One Mindanao - March 21, 2016

BBL passage still best solution to end Mindanao armed conflict – TJRC report

Police ready for Holy Week21Graduating city scholars commended22

Northern Mindanao

PWDs in Tagum get free cinema access25

Josette Simbajon and Randy Dapar, Caraga

DOLE notes high compliance of establish-ments on women-related benefits13

Sarangani ARBs complete farmer field school27

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COMELEC, PNP, AFP spearhead peace cov-enant signing in Dinagat Islands31

today’s news

Making Tour in Dinagat Islands

Cover Story

16 19

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Northern Mindanao

Grace C. Fabor, Caraga

Richi Gulle, Southern Mindanao

DAR AgSur gives orientation on Cli-mate Change Adaptation, Mitigation33

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Gideon C. Corgue, Western Mindanao

Academe lauds ZSPPO for launching unity walk, bike for peace40

Catherine T. Apelacio,SOCCSKSARGEN

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 21, 2016One Mindanao

Dr. Geoff Williams: A story of selflessness and great love By Alfonso T. Ruda

5March 21, 2016 One Mindanao 5

By Alfonso T. Ruda

Cover Story


Meeting the proficient doctor

In 2014, we came to know Dr. Geoff William Williams, president

of the International Children’s Surgical Foundation, Incorporated (ICSFI) based in Idaho, USA through Mr. Lindon See Diet, then president of the Rotary Club of Dipolog during one of our interviews at Kapihan sa Dipolog in the summer of that year.

See Diet brought along the soft-spokenand amiable Dr. Williams to the live interviewso we will get to know the charitable works he had done through the ICSFI which he heads up until this time.

Yearly medical outreach mission

In the succeeding years, we always see him whenever he is in Dipolog City doing his

Only few dedicated and committed doctors and surgeons would venture into an annual

charitable and missionary work without any let-up despite discouraging circumstances, depressing conditions and financial difficulties in different parts of the world.

7March 21, 2016 One Mindanao

medical and surgical missionary works to the less privileged children of our place suffering from cleft lip and palate deformities.

Seldom do we get the privilege to be invited to an actual surgical operation of any kind due to the sensitivity and the delicate nature of the works when a person, or a child for that matter, gets under the knife to undergo a facial lift in the mouth.

But this time around, after three consecutive years of interviewing him in our Kapihan sa Dipolog public affairs program, we finally got the personal invitation to observe and document the cleft lip and palate operation.

Seeing the good doctor at work

We paid him a visit during one of his delicate surgical operation involving a nine-month old baby boy named Dailan Alegarbes from Barangay Motibot in Sindangan town, Zamboanga del Norte who had a cleft lip operation on that

Thursday morning.

The three of us, myself and the Kapihan sa Dipolog host Edith Pagente-Tomong and her daughter Lady Aretha P. Tomong, a licensed pediatric nurse who just arrived from King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia donning hospital gowns entered the operating room.

We immediately noticed a big figure garbed in green hospital gown crouched over a


baby who was so engrossed with

his work that we felt if we talk or make any unnecessarynoise, wewill surely disturb him and affect the delicate operation.

But we were wrong because he greeted us all, in fact, he was the one who gave the permission to his volunteer nurse for us to be there and observe the entire meticulous cleft lip operation at the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Hospital.

After almost three hours, we then met the patient still crying and being lovingly cuddled by his mother while his father whispered words of endearment to their first child who was very lucky to have the golden opportunity to be operated by Dr. Williams.

Grateful parents, happy patients

The happy couple, MrBon Rockwell Bijasa Alegarbe sand his wife, Gennie Espinosa Alegarbes almost ran out words of thanks in praising the dedication and commitment of the American doctor for bringing a new dimension in the life of their son. “We are so happy and thankful that he came to Dipolog to perform this operation.”

LGU, Rotary Club support

Indeed, these poor and innocent children were very lucky as beneficiaries of the ICSFI because they received free operation, free medicines and free transportation. They are extremely grateful for the medical and surgical missionary works of ICSFI, with free accommodation


extended by the provincial government officials through Governor Roberto Y. Uy and coordination efforts by the Rotary Club of Dipolog for many years now.

Selfless service

So, how do we give thanks to a world-renowned surgeon who has always performed earthly miracles to our poor and precious angels through his voluntary surgeries and medical missions in our country and anywhere else in the world?

