One Mindanao - July 30, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA 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 EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

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 BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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 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

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

Professionals, rich also victims of drugs – PDEA

KaGabay Program changes the life of a PWRD in Caraga

18

2824

3932

Gingoog city: Building a safe learning center

Afghanistan learns from PH experience in peace talks

Six Mindanao provinces top national competitiveness ranking

13

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

45

TESDA holds competency assessment and certification

1810

40

OUR

CO

VER

By: Elaine O. Ratunil

Contents

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Olga Virginia A. Demata

94 families in remote Davao Occidental town benefit electrification project

26

By: PNA

29 NNC 12 caps Nutrition Month with nutri-zumba, cooking contestBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

4337

22

Surigao City agrarian coop receives P1.8M marketing center

34By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

31 41 Former NPA rebel gets reward from AFP By: Norman M Tagros

CDO now accepts carnival parade, queen entries

4 July 30, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

5July 30, 2015 One Mindanao

Gingoog city: Building a safe learning centerBy: Elaine O. Ratunil

Learning from the depressing experiences of Northern Mindanao affected to natural disasters such as in the cities of Cagayan

de Oro and Iligan, this has awakened Barangay 18 of Gingoog city to further intensify its disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) system, particularly for its Child Development Center (CDC) and improve the teaching learning environment for preschoolers.


With the support from the local government unit (LGU), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) and various stakeholders, the barangay has proactively align the operations of its learning center and make it compliant with the provisions of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine DRRM Act. Specifically, aims for strengthening of its CDC that nurtures the holistic development of the child in a safe environment. The barangay employs the set of principles of the Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing and Kaligtasan or Gawad Kalasag of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which include ensuring the building make, lay-out and facilities in the building suited to the needs of preschoolers; wash facilities sufficient for the number of children, functional and adapted to the height of young children which it considered important in developing health habits in the young. Further, installing necessary facilities to make the early learning center conducive to play or learning; providing for the

safety and healthy environment; conduct of drills; setting up of DRRM organizational structure among others. Punong Barangay Rogelio O. Pajaron underscored community-level preparedness is still the most important step to mitigate risks. For its efforts in DRRM, Barangay 18 CDC has earned an award as the Gawad KALASAG Best Early Learning Center in 2014 for its outstanding performance in promoting significant DRRM-climate change adaptation (CCA) programs and innovations. The cash prize received amounting to P50,000, the barangay spent it for DRRM-related activities especially for the needs in securing for the safety of its CDC and the community. Likewise, the barangay include the CDC as among of its priorities for its plans and activities. The CDC also caters to neighboring barangays such as in Barangay 17. Alma S. Gumanit, 45 years old, housewife with three kids, said they are assured of the safety of their kids enrolled at Barangay 18 CDC and the active support of the barangay council to the learning


center. With its mentor, Helen Tagupa, who is trained on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Gumanit is confident their kids are guided accordingly. Gumanit also said the parents were able to participate in various drills and training through re-echo sessions with the mentor. Gumanit also mentioned that the barangay has put in place its own early warning system. This year, CDC of Barangay 18 in Gingoog is nominated anew for Gawad Kalasag Best Early Learning Center category. Gawad Kalasag is a nationwide award given yearly by NDRRMC in recognition of excellence in disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance. “We are very glad that among 2,022 barangays in the entire Northern Mindanao, Barangay 18 soared up high while giving ‘kalasag’, ‘shield’ or ‘sangga’ to a community locally known as Mambitoon,” said Mayor Marie Guingona. She further said this recognition garnered by the barangay serves as a challenging paradigm to be emulated by

other barangays in securing their people especially children in the implementation of DRRM, adding “I am incessantly inviting all punong barangays to be always ready and vigilant as we live in the midst of climate change.” The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiencing typhoons and tropical storms, earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions. Typhoons particularly affect many Filipinos on a repeated basis. Each year, nearly 20 typhoons pass through the Philippines, with five or six causing significant damage. The latest major typhoon was Tropical Storm Washi (local name: Sendong) that devastated two cities in Northern Mindanao in mid-December 2011 leaving at least 1,267 persons dead, almost half a million persons displaced and several schools and other learning centers destroyed or heavily damaged.

For her part, Director Ana C. Cañeda of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in region 10 reiterated about the importance of an effective DRR implementation to save lives!


Palace says it never wavered in pushing for Freedom of Information Bill

MANILA - Malacañang remains committed to pursue the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to achieve more transparency in the bureaucracy, a Palace official has said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III has been criticized for failing

to mention the FOI Bill during his State of the Nation Address


on Monday. He however sought the immediate passage of the proposal in his message to legislators on the submission of the 2016 National Budget to Congress on Tuesday.

During Wednesday’s press briefing at the Palace, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters that the Malacañang version of the bill has already been submitted and has been debated by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Information, headed by Congressman Jorge Almonte.

