One Mindanao - March 17, 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

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

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

EDITORIAL BOARD

Cover Story

Constantino Soriano Memorial Hospital: A dream come true for Siocon residents

Gideon C. CorgueWestern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Saturday, March 17, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 216

page 4

DENR-13 exec reminds people to conserve water this summerEric F. Gallego, Caraga Region

Reg’l Committee on Disability Affairs sets activities for the year14Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

PRO-ARMM hospital rehabilitation starts

21Perlita B. Changco, Central Mindanao

AFP reservists in Palawan get refresher course on IPSP Bayanihan24Rene V. Carbayas, Western Mindanao

Malacañang maintains government remains active in fighting air pollution 9

PESO ng Koronadal patuloy ang pagtanggap ng mga aplikante sa SPES KJNavecis, Central Mindanao

Dipolog to launch anti-human trafficking drive on March 2325Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

12

DOLE promotes voluntary compliance with labor laws28 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

PNP-10 chief orders police to protect the welfare of young men and women27Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga, Northern Mindanao

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4 Saturday, March 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

People will no longer travel long distances from remote communities to avail of quality health

services. A 50-bed capacity hospital now serves the health needs of the rural poor specifically in the Triple SB area, (Sirawai, Siocon, Sibuco and Baliguian) municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte and other neighboring towns.

Cover StoryConstantino Soriano Memorial Hospital: A dream come true for Siocon residents

Administrative officerBenjamin Corbita said the P30-M Constantino Soriano Sr. Memorial

Hospital (CSSrMH) is the brainchildofMayorCeasar

C. Soriano as part of his health care

agenda and was const ruc ted

a n d

inauguratedonApril1,2011. Corbita said the (CSSrMH) is atwo-storeyconcreteedificewith50 bed capacity and lies in theheartofthefirstclassmunicipalityof Siocon to provide local folksaccesstoqualityhealthcare Mayor Ceasar C. Sorianodonatedabiglotownedbyhislatefather Constantino, a policeman,towhich the hospitalwas namedafter. The immediate concern ofMayor Soriano’s administration

by Gideon C. Corgue

Saturday, March 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

Constantino Soriano Memorial Hospital: A dream come true for Siocon residents

was to address the health problems ofhisconstituents,believingthatahealthycitizenry isanempoweredcitizenry. Making the necessaryrepresentations, he was ableto secure funding from theDepartment of Health in the amount of P30 M and so thehospitalwasbuilt. “Heusedtoextendassistanceby bringing patients afflictedwith diseases such as diarrhea,malaria, pneumonia, and otherdiseases to the hospitals in Zamboanga City which is veryfarfromSioconusinghisprivatevehicles. Beset with this pitifulsituation, he finally decidedto build a hospital,” Corbitanarrated. Meanwhile, OIC-chief ofhospital Dr. Fidel Pondevida Jr. said the CSMH started to operate as level I (infirmary) hospital saying thatthey lacked medical equipments

to operate. Pondevida said CSSrMH

is now in the processof applying for

license at theDepartment

of Health (DoH)

and medicalequipments willbe released by thesaid department this month. “DOH, ourcounterpart is scheduledtoreleaseP30-Mworthofmedicalequipments and these includesX-rayandanesthesiamachinesandanambulance,”Pondevidadadded. Pondevida said in terms of manpower and service capability,CSMH is basically ready. “We havethecapabilitytohandlelargenumberofpatients,”Pondevidaassured. “We have ten (10) medicaldoctors,whoareresidentphysicians,34 medical staff and volunteersready to provide assistance,”Pondevidaproudlyreported. The hospital chief admittedthatwiththependingapplicationforlicense,CSSrMHcouldnotoperateinfullblastbuttheyaree xe r t i n g

6 Saturday, March 17, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

sincereand best efforts

to fulfill their long time dreamby providing access to affordableand quality healthcare to theunderprivilegedsector. Pondevida said based on their annual accomplishment report,most of the patients who availed healthcare services were comingfromtheTripleSBmunicipalities. Pondevida said CSMH operates as an economic enterprise inorder to sustain the operationsayingthatpatientshavetopayforevery treatment theywould have

to avail. The local government

unitthroughthemayor’soffice,Pondevidasaid,

have allocatedfundsfromits

budgetfor

indigents patients where a discountof 70% will be offeredtothem,heconcluded.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino attends 20th anniversary of the Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs

President Benigno S. Aquino III attended Friday night the 20th foundation anniversary of the Association of Young Filipino Chinese Entrepreneurs (AYFCE) at the Peninsula Manila Hotel in Makati City noting the challenges that the

association has to overcome in the coming years.

