One Mindanao - February 21, 2014

Camiguin, home to Hawksbill Sea TurtlesJorie C. ValcorzaNorthern Mindanao

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 125

President Aquino urges residents of San Francisco to continue best collective effort with Phl counterparts

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CdeO breaks ground new school building

BFAR distributes fish sanctuary materials to coastal LGUs in Lanao Norte

TREEDC visits Butuan City, encourages gov’t agencies to use renewable energy

Tacurong’s “City Hall sa Barangay” resumes on February

Cotabato City rolls out plastic, Styrofoam ban

People’s Park hosts PAG-IBIG Fund mass wedding

NYC invites youth leaders for 10th Nat’l Youth Parliament

DILG asks village officials to conduct barangay assembly

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16 32

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CIO

PIO-LDN

RG Alama

Danilo E. Doguiles

Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Jennifer P. Gaitano

Alfonso T. Ruda

Information to Empower Filipinos

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Melody de Vera

Camiguin, home to Hawksbill Sea Turtles

Camiguin, home to Hawksbill Sea Turtles

The Island’s pristine waters is a come-on not only to tourist but

to the sea turtles as well.

The undisturbed beaches of Barangay Baylao and Kuguita in Mambajao town are now the new found haven of the hawksbill sea turtles, distinguished of its sharp, curving beak and saw-like appearance in the shell margins. While this turtle lives part of its life in the open ocean, it spends

more time in shallow lagoons and corals, a vulnerability that pushes the local government, to affect a strong conservation program on the critical habitat. Last Feb. 15, the local executives have released the first batch of new hatchlings to the sea in

By Jorie C. Valcorza

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the shoreline of Baylao, witnessed by the residents, school teachers, barangay officials, policemen, and fish wardens. Some 63 turtles were released; part of the event was also a tree planting activity near the shore.To date, the local government is drumming up its campaign to educate the locals and become active partners

in preserving the specie, often traded by fisherfolks for decorative purposes. Meanwhile, another awesome option for those who wanted to see and swim with the turtles is the protected marine sanctuary in Mantigue Island (part of Mahinog town), where turtles playfully swim with the people around.

6FEBRUARY 2014 | PAGE

President Aquino maintains position on Charter change

President Benigno S. Aquino III maintains his position not to support moves to amend the present Constitution noting

the country could prosper even without such revision, a Palace official said.

Across the Nation

The issue on Charter change resurfaced as Palace allies in the House of Representatives continue to be active on pushing for ChaCha.

“The latest update is that he maintains his position that there is no need to amend the economic provisions of the charter considering a number of things,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a media briefing at the Palace Thursday.

Citing the President’s position, Lacierda

said the country’s economy has grown better even without amending the charter.

“The President has always cited the example of China as a country where land is not open to foreign nationals and yet (they) experienced growth,” he said.

The President remains firm in his position despite the endorsement of House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte towards amending the charter’s economic provisions, he said.


President Aquino maintains position on Charter change

Across the Nation “I suppose Speaker Belmonte has a position different from the President, but the President has always been very transparent about his position on charter change,” he added.

There have been occasions, for instance, that there were some people calling for

the amendment of the charter, but the President, either publicly or privately, has always stated that changing the charter is not necessary as far as the economy is concerned, Lacierda said. PND

President Aquino urges residents of San Francisco to continue best collective effort with Phl counterparts

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday urged residents of San Francisco, including Filipinos based there, to continue giving their

best collective efforts for the good of their communities and countries.The President made the call at

the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee Business and Cultural Mission in Malacañang, where he thanked San Francisco for helping Filipinos recover

from recent calamities.“I have no doubt that, if we all continue

giving our best collective effort for the betterment of our communities and our countries, then we will be that much closer


to our shared vision of more prosperous lives for all our fellowmen,” he said.

He also said he is glad San Francisco residents who have roots in the Philippines “have chosen to stand with us during this time of great challenge.”

Also, he thanked the Philippines’ friends from San Francisco who he said came over “to demonstrate that you indeed have our backs.”

“Without doubt, your involvement will help our country further; and I am eager to work with all of you. You have the chance not only to take advantage of a golden opportunity in a revitalized nation, but to open more doors for our countrymen, who have for so long been shackled by hopelessness and cynicism, but now are dreaming again, and are demonstrating their capacity to fulfill their vast potential,” he said.

