One Mindanao - March 10, 2016

Women play key roles in preserving Bangsamoro peace gains

OWWA Caraga launches ‘OWWA Information On-air’ radio program17Dinagat Islands PHO spearheads ‘Range of Motion Exercises’ training18

Jean Mary Ronquillo, CARAGA

BFP sets activities for Fire Prevention Month23

Hannah Mae S. Salugsugan, Northern Mindanao

APO Production Unit new printing plant inaugurated10

IDPs urged to stay vigilant vs security threats in transitory sites25

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Solon supports Women’s Month celebration in Oro29

Women urged to take part in the 2016 elections33DAR-Maguindanao cites partnership with PCIT36Carina L. Cayon,Southern Mindanao

today’s news

DOLE marks Women’s Day with inmates

Cover Story

By Danilo E. Doguiles

8 12 15

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Provincial Information Office, CARAGA

Danilo E.Doguiles, SOCCSKSARGEN

Grace O. Montallana,Western Mindanao

Dominic I. Sanchez,Western Mindanao

RDC, RPOC in Northern Mindanao brace region’s peace agenda30

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

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Forty-nine women inmates of the facility received special treats, such as free pedicure, manicure, massage and gift packs containing personal hygiene kits and clothes. Two doctors joined the activity to provide the beneficiaries with free medical checkups.

Highlight of the one-day event was the orientation of female inmates on the programs and activities of the Department and

briefing on the processes involved to avail of government services.

DOLE 12 Regional Director

COVER STORY

T he Department of Labor and Employment’s Regional Coordinating Committee

celebrated the International Women’s Day on Tuesday (March 8) with female inmates of the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center (SCRDC).

DOLE marks Women’s Day with inmates By Danilo E. Doguiles


Ofelia Domingo said the outreach activity at the SCRDC is intended to give the women inmates an opportunity to change their lives.

“This will not be the last time that DOLE will assist you, “she told the inmates. “We are now bringing to you an opportunity to make the best of what you are even being detained for your own wrongdoings. Remember that you are being loved by the Lord and there’s always a chance to change.”

Apart from the special treats and orientation, Director Domingo also announced livelihood assistance for

the inmates.

“I have already signed a Certificate of Availment for DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILEEP) worth PhP300, 000,” Domingo announced.

What is required, she added, is for the beneficiaries to submit livelihood project proposals to DOLE.

“Additional assistance, including trainings on 5S and quality management as well as financial literacy that would educate them on how to manage the funds and their earnings will also be provided,” she

7March 10, 2016 One Mindanao

said.

DOLE 12 will be signing a memorandum of agreement with the provincial government of South Cotabato for the supervision of the implementation of the livelihood projects of the women inmates.

Initially, DOLE is considering upgrading of the beads project of the women inmates. Beads are made into key chains, wallets and bags.

“Their products are well done. I have recommended that their productswill be displayed at the Treasures of SOX (SOCCSKSARGEN) Travel and Trade Expo spearheaded by the Department of Tourism in Metro Manila on April 11-14,” she said. During the outreach activity, DOLE officials also discovered that among the 49 women inmates, 7 are former overseas Filipino workers.

“These former OFWs could also avail of separate livelihood assistance from DOLE so that when they are discharged from the jail, they will have sources of income. This way, their reintegration to the society would be faster,” Director Domingo emphasized.

On his part, SCRDC OIC Juan

Lanzaderas Jr. expressed gratitude to DOLE 12 for bringing aid to the women residents of the provincial jail.

“This activity has lifted the morale of the female inmates,” Lanzaderas said. “It’s a great privilege that the female inmates were chosen to become beneficiaries of livelihood assistance.”

DOLE’s Regional Coordinating Committee is comprised of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Occupation Safety and Health Center (OSHC), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), Public Employment Services Office (PESO), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

March is designated as Women’s Month. This year the celebration is anchored on the theme: “Kapakananni Juana, Isamasa Agenda.”

One Mindanao8 March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

DepEd, MARINA tie up to offer maritime program in Senior High School

PASIG CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will provide Senior High School (SHS) students with the education and training to qualify for further studies and/or career opportunities in the maritime industry upon graduation from SHS. “The Department sees how critical the maritime industry is. It is not just about the curriculum but our competitive advantage in the world,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC.

