one mindanao - august 28, 2015

Agnor solon seeks to protect coastal resources, files envi bill anew

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PAG-IBIG acquired assets up for grabs

Philippine Economy posts 5.6 percent GDP growth; 5.3 percent in first half of 2015

UNFPA vows better RH delivery,

advocacy in Bangsamoro

Panabo job matching benefits 2,094 jobseekers

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: Lawig Katawhan

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat

By: Reyna L. Tagailo, LEO III

By: Michael Uy

By: Oliver Ross RiveraO

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Bukidnon academe signs Voluntary Code of Good Practices

OWWA 12 opens search for model OFW family

Peace Caravan makes a dent in SurSur

PH, most improved economy – NCC

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No.7

By: By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

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LGBT acceptance in PHL cited, seen to up local economy – US economist46Western

By: Alma L. Tingcang42

31 NorthCot PNP to double security forces on the province’s foundation day By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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

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

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

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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)

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTS EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

4 August 28, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

By:Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Since the late 1970’s, the Philippine State has been adopting vigorous approach to fill in the gap of housing problems of its people, as housing is the most difficult and most complex problem that faces a developing country.

5August 28, 2015 ONE MINDANAO


Since the late 1970’s, the Philippine State has been adopting vigorous approach to fill in the gap of housing problems of its people, as housing is the most difficult and most complex problem that faces a developing country.


But over the years, the government has revolutionized methods to provide even the ordinary people, access to housing opportunities (such as housing loan), thus the Home Development Mutual Fund, popularly known as PAG-IBIG fund was established in 1978 as an answer not just to the need for a national savings program but also to provide shelter financing schemes for Filipino worker, to provide a decent housing specifically for low to middle-income households.

Acquired assets under negotiated sale

What would you say if PAG-IBIG Fund would offer you an opportunity to own a house and lot at almost “no cost” at all? Blissful! Right? You would probably think, “Hey, what’s the catch?” but seriously, this is one great opportunity especially for those who have been dreaming to own one.

Corazon Mamauag, division chief, Loans Management and Recovery Division- PAG-IBIG, said the fund is on its toe, vigorously campaigning for the sale of its acquired assets under negotiated sale. She averred that this housing


transaction as an advantage to the prospective buyers as this deal offers option of shunning away from equity and other statutory payments as what the fund usually requires for housing loan applicants.

“Dito sa negotiated sale, ang buyer wala na masyadong iisipin, dahil wala itong down payment, except ang P1,000 reservation fee at one month advance housing amortization, yun lang, at may bahay ka na!” she exclaimed.

(In this negotiated sale, the buyer will not have to think a lot, cause there’s no down payment required except for the p1,000 reservation fee and the one month amortization, that’s it and you have your own house!)

Under the negotiated sale, any PAG-IBIG fund member can just walk-in anytime and negotiate for a property he/she is interested in.

This is a first come–first serve basis, interested takers will be given 15 days to comply with the requirements. If the first taker fails to comply within the prescribed period, then the second taker will have the opportunity to own the

property.

Under this scheme, PAG-IBIG offers buyers considerations and options. “If the buyer opts to pay the property in cash, then a 30 percent discount is up for the grabbing; 20 percent discount for installment basis and 10 percent discount if the buyer choose to course it thru PAG-IBIG housing loan,” the lady chief said.

Mamaug reminded though, that acquired properties are being sold on “AS IS, WHERE IS” basis, the buyers are encouraged to inspect the property first, before making any reservations or purchase of the unit.

She said PAG-IBIG has 62 acquired assets in Zamboanga City alone of which, Four were already sold during the public auction conducted June 11 and July 28, 2015 respectively.

“As of now, we have 58 acquired assets in Zamboanga City under negotiated sale; 180 in Sulu, 71 in Tawi Tawi; 192 in Zamboanga Del Sur; 42 in Zamboanga Sibugay and we have also in Ozamis City and Oroquieta,” Mamaug informed.


“We will also have our first public auction [of acquired assets] in Pagadian City on September 22. Pagadianons will have the opportunity to join in the bidding and choose the property or properties they would like to own,” she said.

Buying acquired asset

M a m a u a g advises interested buyer to submit a letter of intent and have the property reserved by paying the reservation fee of P 1,000 (non refundable/non-t r a n s f e r ra b l e ) . Bring one valid ID and choose among the modes of payment: Cash – 30 percent discount; Installment – 20 percent discount or Housing loan – 10 percent discount, for qualified members of Pag-IBIG Fund .

