One Mindanao - March 16, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESExecutive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

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Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

“Your funds are in very safe hands” says the “new” GSIS

Jocelyn P. AlvarezWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Friday, March 16, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 215

page 4

DENR acquires new computers to boost its field operationsEric F. Gallego, Caraga Region

DOLE-RCC, Butuan LGU conducts “RCC On Wheels Caravan”15Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region

OWWA 9 announces assistance for dependents of deceased OFWs

19Mary R. Jane Amarado, Western Mindanao

BIR intensifies tax campaign in Misamis Occidental 21 Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

Coloma underscores preparedness at all times of disaster noting need to upgrade current alert systems 8

Dipolog city council authorizes mayor to ink MOA with NGAs, GEMFranklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

Mis. Occ. River Basin Management Committee moves for the protection of Mt. Malindang 22Northern Mindanao

13

OSCA-Gensan to receive new computer sets 28 Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

ACEF loan ng DA ibabalik na29

Employment information services move closer to Digos brgys24Carina Cayon, Southern Mindanao

18

Central Mindanao

7

11

17

20

23

26

4 Friday, March 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Your pension funds are in very safe hands,” assured Daniel Lacson Jr., Board Chairman,

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) before some 200 GSIS members and pensioners during the “Stakeholders´ Dialogue” held here recently.

Cover Story“Your funds are in very safe hands” says the “new” GSIS

The said dialogue was attended by agency heads and local elected officials from the Zamboanga

Peninsula (ZamPen) region and the Autonomous Region in

Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Latest policies and

programs of the pension fund was

p r e s e n t e d a n d

discussed to the participants with emphasis on its aim to further strengthen linkages with stakeholders with the GSIS’s commitment to pursue a more client-focused and efficient delivery of services. Lacson said the present Board will focus on three areas in achieving its commitment of a “more client-focused and efficient delivery of services.” . “First, we are revisiting previous policies that have been the subject of recurring complaints of

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Friday, March 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

our stakeholders; second, we are reviewing programs that have gone sour in the past such as our direct home lending program and the pre-need plans; and third, we started to re -channel our investments back to the local market because of the more conducive investment environment in the country compared to the foreign markets,” Lacson was quoted as saying. Chairman Lacson was joined in the dialogue by GSIS President and General Manager (PGM) Robert G. Vergara who presented the state of the pension fund and the various initiatives of the current leadership. Vergara enumerated the efforts of what the new GSIS leadership has been doing for the past year and a half to give a more accessible and convenient service to its stakeholders. He said the pension fund, for the past year, has expanded partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines

to include pensioners and active members; deployed close

to 500 additional GSIS Wireless Automated

Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks

in key cities, clusters of

municipalities and big government agencies such as the Education Department. Vergara also took pride of the GSIS effort on the cancellation of the annual renewal of active status (ARAS) for local pensioners; relaxing the entitlement qualifications for survivorship pension; and payment of proportionate pension. The new GSIS management, according to Vergara has also empowered retirees to choose the repayment scheme for outstanding service loans under the Choice of Loan Amortization Schedule for Pensioners (CLASP); improved the terms of the emergency loan program by reducing the interest rate from 8% to 6%; removed the processing fee of 1% and extended the grace period for payment of amortization by three months to alleviate the plight of members

6 Friday, March 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

adversely affected by calamities. Vergara also said GSIS has partnered with the Pag-IBIG Fund for a more efficient implementation of the direct home lending program. “P5 billion worth of GSIS assets was deposited to pag-IBIG for housing,” he said. “The GSIS is making some headway on resolving the issue of mis- or unposting of members´ accounts. At the moment, 97 percent of members’ current remittances are now being posted accurately” Vergara shared. “The backlog however is still “quite sizeable” ”, Vergara admitted, but assured the pension fund is doing everything to address the volume of inaccurate statements. As a result, 9 separate task forces were created to resolve this long-standing issue. “The GSIS is close to signing a Memorandum of Agreement among the GSIS, the Department of Budget and the Department of Education

to settle the arrears of more than 587,000 personnel of

the DepEd Head Office,” Vergara announced.

