One Mindanao - March 8, 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

Patunob Festival: A way to renew vows, celebrate good healthRecthie T. PaculbaNorthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Friday, March 8, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 141

page 4

President Aquino cites role of telecommunica-tions in facilitating free flow of information 7

Shahana Joy E. Duerme, Central Mindanao

CAAP reveals development plans for GenSan airport 14

DA to hold organic fertilizer marketing forum

Comelec sets Feb. 1-April 15 for submission of application for media accreditation

Iligan City sets series of activities for Women’s Month celebration

Danilo E. Doguiiles, Central Mindanao13

1718

Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Lorry V. Gabule, Northern Mindanao

City gov’t launches program on recycling, art 22

Joey Dalumpines, Southern Mindanao

PNoy lauds DOT for tourist arrival growth 28

DOLE Caraga conducts ISO 10002:2004 Training on Quality ManagementRomelyn Braza, Caraga Region

23LGU-BC-PIO, Caraga Region

Dave Malcampo, Western Mindanao

RTWPB-IX sets schedule for wage consolations in ZamPen32

6 9 11 16 20 26

Friday, March 8, 20134

Patunob Festival: A way to renew vows, celebrate good health

Residents and visitors of Binuangan town in

the province of Misamis Oriental observe a traditional yet sacred way of celebrating faith, life and good health through the Patunob Festival held every first week of February.2013. Mindanao.

CoVer StoRy

To honor their patron saint -- Our Lady of Lourdes, people from Binuangan hold several activities which include a parade, cultural show, trade fair, fluvial float and boat race. B i n u a n g a n Municipal Planning Officer Manuel L. Saligumba, over-all chairman of the 2013 festivity, said for this year, eight barangays participated in the

By Recthie T. Paculba

Friday, March 8, 2013 5

cultural show and fluvial float. These are Poblacion, Mosangot, Mabini, Dampias, Valdeconcha, Kitamban, Kitambis and Nabataan. “We traditionally celebrate the Patunob Festival on February 10 to 12. On the third day of celebration, our parish priest Rev. Ricardo A. Dancela, SSJV, leads the fluvial float accompanied by Binuangan fisher folks and devotees,” Saligumba said. During the fluvial float, devotees say their prayers and sing songs of love to their patron saint. The parish priest also gives his prayers for the safety, good health and bountiful blessings of the fisher folk. The boats, which are part of the fluvial float contest, accompany the Our Lady of Lourdes float and are decorated with flowers and colorful streamers. The criteria in choosing the winners of the said contest depends on the creativity, relevance to the celebration and visual effect to the viewers.

A f te r the fluvial float, Rev. Dancela puts

on the Our Lady of Lourdes apparition on the head and shoulders of the devotees. “Such act is a way to show that we are seeking for good health from the Birhen sa Lourdes and it is also a manifestation of faith renewal, and submission to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Saligumba explained. Saligumba said about 5,000 visitors arrive annually for the festival and to seek healing from illnesses. He said the water that flows out from the feet of the Birhen sa Lourdes apparition situated beside the church is said to be miraculous and many residents and visitors as well attest to its healing power. Our Lady of Lourdes is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary which was invoked by the Roman Catholics to honor the Marian apparitions which are said to have taken place before various individuals on separate occasions around Lourdes, France.

6Friday, March 8, 2013

ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino orders AFP to ‘reassess’ sending of troops abroad

President Benigno S. Aquino III has tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to reassess the viability of sending Filipino troops to assist in humanitarian missions vis-à-vis the need to uphold the peace and security

at the home front, saying a “delicate balance” between the two had to be reached.In an interview here, the President

said he wanted the “vital function” of Filipino contingents sent to the Middle East, Haiti, East Timor, Cambodia and the Golan Heights.