Again, how do we give thanks to a kind and generous doctor who has given his entire life for a worthy cause that brought back the smile and self-confidence of every angel who was his patient for the past nine years in the Philippines?

How do we measure the love

o f our Almighty God for

bringing to our place a kind, sweet, generous, loving and dedicated surgeon who had given everything he had to save and give back the dignity and pride of the innocent children who were all his patients? Maybe, we could show our deep appreciation as a community to the kind-hearted Dr. Geoff William Williams by offering our collective prayers so that he will be showered with more blessings and good health so he can continue his charitable works in any country in the world for the poor and innocent children.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him,” Colossians 3:17.

One Mindanao10 March 21, 2016

Government remains committed to inclusive growth, says Palace official

MANILA - The government has shown its commitment to inclusive growth by focusing on the needs of provinces and local government units (LGUs), a Palace official said on Saturday.

Undersecretary Manuel Luis Quezon III of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office said President Aquino’s recent visits to four provinces in Luzon this week embodies the administration’s commitment to inclusive

growth.

“By focusing on the needs of our provinces and LGUs, the government ensures that progress reaches all,” said

Quezon.

“President Aquino has

11One MindanaoMarch 21, 2016

always stood firm in his belief that no Filipino—no matter where they live—should be left behind in our pursuit of progress. This week, beyond his commitments in Metro Manila, the President traveled to Pangasinan, Laguna, Batangas, and Pampanga to inaugurate and turn over projects as well as meet with local leaders and the community,” the Palace official added.

In Pangasinan, the President Aquino attended the turnover of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Shared Services Facilities (SSF).

“Launched in 2013, the project involves setting up common production facilities with the goal of increasing MSME productivity and boosting their competitiveness. Currently, we have 1,681 SSF all over the country, shared among 16,192 MSMEs and 72,864 entrepreneurs. The DTI plans to launch 200 more SSF before the end of the Aquino administration. While in Pangasinan, the President also led the inauguration of a new building in Urdaneta I Central School, constructed with the help

of PAGCOR,” said Quezon.


On Wednesday, President Aquino went to Laguna to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI). In his speech, the President lauded the institution’s contributions, as it continues to benefit MSMEs through microfinance, microinsurance, and other business services. From Laguna, the President proceeded to Batangas to lead the switch-on ceremony for the Calatagan 63.3-Megawatt Solar Farm in Barangay Paraiso.

“The following day, President Aquino met with the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC). During the briefing, officials discussed infrastructure and flood control projects in the area. From P9.41 billion between 2005 and 2010, the infrastructure budget for Pampanga has grown to P16.94 billion between 2011 and 2016. This has funded projects such as the Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo Road (Phase 2), Lazatin Flyover, San Fernando 1st Green Road, and the Aquino Bypass Road,” Quezon said.

“Also this week, the President attended the 7th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, where he spoke about how the landscape of local governance, and how it has changed under Daang Matuwid. Among the examples he cited are the present availability of funds for LGU projects. Afterward, the President attended a necrological service for former Senate President Jovito Salonga, whose services to the nation are well remembered by Filipinos,” Quezon added.

“Just yesterday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that our poverty rate had dropped to 26.3% in the first semester of 2015 —the lowest since 2009. As President Aquino said, the goal has always been to leave the country in a better state than in 2010. Now, as we face another crossroads, we trust that our voters will choose a leader who will continue our upward trajectory,” Quezon said. (PND)

13One MindanaoMarch 21, 2016

DOLE notes high compliance of establishments on women-related benefits

MANILA -- Empowering women and narrowing down the gender gap are still pressing issues in this time of global changes in the world of work, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Friday. “There is, in fact, increasing demand for the presence of women in the labor force.” DOLE said it is on the right track in addressing these issues because compliance of establishments on women-related benefits stands high. “Providing women with equal economic opportunities and unleashing their

potential are essential driving forces of economic growth,” DOLE Secretary


Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said. “We acknowledge the many benefits that can be derived when women are in the work force, such as greater equality and gender balance, increased household incomes, and enhanced financial stability of families.”

Baldoz said government agencies, including DOLE, take their part seriously in the campaign to eliminate discrimination against women as provided for in Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women. The law provides for recognition, protection, fulfilment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging to society’s marginalized sectors.

The Philippine Statistics Authority meanwhile reports that two in five (40 percent) of wage and salary workers are women.