For purchase through

housing loan, submit the complete documentary requirements. Applicant is given 15 days to complete and submit the requirements, since this is a first come-first serve basis, failure to do so shall mean cancellation of the application and in case there is multiple taker of the same property, the second taker shall be given the next priority and so on.


The applicant is also required to pay the processing fee of P2,000 and Documentary Stamp Tax of P100.

“The advantages of getting a house thru Pag-IBIG Housing loan is that it has the longest loan term in all of the available financing schemes. We offer of up to a maximum of 30 years to pay and we have the lowest interest rates I believe-as low as 6.5 percent per annum,” Mamauag was quoted as saying.

New Program

Mamaug said this PAG-IBIG acquired assets under negotiated sale is a new program of the fund being implemented nationwide.

“We invite all PAG-IBIG members and non members to visit us here in the office and we will provide you with the list of all acquired assets and we can negotiate with the price and location.”

Under this program, the fund’s acquired assets are put up for sale at reduced rates.


PH hailed outstanding country in sustainable farming technology

HANOI, VIETNAM —For its accomplishments in organic agriculture, the Philippines, represented by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), was conferred the “Outstanding Country” award by the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI) agriculture during the AFACI Program Workshop on Basic Agriculture held on August 18 to 22, 2015 in Hanoi, Vietnam.


The Philippines leads the ten Asian member countries under AFACI’s Asian Network for Sustainable Farming Technology (ANSOFT).

The program workshop was organized for the member countries to create high-impact results on the basic agriculture programs being implemented in each country. The activity served as a venue for the BSWM to

impart its knowledge about the high-impact results of the DA’s Organic Agriculture and Agri-Pinoy Corn Program.

The BSWM intends to allot the US$2,000 cash prize it received for the training of fresh college graduates, opening new opportunities for the youth and for the development of organic agriculture, particularly in Mindanao. (DA)


Philippine Economy posts 5.6 percent GDP growth; 5.3 percent in first half of 2015

QUEZON CITY —The Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew year-on-year by 5.6 percent in the second quarter of 2015 which is lower than the 6.7 percent in the same period last year but higher than the growth rate of 5.0 percent in the first quarter of 2015, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority on Thursday.


The second quarter growth was driven by the Services sector with the positive growth exhibited by Trade, Other Services Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities, and supported by the growth of Manufacturing and Construction.

Meanwhile, Gross National Income (GNI) grew by 5.0 percent from 6.9 percent the same period last year. The slowdown in OFW deployment pulled down the growth of Net Primary Income from the Rest


of the World to 2.2 percent from 7.9 percent last year.

For the first semester of 2015, GDP grew by 5.3 percent from 6.2 percent while GNI grew by 4.6 percent from a growth of 6.7 percent in the first semester of 2014.

With the country’s projected

population reaching 101.4 million in the second quarter of 2015, per capita GDP grew by 3.8 percent from 4.9 percent of the same quarter of 2014, per capita GNI grew by 3.3 percent and per capita Household Final Consumption Expenditure (HFCE) grew by 4.4 percent from last year’s growth of 5.1 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively. (PSA)


UNFPA vows better RH delivery, advocacy in Bangsamoro

COTABATO CITY -- Officials of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Bangsamoro Development Agency signed a letter of understanding for the delivery of Reproductive Health and advocacy in Muslim Mindanao.


UNFPA Country Representative Klaus Beck, Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan, BDA chairman, Dr. Danda Juanday of Bangsamoro Medical Society and Ustadz Mahmod Sumilalao of Bangsamoro Leadership Management Institute (BLMI) signed the letter of understanding BDA training Center in Cotabato City.

UNFPA is supporting the program on strengthening capacities for RH delivery and advocacy in the Bangsamoro where BDA is the implementing agency together with BMS and BLMI.

According to Aliuddin Haron, program coordinator, a meeting was conducted to familiarize the Team Leaders of UNFPA on the Bangsamoro situation and identify initial UNFPA program of assistance before the signing witnessed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.

He lauded the increased support and partnership between BDA and UN agencies.

Other UN agencies supporting BDA are United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

“We really value our engagement with different UN agencies and I’m very happy that now, we will be starting on another new engagement with other new agency, the UNFPA,” Dipatuan stated.

In the meeting, Haron, presented the overview or what is BDA and the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP).

An open forum was also part of the activity were a participant from UNFPA asked what would happen in case the BBL will not passed.

