One Mindanao - March 5, 2012

Cover Story

The Legends of Dinagat Islands

Caraga Region

Today’s issue...Monday, March. 5, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 204

page 4

New bridge a boon to residents of Agusan del SurCaraga Region

Zambo. Norte solon leads project groundbreaking15Franklin Gumapon, Western Mindanao

WESCOM, Lingkod Timog Fdn team up for free medical services to indigents of Simpokan

16Western Mindanao

Stop all the cutting of trees along the river - NIA-Mis. Occ20Pat Nano, Northern Mindanao

Malacañang says election of COA chair to board of Supreme Audit Institutions in India is manifestation of credible auditing establishment in the country

9Barangay Tourism council created12 Eldie N. David, Caraga Region

People Power ‘tree planting’ revolution conducted in Lanao del Sur 19Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

DAR-XI rehabilitates farm-to-market road for rice farmers22Carina Cayon, Southern Mindanao

13

Gensan thanks PNoy for the release of P50M fund for road concreting projects26Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

Photo Credits: Mark Samson, Caraga, junsjazz, http://thetravelteller.com

Tulong sa mga magsasakang maapektuhan sa pagsasara Ala RIS hinahanda ng OPAG 28DEDoguiles, Central Mindanao

8 11 14

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

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 and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

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

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

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARD

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

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

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

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

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

18 21 24

4 Monday, March 5, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Two simple words often coined to describe the Province of Dinagat Islands. Many consider it

mysterious. Some believe it magical. While others think it has healing powers. But I wasn’t there to uncover its mysteries. That was not my purpose. I traveled to Dinagat Islands to see and discover the many spectacular

natural wonders that I’ve heard from other people. But this journey to Dinagat Islands does not only

let me discover its natural splendors but it also allow me to understand why they

often call Dinagat, Mystical Islands.

Cover Story

The Legends of Dinagat Islands

Monday, March 5, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

OnmyfirstdaythatIwasthere,I chanced to ask my host Mr. DaniloBulabos,theProvincialTourismOfficerofDinagatIslandswhythewholeProvinceis calledDinagat Islands.He lookedatmeandstartedsaying,“Onlythosewhodoesn’tfeartocometoDinagatIslandscanunderstandfullytheLegendoftheIslands. Only those whose hearts arepureandthosewhocometoseeDinagatIsland as gift of nature to behold canonly see the proofs of the Legend.” IbeganwonderingwhathemeantuntilIrealizedIwasslowlydrownedlisteningtohisstoryaboutTheLegendofDinagatIslands. The serene view of Dinagat Islands during Sunset

Once upon atime ina faraway land, there

existed twodifferent tribes thatlived in fierce rivalry. The

chieftainofeachtribewasknown to be fearless

and proud. Thechieftain of

the first

tribe hada handsomeson namedPrinsipe Gat, a pureandstrongwarriorwhiletherivalchiefhadabeautifuldaughter named Prinsesa Dina,an admirable virtuous lady, sounceasinglygorgeoustobehold. Inspiteoftheirtribe’sfeud,DinaandGatfellinlovewitheachother.Because of their father’s rivalry, theychosetokeeptheiraffairinsecret.Butrumors spread around the two tribes.Soon,bothchieftains learnedabout theirsecretaffairandforbidthemtoseeeachother. And like other romantic stories,their enduring love would conquer allobstacles.DinaandGat chose tofightfor their perpetual love and decidedto escape from their own tribes. Theyfledfaracrossthemilesandsailedtheoceans until they reached a secludedIslandParadise.Here,DinaandGatlivedashusbandandwifeandtogetherbuiltthefamilyoftheirown. TheIslandhadbeenagoodprovider to the


couple.It gave them

shelter. Itgave them food. Inreturned, Dina and Gat nurtured andfostered the Islandas their own.Theynourished and cultivated the Islandthey consideredaparadise and vowedtoprotectitfortheirchildrenandtheirchildren’schildren. One day, a fleet of foreign shipscarrying armies of hundred intruderswereseencomingtotheIslands.Seeingthemultitudeofintruders,DinaandGatwerefrightenedtheycannotfightsuchhuge armies of enemies. They werescared they cannot protect the Islandthey considered their home paradise.But because of their love for theirchildrenandtheIslands,theyrantotheseasanddoveandswamthedeepbluewatersoftheIsland.Theydovedeeperanddeeperuntilbothdisappeared.Fewdays passed by, a separate bulge of

