One Mindanao - February 10, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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

Northern Mindanao

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

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

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

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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

Today’s issue... Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 180

NBI tags four more unidentified bodies of Typhoon Sendong victims

Davao City eyes quake search and rescue upgrade

SHEEP- CLP intensifies monitoring of public schools in Gensan

Surigao del Sur joins 8th National Dental Health Month celebration

DepEd- Dipolog conducts information drive on K+12 Program

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern M indanao

RG Alama, Southern Mindanao

Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

11

14DOLE wraps up 4-day CSH Training16

Brgy. Council commends Gov, PENRO for action on illegal quarry operators

Fruto Sumagaysay Jr., Central Mindanao

Aquino cites government’s commitment to create more economic opportunities for Filipinos 8

PESO-Butuan conducts 2-day jobs fair12

CHO revs up medical attention to Sendong survivors

Cherly C. Moncay , Northern M indanao

6

10

13

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

Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARD

Cover Story

Down Syndrome: a rare physical

condition among children

Alma L. Tingcang Western Mindanao

Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 180

NBI tags four more unidentified bodies of Typhoon Sendong victims


SHEEP- CLP intensifies monitoring of public schools in Gensan

Surigao del Sur joins 8th National Dental Health Month celebration

Greg Tataro, Jr., Caraga Region

DepEd- Dipolog conducts information drive on K+12 Program

Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

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23

26

page 4

DOLE wraps up 4-day CSH Training

Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

Brgy. Council commends Gov, PENRO for action on illegal quarry operators 27

Aquino cites government’s commitment to create more economic opportunities for Filipinos

PESO-Butuan conducts 2-day jobs fairRobert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

CHO revs up medical attention to Sendong survivors

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4 Friday, February 10, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

Down Syndrome: a rare physical condition among children

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child

develops, both mentally and physically. Studies revealed that it affects about 1 in every 800 babies.

by Alma L. Tingcang

5 Friday, February 10, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

The physical features and medical problems associated with Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. While some kids with DS need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives. Though Down syndrome can’t be prevented, it can be detected before a child is born. The health problems that can go along with DS can be treated, and there are many resources within communities to help kids and their families who are living with the condition. Causes of Down syndrome – normally, at the time of conception a baby inherits genetic information from its parents in the form of 46 chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. In most cases of Down symdrome, a child gets an extra chromosome 21 – for a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46. It’s this extra genetic material that

causes the physical features and developmental delays associated with DS. Although no one knows for sure why DS occurs and there’s no way to prevent the chromosomal error that causes it, scientists do know that women age 35 and older have a significantly higher risk of having a child with the condition. At5 age 30, for example, a woman has about a 1 in 900 chance of conceiving a child with DS. Those odds increase to about 1 in 350 by age 35. By age 40 the risk rises to about 1 in 100. Down Symdrome is named after John Langdon Down, a British doctor who first described the condition in 1887. It was not apparent not until 1959, however, that an extra chromosome was identified as the cause.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino optimistic about Business Process Outsourcing industry in the country

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed high hopes that the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the country will continue to gain despite the challenges in the global economic arena citing foreign investor confidence

in doing business in the country and the competitiveness of the Filipino people.

In his speech during the opening ceremony of the Australia and New Zealand

(ANZ) Banking Group Ltd. Manila Hub Second

Site at the 2 9 t h

floor, MDC Building, Eastwood, Quezon City, Thursday, President Aquino acknowledged the country as a haven of the best customer-oriented and service-driven workforce in

the world as evidenced by the various recognitions given by notable entities and major stakeholders in the sector.

“Despite the


challenges in the global economy, we are not expecting the industry to slow down in the foreseeable future… In fact, full-time employees in the sector are expected to increase to 610 thousand,” the President said.

“As a country that prides itself as having the best customer-oriented and service-driven English-speaking workforce in the world, this opening ceremony further validates the competitive strengths of the Filipino people,” he added.

The Chief Executive noted the country’s successes in the BPO industry in the recent years.

The Global Locations Trend 2010 Report of the IBM Global Business Services stated the Philippines overtaking India as the world leader in terms of jobs for shared and BPO services.

The National Outsourcing Association of the United Kingdom in the years 2007, 2009 and 2010, for its part, has also given the Philippines the distinction of being the Most Outstanding Offshore

Destination in the world.