“Ngayon, ‘yung lahat itong deployment nga na ito, may vital function. We are part

of the global community. Syempre, kung may katahimikan sa Gitnang Silangan ay nakakatulong rin sa ating sarili ito na, for instance, basta nagkaroon ng giyera diyan nagkakaroon ng the upward spiral ng price of oil; napapataas ang lahat ng bilihin, etc,” the President said.


President Aquino orders AFP to ‘reassess’ sending of troops abroad

“So tina-task ko ang ating AFP, in particular, to…parang to reassess, matagal na, na can we afford to send this number of people? I am told the number is about a thousand for all of the deployments everywhere when we also have our needs here in the country,” he added.

“So I’m still awaiting the results of that

study. Ang balancing is meron naman tayong obligasyon na makatulong mag-enhance ng world peace, ano, pero meron rin naman tayong pansariling interes. Kailangan rin sigurong pagtugmain... ‘yung hindi napapabayaan ang alin man ditong obligasyon,” the President said. PND (rck)

President Aquino cites role of telecommunications in facilitating free flow of information

President Benigno S. Aquino III

cited the role of the telecommunications sector in facilitating the free flow of information to our countrymen.

8Friday, March 8, 2013

“Knowledge empowers our people and sustains the momentum of our nation’s ongoing revitalization. As part of the telecommunications sector, you act as conduits that facilitate the free flow of information to our countrymen,” the Chief Executive said in his message to the Federation of International Cable TV and Telecommunications Association of the Philippines (FICTAP) on Thursday.

The FICTAP opened its 14th International Cable Congress and Exhibit on Thursday at the Manila Hotel. The event would end on Friday.

“It is necessary that we remain attentive to the advances in technology in your industry, that we may keep our countrymen informed and educated, bringing us closer to our goal of equitable progress,” the President said.

President Aquino also lauded the FICTAP for undertaking initiatives that will promote healthy competition in the telecommunications sector.

The President said the initiatives likewise aim to improve the sector’s service levels, thereby contributing to

an aware and engaged populace.“The nation is one with you in

welcoming a new chapter in your history, with your organization’s recent change of name to encompass the new possibilities emerging in your field,” he stressed.

“This move is both apt and timely, as it recognizes the potential of cable television not only in bringing news, current events, and entertainment, but also in transmitting communications and elevating the level of public discourse,” the President said. PND (js)


DSWD infra project benefits 290 families in Saranggani

AP1.48 million-bridge project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Mindanao has benefited about 290 families in a remote village in Saranggani

province.The beneficiaries, mostly farmers

who are suffering the costly transportation of farm products, are presently benefiting from the newly constructed bridge in Barangay

Tablao, a far-flung barangay of Kiamba town, Sarangani Province.

Gemma Rivera, DSWD assistant regional director, said that villagers are now smoothly transporting farm


products from Tablao to town proper and need not to transfer it from one riverbank to another.

“The unreliable existing decrepit bridge cannot anymore accommodate vehicles for transportation, for this, products of villagers needed to be hauled, which means additional labor cost for farmers,” Rivera said.

The bridge constructed through the DSWD anti-poverty project, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), is seen by village officials to be the largest contributing factor for the rapid development of the community.

The bridge was turned over Thursday. The construction of the project started in October 2012 and finished on March 5 this year.

The newly constructed bridge in the community which serves as a gateway to other villages is expected to help increase the households’ income and will link residents to access other government social services.

Rivera added that the rough road and lack of bridge compromised the quality of agricultural products like fresh fruits before eventually reaching the market, leaving farmers with no choice but to sell it in a very low price, killing their supposed profit, resulting to a loss of

substantial income to many families.A DSWD-led community-driven

development project, Kalahi-CIDSS aims to empower communities, improve local governance and reduce poverty.

The poorest barangays are given access to and control of key development decisions and resources through a guided process of community mobilization.

Villagers are given opportunities to analyze their own need, manage resources and implement project that will answer identified problem.

Tablao is one of the villages where residents identified bridge construction as the most pressing need of community and required immediate solution.

The project was then realized with the financial support from World Bank.