“For us in BDA, our commitment is whatever happens, we will still be on tract, we will still deliver our commitment and deliver our mandate which is to lead, manage and determine relief and rehabilitation and development in conflict-affected areas for as long as we can,”


Dipatuan said.

Meanwhile, Beck expressed commitment of support to Bangsamoro.

“Our commitment to help improve the lives of the people in Bangsamoro is everlasting commitment despite or regardless of insecurities and uncertainties, new challenges that would be thrown in our way. Continuous commitment is our commitment,” Beck said, adding that UNFPA want to work with anyone who

wants to improve the lives of women and girls in their areas.

UNFPA works in 120 countries around the world including Muslims countries.

Beck expressed appreciation for the warm welcome of BDA for partnership.

Murad said regardless of the fate of the BBL, the MILF will continue to prioritize the health of Bangsamoro people.


DOST awards RICE winners in northern Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) awarded winners to the 3rd Northern Mindanao Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) on 23 August 2015 at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City.

By: Jasper Marie O. Rucat


For Likha Award (Creative Research) regional winner with cash prize of P20,000 goes to Dr. Reuel C. Pallugna and Engr. Clark Darwin M. Gozon of Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) for their title research Low-cost remote train and stream data acquisition system for mapping of potential micro-hydro sites; meanwhile first runner up with cash prize of P10,000 goes to Concordia A. Roa and Vuena Rose D. Arceo with research on The synthesis of furfural and activated carbon from coffee (Coffea Arabica) bean processing by-products – coffee pulp and coffee parchment. And, second runner up with cash prize of P5,000 goes to Engr. Diogenes Armando D. Pascua with research on Development of an educational robot as a tool for Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) education. For SIBOL award (Student Creative Research for College) regional winner with P20,000 cash prize goes to Engr. Christien Joy Roque, Engr. Oscar Aguda and Joel Rudinas of Xavier University with research title Solar Charging DC-powered portable cooler-refrigerator for medical application; 1st runner up with P10,000 cash prize goes

to Kismet Patrick T. Ong, Mariza Silagan and Reymond Tayone of Xavier University with title research Microwave assisted depolymerization of post-consumer PET bottles for the production of thermal insulating polyurethane foams. Second runner up with P5,000 cash prize goes to Joeces John Cual, Reymart Deligero and Kesha Mae G. Jeun of Xavier University for research title Application of Bokashi Balls with endemic microorganisms in the bioremediation of water from Bitan-ag creek. SIBOL Award (Student Creative Research for High School) regional winner with cash prize of P20,000 goes to Angelica A. Actub, Shaynamae B. Ybañez, Nove Jane C. Zurita of Iligan City East National High School with research title Antimicrobial potency of the leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata as medical ointment; 1st runner up with cash prize of P10,000 goes to Jovivre S. Babol of Misamis Occidental National High School with research on Bioethanol from “Hantutuknaw” (Melastoma malabathricum) to reduce air pollutants from a 4-stroke motorcycle; and 2nd runner up with a cash prize of P5,000 goes to Romel Ontolan


DOLE-10 Regional Director, Raymundo Agravante said “The Voluntary Code of Good Practices

envisions improving processes and approaches on labor and management relations by

of Suarez National High School with research on Eco-friendly cellulosic durian husk foam. According to DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, there is very good opportunity for innovation and that local technology works because it is inexpensive. RICE is here to recognize Filipino researchers and inventors. He encouraged researchers, inventors and innovators to come up with innovation that will benefit the not just the innovator himself but also fellow Filipinos. He also said that the government through the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) of

DOST is very supportive and can fund prototype especially if it has a commercial value. Further, Engr. Edgar Garcia, director TAPI said that they are mandated to implement the various projects under Republic Act 7459 which is the Inventors and Inventions Incentives Act of the Philippines. In 2010, RICE was conceptualized wherein there is an invention contest per region. Engr. Garcia said that only first prize winners are qualifiers to the national invention contest during science and technology week, next year.

Bukidnon academe signs Voluntary Code of Good PracticesVALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Labor and Employment region 10 (DOLE-10), through its Bukidnon Provincial Field Office, inked the Voluntary Code of Good Practices (VGCP) of the Academe Industrial Tripartite Council (ITC) for the Province of Bukidnon known as BUKTIA on 24 July 2015 at Taipan Restaurant, Valencia city.