The Palace’s representative, Undersecretary Manolo Quezon, has been present in all the committee hearings, and this is a sign of Malacanang’s commitment, Lacierda said.

“The FOI Bill has passed the Committee on Information, headed by Congressman Jorge

Almonte. It is now supposedly going to be calendared for second reading,” he said.

On the criticisms against the President, he said that although he did not mention the bill in his final SONA, he gave it priority in his Budget message to Congress.

“The Budget Message is powerful, if not more powerful, than the State of the Nation Address. It comes with perspective,” Lacierda pointed out.

He noted that FOI advocates were very pleased with recent developments regarding the proposal.

One of the FOI advocates in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Leni Robredo, even issued a statement welcoming the President’s Budget message, which put emphasis


on transparency policies such as pushing for the FOI Bill, Lacierda said.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte already announced that he will pass the FOI Bill, he said.

“So we will just ask the majority floor leader if he can calendar the FOI Bill for second reading and, hopefully, it will move. It certainly would require some debates if there are people who have concerns with the FOI,” he added. (PCOO/PND (as)


Afghanistan learns from PH experience in peace talks

MANILA - The Philippines will provide technical assistance to Afghanistan in its own peace talks with its local Islamic rebel group Taliban by sharing lessons of its own peace process, primarily in its successful peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).


A delegation from Afghanistan is currently on a three-day visit to the Philippines to learn from the country’s peace process, especially in terms of promoting women empowerment in peace talks.

The delegation is composed of 16 out of 70 members of the Afghanistan High Peace Council (HPC), which was created last June 2010 and is composed of government officials, former Jihadist leaders, peace activists, and

women. The HPC aims to accelerate the process of peace reconciliation and reintegration of elements of the Taliban and other armed military groups in Afghanistan.

“I am very happy that the Afghanistan peace council’s delegates are coming here to learn from the Philippine experience about the peace process,” HPC Secretary and head of delegation Shaila Samimi said.


“We need to learn how women’s roles have been defined and recognized within the peace process in the Philippines,” she related, adding that the meeting with Philippine officials will provide a good opportunity for ”experience-sharing and exchange of information.”

The delegation was received and briefed on the Philippine peace process by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, OPAPP Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, government peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, and government peace panel member and former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani. During the meeting, the delegation indicated interest in OPAPP’s experience in effective advocacy techniques aimed at promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the peace process, and in responding to gender-related issues and problems within peace negotiations.

Last May 2015, the HPC signed

a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN WOMEN to enhance capacity building and women’s participation in the peace process, emphasizing that the role women play is significant in achieving a just and lasting peace. Part of the MoU’s activities include cross-learning experiences with countries that have a history of successful peace and reconciliation process with a gender perspective such as Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines.

Samimi thanked the peace officials for discussing the Philippines’ experience in peace talks, saying “it was a very constructive session, very important, and we learned a lot, so it was a very happy session.”

“It was very useful for us,” she added.

Dr. Socorro Reyes of the Center for Legislative Development, which coordinated the visit of the Afghan delegation, also highlighted the importance of the meeting with OPAPP officials in helping


Afghanistan’s own peace initiatives.

“It was very enriching… [we] covered a lot of topics that [the HPC] has always been trying to get answers on and would help them in their own peace negotiations in Afghanistan,” Reyes said.

Deles for her part emphasized that the Bangsamoro peace process has gained much by learning from the experiences of other countries, and said that the Philippines is ready to give back and share its own experience with other countries working on their own peace talks.

“Our own peace process gained a lot from exchanges with other countries and support from other countries so we are happy to share what we can and continue to learn from your experiences as well,” she said.

Women leading PH peace talks

The Bangsamoro peace process has received national and global acclaim for its gender-

inclusive thrust. Just this month the New York-based International Peace Institute (IPI) recognized both Deles and Ferrer as ideal women peacemakers, saying that “based on their (Deles and Ferrer) experiences in helping to bring about the Comprehensive Agreement, women will likely have more contributions to make in this journey toward peace.”

The report also noted that for the Bangsamoro peace process, “direct participation at the negotiation table was combined with official consultations, a transition commission, and mass action.”

“Women negotiators united across the table, both to promote gender issues and to push the overall process forward. They emphasized the importance of this united approach when presenting to the media throughout the talks. They worked to demonstrate progress and build support for the peace process, and to persuade the public that continuing the negotiations was a smarter, better approach


than returning to violence,” the report added.

During the meeting Sandoval recognized the crucial role of women in the Philippines’ peace process, and noted that the government continues to actively encourage women’s participation in the peace talks.

“The Philippines, in terms of participation of women in the peace process, has also been very active and has encouraged women to actively sit, actively participate either as formal negotiators, as part of the formal negotiations, or as part of the civil society supporting

the peace process,” Sandoval explained.