The President also said such hopefulness reminded him of his family’s exile in San Francisco and Boston.

At the time, Filipinos abroad mourned what seemed to be the Philippines’ slow and irreversible decay yet did not give in to despair.

“Rather than curse the darkness, we chose to light candles. In our long history as a country, this has always been the case:

Filipinos have looked for ways to overcome apathy, and to extend a helping hand; to rise from the rubble, to dream, and to fulfill those dreams,” he said.

The President also thanked San Francisco for its help for the Philippine government’s bid to “build-back-better.”

“We can all look forward to the time when the survivors of Yolanda can take full control over their destinies once again,” he said.

Earlier during the program, San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee reiterated the city’s official condolences over the tragedies that beset the Philippines.

“On behalf of the citizens of San Francisco and the entire Bay Area, we again offer our official condolences to the tragedies that beset you and this country during the aftermath of the Super Storm --- the Typhoon Yolanda,” he said.

He added the city commits “not only to helping with the relief, but to also helping with the recovery for the Philippines because we know that our own ability to recover from disasters depends on how we help others who were similarly situated.”

“These are global responsibilities not just on the shoulders of the Philippine people, but that we share them; and, more precisely, it is also our opportunity to learn from disaster management as we’ve done throughout the day today. To exchange the best practices and to adopt each others best ideas and go forward to making sure we improve the ability to recover from these disasters,” he added. PND

9FEBRUARY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Petronas to supply lower-priced fuel to Mindanao provincesFuel prices in Maguindanao and nearby provinces are expected to

drop as the Malaysian-based Iron Blaze Petroleum, Inc. was given the permission to import oil products in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through Petronas-Malaysia.

Petronas, the acronym for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, is a Malaysian oil and gas company founded in 1974 and fully owned and controlled by the Malaysian government

Lawyer Mimbalawag Barok Mangutara, Polloc port manager in Parang town, said that the Iron Blaze firm would supply nine million liters of petroleum products from Malaysia every month in Maguindanao.

“A memorandum of agreement between Petronas and Iron Blaze

Petroleum was signed and they are about to sign a contract to regularly provide oil supply to Maguindanao”, Mangutara said.

Currently, Iron Blaze is supplying 260,000 liters of petroleum to the ARMM per shipment.

Mangutara added that Iron Blaze is also expected to put-up an oil depot in Polloc Port, which they expect to help build up the ARMM economy and provide employment to thousands of residents in the area.


Pantawid Pamilya empowers women through FDSby Archie G. Pagayaman

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – “Sa among sharing during sa FDS (Family Development Session) ako jud gina-ingnan ako mga kaubanan nga nanay gyapon nga kanang ilang ilingkod-lingkod sa balay ila pa nang ipalit ug saging daw isuroy makakwarta pa sila. Karon nga panahona kitang mga baye dapat gyud di ta magsalig lang gyud sa income sa atong mga bana dapat mutimbang pud ta’g apil,” strong words from Margie Javier, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary.


(During our FDS I usually encourage my fellow 4Ps beneficiaries that instead of just sitting in the house, why not buy banana and make money out of it. At this point in time, we women should not solely depend on our husband’s income; we must also try to help) Margie has been a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilya for five years already. Blessed with four children aged 17, 14, 12 and 8, Margie burst into tears as she expressed her gratitude to the program as it really helped her family survived economically. “Pasalamat jud ko sa programa sa gobyerno nga 4Ps kay daku jud ang tabang ani sa akong pamilya, ilabina sa pang inadlaw nga panginahanglan (I’m really grateful with this government’s program - 4Ps for it really helped my family in meeting our daily needs),” she emotionally shared. Margie is also active in attending FDS and even pointed out that she has not missed a single session saying, “Daghan jud kaayo mi makat-unan sa FDS. Dunay mga lecture kabahin sa pagdisiplina sa anak, relasyon namo mag-asawa, saktong nutrisyon sa bata, waste management ug sa livelihood. Excited kaayo ko mag apil ug FDS ug gapaningkamot ko nga ako jud maapply akong mga

