Panguil Bay Bridge to spur economic devt, improve connectivity in Northern Mindanao

Negosyo Center opens in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

DOST-12 trains organization to enhance products

Juvenile justice body celebrates RA 9344’s 10th anniversary

DOST-9 to deploy 58 RxBox, telehealth device to RHUs in ZamPen

ARMM celebrates Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month

Farmers, millers urged to observe good agricultural practices

More Go Negosyo Centers up in SOCCSKSARGEN

Booster pumps may also cause water-borne diseases – ZCWD

CDO lauds police action on Villa Candida shootout

DA steps up support for corn farmers in region 9

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Philippines caps off first anti-poverty compact with US

Barangay personnel are entitled to the grant of mid-year bonus

Sarmiento to LGUs: Adopt protocols for protecting children victims of armed conflict

27-30 MAY 2016 issue I VOL. 01 NO. 08

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Philippine Government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea-Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEXIM-EDCF) signals the start of a major infrastructure project, the Panguil Bay Bridge.

The members of the Panguil Bay Development Council (PBDC) were happy in the realization of a dream to connect Tangub City and Tubod in Lanao del Norte.

PBDC was first established in 1988 among the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur, and the two cities (Tangub City and Ozamiz City) and ten municipalities. It was then reactivated and reconstituted in 2013 to effectively sustain the fishery and aquatic resources conservation and management efforts collectively undertaken by the Local Government Units in the area and the various Government Agencies and Academic Institutions that support the undertaking.

Initiated by BFAR, the Council was able to get its acts together in removing illegal fishing structures or sanggab found in different municipalities of the bay. A comprehensive resource and environmental management program will address the challenge of the sustainability of Panguil Bay’s resource and livelihood of marginalized fisherfolks.

Historically, the bay is a rich fishing ground, particularly on these fishery resources like finfish, molluscs, shrimps and crabs. These are most commercially harvested.

As shared by BFAR 10, if the use of illegal gears and over fishing will stop, Panguil Bay’s fishery resource would again be in abundance.

The completion of the construction of Panguil Bay bridge will greatly contribute to the economic activities of the fisherfolks – business will be good.

It is indeed a dream come true for a better life.

Thelma B. OliverREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA NORTHERN MINDANAO

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYNORTHERN MINDANAO (Region X)Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna St., Cagayan de Oro CityContact no. (088) 856-8178 Email: pia10_pd@yahoo.com

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Panguil Bay Bridge to spur economic devt, improve connectivity in Northern Mindanao

Once completed, it will provide uninterrupted access, significantly improve the travel time from Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities to Tangub, Oroquieta and Ozamiz Cities and the rest of Zamboanga Peninsula, reduce travel time between Tangub and Tubod from the usual 2.5 hours to seven minutes. It will also enhance agricultural development and industrialization along the Cagayan-Iligan Corridor and the Tubod-Tangub-Ozamiz-Oroquieta growth areas. The national budget will fund P586 million of the total P4.9 billion cost for the construction of the pioneering Panguil Bay Bridge project in the region, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said during the ceremonial signing of the loan agreement between the Philippine Government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea-Economic Development

Cooperation Fund (KEXIM-EDCF). In the MOA signing ceremony, the

Philippine government was represented by

National

Considered a major infrastructure development in

Northern Mindanao, the Panguil Bay Bridge is seen as strategic intervention particularly in providing access, logistics and infrastructure services toward the attainment of inclusive growth in the region.

Treasurer Roberto B. Tan while Chief Representative Yongkeun Oh signed for the KEXIM-EDCF. The P4.2 billion will be sourced from the loan proceeds, while the remaining P586 million will be shouldered by the Philippine government. DBM has issued the project’s Forward Obligational Authority (FOA), which gives an overview of the annual investment cost of the Panguil Bay Bridge project, particularly on KEXIM-EDCF and the Philippine government. For this year, P44 million has been included in the budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cover the cost of land acquisition, administrative support, and payment of government taxes. For fiscal years 2017 to 2019, the budgetary requirements shall be accommodated within the budget ceiling of the DPWH. The Panguil Bay bridge will be the first bridge infrastructure project of KEXIM-EDCF here in the country. Discussions on the Panguil Bay Bridge project started in 2014 through the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) and NEDA board. Original funding was pegged at P5 billion. Upon the review of DPWH, however, the costs of direct construction, consultancy and physical contingency had been decreased, bringing down the cost to P4.9 billion. Lanao del Norte leaders were elated

