One Mindanao - March 1, 2016

Mindanao lead agency inks develop-ment initiatives with ADB, USAID

New traffic signals set up in Gensan19 IJLagare, SOCCSKSARGEN

DENR 13 updates land records23 Herzon F. Gallego, CARAGA

CSWDO, stakeholders convene to address issues on street children32Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

DBM launches citizen’s guide to the 2016 budget10

10 NPA rebels surrender anew to AFP in SurSur24

Titay town - Love Capital of Sibugay34 Rhea Grace A. La Plana, Western Mindanao

13

DOLE-supported ‘Sendong’ survivors take first corn harvest37Joseph Nathan Fabreg, Northern Mindanao

Radio station celebrates 3rd year with a medical mission39IGaCoS industry roadmap drafted41 Judecia H. Ponio, Southern Mindanao

today’s news

Luz Kinilaw,an icon rebuilt

Cover Story

By Rudolph Alama

813 17

303621

Greg Tataro Jr., CARAGA

Vincent N. Labial, Northern Mindanao

EDITORIAL BOARDEDITORIAL 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 XIIREGIONAL 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 RegionLAYOUT ARTISTSMARY MAY ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

PIA Regional OfficesWestern 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

One Mindanao

4 March 1, 2016One Mindanao

Luz Kinilaw, an icon rebuilt

By Rudolph Alama

5March 1, 2016 One Mindanao

Razed by fire a year ago, Luz Kinilaw is now a two-storey edifice that still sells their popular classic kinilaw (ceviche) and

tuna na panga.

Luz Kinilaw, an icon rebuilt

By Rudolph Alama


supporting a thatch roof sheltering two tables, it stands in the present location of the present restaurant. Wanting to start her own business she initially borrowed P200,

She paid P140 for the Tinap-anan and the P60 as a capital for the fledgling business where she bought s o f t d r i n k s , beer and fish to be sold in the store.The business p r o s p e r e d slowly. “I did not spend the profits, I used it for

capital.”Luz said. She also borrowed money from lenders as additional business capital. As the loans were being paid and she had now debt-free capital to roll, the store expanded. The signature dishes which is the

7March 1, 2016 One Mindanao 7

kinilaw (ceviche) and the tuna panga (grilled tuna jaw) became a hit among Dabawenyos. And the place became a must visited place for tourists. “I made the recipes myself, its all original, I never copied it.” Luz says of her hit dishes. Aside from grilled panga, they also have other grilled seafood specialties like tuna bihod (eggs of the female fish), bagaybay (fish gonads), tuna belly and grilled squid. One of the famous celebrity customers in Luz Kinilaw is Manila City Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada who started visiting Luz Kinilaw when he was still a Senator and during his time as Vice-President.“When he was the President, he no longer visited the place but he invited us in the hotel where he was staying.” Luz recalls. Luz closeness with the then President helped her and the neighboring community secure Presidential Proclamation 85 which declares the area as a human settlement site. With the surrounding community composed of houses built with light materials, the area was hit by a fire last year (2015) the fire spread quickly and engulfed 57 houses including the wooden restaurant.

A frequent customer, the Mayor of Davao City came to the rescue. Luz says the Mayor promised assistance. “We always come to him for help, whenever there is a threat of demolition, we would come to him.” Luz said of the Mayor. In jest Mayor Rodrigo Duterte promised to give her five sacks of money to rebuild. Luz says Mayor Duterte’s commitment to her and her neighbors that they could return and rebuild in the same area is equivalent not just to five sacks but to five bodegas (warehouses) of money. “I will stay here forever.” she said.

From a ramshackle seaside hut the present Luz Kinilaw is now a two-storey building, gone is the non-descript facade which has become some sort of a landmark in Quezon Boulevard, in its place is a modern-looking resto with wide dining space that can accommodate about a hundred customers, the foul-smelling stagnant water at the back has been filled up and converted as a parking space for clients. The icon has risen from the ashes.

One Mindanao8 March 1, 2016

Korean investors keen on infrastructure, energy projects in PH

MAKATI CITY-- Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo welcomed a Korean delegation of business men in the country recently (February 22-24, 2016). Ambassador Kim Young -Sun, Secretary-General of the Asean Korea Centre (AKC) led a delegation of 14 Korean companies keen on investing on infrastructure and energy projects in the Philippines. “The Philippine economy is ripe for foreign investments,” said Rodolfo. He said that now is the best time for foreign investors to invest in the Philippines as the country continues to experience growth and stability.

