One Mindanao - March 2, 2016

International community vital to sus-taining gains of Bangsamoro peace processMindanao lead agency inks development initiatives with ADB, USAID19SOCCSKSARGEN

DA supports women empowerment in agri sector24 Aurelius P. Arais, CARAGA

Water district slash anew an hour of water distribution33Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

BIR’s Large Taxpayers Service in P1.2 tril-lion collection mode, to harness power of possibilities10

SURSECO II GM clarifies assurance on power supply come May 9 polls26

DTI turns over P1.1 millionSSF proj-ects to Sibugay35 Alma L. Tingcang,Western Mindanao

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Sagay women’s association receives corn brew processing facility from DTI40Zita M. Abellare with reports from Bryan Kent Rafols, Northern Mindanao

Unity Walk for Safe and Fair Elections 2016 set on March 440MINDA sees power to normalize by April 2016 onwards49Joey Sem G. Dalumpines ,Southern Mindanao

today’s news

Davao Oriental opens Emergency Operations Center

Cover Story

By Rudolph Alama

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38 4231

Greg Tataro Jr., CARAGA

Lorry V. Gabule, Northern Mindanao

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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 ARTISTSGIDEON CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

PIA Regional OfficesWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

SOCCSKSARGEN RegionBautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

One Mindanao

4 March 2, 2016One Mindanao

M aking disaster preparedness and response a chief priority, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental has inaugurated on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016, a new Emergency Operation Center at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Compound in Dahican, City of Mati.


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A collaboration project between the United Nations’ World Food Program, USAID, and the Provincial Government, this new facility will serve as a command center for proper coordination and efficient response in times of disaster situations.

This facility, which will serve as a central coordinating body for various stakeholders on disaster response and preparedness, said the PRRMO, is very crucial in sharing information, communication and monitoring.

Aside from serving its role during disaster, the operation center will also serve as the housing of rescue equipment, venue for disaster response trainings, and convergence area of Emergency Response Teams and Action Officers.

According to the PDRRMO, the establishment of the operation center

is part of the WFP’s drive to intensify Disaster Preparedness and Response Capacity through DRRM Planning and logistics support.

WFP Deputy Country Director Martin Betteley vowed the WFP’s unwavering support to the province, especially now that the organization is focusing more on emergency and preparedness. “We all know that the more we spend on preparedness and mitigation measures we are going have to spend a lot less time in the response and I think that is now globally what WFP is looking at,” he said.

He also lauded the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in preparing the communities for disasters. “We are honored and proud to be your partners,” he told the Provincial Government Department Heads and representatives of different organizations here in the province, highlighting WFP’s partnership with Davao Oriental during the Typhoon Pablo response in 2012. “The WFP is very small compared to the contribution of the people here that made this possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Yvette T. Sunga highlighted the relevance of

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the operation center in light with the present climate change phenomenon. “Disaster comes in many forms. Climate change is here to stay and it is the mandate of the DILG to ensure the preparedness of each LGU in the province,” she said, noting the upcoming Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) assessment, wherein one of the indicators of the province’s preparedness for disasters is a functional, effective, and efficient Emergency Operation Center.

She lauded the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon for seriously addressing the preparedness and resiliency aspect of governance.“Through the convergent efforts of all stakeholders we can sustain and exceed with whatever performance we are currently showing right now through the different support mechanisms that the different partner agencies are showing.” Governor Malanyaon, who was represented by Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC) Freddie C. Bendulo during the inaugural ceremony, conveyed her gratitude to the WFP, USAID, as well as other stakeholders in helping Davao Oriental become a resilient and well-prepared province.

“We consider this project so much reason to be upbeat about the future with the unremitting positive developments in our province, to the dynamic beauty of complementation of our efforts – our very own take in the convergence approach in the commitment of stakeholders, such as your organization, is helping us gain a more secure footing towards the socio-economic development of the Province, as a whole,” she said in the message. (Davao Oriental PIO/Photo by Eden Jhan Licayan)

One Mindanao8 March 2, 2016

Gov’t firms-up sustainable land management practices

QUEZON CITY-- The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management recently presented the 2016 work plan to finalize the implementation of Sustainable Land Use Management (SLM) project that seeks to address land degradation and mitigate the effects of drought.

Director and National Project Director Silvino Q. Tejada said the BSWM is mandated to advise and assist in the utilization of soils as vital agricultural resources, and to formulate measures and guidelines for effective soil resource utilization.

“We have problems to

address—the health of our soils, land degradation, which is manifested by the loss of productive top soil through water erosion, loss of soil fertility due to over-cultivation, loss of vegetation cover due to illegal logging and widespread forest tree cutting, and expansion of “slash and burn” agriculture in

file photo of http://www.bswm.da.gov.ph/


critical slopes. We need close coordination with other agencies involved in this project to come-up with prompt solutions and actions,” Tejada said.

Besides the 2016 work plan, representatives from concerned government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Forest Management Bureau (DENR-FMB), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and local government units (LGUs) who joined the meeting have to finalize the three -year indicative targets of the project.

“The project involves a number of agencies and LGUs and so, the challenge for us is to plan our courses of action in an effective and coordinated manner,” Tejada added.

Significant tools to assess land degradation is generated through initial discussion in the workshop and included in the annual work Plan. The inter-agency project, which seeks a long-term solution for sustainability of the

agricultural lands focusing on the systematic ways to mitigate the effects of drought that has affected the farmers in several regions of the country and caused damage to the agricultural sector amounting to P4 billion, is made possible through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Moreover, 11.4 million hectares, or 38 percent Philippine soil is moderately to highly degraded, and 45 percent of arable lands are affected by soil degradation, making them less productive due to environmental problems and various human activities and inappropriate agricultural practices.