nakat-unan. (I learned many things in attending FDS. There are lectures on how to discipline our children, marital relationship, proper nutrition, waste management and also livelihood. I’m always excited to attend FDS and I really try hard to put into action what I have learned there) She also rebuts the idea that attending FDS is some kind of a burden on the part of the beneficiary by saying, “ Sa ako lang jud personal, dili man jud hagu mag-apil ug FDS, gani daghan kaayo mga pagtulun-an akong nakuha sa pag-apil sa FDS (Personally, attending the FDS is not really a burden to me; in fact I’ve learned various things in just joining FDS).” Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program is a poverty reduction strategy of the government that aims to boost the health and education of Filipino children aged 0-18 by providing conditional cash grants.


by CIO

CdeO breaks ground new school building

Mayor Moreno assures that the new school building in barangay Balulang, which will house almost 700 high school students, signals the start of the construction of more high school buildings in other barangays of the city. In fact, City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Elena Borcillo said eight additional classrooms will soon rise in Balulang High School to be funded by the Department of

Education. Among the guests who graced the occasion were members of the Local School Board, Balulang barangay chairman Alfredo Carcosa, John Del Bando who represented 1st District Congress Klarex Uy, Ma. Dulce Potenciano of Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), while inter-faith leaders, parents-teachers association officers, faculty and staff and students witnessed the event.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A 16-classroom, two-storey building will soon rise at the one-hectare new Balulang High School site as City Mayor Oscar Moreno and other dignitaries led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P15-million worth project funded under the city’s Local School Board (LSB).

BFAR distributes fish sanctuary materials to coastal LGUs in Lanao Norteby PIO-LDN

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 10 together with the provincial government distributed fish sanctuary materials to coastal local government units on February 18, 2014 at the Macapagal Training Center, Provincial Capitol Grounds, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The rebuilding and rehabilitation of fish sanctuaries in coastal

communities, to allow the local species of fish to increase its


BFAR distributes fish sanctuary materials to coastal LGUs in Lanao Norte

population is one of the priority projects of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte (PGLDN) The materials distributed to municipal agriculturists and caretakers of fish sanctuaries were buoys, monofilaments, and life jackets.Among the 10 coastal towns that received the marine implements were Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo. All coastal municipalities have identified fish sanctuaries to ensure that local fishes are able to replenish their population. Twenty meters from every fish sanctuary are buffers zone. Fishing is strictly prohibited in both the sanctuary and buffer zone with corresponding penalty for violators.

“We’re really thankful to the provincial government especially Governor Khalid Dimaporo and to BFAR for this assistance to our fish sanctuary. As an officer of Bantay Dagat, this will be a big help to us in helping preserve our marine resources,” expressed Lala Agriculturist Edmon Laroco. Accepting the fish sanctuary materials were Eden Vosotros of Linamon, Adelino Rico of Kauswagan, Laloy Paseje of Bacolod), Edwin Garcia of Maigo, Nestor Denore of Kolambugan, Romeo Alajas of Tubod, Edmund Lumacad Baroy, Edmon Laroco of Lala, Francisco Bihod of Kapagatan, and Romeo Umandang of Sultan Naga Dimaporo. The distribution was also attended by Boardmember Casimero Bagol, Committee Chairman on Agriculture and BFAR-10 representative Linda Yakapin.


Davao City’s Speed Limit law nets 2,217 violators

DAVAO CITY-An official of the Land Transportation Office in Davao Region reported the ap-prehension of 2,217 drivers in the

city for violating Executive Order No. 39, an order setting the speed limit of all vehicles within the ter-ritory of Davao City.

by Joey Sem Dalumpines


Speaking at the Kapehan sa SM City, Macario Gonzaga, assistant regional director of the LTO 11 said these drivers were held for over speeding and were cited for reckless driving. He observed the implementation of the local order limiting the speed of vehicles led to the reduction of vehicular accidents in the city in the past three months. “This only shows that stringent local measures in the law enforcement can be effective tools to advance the objective of peaceful and safe communities,” Gonzaga said. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that Executive Order No. 39, the local government policy tempering the speed of all land transportation within the city must stay since it is generally for public safety. He said the speed limit has benefitted more the pedestrians from fast running vehicles. Duterte was unperturbed with the complaint that the speed limit has caused tardiness among workers in reporting for work and the reduction of income among taxi drivers.

