One Mindanao - January 6, 2016

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSGIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

First-ever Regional IP youth leadership, communicators summit successfully held in Caraga

Cover Story

By Daisy Jane M. Apit

today’s news

Full-year inflation for 2015 settles at 1.4%15 22 ZCWD implements water

rationing By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

NGCP set to implement projects to improve reliability of power

18

23 Marian College Alumni Association spearheads bloodletting in IpilBy: Alma L. Tingcang27 Bugo Central School,

Corpus Christi bets declared champions in COWD’s Quiz Bee

28 DA releases 1M fund for farmers training centerBy: Jorie C. Valcorza

33 Don’t give in to extortion, Comelec tells polsBy: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

37 Matalam LGU extends assistance to conflict affected villagersBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

39 Caraga PNP unseals gun muzzles, records “’zero stray bullet” incident

NATIONAL INFOCUS WESTERN

NORTHERN SOUTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

13 18 21

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4 January 6, 2016One Mindanao

F or the first time, Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth from the different Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) in Caraga gathered and actively participated in a summit which equipped them to become better leaders and effective communicators.



5January 6, 2016 One Mindanao

F or the first time, Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth from the different Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) in Caraga gathered and actively participated in a summit which equipped them to become better leaders and effective communicators.




The 4th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (4ID-AFP) in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga recently conducted the 1st Regional IP Leadership and Communicators Summit held on December 18-21, 2015 at Tiberias Retreat House, Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

First day - Educating the hope of the future and catalysts of change

Despite the bad weather due to a low pressure area developing in the region of Caraga during that time, some 46 IP youth leaders from all over the region attended the summit in hopes of learning

and becoming the efficient youth frontrunners in their respective communities.

National Movement of Young Legislators president Kirk Asis, guest speaker for the first day, encouraged the IP youth participants to be a responsible citizen.

DILG-Caraga Local Government Operations Officer Lolita Savaria-Go also gave the IP youth participants a lecture on local governance and the youth’s role in governance. She reiterated that good governance is the most important factor that will eradicate poverty and promote development. One of



the highlights of her discourse was that the youth should play an active role in shaping major social and political spheres of the community. She also challenged the youth to unite and move to generate transformation in the society.

To be able to understand the others, Anafe Ancheta-Lecciones, regional training specialist of DSWD-Caraga delivered a lecture on human behavior and social environment with topics self- awareness and social consciousness.

The first day was not only an educational day but also a fun introductory day for the participants. They got to have a great time at the same time, they got the chance to know each other through the introductory leadership and team building interactive playoffs facilitated by Lecciones.

Second day - Equipping the IP Youths as Information Officers

The second day of the summit was also informative for the participants. There were series of events and activities which molded them to become


valuable information officers.

Cpt. Jerson Igloria, officer-in-charge of the 5th Civil Relations Group and Civil Relations Service, AFP elaborated the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” to the IP youths delegates. Igloria also emphasized that the government has initiated many programs especially for the IP communities.“Before, our aim was to win the war, now we are winning the peace and hearts of the people,” Igloria added.

PIA-Caraga regional director Abner Caga presented ideas on information and communication



as a powerful tool in nation-building.

Caga stressed to the IP youth leaders and communicators that when they do things especially in attending IP YLC Summit, they must be sincere and put their hearts. He also said that one of the most effective ways of helping the nation become developed especially the IP communities which need more attention in terms of economic growth is to become better leaders and communicators. “Always remember that the best way to communicate is to communicate from the heart,” he said.Moreover, Caga shared that the most effective way to communicate is through the heart. “Now that you are trained on how to become effective communicators in your community, you are more privileged to impart your ability in disseminating information to push forward development. You will be the first IP youth communicators in the country,” said Caga.

The PIA-Caraga platforms: PIA regional website, national webnews, textblast, One Mindanao E-News Magazine, PIA Caraga Updates, Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting

System (AFEBS) Network and the PIA Mindanao Mobile App were also presented by director Caga. “These are good products of utilizing our technology for the betterment of our communities,” Caga detailed.

Meanwhile, PIA-Caraga Administrative Officer and Surigao del Norte Infocen Manager Venus Garcia delivered a lecture on basic newswriting. She also encouraged the IP youth, as leaders and communicators, to participate and have active roles in shaping the future of their communities. The second day of the summit ended by giving the participants an assignment on writing a basic news using the basic ideas and knowledge they have obtained.

