one mindanao - december 26, 2011

Western 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 Blitz

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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)

2/F 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

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESIN MINDANAO

Cover Story

Agusan del Norte

lights-up capitol park

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

Editorial Advisers ……….... ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA PresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

An Electronic News Magazineof the Phliippine Information Agency

Mindanao Clusters

EDITORIAL BOARD

Brian Jay CeballosCaraga Region page 4

Photo credit: Carlo Dilla

Today’s issue...Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 Vol. 1 No. 134

FEAbkilan, Caraga Region

PSUPT Martin M Gamba, Caraga Region

Surigao City, Dinagat Islands on alert level 1 due to continuous rainfall

Western Mindanao

PRO-Caraga sends food & non-food items to Iligan City

ARMM gets P800 million initial health stimulus fund

Northern MindanaoUnited States provides additional $800,000 to assist victims of tropical storm Sendong

Del Monte brings aid to Sendong survivors Northern Mindanao

DavNor solon sees no instability with CJ’s impeachment Jeanevive Abangan, Southern Mindanao

Kapalong college… Region XI’s first recognized municipal collegeChristie Jean Ganiera, Southern Mindanao

DSWD covergence framework gains support from CSOsDani Doguiles , Central Mindanao

Across the Nation:

Regional News:

9

27

151719

22

232428

29

32

15

Franklin P. Gumapon, Western MindanaoDipolog mayor supports impeach rap vs CJ Corona 21

Phl to import 500,000 MT rice in 2012 11Simple, meaningful parties held in public schools13

Moratorium sa pagmimina kailangang pag-aralanDani Doguiles , Central Mindanao33

18

31

4 Monday, December 26, 2011ONE MINDANAO

Agusan del Norte lights-up capitol park

Cover Story

Christmas celebrations in the provincial capitol this year will be significant in that this will be the last year that the seat of local governmnet will be based here.

by Brian Jay Ceballos

5 Monday, December 26, 2011 ONE MINDANAO

Next year, the provin-cial government of Agusan del Norte will be transfered soon to Sanghan, Cabadba-ran City. Thus, Governor of Agu-san del Norte, Erlpe John M. Amante, wanted this year’s celebrations to be much more beautiful and colorful than in the past. People from all walks of life can come and bring their family to this beautiful place to view the wonderful spec-tacle and experience the joyful feeling of the glowing

yuletide season that happens only once-a-year. The planning stage was started as early as the middle of the year. Lights and decors were emphasized coupled with renovations and land-scaping. The fountain, located in the middle of the park, has not been working for several years now. But the Provincial Government went through great lengths just to bring it back to life and was, for the first time, finally turned on last December 2, 2011. The


sight was epic. The lighting was also si-multaneous to the lighting done at the City Government of Butuan. After the city’s lighting, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante graced the lighting in the Capitol Park which showed unity be-tween Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, a sight never seen for quite a long time between the province and the city. Schedule to be switched-on at sundown, the sights and scenes at the park and its peripheries started to lit-


erally shine with multi-col-or, mini-lights and colorful decors, creating the special aura of the Christmas holi-days. Even the old Capitol Building enhanced the de-lightful ambiance with its ever changing color that glows.The rooftop of the histor-ic Building was also placed with Santa, the Reindeers and the popular sleigh from both sides of the roof.Another spectacle to be-hold at night is the nearby Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office (SPO), the office of


the Vice Governor of Agu-san del Norte. It is adorned with a Belen that symboliz-es the birth of our savior Je-sus Christ which, in the first place, is the reason why we celebrate the Christmas Sea-son. The SP Building is also enhanced by well-decorated and beautifully lighted de-cors with glowing lights to cover its whole premises. The Governor did the honors of pushing the turn-on button to light the whole Park and the Capitol Building to-gether with a number of mu-nicipal Mayors and Govern-ment Officials of Agusan del Norte.

The program ended with a grandiose fireworks display which lighted the sky for min-utes leaving the provincial em-ployees and spectators mes-merized in awe. They were then treated by a live band (the EJ Band of Agusan del Norte) until the park closed.


Aquino pardons foreign prisoner, grants commutation of sentence to four Filipino inmates

President Benigno S. Aquino III has pardoned a foreign prisoner and commuted the sentence of four Filipino inmates, a Palace official said on Monday.