two Islets sprouted in the middleofthewaterswherethecouple

waslastseen.Thetwoisletsappeared so mystical it

formed like gianthumans laying

d o w nto rest.It becameincrediblyvisiblethatitwasbelievedtobetheremnants of Dina and Gat,theprotectorsoftheIslandsanditschildren.

B a b a e n g Bukid, believed to be

Prinsesa Dina

The first islet was calledLalakeng Bukid and the other wascalled Babaeng Bukid. And fromthenon,thewholeIslandwascalledDINAGAT, named after the PrinsesaDinaandPrinsipeGat.Today,peopleofDinagat Islandsbelieved that thecouplearestillguidingandprotectingthem through presence of theLalakeng Bukid and Babaeng Bukid.ThatisthereasonwhythepeopleofDinagat Islands manage to surviveandendurethetestsoftime.

Monday, March 5, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 7

Lalakeng Bukid,

believed to be Prinsipe Gat

Afterhisexcitingnarrationof theLegendofDinagatIslands,Mr.Bulabosaskedmetoindentifywhichamongthemany islands in Dinagat is said to beLalakengBukidandBabaengBukid.Herepeated,“Onlythosemenwhoseheartsare pure and those who come to seeDinagatIslandasgiftofnaturetobeholdcanseet h e

p r o o f sof theLegend”. Sothen I lookedaround meticulouslysearching for the twosignificant distinctive figures.AndthenIpointedmyfingerstoanIsletnearbyandthentoanotherIsland.Mr.Bulabosgavemeanapprovingsmileand said, “You have a good heart andtheIslandslovesyou”.Ismiledback.Iwasright.Itwasn’taguess.Whenmyeyes laid to those twofigures, itknewtheywereLalakengBukidandBabaengBukid. It was overwhelming to knowthatIwasright. Some of the untouched Islands of Dinagat

That was the Legend of DinagatIsland. A tale that merely proves thatindeed Dinagat Islands is a “MysticalIslandProvince…ofLove”.

8 Monday, March 5, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATIONAquino leads oathtaking ceremonies for new officers of 10 government agencies in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the swearing-in ceremonies for the new officials of 10 government agencies in Malacañang on Monday.

ThePresident,whoworea crispwhitebarongandblackplants,administeredthe oath of office to thefollowing officials as partofhisdutyasPresidentoftheRepublic. The new officials

were: WigbertoTañada, chairman ofthe United CoconutPlanters Bank – CoconutIndustry InvestmentFund (UCPB-CIIF);

Benjamin Reyes, DeputyExecutive Directorfor Operations of theDangerousDrugsBoard;Virginia Akiate,

acting Director IV of theCommission of HigherEducation; Rufino


Malacañang says election of COA chair to board of Supreme Audit Institutions in India is manifestation of credible auditing establishment in the country

The feat of Commission on Audit (COA) chairperson Grace Tan, who has been elected to the Board of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) in India last month, is a manifestation that the Philippines has a credible and

trustworthy auditing institution.

Bomasang, Luisa MariaUranza, and FranciscoIgnalaga, Jr. as actingmembersoftheBoardofDirectorsofthePhilippineNational Oil Corporation-ExpolorationCorporation;Alfredo Non and

Gloria Yap-Taruc asmembers of the EnergyRegulatory Board; Jaime

Eloise Agbayani, actingpresident and chiefexecutive officer of theJohn Hay ManagementCorporation; GenaroMendoza,actingmember,Board of Directors ofthe Clark DevelopmentCorporation;AngelLopezCastaño,Jr.,

chairmanofthePhilippine

RacingCommission;MorySison,FelipeHidalgo,Jr.,JoelOtarra,andRonaldoTuazonasactingmembersoftheBoardofDirectorsof the Philippine PostalCorporation (Philpost);and Ives Nisce, actingchairmanofthePoroPointManagement Corporation. (RCK)