upon hearing the recent signing ceremony between the

Philippine government and KEXIM-EDCF. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held at the Bureau of Treasury, Intramuros, Manila on April 28 this year, was for the $100.13-million loan that will fund the construction of the 4.19-kilometer Panguil Bay bridge. Meanwhile, the main components of the project, aside from civil works, include the administration, land acquisition for the road right of way (RROW) and mangrove conservation in the area where the bridge will pass, said Engineer Leon Dacanay, northern Mindanao vice-chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “We are fully supportive of initiatives that promote sustainable development in Northern Mindanao, and anchoring our efforts on the Mindanao Development Corridors is one of the efficient ways of achieving our goals,” said RDC 10 Chair and Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo. For his part, Atty. Philip T. Tan, city mayor of Tangub, thanked the government for making the Panguil Bay Bridge “a dream come true.” Misamis Occidental Governor Herminia M. Ramiro and Congressman Henry S. Oaminal likewise thanked the government for the P7.24 billion-worth of infrastructure projects implemented in the province since 2011. (Vincent Labial & April Rose Cabantac /Elaine O. Ratunil/PIA9)

24-26 MAY 20166

“The signing of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact in 2010 made $434 million in much-needed funding available to the Philippines for projects specifically targeted to reduce poverty,” the

President said during the event held in Malacanang. “This was a manifestation of the trust that the American government and the people had in us. This was a commitment to help—a commitment

Philippines caps off firstanti-poverty compact with US

President Benigno S. Aquino III led Tuesday (May 24) the closing ceremonies of the $434-million grant

from Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) aimed at reducing poverty and propping up development in the country.

Photo courtesy of www.gmanetwork.com

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Barangay personnel are entitledto the grant of mid-year bonusIn response to the numerous queries, the Department of

Budget Management (DBM) confirmed that Barangay personnel are entitled to receive the Mid-Year Bonus.

we swore to match by ensuring that every dollar spent would have a meaningful impact on the lives of Filipinos.” Among the MCC Compact-funded project include the $222.49 million widening, rehabilitation, and improvement of the more-than-200 kilometer Paranas-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan Road, the construction or rehabilitation of 61 bridges, and slope protection, drainage, and road safety projects in Samar. Once it is completed in July this year, this project will provide access to 13 coastal communities and will cut travel time by an hour between Tacloban, Leyte, and Borongan City, Eastern Samar. The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) KALAHI-CIDDS program also benefitted from the grant. Through the compact, $132 million went to 3,984 subprojects: from community water systems, sanitation projects, and new school buildings, health stations, and access roads. Another MCC Compact project is the Department of Finance’s Revenue Administration Reform Project (RARP), which received $79.42 million in funding. The compact has helped to launch BIR’s campaigns such as “Register, File, and Pay,” and “Angat pa, Pinas” to heighten the public’s awareness of

their civic duty. There is also the Electronic Tax Information System, which will help the BIR to collect, track, and analyze data, making for more efficient, transparent, and reliable audits. The five MCC compact was signed on September 2, 2010 and entered into force on May 25, 2011. In December 2014, MCC selected the Philippines to develop proposals for a second compact in recognition of the “significant progress achieved under the current compact and its strong efforts at policy reform, including successful efforts to root out corruption.” The decision was considered unprecedented as the Philippines still had to close the first compact. Among those present Tuesday were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Ambassador Mark Green, MCC Chief Executive Officer Dana Hyde, and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. MCC is an innovative and independent US foreign assistance agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty. Created by the US Congress in 2004 with strong bipartisan support, MCC has changed the way US foreign assistance is extended by focusing on good policies, country ownership and results. (PCOO)