He said GSIS also hope

to forge (within

t h e

month), a Memorandum of U n d e r s t a n d i n g , with the Office of the ARMM Governor and DepEd-ARMM and other ARMM agencies, to update the service records of all ARMM personnel. Vergara revealed the new GSIS’ priority in the next six months, which include the establishment of a 50-seater, 24/7 call center; adoption of a one-stop shop set-up in all field offices; design of a new insurance policy with a bigger savings component; review of the premium-based policy; and review of pre-need funeral and educational plans. “The new GSIS will not rest until we have regained our member’s trust and confidence and we will do it the only way we know how -- one member at a time, one pensioner at a time and one day at a time,” Vergara promised.


ACROSS THE NATIONES Ochoa leads launch of battery-powered commuter bus

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. turned on the ignition of a new breed of commuter bus that was designed to run on batteries thus, produces no greenhouse gas (GHG) and is a boon in the government’s efforts to

stop climate change.

Executive Secretary N. Paquito Ochoa Jr. leads the launching of battery-powered commuter bus called eBus at the Kalayaan Grounds, Malacañang on March 16, 2012. The Climate Change Commission partnered with Victory Liner to produce the new breed of commuter bus under the program “Victory Against Climate Change”. The eBus, which can carry 52 passengers and run on 400V Winston Rare-Earth Yttrium Lithium-ion battery with a maximum speed of 90 kph, is one of the National Climate Change Action Plan’s responses to help reduce greenhouse gas emission in the country. (Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

8 Friday, March 16, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Coloma underscores preparedness at all times of disaster noting need to upgrade current alert systems

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. urged the people to be vigilant and prepared at all times to ensure safety and avert casualty in times of disaster noting the

country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

T h e introduction

of the battery-powered bus,

called eBus, was made possible through

the program dubbed ‘Victory Against Climate Change’, a partnership between the Climate Change Commission and Victory Liner, one of the leading transportation operators in the country. President Benigno Aquino III is the Commission’s Chairperson.

Under Republic Act 9729, also known as the Climate Change Act of 2009, the Commission is mandated to promote and provide technical support to local research and development programs that will help address climate change.

“We are looking at

the eBus as one of the vehicles that will carry government efforts to address the causes of climate change. The use of gasoline or diesel in our vehicles has been identified by science as one of the causes of climate change as it produces carbon dioxide, one of the major GHG in our atmosphere,” Ochoa explained.

Sec. Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, Commission Vice Chair, said that the use of battery-powered vehicles is one of the strategies under the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) to help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. She also said that the greenhouse gas inventory of the Philippines revealed that the transportation sector is the highest

emitter of greenhouse gases.

“You need not be an expert to recognize the problem of pollution in the cities, particularly in Metro Manila. Just look at our streets and you will see commuter vehicles belching black smoke. That is not only bad for our climate but also for our health,” she said.

Sering said that there is a need to engage the private sector more in the effort to fight against climate change and expressed hope that other transportation companies will adopt the new technology.

The bus runs on 400V “Winston” rare-earth Yttrium Lithium-ion battery with a maximum speed of 90 kph. The bus has 26 seats but can carry a total of 52 passengers.


In his

s p e e c h during the

Regional Forum on Effective Disaster

Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA) held at the Bulwagang Amoranto, City Hall, Quezon City, Friday morning, Coloma issued the call as he acknowledged the need to further develop the current typhoon alert systems. “We need to be constantly vigilant, we need to be fully prepared, we need to communicate effectively, we need to work together, we need to rally our citizens and people to protect our families and children,” Coloma said. “Our current system of typhoon alerts needs to be supplemented by a formal system of flood alert. Typhoon Sendong made us realize the importance of creating heightened citizen consciousness about the perils of abrupt climate change,” he added. Coloma also bared

the various contingency efforts of the Aquino government focusing on disaster risk reduction and the implementation of zero casualties during calamities. “We have posted in our PIA website geo-hazard maps prepared by the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau of DENR, we are conducting information campaigns in the provincial level and encouraging local officials to implement strict zoning regulations to ensure that homes are not built or will be relocated away from danger zones,” Coloma said. “An average of