“Women have journeyed with these processes all along…women play key roles in the peace processes in the country,” she emphasized, noting that in total there are 48 women leaders in the peace talks being conducted by the government.

The Philippines is recognized as being the first in the world to have a major peace agreement signed by a woman chief negotiator, Ferrer, under the purview of a peace process chief who is also a woman, Deles. (OPAPP)


Six Mindanao provinces top national competitiveness ranking

DAVAO CITY -- Six Mindanao provinces made it to the top 10 of the 2015 Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) reflecting economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure growth of the island-region in the recent years. Four Mindanao provinces dominated the top five most competitive provinces with Davao del Sur leading the pack as the most competitive province in the

Philippines with an overall score of 46.11, followed by Misamis Oriental in second with an overall score of 38.93.


South Cotabato placed fourth with a score of 36.42, while Zamboanga del Sur ranked fifth with a score of 35.88. Agusan del Norte, on the other hand placed seventh with a score of 35.70 while Camiguin ranked tenth with 34.21.

“These rankings are indicators that efforts from both government and private sectors to push for Mindanao’s increased competitiveness and growth are now bearing fruits,” said Usec. Janet Lopoz, executive director of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) during a program overview for the Southern Mindanao Industrial Tour held recently here at Park Inn Radisson Hotel.

She added the high placement of Mindanao provinces and LGUs in the recent rankings also firms up Mindanao’s position as a major business and investment destination in the Philippines.

According to the NCC, the scoring of the qualified provinces are based on population and income weighted average of the overall scores of cities and municipalities under a province. In the cities ranking, Davao

City and Cagayan de Oro clinched positions in the top 10 most competitive cities ranking fifth and sixth respectively.

Three municipalities from SOCCSKSARGEN on the other hand made it to the top 10 in the “all municipalities category,” namely, Kabacan, Midsayap, and Polomolok, placing fourth, eighth and tenth, respectively. The three municipalities also placed similar ranks in the first class and second class municipalities category, with Midsayap clinching the ninth place.

Under the third and sixth class municipalities category, Mambajao, Camiguin was awarded the most competitive municipality while Nasipit in Agusan del Norte placed fourth.

The ranking of the cities and municipalities are based on their economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure.

Economic dynamism refers to activities that create stable expansion of business and industries and higher employment while government efficiency refers to quality and reliability of government services and support for effective


and sustainable productive expansion. Infrastructure on the other hand refers to physical building blocks that connects, expands and sustains a locality and its surroundings to enable the provision of goods and services.

“We hope that in the coming years, more Mindanao provinces and LGUs will make it in the top list of the NCC Competitive Index, particularly with the infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline under the Mindanao Development Corridors program,” Lopoz said.

The Corridors program is a key spatial strategy that will help pave the way for a connected and globally-competitive Mindanao. It aims to improve infrastructure, establish connectivity, and spur the development growth clusters

within Mindanao, allowing it to achieve balanced and inclusive growth among its regions.

“The infrastructure projects covers transport, logistics, i n f o r m a t i o n c o m m u n i c a t i o n technology (ICT) connectivity, and power,” Lopoz said.

She said through the Corridors program, the government is targeting to physically integrate the entire Mindanao to allow a smooth and efficient flow of trade, goods, and services.

“The infrastructure projects will interconnect and intersect industry hubs with Mindanao’s existing and potential international gateways – Davao City, General Santos City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zambooanga City, and the provinces of Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi” she added.

Lopoz said the infrastructure projects will usher efficient flow of trade and transport of goods. For example, some of the proposed road projects will provide traders


shorter routes to their preferred destinations.

One of the major road projects that is being pushed through the Corridors Program is the 46.88 kilometer (km) Davao City Bypass Road with a project cost of P16 billion. The bypass road will start in Toril and then intersect with the Davao-Bukidnon Road and towards the end of Lasang.

The project will be divided into two construction packages, the first package, which is the South section of the road, will be 31.08 km with a 2.28 km tunnel while the second package, the North section of the road, will be 15.78 km long.

“The national government is now negotiating with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the funding of the South section of the road,” Lopoz said, while adding “the second package, which is the North section will be proposed for local government financing.”

She explained that the Davao City Bypass Road will allow farmers and businessmen in the Bukidnon area, one of the major food baskets of Mindanao to cut

their travel short if they are going to the Northwestern and Western parts of Mindanao.

“Those coming from the Southeastern and Eastern parts of Mindanao, like Kidapawan and Davao del Sur, can access the bypass road and will no longer have to go through the main streets of the city proper,” she said.

Lopoz explained the road project is also in anticipation of the continued urban growth of Davao City and will decongest the streets of the major growth hub.

She said that aside from the interconnected road projects, the ports, particularly the major ports in the South Central Mindanao Development Corridor, will also be integrated to serve as one gateway to the South.