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Barangay personnel, whether elective or appointive receiving honoraria, and charged from their Personnel Services, are covered by the guidelines on the grant of the Mid-Year Bonus. Sections 7.0 to 7.3 of the Budget Circular No. 2016-3, Rules and Regulations on the Grant of the Mid-Year Bonus for FY 2016, states that the grant of the mid-year bonus for personnel of LGUs shall be determined by their respective sanggunian, subject to the following considerations: (i) the provisions on the entitlement and non-entitlement of personnel to the Mid-Year Bonus under Item 5.0 of the Circular shall be strictly observed; (ii) the Personnel Services limitation in LGU budgets under Sections 325(a) and 331(b) of the Local Government Code of 1991 shall be complied with; (iii) if funds are insufficient, the Mid-Year bonus may be granted at lower rates but at a uniform percentage of the monthly basic pay as of May 15 of the current year. The Punong Barangay as the chief executive of the Local Government Unit is given full flexibility to determine

the satisfactory performance rating of its appointive personnel. Meanwhile, elective Barangay officials are entitled as long as they remain in government service as of May 15, 2016 and has rendered at least four months of service. Section 10 of Executive Order 201, Modifying the Salary Schedule for Civilian Government Personnel and Authorizing the Grant of Additional Benefits for Both Civilian and Military and Uniformed Personnel, states that the modified salary schedule and additional benefits for civilian personnel may likewise be granted to LGU personnel subject to authorization from their respective sanggunian and to compliance with the PS limitation in LGU budgets. “The basic pay of barangay personnel shall be in the form of honoraria which shall not exceed the percentage of the Salary Schedule corresponding to the income classification of the LGU. They may likewise receive Mid-Year Bonus and Year-End Bonus based on the monthly honoraria as of May 15 and October 31 of the year, respectively, and Cash Gift of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000).” (DBM)

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Sarmiento to LGUs: Adopt protocols for protecting children victims of armed conflict

The Protocol, developed by the Inter-Agency Committee on Children in Armed Conflict (IAC-CIAC) led by the Council for the Welfare of Children, aims to set standards and provide a common framework in monitoring, reporting and responding to the victims of grave child

rights violations (GCRV) in the context of armed conflict.The Philippines is one of the four priority countries included in a United Nations report on children and armed conflict due to incidents of recruitment of minors by different armed groups. The other

In order to protect the rights of children in times of war, Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is

encouraging all local chief executives (LCEs) to adopt and utilize the recently-issued national protocol on addressing child rights violations in the context of armed conflict.

24-26 MAY 201610

three countries are Chad, Columbia, and Myanmar.In a directive, Sarmiento urged provincial governors, city mayors and municipal mayors to be guided by the protocol to account cases and identify cases of child rights violations in the context of armed conflict in the Philippines.There are six major account cases of child rights violation that are committed against children in the context of armed conflict. These include killing and maiming of children, recruitment and use of children, attacks on schools and hospitals or health facilities, abduction of children, rape and other gender-based violence and denial of humanitarian access.Under the protocol, the governor and the mayor shall form the Monitoring, Reporting and Response System (MRRS) team to ensure that GCRVs are properly documented, reported and responded to.On the other hand, the provincial, city, municipal social welfare development office shall provide temporary shelter/residential care, alternative parental care and other protective services to the child victims. Meanwhile, the provincial/city/municipal health officer shall ensure that GCRV victims are provided with free medical treatment/hospitalization in DOH health facilities.As a member of the MRRS team, the DILG along with other concerned agencies shall gather, validate and monitor reports of incidences of grave child rights violations from national government agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, people’s organizations and faith-based organizations.The Department will also be providing technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) in organizing the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and in making them functional.