24 typhoons hit the Philippines every year, according to the geo-hazard maps, 66 out of 80 provinces are in constant risk of landslides, mudslides and flooding. Some twenty provinces have been identified as extremely high-risk areas, and before the next disaster strikes we must prepare our local governments and citizens to respond in a manner that will protect lives and minimize casualties,” the PCOO chief added. Present as the event’s keynote speaker was Senator Loren Legarda who chairs the Senate Committee on Climate


Change. L e g a r d a

said that the forum sets off

the workshops that will be conducted in all

regions of the country. Also in attendance were Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell and other local government officials, and officers of public and private entities, among others. The event was made possible through the

cooperation of various offices that include the National Disaster Risk Management Council (NDRRMC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the PCOO. Other partners include the Quezon City Government, the Manila Observatory (MO), UN International Strategy for Disaster reduction (UNISDR), the Asia

Pacific Institute for Green Development and the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF). The forum seeks to increase local understanding of natural hazards, climate change and their impacts on the region and surrounding provinces and promote the integration of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation into local development planning. (JCL)

Friday, March 16, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 11www.piacaraga.blogspot.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/PIA-Caraga-Updates/165374590187484

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POPCOM employs mass advocacy to stop violence against womenby Rutchie C. Saluta

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) is launching a massive advocacy in reducing cases of violence against women in the region.


The activity, dubbed as Orientation-Seminar on Gender and Development cum Male Involvement in Responsible Parenting, aims to increase participation and support among men in rearing and caring the children, and other domestic concerns. Said training, organized in different batches, will be attended by members of transport groups, faith-based organizations, and men in uniform from the Philippine

National Police on March 13-15, in the Province of Dinagat Islands. A similar activity will also be conducted for the transport sector in Tandag, Surigao del Sur on the 28th, this month. P O P C O M Regional Director Camilo S. Pangan emphasized that males need to be involved more actively in efforts to achieve maternal health and women e m p o w e r m e n t . “Our efforts to advance the welfare of Filipino women

have been slow-paced since we are living in a traditionally patriarchal society where men dominate over women in almost all facets of life,” he said. Pangan cited that even within the family abode, issues such as family planning, child rearing, and home management are predominantly decided upon by husbands. “This is why we want to reach out more men to make them allies in advocating gender and development,” he added. POPCOM’s effort in advancing women’s welfare is in line with the celebration of Women’s Month with the theme: Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, E v e r y o n e ’ s R e s p o n s i b i l i t y .


DENR acquires new computers to boost its field operationsby Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has upgraded its Management Information System (MIS) through the acquisition of 2,802 Desktop Computers, 100 Laptop units, 1,413 printers and 425 scanners which were distributed to the 16 DENR Regional Offices throughout the country.

The project, which began on December 08, 2011, has a total project cost of P126,860,566.75. In Caraga Region, DENR Regional Executive Director Leonardo R. Sibbaluca said a total of 181 new desktop computers have been delivered to the DENR Regional Office. “This development is part of the expansion

program of the DENR Management Information System to keep pace with the fast-developing information technology in the world,” Sibbaluca said. “It is the priority program of Secretary Ramon JP Paje to bolster its field operation and provide the delivery of services to the people particularly in far-flung areas at the fastest

means,” he added. The Management Information System (MIS) is a computer-based system that provides the managers with tools for organizing, evaluating and efficiently-running their respective offices or department. The DENR-MIS is consist of software that help in decision making, data resource such as data bases, the hardware


resources of a system, decision-support system, people management and project management and any computerized processes that enable the department to run efficiently. Sibbaluca said these new computer equipment will provide all information that can be used by various field offices in their day-to-day operation and improved their linkages and communication to the regional and central offices without delay. . “These new computers can help us in our field operation particularly in the implementation of Executive Order No. 23 which is the ban on cutting of tree in the natural and residual

forest and EO 26 or the National Greening Program since it can give us at any time of past, present and prediction information ,” he said. The objective of