According to Undersecretary Rodolfo, the government’s expenditure on infrastructure contributes significantly to economic growth. Philippine infrastructure spending has increased from 1.8 percent of GDP

file photo of philstar.com


in 2010 to 4.1 percent of GDP in 2015. “The upward trend of GDP growth presents tremendous opportunities for further investments in infrastructure,” he said. Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) has been experiencing a 6.2 percent growth rate in the past five years, the fastest since 1970s. This year, the government is targeting GDP growth between 6 to 7 percent.

“This is one of the means to maximize the gains from the AEC. With stable macroeconomic fundamentals, expanded market access, and advances in infrastructure and human capital development, we gain leverage to position the Philippines as a manufacturing hub to service the ASEAN market,” Rodolfo said. He added that the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) facilitates Korean investments in ASEAN member countries.

The AEC, formally established last 31 December 2015, aims to establish a single market and production base with free movement of goods, services

and investments across the ten ASEAN member countries. ASEAN is one of the fastest growing regions with a combined population of 600 million people and a GDP of more than $6.2 trillion.

Honorable Won-Jik Kwon, Minister and Consul General, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Korean Embassy to the Philippines, expressed appreciation to the Korean delegates’ decision to choose the Philippines for itsinvestment mission saying the country is a strategic gateway to an integrated ASEAN market.

Meanwhile, Secretary General Young-Sun said the Philippines emerged as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the infrastructure and energy sectors. He said that the volume of investments in these sectors more than doubled from 18 million USD in 2013 to 40 million USD in 2014. Investments in infrastructure and energy compose some 40 percent of Korea’s total investment in the Philippines.

Korea is the fifth largest


MANILA-- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) yesterday launched the 2016 edition of the People’s Budget (PB), an annual publication aimed at making each year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) accessible to the public.

DBM launches citizen’s guide to the 2016 budget

This latest edition of the PB marks six years of providing the Filipino people with a Citizens Budget, a key budget document

and a measure of commitment to fiscal transparency under the Open Government Partnership, according to Budget Secretary said

investor of the Philippines with interests in manufacturing, shipbuilding, retail, gaming and software development, tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, agribusiness, energy, and banking and finance.

During their visit to the Philippines, the Korean delegation conducted site visits to RASLAG Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant, NAIA Expressway, and the Daang Hari Expressway. (BOI)


DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad. “The annual publication of the People’s Budget is one of the reasons the Philippines is recognized as a global leader in fiscal transparency by the latest Open Budget Survey,” he said.

“The National Budget is the most important policy document of a government,” Abad said. “As a budget transparency practice, there must full disclosure of all relevant fiscal information to the public in accessible language and in a timely and systematic manner.”

Abad said that Citizens Budgets have become a new global fiscal transparency standard. “This is proven by the fact that more countries are now publishing Citizens Budgets—from 26 countries in 2012 to 54 in 2015.”

Abad said the Philippines’ Citizens Budget, called the People’s Budget, was launched in 2011 and has since become a model around the world for how to visualize the budget and translate fiscal information to language that citizens understand. It has been expanded from a booklet

summarizing the annual GAA in 2011 to other forms and media like audio-visual presentations, social media content, and newspaper advertisements.

The Philippines scored 64 out of a possible 100 points for transparency in the 2015 Open Budget Survey (OBS), a biennial survey and the world’s only independent and comparative measure of budget transparency. This score indicates that the government provides the public with substantial budget information.

Meanwhile, Francis Capistrano, head of the Strategic Communication Unit of DBM said that according to OBS, “the People’s Budget is one of eight essential budget documents that must be made available to the public. The OBS uses indicators to assess whether governments make these documents available to the public in a timely manner, and whether the data are comprehensive and useful.”

The PB features plain language and graphics-driven summaries of budget policies and reforms, macroeconomic assumptions and


the fiscal program, dimensions of the national expenditure program, and priority programs and projects of the 2016 GAA, as well as citizens’ guides to the budget process.

This year’s People’s Budget will be printed in Cebuano, English, and Tagalog, while flyers summarizing the 2016 GAA will be published Ilocano, Bicolano, and Hiligaynon. The DBM has also published the People’s Proposed Budget since 2013, which summarizes the National Expenditure Plan.

“What started in 2011 as a simple document summarizing the year’s GAA through plain language and graphics has evolved into a multimedia initiative that promotes inclusiveness in budgeting. As a result, we have managed to greatly improve

our ranking in the Open Budget Index and we also scored higher than the average for countries from Southeast Asia,” added Capistrano.

“For the last three years, we’ve used feedback from consultations with different sectors to improve the way we present the Budget. We’ve also been working hard to institutionalize the People’s Budget beyond this Administration, so that the National Budget will always be accessible to Filipinos,” Capistrano said.

