One Mindanao - March 25, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone 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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista 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)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary: Exploring Lolong’s natural habitat

Erwin MascarinaCaraga Region

Today’s issue... Monday, March 25, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 152

page 4

‘We have a long way to go towards getting Philippines off American and European aviation watchlists,’ President Aquino tells Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

8

Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

DOH conducts training on NCD interventions22

Agusan Sur students bag awards in the 10th National Science Quest

DTI conducts stakeholders’ meeting for the processed fish industry

CSC-10 to accept nominations for search of outstanding state workers until March

14

Mary May A. Abellon, Western Mindanao

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

BFP Ozamiz intensifies training of barangay volunteer & industrial fire brigades

Government agencies call for media participation on women empowermentShahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

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12 get foreign jobs in prov’l jobs fair Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao35

Caraga Region

3430

6 10 12 19 26 28

Monday, March 25, 20134

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary: Exploring Lolong’s natural habitat

Agusan del Sur’s famous wetlands became known

worldwide as the original habitat of the largest saltwater crocodile that has been trapped and captured in captivity. It’s here where Lolong used to live; this is his natural home.

CoVer StoRy

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is considered as one of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the Philippines. Declared as a protected area and wildlife sanctuary hundreds of species of

birds, freshwater fish, bats, turtles, rare plants and trees, salt water and fresh water crocodiles call its 14,835.989 hectares area home. Traveling deep into the complex water system of creeks, rivers, freshwater marshes connected to ponds and lakes bring you to a different world. A place where flooding is a common occurrence and water is a sustainable link into its fragile eco system. If you’re out for a crocodile sightseeing, unfortunately you won’t see much of them unless you are willing to stay for several

By Erwin Mascarina

Monday, March 25, 2013 5

weeks. But the sight of both endemic and non-e n d e m i c bird species will surely be worth the trip. The most p o p u l a r entry point to the A g u s a n Marsh is t h r o u g h the town of B u n a w a n ,

but it can also be accessed through the towns of San Luis and Loreto, all in Agusan del Sur.You can also visit and experience the floating village where indigenous people of the Manobo tribe have been dwelling for several decades. Houses are strapped to trees, and float and

move depending on the water level of the marsh. The tribe claims that the crocodiles have never been a threat and their people have learned to live with them from one generation to the other. The Manobos believe that if men will learn to respect nature, both will co-exist and grow together, especially since each is part of the elements that form the very web of life.

6Monday, March 25, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino cites late boxing champion “Flash” Elorde for his passion and dedication in achieving boxing excellence

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the late boxing champion Gabriel “Flash” Elorde for demonstrating his passion and dedication in achieving excellence in boxing.


Aquino cites late boxing champion “Flash” Elorde for his passion and dedication in achieving boxing excellence

“Solidarity gives us fortitude and confidence as a people. The late pugilist Gabriel “Flash” Elorde exemplified these and other strengths. His passion and dedication qualified him as a true winner; he stood as a rallying symbol for the talent of our sportsmen and enlivened his milieu,” the Chief Executive in his message on the occasion of the 13th Annual Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards Banquet of Champions on Monday.

Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire will receive the Flash Elorde Memorial Belt during the awarding ceremonies on Monday night at the Sofitel Hotel.

Other boxers who will be honored in the annual affair are WBO and WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria, IBF light-fly champion John Riel Casimero, WBO light-flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes and former WBC flyweight title holder Sonny Boy Jaro.

“This event commemorates him (Elorde) and honors the skill, discipline,

and professionalism that enable our champions to represent the best in the Filipino fighter. Our boxers today continue to exhibit both the power and compassion that make them the pride of the Philippines,” the President said.

“Let this occasion renew your vigor to compete in earnest, with your hearts beating in unison for love of family, friends, and countrymen. We stand united under the banner of integrity that has empowered us to move forward as a nation,” he added.

President Aquino called on the country’s athletes to remain united with the government in pursuing their shared mission of equitable progress.

“For the 13th straight year we are giving recognition to our outstanding boxers and the people who are responsible for the development of boxing in the Philippine,” Liza Elorde, daughter-in-law of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and wife of boxing promoter Johnny Elorde, said in a statement. PND (js)

8Monday, March 25, 2013

‘We have a long way to go towards getting Philippines off American and European aviation watchlists,’ President Aquino tells Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

Saying that the country still had a long way to go towards improving and meeting global standards on

aviation safety, President Benigno S. Aquino III extolled officers and employees of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to join government efforts and work doubly hard for the Philippines to get off the watch lists of the United States of America and the European Union.


The President issued his “marching orders” during the 5th Anniversary of CAAP held at the agency’s main office in Pasay City on Monday.

“But while I am here today to congratulate you for a job well done, and for celebrating your fifth anniversary, I would also like to remind you that the job is not yet over. In the coming days, weeks, and months, all of us will be working towards getting our country off the watch lists of the United States and the European Union,” the President said.