Third day -Inculcating good views to mind of the future shapers

The participating IP-youths started the day with a group activity that would develop their creativity, originality and team work. They were able to expressed their thoughts and ideas in their group activity. Their views on how they want the government and IP communities to work together


for peace and development were heard from them.

Fr. Carlito Clase of the Diocese of Butuan emphasized that every CADT in Caraga region should be protected. “The IP-youths have also a vital role in contributing to peace and development. You will be the leaders in the next generations that’s why be responsible and do the right thing,” he remarked.

“We believe that the Indigenous Peoples always want peace in the community. We respect their culture and tradition and we hoped to continue working with them as we aim to have lasting peace and sustainable

development for all of us. As we protect the IP, we should also protect their land,” expressed Fr. Clase.

To refresh their acquired knowledge on news writing, Nora CL Molde, regional operations chief of PIA Caraga and InfoCen Manager of Agusan del Norte presented some of the news articles written and gave some tips on how to write a news article effectively.

During the presentation of the written news articles by the participating IP-youths Jennifer Gaitano, monitoring officer of PIA Caraga encouraged the participants to make their



news short and simple. “Avoid being opinionated when you are writing a straight news. Present the complete details that people should know about without giving your own opinion,” she cited.The participants were given the chance to share their inputs during the discussions.

“Through our learnings in basic news writing, I believe I can be a good communicator in my community. The conduct of this summit is very helpful for us especially that we wanted to become effective and efficient youth leaders and communicators in our respective IP communities. I will apply the knowledge that I gained from this summit and will share it to my peers when I get home,” expressed Gerlie Tiambong, one of the participating youths from CADT-048 in Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

Atty. John E. C. Luneta of NCIP Caraga, the speaker during the third day presented to the 46 Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth leaders the salient features of the IP Rights Act of 1997 (R. A. 8351).

Being one of the agencies leading the event, the AFP specifically the 4th Infantry

“Diamond” Division showed much enthusiasm with the overwhelming contribution of the IP youths during the summit.

“This Regional IP Youth Leadership and Communicators Summit with participating IP-youths from the different CADTs in Caraga region is aimed to broaden their knowledge on the different skills that they can apply in their respective IP communities especially in the field of communication. They are the hope of our future generations that’s why we have to mold them, increase their knowledge and develop their skills,” disclosed LtCol Rey Pasco, CMO commanding officer of 4ID Phil. Army.

Fourth day - Graduation of the IP-Youth communicators, hope of the future

The 46 IP-youths who participated in the summit finally received their certificate of appreciation and official IP-youth communicators’ identification cards at the 4ID Advance Command Post in Camp Bancasi, this city.

LtCol Pasco and director Caga personally handed-over


the certificates and IDs to the participants.

In his message during the commencement exercises, City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. as relayed by acting City Administrator Engr. Antenedo Milloren emphasized to the graduates the importance of the trainings and knowledge they have gained in promoting peace and development in the societyAs guest of honor and speaker of the closing, director Caga congratulated all the participating IP-youths from the different CADTs in the region. He emphasized that hard work really pays off. He also bared that the IP youths are

now officially recognized by the government as IP information officers of their respective CADT areas region-wide.

As information officers, the Caraganon IP youth leaders were not only part of the history making in attending the first ever IP Youth Leadership and Communicators Summit. Now, they are fully geared and equipped to take the challenge to disseminate proper information that will cause proper action and holistic societal transformation not only to their respective CADTs but to the whole nation as well. (VLG/NCLM/JPG/DJA/PIA-Caraga)


PASIG CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and its private partners have completed the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Phase I.

DepEd, private partners completed 1st PPP school project

One Mindanao14 January 6, 2016

Last December 04, 2015, the 9, 296 classrooms were already constructed and delivered in three (3) regions: Region I, III and IV-A. This is the first PPP project of the agency. The PSIP Phase I involved the design, financing and construction of about 9,296 one-storey and two-storey classrooms, including furniture and fixtures. The project aims to supplement the current program of DepEd in reducing classroom backlog. Over 400,000 students are expected to benefit from this PPP project. The project was procured through a competitive two-stage public bidding process in accordance with R.A. 6957 as amended by R.A.7718 or the Philippine BOT Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. During the bidding of the PSIP Phase I project, it attracted 18 prospective bidders, 6 were prequalified and the project was awarded to two

bidders. The government signed a concession agreement with the private partners (Bright Future Educational Facilities, Inc. and Citicore Holdings Investment, Inc.-Megawide Construction Corporation) last October 08, 2012. Before the signing, in September 04, 2012, the project’s notice of award was issued to the private partners. Meanwhile, for the Phase II of the PPP for School Infrastructure Project, there are already 1,690 completed and delivered classrooms as of October 31, 2015. This PPP project will benefit the following regions: Cordillera Administrative Region, Region I, II, III, X, and XIII. (PPP)