Comprehensive decision-making, monitoring and compliance system at national and local levels and mobilizing the baseline programme to engineer a paradigm shift from unsustainable to sustainable land use while improving the livelihoods of the farming community will be implemented through the project. (DA-BSWM)

One Mindanao10 March 2, 2016

PASAY CITY -- The Large Taxpayers Service (LTS) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially launched its 2015 Tax Campaign in a well-attended and nationalistic fervor filled gathering at the iconic Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

BIR’s Large Taxpayers Service in P1.2 trillion collection mode, to harness power of possibilities

Comprised of the country’s top 2,320 large corporate taxpayers and contributor of at least 60% of the BIR’s revenue

collection, the LTS is once again being tasked to backstop the entire BIR’s revenue collection efforts with an assigned collection


goal of P1.230 trillion for this year.

With a personnel complement of around 527 competent and professional revenue officials and personnel, LTS top honcho Assistant Commissioner of Internal Revenue (ACIR) Nestor S. Valeroso provided a glimpse of what his group is expected to undertake to breach the P1 trillion collection mark this year.

In his welcome address marked by his usual reference to the super heroes, ACIR “Iron Man” Valeroso described the 2016 collection goal of LTS as “overwhelming.” He however said his group believes in the power of possibilities and all that is needed is to SEARCH.

He said, “Our goal is very challenging indeed but with our super heroes – Superman Cesar (V. Purisima); Supergirl Kim (S. Jacinto-Henares; and Iron Man Nestor – it is easier to find the things that we search for with hardwork, dedication, and focus (on the goal).” He went to enumerate and explain what SEARCH meant, to wit: 1) S-tep

outside of the box; 2) E-xplore all the possibilities; 3) A-ct quickly and decisively; 4) Adhere to the R-oad map; 5) C-hallenge the status quo; and 6) H-arness human creativity.

He added “that the search will never be easy. But with the leadership and example of the super heroes, the men and women of LTS will turn out to be the country’s version of the Super Friends.” He went on to say that even super heroes need help and encouraged the large taxpayers to share their sense of service and love of country.

Last year, LTS collected P881.48 billion as compared to its 2014 collection of P824.42 billion. The said 2015 collection figure is 61.15% of the entire BIR’s tax take. Notably, the LTS more than doubled its revenue collection of P457.32 billion in 2010. The LTS collection grew by 325% from the period 2007 to 2015. Sin tax collection also rose from P55.69 billion in 2012 to P141.84 billion in 2015.

The BIR has a collection goal of P2.025 trillion for 2016 compared to P1.653 trillion in

One Mindanao12 March 2, 2016One Mindanao12

2015. Commissioner of Internal Revenue Kim S. Jacinto-Henares in her message illustrated and explained the progression of the BIR’s tax campaign approach saying that everything centered on the payment of correct taxes and building a strong nation

The BIR went from scaring taxpayers to pay their taxes correctly to shaming people who do not do their share and

who become a burden to others. It also appealed to the young generations with the youth-oriented and hip hop Register, File, and Pay (RFP) theme and the “Angat Pa, ‘Pinas!” advocacy which appealed to the sense of patriotism of the Filipinos. This year is a continuation of the “Angat Pa, ‘Pinas!” advocacy where taxpayers are told where their taxes went.

Commissioner Henares noted the Filipino’s “genetic fault


of a sense of entitlement without a sense of nationhood.” She quipped, “We keep on paying taxes and ask where did all your taxes go? This where that sense of entitlement comes in.” She ended by asking everyone to pay their taxes correctly if they really love the country and see to it that these taxes are properly spent by government.

Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima for his part echoed the sentiments of Commissioner Henares and ACIR Valeroso adding that the LTS practically collects one-half of government revenues. He lauded the men and women of LTS and the BIR for their efforts in collecting taxes. He threw at least four challenges to the BIR to further enhance tax collection. He recommended the expansion of the tax base of the BIR, creation of a second-tier LTS of High Networth Individual Taxpayers, use of the power of technology like electronic filing, and the hiring of more revenue auditors. He asked everyone to focus on the work of revenue generation to expect a better result or performance.

Juan Alejandro Aboitiz, Assistant Vice President and Head of Corporate Finance of Aboitiz Group, in his response pledged to unleash the power of possibilities saying they fully support the BIR’s “Angat Pa, ‘Pinas!” advocacy and pledged to continue paying their taxes correctly. He said, “We believe in paying taxes on time and complying with all administrative requirements and report submissions. As a responsible corporate citizen, we do our best to contribute our share to the country’s economic development and efforts.”

The BIR’s “Angat ‘Pa, ‘Pinas!” advocacy under the BIR’s PAC Program seeks to spark nationalism among Filipinos to pay their taxes correctly as a matter of practice, including filing their returns electronically. The PAC is part of the Revenue Administration Reform Project (RARP) with support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P). (BIR)

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International community vital to sustaining gains of Bangsamoro peace process

PASAY CITY – The support of the international community will provide the necessary fuel in preserving and sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process as the legislative track involving the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been put on hold with the bill’s non-passage during the 16th Congress, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael Seguis said recently.


“The non-passage of the BBL does not mean the end of the unwavering efforts to achieve long lasting peace. It is not the end of the peace process,” Seguis said in a DFA briefing attended by the department’s regional offices yesterday. “As diplomats, it is our duty to continue to engage and to talk to the international community in general and in particular, our international partners and stakeholders in the peace process. This is how we can substantively contribute to the peace process here in the Philippines.”