He lauded the CAAP’s efforts to comply with global safety standards which include: a Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Reporting and Tracking System, the Minimum Required Annual Inspection for all air operators, revalidation of the Air Operators Certificate of five international operators and several other air taxi operators and domestic air operators, and the Certificate Management Department to help our local carriers, such as the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, to meet the standards of other countries and help them expand their routes.

He said though that these programs which were implemented under the stewardship of CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss III, have allowed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to lift the Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) it previously issued to the Philippines

and have resulted towards the fact that “it is now more safe to fly in the Philippines.”

“This took the effort of each person who works for this agency, and I extend my gratitude to all of you for your work,” the President said.

“So today I also give you my marching orders: Let’s get this done. We have the momentum; we have the right people and have put the right systems in place. It is time for us to usher in a golden age not just for Philippine aviation—not just for Philippine tourism—but for our entire country,” he added.

The CAAP was created on March 4, 2008 through Republic Act 9497 renaming the Air Transport Office as Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and mandating it to perform the following ---inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities and; determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities.

Joining the President were Hotchkiss III, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and CAAP Deputy Director General John Andrews. PND (rck)


Gov’t lauds Asian Institute of Management - Team Energy program for Mindanao development

The Aquino government welcomed the initiative of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), through its Team Energy Center for Bridging Leadership, in conducting a program aimed at

developing peace-building advocates as part of efforts in bringing progress to Mindanao, a Palace official said on Thursday.

“We welcome the laudable initiative of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and the Team Energy to conduct the Mindanao Bridging Leaders Program. The graduates of this program will join the growing network of leaders who will propagate the mindset and ways

of peace-building that are essential in bringing progress in Muslim Mindanao,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

The AIM-Team Energy Center for Bridging Leadership was established as


Gov’t lauds Asian Institute of Management - Team Energy program for Mindanao development

an endowed institution in 2004, with the vision of “A Society Without Divides.”

The endowed institution conducted the Mindanao Bridging Leaders Program (MBLP) entitled “Co-Creating Peace in Conflict Affected Areas in Muslim Mindanao,” that aims to develop cadres of bridging leaders who would help effectively respond to key societal divides in Mindanao towards peace-building and development.

Last Thursday, the AIM-Team Energy Center for Bridging Leadership distributed the certificates of Program Completion to 22 new bridging leaders in a simple ceremony held at the AIM Building in Makati City on Thursday.

The 22 newly-graduates from the government, academic community and the private sector had already developed platforms of actions to help address complex social problems in Mindanao, the Philippines, and the Asian region.

“They (graduates) will serve as peace-building advocates in the various action platforms that correspond to the priority reform programs of the Aquino administration,” Coloma said.

The program was primarily funded by the World Bank, through the State and Peace Building Fund managed by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Ma. Nieves R. Confesor, AIM’s Team Energy Center for Bridging Leadership Executive Director, said 22 Mindanao Bridging Leaders from various government and private sectors attended the program that lasted for

almost a year.These bridging leaders have shared

their respective stories from the ground in Mindanao and developed projects aimed at dealing with violent threats and implement institutional and sustainable change in the region.

Among the new graduates and bridging leaders are Major Franco Raphael Alano, Myra Alih, Major General Ariel Bernardo, Major Benjamin Hao, Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las, Rollie P. dela Cruz, Sherjan Kalim, Dr. Jeffrey Yasin Noor, Edwin To, Station Manager BBS-DXSM Radyo ng Bayan Zenaida Masong, Susano Balais, Michael Kelly Tiu Lim, Engineer Marites Maguindra, Nassreena Sampaco-Baddiri, Sittie Jehanne Mutin-Mapupuno, Dante Eleuterio, Brigadier General Daniel Lucerio, Dipunudun D. Marohom, Abdul Hamidullah Atar and Atty. Agdul Gaffur Madki Howard Alonto III.

The leaders presented platforms for actions namely, Assurance of Security and Protection of Human Rights, Improvement in the Delivery of Basic Services, Provision of Livelihood or Economic Opportunities, and Strengthening of Social Capital/Social Cohesion.

Confesor said the over-all objective of the program is to build a cadre of Bridging Leaders in Mindanao, who can address issues like peace, education, health, land conflicts, poverty, and poor local governance, among others. It has two key components: Leadership Formation and Institutional Development.(PNA)


DAR distributes 2,000 CLOAs, P6 million machinery to ARBs in Agusan del Norte

BUTUAN CITY - Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes led on Monday the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and turn-over of about P6-million worth of farm machinery and equipment to about 2,000 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) here.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .


DAR distributes 2,000 CLOAs, P6 million machinery to ARBs in Agusan del Norte

The activity was held at the covered court in Barangay Bayanihan here spearheaded by DA Region XIII Director Faisar Mambuay and OIC-asssistant regional director Andre Atega. Other officials present were Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John Amante, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., Mayor Francisco Chan Jr. of Buenavista town; Mayor Glicerio Monton Jr. of Jabonga; Mayor Reinario Rosales of Las Nieves; and Mayor Jenry Montante of Kitcharao, all in Agusan del Norte province.