“The speed limit will stay to save lives,” he pointed out. Duterte said vehicles running at a slow speed will surely stop once the brakes are applied. He said accidents that make lives cheap is no longer acceptable. The Traffic Group of the Davao City Police Office attributed the reduction of vehicular accidents in the city at nine to ten percent following the implementation of the speed limit order. Superintendent Rhodelio Poliaquit, chief of the Traffic Group said three deaths per month due to vehicular accidents were reported several months before the speed limit implementation. He said the Traffic Group apprehended initially a total of 200 motorists for violating the speed limit order since November. Poliquit said traffic enforcers were armed with the corresponding speed guns to ensure the basis in apprehending violators. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DAVAO CITY- Under the lush cano-pies of People’s Park Tulip Trees about 596 couples said their “I dos” at a mass wedding initiated by the Pag-IBIG Fund held in the afternoon of Feb. 14. This is the first time a wedding was held at the People’s Park, which was built in 2008 in an erstwhile dilapidated sports complex. Previously the park hosted concerts, performance events, government flag-raising ceremonies and fitness activities. The wedding was officiated by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and graced by the presence of Atty Leo Braceros the local Civil Registrar, Fermin Sta. Teresa, Vice-President Mindanao Operations of the Pag-IBIG Fund. The 596 couples are Pag-IBIG members and the activity which is also simultaneously held in six other tourism destinations across the country

is Pag-IBIG Fund’s three-year old “I do, I do” project which is a membership awareness campaign by helping unwed couples receive matrimonial and civil rights. The 596 Davao wedding couples are part of the 4,500 couples taking part in Pag-IBIG mass wedding. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in his message urged the couples to consider responsible parenthood particularly on planning the right size and proper spacing of having children since raising children and sending them to school is a big responsibility. A house and lot package and a kabuhayan (livelihood) package worth P25,000 and minor prizes like domestic appliances were raffled off during that afternoon. (PIA/RG Alama)

People’s Park hosts PAG-IBIG Fund mass wedding


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Over a hundred couples basked in the free civil mass wedding ceremony of Pag-IBIG Fund GenSan’s annual “I Do. I Do.”

112 couples bask in Pag-IBIG Fund’s free civil wedding ceremonyBy: Catherine T. Apelacio


From the original targeted 100 couples, the “I Do. I Do. Araw ng Pag-IBIG” Valentine’s Day tying the knot has exceeded the numbers list to 112, indicating how local couples had been anticipating the event to take place.

Mayor Ronnel Rivera personally officiated the mass wedding enlivening the spirits of newlyweds with the story about the gift of love and salvation describing this “as the perfect gift we receive.”

He advised the couples “to always seek God above everything for through this all other things will just be added in.”

The mayor cited that there are many challenges that a married couple will encounter in their lifetime but as they thread through life’s obstacles together these are not impossible to conquer.

Mayor Rivera also shared with the newlyweds his 16-year experience of marital blissfulness with wife Jane Rivera and kids.

Apart from the advice he gave, the mayor also encouraged the couples to be Pag-IBIG Fund consistent members saying “this is a way of securing their future as married couples as well as that of their children.”

The wedding ceremony which was held at the Veranza Mall here was open to all Pag-IBIG Fund members to include potential members who have submitted complete documents required for

the wedding rite.The couples also received free

wedding rings and a reception party packed with various foodstuff and wedding cakes.

In an audio message, Pag-IBIG Fund president and chief executive officer Atty. Darlene Berberabe congratulated the newlyweds as she expressed her best wishes and joy while also stressing the need for couples living in together to legitimize their union through the sacrament of matrimony.

This, Pag-IBIG Fund GenSan information officer Ritchelle Lorilla explained afterwards that this is to avoid any legal hassles in the future especially in benefit claims if in case one of the partners dies.

The agency has also endowed the newly-wedded couples some goodies such as appliance giveaways and other miniature tokens to kick start their legal union.

Meanwhile, Lorilla said that they didn’t have yet the name of the winning couple for the major prize of house and lot but they will be announcing the winner the soonest possible time.