MAKATI CITY -- Upward price movements in food and energy pushed inflation to 1.5 percent in December 2015 from 1.1 percent in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). This brought the full-year inflation to 1.4 percent, below the government’s target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent for 2015.

Full-year inflation for 2015 settles at 1.4%

“Price increases were largely due to the upbeat demand during the holiday season. Inclement weather conditions, primarily typhoon Nona, also adversely affected agricultural areas,

hampering the production, delivery, and transport of products, which in turn pushed up prices,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

One Mindanao16 January 6, 2016

Nonetheless, the December 2015 inflation was within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ forecast of 1.1-1.9 percent for the month and also aligned with the market’s median forecast of 1.5 percent. “The generally low inflation environment in the past year was expected. It was largely due to favorable supply-side factors such as relatively lower domestic retail prices of corn, oil, and rice, lower international oil prices, and the contraction in the prices of housing and other utilities,” the Cabinet official said. For December 2015, inflation for the food subgroup accelerated on the back of higher prices of corn, fish, milk, cheese, and eggs, which offset the lower prices in heavily-weighted sub-items such as rice, vegetables, and non-alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, the increase in non-food inflation can be attributed to the slower price

declines in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, accompanied by faster price adjustments in transport, health, and recreation and culture. Prices of electricity, gas, and other fuels also went up with higher electricity generation charge, given the low supply of cost-effective hydropower plants. Transmission charges were also higher as ancillary service increased charges in December 2015. On the other hand, the global oversupply and record stockpile levels of crude oil has been instrumental in the unabated downtrend of international crude oil prices, as reflected in lower domestic petrol prices. Core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy prices, increased to 2.1 percent in December 2015 from 1.8 percent in the previous month partly due to a surge in transport, health, and recreation

One Mindanao January 5, 2016One Mindanao17

and culture subgroups. “This indicates stable price increases across an extensive range of consumer items,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA’s director general. Balisacan, however, said that for the first months of 2016, the effects of El Niño may lead to higher inflation, particularly for food and power. El Niño is expected to peak from November 2015 to January 2016, and gradually weaken starting February 2016. “Guided by the Roadmap for

Addressing the Impact of El Niño or RAIN, accurate determination of food import requirements to avoid scarcity in supply is important to keep inflation stable in the coming months. This also has significant impact on poverty reduction as the poor spend more than half of their budget on food,” said Balisacan. Balisacan also noted the still unstable energy situation in Mindanao and stressed that on-going power projects, which are expected to be delivered between November 2015 and March 2016, should not be delayed. (NEDA)

18 One Mindanao January 6, 2016

NGCP set to implement projects to improve reliability of power

DAVAO CITY -- The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is set to implement projects in Southern Mindanao geared towards addressing reliability of power in 2016.

Melfrance Capulong, Information Officer of NGCP – Southern Mindanao based here, is optimistic to address power issues and improve on reliability

with the 230 kilovolts project in Matanao - Malita (Davao del Sur) that would bring power from north up to Malita and Davao Occidental; Matanao – General


Santos and Caraga – Butuan projects which are geared towards reliability and delivery of quality power.

Capulong said they were also hoping for additional generators from suppliers of power. “Everything being placed as 2016 enters,” Capulong said.She said power supply in Mindanao has been a problem since four years ago.

The situation was further aggravated by the toppling down of NGCP steel towers. On Sunday, Capulong announced NGCP has declared “Yellow Alert” as two hydroelectric power plants of the National Power Corp. in Lanao del Sur remained isolated from the Mindanao grid after a series of bombing of steel towers.

Capulong said that under the Yellow alert, the regulating reserves at only 45 megawatts as of 6 p.m. on New Year’s day due to the isolation of the Napocor-owned generating facilities Agus 1 and 2 hydro plants.