10 Monday, December 26, 2011

The Chief Executive granted the conditional pardon with voluntary deportation to prisoner William Robert Burton who was convicted for drug trafficking, accord-ing to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during the regular press briefing in Malacanang. Burton was sen-tenced to suffer the pen-alty of life imprisonment by the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 116 for violation of Section 21 of RA 6425 otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. The Supreme Court (SC) af-firmed the lower court’s ruling. He was ordered to pay P20,000 fine. The President or-dered to turn over Bur-ton to the custody of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for proper disposition upon his release from the National Penitentiary. President Aquino granted the conditional pardon to Burton with “the

condition that he shall vol-untarily agree to be de-ported to Rufforth York-shire, England and never return to the Philippines.” During the press briefing, Valte also an-nounced that the President granted the commutation of sentence of Antonio Aure, Aurelio Nartatez, Edy Paneza and Alvani Salasa upon the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole. Commutation of sen-tence refers to the reduc-tion of the duration of a prison sentence of a pris-oner. Aure was convicted by the Surigao del Norte RTC for violation of Ille-gal Fishing with the Use of Explosives (PD 1058) to suffer the sentence of 20 years to reclusion perpet-ua. His sentence is hereby commuted to a definite prison term of 25 years. Nartatez was found guilty by the RTC of Can-don City, Ilocos Sur for vi-olation of Section 11 of RA

9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Danger-ous Drugs Act of 2002. He was sentenced to suffer indeterminate prison term of 12 years and 1 day to 20 years and to pay a fine of 300,000. His sentence is hereby commuted to an indeterminate prison term of 7 years to 12 years and to pay P300,000 fine. Paneza was con-victed of violating PD 532 (Highway Robbery) by the Iloilo City RTC and the SC subsequently upheld the lower court’s ruling. The President commuted his sentence to a definite pris-on term of 25 years from the penalty of reclusion perpetua. He was ordered to pay civil indemnity of P50,000. Salasa, was sen-tenced to suffer reclu-sion perpetua by Tagum, Davao RTC for violation of robbery with homicide. His sentence is hereby com-muted to a definite prison term of 27 years. (JS)


Phl to import 500,000 MT rice in 2012

The Philippines will import an initial 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice next year, a statement recently posted on the Department of Agriculture (DA) website said.

12 Monday, December 26, 2011

Agriculture Secre-tary Proceso J. Alcala said the decision was ar-rived at during an ear-lier meeting of the Na-tional Food Authority (NFA) Council, which he chairs. Of the total volume, he said government will allow the private sec-tor and farmers’ groups to import 250,000 MT each.

He said the NFA will con-centrate on local palay procurement, as it has yet adequate rice and palay stocks in its ware-houses. He said govern-ment has enough funds to buy more palay this current dry season and main harvest season next year. In fact, the DA ex-pects a good harvest this

d r y season due to the ‘Quick-turn-around’ (QTA) and ratooning initiatives. These were un-dertaken by the DA in partnership with farm-ers’ groups and local government units to off-set palay losses total-ing 700,000 MT due to typhoons ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel’ last September.This year, the country im-ported a total of 860,000 MT, which is one-third of the 2.4 million MT im-ported in 2010. Of this year’s to-tal volume, 600,000 MT were imported by the pri-vate sector, 200,000 MT by the NFA, and 60,000 MT by farmers’ groups. He said the DA will ensure that the country has enough buffer stock next year, particularly having a 90-day buffer stock by June 30, 2012, going into the traditional lean months of July to September.(DA/RJB/


Simple, meaningful parties held in public schools

Simple yet meaningful - this was how parties in

public schools nationwide were celebrated this Christmas 2011.

Earlier, Education Secretary Armin Lu-istro ordered the pub-lic schools officials to observe simplicity dur-ing Christmas parties and “avoid any form of contribution” from stu-dents. He also cautioned the school officials from holding lavish and com-

pulsory holiday parties. This, in conso-nance with DepEd Order No. 114, series of 2009, on the strict observance of simple Christmas celebrations in public schools. “Jesus Christ led a simple life so we can do no less,” he also pointed out.