“Mindanao is receiving a lot of interest and attention due to its increasing competiveness, and this is the right time for both private and government sectors to work harder in shaping a better socioeconomic landscape for the island-region,” Lopoz said. (MinDA)


DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, July 30 - The province made history when it was awarded 1st place by the Na-tional Competitive Council as the coun-try’s most competitive province. In the 1st Pro-vincial Competitive Summit held at the Davao del Sur Colise-um recently, Governor Claude Bautista said “Plans never go wrong when there is unity and cooperation. This is our success.” The Governor em-

p h a -s i z e d t h a t w i t h -out the u n -w a v -e r i n g s u p -port of the lo-cal of-f ic ia ls

and the work force of the provincial govern-ment, things would never work out that way. “Some politicians only think about elec-tions but they should be reminded that we as elected officials have to exert efforts because people want us to be their sav-ing grace. We have to leave a legacy through sustainable programs for all the constituents in this province,” Gov. Bautista stated.

DavSur awarded most com-petitive provinceBy:Nilda S. Aninon


The municipalities of Hagonoy and Sta. Cruz were also awarded Best in Business Permit and Licensing Office and Best Local Investment Office, re-spectively. Hagonoy Mayor Fran-co Calida and Sta.Cruz Joel Ray Lopez personally received the plaques of recognition. The ranking was based on three pillars, namely the eco-nomic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure. Economic dynamism in-dicates how the province has helped investors in their busi-ness activities coupled with the tax efficiency collection. Davao del Sur made tre-mendous collection efforts from Php23 million in 2014 up to Php170 million to this date as re-ported by Sr. Board Member No-nito Llanos III, chair of SP Com-mittee on Trade and Industry. On the other hand, the government would transcend how the present administration opened the doors and extended services to everyone. Infrastructure as the 3rd pil-lar was demonstrated through road rehabilitation, putting up of school buildings and hospitals. The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) came up with in-dicators based on surveys, busi-

ness and economic forums. To rank the qualified prov-inces, the combined population of all participating local govern-ment units under the province should constitute at least 60% of the total provincial population. Following this framework, Cebu got the 3rd place, the prov-ince of Misamis Oriental got the 2nd place and the province of Davao del Sur was awarded the most competitive province for 2015. Over 1,000 delegates from across the country, LGU’s, NGA’s (DTI/DILG) and leaders of pub-lic and private sector gathered at the PICC Reception Hall on July 16 to attend the 3rd Regional Competitiveness Summit. In its true commitment to public service, the National Com-petitive Council has its mission to improve the country’s overall competition through collabora-tive efforts between the national and local government agencies, public and private sector.


94 families in remote Davao Occidental town benefit electrification project

DIGOS CITY– At least 94 fami-lies living in five sitios in Baran-gay Dalupan in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental recently ben-efited an electrification project in the area. This came after the newly-constructed Dalupan Micro-Hydro Power Plant is now in full opera-tion and will be serving residents living in sitio Cunalom, Banag, Upper Kiaga and Miago in Centro Dalupan. The 25 kilowatts Micro-Hy-dro Power Plant is a pilot proj-ect under the policy and advisory of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) but is engaged to Lah-meyer – a consulting firm, for the implementation. The creation of the project is seen to bring development of livelihood through renewable en-ergy, with the support of the Na-tional Electrification Administra-tion (NEA) which is the executing agency, the Local Government Unit of Don Marcelino, and the Davao del Sur Electric Coopera-tion (DASURECO), which is the collection firm.

Present during the inaugura-tion ceremony of the power plant on Wednesday were top execu-tives from the Asian Development Bank; NEA Deputy Administrator Edgardo Piamonte; Lahmeyer; Asian Clean Energy Fund of Ja-pan, which financed the project. Also present were DASURECO General Manager Engr. Godofre-do N. Guya, Board of Directors Wilfredo Granada of Bansalan, Mateo Cabante of Malalag, and Shiela Culina-Nugas of Malita/Don Marcelino/Jose Abad Santos and Mayor John Johnson of Don Marcelino. (PNA)


Deworming activity zeroes in on 123K school kids in S. CotabatoBy:Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 30 -- Some 123,369 schoolchil-dren in South Cotabato were take an-thelmintic tablets Wednesday, July 29.

This population, according to Dr. Gertru-dez Dajay, medical officer III of the Depart-ment of Education- South Cotabato Schools Division, comprises the number of kinder-garten and Grade 1 to 6 pupils currently enrolled in the province’s public elementary schools targeted in the National School De-worming Day (NSDD).

“Deworming is good for your children’s health because children infected by intes-tinal worms could suffer from anemia and malnutrition. Intestinal parasites also affect your children’s academic performance,” Dr. Dajay emphasized as she urged parents to allow their children to take the medicine.

Earlier this month, school officials in the area sent letters to parents to secure the latter’s consent to the administration of an-thelmintic medicine.

“By securing parental consent, we can identify children who were dewormed within the past three months and exempt


them from taking the anthel-mintic tablet,” she explained.

