One Mindanao - March 10, 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

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. 0908-8843404E-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

MARY MAY A. ABELLON, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

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

CONTENTS

NorthCot gov pushes gender equality

BCPSTERA holds annual general assembly

Extortion, threats hamper road project implementation in Zambo. Norte, says DPWH-9MEDCAP beneficiaries hail 1CAV, FAB for holding free health services

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Suman moron: Camigueños trending ‘kakanin’By: Glenford Labial

Good governance initiatives bolstered in 2015 GAA

NGCP’s role in power industry clarified

PopCom highlights women in FP

Iligan, Misamis schools benefit from transmission system operator program

DOLE 10 aims Phividec as labor law compliant ecozone

By: Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

By: May Ann O. Escobal

11

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

26

2123 Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao farmers

get free livestock from DSWD-ARMM

By: Franklin P. Gumapon

By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: Dean Macalaguing

By: NGCP

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

18 Philhealth bares benefit for MERS-CoVBy: Kleah Dublin

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4 MARCH 10, 2015One Mindanao

Suman Moron, inspired from the Visayas’ famous traditional delicacy has become a trending favorite for Camigueños and its tourists.

By: Glenford Labial

Suman moron: Camigueños trending ‘kakanin’

5MARCH 10, 2015 One Mindanao

In an exclusive interview with the group Kasamahan ng mga Liping Pilipina (KALIPI)-Balbagon Association during

the project monitoring and evaluation activity conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment - region 10 (DOLE-


10) Technical Support and Supervision Division on February 27, 2015, it was learned that the organization started in 2007 with original 20 members of Kasamahan ng mga Liping Pilipina (KALIPI)-Balbagon Association in the island’s capital town, Mambajao, offers a “kakanin” treat or a special “pasalubong” dessert snack item in different occasions locally called suman moron. This developed as the KALIPI suman moron women makers with now increased 53

members have been granted the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) last September 7, 2014 through its accredited co-partner, Mambajao Water District Workers’ Association in the amount of P100,000.00. DILEEP is the department’s contribution to the governments’ agenda of inclusive growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers. Retailed at P8.00/each or P100.00/box in 13-piece package, suman moron is a rice based delicacy using white and black glutenous rice cooked in coconut milk then rolled and twirled alongside, for black and white type (tinambiran), or rolled single either white or black, then wrapped using banana leaves, then s t e a m e d . This comes in salty or sweet taste best combined with cocoa milk or “tableya.”


It all started when the local government of Mambajao decided to showcase the municipality’s products under its one town one product during its 2014 charter day celebration spearheaded by mayor Ma. Luisa D. Romualdo. As an offshoot of the concept, the association lost no time and started its production and became talk of the town. DOLE-10 regional director, Raymundo G. Agravante joined the crusade and showed 100 per cent support through the convergence support from LGU, DOST and DTI by providing trainings for new techniques, packaging and bench markings from other food handling providers of the same product. “In February 2015, the

a s s o c i a t i o n r e c e i v e d laurels in our cap as a group c o m p o s i n g of 70 coming from the d i f f e r e n t barangays in Vigan City, Ilocos Norte bench marked

us with their positive feedback lauding us as the best suman moron they ever had tasted,” said president, Marichu A. Gulle. “We are more than thankful to DOLE-10. For now, we prepared a project enhancement proposal for us to acquire more sets of production equipment such as coconut grater, coconut milk extractor, steamer, heavy duty stove, large woks, and a motorcycle vehicle for delivery,” Gulle added.

Soon, Mambajao, through the group’s effort will become suman moron capital of the Province of Camiguin and its quality product will be distributed to the whole Northern Mindanao and out of the country.


There could never be a trip to Mambajao without a taste of its suman moron. So the next time you visit the Island born of fire after amemorable drop to its local tourism destinations, taste the suman moron of KALIPI- Balbagon Association.


Manila - The Philippine National Police (PNP) gets boost for the improvement of the police force’s infrastructure, facilities, and equipment with the release of P2.83 billion by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

PNP gets P2.83-B fund for facilities, equipment

Charged against the P22.47-billion Supplemental Appropriations for FY 2014, this release would cover the implementation of the PNP’s Operational Transformation Plan (OTP). The OTP’s requirements

would need Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) amounting to P142.6 million as well as Capital Outlay (CO) expenses worth P2.69 billion, DBM said in a statement.