It shall be the responsibility of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned at the concerned areas to rescue/handle the children victims surrendered from armed groups and refer the case to the nearest public or private agency which provides free legal assistance. They will also document cases of child victims from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and ensure their immediate transfer to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).The said protocol was released in pursuant to Executive Order No. 138 which amended EO 56 (s. 2001) and adopted the Comprehensive Program Framework for Children in Armed Conflict,Strengthening the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and for other purposes.Other agencies involved in the MMRS team are the following: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Education (DepEd); Department of Justice (DOJ); Department of National Defense – Armed Force of the Philippines (DND-AFP); Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP); Philippine Human Rights Committee (PHRC); Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA); Philippine National Police (PNP); National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP); National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF); Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDO); Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC); City/ Municipal Health Offices (C/MHO); Non-Government Organizations (NGOs); Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); Faith-based Organizations (FBOs); and People’s Organizations (POs) operating in the area. (DILG)

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Alexander Alonto, DAF-ARMM secretary, said the celebration was aimed at recognizing and honoring farmers and fisherfolks for their valuable contribution to the economy. ARMM’s economic output is anchored on resource-based activities such as agriculture, aquaculture,

fishery and forestry. These comprise roughly two-thirds of the region’s gross regional domestic product. Eighteen rice producers in ARMM were recognized as Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers for 2015. The award was given to farmers with the highest rice production during the year and it was

ARMM celebrates Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Recognition events across the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) highlighted this year’s celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month as well as the 25th Devolution Anniversary of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM).

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The Negosyo Center Program was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 10644 known as “Go Negosyo Act” authored by Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam”

largely based on a selection process conducted by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Among the achievers was Rahib Mamaluba, 36, a farming technician in Mamasapano, Maguindanao who helps farmers improve rice production by giving them training on land preparation and planting techniques, among others. Mamaluba received a unit of rice transplanter that makes crop planting easier. For example, a two-hectare farm could be planted in one day with help of two farmers. In traditional planting, 20 farmers are needed to cover a two-hectare land. “Masela ged e pakadtabang na niyaba ka malemu endu malangkas e kapegkumpay nami (This helps a lot because it makes planting easier and faster),” Mamaluba said. Distribution of farming inputs, machineries and fishing paraphernalia worth P14.05 million to pre-identified farmers and fisherfolks was also part of this year’s celebration, Sec. Alonto added. The items distributed were 400 bags of certified palay seeds; 1,500 bags of open-pollinated corn seeds; 5,000 sachets of rodenticides; 11,200 liters of fungicides; 12,096 liters of bactericides; 8,720 liters of pesticide;

680 gallons of foliar spray; and 30 boxes of foliar fertilizer. Farm machineries were also distributed, which include nine units of rice transplanter, eight units of hand tractor, and two units of floating tiller. These were all funded by the Agri-Pinoy rice and corn programs. During this year’s celebration, 15 fisherfolks from Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao were also given non-motorized banca and gillnet.More than 200 farmers from Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, meanwhile, graduated from the School-On-the-Air (SOA) course on Rice Pests and Diseases on Thursday, May 19, in Cotabato City. The SOA is a radio program of DAF-ARMM aimed at educating farmers in the region through lectures and courses such as Palay Check System, Organic Vegetable Production, and High-Value Crops Development. More than 40 SOA programs had been conducted since 1975. The month of May was declared Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Month by the late President Corazon Aquino in 1989 by virtue of Proclamation No. 33. The DAF was devolved to the ARMM regional government in 1991 through Executive Order 460. (BPI/PIA-10)

More Go Negosyo Centers up in SOCCSKSARGEN COTABATO CITY – The sixth Negosyo Center in SOCCSKSARRGEN Region was officially launched here recently.

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Aquino IV and signed into law by Pres. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III on July 15, 2014, aimed at promoting job generation and inclusive growth through the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The city’s Negosyo Center is housed at the Kutang Bato Masonic Temple Building along Sinsuat Avenue and is under the supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Cotabato City in partnership with the city government. According to DTI-Cotabato Officer-in-Charge Carlito Nuñez, the Negosyo Center is expected to ease up the process of starting and registering small businesses as well as provide technical and extension services to local MSMEs among others.