In the same consent form, school officials will also know the reasons why some parents would refuse to let their children join the activity, she added.

Dr. Dajay further explained that school nurses and teachers-in-charge will guide each child to take either Mebendazole 500 mg or Albendazole 400 mg an-thelmintic tablet, which she de-scribed as “chewable and fla-vored to suit children’s taste.”

Prior to the administration of

the anti-parasitic medicine, chil-dren will be directed to properly wash their hands, take a snack or a meal, wash their hands for a second time and brush their teeth.

“Children who are experiencing fever, abdominal pain and diar-rhea are exempted from taking the medicine,” she said. Same is true to children who have his-tory of allergic reactions to the anthelmintic medicine.

Dr. Dajay elaborated that


children aged 5 to 12 years old are targeted in the NSDD because they are most at risk to soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection.

Meanwhile, Marlyn Dagun, nurse II of DepEd-South Cota-bato disclosed that the Depart-ment of Health has supplied them with 120,000 anthelmintic tablets last May for the event.

She, noted that they have an inventory of over 9,000 tablets from last school year, assuring that the province has enough supply to cover the 294 public elementary schools in the prov-ince.

“Although the deworming ac-tivity is intended primarily for public schools, private elemen-tary schools may also avail of free anthelmintic medicines for their pupils. They only need to coordinate with the rural health center in their place,” Dr. Dajay emphasized.

The one-day simultaneous de-worming is a collaboration be-tween DepEd and DOH in a bid to reduce soil-transmitted helminthiasis infections among 15.1 million pupils aged 5 to 12 years old in 38,968 public elementary schools nationwide.

It is pursuant to the Integrated

Helminthiasis Control Program (IHCP) of DOH and DepEd along with interventions advocating water sanitation and hygiene and behavioral change.

According to DepEd authori-ties, the activity will be done yearly and will target at least 85 percent of all children en-rolled in kindergarten to Grade 6.

In January 2016, DOH will also conduct nationwide deworming among pre-school children from ages zero to five years old.

Soil-transmitted helminthia-sis infections come from soil contaminated by fecal matter, causing children to harbor ei-ther roundworms (Ascaris lum-bricoides), whipworm (Trichuris trichuria) and hookworms (Neca-tor americanus and Acyllostome doudenale).

Citing a World Health Organi-zation study, Dr, Dajay said that worm infection among children could reduce IQ by 3.75 points.


TESDA holds competency assessment and certificationBy:Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 30 -- In line with its intensified efforts to further popularize technical-vocational edu-cation, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be holding a free competency assessment and cer-tification on Friday, July 31.

TESDA 12 Regional Direc-tor Zeus Ampuyas said the activity will be carried out un-der the agency’s National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) Program.

For the first time, the compe-tency assessment and certifica-tion will be broadcast live via online streaming of the actual skills demonstration, Ampuyas said,

In SOCCSKSARGEN Region, the activity will be held in the following locations:

General Santos National School of Arts and Trades in General Santos City for the Au-tomotive Servicing National Cer-tificate (NC) II;

Surallah National Agricultural School in Surallah, South Cota-bato for the Agricultural Crops Production NC II;

Sta. Cruz Technical and Voca-tional School, Inc. in Koronadal City for the Electrical Instal-lation and Maintenance NC II; and

Southern Institute of Technical Education and Driving School, Inc. in Koronadal City for Driv-ing NC II.

At 9:00 a.m., TESDA Director General Sec. Joel Villanueva will address the participants, also via live streaming.

Regarding the live streaming of the proceedings, Sec. Vil-lanueva said. “This will surely encourage more of our skilled workers who are not yet hold-ers of the appropriate National Certificate to avail of this oppor-tunity to enhance their qualifica-tion.”

The live streaming of the competency assessment and


NNC 12 caps Nutrition Month with nutri-zumba, cooking contestBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

certification may be accessed via www.tesda.gov.ph/natcac.

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 30 --- The National Nu-trition Council (NNC 12) spearheaded yesterday, a nutri-zumba and cooking contest highlighting the culmination of the Nutrition Month.

Arceli M. Latonio, nutrition program coordinator said that the two activities were partici-pated by representatives from different regional line agencies and individuals from local gov-ernment units mostly from the City of Koronadal.

Under the cooking contest, the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) bagged the first place with its Veggie Con Shell Con Mushrimps while excellent zum-ba dancers were recognized and were given with tokens.

Meanwhile, DOH 12 assistant regional director Dr. Francisco V. Mateo, in behalf of regional di-rector Dr. Teogenes Baluma ex-pressed his gratitude for the


support of the constituents of the SOCCSKSRAGEN region in pushing for a healthy lifestyle.

In his message, ARD Mateo noted the importance of working together in achieving a common goal. He also highlighted the role of the Nutrition in Devel-opment Organization of Social Educators in SOCCSKSARGEN or the Nutri-DOSE media group in the promotion of good nutrition.