De los Reyes also led the implementation of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) ARCCESS program to help improve the farm incomes of ARBs through their organizations. The program has two major components which is the provision of professional service providers to coach ARB organizations on the aspects of enterprise development; and provision of common service facilities or farm implements, equipment and machinery to ARB organizations.

He said the grant of farm implements, equipment and machinery were acquired through the taxes paid to the government for use as a business asset. These

will provide ARBs an economic agri-enterprise through user fees and will yield benefits in itself aside from helping produce agri-products. The user fees will then be utilized to sustain the operation and maintenance of the service facilities and eventually expand its pool through acquisition of more equipment and machinery.

The common service facilities turned over to beneficiary ARBs Monday morning consisted of eight hand tractors, four Cultivator power tillers, five threshers, a Combine Harvester and two haul trucks. The proponents were the Tagabaca Multi-purpose Cooperative of Butuan City and the Baliguian Irrigators Association. The Agrarian Reform Communities covered were the Tagabaca ARC (Butuan City) and the CLIMBBB ARC of Barangays Cuyago, Libas, Maraiging, Beltran, Bangonay, Baleguian, all of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

The 1,874 CLOAs distributed covering an area of about 3,000 hectares benefited about 2,000 farmer-beneficiaries in this city, and the municipalities of Buenavista, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Tubay, Nasipit, Carmen, RTR, Magallanes, and Cabadbaran City, all in Agusan del Norte.


“Our children are impressive, they showed promising futures as scientists, doctors, and engineers. I have been supporting our students through the various programs and projects the provincial government extends to DepEd because I believe in them and these awards best attest to our drive to improve the quality of education in the province,” said Governor Adolph Edward Plaza.

In a simple presentation of the winners and their awards during the flag-raising ceremony last week at the provincial capitol, Governor Plaza was delighted over the colorful performance in the national competition.

The participants were first and second

place winners in the Northern Mindanao Regional Children’s Science Fair and Quest 2012 held last year.

Initiated by the Association of Science Educators in the Philippines in cooperation with the Department of Education, NSQ aims to promote academic excellence in science and create camaraderie and sportsmanship among students and teachers.

This year’s competition focused on the theme, “Science and Technology Advancement for Creating Quality Environment-Friendly in Improving Productivity Prospects.”

The provincial delegation was made up of students from Bayugan

Agusan Sur students bag awards in the 10th National Science Quest

BUTUAN CITY-- Students from different elementary and high schools in the province bagged various awards in the 10th National Science Quest (NSQ) held last month at the Teachers’ Camp in Baguio City.


Comprehensive High School, Bayugan East SPED School, Bayugan Central SPED School and Agusan del Sur Pilot Laboratory School of Bayugan City; Desamparados National High School and Talacogon West SPED School of Talacogon; Agusan del Sur National High School and San Francisco Pilot Elementary School of San Francisco; Veruela National High School and Sampaguita National High School of Veruela; Trento II SPED School of Trento; Agusan del Sur National Science High School of Prosperidad; and Bonifacio Central SPED School of Bunawan.

Emerging winners in the elementary level in the Science Creative Modeling group category were Princess Magdaline Asis, Blessy Millen Salang, Regine Kate Salazar, Angelei Gree Bernadas, Hannah Rose Cotiangco, Girly Sheen Fajardo, Nikka Noele Galleron, Joei Lastimosa, Daryl Ratilla, Hanz Adriane Badic, Ian Rod Cabuntocan, Shyzle Mae Alguno and Ramonit Rivera.

In the individual category, Joie Lastimosa copped the championship with Nikka Galleron taking 1st runner up, Regine Kate Salazar, 2nd runner up and Ramonit Rivera, 3rd runner up.

For the contest in various costumes, Angeline Gree Bernadas and Ramonit Rivera took the Best in Indigenous attire; Ian Rod Cabuntocan and Regine Kate Salazar, Best in Cosplay; Hanz Adrianne Badic and Gerly Shenn Fajardo, Best in Modern Dress; Joie Lastimosa and Ramonit Rivera; Best in Recyclable Dress; and Regine Salazar and Ian Rod Cabuntocan, Best in Fantasy Dress.

For the Sayawit competition, the group composed of Princess Magdaline Asis, Chylie Malabo, Rosell Malayag, Jezreel

Jane Quijada, Blessy Millen Salang, Regine Kate Salazar, Angelei Gree Bernadas, Hannah Rose Cotiangco, Girly Shenn Fajardo, Nikka Noelle Galleron, Hanna Faith Lee, Gabrielle Christina Carbajal, Jazzy Martinez, Krizzia Maneja, Joie Lastimosa and Ratilla Daryl was 3rd place.

In the Ginoo and Binibining Kalikasan search, Shyzle Mae Alguno came out the 2nd runner up finisher.

Champions in the Sci/Modtech category are George Cultura, Jay-ar Jieck Jireh Arreza, Francis Ray Pintor, Elaine Janine Mata, Queen Nylesor Salas, Shaina Mae Mejos, Kristine Joy Cultura, Kissygen Auditor, Dapnie Jane Nato, Jupiter Uba, Prince Eran Panim, Allysa Naire Beloria, Cora Marie Cusap, Divine Grace Perez and Therese Myekkah Gendive.