Capulong said the generation plants have a combined capacity of 150 megawatts. These plants

remained disconnected from the grid due to the bombing of Tower # 25 along Agus 2 - Kibawe 138KV line in Ramain, Lanao del Sur last Christmas Eve.

As NGCP undertakes repair works, Capulong said these had been hampered by the refusal of landowner to allow entry of field personnel to work on bombed steel tower in Lanao del Sur.

“Restoration was halted due to failed negotiation with landowner of the property where the facility is located. The owner refused NGCP entry to repair the toppled tower alleging that government failed to pay his claims long ago,” Capulong said.Capulong reported there are already 16 towers toppled down by unidentified perpetrators from January to December contributing to the supply situation. This is further aggravated by the peace and order problem.

But she said they continue to collaborate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the local government units for the protection of the towers.


Capulong said that despite lower power consumption brought about by the cold weather and yearend holidays, NGCP still placed the Mindanao grid on “Yellow Alert,” with the reserves falling below required levels.In a text message, Capulong explained that Yellow alert is next to red alert which is extreme condition. Under the Yellow alert, the contingency reserve is less than the largest synchronized unit in the grid. Under this, Capulong said the operator would implement load curtailment.

Capulong further warned that the supply situation would worsen come Jan. 4 when classes and work resume. Based on NGCP power outlook for

Mindanao as of Jan. 3, Mindanao has 107-megawatt power reserves but on Monday, Jan. 4, the Mindanao grid had only 24-megawatt power reserves.

While undertaking repairs, NGCP is also appealing to the public, local and national government, the police and military to help monitor the safety of the towers so that transmission services remain uninterrupted.

“The company also appealed to local community leaders to help identify the perpetrators of the bombings, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions,” Capulong said. (PNA)


ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Sightings of alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in barangay Sta. Catalina turned out to be false alarms, said Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar, as she emphasized that the authorities are as alert and ready for any threats as ever.

ASG sighting in Zambo false, but rumors not taken lightly – Zambo mayor By Dominic I. Sanchez


On Sunday night (Jan. 3), rumors about the presence of alleged ASGs in Sta. Catalina resulted to families abandoning their homes in fear of another siege. A police quick response team under City Police Director Sr. Supt. Angelito Casimiro was sent to the area to investigate, and afterwards discovered that the rumors were false. Nevertheless, Mayor Climaco-Salazar on Monday said that the “city this time around is alert, ready and capable of repulsing any attacker.” “However, we are not taking lightly any rumors involving security in the city,” she added. The police and military have been placed on alert status since the holiday season, and the mayor emphasized that they will not put their guards down. Sta. Catalina was one of the affected communities

during the September 2013 siege by rogue members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Before the siege, rumors on attacks spread among residents for days. In the wake of the false rumors, Mayor Climaco-Salazar once again called on the residents to stop spreading false rumors, since these have cause panic and fear among residents. Instead, residents should be responsible enough to immediately report rumors to barangay officials, the police and military for proper assessment and action.

ZCWD implements water rationing By Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Normal level is at 74.20 meters. ZCWD also released a water rationing advisory/schedule so households in affected areas can properly collect and store water during their water service schedule. One lucky barangay,Barangay Pasonanca, however will have a 24hr water service while areas not served during water rationing schedule need not worry, as the water district’s water tankers will serve them. Baños said the water district’s devised rationing program will seek to conserve dwindling water supply until

rain comes in May. ZCWD said the city has not had any major rainfall the past few months on which the rivers and tributaries are heavily dependent on for replenishment. Baños explained the city gets 80 percent of its water supply from surface water via the Tumaga River making it vulnerable to the elements such as the extreme hot conditions currently experienced in the city brought about by the El Niño phenomenon. “ZCWD also operates twenty one (21) underground production wells to augment its water supply,” he informed.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) - - Thirty-two barangays of the city central, east coast and west coast areas will experience water rationing starting this Friday, January 8, 20016 as water level at the diversion weir stood at a critical level at 74.10meters as of 8:19 this morning, Jan. 6, according to Edgar Baños, Community Relations Chief (CRC), Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD).