Kalahi-CIDSS has been implemented since 2003 and constructed 16 bridges across the region amounting to P18.46 million benefited mostly by farmer and transport sectors of hard-to-reach communities.

Aside from bridges, DSWD through Kalahi-CIDSS also constructed schools, health stations, roads, water system, electrification and other economic and livelihood support. (PNA)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Twenty-five newly recruited police officers 1 (PO1) formally took their oath Tuesday at Police Regional Of-fice (PRO) 12 Headquarters in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.

25 police recruits take oath in Soccksargen RegionBy Danilo E. Doguiles


Police senior inspector Benjamin Mauricio Jr., chief of PRO 12’s Public Information Office , said the new PO1s were drafted to cover supplemental quota for CY 2012 PO1 Attrition Recruitment of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The moment you took your oath as police officers, you start to carry with you a lot of responsibilities,” PRO 12 acting regional director PCSupt. Charles Calima Jr. reminded the new PO1s, “but on the other hand, you have now the power and authority to enforce and implement the law.”

“You are now given the significant task to maintain peace and order in Region 12 or any other places you’ll be assigned to and to help prevent and control crimes. More than that, you are mandated to ensure public safety and internal security at all times together and of course with the active support of the community,” he added.

Meantime, PSSupt. Sergio Dimandal, acting deputy regional director for operations,

challenged the new police officers that it is their duty to serve and protect the citizenry.

“We must put this motto not only to words, but also in our actions. We must be willing to risk our lives in order to save the lives of other and for the love of our country,” he said.

Based on the police recruitment protocol, following the oath taking the new PO1s will undergo six-month in Public Safety Basic Recruit Course at the Regional Training

School. After completing the

basic course, they will be assigned to police stations across the region for another mandatory six-months field training exercises before they are finally deployed to their permanent assignments.

As PO1s, the new recruits will receive a basic salary of P14, 834 or a gross pay of P20, 404 inclusive of allowances. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/RPIO-12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- To help boost the local organic fertilizer business, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) is planning to hold a marketing forum geared towards address-ing the sectors’ pressing concerns.

DA to hold organic fertilizer marketing forumBy Danilo E. Doguiiles

This initiative was agreed at a round table discussion among DA 12 officials and different organic agriculture stakeholders here last week.

Scheduled on April 10, the marketing forum is expected to gather at least 200 farmers.

Enriqueto Natividad, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and Organic Agriculture Program (OAP) focal person said that during the roundtable discussion, the group determined the extent and scope of the production of the vermi- cast in Region 12 with the aid of various facilities funded by the OAP.

Other funding agencies are the Bureau of Soils and Water

Management (BSWM) and Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).

The group also agreed to establish a master list of organic fertilizer producers in the region and come up with measures through which DA 12 could assist the stakeholders solve their marketing problem, Natividad said.

He explained that there is a need to hold a marketing forum due to the surplus in the production of vermi-cast in the area caused by a sustained advocacy encouraging farmers to produce their own organic fertilizer and apply these on their

farms. At the gathering,

Natividad also discussed the guidelines of DA’S Organic Agriculture Local Government Unit Awards.

These awards are given to top three performing provinces which will receive P3 million each, and top 16 cities and municipalities with one million pesos each, which will receive P1 million each.

Besides the LGUs, top 16 municipality/city OAP focal persons and top 16 agricultural extension workers will also receive P30,000 each.

A sum of P26,050,000 has been allocated for the said award to be spearheaded by the Bureau of Agriculture and fisheries Products Standards (BAFPS), which is the Secretariat


of the Organic Agriculture Program (OAP).

For more inquiries, all interested LGUs and agricultural technologists are encouraged to visit the nearest agricultural offices.

The awards aimed at persuading all LGUs and agri technologists in the goal of converting

5% of the agricultural land of the Philippine to organic.

Engr. Nadia G. Gayanandang, chief of the DA 12’s Regulatory Division, on the other hand, said producers in Soccsksargen Region were able to produce 117,592 kg of organic fertilizers in 2012. This is equivalent to 23,519 bags or P 5.88 million.