Now on its third year since its national launch in 2012, the conduct of the mass wedding forms part of the corporate social responsibility of the agency, Lorilla added stressing that “it is the agency’s way of giving back.”

He said the agency owes it at least to its members and would-be


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Residents of the 24 barangays of Tacurong City could again avail of services from the local government unit and its private sector partners right at their doorsteps.

members as a show of gratitude citing that there has been a significant increase in membership in the last years.

Partnering with Department of Tourism at the national level particularly for the wedding venue, Pag-IBIG Fund GenSan said they had hoped to hitch up some 7,000 couples nationwide tying the knot under its wedding sponsorship this year.

Lorilla said the event has been a success so far.

The agency also thanked the local government of GenSan for its continued support and appreciation of the two-year old “Kasalang Bayan” or mass wedding implementation in the city.

“It’s more fun magpakasal sa Philippines,” Atty. Berberabe quips. (CT Apelacio with Lipsy Grace Carayo/PIA-12 General Santos City)

Tacurong’s “City Hall sa Barangay” resumes on February 28By: Danilo E. Doguiles

This, as the city government has announced the resumption of its flagship outreach project, “City Hall sa Barangay” on February 28.

Mayor Lina Montilla said preparations are underway for more efficient and comprehensive service delivery via the city’s mobile city hall project.

This year, City Hall sa Barangay activities will kick off at Barangay Rajah Muda, one of the farthest villages here.

Launched in 2011, City Hall sa Barangay is an outreach program that brings offices and services of the city government to barangays where they set up office for a day.

Services include agriculture, social welfare, legal, accounting and many

others from the different departments of the local government.

Montilla emphasized, having the offices and employees of the city government attending to the needs of the residents right at the latter’s homes is much more relevant and effective than residents taking time to go to the city center and the city hall to avail of services from their LGU.

City Hall sa Barangay visits each barangay once or twice each year.

Besides the regular city government services, several private sector partners also join also to bring needed aid for target communities.

Doctors from the Philippine Medical Association join forces with the City Health Office to provide free consultation and free medicine. Two


COTABATO CITY – City officials are now crafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the prohibition of plastic and Styrofoam use in the city.

private dentists who are members of the Philippine Dental Association also join these activities for free dental services.

Sultan Kudarat Eye Center led by Dr. Dante Eugenio also gives free eye check-up during these outreach activities.

Besides the medical-dental services, resident may also avail of free vaccination and medicines for their animals courtesy of the City Veterinary Office

Meanwhile, personnel from the City Police Station and the 46th Army Battalion will also join the event and provide free haircut for interested residents.

They will be joined by barbers

and haircutters pooled by the Sangguniang Panglungsod who also bring with them another team who would take care of sharpening farm tools, knives, bolos and similar tools.

Unemployed residents may also apply for job openings that will be offered in a mini-job fair organized by the Public Employment Service Office.

Mayor Montilla hopes that through the City Hall sa Barangay, which she spearheaded, the city government could extend a more relevant and effective services to local residents. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU Tacurong Information)

Cotabato City rolls out plastic, Styrofoam banBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Based on City Ordinance Number 4203 approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod last November 2013, the use, selling and distribution of non-biodegradable plastic as secondary packaging material and non-biodegradable Styrofoam as food and beverage containers is prohibited in the city.

The ordinance also prohibits any person or business establishment in the city from utilizing or giving

out non-biodegradable plastic bags. They are instead required use reusable bags or find any alternative material to replace non-biodegradable plastic and Styrofoam.

The ordinance imposes a fine of P1,000 to P20,000, with cancellation of business license depending on the degree of offense, on violators.

Meanwhile, City Councilor and Committee on Environment


Chairperson Fred Ridao clarified that the ordinance is not yet in full implementation and not immediate.

The official said that the initial implementation will start on May 2014 where a “plastic holiday” is set every week. On the second year, the plastic holiday will be reduced to one day a week, while the full implementation of the ban will be done on the third year.

The ordinance is in accordance to the comprehensive and ecological solid waste management

program that seeks to ensure the protection of public health and the environment.