8 Saturday, March 17, 2012ONE MINDANAO

“Today,w e

commemoratethe 20th

Anniversary of theAnvil Business Club.

Over the years, we haveseen newer, younger setsof leaders in the businesscommunity stepping uptotheplate.Asyoubeginanotheryear,youbuildonthe achievements of thegreat men and women whocamebeforeyou,”thePresidentsaidinhisspeechbefore AYFCE officers andmembers.The way companies

do business today ischanging, the Presidentsaid, stressing thatbusinessmen have todeal with balancing theirbusiness interestsaswellas the interests of their workers.“In whatever industry

youmaybe from,and inwhichever country, thechallenge isthesame:tothinkonyourfeet,tokeepnimble, and to adapt tochanging paradigms,” hesaid.Aside from celebrating

its20thanniversaryFridaynight,AYFCEalsolaunchedits new name. AYCFE is formerly known as theAnvilBusinessClub.

With the anniversarytheme “Linking YoungEntrepreneurs in Asia:Promoting Investments inthePhilippines,”organizerssaid it would focus onAYFCE’s entrepreneurshipthrust, philanthropy,culture, the sciences, artsandnationbuilding.Founded by a group

of young Chineseentrepreneurs in1991, AYFCE aims topromote traditional Confucian and Filipinovalues and encouragecivic consciousness,entrepreneurial courage,professional excellence,leadership and global competitiveness.Among AYFCE’s civic

and cultural projectsinclude the donation ofthe Confucius monumentattheRizalPark’sChinese

Garden, the support forthe Dragon Boat Festival in thecountry,assistancetotheMathTrainersGuildof the Philippines, andscholarshipgrantsforpoorbuttalentedstudents.The organization also

conducted internationaleconomic, investmentandtradeexchangeswithChinese entrepreneursworldwide. Also present during

Friday’s event wereChinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Ke Qing, Trade SecretaryGregory Domingo,Energy Secretary JoseRene Almendras, AnvilBusiness Club chairmanJeffreyNg,AnvilBusinessClub Honorary chairmanGeorge Siy and AnvilBusiness Club presidentRoyChua.(AS)


Malacañang maintains government remains active in

fighting air pollution

Malacañang said government agencies continue to work to fight air pollution in the country focusing their thrusts in controlling smoke emissions of vehicles as well as getting rid of bogus emissions

testing centers.

The Philippine Medical Association(PMA)hasrecentlycalledon the government to intensify its fightagainstairpollutionthatthreatens the lives of

14millionMetroManilaresidentseachday. “Masigasig ho ang Pangulo doonsa pagpro-promote noong mga nagawa natin when it comes

to fighting air pollutionand the President said that we should stickto simple solutions,”Deputy Presidentialspokesperson AbigailValte said on Saturday


duringa n

i n t e r v i e w o v e r

g o v e r n m e n t -run dzRB Radyo ng

Bayan. The public has torememberthat80percentof air pollution comesfrommobilesourcesandtheremaining20percentcoming from the powerplants and other fixedsources,Valtesaid. “Yung 80 percentna iyan,marami tayongmgaahensiyathathavesteppedupandthatdocooperate until now toseewhatcanbedone,”she added. The government’s

majorthrustisgetsmokebelching vehicles offthe roads and padlockemissionstestingcentersthatdonotcomplywiththe currentgovernmentregulations,Valtesaid. Smoke emissiontesting centers may beissuing wrong figureswith regards to the numberofvehiclesbeingtestedeverydayandthegovernmentisactingonit,Valtesaid.Shenotedthatthiscompromisesthegovernment’s campaignagainst air pollution inMetro Manila adding concerned agenciesmust not permit erringcenterstooperate. “Kaya nag-

crackdown ang LandTransportation Officeat ang Department of EnvironmentandNaturalResourcesdoonsamgaemissiontestingcenters.At yung panawagannatin kung mayroonkayong alam na testingcenter na ganito, paki-report lang po, so thecorresponding actionmaybedone,”shesaid. Valte also said that after the DENR andthe LTO spearheadedemissions testing activities, the level ofairpollutionwentdownfrom the time that the Presidentassumedofficein2010. (AS)

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PhilHealth-Caraga cites benefits of computerized systemby Robert E. Roperos

In response to transparency and accountability program of the present administration, the regional office of the Philippine Health Insurance

Corporation (PHIC) here said, with the implementation of its computer-based system on recording of the members’ payments, they can assure that their records will be updated from time to time.