For the teacher category of Investigatory Project, Mary Joy Timcang and Charlotte Aguilar bagged the 3rd place.

In the secondary level, Emy Dacoseo, Edilmero Amparo and Maria Berly Talinda grabbed 1st place in the Improvisation of Apparatus contest; Ma. Angelica Rosales, 2nd place in the Sci-Quiz and Joseph Delopere and Necesario Tulod took the 3rd place in Damath Parent’s category.

Teachers Julie Ann Bonsubre, Grace Alburo and Antoniette Geolina made 1st place finishes in the Investigatory Project team event while Julie Ann Bonsubre also topped the individual category.

Governor Plaza urged the students to continue studying well as he assured them of his continuing support in their studies.


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TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay - “I’m sure the donor of this lot has a very big heart,” thus declared Jose Mari Oquinena, Director-General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and Undersecretary for Special Concerns during the recent launching and groundbreaking ceremony of the Bayani Challenge 2013 in Barangay Tigbanuang, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Bayani Challenge 2013: Giving our best to the least among usBy Alma L. Tingcang


Situated along the national highway, the hilly terrain spanning 1.8 hectares donated by Danda Banggi of the Kalibugan tribe offers a magnificent view of the deep blue sea and the verdant mountains surrounding the area. Mayor Randy A. Climaco said the launching of the Bayani Challenge in Tungawan has brought new hope to the local folks. “This is a convergence of all sectors: the local government unit, PNP, AFP, academe, civic-religious organizations, people’s organizations and everyone in the

community,” he elucidated. Barangay Tigbanuang, the site of the Bayani Challenge 2013 housing project, used to be a place feared by everyone as well as the local folks and commuters traversing the area. This place was then a “hot spot” where ambush, killings, hold-ups/robberies and other crimes often took place a few years back. “Let it be said that good things are happening in Tungawan. As you build this village, know that you are raising the next generation of residents of Tungawan. It is not for


us but for the little children to grow up in a peaceful village, who will grow up knowing that everybody is a friend. That there was a time when Christians, Muslims and Lumads worked together. So, this will be our greatest legacy,” he said. “The Philippines cannot be poor. Why should we be poor when we are the texting capital, having 88 million subscribers? Just think, if every subscriber gives P10 in a month, that would be P880 million. If that is given here in Tungawan, there would be no poor family who would have no home,” DG Oquinena said in Pilipino. DG emphasized that Bayani Challenge “is not about building houses. It’s about building a village, a community for everybody. Everyone has a stake and whatever future projects of the local government unit should be done bayanihan style.” “Poverty is not about economics. It is a breaking out of relationships. It comes when people say “kami muna bago kayo (we first before you).” Poverty comes when we forget to care for our fellowmen,” Oquinena challenged. He said “we cannot expect to solve our problems and change our country if we only look up to one person to solve it. We should start doing our part.” “We have to make people understand that we are not building houses. We are building a community. Iba po yun (That’s a different thing). We have to become friends in a community. Sa pabahay (in housing), you don’t need to become friends

with your neighbors,” Oquinena quipped. He also pointed out that “the Bayani Challenge is not about how many houses we complete, not how many trees we plant. It hopes that everyone will get used to volunteer for others, that it would become natural for people to say, kayo muna, bago ako (you first before me).” The rationale behind Bayani Challenge 2013 is that after President Benigno C. Aquino III’s term ends in 2016, the reforms he wanted to achieve would be realized. So, it endeavors to develop and mold the young generation who will reject corruption and embrace volunteerism, and be part of nation building. Putting aside all differences, a new hope is here. “We are all Filinos. This is our country. Pilipinas natin ito, hindi Pilipinas ng ibang tao (this is our country and not of other people). Hindi Pilipinas ng mga nakaupo, ng mga mayayaman, hindi ng mahihirap pero Pilipinas natin ito lahat (This is not a country of those sitting officials, nor of the rich and poor, but of everyone else). At hinog na ang panahon para makilahok tayo sa pagtatayo ng Pilipinas Natin (And the time is ripe for everybody to participate in building our nation). Barangay Tigbanuang is one of the 37 sites of the Bayani Challenge 2013 on March 23-27 as volunteers from across the nation will work together to ensure that no Filipino will be left behind in the national pursuit for progress and sustainable development.


DOH conducts training on NCD interventionsBy Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD), Zamboanga Peninsula recently conducted a training on the package of essential non-communicable disease (NCD) interventions for primary health facilities in low resource settings at Guillermo Hotel this city.