With the increasing demand for seafarers in the international and local maritime industry, Luistro added that the Department recognizes the need to offer a

maritime specialization in SHS under the K to 12

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Program. “We would like to thank DepEd for their support and cooperation for the maritime SHS program. With this program, we will be able to show that the Philippines is able to provide or offer highly competent, well-trained and highly qualified Filipino seafarers, who are ready for employment upon graduating from high school,” said MARINA Administrator Maximo Majima Jr., PhD.

Through the MOA, DepEd and MARINA will work together on the development and revision of the curriculum guides and instructional materials necessary for the proper implementation of the SHS maritime specialization. Both parties are also responsible for designing and implementing the said specialization in compliance with international standards in maritime education and training.

The Standards of Training and Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) convention code will be used as a basis for developing the curriculum for the maritime

specialization. With this, SHS graduates of the said specialization may take the assessment for the certification of ratings. This will allow them to qualify for career opportunities in the maritime industry upon graduation and evaluation.

SHS graduates may also pursue further studies in the maritime field. Given this, the country will be able to produce more seafarers at the officer level.

“We’re very grateful to MARINA for working with us to ensure that it is not just about developing a curriculum that’s acceptable to DepEd but to the world standards of the maritime industry,” Luistro said. (DepEd)

One Mindanao10 March 10, 2016March 10, 2016

APO Production Unit new printing plant inaugurated

QUEZON CITY -- The APO Production Unit Inc. has inaugurated its new facilities and offices yesterday at the Philippine Information Agency building in Quezon City. Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma who led the ribbon-cutting, said APO’s new printing facilities reflected vital values in the printing business such as innovation, identity, and integrity.

Coloma said the choice of APO is clear: to innovate rather than to stagnate. He said that APO “must

continuously adapt to ever-changing technologies in printing or else it will fall behind and become not just uncompetitive, but irrelevant and inconsequential.”

“I wish to commend the leadership of APO… for having the vision, foresight and decisiveness

to lead APO into the forefront of printing technology,” Coloma

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said. The APO high-technology security printing plant was inaugurated last July 2015 at the Lima Technology Park. It is now the printer of revenue stamps and electronic passports.

According to Coloma, the government was able to collect P60 billion in additional revenues of revenue stamps that are now being used for the country’s universal healthcare or PhilHealth.

“Through advanced printing technology APO contributes significantly to the government’s revenue generation efforts as well

as in ensuring the integrity of Philippine passports in accordance with global standards,” he said.

Formerly operating as a private entity, Coloma said that APO’s identity is now clear as it became a government corporation in accordance to Republic Act 10149 or the GOCC Governance Act of 2011.

Coloma said the “men and women will thread the path of integrity” in the business of printing.

“Buo ang APO. Tapat ang serbisyo, tapat sa Pilipino,” he

said. (PRC-PIA)

12 One Mindanao March 10, 2016

Women play key roles in preserving Bangsamoro peace gains

QUEZON CITY -- Peace advocates and civil society organization leaders are giving major recognition to the important role that women play in transforming conflict-affected areas back into productive communities and in sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process to ensure its continuation in the next Administration despite the 16th Congress’ failure to enact the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

file photo: http://media.philstar.com/


“To hold the peace together requires great effort, work, and coordination. I must stress that it takes a community working together to achieve that,” Xarifa Lao-Sanguila, National Civilian Protection Monitor of Nonviolent Peaceforce, said in a forum on women’s role in the peace process held at Miriam College Monday, March 7.

Sanguila said that women have proven to be good in conducting the series of listening workshops for the Bangsamoro communities that provide peaceful platforms for reflective expressions of their anger and frustrations due to the non-passage of the BBL.

Gaston Z. Ortigas (GZO) Peace Institute Executive Director Karen Tañada also encouraged active women’s participation in the peace process and uphold the signed peace agreements between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF.

“We have to see the gains of the peace negotiations. We have the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro

(CAB) that guarantees all human rights including women’s rights of meaningful political participation,” Tañada said. “It takes a village to complete a nation and women to complete one. To sustain the peace gains at the time of no BBL, we have to build a path forward to help the next administration hit the ground running.”

She added that the reaffirmation of both peace panels and other stakeholders to their commitment in pursuing the peace process despite its uncertainty were vital in stabilizing the peace and order situation in Mindanao.

“The women in Mindanao have their own gains in the GPH-MILF peace process. There are no more wars and a chance for development [for their families and children],” Tañada said.