“We recognize that inclusive development would require a safe and secure environment where all Filipinos can benefit from the country’s economic growth. That’s why one of the priority projects funded by the 2014 Supplemental Budget was a program that would improve the capability of our country’s law-enforcement agency,” Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

The fund would cover appropriations for mobility, firearms, communication, investigation, ISO equipment, and infrastructure facilities of the PNP. Of the P2.8 billion, almost half will be for the procurement of 218,790 firearms worth P1.04 billion. This is followed closely by the purchase of 945 motor vehicles, which would amount to P944.5 million.

The breakdown of the release is as follows:

ITEM QUANTITY AMOUNT

MOBILITYMotor Vehicles 945 P944,456,625

FIREARMSBasicAssaultRifle17,680

BasicAssaultRifle201,110P1,044,888,000Magazine

COMMUNICATIONCommunication System 99 P99,940,000

INVESTIGATIONFirearmsIdentification1LotSystem (FIS) P562,421,627

Firearms Testing Firing Equipment 133

Water Bullet Recovery System 23


“Despite the challenges facing the PNP, the National Government fully supports the police force in fulfilling their mandate to prevent crime and maintain peace and order. In doing so, we place value not only on the PNP as an organization but also on the service and sacrifice of our valiant and

fearless policemen,” Abad said,

Lodged under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the PNP received a total appropriation of P70 billion in the 2015 National Budget. (dbm.gov.ph)

Cotton Bullet Recovery System 110ISO EQUIPMENT

Maneuver Unit Property Supplies 1 Lot P14,000,000

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES P167,575,748

FIS Extension Building 1

Repair/Rehab/Repaint of Police Station

TOTAL P2,833,282,000

Good governance initiatives bolstered in 2015 GAAMANILA - Government agencies that reinforce the administration’s thrust for reforms as well as for programs that strengthen public institutions and local governments got a boost in funding in the 2015 national budget.


In support of the Administration’s anti-corruption drive and to strengthen the integrity of public institutions, the Office of the Ombudsmanreceived a budget of P550 million—up from P529 million in 2014—for corruption deterrence services, including investigation, fact-finding, andprosecution. In addition, the Sandiganbayan was allocated P287 million for the adjudication of graft and corruption cases, slightly higher as compared to their 2014 budget of P283 million, the Department of Budget and Management said in a statement.

As part of the Administration’s good governance push (especially

with targeted frontline services), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was allocated P1.1 billion, up from P978 million in 2014. Of this amount, P193 million will be set aside for the processing of NBI clearance documents. On the other hand, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was allocated P10 billion for the provision of diplomatic and consular services—including the processing and issuance of 3.2 million e-passports—up from P9.2 billion in 2014.

“Good governance has been at the core of everything we’ve done in the past few years. As such, the 2015 National Budget prioritizes funding of agencies and programs that

push the principles of participation, transparency, and accountability,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

Meanwhile, the National Government will sustain efforts to simplify business transactions in the country with the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS). To this end, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) received P9


million to raise the number of local government units (LGUs) compliant with the BPLS to 1,500.

Another flagship initiativethat received additional funding was the LGU Capacity Development Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This program—which was allotted P3.2 billion, up from P2.8 billion in the previous year—aims to improve the capacity and performance of LGUs, and assists them in implementing priority high-impact projects.

Part of this program includes support for the implementation of the Seal

of Good Local Governance (previously the Seal of Good Housekeeping), the Local Government Performance Management System (LGPMS), and the Performance Challenge Fund. In particular, the Performance Challenge Fund serves as a strong incentive to LGUs to perform well so as to achieve their objectives for their constituents.

Lastly, the National Government has released P20.9 billion to various agencies for the implementation of 14,300 Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) projects in cities and municipalities nationwide to empower communities and strengthen local governments.