“Of the approximately 8.3 million working women in the country, 78 percent work full time,” Baldoz said. She said DOLE is going full steam ahead in the implementation

of the Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS), its enforcement mechanism geared at promoting voluntary compliance with labor laws and regulations among establishments across industries and geographical locations.

“The DOLE actively promotes the welfare of women in the work force by ensuring that their benefits, as mandated by law and through the LLCS, are properly provided them,” Baldoz said. Baldoz said when DOLE conduct assessments, establishments are compliance with women-related benefits. The benefits include maternity leave, leave for victims of violence against women and children (VAWC), and special leave for women with gynecological disorders. “We also check their compliance with the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act, specifically on the provision of lactation stations and lactation breaks for breastfeeding women,” she said.

Since the start of the LLCS, the DOLE

15One MindanaoMarch 21, 2016One Mindanao15 March 17, 2016

has covered over 100,000 establishments employing 1,805,683 workers. Of this number, 635,408 (35.2 percent) are women.

High compliance rates have been shown for women-related benefits: maternity leave (99 percent), VAWC leave (97.88 percent), special leave for women (97.94 percent), and lactation stations (97.69 percent).

Baldoz said DOLE is deeply committed in

ensuring that all workers, women and men, enjoy their rightful benefits.

But as to women, she said, “As we intensify our LLCS activities, we will make sure that the welfare of our women workers is adequately protected. We will continue to perform our role in encouraging not only their participation in the workforce, but also in ensuring that they become empowered participants in the

workplace.” (DOLE)

16 One Mindanao March 21, 2016

BBL passage still best solution to end Mindanao armed conflict – TJRC report

MAKATI CITY -- The enactment into law of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remains the top recommended action as a means to close the decades-old Bangsamoro armed struggle, according to a report released by the Swiss-led Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC). In a recently held public launch, the TJRC report stated that the legislation of a Bangsamoro law that provides for a political

and institutional infrastructure pursuant to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) could guarantee the non-


recurrence of the Mindanao armed conflict.

“The TJRC recommendations cannot replace a durable peace agreement and its legal framework,” TJRC chairperson Mô Bleeker said. “Solving the Bangsamoro situation in a durable manner offers a unique opportunity for a modern State to manage the diversity inherent in any modern democracy in a constructive manner.”

“Similarly, the Bangsamoro aspire to a political framework, which will enable them to practice good governance, to develop

their region and their people, to proudly assert their identity, and to ensure a constructive engagement with their own multiethnic constituency.”

The TJRC also emphasized that the implementation of the CAB “is a unique and extraordinary opportunity not only for Bangsamoro, but also for the whole Filipino nation”.

As stipulated in the CAB, the TJRC was mandated to undertake a study and to make recommendations, based on consultations and expert’s studies, with a view to promote


healing and reconciliation among the conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro. The said TJRC report was a product of consultations with more than 210 Moro, indigenous, and settler communities in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, involving some 3,000 community members and local officials.

On her remarks delivered at the Cotabato City launched, Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles, said that Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. issued a memorandum of instruction to the OPAPP to put the recommendations in the TJRC report in motion.

According to Deles, the memorandum included the following instructions:

(1) endorse the TJRC Report to the relevant agencies for the agencies’ review and assessment; (2) convene and coordinate with the agencies to work towards the adoption and implementation of the recommendations;

(3) identify and mobilize resources to support the programs that may be implemented.

Meanwhile, Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel Abhoud Syed Lingga also noted that there could be a challenge in implementing the recommendations of the TJRC because the BBL, which was a pre-requisite in the execution of the CAB, was not passed.

“Although implementation of other provisions of the agreement, including that of the recommendations of the (TJRC) report, cannot replace the BBL. It will be useful in pursuing the peace process that the report’s recommendations will be carried out,” Lingga said.

The report was first launched publicly in Cotabato City earlier this week in an event that was attended by Secretary Deles, Government of the Philippines (GPH) chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Moro MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, together with more than 200 individuals, organizations, and representatives from local, regional, national, and international entities. (OPAPP)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – For its 77th commencement exercises, Xavier University has chosen to bestow a Doctor in Humanities, honoris causa, on Rev Fr Edwin Gariguez, a Roman Catholic priest who champions the causes of the indigenous peoples and the environment.