Aleta Bornea, Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority (FPA-12) coordinator explained that the nitrogen content of total organic fertilizer should reach the maximum of 7%. If the nitrogen content falls to 5% and below, the fertilizer is considered raw organic matter. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/IBaundi/LMSalvo-DA

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has disclosed some of the developments that the General Santos City airport will be undergoing as part of its ongoing improvement.

CAAP reveals development plans for GenSan airportBy Shahana Joy E. Duerme


CAAP reveals development plans for GenSan airport

CAAP, through this year’s procurement plan, approved the pro-vision of a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) which has a cost esti-mate of P17.28 million and the expansion of the terminal building which requires funding worth P25 million.

Aside from these, CAAP also prioritizes the upgrading of the airport’s fire-fighting facilities. The bidding for such facilities will be conducted this month.

Another concern of the organization is the asphalt overlay of the runway as well as the installation of additional baggage carousel. The fund for these projects will be sourced out from the CAAP corporate funds.

Meanwhile, CAAP acting department man-ager III Engr. Raul Glo-rioso said their office is preparing the master plan for the airport de-velopment.

Glorioso also stated

that the construction of the 11,250-meter air-port perimeter fence is ongoing.

On the other hand, it is expected that the development of the General Santos City air-port will respond to the problems mostly en-countered by the pas-sengers and will open doors for investments and businesses not only in the city but also to nearby places. (SJDu-erme-PIA12)


Reg 10 reforests 13,000 ha in 2012 by Peri Madridano

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 10 reported that in 2012 the region planted 13,855 hectares (ha) of public lands to include mangrove forests, riverbank rehabilitation, and urban greening.

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1aa3d0/

The National Greening Program (NGP) of the Aquino administration is a vehicle of government to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide largely blamed for global warming. This massive forest rehabilitation program seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares nationwide from 2011 to 2016, said Ruth Tawantawan, DENR 10 regional executive director. He added that government

agencies and institutions including local government units have provided support to the program not only in tree planting but also in the production of quality seedlings, mobilization of employees including students from Grade 5 to college level. “Our people’s organizations, particularly those from largely Community-Based Forest Management areas, are responsible in taking care of the seedlings planted by other


Upon accreditation, media representatives shall be issued media

cards which should be personally claimed and strictly non-transferrable

Comelec sets Feb. 1-April 15 for submission of application for media accreditation

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the period Feb. 1-April 15, 2013 for the submission of applications for media accreditation relative to the May 13, 2013, national and local elections.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

participants since they are living in these areas. In a way, NGP has provided alternative livelihood activities for these marginalized upland and lowland households through seedling production and maintenance of newly-planted trees. In turn they are included in the Conditional Cash Transfer Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Tawantawan said. The reforestation and tree growing in 2012 covered 13,855 hectares entailed almost seven million of forest and fruit tree seedlings, disclosed Agustilo Obsioma, regional technical director of the Forest Management Services. Obsioma added that this regional accomplishment was made possible by 31,234 volunteers coming from all sectors who wanted to pitch in the restoration of our dwindling forest cover. He clarified that as part of the convergence initiative of the

departments of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform, half of the tree planted constituted forest tree species intended for timber production and protection while the remaining half was composed of agroforestry species. It can be recalled that on February 24, 2011 President Benigno Aquino issued Executive Order No. 26 declaring the implementation of the National Greening Program as a government priority program to reduce poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. Areas eligible for rehabilitation under the program include all lands of the public domain. Specifically, these include forest lands, mangrove and protected areas, ancestral domains, civil and military reservation, urban greening areas, inactive and abandoned mine sites and other suitable lands.