Republic Act 9003 known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act o f 2000” requires local government units to enact appropriate ordinances to reinforce the implementation of the same statute within such limits, privilege, and restrictions provided for by RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


PIA Caraga set to launch an emergency broadcasting system By Venus L. GarciaBUTUAN CITY - An Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) is set to be launched soon by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga as a unique, creative and innovative strategy to intensify its services and to effect a more helpful information and communication scheme.


AFEBS, a Community-based

broadcasting system designed for disaster response, was conceptualized under the ingenuity of PIA Caraga regional director and Northern and northeastern Mindanao cluster head Abner Caga, in his genuine pursuit to give substance to PIA’s mandate.

“It is set up for serving the needs of a specific community or

for a specific purpose, in effect providing them with appropriate information intervention thereby putting substance to our mandate,” said Caga.

Accordingly, AFEBS is considered the most effective communication tool when it comes to assisting people in disaster-prone communities as it reaches into the homes of the far-flung barangays and is one of the most effective vehicles for helping seriously disadvantaged communities share vital information.

In no time, the project will be implemented in Surigao City where disasters most significantly occur in this part of the region.

AFEBS will be installed in the city’s vital locations such as bus, ferry, airport terminals, parks/luneta and other public places.

Caga also assured that due to its low energy requirement, “it can be powered by a small generator set or solar power thus ensuring operational sustainability even during worst disasters and when power is certainly scarce.”

Other functions of AFEBS include public paging system, feedback mechanism and serves as platform for all forms of advocacies. It can also be utilized for surveys and even for purpose of entertainment.

“Though disasters cannot be completely prevented, its effects can be mitigated through effective


communication and timely, accurate and relevant information. AFEBS

is one unique solution worthy of implementation,” said Caga.

TREEDC visits Butuan City, encourages gov’t agencies to use renewable energyBy Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- The officials of Tennessee Renewable Energy Development Council (TREEDC) visited this city on Thursday and encouraged government agencies to utilize renewable energy, during a press conference held at the Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology (PECIT) Conference Room.

“We’re here to learn what your region needs and we want to hear from you on how we can contribute to help the region in terms of renewable energy. We offer various renewable energy products which may be of great help in your city and region,” said Mary Shoffer Gill, TREEDC vice-president.

TREEDC president James Talley cited that renewable energy technologies are clean sources

of energy that have a much lower environmental impact than conventional energy technologies. It also provides environmental benefits such as helping to improve local air quality and reducing the impact on the land, water and climate system. Increased use of renewable energy will also help boost local economies through job creation.

“Mindanao has vast potential in business and investments. Many


foreign companies are also willing to engage business here. We are doing Educational Awareness Approach to establish trust among people and be able to develop them and its environment thru renewable energy,” added Talley.

When asked why they chose Caraga region to offer their renewable energy projects, Warren Nevad, TREEDC executive director said that they wanted to establish a stable network from Luzon to Mindanao regions.

“Caraga region offers excellent opportunity for Tennessee resource energy providers and we have been coordinating with the local officials here since 2013,” Nevad added.

Meanwhile, as one of the private entities utilizing solar energy, Engr. Romeo Zerrudo, PECIT president in Butuan City said with the use of renewable energy, it helped the company save funds intended for electricity.

“The light that we are using now in our school and office came from the solar energy. So even if the local energy provider will do rotational brownout, we are not affected because of this renewable energy,” expressed Zerrudo.

Officials of TREEDC is also here in the city for the second Caraga Regional Conference on Renewable Energy from Feb. 20 to 22 at the Balanghai Hotel.


DILG asks village officials to conduct barangay assembly AGUSAN DEL SUR -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Sur provincial office required all barangays to participate in the synchronized barangay assembly in order to gain knowledge on how they can inform the public on the status of funds of on-going and upcoming projects in the barangay.

Citing Memorandum Circular No.2014-19 dated January 28, 2014, DILG provincial director Arlene Ann Sanchez said Barangay Chairmen are mandated to render the State of Barangay Address in order that they can update their constituents on the services they have rendered in 2013 as well as appraise them on the status of the on-going programs and projects.

The assembly will also include disaster preparedness symposium for citizen’s awareness to mitigate possible loss of lives and damage to properties during calamities and report on the peace and order condition in the community.