Marian College Alumni Association spearheads bloodletting in Ipil

By Alma L. Tingcang


Some 55 prospective blood donors came and were screened by medical personnel headed by Dr. Valerie S. Alviar, resident physician of ZSPH, with the support of Ms. Xyla A. Inoferio, Mr. Dodoy Ibarrientos and nurses and other MOH and ZSPH staff. “A single pint can save three lives; a single gesture can create a million smiles,” said Dr. Alviar to the blood donors who were later trimmed down

to 40 since 15 were deferred for some medical reasons. Dr. Alviar also explained the benefits of donating blood aside from helping patients who need blood and saving precious lives. Mr. Manny A. Laybon, president of Marian College High School Batch 1995 facilitated the batch coordination together with Ms. Cecille A. La Plana, Batch 1995 Focal Person.

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - - The Marian College Alumni Association Batch 1995, in cooperation with the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital (ZSPH) and Municipal Health Office recently conducted a bloodletting activity at Marian College recently.


Agri department, media strengthen partnership through press corps

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) region 10 and the newly elected officers of the DA press corps express their commitment through an oath of office during the induction of officers on 22 December 2015 at Harbor Lights Hotel Cagayan de Oro City.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat


DA Assistant Regional Director Roxana H. Hojas said that the department commits to support the endeavors of the DA press corps. This includes trainings and briefings to help media understand of technicalities of government programs and projects. She said that the department and the media are now partners in development. In terms of information dissemination, Hojas said that the government has limitations. That is why a third party like the media can really help in disseminating the good news of the government. She expressed hoped that through this DA press corps, the government and the media will have strengthened partnership forward. Butch Enerio, Sunstar and Business Mirror correspondent and DA press corps president in his message said that this is the high time that the DA sought assistance from the media to help them in letting the public know what they are doing. He said that media should be a tool for government offices so that they can share information coming from an expert and those knowledgeable of their work like the Agriculture department. In

this way, media can broadcast correct information. However, he said that being in DA does not mean they are embedded with the department but moreover support their efforts and make their accomplishments known to the public. If DA has anomalies then the press corps can also verify from the DA personnel. Enerio said that the most important thing is to help media with correct information. Media should be able to understand issues in the agriculture sector particularly on food security, food production, land conversion and rice importation among others. The newly elected officers of the DA press corps are Butch Enerio of Sunstar and Business Mirror as president, Gerry Valenton of Katarungan Newsweekly as vice president, Jorie Valcorza of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as secretary, Romy Capinpuyan of DXIM Radyo Ng Bayan as treasurer and Patrick Tablon of Bombo Radyo as auditor.


Bugo Central School, Corpus Christi bets declared champions in COWD’s Quiz BeeCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Besting 23 other contestants, John Lester Lucero of Bugo Central School finished first place during COWD’s 4th Citywide Science and Math Quiz held last December 11 at the AVR-3 of the Liceo de Cagayan University. Coming in second was Francis Albert Carolasan of Agusan Elementary School.

Earl Hans Abellanosa of Corpus Christi School, on the other hand, won in the high school level contest which was held in the afternoon of the same day. Angel Rose Eslevira of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) was second placer. Nineteen contestants coming from the different secondary schools within the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) service area battled it out for the chance to represent COWD and the NorMin-NRMC to the national level contest to be held during the PAWD National Convention set on February 2016 at Clark, Pampanga. Norven Baylan of the Department of Education-Region 10, Tess Baluyos of the Department of Science and Technology-Region 10 and Engr. Elezar Linaac of the Cagayan de

Oro City Water District composed the Board of Evaluators. The champions won P5,000 and a gold medal while the runners-up won P3,000 and a silver medal. The semi-finalists got P1,000 each while the rest got P500 each. The citywide Science and Math Quiz is an annual contest conducted by the Cagayan de Oro City Water District in order to raise the level of water consciousness among the youth, they, being the district’s ambassadors for the wise use and conservation of our water resources. COWD has always considered the academe as its partner in its advocacies and is grateful for their support and cooperation. (COWD/PIA)


Part of the fund was initially released this year to cover for the training center improvement, construction of goat, swine and chicken houses. This will help realize the administration’s aim to become a practical training center in agriculture and provide a good training venue for all its clients in the agricultural sector.

The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) here also constructed a biocon building to help produce bio-control agents and minimize usage of pesticides against insect pest and diseases. A vermi compost facility was likewise established within the provincial nursery area using vermiculture to produce organic fertilizers.