The 2016 People’s Budget is available here. DBM also announced that physical copies of the People’s Budget will be available within the next month. Citizens interested in receiving a copy can request one through [email protected]. (DBM)


Mindanao lead agency inks development initiatives with ADB, USAID

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Agreements that will spur development in Mindanao, particularly in the South Central Mindanao Corridor (SCMC) were signed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), capitalizing on the island-region’s geographic and socioeconomic advantages.

14 One Mindanao March 1, 2016

During formal ceremony held here recently at the Greenleaf Hotel, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and USAID-Philippines Chief of the Office of Economic Development and Governance Daniel Miller led the signing of an agreement aimed to push the SCMC as a primary food basket, agribusiness and logistics hub, as well as a biodiversity and ecotourism focus area.

Another agreement was signed by Secretary Antonino and ADB Country Director Richard Bolt on the implementation of programs that will address specific issues in public and private investments in the SCMC, particularly in the Bangsamoro areas.

“These projects will cement South Central Mindanao’s position as the country’s foremost agribusiness and logistics hub,” said Antonino.

She added that the partnerships highlight the shared commitment to develop Mindanao and to improve the quality of life of all Mindanawons.

The SCMC is composed of the Davao Region, the

South Cotabato, Cotabato City Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani (SOCCKSARGEN) Region and the mainland Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It is one of the three development corridors in the Mindanao Development Corridors Program, aimed to position the island-region as a single, integrated economy that is able to leverage and actively participate in the ASEAN and the rest of the world.

USAID’s agreement with MinDA will specifically facilitate for the development of a framework and conceptual plan for the establishment of an Aerotropolis in General Santos City, a multimillion Peso project that will integrate the different points of entry in the SCMC.

The Aerotropolis plans to develop some 200 hectares of property surrounding the General Santos airport to an integrated complex that will include business parks, amusement parks, hotels, integrated food terminal, food processing and manufacturing activities, and shopping malls.

Other projects identified in the USAID agreement are the creation of strategies for the network of ports, including the


identification of functional roads that will support the SCMC. The agreement also seeks to draft the strategy for the development of the Ecotourism and Biodiversity Cluster that will extend from Surigao del Norte (including Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin) to Davao Oriental in Mindanao’s Eastern seaboard.

“Our commitment to help strengthen the Mindanao Development Corridors is built upon partnerships forged many years ago to promote economic

growth in Mindanao,” said Miller.

He added that this current cooperation will directly support the spatial strategy of the Mindanao peace and development framework and will significantly contribute to achieving the Mindanao 2020 vision.”

The Mindanao 202O is a 20-year peace and development roadmap for Mindanao, which envisions to addresses the various challenges and opportunities of the island-region not only within


the context of securing peace amid a history of conflict but also in terms of harnessing its inherently rich socioeconomic potentials primarily for the benefit of Mindanawons.

The agreement with ADB on the other hand will facilitate for the conduct of a study that will prepare the Bangsamoro areas in their anticipated participation in the SCMC. Active involvement of the private sector during the conduct of the study will be encouraged while key interventions that will allow for the utilization of the corridor’s inherent potentials will be identified.

Priority pipeline projects that will include Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in South Central Mindanao and the Bangsamoro areas will also be identified in the study, including capacity-building initiatives among key staff to enhance capabilities in project preparation.

“ADB is Mindanao’s long-term partner and we also consider the island-region as our home,” said Bolt while adding, “among the first projects of ADB in the Philippines were implemented

in Mindanao which included road, hydropower, and ports development projects as well as initiatives in strengthening agri-based industries through irrigation construction.”

The ADB assistance is also expected to enhance planning and the establishment of program monitoring and evaluation system for the Mindanao Development Corridors, while strengthening the links between MinDA and the Bangsamoro Development Authority.


DOST eyes replication of civet coffee production By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar 2 — Science and tech-nology Secretary Secretary Mario Montejo expressed interest in replicating through science and technology the process how civet cats enrich the flavor of coffee.


Sec. Montejo revealed this during his recent session with the SOCCSKSARGEN Regions’s Regional Development Coun-cil at Sultan Kudarat provincial capitol.

“Civet coffee is really very promising,” he said. “Imagine the same coffee bean which cost P600 per 100 kilograms is sold around P8,000 once the civet digested and excreted it.”

Palm civet (Paradoxurus her-maphroditus), or balos in Co-tabato, belongs to the family of Viverridae, a meerkat-like animal living in tropical forest and feast on berries. Civet cats ingest ripe coffee berries and excrete these with the beans intact.

SOCCSKSARGEN has re-cently become popular with its coffee production, includ-ing civet coffee droppings pro-cessed into expensive coffee by Blaan indigenous people living in Mt. Matutum in South Cota-bato province.

“We would like to investigate what happens inside the civet that adds value to the coffee,” explains Montejo.

Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, DOST 12 Regional Director in her presentation explained that civet cats are known for their

coffee bean droppings, consid-ered as the most expensive cof-fee in the world.

The cats have a natural pro-cess of digesting coffee beans, and turning the ingested beans into a flavorful beverage is something that DOST would want to study in the future.

At the RDC meeting presided by the provincial governor and includes a delegation of chief executives from local govern-ment and regional representa-tives of various national gov-ernment agencies, Montejo presented the science depart-ment’s programs and on-going projects that local government can possibly implement for their constituents.

He added that developing the local coffee industry would pro-vide a sustainable growth as the local enterprises are provid-ing the indigenous people who produce the raw coffee beans a stable livelihood. This is aside from the locals’ protection of the natural habitat of civet.

“Just awhile ago, I called Sec-retary Mon Paje,” Montejo re-vealed. “I told him of the good things that I have found out when I came here. So we plan to return so I can let him see it for himself.”


New traffic signals set up in Gensan

The science department is already on the eighth leg of its Science Nation Tour, a road show highlighting DOST pro-grams and technologies aimed at making science and technol-

ogy felt by the people. The leg of Science Nation Tour in South Central Mindanao commenced in February 16 and ended-up in February 18 of the current year. (DOST 12/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Mar 1 – Two sets of new traffic signal system have been installed in a main road here to help decongest the traffic.

These two traffic signal sets started to operate in the national highway of General Santos City -- part of the Asian Highway 26 (AH26) -- on the evening of February 18.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera led the traffic lights ceremo-nial switching which was wit-nessed by personnel from De-partment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and project contractor Abretique and As-sociates.

Different tricycle driver as-sociations were also present during the event.

Rene Pleños, Modelong Driver Association head, said that these traffic lights


would improve the safety of the streets as well as the disci-pline of drivers.

“Dito kasi sa national highway, mabilis magpatakbo yung mga drivers. Yung iba pa, barumbado kung magpatakbo. Kaya min-san, delikado talaga tumawid dito. Pero dahil may traffic lights na, magiging safe na ang pag-tawid at madidisiplina na ang ibang drivers,” Pleños said.

The national highway is also notorious for heavy loads of traffic, especially during rush hours.

This is one of the reasons why Mayor Rivera had the City Engi-neer’s Office (CEO) to prioritize the installation of traffic signals in the street.

One traffic signal system was installed in the Pendatun – Na-tional Highway junction and an-other at the Roxas – National Highway junction.

The total project cost is PhP9 million, according to Engr. Fran-cisco Provido, head of the CEO.

Mayor Rivera said these traffic lights would improve the trans-portation system of the city.

“We know we are facing traf-fic problems. That’s why we are doing our best to aid this prob-lem. I believe these traffic lights will help address these prob-

lems,” Rivera said.He also mentioned that he

wants to pattern the public safe-ty measure of Davao.

“Roads in Davao are safe becaus of their traffic lights. They also have a very efficient 911. I want Gensan to establish these systems. Don’t worry. We are working it out,” the mayor said.

Engr. Provido said that he will have talks with Mayor Rivera for the installation of additional traffic lights in the city, adding that the city government has sufficient budget to put up an-other system.

At present, around 700 LED streetlights have been mount-ed in the main thoroughfares of Gensan. (IJLagare-Gensan CPIO/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


PopCom calls support for womenBy: Angie Balen-Antonio

BUTUAN CITY- The Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga is one in the campaign in bringing the concerns among women to the platform of actions by both government and private sectors.

file photo of http://www.mindanaodailynews.com/


The Women’s Month celebration this March is anchored on “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Adyenda” resonates the call for gender-balance in leadership and decision making positions both in public and private sector; inclusion of women’s concerns in leadership platforms and the government’s development agenda; and capacitating and preparing women and girls to reach their ambitions. The theme is timely as the incoming leaders are presenting their platforms of government in preparation of the upcoming election. While women advocates are drumbeating for support on the next administration to close gender gap and to continue supporting the advocacy and consider women’s issues in various agenda. PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano earnestly appeal to the government officials to consider in their respective platforms the various program that will strengthen the welfare of women. Makinano mentioned that through its Responsible Parenting-Family Planning classes, PopCom is capacitating women on home management and budgeting and also in planning the timing and

spacing of their children, which will empower women to exercise their reproductive rights. In its continuing advocacy known as “Kalalakihang Tumutugon sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon Para sa Kalusugan ng Ina at Pamilya (KATROPA),” PopCom is urging men to perform their roles as father and husband by actively assisting their wives in the rearing and raising the children. It can be recalled that the observance of Women’s Role in History Month every March is mandated through Proclamation No. 277. Meanwhile, Republic Act 6949 officially declares March 8 of every year as a working special holiday in the country to be known as National Women’s Day.