and worn prominently, whenever covering or observing a Comelec or electoral event, Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) of Misamis Occidental, said. Meanwhile, Comelec Resolution 9649 provides that duly accredited domestic and foreign media shall be allowed maximum access to all stages of the electoral process, subject only to conditions essential for the protection of Comelec personnel, property, and privileged information. As such, the following rules of conduct shall be observed by the media representatives: Not more than three (3) media representatives shall be allowed inside the polling places at any one time. Upon entering the polling places, media representatives shall immediately introduce themselves to the members of the Board of Elections Inspectors (BEI) by presenting their Media Cards. On the other hand, any media representative, found to be engaging in unprofessional activities deemed

disruptive of the conduct of voting or canvassing, such as, conducting interviews inside the polling place or canvassing center shall have their Media Cards immediately revoked. It also includes engaging in partisan political activities and distributing campaign materials and any behavior intended to unduly influence the choice of voters, such as, but not limited to, directly trying to sway the voter or speaking for or against a candidate. Application forms for accreditation may be downloaded from the Comelec website: http://www.comelec.gov.ph and at the website of the Comelec Education, Information Department (Comelec-EID), http://www.comelec.wordpress.com. Approval of applications for accreditation shall be granted by the Chairman of the Comelec, through the Director of the Comelec EID, Manila, in case of the national media and at the Office of the PES, in the case of the local media.

Iligan City sets series of activities for Women’s Month celebration by Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The local government of Iligan City has lined up several activities in observance of Women’s Month this March.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan,” almost all women in

Iligan City, in multi-representation will be involved in the activities. The activities lined-up include a


clean-up drive and beautification of the city plaza on March 7 from 3 p.m. up to 6 p.m.; Local Council Against Trafficking-Violence Against Women and their Children (LCAT-VAWC) First Council Meeting on March 13 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session hall, this city; on March 14 will be the Financial Management Workshop led by the Office of Councilor Michelle Sweet, committee chair on Women, SP of Iligan in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry; and therapeutic healing by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Iligan and free pap smear and health education program in four barangays--Tubod, Acmac, Hinaplaon and Maria Cristina on March 15-16. The International Women’s Day (IWD) will be celebrated on March 8. It is a whole day activity at the city public plaza which will start at 7 a.m. involving Women Federation presidents in the program with variety shows until 5 p.m followed by a Hataw Night as finale. The Mindanao Commission on Women (MCW) in this city will join the celebration with an activity dubbed: “An Afternoon of Poetry and Music” to be held at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) front lawn, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. City Mayor Lawrence Cruz has issued a memorandum requiring all female employees of the city hall, national government agencies, city officials, to witness the IWD commemoration. The IWD celebration is pursuant to Proclamation 224, series of 1988

declaring the first week of March of every year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day. Proclamation 227, series of 1988 provides for the observance of March as Women’s Role in History Month. Meanwhile, Republic Act 6949 series of 1990 declares March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day. During the whole month of March, a radio program over RMN-DXIC Iligan dubbed: “Tingog sa Kababayen-an” will air women’s concerns with several guests to touch on women’s issues especially on Violence Against and Women and Children (VAWC) and trafficking. Successful women leaders/entrepreneurs will share their testimonies on air. The month-long activity will be highlighted with a Gender and Development (GAD) Forum and an event honoring top women leaders dubbed: “Pagpupugay sa mga Kababaihang Namumuno sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan” which will happen on March 20 at the Plaza Alemania, Iligan City, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Iligan city government through the Iligan City Council of Women Inc. (ICCW), the Iligan City Women Affairs Unit in partnership with the Office of the Congressional Lone district of Iligan will lead all activities for the month.


DOH: Deaths due to rabiesin Caraga drops

BUTUAN CITY -- Deaths due to rabies in Caraga region have declined based on the department’s latest records, a Department of Health (DOH) official said.

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

by Noel B. Najarro


Sunshine Alipayo, DOH-13 chief spokesperson, in a statement said Caraga region recorded nine deaths due to rabies in 2011. But in 2012, their office registered only three deaths.