S u c h

recognitions, the President said, show that the country is the best outsourcing destination in the world.

“For 2010 alone, the industry generated an impressive 8.9 billion dollars in revenue and produced full-time employment for more than half a million people over a hundred thousand of which came from back-office or knowledge process outsourcing,” President Aquino said.

“This is why we are striving to ensure that those who invest in our people are given more reasons to continues and even expand their business here in the country,” he added.

During the event, the President led in the unveiling of the ANZ logo assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, ANZ Banking Group Ltd. CEO Michael Smith and ANZ Philippines and Thailand CEO Panadda Manoleehakul.

He also made a tour and inspection of the facilities of ANZ to personally observe the actual operations in the company.

President Aquino gave his profound thanks to the ANZ officials assuring them that the more than two thousand Filipinos to be employed will

never let them down.“Allow me to say that I am

thankful for your confidence in the Philippines. I assure you that my people will live up to the trust you have given them,” the President said.

ANZ Philippines is a fully licensed universal bank providing domestic and foreign currency lending, trade and supply chain services, payments and cash management, foreign exchange, commodity and interest rate hedging products, debt capital markets and retail banking services.

In October 2003, ANZ entered into a joint venture with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (MBTC) for the cards operation business of Metrobank Corporation, the credit subsidiary of MBTC.

Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, ANZ has a proud banking heritage of more than 175 years and is among the 25 largest banks in the world by market capitalization, one of the largest companies in Australia and New Zealand and a major international banking and financial services group. (JCL)


President Benigno S. Aquino III said that

the government remains committed to pursue its efforts in creating more economic opportunities for the Filipino people as expressed in the priority programs of his administration including the continuous training and skills development of the citizenry.

Aquino cites government’s commitment to create more economic opportunities for Filipinos

In keynoting the launching of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Specialista Te c h n o p r e n e u r s h i p Program (TSTP) at the TESDA Auditorium, TESDA Complex along East Service Road in Taguig City on Friday, President Aquino reiterated that government

is mandated to hone the innate skills and

talents of the F i l ip ino

citizenry which, he said, could lead not only to a better standard of living but also to a progressive and developed national economy.

“Simula’t sapul pa lang ng ating panunungkulan prayoridad na ng ating gobyerno ang paglikha ng mga trabaho at palawakin pa ang mga oportunidad para sa mas nakararami,” the President said.

“Malinaw ang ating naging mandato… linangin ang kakayahan ng mga

Pilipino at tanggalin ang mga hadlang upang matamasa nila ang maayos na pamumuhay. Alam natin na magbubunga ng mabuti ang paglilingkod sa mas nangangailangan dahil ang pagtaas ng antas ng kanilang pamumuhay ay siya ring pagtaas ng kumpyansa ng Pilipinas na umusad sa tunay na kaunlaran,” he added.

The President expressed full trust and confidence in the leadership of TESDA


Director-General Joel Villanueva as he thanked him for the efforts in effecting reforms in the agency in order to achieve inclusive growth for the people.

“Tiwala tayo sa liderato ni Secretary Villanueva… walang ‘wang-wang’ sa TESDA, walang manglalamang at walang perang mapupunta sa mga walang kabuluhang programa. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa TESDA sa pagtupad nito sa panata natin sa taumbayan --- walang maiiwan sa pag-unlad,” President Aquino said.

Based on the impact evaluation studies conducted last year, the President said, almost 61 per cent of those who graduated in the technical, vocational and educational training of TESDA are now earning through their respective jobs.

He added that the government is focusing on providing more jobs for the remaining 39 per cent.

“Thirty-nine per cent po ang dadagdagan natin ng pansin para may makakuha na rin sila nang mga

trabaho…” the President noted.

The Chief

Executive, assisted by Secretary Villanueva, distributed tool kits to the selected eight TESDA “Specialistas” from the National Capital Region, Region 3 and Region 7.

President Aquino also bared that the government has allocated a total of P500 million under the economic stimulus program for the training of some 65 thousand individuals in preparation for their possible employment in the business process outsourcing sector (BPO).

The TESDA Specialista Technopreneurship Program (TSTP) is one of TESDA’s responses to the goal of the government to achieve inclusive growth as embodied in the Labor and Employment Plan and National Technical Education and Skills Development (NTESDP) 2011-2016.