Abad said, “Programs such as these need strong budgetary support so that the changes they effect in governance and service delivery can be institutionalized beyond the current administration. Our ultimate goal is a government that does everything in its power to extend to every Filipino the fruits of our economic growth.” (dbm.gov.ph)


NGCP’s role in power industry clarified

DIPOLOG CITY - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) facilitates the transmission of power from the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) to the distribution facilities based on the power allocation indicated in the contract between the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the distribution facilities or electric cooperatives, said NGCP’s Corporate Public Affairs Officer in last Sunday’s “Kapihan sa Dipolog” radio program. Corporate Public Affairs Officer Elizabeth Ladagaexplained “the NGCP is a private

corporation in-charge of the operation and maintenance and expansion of transmission

By: Alfonso de la Torre Ruda


network in the country. It serves as the link between NPC and the electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.”

“It has nothing to do nor control over the power generation. However, it manages the system and makes sure that any available power supply is efficiently distributed to the consumers,” Ladaga added.

Engr. Armand Desico, of NGCP’s Operation and Maintenance Division said that the three major players are involved in power industry from generation, transmission, and to distribution. He also urged the public-consumers not to immediately blame either NPC or NGCP or electric cooperatives for any power interruption, as “there are instances that a power interruption may have happened at the source, in the transmission process or at the level of distribution utilities.”

Desico said NGCP has been intensifying its information dissemination campaign to remind the public of the safety measures to avoid the occurrence of unplanned power interruption in their area.

Engr. Hermie Hamoy of the NPC agreed with Desico saying unplanned power interruption mayhappendue to grass fires,structures built under power lines, trees planted, vehicles parked and antennas that are near or under the transmission lines.

Aside from these, he also cited the terroristic activities of the lawless elements, causing damage to its transmission facilities.

Moreover, Engr. Desico announced the energization last Jan. 11 of the newly completed 230-kiloVolt Abaga-Kirohon line which is the last component of its Mindanao transmission backbone project.

The project, which has a span of 122 kilometers, crosses the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, including the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

Prior to the completion of Abaga-Kirohon line, two sections of the transmission line project were completed, the last of which was the Kirohon-Maramag 230-KV line, which was energized in August 2014.

IGACOS Mayor honors pioneering Samal mayors

DAVAO DEL NORTE - Mayor Aniano Antalan honoured his former colleagues as municipal mayors of the then three municipalities in the island during the culmination program of the 17th founding anniversary of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) on March 7 at the Penaplata Freedom Park. “Let us remember during this celebration the

mayors, who started in making this one beautiful city – Mayor David Uy of the then municipality of Babak, Mayor Galileo Obenza of the then municipality of Samal and of course your incumbent mayor, who was then the mayor of the municipality of Kaputian,” Mayor Antalan said. He said that the people of IGACOS should take pride of this big event because it is unlikely for mayors holding their positions to agree on


merging the municipalities and creating one local government unit. “I believe that it is only IGACOS in the entire Philippines that integrated three municipalities to create one city,” he added. He said that while others are splitting a local government unit to create another government unit, we here in IGACOS are uniting as one city. “And we also laud Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, who was then a congressman, for initiating in the Congress the creation of IGACOS, together with the support of the Floirendos,” he said. According to the history of IGACOS, Del Rosario authored

Republic Act 8471, the law creating the city, which was signed on January 30 by then President Fidel Ramos and was approved by the people through plebiscite on March 7, 1998. The culmination day of the 17th Araw ng IGACOS started with a parade, highlighted by the Float Competition of the barangays. Edging out its other three contenders, Barangay Penaplata won inthefloatcompetitionandreceiveda cash prize of P 30,000. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

facts and figures

32 planned number of Timbangan ng Bayan weighing scales to be placed in Davao del Norte by the Department of Trade and Industry by 2015