Sixty one “Doctors to the Barrios” (DTTBs) and Public Health Nurses (PHN) deployed in the different municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte attended the said training. Dr. Ma. Agnes Mabolo, NCD regional focal person said the training aimed to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the participants on the essential interventions for NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes. Topics discussed were guidelines in the use of the protocol on the integrated management of

hypertension and diabetes (risk assessment and risk screening), improving access to essential medicines and guidelines for distribution/use of NCD medicines, PhilHealth Financing for NCD, reporting, health information system, registries and evaluation, among others. Meanwhile, Dr. Antonio Paraiso, National Program Manager of Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) discussed the importance of urinalysis and the 10 clinical syndromes in Nephrology.


DOH conducts training on NCD interventions

“Our very own Spanish Style Sardines can make it global and the demand for export would be greater if instead of processing it in bottles, we will store it in cans,” said Noel R. Bazan, DTI provincial director and product manager for the processed fish industry. Bazan presented the problems besetting the fish industry. These are the lack of cold storage facility; the inadequate capacity of some firms (micro) to put up or upgrade their facility to meet Food Safety Standards (i.e. FDA license to operate); certificate of product registration, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification; the high shipping cost; and unavailability of cargo vessels. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Asst. Regional

Director Engr. Joseph C. Florig said that businessmen in the fish industry need cold storage facility to ascertain whether they have the ability to supply fish in a certain period of time. Engr. Florig gave an update on the cold storage facility in Dapitan City. “With a cold storage, to become a millionaire is not impossible,” he added. Florig said the proposal was to offer each room of the storage facility in Dapitan with the fish industry as a priority. “What then the government will do is to monitor and collect for rentals. The maintenance is charged to the lessee,” he explained. However, such proposal still needs the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

DTI conducts stakeholders’ meeting for the processed fish industryBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Zamboanga del Norte recently conducted the stakeholders’ meeting for the processed fish industry at the Bamboo Garden Function Room capped by the presentation of the Processed Fish Action Plan 2013.


Miriam L. Suacito, Executive Director of Nagdilaab Foundation said “the IPSP signifies the intent of the AFP to draw support and increase involvement of the multi-stakeholders in all levels in addressing peace and security concerns.” The IPSP is the security sector’s

commitment to the attainment of quality and progressive life for the Filipino people as a partner in peace and development. “In Basilan, the IPSP partners had been doing efforts toward realizing the intended goal, which is lasting peace and development

Bantay Bayanihan launched in Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The civil society group in Basilan launched recently the Bantay Bayanihan (BB) to ensure the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is being implemented in accordance with its guidelines.

By Rene V. Carbayas


through the collaborative efforts of civil society, government line agencies and security sector,” Suacito stressed. The conveners of the oversight group in Basilan, who decided to launch the BB last March 5 during the duration of the Pakaradjaan Festival, were the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. and the BAPESDA (Basilan Advocates for Peace, Environment, and Sustainable Development Association). Ribi Daño, representative of the national secretariat said the “BB is a civil-society-led oversight body that will monitor the implementation of IPSP. It is an initiative that aims to create an oversight body over the armed forces, including defense and security policies (strategic, tactical and operational levels).” The BB is envisioned to be a dialogue space that brings together

civil society organizations, the academe, civilian government units (whose services have direct bearing on conflict formation and peace building), and the AFP. “There’s a national secretariat that serves as the working group on security sector reform, a research unit under the Department of Political Science of Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU),” Daño said. She added the secretariat serves as the communication channel and liaison between and among chapters from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Also, it serves as the agenda-setter during national meetings of the group. “The nature of engagement is constructive, but critical in the sense that we are an oversight; we have a tool for monitoring the assessment of the implementation of the IPSP, but at the same time constructive


because we know that we are part of the solution. We criticize but at the same time we give recommendation,” she explained. She also revealed that an annual assessment will be held this coming June to present the results of the assessment matrix crafted by the Bantay Bayanihan to the civil society organizations. The security sector reform research unit of AdMU is expected to publish its results and findings, have a book launch, and do some policy recommendations to legislators. “Bantay Bayanihan is already an institutional partnership between the CSOs and the AFP,” Daño further said. As to the impression about Basilan, she said “when one is from outside Basilan, the impression is that the place is dangerous and that one should have to coordinate his movement with the authorities. But surprisingly it’s just like Batangas, just like I am having a vacation here,” she observed, noting further that the CSOs in Basilan are very passionate about fighting for peace and development in the province. Regional convener, Dr. Grace Rebollos of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) presented the concept of the Bantay Bayanihan. The security sectors—the AFP and the police—also presented their security strategies and programs in winning peace in the province. 104th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez said “the military is studying the dynamics of the different areas where it operates as

basis for their strategic approach in addressing security concerns in the area. He also observed that “the people of Basilan are already saying NO to war and are thirsting for development projects.” He said that security concerns should be resolved in as peaceful way as possible with the support of the peace and order councils in the area. Security Sector Reform means transforming the security sector/system, which includes all the actors, their roles, responsibilities and actions—working together to manage and operate the system in a manner that is more consistent with democratic norms and sound principles of good governance, and thus contributes to a well-functioning security framework. The groups that form the Security Sector are: the armed forces, the police, Intelligence, Border Management Services, and the supporting institutions—oversight bodies such as Congress, justice and penal systems, non-statutory security forces and civil society groups. A core objective of Security Sector Reform (SSR) is to reform the security sector institutions so that they are transparent, respectful of the rule of law and human rights, and accountable to democratic civilian authority, such as the parliament and the justice system. Hence, the it is an important component of peace-building, democratization and development.