Meanwhile, GPH peace panel chair Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer emphasized that the success of the peace negotiations with the MILF that resulted in the signing of the CAB and the Framework Agreement


on the Bangsamoro (FAB), were not only out of patience and understanding of the two sides but also of the collective effort of various stakeholders especially women. “We celebrate the women’s month not as observers or mere recipients of initiatives but as active partners in the peace process. The peace gains were the product of many efforts of so many committed women,” Ferrer said. “Relative peace had enabled the women in the Bangsamoro core territories to organize themselves. We have new and thriving women’s organizations in the conflict-affected areas. These are the products of sustained peace and relative stability in the region.”

New York-based

International Peace Institute (IPI) have hailed both Ferrer and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles as ideal women peacemakers for their key roles in the government peace talks with the MILF and Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (NDF).

Deles is the country’s first woman presidential peace adviser while Ferrer is the first female chief negotiator in the world to sign a major peace agreement. The CAB itself is a landmark document signed by three women signatories – one-half of the 6-person GPH negotiating team, and about one-fourth of the total number of signatories. (OPAPP)

file photo: opapp.gov.ph


Army officials rally support for SurSur’s developmental milestone

By: Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY– LtGen Rey Leonardo Guerrero, com-mander of Eastern Mindanao Command representing Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iri-berri, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ chief of staff and guest of honor conveyed on Tuesday his sincere gesture of appreciation to the govern-ment officials, prime movers, constituents, and all other community members of Su-rigao del Sur province who earnestly and conscientiously worked together in achieving a historic milestone through an official declaration as con-flict manageable and ready for further development prov-ince.


According to LtGen Guerrero, the declaration forms part of the normalization process wherein the local government units take active participation for relevant endeavors in pursuit of attaining peace and development. “Within the spectrum of insurgency, the declaration of Surigao del Sur province as conflict manageable and ready for further development marks the initial stage wherein obvious reduction of insurgency cases and decrease of violence are evident. Clearly, this is an indication that regional developmental efforts are best demonstrated,” enunciated LtGen Guerrero. In a press briefing, when asked on the basis on the declaration of the province/city as conflict manageable and ready for further development, commander of 4th Infantry Division MGen Oscar Lactao specified the reduction of NPA members, noteworthy performance of functioning government elected officials, and the willful minds of the inhabitants of the province to create a peaceful community hold an imperative criteria in the quest for peace and security. “It is a whole of a nation approach. The same declaration started with the province of Dinagat Islands, followed by Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and now the

province of Surigao del Sur. Also, Agusan del Norte and Butuan City will soon be declared. We hope to improve more the stages of curbing insurgency,” emphasized MGen Lactao. Meanwhile, 402nd brigade commander Col Isidro Purisima recalled that “with the augmentation of army battalions, cooperation of support elements and special forces, the journey towards peace, progress and prosperity is not far from attaining.” “Since April of last year, we have 87 surrenderers from the rebel group and around 53 high and low powered firearms were recovered. As of today, more or less 200 NPA members are still taking part in the anti-government activities. We know we have several issues to look into but our concern of ending the insurgency problem in the region is a challenge worth spending our time and efforts,’’ said Col Purisima. In the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Agreement, governor Pimentel represented the province of Surigao del Sur; MGen Lactao, together with commander of Eastern Mindanao Command LtGen Guerrero and commander of 402nd Brigade Col Purisima represented the army; and Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga regional director PCSupt Rolando Felix for the PNP.


OWWA Caraga launches ‘OWWA Information On-air’ radio program By: Jean Mary Ronquillo

BUTUAN CITY -- As part of the agency’s program advocacy and constant endeavor to reach out to clients, Regional Director Samuel Madrid of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Caraga launched on March 5, a radio program dubbed “OWWA Information On-air” at 107.3 All Star FM in Surigao City. The 107.3 All Star FM is a newly established community radio in Surigao city which is owned by couple OFW Filseaman Napoleon Jovita and wife Gloria. In a bid to help the community, especially the OFWs, the couple have dedicated a regular segment for OWWA to serve as portal

for information dissemination of the agency’s programs and services for member-OFWs and their dependents. It also aims to provide updates on the recent developments of OWWA as well as cater to concerns of OFW families. During the first broadcast of


the program, Regional Director Madrid provided updates on the effects of Oil Price Decrease on the employment status of OFWs in Middle East. He also tackled the frequent problems encountered by Household Service Workers and the course of action that the agency has done to help them. Moreover, statistics of OFWs in Caraga was also mentioned including the reintegration services for OFWs and dependents that are being implemented by the agency such

as the business loan under P2B OFW Reintegration Program. Madrid bared that in the long run the program intends to be more interactive and will feature various stories of OFWs coming straight from them via phone-in calls. Madrid will also be the regular host of the program along with 107.3 All Star FM Station Manager Joe Lansang. The live broadcast will be aired every Saturday at 10-11 in the morning.