Several international actors have been involved in the negotiation and implementation phases of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Aside from the presence of Malaysia as a third-party facilitator, international actors can also be found in the other mechanisms established through the agreement such as the International Contact Group (ICG); the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT); the International Monitoring Team (IMT); the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB); and the Transitional

Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).

Seguis explained that having an international facilitator has helped a lot in clarifying some of the differences between the negotiating panels and is instrumental in coming up with the comprehensive agreement. “If we exclude Malaysia, it will be more of a problem. We needed somebody to listen [if we encounter any issues during the discussions].”

Similarly, DFA Office of American Affairs Executive Director Louie Alvarez stressed that having supportive foreign countries would help garner public attention in the on-going peace process. “It is very apparent that it is important to have international partners that publicly support the peace process. It creates a public image that the both parties are in good faith.”

In a related press event held in Ortigas on the same day, TPMT Chair Alistair MacDonald highlighted the importance to the Bangsamoro peace process of the international community “in this time of uncertainty.” He said that “[t]here were of


course a number of positive and important developments which can too easily be overlooked” such as “in discussions [that] underlined [how] peace in the Philippines could be an example to the world of how to achieve peace, at a time when extremism has become a global threat.”

GPH chief negotiator chair Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer also said that various countries have been studying the current Bangsamoro peace architecture to learn from its strengths. “The whole architecture is now a model to other countries around the world that are still trying to find a way out [of their internal armed conflicts].”

“Our ceasefire mechanisms have been significantly studied. Civil societies, non-profit organizations and armed groups are looking at our peace process,” she said, citing states and non-state groups in countries like Myanmar, Colombia, Thailand and Turkey.

“We are now in the books of experience of peace negotiations. It is becoming one of the learning tools for other conflicts,” Ferrer stressed.

International peace is on UN Charter Ferrer addressed concerns that the participation of foreign dignitaries on the negotiations with the MILF was against international law. “Promoting international peace and security is at the heart of the United Nations (UN) Charter. The rise of extremist Islamist movements is a matter of international concern.” “Peace with the MILF [and the] MNLF will isolate the extremists and address the conditions that breed discontent. Therefore, this is a significant matter for international cooperation,” she added.

The chief negotiator, who has been lauded around the globe for her work on the peace process and for being the first woman lead negotiator to sign a major peace agreement, explained further that the UN recognizes the people’s right to self-determination. “The UN also upholds the right of self-determination. In this instance, the reference is to internal self-determination or regional autonomy and this is what the foreign governments support.” (OPAPP)


Sultan Kudarat farmers get dump trucks for efficient service delivery

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, March 2 — More integrated service can now be delivered to the farmers as three dump trucks were for-mally turned over to the recipient agrarian reform beneficiary or-ganizations (ARBOs), officials said.


Rodolfo Alburo, provincial agrarian reform program offi-cer II (PARPO II) said that each truck is priced at PhP5,710,640 or a combined cost of PhP17,131,920 procured under the Agrarian Reform Commu-nity Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

“This can help address the hauling needs of farmers and serve as an added service of the ARB organizations,” Alburo said.

Columbio Peoples Multi-pur-pose Cooperative (COPEMCO) received one dump truck while Sultan Kudarat Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Network (SKARB-Net) received two units during the formal turn over at the DAR provincial office.

COPEMPCO Chairman Hector Nidoy said that they have been waiting for this project for some time as they need it as part of their cooperative services to their members.

“This dump truck will compli-ment with the other projects that we received. DAR has al-ready given us a tractor and now this hauling truck,” Nidoy said.

This dump truck, he add-ed, will address the need for a

cheaper cost of hauling farm produce in the area.

“There is no end to our ex-pression of gratitude to DAR and to the people who make this a reality,” Nidoy said.

SKARBNet Chairman Jolly Marquez also expressed his gratitude to DAR, saying the trucks will be of great help to them and to their six member - ARB organizations.

“We will use the trucks to ferry and deliver rice, corn, oil palm and sugar cane products that we will buy from the mem-ber-organizations of SKARBNet,” Marquez said.

These trucks will directly ben-efit more 300 member-farmers in the municipalities of Isulan, Tacurong, President Quirino, and Bagumbayan.

The ARCCESS project aims to strengthen the ARB organiza-tions by building them as hubs of support services in the com-munity which are expected to contribute to increasing ARB household incomes and improve resiliency of ARB households. (JJDael-DAR-SK/DEDogu-iles-PIA12)


Mindanao lead agency inks development initiatives with ADB, USAID

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 2 – Agreements that will spur de-velopment in Mindanao, particularly in the South Central Mind-anao Corridor (SCMC) were signed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), capitalizing on the island-region’s geographic and socioeconomic advantages.

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

focus area.Another agree-

ment was signed by Secretary An-tonino and ADB Country Director Richard Bolt on the implementa-tion of programs that will address specific issues in public and private investments in the SCMC, partic-

ularly in the Bangsamoro areas.“These projects will cement

South Central Mindanao’s posi-tion as the country’s foremost agribusiness and logistics hub,” said Antonino.

She added that the partner-ships highlight the shared com-mitment to develop Mindanao and to improve the quality of life of all Mindanawons.


The SCMC is composed of the Davao Region, SOCCKSARGEN Region and the mainland Au-tonomous Region in Muslim Min-danao (ARMM).

It is one of the three develop-ment corridors in the Mindanao Development Corridors Program aimed to position the island-region as a single, integrated economy that is able to lever-age and actively participate in the ASEAN and the rest of the world.

USAID’s agreement with Min-DA will specifically facilitate for the development of a framework and conceptual plan for the es-tablishment of an Aerotropolis in General Santos City, a mul-timillion Peso project that will integrate the different points of

entry in the SCMC.The Aerotropolis plans to de-

velop some 200 hectares of property surrounding the Gen-eral Santos airport to an inte-grated complex that will include business parks, amusement parks, hotels, integrated food terminal, food processing and manufacturing activities, and shopping malls.