By: Vanessa Gorra

University honors environmental hero at commencement exercises


As honorary doctorate, Fr Gariguez will also deliver the keynote address at the University’s Academic Convocation on March 17. A winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s largest award for grassroots environmental activists, Fr Gariguez is a prominent figure against indiscriminate large scale mining in the Philippines. He is the Executive Secretary of CBCP-NASSA, the social development, humanitarian and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. He is also one of the convenors of Alyansa Tigil Mina, a countrywide coalition of organizations and individuals acting as a watchdog over violations in laws and policies related to the mining industry. In 2009, Fr Gariguez led an 11-day hunger strike with members of Alliance Against Mining to protest the dubious issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate to a Norway-based mining company and to demand the government to investigate the environmental and social violations of the mining project. Consequently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources launched an investigation and revoked the mining firm’s permit, indefinitely putting a stop to the mine. “The honorary doctorate is being conferred upon you in recognition of your life-long apostolate for and with the Indigenous Peoples intrinsically linked with caring for creation, our common home,” wrote Rev Fr Bobby

Yap SJ, president of Xavier University, in his letter to Fr Gariguez. “Your ministry is an inspiring response to Pope Francis’ challenge “to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” Further, “The vocation you have patiently and perseveringly pursued in the peripheries has truly been serving the faith that does justice and ecological stewardship. You are a true activist and scholar for the Indigenous Peoples and the Environment,” Fr Bobby’s letter said. About 1,800 graduates from the Graduate School, Law, Medicine, the undergraduate colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Business and Management, Agriculture, Engineering, Computer Studies, Nursing, and the Center for Integrated Technologies are expected to receive their diplomas during the three-day Commencement Exercises on March 17-19 at the University Gymnasium.Other honorees Besides Fr Gariguez, two other distinguished individuals will be given recognition. Damulog Mayor Romeo Tiongco will receive the Fr William F Masterson SJ Award for service to the community. Tiongco is instrumental in bringing peace and order to the municipality of Damulog, Bukidnon, which for decades suffered from intermittent guerilla fighting among the military, militia groups and rebels. He ran for mayor in 2007 outlining


his campaign on the platform of peace and a demilitarized municipality to solve poverty. When he won, one of the first things he did was to embark on a peace journey from the town proper to Sitio Agong, the site of the heaviest fighting. Tiongco ran again for mayor and won in 2010. He got re-elected for a third and final term in 2013. Between those years, he became a fellow of the Mindanao Bridging Leaders Program of the Asian Institute of Management, which helped him expand his program on peace and development to include justice. At the core of his agenda are the universal rights of children. Meanwhile, multi-awarded writer, actor, visual artist and poet Frank G Rivera will be this year’s recipient of the Fr Francisco R Demetrio SJ Award. Rivera, also known as the “makata sa cellphone” for his notable “textula” series or SMS poems, is being recognized by the University for his outstanding contributions to Philippine culture and arts. He founded the critically-

acclaimed Kambayoka Theater Ensemble of the Mindanao State University. He has also written several anthologies of dramatic scripts for stage, television, radio and film. He is a winner of three Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, four National Book Awards, and a number of Aliw, Gawad, CCP and NCCA Awards, to name a few. Rivera’s trilogy of “Makata sa Cellphone: mga dalit, diona, tanaga, at iba pang tulang sari-sari’t mga bersong sala-salabid” books earned him a National Book Award citation in 2005. His poems and “textula,” which won the 2014 Timpalak sa Pagsulat ng TexTanaga and 2014 Tulaan sa Facebook-Diyona, are recited during political rallies, shared on social media, forwarded as text messages, and declaimed at school programs. The awarding ceremonies for Tiongco and Rivera will also be held during the Academic Convocation of the graduating Class of 2016.

Police ready for Holy WeekCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– Security preparations for the Holy Week in Northern Mindanao in full swing. Police Regional Office 10 Spokesperson Superintendent Surki Sereñas revealed today that the full

complement of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is already laid out all over the region.


Graduating city scholars commendedCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Council commitee on education and the City College Scholarship Program (CCSP) of Cagayan de Oro congratulate the 150 city scholars who will graduate this month from 10 universities and colleges in the city.

Police Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Lyndel Desquitado, Sereñas said, has ordered the deployment of more police officers in terminals, airports, seaports, highways, malls, resorts, churches and other holiday convergence areas to beef up police presence and ensure the tranquil observance of lent. “Although the command has not monitored serious threat, the police regional command still continue to undertake preemptive measures against terrorist attack and other criminalities” Sereñas said. The assumption is always on denying these unscrupulous individuals the opportunity to disrupt the peace and order of our region” he added. The PNP continue to implement checkpoints, conduct law enforcement functions, encourage the participation of force multipliers and volunteers and intensify the use of Barangay Information Nets (BINs) to augment the local police in their respective areas of responsibilities.