The media group’s officers also took their oath of office during the culmination program.

Aside from the activities in the culmination program, the NNC 12 conducted various activities

in line with the month-long cel-ebration.

“Most of the activities we conducted in celebration of the Nutrition Month were nutri-tion assessments which were requested by the LGUs, coun-seling, promotion of healthy lifestyle and advocacy on good nutrition,” Latonio stated.

This year’s Nutrition Month celebration was anchored in the theme, ‘Timbang Iwasto sa Ta-mang Nutrisyon at Ehersisyo’.


SurSur DOST reveals 2015 first half accomplishment

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) bared recently major activities it has undertaken during the first half of 2015 in Surigao del Sur.

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

Carissa Lim, DOST chief here, said among other things that they were able to accomplish include Technology Transfer and Commercialization projects as well as Technology Training. Some 10 commercial and/or industrial establishments have stood to gain out of these


programs and projects, she pointed out. Lim added that under technology transfer and commercialization, a number of machines or equipment amounting to a total of P1,988,236.50 have been delivered to seven commercial and/or industrial establishments for purposes of technology upgrading, improving product quality, enhancing production capability, and the like, citing laser engraver, dough kneader, roller, molder, rice

huller-polisher, concrete mixer machine and other items of that ilk as technology intervention. DOST has also conducted training on production planning and control besides understanding nutrition labels, it was learned. Meanwhile, the DOST here has confirmed celebrating on July 24-28 the National Science and Technology Week with the theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.”

In the early morning of February 22, 2012, Salga was leaving for work when a dump truck swept down the public transportation she was riding. This caused the vehicle to fall on a short cliff. After spending two months in a hospital in Cagayan de Oro, she was forced to go home since her family had no more money to pay the hospital bills. The accident left the sole breadwinner of a very poor

family with a brain injury, difficulty in speaking, and inability to walk by herself. On June 10, 2014, the Caraga Regional Extension Unit of the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) reached out to Salga and offered her free physical therapy, with transportation and meal allowance under the Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang May Kapansanan or KaGabay Program.

A vehicular accident in Lunao, Gingoog City resulted to the permanent and total disability of Kris L. Salga, an office encoder of Fresh Fruits Ingredients Inc. (FFII) in Medina, Misamis Oriental.

KaGabay Program changes the life of a PWRD in Caraga By: Olga Virginia A. Demata


After a few months, Salga made a lot of progress. Her speech has progressed well; she can walk on her own; and do several household chores. With several PT sessions on the way, her family is hoping for full recovery in no time. “We could not believe that Kris will be able to walk on her own again. We are so thankful to ECC for all the assistance it has provided. We never thought Kris will be better again,” Rosario Salga, mother of Kris said. “The Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan or KaGabay is a part of the rehabilitation services offered by the ECC for workers with disabilities, as a result of work-

connected sickness or injury. Through the KaGabay Program, qualified workers with work-connected disabilities are evaluated and referred to various institutions for appropriate rehabilitation services which includes physical restoration, or the provision of physical and occupational therapy, prosthesis, and assistive devices, and livelihood or vocational training to help persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) achieve functional independence and become economically productive as they enter the mainstream,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.


Surigao City agrarian coop receives P1.8M marketing center By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Barangay Capalayan Rural Improvement Club Producers Cooperative (RICPROCO) received a concrete marketing center through a ceremonial turnover on July 17, 2015 conducted by the provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) held at Brgy. Capalayan, this city.

RICPROCO is an assisted agrarian reform beneficiary organization of DAR-SDN. The ARB (Agrarian Reform Beneficiary) marketing center is worth P1,800,000.00 of which P1,500,000.00 came from the Bottom-up Budgeting/Grassroots Participatory Budgeting fund of DAR-SDN and P300,000.00 equity from the city government. Josefina E. Abig, chairperson of RICPROCO, speaking in behalf of their cooperative extended their heartfelt gratitude for the project stressing that the center will become a stepping stone towards better lives of the farmers in the area. On the other hand, Jose T. Sebucao, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO)

II of DAR-SDN, challenged the officers and farmer-members to value and take good care of the marketing center. He also hoped that RICPROCO will continue to grow and eventually share their experiences and expertise with other cooperatives and associations in their area and their neighboring barangays. Also present during the said turnover were Uriel Eugenio S. Correos, assistant City Planning and Development Office coordinator representing the city government and Ma. Elizabeth L. De Guzman, PARPO I of DAR-SDN along with the barangay officials of Capalayan and staff of Program Beneficiaries and Development Division of DAR-SDN.


By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY - Anchored on the theme “Timbang Iwasto sa Tamang Nutrisyon at Ehersisyo,” the Regional Nutrition Council (RNC) in coordination with the city government here has spearheaded the 41st Nutrition Month celebration held at Balangasan gymnasium, Balangasan District this city.