Philhealth bares benefit for MERS-CoV

DAVAO CITY – In response to the imminent danger in public health posed by recent confirmed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases in the country and worldwide, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) bared its package for the viral respiratory illness. A circular issued by Philhealth states that the benefit coversconfirmed cases with confirmatorytests done in the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and may be availed in accredited facilities with capacity to manage the disease. Johanna Blason, Philhealth XI public relations officer, said theavailment of the benefit for DavaoRegion may be done at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) with benefit package amounting toPhp 50,000 for non-health workers and Php 100,000 for health workers. Health workers refer to those employees in health care institutions here or abroad who had close contact with a MERS-CoV patient and may have acquired the illness while performing one’s duty. Blason stated that all availments are subject to the corporation’s No Balance Billing Policy (NBB) and that all claims will undergo medical and post

audit evaluation as part of Philhealth’s monitoring and assessment of the health care provider’s performance. She added that the benefitpackage covers all admissions starting January of this year. The MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, with no known vaccine to date. (PHIC-XI/Kleah Dublin)

Feeding program zeroes in on 100 severely underweight kids in Isulan, SK By: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 10 -- One hundred severely underweight children in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat province are set to undergo a feeding program developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology. (DOST-FNRI).

Dr. Zenaida Laidan, DOST 12 regional director, said the feeding program is in line with the implementation of the S&T Sulong Pinoy Program in SOCCSKSARGEN Region whereIsulanwasidentifiedaspilotsite.

This program, she added, covers food technology transfer to interested entrepreneur, the DOST- Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children (PINOY), and research and development for a new micro-nutrient growth mix.

In preparation for the actual implementation of program, DOST 12 trained 34 health officers, nutrition action officers, barangaynutritional scholars and barangay health workers on the DOST modules and preparation of complementary food blends.

Laidan further explained that the feeding program is a science and technology-backed intervention package of 120 days feeding of 6- to 35-month old underweight-for-age children using FNRI-developed


complementary food blends and snack curls.

Feeding is complemented with classes on basic nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, meal planning, safe food preparation and vegetable gardening.

“Complementary food blends are rice-mongo based food commodities rich in protein and energy which are ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook,” the S&T director explained further.

These complementary food blends include rice-mongo instant blend, rice-mongo-sesame ready to cook blend and rice mongo curls, which will be given to children as one-third of their daily meal.

In addition to the aforementioned, parents will be taught on how to prepare the food and will be trained on use of add-ons like mashed kamote, squash and chocolate powder to give extra taste and nutrients on the food.

Laidan also noted that Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) in Isulan will handle the production complementary food blends that will be used in the feeding program.

As such, SKSU will also serve as supplier of the food blends

to all interested provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays in Region 12.

Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN Region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani as well as the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Meanwhile, LGU Isulan, headed by Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue has pledged P200,000 for the feeding program. He also expressed gratitude to DOST for piloting the program in Isulan, which could help address the municipality’s widespread malnutrition.

“I believe that with the synergy and complementation of our partners in the local government units, academe, national government agencies and other stakeholders, we can help address malnutrition problems in our Region,” Director Laidan said.

Provincial and municipal nutrition committees as well as the provincial S&T centers of DOST 12 will monitor activities related to the S&T Sulong PINOY program to ensure that it is properly carried out. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 10 —The local chief executive of this province expressed her firm stand in advocating gender equality.

NorthCot gov pushes gender equality By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Governor Emmylou Mendoza, in line with the launching of the


National Women’s Month celebration in the province this morning, emphasized that like men, women have the right to equal opportunity, respect and well-being in the society.

“We celebrate the women’s month because we believe that women have equal status with men and that they deserve love, respect and trust in the community,” Mendoza noted.

The governor also stated that women empowerment should be strengthened as they play the same role men play in high-level corporate leadership.

“Women are of great importance that they should be treated fairly at home and in work especially in initiatives that promotes education, livelihood and development,” she added.

Meanwhile, to give importance to the contribution of women in the province, the provincial government will be conducting different activities this women’s month.

Aside from the Gender Sensitivity Training, medical and dental checkups for women inmates in the Cotabato District Jail will be conducted.

Moreover, there will be a presentation of the approved Implementing Rules and

Regulations (IRR) of the Revised Gender and Development Code of the province.Other significant activity

for the celebration is the One Billion Rising dance which aims to denounce violence and abuse against women.

Meanwhile, to show full support to the National Women’s Month, the capitol’s lobby will be decorated with violet ribbons and balloons which signify women’s rights and important place in the society.