This decline according to her is attributed to the following factors: increased level of awareness among the public where and when to seek immediate treatment, establishment of animal bite centers in strategic areas regionwide with trained doctors and nurses, good referral system, intensive advocacy on responsible pet ownership, close collaboration with partner agencies, strong support of the local government units (LGUs) and enforcement of Republic Act 9482 or Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.

The Department of Agriculture also, according to Alipayo, strengthened their massive dog vaccination activities.

Alipayo added that rabies remains a public health problem in the country. The annual incidence of rabies from 1987 to 1997 ranged from five to nine cases per million population. Approximately, 300 to 600 Filipinos die of rabies every year.

March of every year is celebrated in the Philippines as “Rabies Awareness Month,” to create and

focus the public consciousness with the fatal disease. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Working Together for a Rabies-Free Philippines: Register and Vaccinate Your Dogs.” In line with this, the DOH through its centers for health development provides technical assistance, logistics and health promotion activities to the LGUs, partner agencies and the community to ensure full implementation of the law especially on responsible pet ownership.


City gov’t launches program on recycling, artby LGU-BC-PIO

BUTUAN CITY -- To strengthen its efforts in reducing the volume of garbage here, the city government launched recently, “Ang Pagbutwa Hong Balangay or From Waste to Work of Art,” through a simple ceremony at the old Sangguniang Panlungsod Building inside the city hall complex.

In his message, Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante Jr. encouraged everyone, especially the teachers, to start instilling into the minds of the children the importance of cleanliness.

He said that children should be taught early that garbage should be put into trash bins and not just anywhere. Amante also shared the city government’s intention to convert waste into energy.

SP Member and Chairman of

the Committee on Health and Sanitation Virgilio Nery related that the project is in connection with the Butuan City’s “Clean Ground Zero Waste Program,” launched Sept. 11, 2011.

The newly-launched program is being facilitated by the Local Youth Development Council which aims to achieve social transformation towards economic improvement through proper segregation of garbage and recycling.


Further, it pushes for the upgrading of recycled materials into wonderful works of art. Currently, 10 local artists are

competing in the construction of balangay boats out of recycled materials. The awarding ceremony will be on March 8.

DOLE Caraga conducts ISO 10002:2004 Training on Quality Managementby Romelyn Braza

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Labor and Employment-Caraga conducted an in house training on ISO 10002:2004 Quality Management to ensure customer satisfaction through efficient and effective complaint handling and continuous process improvement.

DOLE personnel were taught on Customer Satisfaction, Guidelines for Complaints Handling and Continual Process Improvement. This was initiated by the DOLE-Caraga Region in coordination with the Certification International Philippines on February 25-28, 2013 held at the DOLE-Caraga Conference Room.

The training will help sustain and improve our ISO Quality Management System” Director Ofelia Domingo said on her opening remarks. She further stressed that being certified to ISO is not the end of the quest, rather the beginning of the search for excellence.

Mr. Romeo M. Ramirez of the CIPI was the trainer for this three- day ISO training.

All Quality Management System committee members and the process holders were the participants in the said training.

Salient points discussed including the involvement and commitment of the top management in the complaints handling process, how to recognize and address the needs and expectations of complaints, how to enhance satisfaction and the continual process improvement approaches. “This training is aligned to the current system and standards of ISO 9001:2008”, Mr. Ramirez said.

Director Domingo said in closing that she expects more improvements, initiatives and to have this be part to our passion for service, love for service and raising the bar of DOLE-Caraga.


Panabo pugs dominate in 2013 national championship

PANABO CITY- The Barangay Una Boxing Team once again showed class and supremacy as they romped away with majority of the medals at stake in the re-cently concluded 2013 ABAP Na-tional Amateur Boxing Champion-ship held in Maasin City, Southern Leyte last February 19-22, 2013 participated by 173 boxers rep-

resenting various cities and provinc-es nationwide. All in all, the Panabo City, Davao del Norte-based team snatched 7 golds and 2 silver medals out of 14 participating boxers who were sponsored and managed by the Office of Cong. Anton F. Lagdameo, Jr. with solid support from

team founder and Mindanao’s rising business mogul Tonyboy Floirendo. Former Asian Games Bronze medalist Victorio Saludar III led the onslaught as he clobbered his hometown-bet foe Michael Kaibigan in a Referee-Stopped Contest (RSC) due to outclass in the Elite Class Boys Light Flyweight Category.


