay delegation of Surigao del Sur headed by Bongtud, Tandag City Barangay Captain

Vicente H. Pimentel, III, who happens to be the LnB Caraga XIII chapter president. Based on the official program of activities, the opening program, which is split into two,

2nd LnB sa Pilipinas Caraga Chapter Assembly kicks off today By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The three-day 2nd Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) sa Pilipinas, Caraga XIII Chapter Assembly kicked-off at the Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu today.


will run from 6:00 p.m. up to 12:00 midnight tonight. Among the personalities in the list who will have part in the program include former first district solon Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Jr., Mayor’s League President Vicente Pimentel, Jr. of Carrascal, Governor Johnny Pimentel and Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda, Sr., all of this province. Besides, all governors and their respective vice-governors of other provinces comprising Caraga region, including Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., are in the program roster—Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell

Matba and Vice-Governor Ramon Bungabong of Agusan del Norte; Governor Glenda Ecleo and Vice-Governor Benglen Ecleo of Dinagat Islands; Governor Sol Matugas and Vice-Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. of Surigao del Norte; and Governor Adolph Edward Plaza and Vice-Governor Santiago Cane, Jr. of Agusan del Sur. LnB National President Edmund Abesamis is going to be the guest speaker. The program will culminate with “Liga night-Dinner/Socials,” featuring some entertainers.


427 students attend ‘Talakayan sa Paaralan’ in Butuan City

BUTUAN CITY – Around 427 students from Colegio de Liga ng mga Barangay (CLB) joined the “Talakayan sa Paaralan” held recently at the CLB compound in Brgy. Pigdaulan, this city.

By: Malou Furia

The said forum is a social awareness project of the 4th Civil Military Operations (KASALIGAN) Battalion, which aims to provide the youths of today the right information, warnings and to assist them in their future decision making. During the event, CLB students were updated with the statistics presented by the Department of Health (DOH) concerning the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS in Caraga region. The DOH also discussed the

issue on teenage pregnancy and the social ills affecting the city and country, in general. Also, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) discussed various vices, drugs and abuses caused by illegal drugs and how it affects the psychological and mental bearing of a person. A magic trick exhibited by one soldier of the KASALIGAN Batallion made the symposium alive and enjoyable to the delight of the students.





All PCOs machines to be used in 2016 are new, COMELEC assures By: Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY (PIA) –“All precinct count optical machines (PCOs) to be used in the coming synchronized national and local elections on May 9, 2016 are new and has a power supply that could last for at least ten hours.”


This was the assurance made by Commission on Elections (COMELEC) 9 Regional Director Atty.Wilfred Jay Balisado during the recent “Kapihan sa Dipolog” held on Sunday at Sunburst Fried Chicken, Hotel Camila I here.RD Balisado, together with Dipolog City Comelec Officer Atty. Ellis Miguel graced the weekly Kapihan and informed the public about the preparations for the upcoming political exercise.According to Balisado, all PCOs machines are brand new and has power supply that would last for at least 10 hours in case there will be power interruption during the election day.Miguel reiterated his appeal for qualified voters to visit the local Comelec office and verify their registration record to ensure that they could exercise their right to vote this coming national and local elections. Those who will be 18 years old on the day of election are already eligible to register and vote come May 9, 2016.Comelec is open from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M., Monday to Saturday including holidays. Any registered voter is considered to have no biometrics when he has none or lacks the following: signature, fingerprint and picture.

To date, there are still 7,551 voters from the 21 barangays of Dipolog City who have no biometrics, according to Miguel.Miguel said that the filing of Certificates of Candidacy is from October 12-16, 2015 and the deadline for biometrics validation and registration is at 5 o’clock in the afternoon of Oct. 31, with a 5-day break during the filing of COCs. Election period is from Jan. 10 to June 10, 2016. The campaign period for national candidates is from February 9 while Comelec has set March 9 as the start of campaign period for local candidates and the substitution of candidates is until December 10, 2015.He said that anyone who wants to run for national position (president to congressmen) must be a natural-born Filipino but for local positions like governor down to municipal councilors, a naturalized Filipino will do.He further said that closed-circuit televisions may be installed inside the voting precincts provided it only captures the general picture of the precinct and not on the names voted upon. Balisado and Miguel urged the public not to wait for the “last minute” to avoid inconvenience.