In a statement issuedon Monday, PresidentialSpokesperson EdwinLacierda said theAquino administrationcongratulated Grace Tanwho won a seat in theASOSAI Board during anelection in Jaipur, IndialastFebruary.“The Philippines was

in the distinguishedcompany of China, SaudiArabia, Russia, Thailand,and Bangladesh formembershiptotheBoard,with 11 candidates intotal,”Lacierdasaid. “This represents

a comeback for the

Philippines, which hasgained a seat after along time of not havingbeen considered formembershipintheBoard.ThePhilippinesjoinsSouthKorea, whose Auditor-General is Secretary-GeneraloftheInstitution,as anAsianmember,” hesaidLacierda said Tan’s

term of membership willbefrom2012until2015.The Aquino

administration willlook forward to Tan’s

contributions to theorganization.“This demonstration of

peer confidence comesattheheelsoftheearlierselection of the COAas the external auditorof the World HealthOrganizationinMay2011.ThePhilippinescan,oncemore, hold its head highas having a credible,trustworthy auditinginstitution,”Lacierdasaid.Last February 29, the

Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India (CAG)VinodRaitookoverastheChairmanof theASOSAI.(JS)


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Surigao del Sur PSWD sets 2-day Skills Training for Women

Theprogram is in linewiththisyear’scelebrationof the Women’s Monthwiththetheme:“WomenWeathering ClimateChange:GovernanceandAccountability,everyone’sResponsibility”.

According to Salinas,the program is designedto train unemployedwomen on rug-makingand fashion-jewelriesmaking as their sourceof livelihood especiallyto those unemployed

women. The program

implementation issponsoredbyGov.JohnnyPimentel in coordinationwith the AlternativeLearningSystem(ALS).

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

The Provincial Social Worker and Development Office (PSWDO) in Surigao del Sur, headed May Salinas, is set to conduct the 2-day Skills Training for Women on March 14-15 to be held at Provincial Social Hall, Capitol Hills, this city.


BUTUAN CITY -- To extensively promote the country’s tourism campaign “Its more fun in the Philippines,” the Sagguniang Panlungsod has approved the creation of the Barangay Tourism councils in Butuan City.

Barangay Tourism council created

In an ordinanceapproved recently by theCouncil, barangay officialsare now mandated toorganize their respectiveBarangayTourismCouncilsand elect for themselvesofficers. The BarangayTourism Council shall bememberedbyallinterestedorganizations, purokPresidents or officers,businessmen, teachers,youth leaders, religiousleaders, associationpresident, transportPresidentandothers.

Undertheordinance,the council shall have thefollowing functions: 1)initiate, organize, sourceout funds and implementtourism activities withinthe Barangay during itsBarangay Fiesta, Arawng Barangay, Christmas,Valentines and thelike; 2) identify, plan,develop and promotetourist spots, activities,delicacies, souvenir andtheliketobenefitthelocalstakeholders financiallyand economically outof the reproduction and

sales of the said spots,products, delicacies andsouvenirs; 3) present tothe City Tourism Councilits identified tourist spots,tourismactivities,programsand projects, togetherwith their suggestions,recommendations, requestfor approval and fundingfor its development, and;4) such other functionor functions as the CityTourism Council, theSangguniang PanlungsodandtheCityMayor’sOfficeshalldelegateinrelationtotheveryintentandpurpose

by Eldie N. David


This is now a thingof the past followingthe opening of a newlyconstructedbridge. However, the newbridgeisonlymadeoflightmaterials and can onlyaccommodatelightvehicleslikemotorcyclesandcarts. The new bridgeconnects Barangay NewTubigon of Sibagat towninAgusandelSurprovinceto Barangay San Juan ofBayuganCity.