It is designed to facilitate employment for certified workers/persons to get into productive undertakings through the provision of services in demand in the community.

TPSP shall develop a pool of trained and certified TESDA Specialistas who will respond to the demand for services by the households and the immediate communities.

Present during

the event were other government officials led by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia Licuanan, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Cristino Naguiat.

Also in attendance were Taguig City Mayor Laarni Cayetano, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Victoria Tarlac Mayor Candido Guiam III, Oriental Mindoro Representative Rey Umali and Manila Representative Carlo Lopez.

In the same event, the President also witnessed the awarding of ISO 9001-2008 Certificate to TESDA.

D i r e c t o r - G e n e r a l Villanueva received the award from Mr. Chia Jen, general manager of the TUV-SUD PSB Malaysia which is a service provider for a comprehensive and integrated suite of product testing, inspection and certification services. Its operation in the Philippines was set up more than 11 years ago with the aim of helping companies achieve business excellence. (JCL)


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POPCOM urges youth to make responsible decisionsby Robert E. Roperos

Officials of Caraga Region’s Commission on Population (POPCOM) recently urged teenagers to decide responsibly on the matter of going into serious relationships.

Photo Credit :EASYNet


Through their advocacy program dubbed “Pag-aaral ay para sa hinaharap, huwag ipagpalit sa sandaling sarap,” POPCOM-Caraga Information Officer Angie Antonio said. Antonio said this program was conceptualized after it was observed that more families are experiencing

poverty because of the untimely marriage brought about by early teenage pregnancy. The official added that at present, going into serious relationships is not that easy if both or even one of the party is not yet ready to take any responsibilities. Because of this, Antonio said some will

resort to abortion that will put the health of the mother at risk. She added building a family must be properly planned first, so that it will result to successful marriage. In this way, it is also assured that the health of all members of the family is properly taken cared of.

Surigao del Sur joins 8th National Dental Health Month celebrationby Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The province of Surigao del Sur joined the 8th National Dental Health month celebration.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), a fitting program was held at the Captiol Seminar Hall, this city on Tuesday with the theme, “Ngiping matatamis, ngiping malilinis, dala ay pag-asa, tunay na

ligaya.” Dentists coming from both the public and private sectors, especially members of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) headed by Dr. Juanto Manigo came to grace the occasion.

The search for orally fit child program, poster-making and slogan contests also highlighted the event. A free dental clinic at the Barangay Hall of Telaje here concluded the celebration.


PESO-Butuan conducts 2-day jobs fair

BUTUAN CITY -- The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of this city recently conducted two-day jobs fair in support to the jobs generation program of the national government. D u b b e d “ O p o r t u n i d a d Pantrabaho sa Butuan,” (Employment Opportunity for Butuan) the program is aimed to assist Butuanons in their quest to get employed in local and foreign companies. In a radio interview, PESO-Butuan Manager Ronnie Azura said this move of the

city government is in response to the increasing number of unemployment in the city especially that this coming March, another batch of college students are expected to graduate, “thus, adding to the unemployment rate of the country,” he added. Azura further said the activity was a rare

opportunity for big companies and agencies as they came here to recruit employees. With this, Azura urged Butuanons to keep in touch with their office as more jobs fair activities are set to be conducted this year, in line with the jobs generation program of the local government here.(Robert E. Roperos)


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WESCOM brings “Operation Smile” to Palawan By Rene V. Carbayas

The Western Command (WESCOM) in partnership with Cranio Facial Surgery Foundation of the Philippines (CFSFP) and Palawan Provincial Health Office (PHO) offered free surgical

operations to the Palaweños with cleft lip and cleft palate.


The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP reported that registration, screening and interview of the patients were held last January 23 to 25, 2012 at Camp General Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital (CGARSH) at the WESCOM Headquarters. The actual surgical operations were performed from January 26 to 28 also at CGARSH. Espie Paradero, 20 years old and one of the patients who was screened commented (in Tagalog) that, “This is a great opportunity for us less privileged to be given free services since this will help boost our morale, starting with a good smile. We hope that our soldiers and other stakeholders will be more blessed in order to continue helping more less fortunate Filipinos in the future”. Aside from offering the use of its medical facilities, the medical doctors, nurses and staff of CGARSH, headed by Lt. Col. Wilfredo M.