USAID launches e-PESO project in Zambo By Emmanuel D. Taghoy

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The e-Payment Ecosystem (e-Peso) initiative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) designed to create a single electronics payment platform for all transactions in the country was launched here recently.Acting Deputy Mission Director Roger Carlson of USAID said the initiative is supporting the Philippines to shift from a cash-based economy to digital through the development of an efficient, transparent and inclusive e-payment ecosystem that contributes to broad-based economic growth. E-Peso is targeting four areas of interventions such as: driving transaction volume; supporting the expansion and effective

management of e-payment infrastructures; improving the enabling environment for e-payment usage; and building the e-payment ecosystem with particular focus on key cities identified under USAID’s Cities Development Initiative.In a previous report, Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar disclosed that Zamboanga City is included in the CDI project of USAID that allocates 48-M dollars funding to develop secondary emerging


Linda Mandi, Tricycle Adjudication Board’s (TAB) representative of the riding public said that in order to “teach these drivers a lesson,” passengers must do their part in properly reporting such incidents.“We can respond to complaints even on social media,” Mandi said, citing a recent complaint by a local netizen. The complainant posted a photo of the tricycle’s

plate number, narrating an incident with an arrogant driver and tagged it to Mandi’s Facebook profile. Mandi’s response to the photo took less than a day. Within that day, TAB enforcers located the operator and summoned the driver for a confrontation with the complainant. The passenger was advised to visit the TAB office to

Abusive trike drivers? File formal complaint - TAB

By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – What’s the best way to deal with abusive, discourteous and arrogant tricycle drivers in the city? File a complaint. Even on Facebook.

cities in some parts of Visayas and Mindanao. USAID has been working with other government monetary agencies like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the implementation of the e-Peso project.Moreover, the project is supporting the BSP to guide

implementation of the National Retail Payment Systems (NRPS) and promote inter-operability across e-payment transaction accounts.E-Peso is a program supporting the objectives of the United States and Philippines Partnership for Growth, which focuses in addressing binding constraints to achieve sustained, more inclusive economic growth.


officially file a formal complaint. “After locating the operator and driver, we asked the complainant to set a convenient time for him to appear in our office to face the driver,” Mandi said. The TAB, as mediator would help the parties settle the issue. Hhowever, there are times when the complainant would refuse to forgive the driver and push through with the penalties, according to Mandi. The tricycle would be impounded until the

driver and operator will be able to pay the corresponding fines depending on violations such as arrogance, discourtesy, refusal to convey passenger to destination, overcharging, among others, as prescribed under City Ordinance 185. Mandi said that almost on a daily basis, they have been accommodating complaints, which are necessary to remind the drivers of their responsibilities as they should be providing


“services, and not disservice.”Recently, abusive trike drivers in Zamboanga City have been dubbed as “highway vultures” due to the numerous complaints by netizens. According to social media posts, passengers, especially those that are not locals are being exploited by these drivers who charge more than 200% of the prescribed fare. Even locals are not spared, including students, professionals and other residents.A trike passenger, who requested anonymity said she was once victim of an overcharging driver, who even threatened her life after disagreement over the fare. “Sabe yo onde bo ta keda,” (I know where you live) the passenger quoted the driver as saying. For some time, she was hesitant to ride tricycles, and would have no choice but to take two to three rides in jeepneys to commute because of trauma. Other passengers would simply pay the fare demanded by the drivers, in spite of knowing that it is beyond the prescribed fare. They fear that the trikes might get back at them at some point.

“Baka lansya pa canamon de screwdriver,” (I don’t want to be stabbed with a screwdriver) said a university professor. Mandi on the other hand said that it does not matter if the overcharging amounted to only Php10.00, or more. “It is against the law,” she said, sharing that lawyers, doctors and professionals are among those who complain often. Daniel Delgado, a commuter said that in his experience, it is necessary to complain about these abusive drivers. “We are also partly responsible, if we do not complain, they will abuse and abuse, until the time when they dictate the fare and the fare matrix becomes simply just an ignored decoration painted on these tricycles. Even when I am busy, I have to set a time to complain, it is my responsibility.”Mandi emphasized the importance of filing formal complaints with the TAB, located at the City Legal Office, 2nd floor of the City Hall. She assures passengers that all complaints will be addressed swiftly by TAB personnel.