Cagayan de Oro ready for Bayani Challenge 2013by Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A series of activities have been set up here for the Bayani Challenge 2013 themed: “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,” that will take place from March 23 to 27.


At least 100,000 volunteers in more than 35 provinces nationwide will gather and simultaneously hold the Bayani Challenge dubbed the biggest multi-sectoral showcase of volunteerism in the country. Jose Mari Oquiñena, undersecretary for special concerns of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and director general of the Philippine Information Agency, said it will challenge more volunteers and partners to change lives, bring hope to others and build sustainable communities not only in times of disaster and tragedy. The Bayani Challenge is a five-day gathering of volunteers where bayanihan and love for country are showcased through building homes, repairing schools, medical missions, climate change mitigation activities and more.

In Cagayan de Oro, the Bayanihan Challenge will target to build homes at Gawad Kalinga (GK) SM-BDO and GK-Shell Village, Canitoan, where survivors of Typhoon Sendong were relocated. Bulua Central School, Puerto National High School and KM 5 Elementary School will also be refurbished. There will also be activities such as Pinoylympics at Bulua Central School and Paraisong Pambata at Canitoan–Elementary School and Xavier Ecoville at Lumbia. There will also be an Operation Tuli for all the boys at the GK Berjaya Village, Upper Camaman-an. The volunteers will also clean the shores of coastal and riverside barangays and the streets of Divisoria.

CSC-10 to accept nominations for search of outstanding state workers until March 29by Apipa P. BagumbaranCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Civil Service Commission in Region 10 (CSC-10) announced that interested nominators for the 2013 Search for Outstanding Officials and Employees have until March 29 to submit their nominations.

The search is open to any public official and employee, or a group of employees, who have exceptional or extraordinary performance or any superior accomplishments that had nationwide impact on public interest,

security, and patrimony. This prestigious annual search is administered by the Honor Awards Program (HAP) Secretariat of the CSC and forms part of the Commission’s advocacy in promoting a culture


of excellence and in recognizing and rewarding men and women for outstanding work performance or for consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior in public service. Lawyer Lourdes Clavite-Vidal, CSC-10 regional director, said the search has three awards categories, namely, the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Award or the Dangal ng Bayan Award, and the CSC Pagasa Award. She said the Dangal ng Bayan award is an individual nomination while the other two categories include group or team nominations in addition

to individual nominations. Nominations may be submitted to the CSC regional office 10 at Vamenta Blvd., Carmen, this city, or to the Civil Service field offices in the region. The complete guidelines, nomination forms, and documentation requirements can be secured from the CSC regional and field offices. These can also be downloaded from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. For further inquiries, visit the CSC regional office or contact them at telephone numbers (08822)71-00-57 or (088) 858-7563. Queries may likewise be sent through their email at [email protected].


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has intensified the training and organization of the Barangay Volunteer and Industrial Fire Brigades in the city.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

“These volunteers will serve as the first responders in the barangays and in the industrial establishments where they are working, during the occurrence of fire,” Senior Insp. Clint S. Cha, City Fire Marshall said. Cha said the BFP in the city has lined up a series of activities in observance of the Fire Prevention Month of March, all focusing on the theme: “Sunog at Sakuna, Paghandaan. Kalikasan ay Pangalagaan nang Matamasan ang Pag-unlad ng Bayan,” (Prevent Fire

Accidents. Protect and Take Care of the Environment to Attain Community Progress). Cha said one of these activities is the conduct of a Fire Brigade Olympics for both barangay volunteers and industrial fire brigades at the city hall grounds today. Other activities include the conduct of intensified fire safety inspection on buildings, other similar structures and business establishments, to see if they have



complied with the requirements of the Accessibility Law and the Fire Code of the Philippines. Also included are the intensified fire prevention awareness program and the inspection of the city’s fire hydrants, Cha said. Cha said the absence of roads and accessibility to the barangays and to the establishments prevent fire trucks and other fire-fighting equipment to go where they are needed during fire incidents. He said training volunteers

on fire prevention and safety, as well as enhancing their skills in fire suppression, such as bucket relay, rappelling, evacuation and first aid can help whenever there is fire in their areas since they themselves live in the communities. Cha said last March 1, some 200 volunteers participated in the unity walk and motorcade along the main roads of the city as a kick-off activity of the March Fire Prevention Month celebration.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Police Senior Superintendent Romeo Cachola Ver on Wednesday took his oath as the new police provincial direc-tor of South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) on acting capacity.

South Cotabato has new police provincial directorBy Danilo E. Doguiles


PSSupt Ver replaced PSSupt Randolph Delfin, who has been promoted as the regional directorial staff of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12.