By: Reyna L. Tagailo, LEO III


PH, most improved economy – NCCBy: Jasper Marie O. RucatCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippines is the most improved economy in four major competitiveness reports.

repositioning both management and labor to proactively promote its respective interests in the Academe Sector and that the Department recognizes this urgency of addressing the challenges of keeping the Educational Institutions promote sustainable peace and harmony among workers and managements.” Agravante also said that the primary objective of this VCGP is to encourage voluntary compliance through self-assessment, social dialogue, Labor Management Cooperation and other modalities that would enhance empowerment of stakeholders. In the process, minimize government intervention in the internal affairs of the Academe sector. Further, Bukidnon Provincial Office head, Raul Valmores, said, “Formulating this VCGP will also help in addressing the

need for employment generation by creating job opportunities in the particular sector. At the same time, the curriculum of a particular level or course will be reviewed and updated by the ITC.” Valmores further said that the results of this VCGP will enable the students which course to enroll in line with their skills. The signing of the VCGP recognizes the promotion of sustained industrial peace among labor and management in the academe. The signatory schools of the VCGP were ACLC-Valencia Campus, Mountain View College, Alemarz STFI, Philippine Countyville College, STI-Malaybalay City, IBA College, San Isidro Colleges, Quezon Institute of Technology, Philippine College Foundation, and Mindanao Arts and Technological Institute.


According to Marina Saldana, program officer, National Competitiveness Council (NCC) capability building program during the NCC Roadshow on 18 August 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City, that the country is dubbed the most improved economy based on ease of doing business, global competitiveness, corruption perception and economic freedom. Specifically, the country has advanced seven more notches to No. 52 in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015, from No. 59 last year. The country has now gained a total of 33 places from 85th in 2010, making it the most improved country overall since 2010. Saldana said that we are a more competitive country especially in the ASEAN integration. We are now more quality conscious and more productive where public and private collaboration is strong. In fact, under the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS), application for new business should only be five to 10 days while renewal is five days; only five steps for new and renewal of business permits; only single unified form and

only two signatories, the mayor and Business Permits Licensing Officer (BPLO). According to the field monitoring and evaluation survey recently done by NCC in 2014, it showed that two of the factors that affect the application of new and renewal of business registration are the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) requirements. In Mindanao, a total of 600 out of 623 or 96% indicated that it took them less than 10 minutes to 10 days to process their new business registration. Meanwhile, for renewal of business permits, a total of 607 out of 703 or 86.34% indicated that it took them less than 10 minutes to five days to claim their business permits. On the other hand, the Social Weather Station (SWS) conducted surveys of enterprises on corruption from 2000 to 2014 all over the country. Mahar Mangahas, president of SWS said that we cannot go wrong with doing better from the past and in looking at surveys, we should look the entire history. In 2014, 68% of the surveyed enterprises say that there is a lot of corruption in the government. Meanwhile 64%


of the businessmen surveyed in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan affirms that there is indeed a lot of corruption in the public sector. Mangahas also showed ratings of sincerity of 36 institutions in fighting corruption. From 2014-2015, rated Very Good are Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), Office of the President and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Rated Good are Filipino business associations, Supreme Court, Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Education, SandiganBanyan, Office of the Ombudsman, Commission on Audit and Department of Justice. Meanwhile, rated Moderate includes Department of Health,

Government Service Insurance System, Department of Social Welfare and Development, barangay government, Department of Finance, PCGG, GCG and city government. Rated Neutrals are Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), trial courts, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Budget and Management, DOTC, Senate, BIR and COMELEC. Further, rated Poors include Department of Agriculture, PNP, DPWH, House of Representatives and Land Transportation Office (LTO). Lastly, rated Very Bad is the Bureau of Customs (BOC).


Davao Regional Hospital now a medical center

DAVAO DEL NORTE - - The Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) in Brgy. Apokon Tagum City is now Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC). Davao del Norte 1st District Repesentative Anthony del Ro-sario revealed earlier today dur-ing Blessing and Inauguration of the new facilities of the DRMC that President Benigno Aquino

III signed yesterday Republic Act 10678 converting DRH to a med-ical center. Congressman Del Rosario said that among the features of the new law is the increase of the


bed capacity of DRMC from 200 to 600 beds. Senator Toefisto Guingona III emphasized that the since the medical center will have more re-sponsibility in which it will cater to any kind of disease or afflic-tion that may affect Mindanao, DRMC will receive more funding than what it has for the moment. DRMC Chief Romulo Busuego disclosed that the budget of the center for this year is at around P32-million in its maintenance and other operating expenses. Congressman Del Rosario also stressed that as of today, the Davao Region is the only re-gion in the country that has two medical centers – DRMC and the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