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cot. Provincial Government)


COTABATO CITY, Mar 10 – Around 300 residents from 13 villages in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao were given goats yesterday by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DSWD-ARMM).

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao farmers get free livestock from DSWD-ARMM By: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Over 600 goats were distributed to 300 farmer-beneficiariesthrough the Livestock Project under PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan or Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program of DSWD in coordination with the Sultan Kudarat LGU.Sultan Kudarat Mayor Shameem Mastura and DSWD-ARMM Asec. Kim Datumanong-Alba led the turn-over of the farm animals.The farmer-beneficiaries camefrom the barangays of Banatin, Bulalo, Calsada, Dalumangcob. Damaniog, Gang, Ibotigen, Ladia, Limbo, Macaguiling, Narra, Rebuken and Panatan.Mayor Mastura meanwhile thanked DSWD-ARMM for the support to the residents of Sultan Kudarat.The local government of Sultan Kudarat shares the joy of the farmer beneficiaries and themunicipal officials are verygrateful to DSWD-ARMM for giving

the much-needed assistance, Mastura said.Mastura also said that the distribution of livestock would definitelygivemuchhelptothefarmers as it would be able to augment their livelihood.This is especially true to small farmers with minimal income or sourceof livingtheofficialsaid.(ORVRivera-PIA12)


12 Caraga towns ready for CY 2015 Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA implementation

BUTUAN CITY - Twelve municipalities in Caraga region are set to continue this year the implementation of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) - PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) project.

By: Eunice G. Montaos


In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga, the following municipal local government units (MLGUs) hadalreadysignifiedfullsupportfor the next cycle of Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA implementation: Esperanza, San Luis, Kitcharao, Jabonga, Bayabas, San Miguel, Mainit, Gigaquit, Alegria, RTR, Tagbina, and Veruela.

A total amount of P 4 8 . 3 - M is allotted for the 161 c o n f l i c t -a f f e c t e d b a ra n g ay s which were i d e n t i f i e d to be the beneficiaries of the

project. “The communities in these barangays will spearhead the implementation of sub-projects which will address their locale’s most pressing needs of basic social services amid the peace and development challenges,” said DSWD Caraga regional director Minda B. Brigoli. To date, 10 MLGUs have already signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the CY

2015 Project engagement with DSWD-Caraga. The other two towns are scheduled to sign the MOA within March 2015. PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affectedareas. This framework is adopted by the Kalahi-CIDSS program implementation in which peace and social cohesion lens is mainstreamed and integrated in all project processes. The objectives of the Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA project emphasize on building capacities of communities in addressing the disputes and promoting peace through activities that ensure participation and inclusion of most vulnerable groups or sectors. It also caters to reduce poverty through community intervention and focused delivery of social services and to improve governance by convergence of the delivery of basic social services.


BCPSTERA holds annual general assemblyBy: Dr. Jonas H. Jomonong

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division conducted the annual general assembly and election of officers of Butuan City School Teaches, Employees and Retirees Association (BCPSTERA) on Saturday, March 7 at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Gym, this city. Schools Division Superintendent Josita B. Carmen encouraged all teachers and even retirees and employees to be a member of the said association. “BCPSTERA has been helping teachers in times of their needs. We really need to re-activate our membership in order to sustain

its advocacy of helping our teachers, employees and retirees in their troubled times. We need toregisterittothenationalofficeso that it would be easier for us to avail certain services and other benefits being offered,” Carmensaid. Furthermore, Carmen


stressed on the value of truth in all human endeavors. “Truth is the basis of order. Let us all be an advocate of truth,” she emphasized. Lumbocan Elementary School school head Lolita Neri expressed her heartfelt thanks totheassemblyforthefinancialsupport she received after her family suffered tragic fire thatconsumed all their resources. “We are on the process on rebuilding our home, purchasing the needed supplies for my family. The association’s assistance mean so much to us,” she said. Meanwhile, Dr. Ana P. Lasco of BCPSTERA presented the association’s financial

statement, cash receipts and cash disbursements. Based on her report, the association has a total current assets amounting to 3,379, 049.25. “Recently, the association has 1, 823 active members,” Dr. Lasco said. On the other hand, BCPSTERA president Dr. Donald D. Orbillos comprehensively discussed the accomplishments for calendar year 2014. He then presented some amendments to the body in which he emphasized that the annual membership fee and a mortuary/death aid is P400.00 plus a medical and hospitalization assistance of P200.00 with a total of P600.00 annually. It was then approved by the body.