In a radio interview with Parley Buyan, PhilHealth-Caraga information officer, the computer-based recording system that is implemented by the agency is a way to uphold transparency of transactions between and among the agency and the members. Buyan also said through this, members don’t need to be worry on their records since it is already updated. With this,

she added members can immediately transact with their office should they need assistance on their claims and other services. The official further said with this automated recording system, queries of members will now be immediately addressed. “Thus, t r a n s p a r e n c y will transpire in transacting with the members,” Buyan said. In a related d e v e l o p m e n t ,

the PhilHealth online services are considered the newest addition to the agency’s menu of electronic services. This features different access points that the agency’s stakeholders can tap to transact with them online. It includes registration, premium payment and reporting and even locating their offices nationwide. Log-on to http://w w w. p h i l h e a l t h .gov.ph / se r v i c e s / for details.

DENR-13 exec reminds people to conserve water this summerby Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY-- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Caraga Regional Exec. Dir. Leonardo R. Sibbaluca reminded people to conserve water, particularly this summer season.


“Let us putinto practice of whatwe’ve learned aboutconservationofwatersothatthenextgenerationmay continue to enjoyan unlimited supplyof water resources”Sibbalucasaid He made this reminder as DENRprepares to celebrateactivities for the WorldWaterDayonMarch22.The World Water Daywill espouse the theme“Katiyakan sa Tubig,Katiyakan sa Pagkain(SuretyonWater,SuretyonFood).” The executivedirector said some

people throw waste into the waterways whichpollutestherivers,lakes,estuaries, and otherwater bodies whichcan affect our foodresources. “Let us stop thisbad habit of dumpingwastes into the rivers,creeks and esteros topreserveourresources,”Sibbalucasaid. “Wethoughtit’sjusta little matter when we seeabustedpipesoozingwith fresh water on the street but consider thevolumeofresourcesthatare being wasted awaywhich are consideredprecious to the people

in other parts of the worldwhoaresufferingfrom inadequate watersupplies”headded. AccordingtoDENRSecretary Ramon Paje,theDENRattheCentralOfficeinDiliman,Quezoncityhaslinedupactivitiesfocused on increasingpublic awarenessto conserve waterresources “because it isanimportantcomponentofourlife.” “Waterisverymuchincorporatedinthefoodsupplychain,whetherinirrigation and fisheriesor producing feeds forourlivestock,”Pajesaid. The World Water


Reg’l Committee on Disability Affairs sets activities for the year

Day 2012will also lookat how the swelling populationcancopewiththe increasing pressureon available water resourcesbyconsumingless water-intensive products and reducingfood wastage, whichtranslatestolostwater,accordingtohim. “Thisistheconceptofmeasuringthe‘waterfootprint’ or the totalvolume of freshwater

used to produce thegoods and servicesconsumedorproduced,”Paje said. A water summitdubbed “WaterKnowledge Fair at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel inMandaluyongCitywillintroduce “knowledgeproducts” focused ondeliveringwaterservicesparticularly in ruralareas. This will be participated by

government agencies,local government units,water service providers,and other stakeholders.The participants willdiscuss different water-related programs and strategies. The event is organized by thePhilippine government,along with partners from the MilleniumDevelopment Goals Fund.

by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- To continuously promote the welfare of persons with disability (PWDs), the Regional Committee on Disability Affairs (RCDA) led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga with partner agencies will once again spearhead different celebrations with various activities for this year.


According to Flerida Labanon, regional program coordinator of the National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA), the local government units must also include programs and services for the children/youth with disability, women and older persons with disability because they also form part of nation-building. Labanon also stressed that local government units should double time its advocacy on the implementation of the 20 percent discount privilege on purchases and services not only for the senior citizens but for the PWDs as well. “In time with this year’s women’s month celebration, our women with disability will also be highlighted and they will also be participating in different activities especially on disaster-

risk reduction and management… This year, we will also observe the 5th World Autism Awareness Day. We also encourage our PWDs to participate in the Search for the “Asia-Pacific Disability Champions Award,” said Labanon. Activities like “Light-up Blue” (lighting/releasing of sky lanterns), photo exhibits, and on-the-spot poster making contest are among the set activities for the 5th World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2012 with the theme “Make the rights real for persons with Autism.” Deadline of submission for the nomination forms from the different sectors for the Search for the Asia-Pacific Disability Champions Award involving PWDs is on March 30, 2012.