Hence, PRO10 employs over 1,800 PNP personnel and force multipliers region-wide in its daily conduct of checkpoint, the regional spokesperson said. Sereñas said that PNP regional director also stressed that there will be Police Assistance Desk which will be stationed in strategic areas region-wide ready to extend services to the public. Passenger Assistance Centers will also be visible in terminals, airports and seaports which will be manned by the PNP Highway Patrol Group, Aviation Security Group and Maritime Group respectively. Police stations have also come up with an innovative crime prevention campaign strategy through social media such as Twitter and Facebook where they enjoined the public to be vigilant, safety and security conscious. Meanwhile, PCSupt Desquitado said the security awareness of community is vital to deter crimes. (PRO10)


Councilor Adrian Barba, chair of the committee commended the four scholars who will graduate as Cum Laude in their respective courses. They are Mary Antonette Magallanes (Cum Laude, BS Devcom) and Jimar Reyes (Bachelor in Education) from Xavier University. Magallanes hails from Patag while Reyes is from Barangay Carmen. The two others who will graduate as Cum Laudes are Jayson Gayrama (Lourdes College) and Sara Valiente (Liceo de Cagayan University). Gaymara and Valiente are residents of Taglimao and Pagatpat, respectively. Gilda Takiang, secretariat of the CCSP, stressed that the list of graduates with honors might increase like in previous school years since other schools will still have their graduation after Holy Week. Out of the 150 graduating students, 35 completed their courses last October 2015, she added.

The 115 scholars who will graduate this month are from Mindanao University of Science and Technology(25 scholars); Xavier University (21); Liceo de Cagayan University (9); Cagayan de Oro College (Phinma)(20); Capitol University (22); Lourdes College (6); Bukidnon State College (2); Tagoloan Community College (5); and Southern Philippine College (3). The CCSP secretariat also

said that the P1.2 million January-February monthly allowance of the scholars was already released. This week, the scholars are receiving their March allowance of P1,000 (for urban barangays) and P1,500 (rural barangays). A total of P648,500 will be released for the 568 scholars, she said. In a related development, Marissa Tagarda, city social welfare officer and officer-in-charge of Community Improvement Office and vice chair of the CSSP said that the budget for the CCSP for school year 2016-2017 will increase considering that almost all schools will increase their tuition and matriculation fees. Tagarda is informing the public that the CCSP is now receiving applications from first year college students who have not enrolled last school year.(ELB/CdeOSP)


Davao City declared as peaceful and ready for further developmentDAVAO CITY-Authorities forged an agreement with the Davao City Government yesterday declaring Davao City and its suburbs as peaceful and ready for further development. City officials headed by May-or Rodrigo Duterte and top offi-cials from the Eastern Mindanao Command, 10th Infantry Divi-sion and the Police Regional Of-fice XI attended the simple cer-emony at the Grand Menseng Hotel amid the festivities of the Araw ng Dabaw. Colonel Ricardo Nepomuce-no, commander of the 1003rd In-fantry Brigade cited the basis for the declaration ranging from the reduction of the rebel strength, clearing of the barangays from the rebel influence to the part-nership of the soldiers and the government in the delivery of basic services to the people. Lt. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the shared effort of all re-sponsible stakeholders leads to

the formal declaration of the city being insurgency free and ready for further developments. He lauded the city govern-ment for its continued support to the military. Major General Rafael Valen-cia welcomed this development and assured the continued pres-ence of the soldiers as long as the residents of the city want them. “The signing of the PFRD declaration signals the desire of the people to strengthen peace and security throughout the city,” he said. Mayor Duterte underscored the contributions of the soldiers and the police to the continuing progress of the city under his ad-ministration. Chief Superintendent Fed-erico Dulay Jr. of the PRO 11 and


Senior Superintendent Vicente Danao of the Davao City Police Office, represented the Philip-

pine National Police in the occa-sion. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

PWDs in Tagum get free cinema accessTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - Every differently-abled residents of Tagumenyos will finally have free movie access in the city’s movie houses on the occasion of the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government of Tagum and Gai-sano Mall Cinemas last March 3, 2016 at Gaisano Mall, Tagum City.