Other projects identified in the USAID agreement are the creation of strategies for the network of ports, including the identification of functional roads that will support the SCMC. The agreement also seeks to draft the strategy for the develop-ment of the Ecotourism and Bio-diversity Cluster that will extend from Surigao del Norte (includ


ing Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin) to Davao Oriental in Mindanao’s Eastern seaboard.

“Our commitment to help strengthen the Mindanao De-velopment Corridors is built upon partnerships forged many years ago to promote economic growth in Mindanao,” said Miller.

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

The Mindanao 202O is a 20-year peace and development roadmap for Mindanao, which envisions to addresses the vari-ous challenges and opportuni-ties of the island-region not only within the context of securing peace amid a history of conflict but also in terms of harnessing its inherently rich socioeconomic potentials primarily for the ben-efit of Mindanawons.

The agreement with ADB on the other hand will facilitate for the conduct of a study that will prepare the Bangsamoro areas in their anticipated participation in the SCMC. Active involvement of the private sector during the conduct of the study will be en-couraged while key interven-

tions that will allow for the utili-zation of the corridor’s inherent potentials will be identified.

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

“ADB is Mindanao’s long-term partner and we also consider the island-region as our home,” said Bolt while adding, “among the first projects of ADB in the Philippines were implemented in Mindanao which included road, hydropower, and ports development projects as well as initiatives in strengthening agri-based industries through ir-rigation construction.”

The ADB assistance is also expected to enhance planning and the establishment of pro-gram monitoring and evalua-tion system for the Mindanao Development Corridors, while strengthening the links between MinDA and the Bangsamoro De-velopment Authority. (MinDA/DEDoguiles-PIA12)


OWWA joins in ‘Aplayan sa Minahan 2016’ By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

BUTUAN CITY -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in its constant effort to strengthen ties with local gov-ernment units, joined in the Jobs Fair: Aplayan sa Minahan 2016 on February 24 at the Multi-purpose Convention Hall in the Munici-pality of Claver, Surigao del Norte.


The activity aimed to bring employment to the locals of Claver and its neighboring municipalities, especially in the field of mining, the main source of employment in the locality. Overseas jobs for both skilled and service workers were also available during the fair. Recruitment representatives from five local mining companies and six from overseas recruitment agencies joined in the day’s jobs fair with 115 job openings. OWWA Caraga regional director, Samuel S. Madrid, took the gathering of workers to introduce the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Assist WELL program to the participants especially to those who aspire to work abroad. The Assist WELL (Welfare, Employment, Livelihood and Legal) is a program of the Department of Labor and Employment along with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), among others, that aims to ensure a synchronized and systematic delivery of

assistance to returning and/or repatriated OFWs with the four services. Officers from the different government offices also supported the event. Felibeth C. Bonono of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Norte, Meriam Balmocena, Regional Coordinator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) and Emilio C. Pantejo, Provincial PESO Manager for Surigao del Norte joined in the activity. Balmocena gave a brief pre-employment orientation to aspiring OFWs, emphasizing on gaining appropriate knowledge and information of the application process to ensure a safe and secure job placement. Meanwhile, Junrey Escobal, the municipal PESO of Claver, encouraged the constituents of Claver and all the participants of the fair to avail of the skills upgrading trainings for their career advancement and to eventually be more job-ready for employment opportunities here and abroad. A total of 478 applicants came to job-hunt where six have been hired on the spot.


DA supports women empowerment in agri sector By: Aurelius P. Arais

BUTUAN CITY -- At all times, women should be protected! A marching call of the United Nations to all nations around the globe in every circumstances and situations. Heeding to the call, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga hosted the orientation workshop of National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security (NAP-WPS) held in one of the convention center in Butuan City last February 17-18, 2016. The activity was participated

by Gender and Development (GAD) and PAMANA focal persons from different regions in the country. According to Director Helen Rojas of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the Philippines is still currently considered a conflict area considering the number of rebel groups operating in the country though the government is pursuing for a peace process.


However, she emphasized that in conflict and post conflict situations, women should be protected, empowered, and should play a decisive role in peace and security mechanisms. “The National Action Plan in Women, Peace and Security (NAP-WPS) was formulated in support to the implementation of gender equality as well as peace and development,” Rojas said. NAP-WPS is the articulation of the Philippine’s commitment to international resolutions and national mandates on women, peace and security and in adherence to provisions of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women and the 2010-2016 Philippine Development Plan. It aims to accelerate gender mainstreaming on conflict-affected areas. DA on its part will support the integration of the NAP-WPS in government programs through the GAD and PAMANA program implementations. DA Regional Director Edna Mabeza lauded OPAPP for spearheading the peace building initiatives and expressed her support by extending interventions to conflict-affected areas benefitting women. To capacitate the participants, Planning Officer III

Rebecca Baylosis of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) discussed the mechanisms on how to integrate NAP-WPS to GAD Plan and Budget. Meanwhile, Supervising Agriculturist Lorna Villegas of DA Central Office Field Operation Services spearheaded the workshop crafting the DA NAP-WPS guidelines. At the national level, NAP-WPS is implemented under the National Steering Committee created through Executive Order No. 865. In 2013, agencies implementing the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, a complementary program for the peace process were also engaged to implement NAP-WPS. Consistent with Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988, the annual National Women’s Month Celebration every March aims to give due recognition to the contributions of Filipino women in our society. This year’s theme is “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!”