Also, on May 2012, the RCDA will be conducting ‘access audit’ on the facilities of Surigao del Sur provincial offices and Tandag City municipal offices. Afterwhich, a consultation/forum with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) employees will be held. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga will be conducting skills training and trade fair for PWDs. Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga will be spearheading the Anti-bullying Campaign in the primary and secondary schools through series of consultations with the students and their parents. The RCDA members will finalize other activities for this year during its second quarter meeting. RCDA with partner agencies and stakeholders call on the public to give their full support on these activities for the welfare of the PWDs.


MinDA to convene Mindanao power stake-holders for ‘quick and decisive’ action on brownouts

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is set to

convene soon a meeting of key power industry players and stake-holders to address issues on rotat-ing brownouts affecting several areas in Mindanao. In a statement issued today, Secretary Luwalhati Antonino said the power problem in Mindanao requires both immediate and long term solutions involving everyone in the generation, distribution and utilization

chain. “We are confronted with this problem in Mindanao on a recurring fashion and it’s time we deal with this quickly and decisively,” Antonino said. She also stressed that based on series of discussions with, and subsequent recommendations from Mindanao power stakeholders, a significant deal with what needs to be done involved

major policy actions such as review of the EPIRA Law, among others. “MinDA is currently putting together a position paper and consolidating the inputs from rounds of stakeholder consultations, including Mindanao lawmakers so that all of us are on same page on this issue,” she said. Earlier this week, a joint hearing of the Committee on Energy and the Special Committee on Mindanao Affairs at the House of Representatives came


up with proposed measures to avert worsening of the Mindanao power problem. At the hearing, the lawmakers asked both the Department of Energy (DoE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on the real energy situation in Mindanao. The Mindanao congressmen also inquired on the status of dredging projects that were previously proposed to help improve generating capacity on Mindanao hydro power plants, which collectively generate more than half of Mindanao’s power supply. In her report to the joint committee hearing, Energy Undersecretary Josefina Asirit said that as of March 11, Mindanao’s available capacity stood at 1,149MW, with peak demand reaching 1300MW or a power shortfall of 151MW. She also noted that apart from generation deficiency in the grid, the situation is compounded by non-compliance of some industry players such as distribution utilities and electric cooperatives on the load-to-maintain (LTM) matrix, which provide the basis for load curtailments. She said that sanctions would be imposed to customers not complying with LTM matrix to prevent over

withdrawing of power above their nominated requirement. Asked by Antonino what happened in the last four months that prompted the power supply shortage, Asirit pointed to the limited dispatched capacity of most of the hydro power plants which at times had become unreliable. Antonino, however, noted that there have been no major incidents in the last four months that would warrant reduction of generating capacity of the hydro power plants and maintained that Agus II and Pulangi had about 65MW of untapped capacity which should have been utilized. She emphasized that repair and rehabilitation of the hydro power plants should be given top priority even as she echoed calls opposing the sale of the hydro complex that could push rates up. “Our efforts must be both at ensuring reliable power supply and levelling of the playing field for investments in Mindanao which is already disadvantaged by image problem, and shouldn’t be aggravated by high power rates,” Antonino said. At end of the hearing, the lawmakers led by Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez moved for the following resolutions: urging DOE to dredge the affected area; opposing sale the Agus and Pulangi Plants; implementing Agus 3 construction; lowering the reserve margin from 250 to 100, revisiting of EPIRA Law; and, lowering the extent of rotating brownout in areas previous affected by Sendong. (MinDA)


Brontispa alert up in Soccsksargen regionby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Agriculture officials in Soccsksargen Region confirmed the report of a recent onslaught of pests threatening coconut plantations in at least 16 municipalities and cities across the four provinces of Region 12.


DA – 12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan on Thursday said, a report from Philippine Coconut Authority – 12 general manager Elvira BC Silva cited that Brontispa infestation has already affected 201,847 coconut palms in the entire region based on the February 17 report of the Brontispa Control Project.