Nakpil MC, also offered their services for the surgical operations. According to Dr. Mary Ann Navarro, coordinator of the said surgical mission, the CFSFP operated on more than 30 individuals with cleft lip and palate. The Commander of Western Command, Lt. Gen Juancho M Sabban hopes that this partnership will help give the beneficiaries a positive outlook in life starting with a good smile. (JPA/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)

DepEd-Dipolog conducts information drive on K+12 Program

DIPOLOG CITY - In line with the upcoming implementation of the K+12 Educational Reform of the Department of Education, the Dipolog City Schools Division has recently conducted an information drive at the City Schools Division Office, this city.

By Alfonso T. Ruda


The information drives aims to strengthen the advocacy campaign of DepEd on K+12 Enhanced Basic Education Program and to solicit reaction from the stakeholders on the new program. Among the participants of the forum were school heads as convenors, teachers, officers of the Parents Teachers and Community Association (PTCA), barangay and Local Government Units’ officials, private schools and non-government organizations. Incoming Grade I pupils and First Year high students next school year will already be covered by the new 12-year basic education cycle. The K to 12 Enhanced Basic Education Program is a new curriculum that mandates children to go to kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school. The DepEd said the program would improve students’ competencies in subjects especially in English, Math and Science and make them prepared for college and

globally skilled for local and foreign employment. Late last month, an early registration was conducted for incoming Grade I and First Year High School students for the school year 2012-2013 after Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro issued DepEd Order No. 4-2012 declaring January 28, 2012 as Early Registration Day in all public elementary and high schools throughout the country. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)


DOLE Assistant Regional Director Virginia L. Bonbon said Fivestar Safety and Health Consultancy (FSHC) based in Cebu City and accredited by the Bureau of Working Conditions with BWC Accreditation No. 1030-082301-0052 conducted the training. ARD Bonbon said Department Memorandum regarding procedures for evaluation and approval of application for registration as contactor/subcontractor, which was signed by then Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom on January

12, 2012 states that no application should be accepted unless the applicant contractor/subcontractor has substantially complied with the necessary requirements. Attendance to the training was one of the requirements that have to be complied before they will be able to renew their business permits. A registration fee of P25,000 shall be paid to the regional office after the approval of the application for registration. Before, only P100 was charged for registration fee. However, it

DOLE wraps up 4-day CSH Training

by Alma L. Tingcang

PAGADIAN CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) spearheaded the 4-day Construction Safety and Health (CSH) for Site Safety Officers Training held at Mardale Hotel and Convention Center here on February 6-9.


was observed that many “fly by night’’ contractors also apply for registration because of the measly amount. In the event that accidents happen in the workplace, they are nowhere to be found and shirk from their responsibilities. No one would be held liable then. She said contractors/subcontractors will not be allowed to participate in government biddings if they fail to complete the 40-hours training and they would not be able to renew their license. Reynel M. Bancal and Fidelino Tinapay of FSHC who have different fields of expertise facilitated the training and discussed various topics such as : Hazardous Materials, Tools and Equipment Safety, Personal Protective Equipment,

Environmental Safety and Occupation Health Program, Site Premises, Excavation and Trenching, Construction Machinery, Temporary Structures, Demolition, Explosives, Fall Protection and Roles of S & H Site Officer. DOLE also discussed Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Legislation and its Importance. During the 4-day training, they conducted actual site inspection and workshop on Accident Investigation (AI), Job Hazard Analysis, and Tool Box Meeting (TBM). DOLE asked the participants to promote Safety and Health standards in workplaces at all times. (ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)


MARINA requires cargo securing manual from cargo shipsby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

To foster the safe operation of Philippines-

registered ships, all domestic ships/motor boats carrying cargo units are required to have on board a Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) and the corresponding valid Compliance Certificate at all times.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shall now implement, effective immediately, the “Revised Rules and Regulations to Implement the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing in Domestic Shipping” pursuant to MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 2011-03, advised Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, Regional Director of MARINA in Northern Mindanao.