For this year, the theme is “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” the Commission on Population urges men to fully support and give respect to whatever decisions be made by their partner and wife especially in family matters. PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A. Makinano revealed that according to study, women who participate less in decision-making in the households have the highest unmet need for family planning and are less likely to receive timely postnatal care from a health professional. “Women should have an equal or greater say in the number of children the couple will have as she usually carries the greater burden in child-bearing

and child-rearing,” he added. Director Makinano emphasized that according to Philippines laws, men and women have equal dignity and rights. Husband and wife should jointly make decisions on family affairs, including family planning and care of children. In all its information dissemination, PopCom Caraga explained that a well-planned family jointly decided upon by thecouplewouldbenefitnotonlythe mother but also the father and their children. Planning the size of the family according to what they can afford to provide with adequate care, love and attention which include providing the needs of each family member would ensure a better future for the family as always campaign by PopCom.

PopCom highlights women in FPBy: May Ann O. Escobal

BUTUAN CITY - The campaign on planning the timing and spacing of children wherein women play a big role is intensified by the Commission on Population (PopCom) in celebration of Women’s Month.


Women’s month celebration kicks off with “El Baile de las mujeres”By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY- The city joins the entire nation in honoring and acknowledging women- their role and contribution, not only in their homes but in the society as a whole.

Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 provides for the observance of the month of March as Women’s Role in His-tory Month. In Zamboanga

City, the celebration kicked off with “El Baile de las mujeres” where an estimated crowd of 400 men and women participated in the ac-tivity.


Baile de las Mujeres, is a march/parade from Ledesma Street to Paseo del Mar which started at 6:30 a.m. yesterday. A program followed at the Paseo with Mayor Climaco keynoting the event. Baile de las Mujeres is a fund-raising campaign with proceeds intended for the psychiatric ward at Zamboanga City Medical Cen-ter (ZCMC), women inmates of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and women crisis center. Secretariat to the “Baile” ac-tivity reported that roughly P50 thousand cash was collected from the mach/parade participants.

Other activities included free medical screening/breast exami-nation, free pap smear spear-headed by the OB-GYNE Society of the Philippines at the Centro Latino lobby and the sale of prod-ucts of Rural Imrovement Club (RIC) women entrepreneurs in the different booths at the Paseo grounds. The Ciudad Medical Zambo-anga also conducted a Bra Raise Awareness (BRA) art exhibit to promote awareness on breast cancer while the Land Transpor-tation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has launched its Pink Jeeney” project, a public utility jeep that caters to wom-


Extortion, threats hamper road project implementation in Zambo. Norte, says DPWH-9By: Franklin P. GumaponIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Although the military officials have belied reports that the delay in the construction of the west coast road project in Zamboanga del Norte was due to peace and order problem, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-9 averred that extortion and threats from lawless groups had prevented the contractors from pursuing the project.

en with special needs, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens and children, during the duration of the Baile activity. This year’s women’s month celebration is anchored on the theme: “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasana ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!” Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) promotes the full participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-mak-ing and policy-making processes in government and private enti-ties, in order to fully realize their roleasagentsandbeneficiariesof development. This year’s celebration aims

to pay tribute to all women lead-ers who passionately lead and continue to advance women’s advocacies and to recognize and highlight women’s key roles and accomplishments in leadership, power and decision-making. To encourage women to par-ticipate at all levels of policy and decision-making, their key roles and accomplishments in leader-ship, power and decision-making will be highlighted in order to in-fluenceandbreaktheconserva-tive mindset and belief that poli-tics and leadership are not for women and to share strategies and best practices women have employed to become successful women leaders.