RNC leads 2015 Nutrition Month celebration in Pagadian


A thematic symposium on this year’s theme was conducted to encourage the participants to adopt and appreciate the said theme that focuses on keeping a normal body weight through proper nutrition and physical activities, Maria del Pilar Pamela Tarroza, regional nutrition program coordinator said. In the same occasion the “10 Kumainments” or the ten guidelines for a balance diet and nutritious food was also launched with Ms. Greta Pabian Martinez, Nutritionist Dietitian III, Department of Social Welfare and Development IX (DSWD-9) in Zamboanga City as facilitator. On the other hand, Edith Callao, chief dietitian, Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) in Zamboanga City also introduced and explained the “Pinggang Pinoy” a concept developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, Department of Health (DOH)

and the National Nutrition Council (NNC). This concept provides the consumers with recommendations of the appropriate proportion of various food groups for a truly healthy and balanced meal. Meanwhile, 150 printed Pinggang Pinoy place mats were handed over by Tarroza to barangay Balangasan represented by Barangay Kagawad Imelda Verida Azucenas. Said place mats are intended to be used by the day care children at the three Day Care Centers of the barangay. To wind up the day’s activity a dance exercise was also conducted with the barangay’s Zumba dancers.


ZAMBOANGA CITY – Drug addiction has gone beyond afflicting just the “stereotypical addicts” to professionals, and even those that live in society’s upper class.

Professionals, rich also victims of drugs – PDEA

By Dominic I. Sanchez

According to Agent Marvin Santos, chief of the Plans and Operations Division of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here, society should now realize that tattooed, thin and sullen-eyed drug addict stereotypes are not anymore applicable today. “Addicts come from different backgrounds,” Santos explained. “We have doctors, teachers, nurses, drivers, students, government workers and many others.” In the city and in neighboring provinces, the most common form of drug addiction is by using methamphetamine hydrochloride, more commonly known as shabu, said Santos. Users inhale the vapor that comes from heating these white

crystalline-like granules. Santos explained that users experience a sense of euphoria upon inhaling the drugs. Some might develop a highly focused sensation. However, the drugs cause sleeplessness, and more often, the user manifests paranoia, which commonly results to erratic and oftentimes violent behavior. The drug addicts develop a craving for the drugs over time, which makes it very difficult for


them to avoid drugs. “In many cases, addicts steal to be able to satisfy their craving,” Santos said. “They become violent.” The PDEA here has had its share of arrests of these “upper-class” drug addicts. “The parents would refuse to believe that their son is an addict, saying that he has been performing well in school. They would provide other reasons as if to convince us that their children are not addicts.” Santos said that PDEA agents feel for the families of those they arrest in their operations. “It is hard, as agents to not think about the consequences, to what would happen to the families of the suspects,” he shared. “Drug addiction is a menace to society, it affects not only the addict, but their families and relatives,” he said. Santos emphasized that “we must end the demand for drugs, not just cut-off the supply”. “If there is no demand, then suppliers will go out of business,” he said. Recently, the PDEA and the local police have apprehended a woman, notoriously known

as the city’s “Shabu Queen” for her alleged wide reach as supplier of drugs to several communities here. In the past several months, authorities have been intensifying anti-illegal drugs operations against pushers, small-time and big-time in consonance with government’s campaign to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs. Meanwhile, Santos highlighted the need for strong advocacies that must be disseminated for public consumption, especially among the youth who are very curious about it, explained Santos. Santos reiterated the need for stronger partnerships and resource sharing among all stakeholders in the city, the local government, the barangay officials, civil society groups, schools, religious groups, and other government agencies. “We need to join together and plan out our advocacy strategies to inform the public, especially the youth on the dangers of drugs, before they even try it.” “Drugs destroy lives,” he said.


Iligan City joins simultaneous earthquake drill

ILIGAN CITY – The Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ICDRRMO) has set four venues, this city, to participate in the Nationwide Earthquake Drill slated July 23, 2015.

by Lorry V. Gabule

Simultaneously, the Suarez National High School (NHS) of Barangay Suarez, the Iligan Light and Power Inc. (ILPI) at Raymund Jeffrey Road, the Pala-o Elementary School of Barangay Pala-o and the Pugaan Elementary School of Barangay Pugaan were


apt to perform the drill at their respective locations at exactly 9:00 a.m.. During the drill, students and residents joined the drill in Pugaan and Pala-o, respectively. ILPI personnel took time in the earthquake drill along with customers who were by chance paid their bill at ILPI at the time of the drill. Likewise, law elements from the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, joined the students of Suarez NHS in the rescue operation. This is the first time in the city that the military participated in this nationwide drill. Evaluators from different offices were given time to express their observations. It composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), the Rotary Club of Iligan Maria Cristina and the Suarez Barangay Council, and the ICDRRMO. Loreto L. Tecson ll, CDRRM Officer of Iligan said that evaluators have to based their assessment on the following