this project, according to Dir. Sibbaluca, are (1) to migrate from conventional Analog Telephony to new Cisco Unified Communication IP Telephony Solution and provide the latest IP Telephony Services that will effectively enhanced the communication among the DENR Offices; (2) to install Wireless Access Network to all Regional Office providing anytime/ anywhere network access; and (3) to enhance the existing network infrastructure of DENR Head Office thru additional network ports and main high network availability and resilient Network infrastructure. The project, which is expected to be completed by June this

year, has three phases. These include the supply and delivery of information technology equipment, installation of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) infrastructure by Trends and Technologies, Inc., and the installation of DENR- Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IPVPN) by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT). The IPVPN-DENR features the following which include WAN Technology of choice, domestic Virtual Private Network solution via internet protocol for multi-site to multi-site connectivity, own private internet which is secured and cost effective and managed system, and a Bandwidth offering of 64Kbps -2Mbps to 1,000 Mbps via Ethernet. It is also equipped with Access Ubiquity which included Host/Hub/DR Connectivity; Remote Site Connectivity and Mobile User Connectivity.


DOLE-RCC, Butuan LGU conducts “RCC On Wheels Caravan”

Dubbed as “Serbisyong DOLE Sa Inyong Tugkaran Kalambo-an sa Butuan City (DOLE’s Services Right At Your Backyard, A Progress for Butuan City),” it was held at Brgy. Rajah Humabon Covered Court area Tuesday morning. The caravan aimed to serve the 11 riverside barangays.

DOLE Dir. Ofelia Domingo said there were at least 10 accredited, legitimate and duly licensed agencies participating during the event offering more or less 16,282 “job orders” for the job seekers who may qualify for employment whether locally or abroad. Meanwhile, TESDA Provincial Director

Florencio N. Sunico, Jr. introduced the carpentry, beautician, electrical and other skills trainees of TESDA, who were provided with starter kits during the introduction of the “TESDA Specialista Te chnop r eneu r s h i p Program” (TSTP). They will be expected to hone their skills while they practice

by Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY-- The Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Coordinating Council, in coordination with the Butuan City local government unit, conducted the “RCC On Wheels Caravan.”


as entrepreneurs. This will be recorded as part of their working experience which will be among the basis for the issuance of their appropriate certification by the agency which can be reflected in their job applications whether domestically or abroad. Marietta M. Bellotindos of POEA, on the other hand, discussed the Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign, while the other attached agencies also such as the NLRC, NCMB, TESDA, RTWPB, and PRC discussed their current programs and

the services provided by their respective offices by their directors or other officials present. For his part, Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. pointed out during his message that the problem of peace and order, livelihood, economic development, disaster risk reduction and even the issue of climate change, of which not only the city is facing but in the regional, national and even on international level will always boil down to the issue of job security and livelihood for the community. The mayor added

that it was but timely that the activity was held right at the area of the 21 riverside barangays located at the banks of the Agusan River which were also affected by the city’s “Likas Operation Program.” Thus in the “spirit of convergence” he said, the city government’s “livelihood cluster” consisting of the PESO, CEED, Manpower Skills Training, DA, City Cooperative, CSWD in partnership with the regional government line agencies converged in order to come up with the necessary solution.


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Zambo City acquires P1.5M truck for disaster, rescue operations By Sheila Covarrubias

T o further enhance delivery of social services, the city government has acquired a brand new 6-wheeler truck for use in disaster response,

rescue and other operations in the city. Mayor Celso Lobregat formally turned over the Isuzu Canter truck to City Social Welfare and Development Officer Francisco Barredo yesterday

morning, a few minutes after it was delivered by the supplier. Costing P1.5 million, the brand new truck will augment the 5-year


OWWA 9 announces assistance for dependents of deceased OFWs

ZAMBOANGA CITY – In line with the agency’s aim to fill the void resulting from the Overseas Filipino Worker’s (OFWs) death and its impact on the family, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announces its implementation of the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) for dependents of deceased OFWs.