Dr. Busuego said that the two medical centers will not compete with each other instead they will complement with different spe-cialization. “We don’t have to compete because we are not into busi-ness; we are providing services to our people. Since they have their heart center, we are devel-oping here our cancer center,” Busuego said. Other visitors in the inauguration ceremony were Department of Health Region XI Director Abdul-lah Jr., Davao del Norte Gov. Ro-dolfo del Rosario, Compostela Valley Gov. Arturo Uy and Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

Panabo job matching benefits 2,094 jobseekers

Through barangay visitation, the PESO facilitated the place-ment of a total 2,094 Panaboans to different local companies since

2012. PESO Manager Cherelle Es-pinosa emphasized that their of-fice have been joining the cele-

DAVAO DEL NORTE - More than 2,000 Panaboans acquired employ-ment through the job matching activities of the Panabo Employ-ment Services Office (PESO).


bration of the charter days of the barangays since 2009 to conduct job matching activity and to dis-seminate their other services like skills training and Special Re-cruitment Activity (SRA) sched-ule of recruitment agencies. “Aside from joining the araw ng mga barangay, we also hold job matching activities upon re-quest of the community,” Espino-sa said. Data from the PESO report-ed that since 2012, the city gov-ernment handled 103 job match-ing activities. Espinosa stressed that the job matching activity is part of the employment facilitation ser-vices of PESO Panabo City. “But instead of waiting for the applicants to come in our of-fice, we make it more accessible and easier for them by holding the activity at their community,” she said. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

28 August 28, 2015ONE MINDANAO 28August 28, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

Safe Drinking WaterEighty-four-year-old Rey Familar joins Interior and Local Government Sec-retary Mar Roxas in tessting the water flow from a faucet directly connected to the newly completed Salintubig Project at Polonulin, Tupi, South Cotabato. In the past, Familar and fellow villagers only got 3 hours of water supply each day. Sec. Roxa led the inauguration of the project on Tuesday, Aug 24 (DED-PIA12)


Php228M development projects handed out in SOCCSKSARGEN Region

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 28--The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region-12 has released some Php227.65 million for the construction of various community proj-ects funded through the agency’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-A Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kala-hi-CIDSS) Program.

Gemma Rivera, DSWD-12 assis-tant regional director, revealed that the said amount released represents a total of 161 proj-ects and barangays as beneficia-ries located in three provinces of the region.“The said amount was released di-rectly to the community, through accounts opened purposely for the implementation of their cho-sen projects,” Rivera said.Rivera added that constructions, which are managed and super-vised by the community them-selves, of the projects are now ongoing and are expected to be completed starting this month.Among the municipalities that are implementing the program, ac-cording to Rivera, include towns of Isulan, Bagumbayan, Lambay-ong, Kalamansig, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Palimbang, Lutayan, and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat; Kiam-

ba, Maitum, Maasim and Glan in Sarangani; Aleosan, Alamada, Banisilan, and Pikit in North Co-tabato.Carmen in North Cotabato, is the 17th town in the region to imple-ment Kalahi-CIDSS and still now in the process of social prepara-tion to identify projects of com-munities that will be funded un-der the Program.Rivera added that among the pri-oritized projects this year include school buildings, water systems, health centers, drainage sys-tems, road concreting and reha-bilitation, solar drier, ware house and other agricultural-related projects, bridges and many oth-ers, which are expected to ad-dress the most pressing needs, especially of the poorest among the poor in the remote communi-ties.


A community-driven develop-ment (CDD) program, Kalahi-CIDSS employs strategies that development priorities are ad-dressed in participatory, col-lective and inclusive decision-making, in which, control over resources is in the hands of the communities.Impact studies from World Bank and Asian Development Bank,

two of the major funding agen-cies of the program, revealed that CDD strategy is effective way in reducing poverty, em-powering communities and im-proving local governance, one of the reasons of its expansion and scaling-up as a national strategy for poverty-reduction of the Phil-ippines. (HTEstacion, DSWD-12/DEDoguiles-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Aug 28 – The Overseas Work-ers Welfare Administration SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Office now accepts nominations for the annual Search for Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA).

OWWA 12 opens search for model OFW familyBy: Oliver Ross Rivera

OWWA-12 Director Marilou Sumalinog invites local govern-ment units, non-government organizations, people’s organi-zations, and religious or civic bodies and association to submit their nominations for this year’s MOFYA.