Australian Interplast conducts cleft lip, palate operations

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Sixty eight patients have successfully undergone free operations on cleft lip/palate initiated last week by the Australian Interplast, in partnership with the city government of Cagayan de Oro, JR Borja General Hospital, Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and German Doctor’s Hospital.

By: City Information Office


The 23 patients came from Cagayan de Oro; 13, Misamis Oriental; 18, Bukidnon; 2, Cotabato City; 5, Zamboanga Del Sur; 1, Lanao del Sur; 5, Lanao del Norte; and 1, Iloilo City. The Eyecare and Surgicare Team, headed by Dr. Elmer

Wagas, assisted the Australian Interplast medical mission held at the JR Borja General Hospital. The medical team is expected to hold another round of medical mission next year here in the city.

According to Irwin Jayson Jamaca of DTI region 10, this is to stir competitiveness and encourage the value of excellence among Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Categories for best products included: Best Product Design for Housewares & Furnishings, Best Product Design for Fashion Accessories and Most Innovative Food Product. For Best Product Design for Housewares & Furnishings, the award went to Hombiz Crafts of Lanao del Norte with engineered bamboo; meanwhile, Kibalang

Abaca Native Crafts of Bukidnon took Best Product Design for fashion Accessories with jewelry boxes made from Abaca, (fiber from species of banana, native to the Philippines). Lastly, Most Innovative Product went to Linabu Agrarian Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LAMPCO) of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental for their Coco Sugar, (sugar from coconut sap) which has low glycemic index for those who are health conscious. These winners took home certificates and will be provided by DTI, 50% subsidy of Participation

DTI awards best products in NorMinCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 awarded best products in Northern Mindanao during the closing program of ‘Kahimunan’ Trade Fair held from 22 – 30 August 2015 at SM mall, Cagayan de Oro City.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat


Fee/Booth Rental for Kahimunan 2016 and Promotion through Press Releases. Criteria for selection best product designs include: 1) Design which composes Aesthetic and functional appeal, such as Design (balance, proportion, visual impact, ergonomics), Function (structure, durability, versatility) and Market Potential and 2) Quality and Workmanship as a design element and Materials which comprise sustainability with local value added. Meanwhile criteria for Food Innovation product include Originality and ingenuity of the product, Creative utilization of

available raw materials, Product quality: taste and appearance and Market Potential. Also, packaging innovation was considered such as Functionality of the packaging material used, creativity/ingenuity of the design, placement of information and clarity of information. Further, plus factors included FDA License to Operate, Organic certification, Halal Certification, HACCP Certification, Export potential, health and wellness, and has 100% local ingredients. Judges were Francis Manaloto of Studio 8 CDO and Nicole Cabanlet of CDO Handmade Paper.

About 3,000 Grade 9 students in Ozamiz take 2015 NCAEBy: Rutchie C. AguhobOZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – About 2,557 Grade 9 students from the Department of Education, Division of Ozamiz City (DepEd-Ozamiz), took the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) on August 26, 2015.

Of this number, 2,079 or 81.30 percent came from the city’s public schools while 478 or 18.70 percent came from private schools with DepEd permits to operate

or government recognition, Dr. Rebonfamil R. Baguio, schools division superintendent, DepEd-Ozamiz said. Meanwhile, Baguio said


22 testing centers had been designated for the 2015 NCAE, of which 15 were public and seven were private high schools. The testing centers from the public high schools and their number of examinees were: Calabayan National High School (NHS), 131, Cogon Integrated School (IS), 37, Gala NHS, 31, Kinuman Norte NHS, 39, Labinay NHS, 55, Labo NHS, 139, Malaubang IS, 69, Misamis Annex IS, 57, Montol NHS, 107, Ozamiz City NHS, 714, Ozamiz City School of Arts and Trade (OCSAT), 381, Pulot NHS, 146, San Antonio NHS, 82, and Tabid NHS, 91. Likewise, the testing centers

from the private high schools, and their number of examinees were as follows: La Salle University (LSU-IS), 152, LSU-Night HS, 44, Brother Martin Laboratory School, 48, Misamis University HS, 85, and Misamis Institute of Technology (MIT) HS, 86. The FMC Ma School also served as testing center for 30 examinees, including those from Medina College Science HS, Firm Foundation and Lighthouse Christian Academy, while Misamis Union HS served as testing center for 33 examinees including those from the Ozamiz Montessori Center, Baguio also said.

Documents

One Mindanao - September 3, 2015