Most recent increase in incidence was reported in Malungon, Sarangani where 15,574 coconut seedlings , nonbearing trees and bearing trees have already shown signs of attack.

Some signs of infestation have also been noted in Glan municipality, a major coconut producer in the region.

On Monday, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste reported that at least 63,707 coconut trees in Koronadal City and the municipalities of Tupi, Polomolok, Tantangan, Banga,

S u r a l l a h , and T’boli have been infested.

Brontispa infestation has also b e e n reported in L ibungan , Midsayap, Antipas and Kidapawan City in North C o t a b a t o as well as in coconut farms in Ta c u r o n g C i t y ,

Lutayan and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

Brontispa (Brontispa longissima), also known as coconut leaf beetle, could be major economic threat to coconut production if

not contained because the pest eats up young leaves and damages both young seedlings and mature coconut palms.

Signs of infestation include appearance of scorching or burning when coconut palms are observed from a distance. At close inspection, young leaves show signs of drying due to water stress.

Regional Crop Protection Center officer in charge Ludivina Dumaya, said their office, in coordination with local government units and municipal agricultural offices, have carried out massive operations against the pest.

“More than 80 percent of the Brontispa-infested coconut palms in the entire region have been treated,” she said.

Their immediate defense, she explained, was to cut and burn infected leaves and fronds to kill the pest.

Dumaya explained further that significant economic losses could result when each infected tree has already sustained damages in


PRO-ARMM hospital rehabilitation starts

eight fronds.“However, Brontispa

damage are often noticeable only when damage has already affected at least three palm fronds,” she said, adding that early detection is necessary for a more effective containment of the infestation.

Besides cut and burn method, they have also dispersed Tetrastichus insects, a natural enemy of Brontispa. These parasitoids are being mass produced in 15 laboratories across the region.

Ten of these laboratories are in

North Cotabato; one each in Koronadal City, Polomolok, Tupi, and Surallah in North Cotabato; and one at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Sarangani Province.

“RCPC and the partner laboratories have already dispersed 17,173 Brontispa mummies. Each mummy contains 20 to 40 pupas of Tetrastichus,” she said.

These Tetratichus pupa feed on Brontispa eggs thereby reducing pest population in coconut plantations, she explained.

Protection of the

coconut palms against Brontispa infestation is likely to continue if Tetrastichus population is maintained in the plantation.

Officials of the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Coconut Authority, Regional Crop Protection Center and local government units and other stakeholders are scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 21, to discuss updates on Brontispa infestation in the region and plan out control measures if necessary. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)

COTABATO CITY -- Rehabilitation and renovation of the PRO-ARMM Camp Salipada K. Pendatun Hospital in Parang, Maguindanao is underway following the signing of the Memoraundum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Health (DOH) and the Police Regional Office-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM) for the implementation of the said project.

by Perlita B. Changco

The ground breaking ceremonies last March 15 at the police camp in Parang, was led by ARMM-OIC regional governor Mujiv Hataman together

with DOH-ARMM regional secretary Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding, Jr., PRO-ARMM regional director PC/Supt Mario Avenido, Parang town mayor Dr.

Ibrahim Ibay.The rehabilitation of

the hospital is funded by DOH under its Health Facility Enhancement program for 2011 in the


amount of P7. 3 million converting it into a 29-bed hospice for greater and improved access to healthcare services especially to the medical needs of indigent and marginalized families.

In his message. Hataman reiterated g o v e r n m e n t ’ s commitment of pursuing sustainable socio-economic development in the autonomous region urging support and cooperation to the reform programs

being instituted through open governance and accountability.

Hataman said he is not daunted by the resentment of some quarters, and sees this as a challenge to intensifying the institutio of reforms and changes up to the local government units in the ARMM.

For his part, Gen. Avenido expressed gratitude to the DOH for positive response to the PRO-ARMM’s request for funding

support urgently needed for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated health facility inside the ARMM regional police camp.

He assured that the rehabilitation of the Camp SK Pendatun hospital would not only benefit the members of the police and their immediate families but would also cater to the health and medical care needs of civilians in the nearby areas, ( p b c h a n g c o / P I A Cotabato City)

PESO ng Koronadal patuloy ang pagtanggap ng mga aplikante sa SPESKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Mayroon hanggang Sabado, Marso 17 ang mga kabataan sa lungsod ng Koronadal na magsumite ng kanilang aplikasyon para sa Special Program for Employment of Students o SPES sa pamahalaang panglungsod.