DA releases 1M fund for farmers training center

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – The Camiguin farmers training center improvement is now underway following the allocation of P1.1 million fund from the Department of Agriculture.

By: Jorie C. Valcorza


ARMM signs Regional Public Works Act of 2016

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has passed the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy (MMA) Act No. 325, or the Regional

Public Works Act of 2016, on December 17.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and Datu Roonie Sinsuat, Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) speaker, signed the law with regional legislators witnessing the event. MMA Act No. 325 authorizes the appropriation of a P10.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016 for the region’s Public Works and Highways

Department (DPWH-ARMM). It is stated in the Act that consistent with the 2016 National Expenditure Program, the public works budget shall be used in the construction, development, upgrading, and operation or maintenance of roads, highways, bridges, water supplies, flood controls, ports, airports and


10,000 OSY in ARMM get training from Australian-funded programMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao (BEAM), a program funded by the Australian government currently implemented in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has provided livelihood skills training to roughly 10,000 youth beneficiaries since it was launched in 2013.

In the province of Tawi-Tawi alone, at least 2,000 out-of-school youth were trained under the program. “BEAM-ARMM provides our out-of-school youth with opportunities to live a better life,” said Tawi-Tawi Governor Nurbert Sahali during the first visit to the province of an

Australian delegation comprising of high-ranking officials. On Friday, December 11, Australia’s Federal Justice Minister Hon Michael Keenan MP and the Australian Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission, David Dutton, were in the provincial capital of Bongao to meet

other infrastructure projects excluding buildings. The appropriation will be effective even beyond Fiscal Year 2016, or until fully released, obligated and disbursed for the purpose. Governor Hataman said the DPWH-ARMM regional office will implement the projects, or these may be decentralized to district engineering offices. Status of project implementation, based on the approved program of work, project specifications, and time frame of completion will be validated by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee that would include RLA members or representatives. It also allows the release of mobilization fund of at least 15% for

a project implemented by contract, and also with a memorandum of agreement, and 50% for a project implemented by administration. Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM Secretary, said the projects are designed for the region’s constituents to improve their lives. “The DPWH-ARMM infrastructure fund for next year is in support of peace and development of the Hataman administration,” he added. Sec. Loong said the bigger budgetary allocation allows DPWH-ARMM to construct new roads and other infrastructure facilities. He also said the massive infrastructure program for the region is expected to generate a significant number of jobs. (BPI/PIA-10)


with local government officials and out-of-school youth representatives. A statement from the Australian embassy said the visit “was part of Mr Keenan’s trip to the Philippines to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation under the comprehensive Australia-Philippines partnership.” The Australian government is one of the largest donors to the country’s education sector with an annual investment of approximately P1.3 billion. A five-year initiative, BEAM-ARMM is a comprehensive education and youth development program that contributes to poverty alleviation and emergence of peace in ARMM through targeted investments in basic education and the training of out-of-school youth in technical-vocational courses. The training courses include small engine servicing, masonry,

electrical installation maintenance, carpentry, dressmaking, cooking, solar lamp installation and maintenance, and baking, among others. Yasser Usani, 21, a young man trained to be a barber, said he is already earning from working part-time at a barbershop established last year with support from the program. “The training helped me pursue my college education,” the statement said, adding, Usani was not able to enrol in college in previous years due financial constraints. Another beneficiary, Sonora Sampang, 26, said she is now a dressmaker expressing hope to put up her own dressmaking shop to earn bigger income. Out-of-school youth who completed the BEAM-ARMM training receive Technical Education and Skills Development Authority certificates that can be used in applying for local and foreign-based jobs, the statement added. (BPI/PIA-10)


DTI to open Negosyo Centers in DavNor citiesTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - Negosyo Centers will soon be opened at the three cities in Davao del Norte. Department of Trade and In-dustry (DTI) – Davao del Norte Provincial Director Romeo Casta-ñaga revealed that he had already negotiated with the city mayors of Tagum, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) and Panabo for the establishment of Negosyo Center this year. Director Castañaga revealed that for Tagum City, he recom-mended that it will placed in the New City Hall since it will house the local government offices by March 7 as proclaimed Mayor Al-lan Rellon. Castañaga also disclosed that he proposed that the center can occupy the ground floor of the new two-storey building that will be constructed in IGACOS. For Panabo City, he said that initial talks with the city govern-