The MOA Signing was hinged on the enactment by the 6th City Council of City Ordinance No. 709, series of 2015 which pro-vides that the scope and cover-age of the granting of free movie access to Persons with Disability (PWD) shall be enforceable in all movie theaters in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Tagum. Under the ordinance, a Per-son with Disability is defined as suffering from restriction or dif-ferent abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory im-pairment to perform an activity in a manner or within the range considered normal for a human being, and states that disability shall mean (1) a physical or men-tal impairment that substantially limits one or more psychological, physiological or anatomical func-tion of an individual or activities

of such individual; (2) a record of such an impairment; or (3) be-ing regarded as having such an impairment. It is also provided further that the free movie access of the PWDs, as a privilege, shall not be transferrable and may only be availed of on Thursdays by bene-ficiaries who are carrying Identi-fication Cards issued by the City Social Welfare Development Of-fice. The privilege granted to PWDs under the social legisla-tion shall be deemed as part of the Movie Theater’s Corporate Social Responsibility and may be used as an allowable discount/deduction in the computation of Amusement Tax payable to the City Government of Tagum. (Richi Gulle/ CIO-Tagum)


DTI opens Negosyo Center in Tacurong CityBy: Danilo E.Doguiles

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Mar. 21 -- SOCCSKSARGEN Region’s sixth Negosyo Center is now open to serve small-scale entrepreneurs.

The city government here in partnership with the the Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (SKCCIFI), launched on March

9, the Negosyo Center inside the City Hall compound.

Regional Director Ibrahim Guaimadel of the Department of Trade and Industry told Philip


Sarangani ARBs complete farmer field school

pine Information Agency 12, the Negosyo Center is a facility that assists micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be at par with established busi-nesses.

“Negosyo Centers help neo-phyte entrepreneurs establish and manage their businesses. The center also links these MSMEs with institutions like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Lank Bank of the Philippines for financial assistance,” Guiamadel said.

These facilities also provide business advisorym trainings and seminars and other avail-able technical assistance.

He emphasized that the Nego-syo Centers “do not lend capital to MSMEs.”

Academics and students may

also use the centers’ resources for conduct of researches on businesses.

SOCCSKSARGEN Region, ac-cording to Guiamadel, has six Negosyo Centers already. These are located in General Santos City, Koronadal City, Kidapawan City, Tacurong City, and Alabel, Sarangani.

Also set for establishment are Negosyo Centers in the follow-ing locations: Midsayap and Kabacan in North Cotabato, Surallah in South Cotabato and Lebak and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat.

DTI 12 has alloted Php 23 mil-lion for the establishment of additional Negosyo Centers, he said. (DEDoguiles-PIA12 with report from RABSumanghid Dev-Com Intern)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, March 21--At least 120 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the municipalities of Maasim and Malung-on, Sarangani underwent a season-long Farmer Field School (FFS).

By: Catherine T. Apelacio

FFS, one of the support servic-es strategies of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), trains farmers on various farm produc-tion methods.

The farmers were taught on IPM - Vegetable Production and IPM - Corn Production. Both courses provided substantial lec-ture-discussion and practicum


packed with subsidized inputs. Specifically, it is geared to help

farmers understand the relation-ship of crop with soil nutrients and its interaction with pest and natural enemies, DAR-Sarangani noted.

After the training, the farmers received Certificates of Course Completion on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Among the successful ARBs that completed the course were members of Agrarian Reform Or-ganizations (ARBOs) of the mu-nicipality of Maasim, namely the Kablacan Upland Farmers Associ-ation (KUFA) of Sitio Lebe, Kabla-can and Blat Farmers Association (BFA) of Sitio Blat, Amsipit; and Datal Bila People’s Organization (DABIPO) of the municipality of Malungon.

“The FFS as a convergence ap-proach of the DAR and the De-partment of Agriculture has been an effective vehicle for technol-ogy promotion and extension. The season long course intends to enable the farmers to become IPM advocates in their own ar-eas,” said Provincial Agrarian Re-form Program Officer I Maristela Olegario.

John Gamad, chief, Program Beneficiaries Development Divi-sion of DAR, expressed confi-dence that the training will not only enhance knowledge of farm-

ers but also hone their skills to-ward “better farm productivity and profitability” increasing in-come.

“With their knowledge, the farmers would be able to manage pest and disease in their farms without the usual application of expensive chemicals, thus reduc-ing farm inputs and increasing profitability,” Gamad said.