SURSECO II GM clarifies assurance on power supply come May 9 polls By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Despite previous assurance made by Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative II (SURSECO II) regarding a reliable power supply service for the duration of the May 9, 2016 polls during the conduct of Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) command conference last January 22, the same power supply utility showed hesitance to stand by it.

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

SURSECO II general manager (GM) Engr. Iglorio Hinayon explained about some circumstances beyond their control that might affect their power supply service, citing possible trouble in the 69KV transmission line of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Engr. Regan Elumba, chief,

Technical Services Department (TSD) of said electric coop, represented Hinayon during that conference. Besides, the GM expressed concern over the unresolved problem on the unabated NGCP steel tower bombings that had taken place for a number of times in the Lanao area late last year.GM Hinayon said tower collapse


could be a cause for real trouble and low power supply for cooperatives which remain solely dependent on NGCP. Hinayon said that while SURSECO II had a contract to rely on with King Energy Generation Inc. (KEGI) but the latter could not distribute power needs particularly in Carcanmadcarlan area, a cluster of five municipalities in the north comprised of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza. A separate interview with Agui Jaluag, SURSECO II information officer, corroborated Hinayon’s statement. The service area of SURSECO II covers the entire

first district of Surigao del Sur from the municipality of Lianga down south to the municipality of Carrascal at the northernmost tip, including Tandag City. Jaluag clarified that in case of power curtailment or similar occurrence inside the whole service area of SURSECO II come election time, only the central section and the southern portion of the first district could be serviced by KEGI, citing Cortes, Tago, Bayabas, Cagwait, San Miguel, Marihatag, San Agustin and Lianga towns, this city included.

file photo of http://1u88jj3r4db2x4txp44yqfj1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com//

29March 2, 2016 One Mindanao 29


Guests call on “unity for a shared vision” on Zambo’s 79th charter anniversaryBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Guests from the national political scene who joined in last Friday’s (February 26) 79th Dia de Zamboanga celebration in commemoration of the city’s charter day called on Zamboangueños to remain united for the betterment of the city in the years to come, whether they are Muslims, Christians or Lumads.


Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary and Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas likened the people here to the colorful sail of a vinta. “Like the colors of the vinta, the people here are diverse. Sewn together, it becomes very beautiful. The people contribute to something much bigger than their own selves, and that is a shared vision for a more prosperous Zamboanga.” Roxas praised the people for their resilience especially during the infamous 2013 siege in which the former secretary had stayed here

for three weeks to direct operations. “We have to be inclusive (in government) so that everyone will work towards a shared vision,” he said. Meanwhile, Senate President Franklin Drilon also shared a similar message. “Zamboanga City is one of the most progressive and dynamic cities in the country, and all this due to the unity of the people,” he said. The parade, which kicked off in the main city’s thoroughfares ended in Paseo del Mar where a program with the guests was held. Government agencies, military, police,


schools, and other sectors participated in the event, gathering several thousand participants. For the first time, said Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar, the Indigenous Peoples community was recognized in “full force”. Other guests included Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Ralph Recto,

Congresswoman Leni Robredo, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) chair Mark Lapid. Winners of the recently-concluded cheer dance and drum and lyre competitions displayed their pieces in between speeches.

Water district slash anew an hour of water distribution

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) said due to the continued sharp drop in the city’s water supply, water will be made available 7 hours only in a day effective today, March 1, an hour cut back from previous 8 hours. This is the third reduction of water supply to households, which started at 12 hours - first week inJanuary, then down to 8 hours -third week in January and now sheared to 7 hours. With this declining water situation, ZCWD released a new water-rationing schedule. Assistant General Manager for Operations Engr. Alejo S. Rojas Jr. said “the new water rationing schedule will provide water to consumers in the city’s three districts with seven hours of water.” “There will be three hours of rest in the delivery of water to allow tank build up and ensure pressure to extend reach enabling the district to reach its furthest service areas in the east, west and central districts

of the city,” Rojas said further. The prevailing El Niño weather phenomenon is prime culprit to the desiccating water level as the city is highly dependent on rainfall. The city has not had any major rainfall the past few months on which the rivers and tributaries are heavily dependent on for replenishment. “Short of implementing the more radical every-other day scheme, the district decided on the new scheme in the hope of an improvement in the water supply situation,” Engr. Rojas said. Rains are expected to arrive June or July based on Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) projection. Meanwhile, Zamboangueños are keeping their fingers crossed hoping that the current cloud seeding operations willsoon yield positive results. Water consumers are urged to do their share of responsibility by practicing water conservation, and using water efficiently and sensibly.

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) - - Water availability in households is once again cut short third time in a row after water dam level recorded an alarming drop to73.84 as of today, a continuous decline from previous January 27 record of 74.04 dam level. Normal water level is 74.20.


DTI turns over P1.1 millionSSF projects to Sibugay

By Alma L. TingcangIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) - -“I would like to give emphasis on the role of the cooperators. In your hands lie the responsibility of proving the sustainability of your businesses within two years from the time these equipment are turned over to you by DTI.”

This was the message of Engr. Al-Zamir I. Lipae, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry during the recent launching of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects for 8 women/farmers’ organizations and cooperatives held at Upper Pangi Barangay Hall, this municipality.

Lipae said after two years, assessment will be conducted before granting full ownership of the equipment to the SSF project grantees. Engr. Noel A. Bazan, Acting ARD said, “I encourage all cooperators to manage your businesses with utmost dedication to be profitable.