Now on its 11th year, MOFYA aims to give proper recognition to outstanding overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their fami-

lies, who have exhibited financial stability, strong family ties, out-standing performance in com-munity services and success in business ventures,

Sumalinog said, MOFYA is open to OWWA member OFWS, formerly or presently working abroad, married or single but acts as head of the family, and has at least four years experi-ence of working abroad.


The search is divided into two categories: the land-based and sea-based categories. The win-ners will later represent SOCC-SKARGEN region in the national MOFYA search in December.

Nomination forms are now available at the OWWA Regional Welfare Office XII.

For more information about the program, kindly visit OWWA Regional Office 12, Ilao Building, Judge Alba Street, Zone 3, Koro-nadal City or call (083)2282153 or 0917-572-1303/ 0908-888-1303. (ORVRivera-PIA12 with report from OWWA12)

NorthCot PNP to double security forces on the province’s foundation dayBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Aug. 28--- The police office in the province is set to double its forces in line with the province’s 101st foundation anniversary on September 1.

Police Chief Inspector Ramil Ho-jilla, operations officer of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said that from 150 police forces who are now monitoring the security status of the prov-ince particularly the Provincial Capitol, these will be doubled on the last day of the celebration.“This is to strengthen security measure as many VIPs will be coming to the province on Sep-tember 1,” Hojilla noted add-ing that mobile forces and force multipliers will augment the PNP

personnel.Further, the police official stated that checkpoints are still operat-ing in the long stretch of Cota-bato City to Kidapawan City.“Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and K9 units will also be deployed to ensure the safety of the public,” Hojilla emphasized.Moreover, teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Provin-cial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Cen


ter will also take part in the se-curity initiatives.As of today, Hojilla stated that zero- crime incident is recorded in line with the celebration of the Kalivungan Festival.Meanwhile, he called upon the public to be more observant and vigilant with their surroundings. The police official said that the

residents can report to police assistance centers established in different areas if they have seen any suspicious individual or thing. (SJDuerme-PIA12)


DENR 13 exec appeals for protection of Philippine eagle By: Eric F. Gallego

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga regional director Nonie M. Tamayo made a strong appeal to the public and the indigenous people living at the high places in Caraga Region to ensure the safeguard and preservation of the Philippine eagle and other critically endangered species of birds .


“We must allow the Philippine eagles to multiply their kinds in the forest wilderness and protect them from being harmed by people through game hunting,” Tamayo said. He said that based on reports reaching the DENR, there are Philippine eagles sighted in some high places with dense forest in the region. “I reiterate my appeal to the people to protect and preserve the Philippine Eagles,” Tamayo said. The DENR official made the appeal in the aftermath of

the death of Pamana, a 3-year old female Philippine eagle after it was shot possibly by game hunters at Mt. Hamiguitan Range in San Isidro, Davao Oriental on August 10. Pamana’s remains were in a stage of decomposition when found near a creek below the thick forest. The Philippine eagle is one of the world’s largest birds of prey and is larger than the American bald eagle. It was declared an endangered species in 1965. The Philippine eagle locally known


as “ haribon” is endemic to the Philippines known to inhabit the forest in Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. The Philippine eagle is protected under Republic Act No. 9147 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. The law provides a penalty of imprisonment of between six to

12 years or a fine of between P 100,000 and P1 million for the killing of critically endangered species. It is estimated that there are only about 400 adult pairs remain in the country’s forests where timber poaching activities and slash and burn farming (kaingin) threaten their survival.

Agnor solon seeks to protect coastal resources, files envi bill anew

QUEZON CITY – Rep. Lawrence ‘Law’ Fortun sponsored on second reading House Bill 5836, otherwise known as Marine and Coastal Resources Protection Act, during yesterday’s plenary.

By: Lawig Katawhan

Right on the first day of his term, Fortun originally filed House Bill 360 seeking to establish the marine protected areas (MPAs) in all coastal cities and municipalities in the country. There were three identical legislative proposals currently in the Congress. The version submitted by Rep. Fortun’s was the one largely adapted by the Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources. After deliberation, the Committee

endorsed a consolidated version, of which Fortun was named as the principal author. In his sponsorship speech, the solon emphasized the role of the State to ensure that the utilization of marine resources by its citizens observes the requirements of sustainability. The legislative measure defines MPAs as “areas of the sea established and set aside by law, administrative regulation or any other effective means in order to


conserve and protect a part of or the entire enclosed environment, through the establishment of management guidelines.” MPAs need not be contiguous and must have a “minimum size of 10 hectares, unless the total area of the municipal waters is 15 hectares or less, in which case the MPA shall comprise 15 percent of the municipal waters.” It further classifies MPAs as marine reserves, Marine Park, and marine sanctuary. Under MPAs, access to, and uses of marine resources are defined, regulated and controlled in a manner

consistent with its classification.