Dinagat Islands PHO spearheads ‘Range of Motion Exercises’ trainingSAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – The provincial government of Dinagat Islands thru the Provincial Health Office conducted recently a two-day training on Range of Motion Exercises for Senior Citizens and Parents of Children with Disabilities held at the Provincial Guest Center, Brgy. Cuarinta, San Jose, this province. The said activity aims to educate the participants with regards to the dynamics of children with disability; acquire skills on range of motion exercises specially the senior citizens; and share their learning experiences and insights from other parents who have children with disabilities and to elderly. They are the main

benefeciaries of this activity considering that they have the less access to health care services and therefore experience unmet health care needs. It was learned that the training can also help them acquire new knowledge for disease prevention and promote good practices for healthy living.

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DIPOLOG CITY– To improve the quality of life of the poor in the country, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is now extending cash loan assistance to the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for their livelihood projects.

By Franklin P. Gumapon

DSWD extends loan assistance to 4Ps beneficiaries


Some 15 4Ps family-beneficiaries from barangay Minaog here have each received a seed capital of P10 thousand from DSWD-9 through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) during a simple turnover ceremony in the said barangay recently. The cash loan assistance is said to be payable within a year without any interest. Although Dipolog has the lowest poverty incidence in the whole of Zamboanga Peninsula region, the DSWD still provides the 4Ps beneficiaries here with livelihood assistance to further improve their living condition. Based on the data released by the National Statistical

Coordination Board (NSCB), 23.15 percent of the city’s population is said to be living below the poverty line. The cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga are reportedly having poverty incidences of 23.81 percent and 27.15 percent, respectively. Witnessing the distribution of cash loan assistance to the beneficiaries were Barangay Captain Bernardito Buhisan, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Nenita Maningo, DSWD Project Development Officer John Philmar Pelipinosas, businessman Darel Dexter T. Uy, who represented Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, and businessman Eddie Baron.


By Grace O. MontallanaDIPOLOG CITY--- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has lined-up series of activities in celebration of Fire Prevention Month this March.

BFP kicked off the celebration through a ‘Unity Walk for a Fire-Free and Fire-Safe Nation’, with the participation of the Department of Interior and Local Government employees, provincial and city officials and employees and other concerned

citizens. A Zumba dance exercise capped the activity and became a worthwhile experience to all participants. Dipolog City Vice Mayor Dr. Horacio Velasco encouraged the

BFP sets activities for Fire Prevention Month


participants, especially the youth to learn the ways on how to prevent fire incidents at home. “The essence of prevention is education,” Velasco stressed. “It is better that your house is robbed than destroyed by fire where all the properties you have will turn to ashes,’’ Velasco said. He added that each household should have a ‘smoke detector’ to sense whenever there is fire in their homes. Meanwhile, BFP conducted a fire safety awareness campaign to all elementary pupils in different schools through a story telling session of the book Berong

Bombero sa Paaralan from March 3-9. BFP will also conduct a ‘3-day Open House’, an orientation seminar to be held on March 11, 14, and 15 at the fire station situated at Barangay Biasong, Dipolog City. Among the topics to be discussed are the basic uses of fire fighting equipments, importance of fire safety, and medical services in case of emergencies. On March 10, the BFP will conduct a “Refresher Training Course’’ intended for fire brigade volunteers in barangays.


By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY– Internally-displaced persons (IDPs) from the 2013 siege currently staying in the transitory sites here were reminded to exercise vigilance amidst any possible threats to their security.

“Makialam, makisali sa mga gawaing pangkapayapaan para sa ikabubuti ng nakakarami,” stressed Philippine Army and Task Force Zamboanga’s Captain Marvin Ligutan during several

camp dialogues with the IDPs conducted this week. (Be vigilant and join in peacekeeping efforts for everyone’s security.) Ligutan shared that the