Ayon kay PESOManager-DesignateJudithL. Marmonejo ginawa nilangSabadoanghulingaraw ng pagsumite ngaplikasyon sa halip nasaMarso16dahilsamaymga pasok pa ang ibangestudyanteatnahihirapansa pagsusumite ngkanilangmgapapeles.Aniyasamganagnanais

na mag-apply, kailanganlamang magdala ng Birth

Certificate, pinakahulingcerificate of grade namagpapakitang walasilang bagsak na grado,BIR Certificate. Isumiteito sa tanggapan ng PublicEmploymentServiceOffice(PESO)sacityhallng Koronadal City saBarangayCarpenterHill.Sangayonaymayroon

nang higit sa 200 naaplikante ang nakatalasa kanilang tanggapan at

inaasahang madaragdagan pa ito hanggang sa Sabado.Sailalimngprograma,

60 porsiyento ng sahodng mga kabataangmagtatrabaho sa ilalim ngSPESaybabayaranngemployer samantalangang nalalabing 40 porsiyento ay babayaranng Department of Labor and Employment.(KJNavecis/ PIA12)


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TVIRD extends livelihood assistance to Sta. Maria Fisher-folks by Alfonso T. Ruda

Amidst criticism and opposition of some sectors to their continuous extraction of mineral resources (copper and zinc) at Sitio Canatuan in Barangay Tabayo,

Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, TVI Resource Development (Phils) Inc. remains committed to fulfill its commitment to provide livelihood opportunities to the people residing around its mining operation area.


Its presence did not only benefit the people residing inside their mining operation area but also to the people residing in the nearby communities as it continue to extend various livelihood assistance to the local residents of the area. Recently, TVIRD launched a Kubkoban Project in barangay Sta. Maria, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, wherein it provided fishing materials to the members of Sta. Maria Fisher-Folks Association of Sitio Busicong, Sta. Maria. Ms. Juma Villanueva TVIRD Junior Program Officer said, the P1.8-million Kubkoban Project includes fishing boat powered by a 4D30 HP engine with an estimated 1,300 meters of 8 and 9 knot fishnets. The Kubkoban Project is one of the many projects implemented by the mining firm to provide means of livelihood to the native inhabitants of the area under its Social Development Management Program. Sta. Maria Barangay Kagawad Tan E. Cailo, who is also the President of Sta. Maria Fisherfolks Association said the Kubkoban Project, launched last February 11, 2012 is expected to start its formal fishing operation this month. Once the Kubkoban will be in full operation, its harvest is expected to augment the supply of fish needed by the women’s association in the production of sardines. Barangay Sta. Maria which

is some 7 kilometers from the municipality of Siocon is a pre-dominantly Muslim-inhabited community with more or less 400 households. (NBE/ATR/PIA9-ZamboNorte)


AFP reservists in Palawan get refresher course on IPSP Bayanihan By Rene V. Carbayas

The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP said the Western Command (WESCOM) intends to involve all stakeholders in the province of Palawan for the upcoming BK12, thus, WESCOM conducts the training to Palawan Reservists at Headquarters Western Command. The training was conducted from March 5-11. Lectures were focused on the AFP Reservist Law and Military Customs, Military Courtesy and Discipline, Threats to National Security, Interior Guard Duties, Marksmanship Training, Squad Movement Techniques/Immediate Action Drill and an overview of the IPSP “Bayanihan”. The training/lectures were

facilitated by CDR Rommel M Oropesa (PN), Maj. Manolito M Belleza (PA) and personnel from the Camp General Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital (CGARSH). As part of the continuous refresher training for the reservists, a module on how to deal with the media entities was also offered and was conducted by the personnel from the 6th Civil Relations Group of the Civil Relations Service AFP. This refresher training will ensure the readiness of the reservists upon their utilization and involvement on all activities of the BK12. (JPA/6CRGAFP/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Some 90 reservists from the three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines participated in seven-day refresher course aimed at ensuring deeper understanding of the reservists’ role in the government armed forces, keeping them in step with the current AFP campaign plan—”the Inter Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.” This will also prepare them for Balikatan Exercises 2012 (BK12) which will be held on March 12 to April 28.