The route from NewTubigonviaSanJuanusingthe new bridge in goingto Bayugan City cuts thetravellingdistancebyabout30kilometers. “The new bridgeis very precious to usbecauseitmakesourtraveltoBayuganCity andotherdevelopedareaseasierandcomfortable. This means,ourexpensesinbringingourfarmproductstothemarketwillbe reduced,whichwill

alsomeanbiggerincomeforus,”NewTubigonBarangayChairman Librado Felizildasaidinthevernacular. On the other hand,Nestor Banguiran, headteacher of New TubigonElementary School, said itwillnolongerbeaproblemforthemtotransportschoolneeds to improve thequality of education. “Thenewbridgealsoputanendto therisk facingstudents,”hesaid.

New bridge a boon to residents of Agusan del SurBAYUGAN CITY -- For the past several years, residents in far-flung village communities here experienced difficulties in bringing their farm produce to the market. Students had to travel several kilometers and crossed a river to be able to go to school.

ofitscreation. The chairman of theSangguniang BarangayCommittee on Tourismshall automatically be theBarangay Tourism Officerand at the same timeHonorary Member of theBarangay Tourism CouncilwhilethePunongBarangayshall automatically be

the co-chairman of thecouncil. All elected BarangayTourism chairman shallautomaticallybeamemberof the Barangay TourismFederation and shall electfrom among themselvestheir officers such asthe Barangay TourismFederation Chairman,

Vice Chairman, Secretary,Treasurer, PRO, BusinessManager,BoardofTrusteesor other position as theydeemitfitinaccordancewiththeir functions. In turn, theelected Barangay TourismFederation Chairman shallautomaticallybeamemberoftheButuanCityTourismCouncil.


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Mercury Drug, City gov’t conduct ‘Operation Bigay Lunas’ By Claro A. Lanipa

The city government, in partnership

with Mercury Drug, conducted on March 1 “Operation Bigay Lunas – Libreng Gamutan” as the drugstore celebrated its 67th year of public service and existence.


Joining the congressman were personnel from the first engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) headed by Engr. Leoncio B. Solamillo, city, municipal and barangay officials,

media practitioners, students and other stakeholders. Labadlabad led the capsule laying at the starting point of Turno-Galas-Sinaman bypass road which recently received an initial funding

DIPOLOG CITY- Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the second district of Zamboanga del Norte led Thursday, March 1 the ground breaking of eight infrastructure projects to be constructed in this city and the municipalities of Katipunan, Roxas, Manukan, Sindangan and Siayan.

Zambo. Norte solon leads project groundbreaking By Franklin Gumapon

The medical mission was held at the Pagadian City gymnasium. As early as 6.m., thousands of people from all walks of life flocked the gymnasium to avail of free medical services such as medical check-up, consultation, blood sugar testing, deworming and free medicines provided by Mercury Drug. The free medical services were handled by 25 government and private medical practitioners from Pagadian and Ozamis City, assisted by the entire medical staff of the city health office and employees of the city government. Last year, the same activity was conducted at the same venue, wherein thousands of Pagadianons, majority of them who were less fortunate availed of free medical services including medicines and

vitamins for the children. Operation Bigay Lunas is a joint project of Mercury Drug Foundation Inc., co-sponsored by United Laboratories (UNILAB), Philusa Corp, Medical Center Training Corporation (MCTC), Absolute Sales Corporation and other pharmaceutical companies. (JPA/CAL/PIA Zambo Del Sur)


of P45 million. A total of P200 million has been earmarked for this project. The congressman immediately proceeded to barangay Marupay in Roxas town and Katipunan National High School in Katipunan municipality to separately administer the groundbreaking for the construction of two covered courts worth P1.5 million each. Other projects Labadlabad has given to his district include a covered court worth P250,000 at Sitio Diwait in barangay Tabon of Jose Dalman town, continuation of the construction of Sindangan

Cultural and Sports Center with an initial appropriation of P13 million, upgrading of Sindangan-Siayan-Mahayag national road with P379 million allocation, and the construction of Piao bridge approaches along barangay Poblacion to Decoyong in Sindangan town with P14.9 million allotment. Cong. Labadlabad also announced that P110 million has been set aside for the improvement of the Dipolog irrigation project and another P175 million for the expansion of Dipolog airport. (ALT/FPG/PIA-ZDN)

WESCOM, Lingkod Timog Fdn team up for free medical services to indigents of SimpokanISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Lingkod Timog Foundation teams up with the Western Command (WESCOM) and various organizations that recently provided free medical services to some 1,500 indigent patients of Simpokan in Palawan.