IDPs urged to stay vigilant vs security threats in transitory sites


infamous siege happened because many residents in the conflict-affected areas, in spite of having initial information about the presence of the rebels, were unable to inform the authorities. “Nasunog ang mga bahay niyo, maraming namatay at maraming nadamay,” he emphasized. (Your homes were burned down, many died and many of you were affected.) He told the IDPs this time to be “fearless,” with regard to reporting suspicious persons and activities. “Huwag na kayong matakot i-report ang mga yan sa amin o sa ating kapulisan,” he said. (Do not anymore be afraid to report them to us or to the police.) Ligutan stressed that the military and police authorities need everyone’s support and concern to maintain peace in the city. The fourth leg of information caravans with IDPs, now called camp dialogues kicked off early this month. So far, it had already visited transitory sites in Mampang, Buggoc, and in Upper Calarian. The dialogues’ primary goal is to update the

IDPs with rehabilitation efforts regarding the status of their new homes under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R), as well as other important developments such as the El Niño phenomenon, livelihood, security and health interventions, among others. The dialogues also serve as a feedback mechanism wherein the IDPs can personally air their problems to the government and other service providers such as lack of water, electricity, livelihood and other issues. These dialogues are a joint effort of the City Government Public Information Office (PIO), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and various international humanitarian agencies including The Asia Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Community and Family Services International (CFSI), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), and the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People (IRDT).


MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Coffee farmers in Bukidnon regained interests in producing high quality coffee through the introduction of “Specialty Coffee” during the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Coffee Post-Harvest Handling and Processing recently held in Manolo Fortich town, Bukidnon.

By: Laurence D. Pradia‘Specialty Coffee’ starts making trail in Bukidnon

A non-government organization (NGO) ACDI/VOCA organized the 3-day training-workshop participated by 32 coffee stakeholders including the six coffee farmer organizations across the province, with the Department of Trade and Industry and representatives from local

government units of Malaybalay, Valencia, Lantapan and Talakag. Ethiopian and Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Coffee Value Chain Expert, Daniel Mulu Asfaw anchored the whole training duration on the importance of producing high quality


coffee through proper management on the post-harvest handling and processing methods. These will lead farmers to producing “Specialty Coffee” which is simply described as a crafted quality-based beverage judged by its uniqueness in taste and personality that commands expensive price compared to commercially-produced ones. Trainer Daniel Mulu categorized average quality coffee as “commercial coffee,” which Bukidnon coffee farmers mostly have. “The Philippines won’t be able to compete with Vietnam, Columbia, or Brazil in terms of Coffee volume, but it definitely can in terms of quality,” said Thelonnius Trimmell, Chief of Party of ACDI/VOCA for MinPACT Project. He said, “Specialty Coffee is a path.” Producing it is labor intensive and demands a lot of patience and commitment but it pays farmers off more than what commercial coffee can offer. “I personally have seen farmers, commercial coffee farmers in Peru, Honduras and Columbia who were receiving low prices, didn’t have a truck and transport coffee by box. However, after many years of dedication converting their farms to specialty coffee farms, raised beds, solar dryers, and selective harvest, they were able to receive higher premiums; they were able to buy their Toyota Hilux. They were able to lead their lives to another direction

and send their children to college,” Trimmell added. Coffee farmer Anecita H. Lumigoy from Daraghuyan, Dalwangan in Malayabalay City expressed her gratitude to the ACDI/VOCA for such valuable knowledge imparted to her. She and her family have been producing coffee for more than 5 years, yet remained underserved due to low prices they got for their produce. “Unta pinaagi ani nga training mapalit na ang among kape sa medyo mahal nga presyo pinaagi sa pagbuhat sa mga gitudlo sa training (I hope, if we apply what we learned from this training, we can get higher price of our coffee)” said Anecita. Likewise, Almerito V. Goneda from barangay Kaatu-an of Lantapan town, showed his confidence that the training will definitely improve the price of their coffee. He said they now have more than 5 tons of Green Coffee Beans in stock ready for market, but unlike what was taught in the training, farmers cannot command higher price for its average quality due to the absence of knowledge on handling and processing coffee properly to improve quality. In the closing ceremony, Trimmell encouraged farmers and other stakeholders to get involved in helping coffee farmers refocus themselves from producing “commercial coffee” to “specialty coffee” which will give more money to their own pockets.