Dipolog to launch anti-human trafficking drive on March 23 By Franklin P. Gumapon

Traffic JAM-Lihok Mindanao aims to end human trafficking and modern slavery by conducting a massive information campaign to increase public awareness on this global problem that victimizes mostly women and children. The organizers will also hold a youth forum to apprise the young about the nature, causes and effects of human trafficking. This will be followed by a seminar-workshop on song writing and composition which is open to all interested participants. The provincial task force against human trafficking composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepED), non-government organizations (NGOs) and other law enforcement agencies keeps monitoring cases of human trafficking in the area. It can be recalled that two years ago, the task force was able to rescue minors from Zamboanga del Sur who were about to board a ship for Manila at the Pulawan port in Dapitan City. Those minors were reportedly recruited to work in Manila. (JPA//FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

DIPOLOG CITY - The city government here in collaboration with the Movement of Anti-trafficking Advocates (MATA), MTV Exit-end Exploitation and Trafficking and Visayan Forum is slated to launch “Traffic JAM-Lihok Mindanaw” on March 23.


BIR launches its 2012 tax campaign in NorMin by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

The unveiling of the tax campaign theme and logo was spearheaded by Reymarie Dela Cruz, chief of the Taxpayer Information and Education Division and Emir Abutazil from the Taxpayer Assistance Service of the BIR National Office together with the BIR

RR16 officials headed by its Director Atty. Alberto Olasiman. Abutazil, who reiterated the message of Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares, said this year’s theme “I Love Philippines, I Pay Taxes,” which captures the important role of BIR in

Ihe Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue Region (RR) 16 has launched its 2012 regional tax campaign with a motorcade around the city’s main thoroughfare followed by a

program at the Limketkai Mall Rotunda where the 2012 tax campaign theme and logo was unveiled.


governance and nation-building shows the essence of collection and payment of taxes as a duty and obligation. It calls on all sectors of the society to pay correct taxes and remit them on time in consonance with the advocacy of Henares that the payment of taxes is for the love of country and that taxes are essential components or building blocks to uplift the life of every Filipino. The logo represents the theme with the heart which symbolizes hope and dreams of every Filipino for a brighter future and a better life, he said. Thus, he appealed and

encouraged the guests, BIR partners, professionals, and taxpayers to file their income tax on or before April 15 this year to avoid the rush and pay the correct taxes as well. He stressed that paying correct taxes is a noble act of concern and love for the country. During the launch, the different thrusts of the BIR for this year’s campaign were also presented by Dela Cruz while the region’s tax collection performance was bared by Olasiman. Also, selected taxpayers from the different Revenue District Offices in RR16 pledged to support the BIR’s tax campaign.

PNP-10 chief orders police to protect the welfare of young men and womenby Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - PCSupt. Jufel C. Adriatico, Regional Director, Police Regional Office (PRO) in Northern Mindanao ordered police officers in the region to conduct relentless operations against bar establishments that operate with young women and men performing indecent shows in front of their customers.

Republic Act 9203, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, classifies indecent shows as pornography, whereby maintaining or hiring a person to engage in such kind of humiliation is punishable under this act. PCSupt. Adriatico made this directive on March 2, which coincided with the kick-off ceremony in celebration for the International Women’s Month

2012. He vows to promote gender-sensitive and gender-responsive advocacy of protecting the rights, security, and dignity of women. Provincial directors, city directors, and chiefs of police stations and units were ordered to coordinate closely with the local officials and agencies whenever operations relative to this matter are conducted. (PRO)


DOLE promotes voluntary compliance with labor laws by Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - In addition to the regular inspection and technical advisory visits, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also promoting voluntary compliance as a complementary approach in protecting the labor sector.

DOLE-10 Regional Director Johnson G. Cañete said that establishments that voluntarily comply with the general labor standards, occupational safety and health standards, and other existing labor mechanisms will be given a seal of excellence through the incentivizing compliance program (ICP). The ICP gives due recognition and incentives to a company’s initiative to voluntarily comply with labor laws or by assisting a non-

compliant company through training and technical assistance to enable it to comply with the requirements set by law. “We have lasted 78 years of policing establishments and looking into their violations but we found out that in spite of all those efforts we are not totally successful, hence, volunteering on their part to comply with the standards set by the government is a developmental approach in ensuring compliance with labor laws,” he further said.

One Mindanao - March 17, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao - March 17, 2012