The 6th Civil Relations Group of the AFP said that the medical and dental mission was made successful with the support of Puerto Princesa City Health Office and the Barangay


health workers and volunteers from several non-government organizations that include Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and the Jaycees Foundation. This undertaking is part of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan”, wherein all stakeholders participate in winning the peace through hand-in-hand voluntary services. Residents and some of the Tagbanua tribes of the barangay were given free basic medical and dental services such as blood pressure check-up, blood smearing and tooth extraction wherein majority could barely afford. The medical team also offered free circumcision to little boys who felt man enough to go through what is considered a rite of passage in Filipino culture. More than 1,500 residents benefited from the said medical and dental mission. Barangay Chairman Boy Macasaet expressed his gratitude for choosing his barangay as the venue. During the said activity, the 6th Civil Relations Group conducted film-viewing to the residents, while

waiting to be examined by the doctors, to emphasize what the AFP is doing right now to help the Filipinos in “winning the peace”. WESCOM Commander LtGen Juancho M Sabban AFP said, “with the new IPSP already in effect, the AFP will be implementing more civil-military operations such as the medical mission conducted in Barangay Simpocan in this city. The new IPSP of the AFP, called “Bayanihan,” is heavy on community service-oriented and development-centered programs and projects. It will be in effect until 2016.” “Through the “Bayanihan,” the armed forces will become not just the protector of the people, but a strong partner in development as well,” the WESCOM Chief added. Other units and organizations that participated were as follows: Naval Forces West (NFW); 570th Composite Tactical Wing (570th CTW) of the Air Force; Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 and 12 (MBLT-4&12); Camp General Artemio Ricarte Station Hospital and the 1308th Dental Dispensary. ( A L T/ 6CRGA F P/ RVC-PIA9 ZBST)


PRO-10 commits 1M trees to Northern Mindanao by PSupt. Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga

The officers and men of northern Mindanao committed to put nurseries at their respective police stations and offices, in response to the chief PNP’s ‘Pulis Makakalikasan’ program of

promoting a balanced ecological system.

An individual police officer is required to plant at least six seedlings per month until February 2013, in coordination with an official of a barangay or a forest official from a concerned environment and natural resources office. It shall be the responsibilities of the provincial

and city directors, as well as their respective chiefs of police (COPs) to ensure the full compliance of this project. For his part, PCSupt. Jufel C. Adriatico, regional director (RD) of Police Regional Office (PRO)-10, initiated the tree-planting activity at sitio Malasag, Cugman, this city, on February 23, 2012 after the regular morning run.

Officers and members of PRO-10, together with the provincial and city directors, and COPs of the component cities and municipalities joined the RD during this activity, where a total of 4,356 seedlings were planted.


People Power ‘tree planting’ revolution conducted in Lanao del Surby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - A people power ‘tree planting’ revolution was carried out throughout the province today in line with the commemoration of the 26th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution and in support to the National Greening Program of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

It was dubbed as a people power tree planting revolt since all sectors of the society took part in this endeavour of protecting and preserving the

environment, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Cosain Abbas said. He said the tree planting revolt

A command c o n f e r e n c e followed at PRO-10 multi-purpose hall, in which unit commanders were required to present their compliances to PRO 10’s socially-responsive Implementation Plan (Implan) “Kabilin: Usa Ka Milyong Kahoy Para Sa Kaugmaon sa Taga Northern Mindanao.” This Implan helps the region protect its forest cover areas against flashfloods and threatened habitats and sanctuaries of endangered species. Meanwhile, Adriatico and his team visited the police provincial office in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Feb. 24 to 25.