I urge you to set aside fund for savings so that when you need to buy new equipment, you have enough funds to sustain the business.” SSF projects aim to improve the quality and productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters, through the provision of processing machines and equipment under a shared system.This will also give MSMEs access to better technology, and more sophisticated equipment to accelerate their bid for competitiveness, and help them graduate to a next level,

and can tap better and wider market. The beneficiaries of the projects were: Upper Pangi IP Womens Association -(Tailoring) 5 units Industrial Sewing Machine with a project cost of Php 104,500.00; Bangkerohan Ummahat Women’s Asso. (Tailoring) – 5 units Industrial Sewing Machines @ P91,250.00; Phesalabuhan Subanen De Siay (Food Processing) - 4 units Brick Oven w/ Wok worth P66,000.00;Zamboanga Sibugay High Value Crops Marketing Cooperative of Siay town (Fruit Juice Processing) - 1 unit Semi-Automatic Filling Machine with cap dispenser and tightening


device amounting to P608,800.00; Mate Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Mate, Titay (Rubber Quality Improvement) - 200 pcs. Rubberized Plastic Coagulating and Aging Tanks (Banyera), and 2 units platform weighing scale amounting to Php 103,600.00; Kipit Rubber Farmers Association (Rubber Quality Improvement) - 160

pcs. Rubberized Plastic Coagulating and Aging Tanks (Banyera)and 1 unit platform weighing scale with a project cost of P74,000.00;

Recudo Taruc Rubber Planters Association (Rubber Quality Improvement) -Roseller T. Lim town - 150 pcs. Rubberized Plastic Coagulating and Aging Tanks (Banyera), 2 units platform weighing scale worth Php 85,100.00; and Dalisay Small Rubber Farmers Association (Rubber Quality Improvement) - : Dalisay, Titay - 60 pcs.

Rubberized Plastic Coagulating and Aging Tanks (Banyera), 1unit platform weighing scale worth Php 37,000.00.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To avoid health hazards and other adverse effects of the unclosed dump site in barangay Carmen, the City Solid Waste Management Board (CSWMB) creates measures in acquiring appropriate sanitary landfill to further establish what is required in Republic Act 9003.

By: Recthie T. Paculba

CDO solid waste management team acts on dump site issues


Fr. Roberto Yap, chairman of the CSWMB, said that they have come up with the comprehensive Solid Waste Management Program to address the pressing issue in the city and comply with the mandate of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act to close all open and controlled dump sites in 2006. “That means we are already ten years in violation because we have not really closed our dump site, which is an open dump site,” Yap stressed. However, the board did not lose hope and has strategically created four components of the program to ensure the attainment of giving the people a healthier place to live in. The components include waste reduction, capital outlay that entails the garbage trucks, shredders and infrastructure needed to do the collection and management, garbage collection and the hauling itself, and the closure and rehabilitation of the dump site. Yap added that the board has already made a closure and rehabilitation plan in 2014 for the dump site and the three phases of implementation would amount to P98.7 million. Phase 1 focused on stabilizing critical slopes, partials of soil covering, perimeter fencing and processing of a new dump waste. A study on the effects of health on the state of the dump site is also part of the process. In 2015, the board requested for about P38 million from the city council

to begin working on Phase 2 which is unfortunately not granted. This phase could have involved soil covering, capturing of methane gas that is generated by the waste, drainage system, greening, social engineering and processing of the dump waste. Phase 3 is the process where they plan to continue Phase 2 activities that will not be covered and they targeted P39 million budget to be able to do so. As of now, the CSWMB is on the lookout for an area to setup a sanitary landfill and has initially chosen barangay Pagatpat and Pagalungan but based on their studies, they highly recommended Pagalungan since the former is a residential area while the latter seems to be a more open area. Pagatpat did not also pass in the geo-hazard assessment in 2011. With all these endeavors, Yap calls out for unison in dealing with solid waste management concerns saying, “I appeal to the citizens of Cagayan de Oro and also our local officials to support this effort to have better solid waste management in our city. This is really for the good of all. This is an environmental, a health concern and most of all it is a real response to the call of Pope Francis to care for the earth.”


SAGAY, CAMIGUIN – Formally receiving the SSF from DTI-Camiguin representative Bryan Kent A. Rafols were incumbent Sagay Poblacion Barangay Captain Niel John B. Yangco along with the members of the barangay council and the Malingin Women’s Association President Josephine A. Ladao.

Sagay women’s association receives corn brew processing facility from DTIBy: Zita M. Abellare with reports from Bryan Kent Rafols

According to DTI, The National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) identified the municipality of Sagay as one of the poorest municipalities in the whole country in 2015. The SSF turnover is aimed at increasing the productivity and efficiency of the local corn brew processing as well as the sales, income, and the quality of its beneficiaries. Corn brew has gained acceptance in the local market as a caffeine free, healthy alternative to the real coffee and has a multitude of health benefits

of boosting the immune system and promoting weight loss. . Meanwhile, DTI’s SSF is a livelihood assistance program that intends to give Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) access to better technology and more sophisticated equipment for marketable production and competitiveness acceleration. SSF envisioned assisting SMEs with high potential to expand and generate additional jobs in various locations of the country.

Unity Walk for Safe and Fair Elections 2016 set on March 4

ILIGAN CITY – In order to prevent incidents of violence that may disrupt the conduct of election in May 2016, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has set to intensify and sustain its law enforcement, security and public safety operations.