Solon supports Women’s Month celebration in OroCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Cagayan de Oro solon supports women’s month celebration in the city. Last Sunday, March 6 at the Pelaez Sports Center, about 800 women from the Barangay Women Development Councils of 50 barangays successfully held the 4th inter-barangay sportsfest. In her message, Councilor Edna Dahino, chair of the committee on women and family relations, stressed that women’s rights must be considered in any event. The lady councilor expressed gladness that the groups of women continue to desire to be physically fit and have a healthy relationship. Dahino cited that teamwork and unity among women should be observed not only during the entire game competition but as members of the BWDC. “Gikinahanglan ang kanunay nga paghugpong sa mga kababa-en alang sa kalamboan sa grupo ug sa tanang kababaenhan sa dakbayan (Staying organized among women is necessary for the development of the group and all women in the city),” Councilor Dahino said. She also said helping and supporting for a common goal is also necessary. The importance of the family in building a better community is also being highlighted by Councilor

Dahino. “Creating a happy family would definitely create a happy community,” she said. In a related development, Janet Floirendo, president of the Federation of Cagayan de Oro City-Barangay Women Development Council Inc., said she was grateful and happy to see that hundreds of women and workers of barangays participated and played Baton relay, volleyball and basketball. “Today, as we also celebrate the International Womens’s Day, let us do our part, be empowered, let’s be united and help other women know their own rights in the society,” Floirendo said. This year’s women’s month celebration bears the theme: “Kaayohan ni Juana, Iapil sa agenda.” (ELB/CdeOSP)


The meeting was presided over by RDC-X chair, Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo and co-presided by RPOC-X chair, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno. In recognition of the need to align the region’s peace and security efforts with the national and regional development frameworks, and development plans at the national, regional and local level, the body jointly adopted a Regional Peace and Development Convergence Framework (RPCDF). The RPCDF is a general and directional framework that puts in coherent and results oriented form the relationship between the region’s peace initiatives, and the societal goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction. The RDC-X secretariat (NEDA) and RPOC-X secretariat (DILG), in consultation with selected agencies (OPAPP, NCMF, AFP, NCIP), drafted the RPCDF which will serve as a guide for all stakeholders in implementing peace and security initiatives in response to the need for convergence of agency programs

and coordination among agencies at different levels, private sector, and other development partners in implementing the region’s peace agenda. “Peace and security is one of the key strategic interventions to realize our development vision, and in general our societal goal of inclusive growth and poverty reduction. We also know that the poorest areas in the region are likewise most vulnerable to conflict,” Director Mae Ester T. Guiamadel, Secretary of the RDC-X and Assistant Regional Director of the NEDA-X, said in her presentation of the RPDCF to the joint body. The RPCDF is considered an active framework and will be continuously updated to respond to emerging peace and development issues, and national and regional policy directions, among others. In the same meeting, the body jointly adopted the following resolutions: (a) Joint Resolution No. 8, “Creating a Task Force under the RPOC to Handle Peace and Security Issues Involving the Indigenous Peoples of Northern

RDC, RPOC in Northern Mindanao brace region’s peace agenda

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Northern Mindanao support peace and development initiatives in a joint RDC-RPOC-X meeting held 3 March 2016 in Cagayan de Oro City.

By: Hannah Mae S. Salugsugan


Mindanao;” (b) Joint Resolution No. 9, “Denouncing the Permit to Campaign (PTC) and Permit to Win (PTW) Demand of the NPA & Urging All Political Candidates Seeking Public Office not to Yield to such Threat during the National & Local Elections;” (c) Joint Resolution No. 10, “Requesting the PNP National Headquarters to Take into Consideration the Growing Number of Transients as an Additional Criteria in the Deployment of Police Personnel Particularly in Cities;” (d) Joint Resolution No. 11, “Requesting the Most Reverend Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D., Archbishop of Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, to become Lead Convenor for the Possible Observance of Local Ceasefire in Northern Mindanao;” (e) Joint Resolution No. 12, “Soliciting the Opinion of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) Relative to the Installation of Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J., D.D. Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro as Lead Convener for a Possible Observance of Localization of Ceasefire;” (f) Joint Resolution No. 13, “Adopting of the Inter Agency Security Plan: Hapsay Northern Mindanao;” and, (g) Joint Resolution No. 14, “Endorsing the Request for Change of Project from “Spring Development” to “Provision of Draft Animals with Farm Implements” in Barangay Pagayawan, Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, Funded under the FY 2015 Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).” The body also jointly endorsed the Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park as

Cooperation Site for the Conflict Sensitive Resource and Asset Management (COSERAM) Program Phase 2 in Region X. The following briefings/information were also presented to the joint body: (a) Regional Peace and Order Situationer (1st and 4th Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army (PA) and the PNP Regional Office X); (b) Updates and Strategic Direction of the Peace Process with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) (Dir. Eileen Jose-Salvador of the PCCU, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAAP)); (c) Power Outlook and Issues/Concerns Relating to Security (Atty. Cynthia Felipa P. Alabanza, Head of Corporate Communication of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines); (d) Contingency Plan in relation to possible Power Interruption on the 2016 Election Day (Atty. Gina Luna Zayas-Sabio, Regional Election Attorney of the Commission on Election-X); (e) Human Rights Situation Reports (Atty. Jerefe Tubigon-Bacang, Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights-X); and, (f) Status/Updates on the PPA Implementation of the Kalabugao Plain Peace and Development Plan (Dir. Arnel M. Agabe, Regional Director of the DILG-X).