DENR 13 updates land recordsBy: Herzon F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga region is updating its records on land patents as it took on the expertise of a private firm to facilitate the processing of the backlogs with the local government units (LGUs).

“The local officials should encourage the people in their respective jurisdiction to participate in the residential land titling services to improve their income on real property tax,” DENR Caraga assistant regional director for Technical Services Roberto Oliveros said in a meeting with the representatives of the Foundation for Economic Freedom, a private entity working on the project “Rapid Land Tenure Assessment.” The LGU needs to boost its income from real properties to finance its basic services programs such as infrastructure, public schools, and health among others, he said. The Rapid Land Tenure Assessment project shall entail

encoding of data from the lands records through the system administrator of the CENR offices particularly in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, Dinagat Province and Surigao del Norte. “We have to clean these records to improve the land titling system of the DENR,” Oliveros said. He said the DENR is expected to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government in the implementation of the project.

He said the project will hopefully solve fake titles and double land titling in the future. The DENR, over the years, has awarded thousands of patents but records also show


that there are awardees who failed to register their patents to the Municipal Assessor office. Based on feedback received by the DENR, most of the beneficiaries have hesitated to initiate move to register their awarded titles due to the amount involve. “We have to work this out with the LGU,” Oliveros said.

The data containing the list of patented and unpatented lots shall be prepared and presented to the Provincial Governor’s Office which will nominate a municipality under its political jurisdiction in implementing the rapid land tenure assessment project.

10 NPA rebels surrender anew to AFP in SurSur By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– In just a matter of days, 10 regular New People’s Army (NPA) rebels of the Guerilla Front Committee 30 (GFC-30) and Guerilla Front Committee 27 (GFC-27), who likewise turned in their firearms (FAs), have surrendered to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Gaspar Panopio in a joint effort with San Miguel Mayor Alvaro Elizalde, this province, recently.

file photo of interaksyon


Col. Isidro Purisima, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander of the Philippine Army (PA) here, said that seven of whom (all belonging to the GFC-30) had returned to the folds of the law on February 18 and 19. A couple of days earlier, three NPA regulars, also with firearms, had done the same, the army official disclosed. Purisima bared that among the high-powered firearms that were brought along by the seven surrenderees included four AK47, an M2 Carbine rifle, an M16 rifle, and a caliber .357. However, when check was done with the initial details, it was found out that an M14 rifle was on the list instead of M16. Also, all of the guns cited were loaded with magazines and ammunitions apart from the spares—a total of two magazines and ammunitions for the Carbine rifle, one magazine and ammunitions for the M14, plus 16 magazines and 480 rounds of live ammunitions for the AK47s, including four bandoleers. Col. Purisima assured that every former rebels (FRs) would be entitled to cash aid—a total of P70,000 each—P50,000 for livelihood assistance, P15,000 for immediate assistance, apart

from the additional P5,000 financial assistance to be given by Governor Johnny Pimentel from the provincial government. Meanwhile, the brigade chief said his command remained optimistic that more surrenderees would be availing of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). “Since the start of this year alone, the brigade has already accounted for close to 30 FRs,” Purisima pointed out. On other developments, the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) here under Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas has continued to carry out security operations following the clash with NPA rebels at Sitio Boringon, Barangay Mahaba, Marihatag town on Sunday, February 21. The army troopers had recovered subversive documents, medical kits, three rifle grenades, cords believed to be used in detonating improvised explosive device (IED), and personal effects at the encounter site, according to Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, battalion civil military operations (CMO) officer. Bloodstains in all directions were also seen, he added. Pueblas, quoting a certain Ka Corazon De Jesus, spokesperson


of Guerilla Front Committee 19 (GFC-19), who, he said was monitored in an interview over a local radio station a day after the incident owned up to have suffered casualties during the 10-minute firefight. The CMO officer also said that Lt. Col. Rojas was thankful to a civilian who tipped off the battalion via “text” about the presence of armed group in their

area. Rojas has again reiterated his call on rebels to give up their cause and return to the mainstream of society by availing of the CLIP.

29March 1, 2016 One Mindanao 29


DIPOLOG CITY---The Provincial Government has adhered to respect the rights of the child as embodied in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

By Alfonso T. Ruda

Gov. Uy delivers Local Children’s Report


In his Local Children’s Report read by Vice Governor Senen O. Angeles, Governor Roberto Y. Uy reported the accomplishment of his administration, including the contribution of other stakeholders and non-government institutions towards the welfare of children in the province in 2015. To ensure that the child’s survival rights is taken cared of, the provincial government, with the support of municipal health offices, sees to it that children are immunized and all health personnel are given appropriate training to deliver efficient medical services, including the conduct of supplemental feeding and sustained utilization of

iodized salt. Gov. Uy also recognized the contribution of various organizations such as the International Care Ministries Foundation (ICMF), Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFEPA), Child Fund Philippines and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The ICMF, a non-government organization has directly addressed malnutrition in their home-based feeding program wherein they catered the needs of 162 severely malnourished children, aging 0-5 years old from


By Claro A. LanipaPAGADIAN CITY – The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) together with other stakeholders convened yesterday to address the current social problems on the increasing number of street children and children at risk in the city, which was held at the conference hall, Senior Citizens Building, City Hall Complex.