The house bill also puts premium on citizen’s participation in protecting marine ecosystem and biodiversity through a co-management scheme. As the house bill puts it, “the State also takes cognizance of the preferred status of the citizenry as the primary users and beneficiaries of the country’s resources. As such, Filipino communities are therefore acknowledged as crucial partners in the effort to conserve and manage our natural marine resources.”


By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

Peace Caravan makes a dent in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The two-day peace caravan that was held in Marihatag and Lianga towns, this province, has indeed lived up to the expectation of the 12 barangays of three municipalities it targeted to serve on August 24 and 25

In a press conference, Governor Johnny Pimentel, who led the event, has expressed thanks and gratitude to all the people behind the local and national government agencies including civil society organizations (CSO) that stood up to its commitment to participate and support the affair all the way. In like manner, Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser

on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has also made similar gesture, leaving words of thanks and appreciation. OPAPP said in an earlier statement, before the two-day peace caravan kicked off, it was expecting “to serve more than 1,000 households consisting of approximately 15,000 individuals including children.” In addition, OPAPP also pointed out that services to be


offered will focus on “health, livelihood, education, grooming, legal and veterinary consultations, land concerns, hauling services, voter registration, distribution of food packs, birth registration, feeding, advocacy and dialogue.” The six barangays that benefited during the first day belong to Marihatag town—San Pedro, San Isidro, Mahaba, Mararag, Bayan, and Amontay, while during the second day, the three barangays of Lianga town—San Isidro, St. Christine, and Diatagon—as well as three barangays also of San Agustin town—Janipaan, Pong-on, and Buhisan. Among others, aside from OPAPP Secretary Deles, the

cabinet secretaries and/or agency representatives who made their way to the province for the peace caravan include: DAR Sec. Virgilio De los Reyes; OPAPP Usec. Gettie Sandoval and Usec. Apple Robles; OPA Usec. Joel Jaime Payumo and Usec. Bobbet Garcia; DPWH Usec. Romeo Momo; DENR Usec. Jonas Leones; Mindanao Coordinating Office Usec. Nabil Tan; DOST Asec. Urduja Tejada; DepEd Asec. Rey Laguda; DILG NBOO Director

Leo Trovela; EastMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad; 4ID Commander MGen. Oscar Lactao; PNP Caraga Dir. P/CSupt. Vert Chavez; 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Isidro Purisima; and, PNP Surigao del Sur Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero. Likewise, part of the program during the culmination day was the presentation of 42 former rebels (FRs) who decided to surrender their firearms and return to the folds of the law. The peace caravan aims “to reinforce the gains of peace-building initiatives in conflict-affected areas in our province, Governor Pimentel said.


ZAMBOANGA CITY - When we were kids, we played games. We were all about games.

Before the golden age of digital games, we used to play more actively and lively outside our homes. We sweat our hearts out laughing with friends, giggling about stupid jokes. We were more

physically interactive before. We were more intimate. Hide and seek was even a big hit back then.

FEATURE: “E-One Seven” is new discovery in board games

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

And when we don’t feel like going outside our houses we were comforted with board games, mind-boggling board games, but

challenging and I dare say very entertaining! Some of which require good thinking, choice movements and clever tactics.


These games have transcended over time and in spite of our age, they do not fail to entertain us. Now, a new breakthrough in board games was discovered by a Zamboangueño and named it after his family name’s first letter: “E-One Seven.” It is a game that will challenge your strategies and analytical thinking. It’s a game of wit, a game of tactics.

Anything goes when boredom strikes

Not everyone can be very creative and productive when feeling bored. While others conjure up crazy ideas to keep themselves entertained and busy, most of us just sleep it over and let time aimlessly tick away. We let our thoughts wander away without direction but not to Mr. Rodney I. Ebrole. Quite bored and worn out from preparing his thesis and reviewing for his nearing exams, Professor Rodney, who is teaching at Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga

City and is also taking his masters degree in Filipino, decided to start a project: a game board he thought of unconsciously. “It was not on purpose. While I was studying for my comprehensive exams on my masters, it just popped-up on my mind. Maybe I was just too tired and need a breather. And so poof! It came out of nowhere,” said the professor enthusiastically. Professor Rod, as his friends fondly calls him, is kind of a gamer himself. He plays Dama, a famous Filipino traditional board game widely known in other countries as “checkers”. This game has later evolved into Damath, an educational tool played in various schools nationwide. He is also a fan of Chess and the Filipino-invented board game “Game of the Generals” or GG as it is commonly called, invented by Sofronio H. Pasola Jr. in 1970.