Thus, all ships/motor boats carrying cargo units except ships/vessels, used solely in

the carriage of gasses in bulk, and in the carriage of solid or liquid cargoes and timber stowed on deck, as well as motor boats of 3 GT and below, are compelled to always have on board a CSM and CSM Compliance Certificate. This is pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 474, Executive Order 125-A, and the applicable chapters of


CHO revs up medical attention to Sendong survivorsby Cherly C. Moncay

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The City Health Office (CHO) continues to serve 39 evacuation centers since tropical storm Sendong hit this city.

A total of 3,849 affected families or 16,954 family members have been given proper medical attention by the medical teams. CHO, through its dispatched medical teams of professional doctors and experienced nurses, worked together with barangay-based health personnel and other local and foreign donor partners to address urgent health needs of survivor families. Treatment of injuries, consultations and provision of proper medications to affected families were conducted in the evacuation centers

and one relocation site in Calaanan. It also intensified its anti-Leptospirosis campaign in evacuation centers and around neighborhood of flooded areas. House to house visits and distribution of anti-bacterial medicines to families were conducted in line with this campaign. Dr. Teodulfo Joselito Retuya, City Government Department Head II, cited the support of various partners such as the Department of Health (DOH), UNICEF, Xavier University, Pilipinas Shell and other private sectors. (CIO)

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 as amended, Carpio said. He further said that non-compliance shall be subject to sanctions prescribed under the Public Service Act, as amended, the

Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations and the above-mentioned Circular without prejudice to the suspension or cancellation of the vessel’s registry and safety certificates.

NBI tags four more unidentified bodies of Typhoon Sendong victimsby Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental – At least four (4) additional unidentified dead bodies have been tagged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Iligan City, last Feb. 1, this year.


This brings to 1,292, the total dead bodies of Typhoon Sendong victims, of which only 923 have been identified and accounted for by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), region 10, as of the period. Regional Director Ana Caňeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10 and Chairperson of the RDRRMC-10, said the total figure already include the dead bodies recovered from the following areas: Cagayan de Oro City (CDO), 657, Iligan City, 490, and Manticao and El Salvador towns of Misamis Oriental, 80, Bukidnon province, 45, Zambaonga area, 9, municipality of Lopez Jaena and Jimenez in Misamis Occidental and from the Misamis Oriental area, 5. The suicide case involving a 33-year old male inside the evacuation center at the City Central School in Cagayan de Oro, last Jan. 6, was not included in the list of the dead since the death was by non-natural cause. She said the number of injured was also noted at 1,977, that is: 1,799 from Iligan City, 168 from CDO, nine (9) from Bukidnon and one (1) from Misamis Oriental. Latest data gathered by RDRRMC-10, also show that there are now 194 barangays in the entire region that were affected by Typhoon Sendong, the highest number of which is 115 from eight (8) towns

in Misamis Oriental including CDO. This was followed by Bukidnon, with 41 barangays from Valencia City and seven (7) towns of Bukidnon and Iligan City with 30 barangays. Meanwhile, the Dead Victim Identification (DVI) Cluster of the Post Sendong Operations Center, headed by the NBI, reported that they have gathered a total of 947 DNA specimens, i.e., 521 from CDO and 426 from Iligan City, as of Jan. 25, this year. It also gathered a total of 747 ante mortem data and processed and buried a total of 358 unidentified bodies, from CDO and Iligan Cities, as of the period.


Assistance to MSMEs yielded substantial sales by Carina Cayon

Assistance to micro small and medium enterprises

(MSMEs) in Davao del Norte resulted to the generation of substantial export and local sales. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte provincial office officer-in-charge Vedastito Galvez said DTI last year monitored US$7.1 million export value generated substantially by MSMEs engaged in banana and cacao production.