By: Lorry V. Gabule


As deputized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) and concurrent with its mission and functions, shall intensify its law enforcement, security and public safety operations to ensure secure and fair elections in 2016 (SAFE 2016). ICPO has organized a core group for SAFE 2016 composed of heads of Iligan City Police Station, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), COMELEC, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), non-government organizations, different religious groups, and the media. P/SSupt Edgar M. Daniel, Jr., ICPO city director, said SAFE 2016 core group shall spearhead prayer rallies,

peace covenant signing among candidates, peace caravans, peace dialogues, unity runs and other innovative mind-setting activities in support to the conduct of a secured and fair elections come May 9, 2016. The ‘Unity Walk’ slated March 4 (Friday) in Iligan will stir up awareness

and ensure maximum impact to all candidates, with four starting points/assembly areas and shall converge at the city public plaza for a short program. An Interfaith Prayer for SAFE 2016 will be led by the Roman Catholic, Evangelical Church, Islam and the Lumad. Messages shall also be heard from the brigade commander of the 2nd Mech Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, PNP Region 10 regional director, DILG 10 regional director and COMELEC 10 regional director. Highlighting the day’s activity will be the reading of Peace Covenant by the city election officer, after which a Signing of the Peace Covenant among electoral candidates follows.


Kariyala Festival highlights 55th Araw ng Wao

A cultural fest dubbed Kariyala Festival highlighted the 55th founding anniversary of the municipality of Wao, the corn granary of the province.

With vast agricultural lands suitable for any type of crops, Wao’s Kariyala Festival is structured as a thanksgiving for bountiful harvest It is also a celebration of the

distinctive cultures and heritage of the various ethnic tribes residing in the area such as Maranao, Ilonggo, Higaonon,

by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Igorot, Cebuano, Kapampangan, Tausug, and Matigsalog, This is our way of showing that the different tribes here in Wao are united, thus the acronym We Are One (WAO), said town mayor Elvino Balicao Jr during the anniversary program held Sunday, February 21, at the town plaza. A civic parade brimming with lively colors and creative rhythms kicked-off the anniversary celebration. Drums and gongs were sounded as government officials and employees, students, barangay officials, senior citizens, interfaith organizations, and private organizations marched to the town plaza to join the thanksgiving and anniversary program. The program was graced by Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. and officials from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) led by Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman who reiterated the government’s

commitment to back-up Wao’s development efforts. Ecotourism and socio-cultural activities such as agro/trade fair, Kalilang Show, Search for Mutya ng Wao, Kariyala Night, and fireworks display also marked the weeklong celebration. The most anticipated event took center stage on February 22: the Kariyala Street Dancing and Show Down. It focused on the cultures

and rituals of the various tribes residing in Wao and centered on the theme “Sayaw Pasasalamat Sa Biyayang Ani at Kapayapaan.” Performers from four elementary


schools and five secondary schools participated in the street dancing and show down. They showcased unique dance routines, vibrant costumes and colorful props that wowed locals and tourists alike. The Kilikili Central Elementary School contingent won first place for the elementary level. It also bested other contingents in special awards like Best in Costume, Best in Concept, Best in Props, Best in Musicality, Best

Dancers, Most Disciplined, and Best in Kariyala Steps awards. Performers from the Masiricampo Abantas Memorial High School (MAMHS) topped the secondary level. They also won the Best in Concept, Best in Performance, and Best in Costume awards. Kilikili Central Elementary School represented Tribong Kapampangan, while MAMHS represented Tribong Maranao. (APB/PIA-10)

ARMM student-athletes prepare for 2016 Palarong PambansaMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – Datu Salih Khazain Rayhan and some 500 student-athletes from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will undergo intense training to prepare for this year’s national athletic meet scheduled in Legazpi City, Albay in April.


Datu Salih, a Grade 7 student from Camp Siongco National High School, bagged gold medal in the individual category of taekwondo-poomsae during the 2016 Palarong ARMM Athletic Meet held in Parang, Maguindanao. In last year’s Palarong Pambansa, Datu Salih went toe-to-toe against his opponents from the Cordillera Administrative Region and Central Mindanao (Region XII) winning his first Palarong Pambansa gold medal in taekwondo in the individual category. He and his two other team mates won the silver medal in the team category. He was then an elementary pupil at Camp Siongco Elementary

School. The young athlete from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao is packed with confidence in winning this year’s national competition. He said he will endure more serious trainings to get his second Palarong Pambansa gold medal. “Determinado po talaga ako ngayon. Gagalingan ko para manalo ulit (I am very determined now. I will give my best to win again),” he said. Datu Salih has been a taekwondo athlete for more than three years now. After days of sports competitions among student-athletes in the region, the ARMM-wide meet wrapped up


on February 24 with the divisions of Maguindanao II and Maguindanao I emerging as over-all champions in elementary and secondary school levels, respectively. Maguindanao II, the elementary level champion, garnered 26 gold medals, and was followed by Maguindanao I with 20 gold medals and Tawi-Tawi with 12 gold medals. In the secondary level, Maguindanao I earned 43 gold medals, followed by Maguindanao II with 28 gold medals and Lamitan City with 21 gold medals. More than 5,000 promising athletes competed against each other in sports like basketball, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, sepak takraw, athletics, boxing, wushu, arnis, wrestling, taekwondo, swimming and archery. The meet harnessed the theme ‘One Team, One Dream for the Bangsamoro People.’ In the 2015 Palarong Pambansa, the region finished 14th place – two notches higher from its rank in the

annual games in 2014. The ARMM delegates bagged a total of 10 medals in the regular sports and three medals in the demonstration games. The region’s taekwondo team grabbed two gold medals, two silvers and five bronzes while the athletics team bagged another gold medal. In the demonstration games, the wushu team grabbed one silver and one bronze while the region’s beach volleyball team took home the gold medal. The region’s Department of Education and the Regional Sports Coordinating Office are collaborating to prepare the athletes for this year’s national meet. In-house trainings will be held in Legazpi City several days before the Palarong Pambansa. The ARMM government provides the athletes’ basic needs like food, transportation, vitamins and uniforms among others. Allowance will also be given to the athletes. (BPI/PIA-10)

DOLE-ARMM offers summer jobs to students, OSYsMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOLE-ARMM) is offering summer jobs to more than 2,000 students and out-of-school youth (OSY) across the region this year. The employment drive is part of the DOLE’s Special Program for Employment of Student (SPES), a flagship program designed to provide income opportunity to out-of-school youth and students from underprivileged families during summer or Christmas break.