Maybe it was his profound interest in board games that had him invent “E-One Seven” or it is because of his wild, imaginative mind; nevertheless, the game has now started to gain recognition in schools and students are starting to get hooked to this new interactive mind game.

Battle of tactics

Were you ever a good tactician? If you’re the brooding type of a sports enthusiast who likes to play indoors and schemes the perfect moves to corner and defeat an opponent, then E-One Seven-Battle of Tactics board game might just be the right game for you. E-One Seven is a strategy game that is both unique and exceptional. Compared to other board games, it does not occupy the space of the opponent’s piece when capturing. Moreover, it maneuvers at any direction creating a variety of tactical moves capable of accomplishing the objectives in totally different approach. According to Professor Rod, there are two exclusive tasks a player should need to consider when playing the game: strategic

maneuvering of pieces and estimating the distance to capture. “This game hopes to improve strategic thinking as well as to keep minds alert and smart,” the professor explained. The main objective of the game is to capture the highest-


ranking piece, the “Supremo”.

Interactive strategy game

Games with more participants offer the most entertainment. Now, think of your favorite strategy game played by more than just two people. Is it not more challenging and exciting? Aside from two players, E-One Seven can also be played by four players. The board design for two and four-player game varies. The game has an octagonal shaped board design that is filled with small rounds as access trail of the pieces. While the battle board of the two-player game

has 67 round marks, the four-player battle board is relatively larger with 113 round marks. “There are spaces between the trailing circles. This serves as barriers to prevent pieces to pass along obstacles and capture opponents. Only on connecting circles that pieces are allowed to capture and pass,”

Professor Rod explained. In the four-player game, players take turns going around the table clockwise. The game has 14 pieces in a set composed of 5 Stewards, three Deacons, two Archers, two Ministers, one Viceroy and one Supremo. A player is provided a


set during the game. Professor Rod said “every piece has its own distinct attributes and plays an integral part of the game. The inherent functions of each of the piece define its strength and limitation.”

Be the supreme tactician

Although various strategies and moves have already been established in capturing an opponent, so much more awaits in the game to be discovered. “We are looking forward for players to discover unique strategies and moves in the game since it is still on its early stages,” Professor Rod said. Each of the pieces in the game has a prescribe move that allows it to capture the opponent before or after the move has been made. These steps are

categorized as basic, advantage and overlapping steps. Also, the methods of capturing opponents are identified as “capture and move” and “move and capture”. “A piece can capture as many as four opponents in a single turn during a multiple capture,” he furthered. Professor Rod, with the help of his friends and family, has been engaging in various efforts to promote the game. It was only this year that E-One Seven has been copyrighted. We might have outgrown most games from our childhood. Board games, however, remain a traditional pastime for all ages. Indulge yourself in this entertaining and educational board game and be its supreme tactician.

GSIS Pagadian branch releases 423 UMID cards in Sibugay

By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Pagadian branch releases 423 Unified Multi-Purpose ID cards to its members in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay at the municipal hall here.


Sherwin D. Duran and Alex John C. Tumala facilitated the release of the cards at the GSIS service desk established at the municipal engineer’s office, which opened from August 24-26. Cards which were not claimed until August 26 will be released next month when the GSIS service desk resumes on the 3rd week of September. Although the GWAPS kiosk recently installed in front of the municipal hall during the 66th Founding Anniversary of the town is experiencing some technical problems, another kiosk was installed pending arrival of an IT expert who will fix the problem, according to Duran.

Members took their turns to avail of the GWAPS kiosk and inquire about the GSIS programs as the power of the UMID card is easy and convenient for all transactions with the state-run pension fund. The GWAPS kiosk checks a member’s

records like record of creditable services, membership service profile and premium loan and accounts balance index in a matter of minutes. Through the kiosk, you do frontline transactions with GSIS in a completely paperless manner echoing the battlecry of GSIS that its services is “dependable, anytime, anywhere.”

one mindanao - august 28, 2015

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