It also monitored P134.81 million worth of domestic sales that MSMEs raised mostly through trade fairs, market-matching, book orders on top of cash sales. Galvez said that the small-scale banana growers who were agrarian reform beneficiaries, contributed a substantial US$6.76 million export sales while the Chokolate’ de San Isidro, Inc. (CSI) made a US$275,000 sale through its shipment to Netherlands of nine container

vans of cacao seeds. Galvez, however, made it clear that the exports value his office had monitored were transactions of MSMEs that DTI was able to extend help through its various programs, including its assistance for them to comply with ISO 9001 requirements. “Davao del Norte is generating so much exports (sales). What we’d monitored were coming from those


that we had extended assistance,” he said in an interview. Galvez attributed the export performance of MSMEs of Davao del Norte to the Export Pathways Programs (EPP) that DTI has been implementing to assist them meet market requirements at any stage of their business. DTI does this through “offering client-focused interventions.” DTI Davao del Norte field office last year assisted 334 MSMEs of about 900 MSMEs that it had served. Through EPP, it helped develop and improve six products particularly those produced by Raymundo Homemade Products (Tsokolate con Krema), Lucille’s Food Products (Guyabano concentrate and ready-to-drink), Davao Marsman Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Development Cooperative (handicrafts), Silagan Handicrafts (tikog boxes); Buclad Tribal Council ( native bag with beads). Among the Davao del Norte-based products that DTI last year assisted in improving their packaging and labeling were the food grade banana flour, banana noodles, banana stick and banana pastries of AMS Employees Fresh Fruits Producers Cooperative (AMSSEFFPCO), the organic rice of Dujali Free Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative; and the gift packs of Tsokolate con Krema for Wellthy Corporation.DTI also facilitated a number of market-matching which paved way for Davao del Norte MSMEs to rake in huge sales.

Among the biggest yield was the P230,000 sales that the Chokolate’ de San Isidro (CSI) clinched with Wellthy Corporation for the exclusive distribution of raw chocolate bars in Northern Luzon and in Metro Manila. It was during the PhilFoodEx and the National Cocoa Summit held in February that CSI got from Wellthy Corp. initial orders of 300 kg tablea blocks (chocolate bars) and 2,400 pieces of chocolate rolls for buyers in Bulacan. The market-matching strategy also paved way for the AMS Employees Fresh Fruits Producers Cooperative to corner a P450,000 worth of monthly supply of food grade banana flour for UFC’s food products. Through such strategy, the Dujali Free Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (DUFFAMCO) last year made a sale of P204,000 worth of organic rice to PhilNets Rural Development Institute. In a nutshell, DTI Davao del Norte registered a P6.7312 million total sales of its assisted MSMEs (including those under negotiations), generated during their participation in trade fairs held last year in various parts of the country. Among those they participated in were the PhilFoodEx, Musikahan sa Tagum, National Trade Fair, International Food Expo, Kadagayaan Trade Fair, Pinoy SME fair, Davao Tourism and Trade Expo, and OTOP (One Town One Product) Philippines National Trade Fair and Exhibit. (PIA-11/Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)



DAVAO CITY- Davao City Central 911 Emergency Response Center is eyeing the training of more personnel for collapsed structure search and rescue this after the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas last week. There are only six personnel in the urban search and rescue team which are capable of collapsed structure search and rescue and that includes me. Colonel Verner Monsanto head of the Central 911 said. He added that recently one of the six left Central 911. “That means only four men are really proficient in this kind of job.” Monsanto said. Collapse structure search and rescue is a highly technical course

which helps personnel deal with SAR in collapse structure particularly after the aftermath of strong earthquakes. Monsanto said that this kind or rescue is very dangerous since it deals with highly unstable structures which can collapse anytime. He said that before SAR personnel enter a collapse structure they still have to verify the structural integrity of the structures with the help of

structural engineers. Monsanto said they are eyeing another set of training for the 46-member USAR team of Central 911. The last CSSR (Collapse Structure Search and Rescue) course was done in 2008 and costs around P700,000. Monsanto estimated that current training cost could run up to a million with instructors coming in from Manila. Expenses would be spent on instructors’ fees, accommodation, transportation, materials and expenses for the actual training. He said that CSSR training is needed now that Davao is seeing more high-rises built in the City. By 2012 three high rise towers are being built in Davao. (PIA/RG Alama)


NIA turns over irrigation project in Sultan Kudaratby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- At least 294 farm families in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat will have better chances of increasing their harvest and income with a new irrigation system to serve them.


Just recently, officials of the National Irrigation Administration turned over to Alip-Lumaga-Malingen Communal Irrigators Association, Inc. the Alip –Lumaga Communal Irrigation System (CIS) which covers 608 hectares in Barangay Poblacion.

Evelyn Bragasin, NIA 12’s public relations officer said, the project costs P2.5 million to build.