In the 150th Regional Devel-opment Council (RDC) meeting held here last March 5, Assistant Regional Director Nenita Robles of DPWH-9 told the participants that the contractors of the west coast road project traversing the municipalities Baliguian, Siocon, Sirawai, and Sibuco in Zamboan-ga del Norte to Zamboanga City were receiving extortion letters and threats from the lawless ele-ments operating in the area. Robles also disclosed that some of the contractors’ heavy equipment were allegedly burned down by their own workers for non-payment of wages. In a related development, Robles bared that the proposed conversion of the 64.61-kilome-ter Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte to R.T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibu-gay provincial road to a national

road is now underway. “Traverse survey was already conducted by the two engineering districts based in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte and in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugayandthecentralofficeisawaiting additional requirements to be submitted by these two en-gineering districts,” Robles point-ed out. “Concreting of said road may take place within the current year or early next year,” she added. The 150th RDC meeting, which was participated in by the regional directors of the national government agencies, provincial governors, city mayors, presi-dents of the league of munici-palities and private sector rep-resentatives, was hosted by the municipal government of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the heart of Zamboanga Peninsula.


MEDCAP beneficiaries hail 1CAV, FAB for holding free health services By: Gideon C. Corgue

TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur –Residents of barangay Manlayag here expressed their gratitude to the Philippine Army (PA) for successfully conducting a Medical and Dental Civic Action Program (MEDCAP), benefiting 304 poor people in this far-flung community. The 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion of Mech-anized Infantry Division and 1st Field Artillery Battalion of Army Artillery Regiment conducted the MEDCAP at Manlayag Elementary School here last March 7 as part of the Armed Forces of the Phil-

ippines’ (AFP) Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan. Esmeralda Padro, 52, a mother of 13 children said all of her 9 male children have availed of free circumcision during the MEDCAP. She arrived very early with


her three children at Manlayag Elementary School to avail of the said free services. “Nalipay ko ug dako nga ang medical and dental mission gi-himo dinhi sa among barangay aron kami makapahimulos sa li-bre nga serbisyo sa kagamhan-an. Layo kaayo ang among health center sa among dapit mao nga igo na lang kami magpaabot nga ang mga programa sa gobyerno moduol sa amoa,” Padro happily said. (I am very thankful that the medical and dental mission was conducted in our barangay for us to avail of free health services

from the government. Our health center is very far from our place. That is why we will just wait for the government programs to come to us.) Alvin, 9, and Marjun, 7, have availed themselves of free circumcision. While their elder sister, Cherry, 12, availed herself of free tooth extraction and free medical checkup and medicines for their paprents. “Pinaagi sa ilang gihatag nga libre nga serbisyo sa amoa dili na mobati ug kaulaw ang akong mga anak sulod sa ilang lawak-klasehanan,” Padro said whose three young children are attend-


ing classes at Manlayag Elemen-tary School. (With the free services the government provided us, our children are now inspired to at-tend their classes.) Ricardo Laylay was also grateful for the activity saying that his two male children Kelvin, 9, and Carlo, 5, have also availed of the free circumcision. “Dili na ko mogasto ug pa-nahon ug kwarta nga moadto sa health center sa lungsod aron akong ipatuli ang akong mga anak tungod kay ang gobyerno miduol sa mga tawo sa among barangay,” Laylay said. (I need not to spend time and efforts to go to our health center just to have my sons cir-cumcised because the govern-ment is now bringing its services closer to the people right in our barangay.) “Kini nga kalihokan dako

kaayo kini ug ikatabang ilabi na kanamo nga mga kabus nga mu-lupyo kinsa dili maka-afford mo-adto sa doctor, Laylay added. (This activity is a big help especially for the poor who can’t afford to go to a doctor.) Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Char-lemagne Batayola Jr., command-ing officer of the 1st CavalrySquadron battalion said the ac-tivity was just a follow-up of the gift-giving activity conducted by the units last Feb. 13 dubbed “Love Drive Program” wherein poor residents of Barangay Man-layag had received food packs, used clothing and slippers from the units, and the Brigada Eskwe-la last March 1 where the troop-ers helped the teachers, parents and students in doing minor re-pairs and cleanup on the school in preparation for the start of the next school year.

One Mindanao - March 10, 2015

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