CSWDO, stakeholders convene to address issues on street children

One of the main agenda tackled during the meeting was the presentation of the CSWDO’s Comprehensive Plan for Street

Children for the year 2016 which aims to minimize the presence of street children in the city. Other stakeholders present

the 16 municipalities and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan. The ZNFEPA also contributed in the reduction in their covered areas through its capability building on backyard gardening and provision of agricultural materials for the establishment of home gardens. The DSWD on the other hand, has conducted supplemental feeding to 34,715 pre-school children enrolled in day-care centers. This department has appropriated P44-million for the 120-day supplemental feeding activity. After the 120-day feeding period, of the 3,173 underweight pre-school children, it was

reduced to 1,606, equivalent to 50.61% increase in nutritional status. This effort resulted to the award received by Polanco municipality which received both regional and national award in nutrition program implementation. Relative to the nutritional status of pre-school children aging 0-72 months old, in 2014, the province had 9,534 underweight pre-school children or 9.33% malnutrition rate. But in 2015, this was reduced 7,625 underweight or 8.57% malnutrition rate.


were the Philippine National Police - Women and Children Protection Desk (PNP-WCPD), Department of Education- Alternative Learning System (DepEd-ALS), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), City Health Office, City Traffic Division, Sabakan, selected urban barangay chairmen/representatives with high incidence of street children, and non-government organizations. CSWDO Children’s Center in charge Ms. Pilar Leslie S. Panduma presented the statistical data of street children served in 2015 as follows; Children’s Center – 40 male children, Lingap Center –

18 males and 10 females, and CSWDO (community-based) 21 males and 4 females with a total of 93 children. As of December 31, 2015, sixty six (66) were released to their respective families, twenty two (22) absconded from the institutions and five (5) are still in the institution, Panduma added.On the other hand, Ms. Teresita A. Roldan, CSWDO officer-in-charge expressed her gratitude to all the stakeholders present for their all-out support and contribution to the cause of the children.


by: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

TITAY, Zamboanga Sibugay– The local government unit of Titay recently spearheaded a unique and fascinating event, the launching of the town as the “Love Capital of Sibugay,” under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Maria Esperanza Corazon “Mec” Rillera.

Titay town - Love Capital of Sibugay

Paris, the capital city of France, is known as the Love Capital of the World. It is famous for its stunning beauty and fabulous lifestyle. It is adored by travellers and lovers and played host to millions of lovers from all over the world. Sibugaynons has its own Love Capital to boast

and be proud of and that is Titay town. The municipal hall and its grounds has been adorned with scenic views and lights during the entire love month, anchored on the theme “Feb-ibig Summer Love Vacation.” All LGU employees from the


different offices were divided into 9 groups. Each group showcased one famous tourist spot in the country. February 13, the event night was glittering with lights showcasing nine famous tourist attractions in the country, to wit: La Vista del Mar, Dakak Park and Beach Resort, Boracay Island, Camiguin White Island, El Nido Palawan, Bantayan Island, Samal Island, Sinacaban Dolphin Island and Honda Bay Palawan. The beautiful and attractive views of each booth gave the judges a hard job. The panel of judges were: Mr. Patrick M. Dalid from the Department of Trade and Industry; Mrs. Lorvi C. Sucgang and Mr. Ralph Gregor P. Olegario, both from the Provincial Vice-Governor’s Office.Team Sinacaban Dolphin Island

with its “hop into a boat and go island hopping-inspired booth” emerged the winner. February 27, was a culminating night for Love Month celebration with TYA Acoustic Band featuring vice-gubernatorial candidate Boyet Yambao. Mayor Rillera expressed sincere gratitude to Brgy. Capt. Richard D. Olegario, BM Jed Jajurie, BM Vic Javier, all participating groups, all LGU employees, engineering staff, PNP-Titay, former Governor John Jalosjos, to all Titayanons and Sibugaynons who came to visit Titay during the whole month of February to experience the amazing picturesque town and Love Capital of the province.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) in partnership with the British Embassy Manila rolls out an Empowerment Project to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Cagayan de Oro City to provide sustainable livelihood activities.