Senior Citizens, Peacekeepers honored in Comval Bulawan FestCOMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE – On the 3rd day of Bulawan Fes-tival 2016 on March 4, the provincial government of ComVal recog-nized two of the most important sectors of the community – the senior citizens and the peacekeepers.

The Senior Citizens’ and Peacekeepers’ Day showcased their talents as they competed in Super Lolo & Super Lola Got Tal-ent and Folk Dance with 11 per-formers vying for the Super Lolo & Super Lola Got Talent. The representative from Mabini tops them all as she bagged the first place with her “doble-kara” singing talent fol-lowed by Compostela and Mara-gusan for the 2nd and 3rd place. The Folk Dance Competition was another victory for Mabini who won PhP22,000.00. Monte-vista senior citizens follows and takes home PhP17,000.00 while third place goes to Nabunturan bringing home PhP12,000.00 worth of cash prizes. 8 other en-tries receive Php5,000.00 as con-

solation prize. Sergio Jasma, with her wife Samuela, from Barangay Manat, Nabunturan said, “Pasalamat mi ug nalipay mi sa paghatag ug importansya sa amo.” (We are grateful and happy because of the importance given to us.) Indeed, talents do not stop even as you go older. Senior Citi-zens of ComVal prove they can still rock the stage with their per-formances. Meanwhile, the peacekeep-ers were also recognized in the morning’s program. In his mes-sage, PS/Supt. Albert Ignatius Ferro, ComVal PNP Provincial Director said, “No matter how much the PNP can do at its level, it is not highly sufficient without the support of the LGUs and the


community as a whole.” Vice-Governor Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora presented the Compostela Valley Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan for 3-years (2016-2019), serving as guidelines to the province’s en-deavor in attaining peace and securing the land in collaboration with the Philippine Army, PNP and provincial peacekeepers.

The day’s celebration was taken part by key stakeholders of the society – senior citizens and peacekeepers, the provincial government officials, PNP and Philippine Army with the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Brass Band performing right before the crowd. (Honeylyn T. Sayson, IDS Comval)

Women urged to take part in the 2016 electionsDAVAO CITY – Gabriela Partylist Representative Luz Ilagan has once again urged women to actively participate in the upcoming elections where they can declare their agenda and what elected officials must prioritize for the women’s welfare.“It’s the right time for women to voice out what they want, what they need,” Ilagan said as she raised the importance of wom-en’s influence on electoral poli-tics. She said women constitute one half of the population, and they have the power to influence election candidates on their po-litical platforms and to influence the decision of people where to put their votes. Ilagan was guest speaker during the city’s celebration of

the 106th International Women’s Day on March 8 where an esti-mate of more than 3,000 wom-en leaders and advocates from various sectors joined in an early morning walk from Freedom Park and later converged at People’s Park for a short program to mark the event. Lorna Mandin, chief of the Davao City local government’s Integrated Gender and Develop-ment Division which organized the annual women’s march, un-derscored this year’s Women’s


Month theme centered on the 2016 elections.Affirming Ilagan’s statement, Mandin emphasized that this year’s celebration of the Wom-en’s Month is an opportune time for women to participate and make the right decisions during the upcoming national and local elections. She said the theme which was crafted in the vernacular “Eleksyon 2016: Kababayen-an Salmot, Aron Kalambuan Mak-ab-ut!” (Election 2016: Women participate so that development can be achieved), was aimed to capacitate, empower and engage women in public and political pro-cesses. “We are positive that only in educating women voters, will we be assured of women’s active and vigilant participation in the upcoming 2016 elections,” Man-din stated. She added that women comprise over 50 percent of the world’s population, “yet they continue to be under-represent-ed as voters, political leaders and elected officials.” “Alarmingly, 60% of the ac-tual voters are women, yet an av-erage of only 10-20 % hold elec-toral positions. Thus, it is difficult to talk about gender equality,

when 53 % of the country’s pop-ulation is women but their share in the decision-making process does not reach 20 %,” she said. Mandin bared that the barri-ers to women’s participation are varied to include traditional atti-tudes regarding women in deci-sion-making roles and responsi-bility of women as mothers and wives as well as her domestic duties complicate their involve-ment and participation in the public sphere. “Patriarchy also plays a big part, a female leader featuring feminine behavior is considered to be unacceptable in politics, while male authoritativeness in-herent to the field of politics creates additional pressure for women,” she said. (PIA-11/Ca-rina L. Cayon)