“It should be a client-friendly and accessible to everyone,”Nuñez said. The Go Negosyo Act supports the policy of the state to foster national development, promote inclusive growth and reduce poverty by encouraging the establishment or development of MSMEs in the country, Nuñez added. In December 2014, DTI issued the Department Administrative Order No. 14-5 series of 2014 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations for the RA No. 10644, he explained. The Go Negosyo Act has 3-goals that include bringing government services closer to small businesses through the establishment of negosyo centers in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide; to further

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boost assistance to MSMEs in order for them to grow and flourish; and to intensify the promotion of entrepreneurship in the country. Negosyo centers, Nuñez stressed, will provide services such as business registration assistance, business advisory services, trainings and business information and advocacy. There are three types of Negosyo Centers: Model A are full service Negosyo Centers ideal in highly urbanized cities, component cities and first class municipalities; Model B. are the advance Negosyo Centers; and Model C are the basic Negosyo Centers. These centers differ in the services offered. “We have the model A negosyo center in Cotabato City,” Nuñez added. Similar Negosyo Centers have been established in General Santos City, Alabel, Koronadal City, Kidapawan City and Tacurong. All are classified Model A. (IBEroy/PBChangco/PIA12)

Farmers, millers urged to observe good agricultural practices

“They should harvest only mature corns, should use clean equipment and the storage must be clean in order to prevent corns from contaminating with aflatoxin,” DA-9 Aflatoxin Analyst Mercy Herbano stressed during the press conference held at Mibang Hotel here. Aflatoxins are poisonous and cancer-causing chemicals that are produced by certain fungi like Aspergillus flavis which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains. A c c o r d i n g l y , aflatoxins are commonly found in corn, copra, cassava, peanuts and other crops that are stored with high moisture content, making these prone to molds and/or fungi. Rodents and wood borers also contribute aflatoxin contamination. “When a person has

eaten contaminated food with aflatoxins, these toxins will no longer be taken out from the body. The tolerable amount of aflatoxin in the body is 20 parts-per-million,” Ms. Herbano said. With the advent of ASEAN integration, she said, “our farmers would be in tough luck if their agricultural products are low quality. Thus, it is really important for them to follow good agricultural practices.” Meanwhile, DA-9 Regional Information Officer Maria Melba B. Wee asked the members of the media to disseminate information on the farming technologies the government has extended to the farmers like the Trichogramma evanescens which can be used against corn borer pests instead of using pesticides. (Mary May A. Abellon/PIA9)

DIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 on Wednesday, May 25, has reminded the farmers and millers to follow good agricultural practices in all their undertaking particularly in corn production to avoid aflatoxin contamination.

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Juvenile justice body celebrates RA 9344’s 10th anniversary

In a radio program, “Lambo Dyes,” conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-10, last May 20, Rosemarie Conde of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the “Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 is a law that has a heart and wisdom for it protects and upholds the interests and rights of the children.” She added that the DSWD in coordination with the RJJWC-10 is

ensuring that the local government units through their local social welfare and development offices are implementing the RA 9344. “Duna gyu’y gigahin ang atong mga lokal nga pangagamhanan nga kinahanglan kini nga mga programa masunod sa atong mga kabataan…Ipahigayon siya niining intervention program diin pwede siya nga duna’y kontrata himuon with the presence sa iyang ginikanan ug pinaagi ni-ana

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC) in northern Mindanao celebrated the 10th anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 with the theme, “Isang Dekadang Pag-Asa (A Decade of Hope),” emphasizing the role of the society in protecting the children especially those who are in conflict with the law.

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DOST-9 to deploy 58 RxBox, telehealth device to RHUs in ZamPen

This project is one of the initiatives of DOST under the “Smarter Philippines” program, as well as the Department’s contribution to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on improving maternal and neonatal health services. Earlier this February, DOST Regional Coordinators convened for the first time at Green Leaf Hotel, General Santos City to tackle the nationwide Roll-out of 1,000 units of RxBox, Telehealth Devices in the country. Furthermore, the project planning and implementation were also discussed during the said

meeting. The project beneficiaries were assessed and validated according to the following criteria: 1) Presence of Medical Officer 2) Training of RHUs staff in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEMONC) 3) Availability of PHILHEALTH Package 4) Power Supply; 5) With Computers and 6) Mobile Communication Provider. Since 2014, a total of 143 units of RxBox were deployed in the entire country. Of the 143, three (3) units were deployed in Zamboanga del Norte, specifically at RHUs of Leon Postigo, Polanco and Tampilisan. With