The program is open to all qualified high school, college or vocational students, out-of-school youth, aged between 15 to 25, with priority given to the poor and disadvantaged students who need assistance to pursue their education. The registration for this year will


start on March 1 and will end on March 23, and the summer job will run from April 11 until May 11. “The program is an earn-and-learn program to develop productive work ethics in the youth. It seeks to help poor but deserving students and out-of-school youth pursue their education by providing them a job opportunity every summer,” Norma Lidasan, DOLE-ARMM’s supervising labor and employment officer said. The DOLE-ARMM has earmarked P6.3 million for the SPES this year, which would cover the salaries and other benefits of the working students or drop-outs. Student applicants are required to submit the following: birth certificate, barangay clearance, certification by the school registrar or form 138 or original class card, certificate of good moral character and parents’ income tax return, which should not exceed the P85,000 annual income.

For out-of-s c h o o l - y o u t h applicants, a certificate of good moral character issued by their respective barangay will be required. The SPES beneficiaries are entitled to receive a daily minimum wage of P255 for those in the agriculture sector and P265.00 for those in non-agriculture

sector. Forty percent of their salaries will come from the DOLE-ARMM and the remaining 60 percent will be shouldered by the employing office or establishment. The DOLE-ARMM has collaborated with government offices including local government units and number business establishments to provide summer employment to the youth. Lidasan said they have allotted a slot of 450 beneficiaries in each province in the region and an additional 293 slots has been reserved for walk-in applicants at the DOLE-ARMM’s regional office in Cotabato City. “We will assure that students in remote villages will be given an opportunity to avail of the program,” she added. In 2015, the DOLE-ARMM has given income-earning opportunity to 2,543 student-SPES beneficiaries. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


AFP’s Eastmincom chief urges CMO officers to go by norms of journalism

DAVAO CITY-Eastern Mindanao commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Lt. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero has enjoined all the civil military operations officers to provide accu-rate, truthful and complete information. He sees the need for CMOs to observe such standards of re-

porting as well as abide by the “norms, standards and profes-


sional ethics” of reporting say-ing the general public nowadays has become particular on what is being reported about their com-munity. The CMOs from various commands in Eastern Mindanao recently underwent a three-day peace communicators seminar workshop conducted in close co-operation with the Philippine In-formation Agency Davao Region. The public relations officers of the Philippine National Police in Eastern Mindanao regions were also invited to join the training. PIA 11 Regional Director Efren F. Elbanbuena lauded the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command for the keen interest of its CMOs to learn how to report according to the standards of Journalism. Director Elbanbuena orient-ed the CMOs on communication theories and taught them how to come up with a communication plan. Among the Journalism sub-jects taken up during the semi-nar workshop were news writing,

radio broadcasting, photography and videography, mobile journal-ism and short messaging servic-es (sms) reporting. Guerrero is hopeful that the training would make the CMOs under his command more “effi-cient and effective in confronting issues and concerns” through delivering accurate information at the right time. He saw it fit to recommend that all AFP CMOs will become “professionalized” and that they would be given the right tools to deliver their tasks as peace com-municators. “I would highly recommend, i-professionalized ang mga CMO officers as far as dealing with the media, handling information, and more importantly they should be provided with appropriate tools para magiging effective sila (so that they would become effec-tive),” he said. (PIA 11 Jean-evive Duron-Abangan)

MINDA sees power to normalize by April 2016 onwardsDAVAO CITY- A top executive of the Mindanao Development Author-ity revealed that the brownouts in the cities of Davao and Cagayan will stay because of less supply and high demand for electricity.


Romeo Montenegro, communica-tions director of the MINDA said these areas continue to have a de-mand for electricity being the eco-nomic centers of Mindanao. He cited the need to conserve energy. “We need to conserve energy during times when we have re-serves and all the more need to do demand management on energy when our supply is decreasing,” Montenegro said. He said that electric coopera-tives outside these cities are able to manage the electric consumption consequently experiencing lesser power outage. Montenegro said the TSI coal fired power plant in Binugao, To-ril which was restored following a maintenance shutdown cannot supply electricity beyond the con-tracted power needs for Davao Light and Power Company since the power plant also allocates en-ergy to other electric cooperatives in Mindanao. He said the Davao Light has

sourced its largest power needs from the Agus-Pulangi hydropower source, which is the largest power source in Mindanao. “The problem is, Agus-Pulangi can only produce up to 20 percent of its full capacity in the last sever-al days. Given its 900 megawatts expected capacity, it can only de-liver 200 megawatts or less, drop-ping to 150 megawatts three days ago because of the low water level in Lake Lanao due to the El Nino phenomenon,” Montenegro said. He said if Davao Light and Power Company takes all energy from the TSI coal fired power plant, it will result to brownouts in many areas of Mindanao. Montenegro said there will be no fairness if that happens. “Davao Light can only tap up to the extent of its contracted pow-er from the TSI. The entire capac-ity of the TSI is also contracted to other electric cooperatives that are equally in need of supply no matter how big or small it is based on their specific contracts,” he said. Montenegro looked forward to a better power situation in Mindan-ao from April, 2015 onwards due to the entry of more coal-fired power plants from Davao del Sur and Sa-rangani Province and for embedded 10-megawatt generator in Cagayan de Oro City to be operational. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

One Mindanao - March 2, 2016

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