“I am particularly happy to receive this designation which I have dreamed, and today this dream has become a reality. But I will be more happy to discharge of the duties and responsibilities that come with it,” he told members of the provincial police force and visitors at the turnover of command ceremony inside the SCPPO compound

He added that as the new police provincial director here, he is bringing with him experiences from previous assignments at the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, the Narcotics Command, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and lately with the Highway Patrol Group.

“I am deeply aware of the bigger responsibility with my

new designation so I will continue to try to do the most and best that I can do to attain the objectives and mission of our beloved PNP organization,” he said.

In his message to the incoming provincial director, Police Regional Director PCSupt Charles Calima Jr., said: “I know that you will be inheriting a very difficult job just to maintain the standards of excellence that the previous provincial directors, especially PSSupt Delfin, has established.

Delfin was known for promoting discipline among police personnel such as ensuring that police officers do not sleep nor wear civilian clothes when on duty.

He was also popular for his evening and dawn visits to police stations to check on his personnel.

Under his leadership, SCPPO’s Provincial Public Safety Company under the supervision of PSupt. James Gulmatico

was adjudged as the country’s Best Police Provincial Public Safety Company in 2012.

SPO4 Diogenes Hare of Sto. Niño Police Station was declared Most Outstanding Family of the PNP in 2012 by the National Police Commission.

Moreover, SPO3 Renjun Bagaman, assigned at the SCPPO was also honored as one the 2012 Country’s Outstanding Police in Service (COPS) by the Metrobank Foundation Inc. and its partners Rotary Club of New Manila East and PSBank.

“But I am confident that you can do your job and do it well,” Calima told Ver. “What you can do here is to sustain what Col. Delfin has established.”

“Just develop a good rapport with the community and local government units, especially work out on the support and good relationship with local chief executives.”

Calima added that he has kept track of


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Government agencies in Soccsksargen region are strengthening their effort with regards to empowering women in the society by tapping media to take part in their advocacy.

In a recent press conference on Magna Carta of Women and Gender

Ver’s career because the latter was with him in most of his assignments.

Ver was supposed to hold a conference with the personnel of

the SCPPO and grant interview with the members of local media after the command turnover ceremony, but had to leave for Barangay Sinolon,

T’boli town where alleged members of the New People’s Army harassed a Community Police Assistance Center (ComPAC). (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Government agencies call for media participation on women empowermentBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Development conducted last Thursday, Cotabato City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) assistant head Veranda Samson emphasized that tri-media is an important contributory factor for creating awareness on the role of women.

The official said that media has a vital role in disseminating information particularly on the Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) Act.

By feeding information, the CSWD officer believes that the public will be able to comprehend what is

right or wrong.Based on the data

provided by the city PNP, 49 VAWC cases were recorded last year. From this number, nine were filed in the court while the other were referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Samson noted that their office are helping abused women by not only giving them temporary shelter, food and transportation assistance and livelihood but education to their children as well.

Meanwhile, the office of the city PNP expressed their support on

women empowerment. Aside from handling cases, police staff are conducting seminars to equip audience with information on the welfare of women.

Also, the Commission on Population (POPCOM) in the region is steadfast in ensuring that advocacies on women sector are being pushed through.

POPCOM Information officer II Elbano Iglupas encouraged the people especially the media to strive hard in awakening that women are not only household individuals but they are the heart of development.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- At least 12 persons were hired on-the-spot for foreign employment during the recent jobs fair hosted by the pro-vincial government of North Cotabato.

It can be observed nowadays that women hold higher posts when it comes to their field of work. Further, women can now do jobs that

only men can do before.The activity which is in

line with the celebration of the Women’s Month was headed by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-

12) and was attended by print and broadcast journalists in Cotabato City. (SJDuerme-PIA12)

12 get foreign jobs in prov’l jobs fairBy Danilo E. Doguiles

The Provincial Human Resource Management Office (PHRMO), which managed the activity, also indicated that 16 others were assured of jobs from local companies, including Sta. Catalina Multipurpose Cooperative and business process outsourcing company Cyber City.

Human resource chief Aurora Garcia said the number could increase as more applicants are still being interviewed.

At least 374 individuals have filed their applications during the March 19 to 20 jobs fair held in the Capitol Compound in Amas, Kidapawan City. Twelve foreign recruitment

agencies and eight local enterprises offered job vacancies.

Garcia explained further that most of those who were hired for overseas employment will be deployed to Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East as household service workers, dump truck drivers, service crew, and laborers.

She said, the provincial jobs fair also received assistance from the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers of the municipalities and city in the area.

Personnel from the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Overseas

Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Philippines Overseas Employment A d m i n i s t r a t i o n -Mindanao were also present to assist.

Garcia assured the PHRMO assistance to the hired applicants particularly in processing their passports at the Department of Foreign Affairs office in General Santos City.

She explained the jobs fair is part of the employment assistance program of North Cotabato.