By: Recthie T. Paculba

NVAP, British Embassy roll out PWD Empowerment Project in CDO


In a forum conducted by the association on 24 February Engr. Emer Rojas, NVAP president and PWD Empowerment Project manager said that it is the objective of the project to make the Executive Order 417 or the order that directs the implementation of the economic independence program for persons with disabilities, known to everyone. He also shared that they already made a pilot project in Quezon City, Manila where they assisted the PWDs in acquiring sewing machine, cloth and other materials that they used in producing bed sheets, eco-bags, rags and more. The same means of getting such source of income will be implemented in the city. “They don’t want to be a burden in the society,” Rojas expressed as he highlighted that the PWDs are willing to contribute in the economic stability of the country. Since it is difficult to compete with the businesses in the industry,

the association ties up with the local government units to make sure that the products of the PWDs will have a fair share in the market. For his part, city mayor Oscar Moreno said that the ordinance is not a problem because the local government gives a special focus on uplifting the lives of the marginalized sector which does not only include the PWDs but also entails the street children, senior citizens, urban poor and more. Thus, training programs for skills enhancement are conducted in the city to improve the competitiveness of the PWDs, Moreno added. The PWD Empowerment Project is further targeted to implement the PWD Inclusive Development Agenda, develop technical and entrepreneurial skills, encourage community employment, raise awareness on basic PWD rights, and provide solutions to alleviate poverty.

ILIGAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment-Region 10 (DOLE-10) - Lanao del Norte (LDN) Provincial Field Office (PFO), together with beneficiaries of the Association of Small Farmers Sendong Survivors (ASFSS) took their first corn harvest on 7 January 2016 in Bayug Island, Iligan city.

DOLE-supported ‘Sendong’ survivors take first corn harvestBy: Joseph Nathan Fabrega


This was their first and partial harvest or half of the three hectares area in which they have sold to the local market in the city. The harvested corns were sold for about PhP 32,000.00. The second harvest was on the second week of February 2016. 19 beneficiaries were organized after the devastating Typhoon Sendong struck Iligan City and nearby provinces last December 2011. Bayug Island was one of the most devastated area in which a lot of casualties were reported and the said 19 beneficiaries were among of the survivors from this island. The association started their land preparation for planting corn last 13 October 2015 and by 31 October 2015, they started to plant their corn in a three-hectare area lot in Bayug Island. Flaviano G. Gonzaga, ASFSS President said, “A portion of money from the harvest is already budgeted for the next planting season of corn.” “We have also included in the budgeting, the expenses for land preparation, seedlings, with a portion for the members’ savings deposited in the savings account of the association,” Gonzaga added. The association was able to uplift the standard of living of its individual members and its family by giving them a source of income out from their daily works. From the equity of the association worth PhP 5,800.00, the association

now has a direct buyer from the very beginning of the project for their class A products, while for class B, they sell it to the local vendors in a minimal amount to help the community. DOLE-10 LDN PFO Head Remegio Cabañog stated, “The DOLE financial grant gave the association adequate money to start their livelihood through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). “This is consistent with Labor and Employment Plan, particularly in the strategic management of programs and services of the Department in providing livelihood assistance to various organizations, especially the workers in the informal economy and other disadvantaged sectors in the form of training-cum-production, start-up capital and common service facility assistance in order to create jobs, augment income, and reduce poverty,” Cabañog narrated. Cabañog added that over the years, the provision of livelihood opportunities has been the Department’s flagship program in rendering service delivery to our public and stakeholders. The need to assess is necessary to determine the achievement or impact of the program/project objectives. It shall also provide the Department a complete picture of livelihood assistance down to the community level which can be useful for policy decision and development. Gonzaga and his members continuously coordinate with the LDN PFO for the liquidation of the financial assistance and other developmental interventions from the Department.


Aside from free medical consultation, recipients were also given free medicines, vitamins and arrozcaldo by the organizers. “Maraming salamat DXNE sa libreng check-up at gamot para sa anak kung may lagnat. Sana ipagpatuloy pa ninyo ang pagbigay tulong sa mga mahihirap” (Thank you DXNE for the free check-up and medicine for my child having fever, hopefully you will continue to give and extend help to the poor),” expressed 52-year-old mother Rose Marie Capin of Brgy. Sagadan, Tubod town. The activity was organized by the management of DXNE in partnership with DXNE Radio Council and the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte (PGLDN). A motorcade around the twin towns of Tubod and Baroy was held in the morning of February 22, 2016 to officially kick-off the anniversary celebration. The formal anniversary program was held at the MCC pool area and attended by DXNE officials, personnel, supporters, blocktimers and several invited guests and dignitaries. As part of its celebration, more than 30 elementary students were also given free haircut by one of its patrons. Avid listeners of Radyo Kalambuan also won gift certificates by answering trivia questions on