“But since it is a communal irrigation system, the irrigators association only needs to pay a total of P1.716 million for 22 years without interest,” she said.

Amortizations are due every June 30 and December 31 of each year.

Ali Satol, manager of Sultan Kudarat Irrigation Management Office, said the communal irrigation project was the third CIS the agency has handed over to irrigators in the area; the other two, namely: Dalol CIS and Maligaya

CIP were recently turned over to their respective IAs.

Three more projects are set to be implemented in the municipality this year, he added.

Satol thanked Columbio Mayor Datu Amirh Musali and other local officials for helping in the realization of the said projects, particularly for their assistance in following up the release of funds for the project.

NIA 12 Regional Manager Modesto Anderson M. Tolentino, Jr., said the CIS was made possible because of the coordinated efforts of the LGU, NIA and the irrigators association.

He also thanked the Department of Agriculture for its assistance to the local farmers through its various programs.

He then challenged the IA officials to take the irrigation as their personal possession so that this will continue to benefit

their children and grandchildren.

This, he believes, would not be hard to achieve considering the unity the IA officers and members have so far displayed as evidenced by the existence of facilities such as warehouse and dryer that the IA has built for their communal use.

Mayor Musali likewise assured the association of support from the LGU. The association need only to ask assistance from the local government in case they have concerns, he said.

Musali also announced that the local government is working on several projects to help boost the municipality’s agriculture sectors, including the development of coffee industry of Columbio through a partnership between a local cooperative and the Rocky Mountain Arabica Coffee Corporation. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


SHEEP- CLP intensifies monitoring of public schools in Gensanby Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY-- The SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) of the city government has deployed monitoring teams to different public elementary and high schools in the city to check the computerization status of each school and address problems in connection with the implementation of the program.

According to SHEEP-CLP head, Percival Pasuelo, the monitoring teams assessed the computerization need of each school and offered new training modules that can be availed by both teachers and students concerned.

“Mayor Custodio is scheduled to turn-over computer units to the Speech Computer Laboratory of both Dadiangas North and Irineo Santiago High School on Valentine’s

Day,” he said.On November

last year, the local government has completed the computerization of all the 85 public elementary and secondary schools in the city in a move to enhance the city’s local and global competitive advantage.

City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio led the website-launching of the 69 public elementary schools and the 26 barangay high

schools to empower the said public institutions by equipping them with knowledge and skills in information technology.

Since January 16, the SHEEP-CLP has already visited 40 public schools in the city and conducted monitoring activities which include the inventory of computer units, gathering of data such as school population and number of teachers, skills level inventory, and other significant details.

“The main objective of this monitoring activity is to reach out and establish good working relationship with the recipient schools and other clienteles necessary to promote hand-in-hand the Mayor’s battlecry of “THINK Global ACT Local,’ he explained. ( P G F r u y l a n / P I A -Gensan)


Brgy. Council commends Gov, PENRO for action on illegal quarry operatorsby Fruto Sumagaysay Jr.

KORONADAL CITY -- The Barangay Council of Klinan 6, Polomolok town commended South Cotabato Governor Arthur “Dodo” Y. Pingoy Jr and officials of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) for their immediate action against rampant illegal quarry operations in their area.

Through Resolution No. 4 s. 2012 passed on February 6, 2012, Klinan 6 Barangay Council led by chairwoman Florencia Docallos extended their commendation to Governor Pingoy for his leadership in strictly implementing the Provincial Environment Code (PEC), specifically on quarry operations.

The same resolution also thanked acting PEMO Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, Engr. Roldan Lachica and Quarry Inspector Remus Guillermo for their apprehension of illegal quarry operators.

The PEMO staff apprehended and impounded two dump trucks last January 26, 2012 at Klinan 6

for quarrying using expired permits.

They were later released upon payment of penalty, the PEMO report said.

PEMO started this year with a series of apprehensions and impositions of penalties a g a i n s t errant quarry o p e r a t o r s as well as r e s o l u t i o n of permittee q u a r r y boundaries as part of its campaign to strictly enforce the PEC on quarry operations

South Cotabato generated P5.76 million

in quarry or “sand and gravel” tax in 2011. (Fruto Sumagaysay Jr/SoCot PIO/D E D o g u i l e s / P I A 12)

One Mindanao - February 10, 2012

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