At a commencement program, Camilo Montefalcon, Provincial Integrated Pest Management co-ordinator encouraged the gradu-ates to use their knowledge in order to change lives.

He added that by applying their knowledge and skills, they are protecting their lives, their produce and their environment.

Meanwhile, Sara Dianon Nong-god, a recent FFS graduate and awarded “Best in Moving Exam” shared her experience saying that before FFS was conducted in their barangay, they encountered several cropping failure due to lack of knowledge on farming.

But with the systematic tech-niques and procedures on farm-ing taught in FFS, they know bet-ter now how to boost their crops’ productivity and increase their income. (AR Torino, DAR Saran-gani/CT Apelacio, PIA-12 General Santos City)


OWWA Caraga holds Zika virus awareness forum

BUTUAN CITY-- In observance to the nation’s annual celebration of the Women’s Month, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administra-tion (OWWA) Caraga spearheaded the Zika awareness forum to the workers undergoing the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) on March 15, 2016 at the OWWA Training Hall here.

By: Jean Pearl I. Millones


The recently held forum was aimed at promoting a better un-derstanding about the currently spreading mosquito-borne vi-rus among the ready-to-leave Household Service Workers (HSW) especially that the virus is known to circulate in parts of Africa, America and Asia. Zika Virus is transmitted by the same type of mosquito that carries the dengue and chikun-gunya virus, the Aedes Aegypti, mainly in tropical regions. The virus has recently been strongly correlated with microcephaly, a neurological disorder that results in babies being born with abnor-mally small heads and possibly undeveloped cerebral capabili-ties linked to women who were infected with Zika during their pregnancies. Purposely designed to in-crease awareness in the health issue especially concerning wom-en, said forum highlighted the symptoms, diagnosis its effects and its treatment. Although it is advised to avoid traveling in areas with an active infestation, speaker Rich-ard B. Maniago, Senior Health Program Officer of the Depart-ment of Health (DOH) Caraga, recommended to the workers to strictly adhere to mosquito pro-

tection measures since there is yet no treatment or vaccine avail-able. Officers and Staff of OWWA Regional office also joined in the forum since there have already been recorded cases of the virus being transmitted in the country. The activity also aimed to highlight the contribution of women to the issues of today. It is a gesture of the agency to in-volve women in public advocacy especially those relating to health and developmental concerns. This is one of the lined-up activities of OWWA Caraga in celebration of women’s month. This year’s theme is “Kapakanan ni Juana, Iapel sa Adyenda.” The agency has earlier joined in the fun walk during kick-off ceremo-ny organized by the Regional De-velopment Council- Gender and Development Coordinating Com-mittee (RDC-GADCC).


COMELEC, PNP, AFP spearhead peace covenant signing in Dinagat IslandsBy: Grace C. Fabor

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands- Aiming to ensure that the right of the people to suffrage is protected, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spearheaded the Peace Covenant Signing for Secure and Fair Election (SAFE) 2016 held recently at the Provincial Guest Center, Capitol Compound, Brgy. Cuarinta, San Jose, this province.

Acting Provincial Election su-pervisor Atty. Alvin Prandy Canta led the pledge of personal com-mitment towards a secure and fair election before the signing proper. Atty. Canta further extended his gratitude for the cooperation and willingness of political lead-ers in heeding to their call for a peaceful, secure and fair elec-

tion. The local candidates pres-ent solemnly pledged to work to-wards the realization of a peace-ful, SAFE 2016 and that they will abide the constitution of the Re-public of the Philippines and all laws enacted for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct of elections.


Such initiative is upon assessing the data from previous elections

here and from other provinces to prevent issues like the pres-ence of subversive groups such as private armed groups, orga-nized crime groups, proliferation of loose firearms, licenses, politi-cal rivalries, and violent incidents during the election period. Meanwhile, Dinagat Islands Provincial Police Office (DIPPO) provincial director PSSupt. Cupid Cebedo Calica said that they are doing their best to ensure secu-rity and public safety by intensi-fying their law enforcement ac-tivities.