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 in close coordination with UP Manila – National Telehealth Center, will deploy some 58 units of Telehealth Devices, popularly known as “RxBox”, to selected Rural Health Units (RHUs) including Municipal Health Offices (MHOs) and City Health Offices (CHOs) in Zamboanga Peninsula region.

ma determine kung unsa nga mga activities ang iyang i-undertake o undergo,” Conde said. (The local government units has a program that should be implemented for the children…An intervention program is offered to children where a contract is prepared in the presence of the parents and with this, the activities that the child will undertake or undergo is determined) The activities that the local social welfare and development offices handle include continued education, skills training, voluntary service in the community and more to correct or amend the wrong doings of the child.

Meanwhile, Ruby Malanog of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that one of the challenges of implementing the RA 9344 is the escalated number of child involvement in illegal acts; citing the fact that children are used as drug couriers. Thus, there are proposed moves that the age coverage in the said law should be lowered. Other members of RJJWC-10 who graced the radio program include the staff from the DOJ, Commission on Human Rights, Public Attorney’s Office, Youth with a Mission Nehemiah House, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bahay Pag-Asa. (Wilmer Jane G. Baguio/PIA10)

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the additional fifty-eight (58) sites in Region IX, the DOST IX envisions to improve the health care services in ZamPen. The RxBox is a multi-component device (BP Monitor, Pulse Oxymeter, ECG, Fetal Heart Rate monitor, Maternal Tocometer, and Temperature sensor) designed to provide better

access to life-saving health care service in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the country. The manufacturing and testing of the device is handled by the UP Manila-NTHC. After testing, the deployment of device will follow in all regions. (DOSTIX)

Negosyo Center opens in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat

Located inside the Municipal Government Compound, the center was established by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 12 in partnership with the municipal government of Isulan in accordance with Republic Act 10644 or “Go Negosyo Act.” Negosyo Center promotes ease

of doing business and facilitate access to service for micro, small and medium enterprises in the area. As an facility, it assists MSMEs in business registration, provides entrepreneurial advices, and helps in traning, information and advocacy. In an earlier interview, DTI 12 Regional Director Ibrahim Guaimadel

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s newest Negosyo Center began operation on Wednesday, May 25, in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Province.

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DA steps up support for corn farmers in region 9PAGADIAN CITY - Reeling from the adverse effects of the dry spell wrought by El Niño phenomenon, the corn farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula can now avail themselves of the different programs extended by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve their produce this planting season.

said Negosyo Centers help MSMEs grow to be at par with established services. “Negosyo Centers help neophyte entrepreneurs establish and manage their businesses. The center also links these MSMEs with institutions like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Lank Bank of the Philippines for financial assistance,” Guiamadel said. Negosyo Centers also help MSMEs through technical trainings, linking with networks, and every aspect of business development. On May 18, DTI launched the Negosyo Center at the Kutang

Bato Masonic Temple Building along Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City. Other Negosyo Centers in Region 12 are located in General Santos City, Alabel in Sarangani, Koronadal City, Kidapawan City, and Tacurong City. All Negosyo Centers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region are Model A, meaning, these are capable of providing full services. DTI Sultan Kudarat Office head Felisa Sinobago, along with Isulan Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue and his wife Mayor-elect Maritess Pallasigue will lead the lauching of the center. (VCTPleña/DEDoguiles/PIA12)

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In a press conference held here Tuesday, a team from DA-9 told the press that the DA would assist the corn farmers through its programs such as seed exchange, soils analysis, provision of farm implements/machineries and vertical dryers as well as training on the latest corn production techniques for farmers. DA-9 is now intensifying its help to the corn farmers in the region after losing 9,500 metric tons of corn production or some P130 million to El Niño. “Throughout the region the affected farmers account for 9,622 covering 7,300 hectares,” Ray Anthony M. Credo, DA-9 El Niño focal person reported. Moreover, Engr. Tessy Montano, regional corn reports officer, disclosed that Zamboanga del Sur is one of the top 10 corn-producing provinces in the country and its corn-producing towns are San Miguel, Dinas, Dumingag,