The Barangay Una boxers reigned most in the Elite Boys Class as they took away 5 out 5 golds available. Aside from Saludar, also showing excellent performances inside the ring were Flyweight Jolan Bonghanoy who defeated Genesis Libranza of Cabadbaran City; Bantamweight Quirino Mellejor, Jr. over Cebu’s Reoxyl Tabogon; Lightweight Risty Apas outclassing Daryl Ramos of Maasin City; and Welterweight Jay-ar Inson trouncing Richard Bacala also of Maasin. Also contributing golds were Youth Boys Campaigner Gabriel Rabicycle (Pinweight-46 kg.) and Jr. Boys Flyweight (50 kg.) campaigner Michael John Bahena as they defeated their respective final opponents from Misamis Oriental and Tagbilaran City. Maruelo Aballe and John Patrick Dinolan settled for silver medals.Other Barangay Una participants who were not as lucky and lost during eliminations were Jomarie Rubin, Mark Andy Austria, Jobel Araneta, Philip Jay Virador, Marvilo Aballe and Nelia Uba, the team’s lone girl campaigner. Team Manager Gene-Rose Tecson was very much satisfied with the results and said “the team’s dominance in the national amateur boxing scene typifies the solid and unwavering commitment of our patrons Tonyboy Floirendo and Cong.

Anton Lagdameo, in supporting not only the year-round training of the boxers but most especially, the schooling and other personal requirements of the children. Tecson also thanked the moral support of the boxer’s parents. The Barangay Una delegation was headed by its Programs Director Edwin Pardillo and Trainor/Coaches Lelios Siodina, Jeffrey Laurente and Sgt. Dick Varon, the latter, a guest trainor from the Philippine Air Force.Barangay Una Boxing Team has been adjudged as one of the finest grassroots sports programs in the country having topped numerous local and national tournaments since its founding in 2003 by then Congressman Tonyboy Floirendo. The program was designed to counter drug addiction among youth and promote discipline and education. It has since produced the likes of London Olympian Mark Anthony Barriga of Panabo, Asian Games medalist brothers Rey and Victorio Saludar of Kapalong as well as World Series of Boxing campaigner Charly Suarez who hails from Sawata, San Isidro. The program currently houses over 80 boxer/scholars under its care stationed at its state-of-the-art boxing/training facility in Panabo City. (pr)


PNoy lauds DOT for tourist arrival growth

DAVAO CITY- President Benigno Simeon Aquino III gave the De-partment of Tourism high marks for sprucing up the tourism indus-try by making its more fun in the country advocacy worked. Speaking to the participants of the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibitions Conference yesterday (March 7) at SMX Convention Center, the President lauded the Department of Tourism for improving the

industry by exceeding the number of domestic tourists. He said back in 2011, the Tourism Department exceeded by two million its 2016 target of 30.5 million domestic travels. “It means that in just a year and half, we already surpassed our target for the whole six-year term. So we have devised our 2016 target to 56.1 million domestic travels,” Aquino said. He expressed optimism that

by Joey Dalumpines


the country is catching up in its growth in the tourism industry with its Asian neighbours through creativity and hard work. Aquino recalled that back in 2001, the tourist arrivals were only 1.8 million which grew at 3.1 million only in 2009. “As of 2012, we had increased that number at 4.3 million tourists, the first time we reached a four million mark,” he said. Highlighting the activity was the signing by the president into the law, Senate Bill No. 3343 or House Bill No. 6022, an act recognizing the principle of reciprocity as basis for the grant of income tax exemptions to international carriers and rationalizing other taxes imposed thereon by amending several provisions of the National Revenue Code. The new law rationales the taxes paid by international carriers in the country, reaffirming his leadership’s commitment to the development of the tourism industry, by making tourism more fun for airline investments. The new policy is aimed to significantly boost the attainment of the tourism industry’s target of 10 million international visitors by 2016, after a decline in tourist