aspects of execution: the loudness of the siren; the ‘Duck, Cover and Hold’ technique; evacuating stage/designated routes; evacuation area; first aid kits; headcount phase; number of drill participants; time table to reach designated evac area; and other pertinent observations during the drill. As a general observation, students as well as the community, are aware of what to do in case earthquake occurs. The trainings conducted by members of the DRRM to schools and in the barangays contributed much for everybody to prepare and what to do in time of disaster. Red Cross representative said they encourage students/youth to be Red Cross volunteer, the training could be of help as to giving first aid to victims in actual scenario. On the part of PICE, they are more concerned on the structure, building design resilient to any disaster/calamity. The Barangay Council has a great role especially on the campaign to its constituents on the prevention and what to do during disaster. The pre-during-post disaster/calamity stage preparations should be given priority on trainings conducted at


the barangay level.

DepEd, on the other hand, has been constantly conducting drills on fire and earthquake within the school premise with the DRRM team. The drill was timely for the Rotary Club of Iligan Maria Cristina (RCIMC) to turn-over the emergency kits to around 400 students from Grade 7 and some high school students of Suarez National High School as recipients to the club’s project. The club president with some members were present to witness the drill and the turn-over/distribution of

kits. The emergency kit is used for minor bruise/wounds that a student may have/ or experience inside the school. School Principal Rose Marie Ann Maquiling-Saavedra was grateful for the privilege that their school has been chosen as venue for this year’s nationwide simultaneous drill. ‘We encourage the community to be always prepared on any eventualities, disaster that we can’t avoid to happen, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ said DRR Officer Tecson.

Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, 8th Infantry Battalion Commanding

Officer of the Philippine Army, said this is under the government’s

Former NPA rebel gets reward from AFP

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- Jonathan B. Nacar alias “Totong,” former member of SPP TOTO of Guerrilla Front 4B of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) received a check amounting to P52,200.00 as a reward for the AK-47 rifle and ammunition he surrendered recently to the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the local government of Impasugong, Bukidnon.

by Norman M Tagros


‘Guns for Peace’ program. In an interview, Jonathan, a 24-year old member of Bukidnon’s Higaonon tribe, said he got tired of the false promises of the NPA and their leaders. He said he was convinced to join in the armed struggle of the NPA because he was deceived in a so called “agrarian revolution.” “And because of poverty, I was disappointed and was made to believe that fighting against the government through armed struggle will free me from sufferings. ‘Ang tanan pulos bakak lamang ug walay kamatuoran. Samtang kami nga mga pulang manggugubat sa Bag-ong Hukbong Bayan galisod sa lasang, walay gikaon, gitugnaw ug gipangmingaw sa amoang pamilya, diay ang mga kadre ug mga lideres nagpalami sa ilahang kinabuhi sa mga lungsod. (But everything was just a lie because while we — the red fighters of the NPA are chilling, starving in the jungle, struggling with our lives and longing for our families—the political unit and our leaders are living a lavish lifestyle in town centers),” he said. Nacar will also be receiving a livelihood assistance of P50,000.00 and an immediate cash assistance amounting

to P15,000.00 from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of Bukidnon. Impasugong town Mayor Anthony A. Uy, also extended help to Nacar through its Local Integration Program (LIP) and the Impasugong Convergence Program “Magbuliga Koy.” The AFP Guns for Peace Program and the CLIP, along with LGUs LIP, are aimed at promoting peace by working hand in hand in the spirit of “Bayanihan” to urge our NPA rebel brothers to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the law. The programs also intend to assist former rebels to prepare them as they go back to the mainstream society and start anew. Nacar, who also convinced his former comrades to surrender, thanked the 8th Infantry Battalion and Impasugong LGU for helping him as he reunites with his family and community.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The City Fiesta Executive Committee announced on July 29 the opening of the submission of entries for the Cagayan de Oro Carnival Parade and Queen, named as one of the core events in the city’s month-long celebration of St. Augustine’s feast on August.

CDO now accepts carnival parade, queen entries

The Carnival Parade and Queen is a street festival that exudes various cultural dances in the city using colorful costumes. One of the highlights of the carnival parade is the selection of

the Carnival Queen who will be representing the whole group. The winner of the parade will bag P100,000 and the second and third place winners will get P60,000 and P40,000 respectively. The chosen Carnival Queen will receive P10,000 while the second and third in rank will get P6,000 and P4,000 respectively. With this, the City Tourism Office and City Tourism Council encourage all interested groups to join in the said event by visiting Cagayan de Oro City Hall for more details.

The deadline of the submission of entries is set on August 10 while the Carnival Parade and Queen will be held on August 23 that will start at 3PM.

One Mindanao - July 30, 2015

Documents

Transcript of One Mindanao - July 30, 2015