Mahayag, Molave and Aurora including Pagadian City. As the dry spell is decaying and the rains start visiting the region, the farmers have already started planting corn especially in upland areas. The major corn varieties grown in the area are white corn for human consumption and yellow corn for animal feeds. Dried white corn grains ground into grits are a staple of people from Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and some natives of Mindanao. A cup of cooked corn grits contains 182 calories and one gram of fat, which is good for those who want to lose weight as they get a full feeling without consuming excessive fat calories. Corn grits have a low glycemic index, a measurement on carbohydrate-containing foods and their impact on one’s blood sugar. (Franklin P.. Gumapon/PIA9)

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DOST-12 trains organization to enhance products

The organizations, CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. and the Alpha Omega Agri- Producers Cooperative (ALOMAPCO) received skills and capability trainings. Last Thursday, 25 women-members of the CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. Group of Companies in SOCCSKSARGEN region were trained on product development and product enhancement. Dr. Zenaida P.. HR Laidan, DOST-12 regional director said, the CARD-MRI Development Institute, a Laguna-based organization committed to empowering families, had partnered with DOST to capacitate its members. The participants were trained on product development, packaging, labeling, product standards and testing and food safety. They were also oriented on DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and on DOST’s role in enterprise development.On this same day, 37 members of the Alpha Omega Agri- Producers Cooperative (ALOMAPCO) were trained on candle-making.

ALOMAPCO is based in Barangay Ladol in Alabel town, Sarangani.Earlier, the cooperative management requested DOST for the said training in line with their plan to put up candle factory, which they envision could become an income-generating venture for its members. Said training was highlighted by a return demonstration that measured the knowledge each participant gained from the training. In her message, Director Laidan encouraged the participants to avail of DOST’s SETUP. SETUP is a strategy whereby DOST assists micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technological innovations to improve their products, services, operations and increase their productivity and competitiveness. Besides utilization of technology to improve the actual products, DOST also helps the firms in improving packaging and labeling as well as in testing the products for nutrition labeling. (DOST12/DEDoguiles/PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12 has recently extended technical assistance to two organizations to help them upgrade the quality of their products.

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Booster pumps may also cause water-borne diseases – ZCWD

Raul Ruben Rivera Jr., community relations officer of the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) stressed that “it is against the law to illegally use booster pumps.” At present, they have already caught 40 water consumers, and legal measures will be taken against them. Meanwhile, Rivera explained that using booster pumps might also cause the drawing of not only water from the pipes, but also of the waste in the surroundings, which could

cause diseases. Rivera called on the consideration of booster pump users especially in this time of water shortage, since other consumers will not be able to receive their share. “There is a right way to use the booster pump. It should not be directly connected to the ZCWD meter, but they should have a storage of water where the pump can draw the water,” Rivera said. (Arjay Siacor/DIS/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Using booster pumps for water is not only against the law, but can also cause water-borne diseases and uneven supply of water to other consumers.

27-30 MAY 2016

CDO lauds police action on Villa Candida shootout City Mayor Oscar Moreno together with PSupt Danildo B. Tumanda, deputy director for administration, gave merit medals during Monday’s flag raising ceremony to PCInsp Ariel Philip Pontillas, PCInsp Randy T. Anito, PInsp Jerson B. Estanilla, SPO2 Armand B. Paculba, SPO1 Alphi P. Sabaduquia, PO3 Reynante D Isla, PO2 Emmanuel B. Jalog, PO2 Onofre A Carreon, PO1 Cairoding P. Disinon and PO1 Roger T Navales. The medal is given to police officers who show gallantry in action

while still doing their responsibility as protectors of the people against criminality and harmful elements. The police officers responded as they obtained an information that drug suspect Brian Bantuas was within the vicinity of the said subdivision. Bantuas was supposed to surrender to the authorities after the negotiation but he fired at the members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) which resulted in a shootout, leaving the suspect dead. (IAF-CIO/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The city government here lauded the police officers who responded to a shootout that happened in Villa Candida Subdivision, Barangay Bulua on May 16.

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27-30 MAY 2016