By Mary R. Jane Amarado

old open truck assigned with the CSWDO. Barredo said the new vehicle will be used for various purposes that include disaster response/ operations, transport support for indigents, rescue operations, rounding up of street children and mendicants as well as transport of deportees among others. Funding for the purchase of the vehicle was taken from the capital outlay of the CSWDO. The CSWDO is an agency that provides quality interventions and opportunities to the disadvantaged sector in the City through community organization and sustenance of people’s participation toward self-

management for them to become self-sufficient and self-reliant people living in freedom, justice, peace and harmony with the optimum productivity along with the present of well trained, capable, highly competent and committed service providers. Last December, the CSWDO unveiled its newly constructed 2-storey building inside the government complex in Pettit Barracks, also intended to help accelerate the delivery of social services. Social services get the highest allocation at 40% or P857 million of the total budget this year. (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA- ZBST)

Designed primarily for survivors of deceased OFWs who were active OWWA members at the time of death, the program through the provision of financial assistance

aims to sustain the income capacity of the family and the assurance of continuous education of one eligible dependent. Fauzia Amilasan, OWWA 9 OIC


Dipolog city council authorizes mayor to ink MOA with NGAs, GEM By Franklin P. Gumapon

The city council has given Mayor Uy the authority to sign a MOA with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-IX for the upgrading of certain day care centers in the city amounting to P150 thousand. Uy was also authorized to ink a MOA with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the rehabilitation of drainage canals along Bonifacio and Lacaya streets situated at the heart of the city. Another resolution also allowed the mayor to renew the city government’s MOA with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

on Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (SCAA) operations. The city government is also entering into a MOA with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte for the release of funds from the Department of Health (DOH) for the implementation of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) program. Finally, a MOA will be signed between the city government and the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) for the upgrading of irrigation canals at Barangay Olingan this city. (JPA/FPG/PIA-ZamboNorte)

DIPOLOG CITY - Five separate resolutions have recently been passed by the city council authorizing Mayor Evelyn T. Uy to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the national government agencies (NGAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs) for the implementation of the different infrastructure projects and services in the city.

said that ELAP is a special benefit package intended to provide the continuing access to subsidized education of a legal dependent. This covers the schooling of eligible dependent from elementary to tertiary level of education. She further stated that the program is divided into two components: the educational

component & livelihood component in which part of the program is the financial assistance to start a livelihood project to augment family income. Inquiries regarding the program may be directed to Administrative Officer Rosellie Florida at telephone number (062) 991-2785. (MJRA/OWWA9/PIA9/ALT)


Provincial employees commemorate Women’s MonthIn celebration of Women’s Month, the provincial government

of Lanao del Norte led by its Social Welfare and Development Office and Population Office held a short program as the opening

for the month-long activities promoting women’s rights, dignity, and triumphs in various fields.

The program was held of the provincial capitol building just after the flag raising ceremony on March 5. A raffle draw was one of the anticipated highlights of the program. “We must all learn to appreciate the contributions made by our women sector. Women especially mothers have an even harder job than those of us running local government units,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo stressed. It can be recalled that the month of March is known as the Fire Prevention Month. Currently though, it is also tagged as the Women’s Month, wherein people, regardless

of gender, is being acquainted with women’s health, rights, and gender development awareness. According to the Philippine Gender and Development in the Philippines, in consideration of the recent disasters


and calamities experienced by the country and the impact of climate change observed and experienced globally, the theme for the 2012 National Women’s Month Celebration is “Women weathering climate change: governance and accountability,

everyone’s responsibility.” Other activities lined-up for the month-long celebration are tree planting, mobile clinic for women, disaster preparedness training, women rescue Olympics, and provincial women’s congress. (PIO)

BIR intensifies tax campaign in Misamis Occidental by Pat Nano

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Revenue District Office 100 (RDO-100) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue here has intensified its campaign to pay the annual income taxes for 2011.

Such campaign aims to remind the tax payers in the province to pay their obligation for the year 2011, during the first quarter of the year, which also coincide with the renewal of business registrations, Atty. Maria M. Alfonso, Revenue District Officer said. Alfonso hopes RDO-100 will be able to achieve this year’s tax goal with the full cooperation and support of the tax payers. The campaign started with a motorcade around the main thoroughfare of the city recently after which, a ceremonial signing of the pledge of support by the tax payers took place. Meanwhile, Alfonso has reminded the tax payers to ask for official receipts (ORs) everytime they buy goods or services from the store or establishment where they bought them. Not asking for the ORs from

these establishments is a loss to the government as the ORs provide information if they really pay the correct taxes, Alfonso said. In fact, it should be made a habit by every tax payer to help the government in its tax collection efforts as taxes are the source of funds for development projects for the general welfare of the people, Alfonso added. (PIO)


Mis. Occ. River Basin Management Committee moves for the protection of Mt. Malindang by Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - At least five units for the environment protection of Mt. Malindang has been formed by the Misamis Occidental River Basin Management Council (MORBMC) here.