DOLE 12 brings job search closer to Cotabatenos By: Danilo E.Doguiles

M’LANG, North Cotabato, Mar. 10 — Residents of M’lang munici-pality and neighboring areas need not travel far or wait for job fairs to look for jobs.


DAR-Maguindanao cites partnership with PCITBy: Danilo E.Doguiles

They only need go to the municipal hall and find the Phil-JobNet job search kiosk.

Regional Director Ofelia Do-mingo of the Department of Labor and Employment 12 con-firmed that a Phil-JobNet job search kiosk was recently in-stalled at the M’lang Municipal Hall.

RD Domingo said the kiosk is one of the innovations of DOLE to ensure that more clients in the region are catered via job facilitation efforts.

The kiosk provides timely, relevant, and readily accessible information on job vacancies and job applicants at no cost to both registered jobseekers and employers.

“We hope that with this tech-nology more jobseekers not only in our municipality but other towns will gain access to infor-mation on job vacancies,” said Vice Mayor Russel Abonado during the turnover ceremony.

“We would like to thank RD Ofelia Domingo for the contin-ued support in our efforts to

help our constituents in landing a stable job,” Abonado added.

VM Abonado also urged job seekers to visit the municipal hall of M’lang where the job search kiosk will be placed for easier access.

“DOLE will continue to be of service to jobseekers, employ-ees and other stakeholders. We urge our clients to coordinate with us through their respective PESO managers and make the most out of the services provid-ed by our agency, we are bring-ing job opportunities nearer to you,” RD Domingo said.

Phil-Jobnet is an automated job and applicant matching sys-tem, which aims to fast track jobseekers search for jobs, and employers search for applicants.

The kiosk can be used to ac-cess relevant information on job openings, hiring requirements of employers or upgrade, their skills through TESDA programs and Bureau of Local Employ-ment career guides. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)

COTABATO CITY, Mar. 10– For this year, the Department of Agrar-


ian Reform in Maguindanao (DAR-Maguindanao) conducted its first Provincial CARP Implementing Team (PCIT) meeting on March 2 as part of the regular inter-agency assessment and evalu-ation process in the implementation of agrarian reform programs and projects in the region.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Of-ficers (MAROs) in the said prov-ince and partner line agencies were in attendance to present and discuss the 2015 activities and issues and concerns relative with the agrarian reform pro-gram benefificiaries. (ARBs).

According to Provincial Agrar-ian Reform Officer Hadja Bai Cabayan Bacar, the agency has spearheaded the meeting of 3,511 potential ARBs in 23 agrarian reform communities (ARCs).

“The DAR-Maguindanao led the ceremonial awarding of micro-enterprise project to the Municipality of Upi wherein the beneficiaries are settlers, Moro and indigenous people from the barangays of Kinitaan, Penede, Rempes (Lahangkeb), Ranao Pilayan, Rifao, Ganasi, Mirab and Sefegefen under the BUB (Bottom-Up Budgeting) project,” Bacar said.

We also participated to the bamboo tree planting activity in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano last September, she said.

“With the assistance of the

Italian Agrarian Reform Com-munity Development Support Program (IARCDSP) we con-ducted community consultation and field validation in the ARCs, undertook participatory rural appraisal activities and project investment plan,” Bacar added.

To help the farmer beneficia-ries easy and fast transport of their farm produce the mar-ket and trading centers, the department turned-over the 6 km. farm-to-market (FMR) at Tamburong-Bunawan, Datu Paglas;- 3.0 km in Ganta-Gambar, Kabuntalan; 6.0 km Marang-Gadung, Barira; and 5.614 km in Langkong-Bayanga Norte,Matanog – which were funded by the Asian Develop-ment Bank (ADB) under Agrar-ian Reform Communities Project II.

PARO II Bacar points out, the advantage of having a PCIT is “we can decide matters with-out questions from the different agencies and we can promul-gate resolution in regards to the problems of our ARBs”.(IBEroy/PBChangco-PIA Cotabato City)

One Mindanao - March 10, 2016

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