Meanwhile, Gov. Emmylou Mendoza said, she is happy with the success of the recent jobs fair. (DED-PIA 12)


New twists greets Compostela GK Bayani Challenge volunteers

COMPOSTELA, COMVAL PROV-INCE- Gawad Kalinga builders in the Municipality of Compostela had a new kind of experience in volunteering to build houses dur-ing this year’s Bayani Challenge. Added to the sweat and muscle pains of Gawad Kalinga build, was the meaningful feeling that they did it for the benefit of those who

had lost their homes to the wrath of Typhoon Pablo. Gracing the open-ing of the GK Bayani Challenge 2013 in Ba-rangay Osmena in the Municipality of Compos-tela, Compostela Valley Province, 1st District Representative Maricar Zamora said the Bayani Challenge in Compos-tela Valley came at the right time when “it is needed most.” Department of Social Welfare and Develop-

ment (DSWD) XI Assistant Director Mavil Vigil in the same forum said that DSWD registered 17,462 total number of Typhoon-affected fami-lies in Compostela town. The looming rain clouds and cold morning breeze on March 23, failed to douse the high spirits of more than a thousand volunteers


who came during the Compostela opening of the Bayani Challenge 2013. Volunteers echoed the nation-wide call for volunteerism banner-ing the theme, “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan” at the bang of the gong followed by the popping of balloons marking the start of the build. The “Pasaload”, featuring the passing of hollow-blocks from one volunteer to the other tied together the spirit of camaraderie of more than 40 volunteer groups from the academe, the government, human-itarian agencies, the media, the government information officers, banks, religious, among other sec-tors. The Presidential Communica-tion Operation Office (PCOO) led by Philippine Information Agency XI Director Efren F. Elbanbuena struck a gesture of brotherhood with the house workers as he engaged them in a “boodle fight” during lunch joined by some members of Davao City and Davao del Norte media and members of PIA XI staff. The fellowship night on the first day, staged the usual honor-ing of the volunteer groups but it had a new twist as it incorporated a touch of Earth Hour during which Volunteers lit lanterns and let them flew sending the message of uni-ty with the world in calling for the conservation of the environment. As this year’s GK Bayani Chal-lenge five-day build schedule, runs into the Holy Week, the GK build in Compostela featured a twist dis-

tinct from the rest: the Palm Sun-day Rosary Walk. Volunteers went to Barangay Andap, in the nearby municipality of New Bataan where they attend-ed the Palm Sunday Mass and lit candles of those who lost lives due to debris flow that brought an ava-lanche of about seven to nine me-ters of boulders, sand mixed with mud. The GK Bayani Challenge house-build is designed not just for sweating and labor, but also for fun and inspiration which serve as anchors in holding the fellowship nights. The day one fellowship night staged the Empowerment Talk 1 about “HOPE,” followed by Talenta-dong Bayani: D’ Talent Night on day two, which also featured Em-powerment Talk 2 on “Honor and Heroism”. The day 3 fellowship night fea-tured the Search for Mr. and MNs. Bayani with Empowerment Talk 3 on “Bayan.” The 4th night on Tuesday, is expected to send volunteers and worker in awe with music and magic as the fellowship night brings Gabi ng Bayanihan: “Musika at Mahika,” that goes alongside with Empower-ment Talk 4 on Bayan at Bayani-han. The GK Bayani Challenge 2013 in the Municipality of Compostela is also peppered with other delight-ful activities open for volunteers to participate. (PIA-XI JEAN ABAN-GAN)


Tagum’s trike drivers take “refresher” seminarTAGUM CITY- An army of road-worthy tricycle drivers is on the vision board of the Tagum City Tricycle Franchising and Regu-latory Board (CTFRB) after it convened the tricycle drivers for a series of half-day seminar on traffic awareness. Atty. Roland G. Tumanda, CTFRB chair, said this is a way of refreshing the knowledge of the drivers of the city’s main mode of transportation about traffic rules and regulations as well as orienting them about the latest traffic-related policies carried out by the authorities. Serving as guest speakers during the series of seminar which kicked off March 20, 2013 at the Tagum City Pavilion, are focal persons from the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police-Traffic Section and the Tagum City Traffic Management Unit. Among those discussed are the franchise guidelines in securing the Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) which is the document granting franchise or license to operate in the city as

regulated under City Ordinance No. 162 series of 2004. On his part, Mayor Rey T. Uy expressed gratitude to the pedicab drivers for their contribution to the progress of Tagum but also made a stern warning to those who tends to violate traffic rules and regulations.The local chief executive said during his term as city mayor, no additional franchises were granted by the MTOP because he doesn’t want to swarm the city with lots of tricycle units that could lower the earnings of the present franchise holders. Per data of the CTFRB, the city only have 3,150 tricycle units operating within the urban hub. An open forum was also conducted after the seminar. The first leg of this seminar catered motorcycle units with body numbers from 1 to 630. The other schedule will be as follows: March 27, 2013 (631 to 1260), April 3, 2013 (1261 to 1890), April 10, 2013 (1891 to 2520) and April 17, 2013 (2521 to 3150). (Louie Lapat of CIO Tagum)

One Mindanao - March 25, 2013

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