ment preferred the ground floor of the City Museum as the loca-tion of the center. “I hope that everything will be in place before the election so that it will not be affected by whoever sits after the election,” he said. As the agency’s counterpart, Castañaga said that the DTI will allocate a computer set, furniture and signages for the centers. “We will also capacitate the employees assigned to carry out the functions of the Negosyo Cen-ter,” he emphasized. Based on the Go Negosyo Act or Republic Act 10644, the Nego-syo Center will provide business registration assistance especially for start-up Micro, Small and Me-dium Enterprises (MSMEs), busi-ness advisory services through counselling, and business infor-mation and advo cacy through trainings and orientations. Castañaga stressed that he


Don’t give in to extortion, Comelec tells pols

DAVAO CITY-A city election officer warned candidates not to yield to ex-tortion that goes along with the per-mits to campaign, to post and to win, respectively by the communist rebels or they will be disqualified from join-ing the political race. Atty Danilo Cullo, city election officer reiterated the warning issued by the national poll body in Manila not to give in to the demands of the rebels. “The Commission on Elections in Manila has already issued the warning for all political candidates not to support this scheme by the insurgents,” he said. However, Cullo admitted that the transaction between the candi-dates and the rebels will be hard to prove in the absence of a paper trail and witnesses. He said that just like vote buy-ing, someone must have to witness in court and attest that such situa-tion really happened. Cullo underscored the five main prohibitions as provided by the Om-nibus Election Code from January 10 to the Election Day on May 9 rang-

ing from the alteration and establish-ment of new precincts, transfer or movement of civil service personnel, use of bodyguards by candidates un-less authorized by the poll body, gun ban and suspension of elected local officials.

He explained that the transfer or movement of civil service personnel might impact on the results of the elections. Cullo said that the movement of poll body personnel during the elec-tion period could be one of the ex-emptions aimed at avoiding the fa-miliarity of the election personnel to the candidates. “A reshuffle of poll body per-sonnel might start on the second week of January, 2016 starting from the Regional Election Director to the election officers in cities, provinces and municipalities,” he said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

will assign a staff that will regu-larly sit in the three centers to cater Business Name Registra-tion. Meanwhile, he boasted that the Negosyo Center in Davao

del Norte is the only one in the region that has a regular man-power from the Small Business Corporation that caters financing needs of the MSMEs. (PIA11, Mi-chael Uy)


Lake Holon closed to tourists from January 11 to March 5 By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 6 -- No tourist will be al-lowed to visit Lake Holon beginning Monday, January 11 until March 6 this year.


In a memorandum dated January 4, Tboli Mayor Dibu Tuan directed Rodel Hilado, Community-Based Economic Tourism Unit head, to tempo-rarily close entrances to Lake Holon “to allow the lake to re-cuperate.”

These entrances include the trails in Barangay Tibolok, Sitio Kule and Sitio Nabul.

“The Local Government of Tboli will rehabilitate some physical structures at the site and construct additional comfort rooms as well as conduct train-ings of drivers, tourist guides, horse drivers, frontliners” the local chief executive said in the memorandum.

Also during this time, the LGU will process accreditation of additional tourism destina-tions in the municipality.

Lake Holon, the 304-hectare crater lake of Mt. Melibingoy, is becoming a popular des-tination for nature adventure enthusiasts in South Cotabato, SOCCSKSARGEN Region. It is famous for trekking, camping, kayaking and fish spa.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, Hilado emphasized that clos-ing the lake for almost three months aims to allow the lake

and its environment to recover and improve the facilities in the area.

“Repairs will focus on the toilets and bunkhouse to make these more durable and comfortable. We will also ar-range the camp site and iden-tify areas exclusively for cooking and bonfires,” Hilado said.

Trainings intend to improve the capability of frontline ser-vice providers. These will be implemented in coordination with the Department of Tour-ism 12 and the provincial gov-ernment. One training will be implemented next week, he said.

“We hope to develop their capability as service providers to be as competitive as those in more established tourism ar-eas in the country,” he empha-sized.

Capability-building of the ser-vice providers, he explained, is important considering that the local government is determined in developing eco-tourism in the municipality with stronger participation of the local resi-dents, most of whom are Tboli indigenous people, who are not yet fully exposed to tourism.

Hilado explained that the closure of Lake Holon is only


for tourists entering the area because part of the training of the frontline service providers are activities in the lake.