He again led the police officers in the morning run from city’s Freedom Park to Sitio Kimambang, Sumpong, where another 860 seedlings were planted. At the provincial headquarters, PSSupt. Rustom Duran, Provincial Director, presented the nursery he put up to sustain the one-year three-planting program of PRO-10. (PRO)


was conducted simultaneously in the different municipalities in the province this morning, but in Marawi City, the participants started going to the planting site below the historic Sacred Mountain in Barangay Guimba

as early as 7:00 a.m. Abbas said the tree planting activity was a joint effort of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Lanao Civil Society, and the academe, as well as, the 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army who coordinated with the all local government units in the province and provided transportation to

the participants. He said some 4,000 seedlings of various exotic tree species such as mahogany, falcata, rubber and narra were planted during the activity.

Stop all the cutting of trees along the river - NIA-Mis. Occ. by Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has called on the residents of Misamis Occidental to stop the illegal cutting trees along the river to avoid the destruction of the environment.

The agency sounded the call after the recent floods in the towns of Tudela and Clarin due to the overflowing of water at Paca River resulting in the collapse of the irrigation dam in the area. Aside from the illegal quarrying operations, another reason for flashfloods is the illegal cutting of trees in the mountains and along the river which often result not flashfloods but also landslides. This is because there are no more trees that will absorb and

regulate the flow of the rain water that fills the river, during heavy rains, Soledad Puyales, head of NIA-Misamis Occidental, said. Puyales said results of their survey in Sitio Tongo, Barangay Namut in Tudela located at the foot of Mt. Malindang after the recent flashfloods reveal that the forest in the area had been so much denuded. Meanwhile, she said NIA will implement a tree-planting program along the river to prevent flashfloods from happening.


PDEA tightens watch on Araw ng Dabawby Mai Gevera Macapagat

Based on last year’s dangerous drugs

apprehension record, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) Region XI expects this month as a peak season as many foreigners are in the city for the celebration of the Araw ngDabaw. PDEA XI regional director Emerson Rosales bared in Monday’s Kapihan sa Dabaw at SM CITY that the team is now closely monitoring some foreigners who are in the city. The office received information that foreigners take advantage of the occasion to purchase dangerous drugs. Identified peak seasons are Kadayawan Festival, yuletide season, and every school enrollment. Data showed that dangerous drugs apprehended last March of 2011 are estimated to be worth P1.2 million. A quick rise from February’s record of P896,000. “ We are intensifying our campaign as well as our operations especially this month despite a significant budget cut which we believe can really affect our

entire operation.”, said Rosales. About P100 million per month is cut from PDEA’s budget was re-aligned to the budget of the Philippine National Police. “But we are thankful that local government units are supporting our office in terms of administrative assistance.” he added. PDEA XI, according to Rosales, is the least drug affected in the entire Mindanao due to the strong advocacy shown by local chief executives. The office committed to focus more on identified barangays to have high incidence of drug-related activities and will seek full support from the residents to help PDEA in monitoring and giving important information for a successful operation.


DAR-XI rehabilitates farm-to-market road for rice farmers by Carina Cayon

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur – Rice farmers in Barangay Lower Bala of this town are now benefiting from a recently rehabilitated farm-to-market road (FMR) projected to provide a 20 percent increase in the farmers’ income. Previously, most parts of the 4.470-kilometer long road were impassable during rainy days interrupting transportation of the farmers’ produce to the market. Now, with the P7.2 million FMR rehabilitation project of the Department of Agrarian Reform, the road gives convenience and reduced travel time to travellers especially for the farmers who have lowered hauling cost of their farm products. DAR has completed and

turned over the project which was implemented under its Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (DAR-ARISP 3) to the local government units in Davao del Sur in February this year. Aside from Barangay Lower Bala, the FMR project also benefits other adjoining barangays namely New Ilocos, Simon, San Isidro, Tacul, Barayong, Upper Bala in the municipality of Magsaysay and some barangays of Colombio municipality, province of Sultan Kudarat. “I am committed to the maintenance of this road,” said Governor Douglas R. Cagas in his acceptance speech during the turn-over ceremony. Together with Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Wilson S. Antiga, District Engineer Zenaida Tan, and Barangay Captain Pastor Basinilio of Lower Bala, Cagas signed the turn-over documents. “This is our continuing commitment in sustaining the gains of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), hand-in-hand we will make things happen,” Antiga said. The FMR rehabilitation project is under DAR-ARISP 3’s Road 1project which represents 40% of the total project cost of P18 million.