arrivals due to the limited direct flights from European countries to the Philippines and the limited operation of American carriers to the country since 2001. The taxes negatively impact on the ability of foreign air carriers to offer competitive rates and adequate connectivity to service target markets consequently diverting tourism flows to destinations other that the country or bypassing the country in favour of those with friendlier business environment.Under the new law, foreign carriers both air and shipping are exempted from paying the common carriers tax imposed on passenger traffic only. Carriers will also be value-added tax exempt for transport of passengers. Foreign carriers are also exempt from paying income taxes on the basis of tax treaties or any international agreements based on reciprocity. The law amended the following sections of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC): Section 28 (A)(3)(a)-(b) Rates of Income Tax on Foreign Corporations, Section 109 Exempt Transactions, Section 118 Percentage Tax on International Carriers. (RGA/JSD/PIA-XI)


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Cash for training project kicks off in Dipolog

DIPOLOG CITY - The Cash for Training Project (C4TP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was launched here recently to benefit some 63 out-of-school youths (OSY) from the city’s 21 barangays.

By Mary May A. Abellon


Cash for training project kicks off in Dipolog

C4TP, which is implemented in partnership with the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Zamboanga del Norte Federation of Parents Association (ZNFEPA), Livelihood Skills Development and Enhancement Center (LSDEC), Dipolog Schools of Fisheries (DSF) and Saint Vincent’s College (SVC) and the city government, is providing interested OSYs with technical/vocational training such as shielded metal arc welding, commercial cooking, food and beverage as well as bartending. PESO Officer Atty. Arvin Bonbon explained that the OSYs would undergo technical/vocational training in accredited tech-voc providers like

LSDEC, DSF and SVC. With this development, City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy was grateful to DSWD, TESDA, DOLE, ZNFEPA, LSDEC, DSF and SVC for their great help in the “Employment and Livelihood Assistance” to OSYs. The city mayor also reminded all scholars not to waste the opportunity given to them as this would enhance their skills and talents - the primary purpose of this undertaking. Aside from skills training opportunities, CT4P also aims to provide job facilitation services and entrepreneurship support to its beneficiaries. It is a two-component implementation: training for wage employment and training for self-employment.


The purpose of the said consultation is to determine if a wage adjustment is warranted at this time, and to introduce the Two-Tiered Wage System. The schedule of consultations is as follows: March 12, 2013 in Pagadian City at Bay Plaza Hotel; March 13 in Dipolog City at Top Plaza Hotel; March 14 in Ipil at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel; March 15 in Zamboanga City at Marcian Garden Hotel. In all of the above dates and

venues, the consultation will be conducted from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The consultation schedule for Isabela City has been reset. It will be jointly conducted during the consultation schedule for Zamboanga City. The RTWPB invites all concerned sectors and interested parties to attend. The Board promised to give the widest opportunity to all parties to be heard prior to any wage determination.

RTWPB-IX sets schedule for wage consolations in ZamPen By Dave Malcampo

ZAMBOANGA CITY - In a press notice, the Regional Tripartite Wages And Productivity Board-IX announced that it is set to conduct a series of wage consultation in key towns in the region this month of March.

Each scholar shall receive a voucher, a toolkit for those who will be under the training for self-employment category, livelihood assistance, and allowance for transportation expenses during the training. Moreover, TESDA Sec. Joel J.

Villanueva has said that through this C4TP project the scholars shall serve as ambassadors of the department and prove the skeptics wrong in thinking that vocational and technical courses are nothing compared to four-year degree courses.

One Mindanao - March 8, 2013

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