The move was initiated by Governor Herminia M. Ramiro, considering the significance of Mt. Malindang for the whole province of Misamis Occidental. During the strategic planning attended by the members of the MORBMC, the following units were formed to monitor the implementation of its programs and activities: Enforcement and Protection Unit with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the lead agency, with the assistance of the Philippine National Police, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and Provincial Governor-ENRO; Education and Advocacy Unit with the Misamis University Community Extension Program as Chairperson, assisted by the Tingog Misamisnon Channel of the Misamis Occidental Provincial Information Bureau; Research and Monitoring Unit with DENR as the lead

agency assisted by the GITIB Inc.; Finance and Logistics Unit, headed by the provincial governor’s office with the assistance of the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment Protection; Development and Conservation Unit, headed by PG-ENRO assisted by the Provincial Tourism Office. Leading the conduct of the Strategic Planning Workshop was Rosendo Requina, a provincial social welfare and development officer of Misamis Occidental, who also headed the Committee Action Plan. (PIO)


DTI teaches business through game

Instilling entrepreneurial spirit can best be done in a

game. Small and Medium Development (SME) coordinator Necitas Lazaga of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao del Norte Field Office has found this out in her 13 years of handling the task of enterprise development. In an interview, Lazaga recommended the BEST Game for business starters so they would gain

prior knowledge on how to run an enterprise. Business Expense Savings Training, or BEST Game is an entrepreneurship seminar conducted in a game, giving participants hands-on experience on how to start and run the business they have in mind. Absorbed in a role play as real entrepreneurs, participants would realize

that the success or failure in running a business largely depend on their business decisions, and that, product quality matters, Lazaga explained. “The game also makes participants discover the (personal) qualities that are needed in running a business,”she said. The module of BEST Game revealed that such technology of teaching entrepreneurial skills was developed by Triple Trust Organization based in Cape Town, South Africa With participants ideally

by Jean Abangan


grouped into three, BEST Game is played competitively in a“simulated business environment”, leading to definite outcomes in terms of profit and savings just like in a real life business situation. BEST Game has three modules, namely, Introducing the Basic Business Cycle, Understanding Demand and Supply, and Reaching Your Customers and Improving Business. Lazaga viewed it much better for starters to gain business experience before they venture into real business so they would be guided on what to do, and what business decisions to take, to help them succeed in business. Lazaga revealed that the BEST Game formed a major part of last

year’s SME development activities of DTI Davao del Norte Field Office.Based on accomplishment report, DTI Davao del Norte last year conducted 63 trainings which included nine on productivity, 17 on skills and technology, and 37 on entrepreneurship development. Using the BEST Game, DTI Davao del Norte has reached out to students of masters degree, Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) and Marketing especially in the University of Mindanao, Tagum City campus. DTI is also using such business game technology in assisting groups and associations of micro entrepreneurs, and those that it is grooming to produce leading products under the One-Town One-Product (OTOP) program.

Employment information services move closer to Digos brgysby Carina Cayon DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur– Em-ployment information services would soon be brought closer to communities here, as barangay chiefs allowed the establishment of the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) in their villages. Some 11 barangay captains in Digos City agreed to become managers of PESO, a one-stop center that provides employment information assistance and various services to job seekers in their

respective areas. The village heads signed yesterday (Mar. 14) a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Davao del Sur provincial PESO in carrying out said program that aims to ensure the speedy, equitable and efficient delivery of employment services. The following barangay captains would soon administer the PESO program in their barangays:


Arnold Zapanta of Zone 1; Rodrigo Abangan (Zone 2); Gary Ra. Cagas (Zone 3); Reynaldo Aballe (Aplaya); Alex Sison (Dawis); Raul Genetializa (Lungag); Rodrigo Javier, Jr. (San Agustin); Tarciano Baba, Jr. (San Miguel); Fernando Lazarte (Soong); Josephine Comahig (Tiguman); and Leander Navarro (Tres de Mayo). Aplaya Barangay Captain Aballe welcomed this new endeavor in his barangay, saying that this could help facilitate work for the new graduates and the unemployed in his area. Prior to the MOA signing on Wednesday at Barangay Zone III conference hall, Malalag PESO manager Bernadette Saladaga oriented the village heads about the multi-employment service program. Saladaga said that the PESO facility at the barangay would function as center for referrals of human resources within the community to employers and establishments with job vacancies within and outside the city. The PESO would serve as information center for the various services and programs of DOLE and other government agencies present in the area, and would provide clients with adequate information on employment and labor market situation in the area. Saladaga said that the program would also provide career and employment coaching such as the Pre-Employment Seminar for Local Applicants (PESLA) to graduating

students to prepare them for employment. She shared that among the benefits for having the PESO program include the gains of the network with other PESOs within the region on employment for job exchange, and availing of the technical and financial assistance from DOLE. Provincial PESO manager Rolly Impas urged the new barangay PESO managers to include in their plans the skills profiling that would facilitate the easy matching of skills with the available jobs. Meanwhile, DOLE assistant regional director Van Cebrano emphasized the significance of installing the PESO program in the barangays, saying that this could help address the concern on human trafficking. Cebrano said that with the advocacy and education component of PESO, the barangay constituents would be made aware of illegal recruitment which mostly victimized the vulnerable sector in the communities. The 11 barangays out of the 26 in Digos City will be the first to establish the PESO program in their respective areas. In the entire province, the municipality of Malalag is the first to have all its 15 barangays functioned as PESO centers. The establishment of PESO at the local levels capital towns of provinces, key cities, and other strategic areas is pursuant to Republic Act No. 8759 otherwise known as the PESO Act of 1999.


NGO’s anti-hunger program highly commended by local officials

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Officials of the provincial government of South Cotabato commended the non-government organization, Save the Children, for its contributions in the fight against malnutrition among children.

On Tuesday, March 13, Save the Children presented to the local government officials and other stakeholders the terminal report its project, Making Food Go Further (MFGF) after three years of implementation in selected villages in Lake Sebu. The project was implemented with support from Kraft Foods.

Provincial health officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., said malnutrition rates in villages where

the project was implemented declined sharply largely due to the efforts of the NGO.

“The project is worth replicating in

other areas, especially in municipalities and barangays where malnutrition rates remain high,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gov.

By Dani Doguiles


Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. immediately expressed commitment to sustain the project. He added he will push for more legislations and allot more resources in support to nutrition programs specifically intended for school children.

During the exit conference, Save the Children Manager of South Central Mindanao Fanny Divino reported that they have served 9,378 Grades 1 – 3 school children in their feeding program in Lake Sebu and other parts of the country.

They have also assisted 287 families with livelihood assistance projects and trained 662 health care providers and 268 community health workers on the hunger mitigation approach.

The project, according to a press briefer, conducted activities such as direct food provision, de-worming medication, and vitamin supplements for school children.

It has extended health education in

the communities on children’s health, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene through the Positive Deviance/Hearth Approach and worked toward improving the capacity of volunteer health workers to recognize and refer severely malnourished children for treatment.

Livelihood assistance projects were extended

to families included vegetable growing, loom weaving, food processing, abaca production, and cut-flower growing.

“With the help of partners from the local government units from the province, municipality and

barangays, as well as from the Department of Education, Save the Children ensures that families, especially the children, have improved food security and health and nutrition resiliency,” Divino said.

Save the Children wants to prove that communities have the power to make children’s lives better.”

At the exit conference,

Divino pointed out that Making Food Go Further is a means to showcase a proven approach in hunger mitigation. She urged local governments to adopt the practices of the project to helping reduce malnutrition incidence.


Besides Lake Sebu, MFGF was also implemented in Parañaque City in Metro Manila and Antique in the Visayas.