Road 1 project also includes the widening and gravelling of the road with two-line box culvert and two-line lateral and minor-cross drainage. The 60% of the total project will go to Road 2 project worth P10.8 million for the rehabilitation and concreting of a 4.8-kilometer FMR connecting the Simon-Sambino-Kilolog roads. The project needs an equity share which will be funded by the Provincial Government of Davao del Sur.

Program of work for the Road 2 project is now wrapping-up and will be implemented within the year.DAR-ARISP 3 is a package to support the agricultural-productivity of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in the rural areas. The package is comprised of sub-projects namely a) irrigation component b) farm-to-market road c)post-harvest facility d) potable water system and e) agri-technology transfer and institutional development. (DAR-XI/Yadz Geyrozaga)

regional gallery

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-XI Regional Director Emerson Rosales faces the media during a press conference at SM-City Davao (Cafe Rhysus) to answer queries on the campaign against illegal drugs in Davao City. The PDEA’s national budget for 2012 has been slashed by about P100-million


KORONADALCITY, South Cotabato – The plan to shut down the two dams of the Ala River Irrigation System (Ala RIS) will be carried out as planned in May, the province’s agriculture chief announced on Saturday.

Closure of S. Cotabato’s major dams to push through in May by Dani Doguiles

P r o v i n c i a l agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste said more than 9,000 hectares of irrigated rice fields in South Cotabato’s Upper Valley area and about 2,000 hectares in Sultan Kudarat

province because Ala RIS’s dams in

Colonggolo in Surallah, South Cotabato and Bai Sirafinang in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat will be totally closed for rehabilitation.

The shutdown will last until August this year.

“Repair of the said irrigation system is deemed necessary because since its opening in 1972 the dams and its line and


distribution canals have not undergone any rehabilitative works,” he said.

However, Legaste was quick to allay fears that agricultural production in the affected areas in South Cotabato -- the municipalities of Surallah, Sto. Niño, Banga, and Norala -- will be adversely reduced, thereby affecting grains supply in the province .

He said, rice farmers here were able to plant a follow up cropping in at least 5,000 hectares earlier than expected; these will be ready for harvest in April and May.

“In our meetings with irrigators’ associations we repeatedly encouraged farmers to resort to the traditional practice

‘tabungos’ or stocking of palay grains for the lean months,” he added, to make sure that farm families will have enough food supply.

“Also, of the 9,000 hectares an estimated 2,000 hectares in the low-lying areas could still be planted with palay while the dams are closed because these have other water sources such as natural springs.”

Other mitigating measures such as growing of other crops in lieu of palay have also been laid out with affected irrigators’ associations.

“Farmers in parts of Surallah and Norala have already started planting high breed corn in their rice fields,” he said. This after the Provincial Agriculture

Office have organized meetings between IAs and high breed corn seeds for possible partnership.

Besides corn, other crops being promoted as temporary replacement for palay include watermelon, cantaloupe, okra, squash, upo, patola, and ampalaya.

“Some of these crops are even more economically advantageous than palay,” he pointed out.

Since the situation could be considered a calamity, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist has proposed to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council for a seed assistance amounting to P1.5 million (P750,000


each for palay and hi-bred corn) as well as purchase of P780,000 worth of tilapia brood stock from Muñoz, Nueva Ecija for future fingerlings dispersal.

He is confident this proposal would get the approval of the PDRRMC.

“Other irrigation systems in South Cotabato are also scheduled for repair and rehabilitation after the works at the Ala RIS have been completed but these will be carried out in such that production will not be implemented,” Legaste

explained further. In January,

National Irrigation Administration- South Cotabato head Engr. Ramon Bugacia announced they will be implementing a P138-million worth of rehabilitation projects in the two dams of the Ala RIS.