nutrition and the history of DXNE. DXNE started its operations on 19 February 2013 in the capital town of Tubod. DXNE is broadcasting at 94.3MHz and is the lone community radio station operating in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City. Presently, its broadcasting power has been upgraded to 500-watts enabling it to reach the towns and cities surrrounding Panguil Bay and even parts of Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga del Sur. As part of the Nutriskwela Community Radio Station Network, its primary mission is the promotion of good nutrition, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle among its listeners. This objective distinguishes DXNE and its 35-sister stations from the more popular commercial radio stations because it is principally advocacy-driven and not profit-oriented. Present during the 3rd Year Anniversary were the medical team from Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Tubod, PNP-Lanao del Norte representatives, San Juan Barangay Capt. Adelaido Laranjo, Jr., Tubod municipal administrator Carmelito Maglipac, Jr., and Provincial Legal Officer Jonathan Puno.

Radio station celebrates 3rd year with a medical mission

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – On its third year anniversary, DXNE (Radyo Kalambuan) had a medical outreach program serving more than 100 indigent residents from the coastal towns of Tubod and Baroy, Lanao del Norte.

By: Vincent N. Labial


Halal lab to open in Davao CityDAVAO CITY- A new testing laboratory for Halal products will open in Davao City this year. To be housed at the Depart-ment of Science and Technology – XI office near the Southern Philippines Medical Center the Halal Testing Laboratory can pro-vide chemical and DNA testing on Halal export products. DOST-XI Regional Direc-tor Anthony Sales said that the equipment in the laboratory costs about P47-million with the build-ing costing around P2-million. The project is born out of the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the National Commis-sion on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and the DOST with the latter providing scientific and technical support to NCMF on the testing of Halal products. Apart from Davao, five more testing centers is expected to be put up, one in DOST Region XII, while others to be set up in the Autonomous Region of Moslem Mindanao (ARMM), CALABAR-ZON, and Zamboanga.

The funding for these Ha-lal testing laboratories will come from the General Appropriations Act. Sales said that they will be having a Muslim chemist as-signed to the laboratory as to erase doubts in the veracity of the results. “It is only through testing that you can see pork compo-nents in products. The laboratory through DNA or chemical analy-sis can determine the presence of pork fat, pork meat or gelatin in the products to be tested. Aside from pork it can also pick out ingredients which are Haram (prohibited). Sales said the facilities can provide scientific and evidence based testing of Halal products comparable to other countries. He said the services will be made available to halal food exporters. (PIA/RG Alama)


IGaCoS industry roadmap draftedDAVAO DEL NORTE- In a move to promote the city as one of the major investment hubs in the region, the Island Garden City of Sa-mal (IGaCoS) Investment Board through its secretariat, the City Investment Promotion Office with the assistance of the Depart-ment of Trade and Industry – Davao del Norte Provincial Office assembled the city’s public and private sector for a two-day work-shop.

Held last February 4-5, 2016 at the ABC Session Hall in the New City Hall site, the workshop aims to draft the city’s 2017 – 2019 Investment Priority Roadmap. The growing competition among countries and local gov-ernment units in generating for-eign and domestic investments prompted the Island Garden City of Samal to strengthen its invest-ment promotion and generation strategies which led into the ap-proval and implementation of the IGaCoS’ Local Investment and Incentive Code (LIIC) in 2015. Along with its implementa-tion is the establishment of the IGaCoS Investment Board, which serves as the institutional body that spearheads the implemen-tation of the LIIC. To propel the enforcement of its LIIC, the local government unit pushed for the drafting of the city’s first ever In-vestment Priority Roadmap. The said roadmap will serve

as an operational tool in imple-menting programs, projects, and activities that will generate quick wins and milestones on invest-ment promotion and genera-tion in the city for the next three years. To ensure oneness in direc-tion with the national govern-ment, the identification of priority investment projects and initia-tives for the city is harmonized from the various local, regional and national plans such as the Philippine Development Plan, Re-gion XI Industry Clusters Road-map and the City Land Use Plan. The draft will be endorsed for review to the Island Garden City of Samal Investment Board then to the Sangguniang Panglungsod for final approval.The body ex-pects to realize the final output by April this year. Once approved, it will serve as a catalyst that will set the di-rection for the investment prior-


ity areas to be implemented by the IGaCoS Investment Board and the City Investment Promo-tion Office who are the key en-ablers for investment promotion and generation. IGaCoS is the first local gov-ernment unit in Davao del Norte to come up with an investment priority roadmap. (Judecia H. Ponio, Information Officer-Designate, Department of Trade and Industry - Davao del Norte)

One Mindanao - March 1, 2016

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