“Some environmental pro-tection groups will also be in-vited to conduct clean-up drives and tree planting in and

around the lake,” he said, “but par-ticipation in these activities will ex-clusively be on in-vitation by the local gov-ernment unit.”

A pdf file of the memoran-dum post-ed on the LGU Tboli’s Facebook page re-ceived praises even from those who have al-ready set schedules

to visit Lake Holon. A certain Filipino Kris com-

mented: “Nice to know ecology comes first and not profits ..... Keep it beautiful so it can be en-joyed for many generations .....


MATALAM, North Cotabato, Jan. 6--- The local government unit here has extended aid to hundreds of families affected by the re-cent clash between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

By:Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Matalam LGU extends assistance to conflict affected villagers

Mayor Oscar Valdevieso noted that food packs were given as immediate assistance to affect-ed families. Also, he said that the LGU will shoulder the resto-ration of the houses of the evac-uees after these were burned by the MILF. In line with this, the mayor will send a representa-tive in the affected barangays to validate the number of shanties to be restored.

Meanwhile, to sustain the dai-ly food needs of the evacuees, Valdevieso assured that addi-tional food packs will be distrib-uted to them.

Further, the provincial govern-ment also sent food packs for the evacuees.

The town’s chief executive said they are now fast-tracking the return of the evacuees to their communities so they can go back to normal life.

On the other hand, Felipe Maluenda, chairman of Baran-gay Kidama said that some of the evacuees are now suffering from cough and flu. With this, he appealed to the public to also donate medicines for the evacu-ees. (SJDuerme-PIA12)

Thank you Mayor Dibu S. Tuan.”

Meanwhile, JR Flores, who said he is from Baguio City and has already booked a plane ticket for a February 6 visit to

the lake, also wrote: “Cge po salamat pero kng closed po ta-laga ok lang po..irerespeto ko po ang memo..Mag change iti (itinerary) nalang po ako.” (DE-Doguiles-PIA12)


NFA administrator visits Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte– The food authority’s adminis-trator, regional director and staff led by National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Zenen Renan B. Dalisay arrived in the city on Jan. 4, for its first official visit here.

By Susil D. Ragas

In his message, Dalisay assured that the whole region would have enough rice despite

the onslaught of El Niño. “We have sufficient stocks of rice and Caraganons have nothing

filephoto of mb.com


Caraga PNP unseals gun muzzles, records “’zero stray bullet” incident

BUTUAN CITY -- Police Regional Office 13 recorded “zero incident” of indiscriminate firing and stray bullet during the Yuletide revel-ries.

to worry about, thousands bags of rice are currently stocked in various warehouses all over the region,” Dalisay said. In effect, Dalisay backed the rice production which is one of the leading source of livelihood and profit of the region, especially the agricultural community. He encouraged everyone to buy NFA rice which is cheaper than the commercial rice. “There is a

difference in price but basically the quality is the same,” said Dalisay. Dalisay also led the inspection of NFA accredited rice retailers at the City Public Market, he was accompanied by NFA Caraga regional director Genaro S. Nuñez, Jr, Surigao del Norte provincial manager Gleen P. Echin and staff.

This was disclosed by Police Chief Supt. Vert T. Chavez, who led the unmasking of muzzles

of issued firearms after the first flag raising rites at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez, the Philippine


National Police (PNP) regional headquarters here, Monday.The ceremonial unmasking of gun muzzles was done simultaneous with the national activity of the PNP. Last Dec. 14, the national police started the annual nationwide sealing of muzzles of issued firearms, using masking tape and signed by senior officials, in line with the directives of PNP Chief Police Director Gen. Ricardo C. Marquez and the PNP guidelines on “Ligtas Paskohan 2015” (Safe Christmas celebrations 2015). Relatively, Caraga PNP also recorded 33 operations and

confiscated illegal firecrackers estimated to amount to Php 81,051.00.“We are proud to say that your regional police here demonstrated adherence to the rules and regulations of the police organization and achieved our goal of “zero incident” on both stray bullet and indiscriminate firing incident during the yuletide and New Year’s celebrations,” Director Chavez said.Such accomplishment would not have been possible without the cooperation of the community, he added. (PNA)

PHOTOCREDIT TO SUNSTAR

One Mindanao - January 6, 2016

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