Projects include protection works on main dams, repair of the mechanical systems that open and close the water gates, rehabilitation of main canals, and construction of additional structures and check structures.

Bugacia appealed to affected farmers -- some 8,850 farm families -- “to make the necessary sacrifice for few months” while the dams are undergoing repairs.

“In the long run, we will all benefit if the efficiency level of the dams is restored to its original capacity,” he said.

This year, the national government has allotted a total of P322.7 million for irrigation development projects in South Cotabato and parts of General Santos City.

Gensan thanks PNoy for the release of P50M fund for road concreting projectsby Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The City Government of Gensan is in high spirits following the recent approval and release by President Benigno Aquino III of the P50 million road concreting projects for the seven “major road arteries” in the area.

City Media Affairs Officer, Avel Manansala revealed that President Aquino approved the said amount through the Department of

the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) - Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

“It will finance seven road concreting projects

that were included in the letter of Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio to President Benigno Aquino III dated December 20, 2011, requesting for


funding assistance,” he explained.

The projects include concreting of Tiongson Street in Barangay Lagao with P 3,000,000 allocation; Napal Road in Barangay Conel with P14, 000,000 budget; Aparente and Salvani Streets in Barangay City Heights with P10, 000, 000 budget each; Anonas Street in Barangay Dadiangas West with P3, 000,000 allocation; and Cagampang Street in Barangay Dadiangas South, and Rivera St. in Barangya Lagao with P5, 000,000 budget each.

Manansala said the city government is elated because of the swift response of the President

and the immediate release of the said amount to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 12.

He explained that the release is very timely as this will “vouch for Gensan’s position as the center of commerce in the region” considering the recent proliferation of business establishments in the area.

“We admire the President’s holistic approach to development by supporting the growth of other cities and provinces outside Manila,” he pointed out.

General Santos City is known as the “the gateway to the opportunities, sights,

sounds, and culture of Soccsksargen region.”

Most tourists who want to explore the other cities and provinces in the region can hardly do it without passing through General Santos City.

Soccsksargen stands for South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Meanwhile, Manansala disclosed that the South Cotabato Sub-District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake the implementation of the said projects starting this month of March 2012.


Tulong sa mga magsasakang maapektuhan sa pagsasara Ala RIS hinahanda ng OPAGKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Ilang mga hakbang ang ipinatutupad ngayon ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist upang masiguro ang ayuda sa mga magsasaka sa Upper Valley area na maapektuhan ng pagsasara ng dalawang dam ng Ala River Irrigation System (Ala RIS) na isasailalim sa rehabilitasyon simula sa buwan ng Mayo.

Inihayag ni South Cotabato Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste na pinakaunang hakbang nila ang pag-uugnay sa mga apektadong irrigators’s association (IA) sa mga kompanya ng mga hi-bred corn sa posibleng ayuda sa pagtatanim ng mais habang di pa matataniman ng palay ang kanilang mga sakahan.

Sa ngayon ilang IA na sa bayan ng Surallah at Norala aniya ang nagsimula nang magtanim ng mais sa kanilang palayan.

Maliban sa mais may tulong din sila sa mga magsasakang nagnanais makapagtanim ng iba pang alternatibong pananim tulad ng watermelon, cantaloupe, okra, kalabasa, ampalaya, at iba pa.

Dahil maaring mapabilang sa kalamidad ang sitwasyon, hinihiling din ngayon ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist sa Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council paglalabas ng pondong P1.5 milyon para sa seed assistance para sa mga magsasakang apektado. Kalahati dito ay para sa rice seeds assistance samantalang and kalahati ay para sa corn seed assistance.

Hinihiling din ng tanggapan ang

karagdagang P780,000 para sa pagbili ng brood stock ng tilapia para magamit sa pagpaparami ng de kalidad na klase ng tilapia kaugnay ng programang tilapia fingerlings dispersal ng lalawigan.

Ayon kay Legaste na maaprubahan ng PDRRMC ang kanilang panukala dahil suportado ito ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr. (DEDoguiles)

One Mindanao - March 5, 2012

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Transcript of One Mindanao - March 5, 2012