DAR AgSur gives orientation on Climate Change Adaptation, MitigationBy: Josette Simbajon and Randy Dapar

PATIN-AY, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) had implemented several orientations to different Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) as a support to the global awareness to climate change. Just recently, an orientation on climate change was conduct-ed at Kalahi Building, Bayugan 2, San Francisco, this province to almost 50 Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Inc. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Co-operative (FPPI ARB MPC) and some non-ARBs but workers in the area. Adaptation to climate change is a rapidly growing challenge, particularly for developing coun-

tries like the Philippines which is one of the global “hotspots” vul-nerable to climate change impact given its geographic location and archipelagic character. Accordingly, even if green-house gas emissions are reduced significantly in the coming years, climate change impacts such as gradual temporal and spatial shifts in resources, as well as drought, floods, severe weath-er events and sea level rise are


likely to result in food shortages, diseases, infrastructure damage, and the degradation of natural resources. The less fortunate persons will be affected and de-velopment choices today will in-fluence the adaptive capacity of people and the government as well in the future. The department in its little way continuously give orienta-tions to ensure that the farmers will be able to adapt and take ac-tion and plans against adverse climate impacts which might hin-der sustainable development in the countryside.


President Aquino to lead inauguration of Basilan Circumferential RoadBy Rene V. Carbayas

BASILAN (PIA) – - President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to lead the inauguration of the 133-kilometer Basilan Circumferential Road (BCR) on Monday, March 21.


The road project which was finally completed after two decades was fast tracked during the administration of President Aquino. BCR is a much-needed project in Basilan yet has been long-delayed. It took 20 years and cost a number of lives to complete the circumferential road in the province of Basilan, one among the six component provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The BCR is seen to boost economic development of the province since it connects the

cities of Isabela and Lamitan to majority of the inland municipalities of Basilan. Thus, it will provide easy access and transport of major products like copra and rubber from other municipalities such as Tipo-Tipo, Sumisip, Maluso and Lantawan. Furthermore, it can be observed that the land travel time from one municipality to Isabela city has been reduced by at least two hours. The BCR is a joint project of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman and the Office


of the President implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This is perhaps the greatest legacy Hataman and President Aquino could leave to the people of Basilan before their term ends this year. The completion of the circumferential road has received widespread approval from the Basilenos who will be greatly benefited by this effort. Since 2013, a total of P9.3 billion worth of infrastructure funds was allocated for Basilan. The circumferential road is just one among the many

accomplished projects of Gov. Hataman in the ARMM. DPWH allotted P5.7 billion for infrastructure development in the ARMM region in 2015. In retrospect, the construction of the BCR started during the Ramos administration, but it had encountered delays due to unstable peace and order condition wrought by lawless elements in the area. In November 2, 2014, six Philippine army soldiers were killed in an ambush while they were conducting routine patrol to secure the construction workers in Libug Village, Sumisip town.

Academe lauds ZSPPO for launching unity walk, bike for peace By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – Students from different colleges lauded the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO) for spearheading the unity walk and bike for peace held recently at wharf area here.


Jovezel Cañete, a senior criminology student of Western Mindanao State University- External Studies Unit (WMSU-ESU) said the activity has raised public awareness on the conduct of Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) on May 9, 2016. Cañete said they actively participated in the activity because it is their right as voters to help the government inform the people regarding the upcoming elections. “Gusto namo nga mahimo kami nga kabahin sa mga kabag-ohan nga

mahitabo sa atong nasud pinaagi pagpili sa mosunod nga maayo ug edukado nga lider sa umaabot nga piniliay sa Mayo 9 aron pagsulbad sa mga problema ug pagpalambo sa nasud,” Canete explained. (We want to be part of the changes that will happen in our country by choosing good and well-educated leaders in the upcoming May 9 elections, who will address our problems and steer this country to development.) Erwin Blanco of Pagadian College

of Criminology said their participation


to the unity walk and signing of the ‘integrity pledge’ of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is a demonstration of their support for a safe and fair elections. “We, the criminology students have signed the ‘integrity pledge’ to show our support in the conduct of honest, orderly and peaceful elections,” Blanco said. Meanwhile, Wowee Clemen of Yllana Bay View College said they are happy that it was not only them who signed the ‘integrity pledge’ but also

the local candidates themselves. “We are happy that the local candidates signed the peace covenant prepared by the Comelec, DILG, and PNP to avoid threats and violent incidents to happen that will affect the electoral process,” Clemen said. The signing of the peace covenant was held at the function hall of ZAMSURECO-1 and witnessed by COMELEC officials, DILG, Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace, civic and religious organizations.

One Mindanao - March 21, 2016

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Transcript of One Mindanao - March 21, 2016