Lake Sebu, along with the municipalities of T’boli and Tupi, have been identified as areas with higher levels of malnutrition.

Aturdido, however, noted that the malnutrition rate of the entire South Cotabato is only 14 percent,

which is much lower than the national target of 22 percent.

S e v e r a l supplemental feeding programs for both preschoolchildren and grade school pupils are being conducted here in partnership with national line agencies as well as with partners from the private sector.

One supplemental feeding program of the provincial government

specifically targets 1,416 “poorest of the poor” families across the province classified as severely malnourished. On weekly basis, health nutrition officials send these families food packages consisting of rice, mongo, iodized salt, and high-calcium whole milk as well as iron supplementation for mothers and multi-vitamins for children. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

OSCA-Gensan to receive new computer setsby Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY-- The Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) here is scheduled to receive next month five sets of personal computer from the SHEEP-Computer Literacy Program (CLP) of the city government.

“This will be given to the ‘senior netizens’ in recognition of the rights of our elders to take their proper place in society and give full support to the improvement of their total well-being through Information Technology,” said SHEEP-CLP head, Percival Pasuelo.

“Senior Netizens” are technology savvy elderly who underwent hands-on training on “Basic

Computer Operation and Facebook” conducted by SHEEP-CLP since December 2011.

The SHEEP-CLP has intensified its technology training for the elderly by making it as a whole year continuous activity designed to give more meaning to the lives of the more than eight thousand active senior citizens of the city.

OSCA Chairman, Jacinto Gutang revealed

that they are very excited for the arrival of the said computer sets as they want to expand their newly-acquired skills by discovering other recreational activities in the computer and the internet.

Meanwhile, Pasuelo disclosed that the City Government recently partnered with Bayan Telecommunications (Bayantel) Gensan through Mr. Gilbert


L. Cordero, Jr. for possible projects that aim to empower senior citizens to be active and productive in their “twilight years.”

He said Bayantel committed to provide OSCA with free internet connection as part of their “Teach Lola” program.

“Teach Lola,” pioneers the drive

towards encouraging the younger generation to take the first step to bridge the digital divide by teaching their grandparents how to get connected to the world through the World Wide Web, …and to bring grandparents and their grandchildren closer together by expanding

their communication to more than just special occasions.”

Pasuelo expressed optimism that the active partnership of the Local Government and Bayantel will surely promote quality of life to these “senior netizens.” (PGFruylan/PIA-Gensan with reports from LGU-Gensan)

ACEF loan ng DA ibabalik naKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Inihayag ng Department of Agriculture Region 12 (DA-12) na muling bubuksan ng ahensya ang pasilidad nitong Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) na nagbibigay ng pautang sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda.


Ayon sa Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) ng DA 12, mismong si Secretary Proceso Alcala ang nagbalita na bubuksang muli ang ACEF matapos maaprubahang ang bagong panuntunan ng naturang programa.

Ang ACEF ay isang funding facility ng DA na nagbibigay ng suporta sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda, mga kooperatiba, at mga negosyong pang-agrikultura upang palakasin ang kanilang kakayahan sa pandaigdigang

pamilihan.Sinuspende ito noong

Enero 2011 matapos lumabas ang ilang reklamo sa umano’y hindi tamang paggasta ng naturang pondo at ang mahinang balik ng ipinautang ng pera.

Ayon sa hiwalay na press release mula sa tanggapan ni Senator Francisco Pangilinan chairman ng Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, sa loob ng sampung taon aabot sa 8.7 bilyong piso na pautang ang hindi pa nabayaran.

Sa bagong panuntunan, ayon sa DA,

binibigyan ang DA ng pagrepaso ng funding program. Hihingi na rin ang DA ng table-mortgage o collateral sa pautang na dadaan sa validation ng mga chairman ng Senate at House of Congress Committee on Agriculture upang masigurong ang makikinabang sa pautang ay ang mga nararapat matulungan.

Inatasan na rin ni Senator Pangilinan ang DA na palakasin ang paghahabol sa mga may-utang sa ACEF upang makamit ng ACEF ang layunin nito. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

One Mindanao - March 16, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao - March 16, 2012