Sanchez added that the barangay assembly will provide transparency in governance and

will provide stakeholders venue for participation by expressing their feeling, comments and suggestions on the programs projects being implemented in their barangays that would greatly benefit them and the whole community.

In the DILG memorandum, it is stipulated that the barangay assembly must be conducted every March and October every year and non-compliance of barangay officials can become ground in filing administrative cases against them.

Sanchez also urged the people to participate in the assembly and to report either to the Sangguniang Bayan or Panlunsod if there will be no assembly conducted in their respective barangays.

By Melody de Vera

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


With the theme, “Stand firm Sibugaynon’s, go for peace and prosperity,” the weeklong celebration

started off with a motorcade followed by a thanksgiving mass and an awarding of plaque of appreciation

Araw ng Sibugay kicks offBy Emmanuel D. Taghoy

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Sibugaynon’s flocked to the capitol grounds yesterday, Feb. 20, to join the opening of the weeklong observance of the 13th Araw ng Zamboanga Sibugay.


by Governor Wilter Palma to the founding governor of Zamboanga Sibugay, George T. Hofer, who served the province from 2001-2010. Zamboanga del Sibugay was carved out of Zamboanga del Sur in 2001. Another plaque of appreciation was given to the “Yes Movement” for organizing the “Zamboanga Sibugay Team”, a civil society group that has contributed a lot for the province’s development. The Agri-Fishery Trade fair was also officially opened yesterday, showcasing 16 booths filled with farm and fishery products which were set up by Sibugay’s 16 towns. The best agri-fishery trade booth shall also be selected using the following criteria: Dress-Up with Display, 20%; Originality, 30%; Artistry, 20%; Cleanliness and Sanitation, 10%; And Sustainability of Products, 20%. A drums and lyre competition also followed before noon with participants from the different elementary schools and high schools in the province. Winning schools in elementary and high school categories would each receive P30 thousand cash for first prize, P20 thousand cash for second prize and P10 thousand cash for third prize. A consolation prize of P5 thousand cash was also given to each participating school. The competition was organized and facilitated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Provincial Tourism Office.

NYC invites youth leaders for 10th Nat’l Youth ParliamentBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - The National Youth Commission (NYC) here invites youth leaders to actively participate in the 10th National Youth Parliament (NYP) slated on May 15-19, 2014 in Metro Manila. Applicants must be active youth leaders, ages 15-30 years old, and must not have been a previous NYP delegate. Successful applicants will form part of the delegates to the 10th NYP. During the parliament, delegates will have the opportunity to get involve in plenary debates and discussions aimed at coming up with policy recommendations. The parliament stimulates our law-making process, as the policy recommendations made during the NYP are subsequently endorsed and lobbied to concerned government institutions. “This is a nationwide gathering of young leaders, conducted every two years, where the delegates can scrutinize youth issues and recommend policies that will


NYC invites youth leaders for 10th Nat’l Youth Parliament

enhance our youth situation in the country,” said Evangelyn Olandag of NYC 9. Olandag said the successful applicants will be given free food and accommodation during the duration of the parliament. “Free food and accommodation will be accorded to them kung nasa Manila na sila (when they are in Manila), but travel expenses from point of origin to Manila and back will be shouldered by the participants,” Olandag explained. Interested applicants are advised to submit or email their application letter/ letter of intent together with the fully accomplished 10th NYP application form to [email protected]. Application form and guidelines may be downloaded at www.nyc.gov.ph Video resume is strongly encouraged as this is what the

Screening and Selection Committee will use in assessing the applicant‘s delivery and persuasion skills since both are essential qualities of a would-be-delegate to the NYP. It is the closest thing to a face-to-face interview which the committee opted to do away for practical reason. Applicants may send/email their video resume to [email protected] “For applicants who are not yet technology savvy, they may visit our office (located at 3rd Floor, Land Bank building, Veterans) and we can assist them in encoding and sending their application data, they may use our computers there,” She said. Deadline for submission application of application is on March 21 and the notice of successful and unsuccessful applicants will be released on March 28.

One Mindanao - February 21, 2014

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Transcript of One Mindanao - February 21, 2014