Public schools held their respective celebra-tion of Christmas from December 19 to 20 this year. Pre-school, elemen-tary, and high schools went on break effective December 21 and will re-sume classes January 3, 2012. (RJB/DBNV)

by Domingo B. Natividad V


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NDRRMC cites needs of flashflood victims in Regions VII, X by Robert E. Roperos

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has cited the needs of the victims who are now housed in different evacuation centers, a week after the devastation wrought by tropical storm

Sendong.


NDRRMC cites needs of flashflood victims in Regions VII, X

According to NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Adminis-trator Undersecretary Benito Ramos, what the people in the evac-uation centers need as of the moment are po-table drinking water. Because of the massive flashflood, water connections in majority of the areas are not yet back to normal. It was also learned that some op-portunist businessmen are now selling bottled mineral waters in high-er price. Also, NDRRMC re-ported that water pu-rifiers are needed to mitigate the scarcity

of potable water sup-ply. NDRRMC also re-ported that portable tents, foods and non-food items are among the pressing needs of the flashflood victims. Further, NDRRMC said there is a need for an immediate avail-ability of lot or area suitable for temporary shelter to relieve con-gestions in Internal-ly Displaced Persons (IDP) centers and in preparation of vacat-ing the schools used as evacuation centers in view of the resump-tion of classes on Jan-uary 3, 2012. However, the lo-cal governments of Ca-

gayan de Oro and Ili-gan cities are resolving this problem through the concerted efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) and other concerned government agencies. In Region VII, NDRRMC reported that the flashflood victims need water, blanket, clothing, food, milk for children, and basic kitchen utensils. As of 6:00 a.m. on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), NDRRMC report-ed 1,100 people dead; 1,979 injured; 1,079 missing whose report-ed cases are subject to verification; and 441 rescued survivors.

photo credit: http://philippines.unfpa.org/


Surigao City, Dinagat Islands on alert level 1 due to continuous rainfallby FEAbkilan

SURIGAO DEL NORTE -– Alert level one was raised early today, in Surigao City and the province of Dinagat Islands following the continuous rains which started Sunday morning, Dec. 25 brought about by a low pressure area West Northwest of Butuan City.

City Vice-Mayor Dani-lo Menor said an alert level one was hoisted in Surigao City upon recommendation from local Philippine Atmo-spheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PA-GASA) chief Jun Arpon. A similar declara-tion was also hoisted in the province of Dinagat Is-lands (PDI), Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Deputized

Coordinator Rosario Roxas said. With this, the public especially the residents liv-ing in low-lying and moun-tainous areas are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. The local disaster risk reduction and management councils are also alerted for possible pre-emptive evac-uation in their respective

areas of responsibility. Based on PAGASA’s 24-hour rainfall observa-tion, amount and duration, the total rainfall in the en-tire province has reached at 93.0mm. As of press time, light to moderate rains continue falling in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Di-nagat Islands.


PRO-Caraga sends food & non-food items to Iligan Cityby PSUPT Martin M Gamba

BUTUAN CITY – As a way of help to the Typhoon Sendong victims in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the Police Regional Office in Caraga transported relief items.

Said items is com-posed of 30 sacks of used clothings; 20 boxes of noo-dles; 10 boxes canned sar-dines; 20 boxes of mineral water; 100 pieces of assort-ed school supplies for Grade 1 to Grade 6 pupils; slippers/shoes and six (6) sacks of rice intended for the victims of tropical storm Sendong at Iligan City. Relief goods were do-

nated by the PRO 13 Re-gional Headquarter, Agusan del Sur PPO, Surigao del Sur PPO, Surigao del Norte PPO, Dinagat Islands PPO, Butuan City Police Office and from civilian sectors. Said items were brought to PRO 13 Caraga Task Group “TABANG-ILI-GAN” headed by PSSUPT Eu-genio Paguirigan, Provincial Director of Agusan de Norte

stationed at Orchid Subdivi-sion, Purok 13, Santiago, Ili-gan City. Aid was then turned-over to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Office of Iligan City for prop-er disposition. Meanwhile, Police Re-gional Office 13 is continu-ously receiving relief goods in kind or in cash for the said purpose.


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OSYs get free livelihood training

35 young blood recently completed their free livelihood training jointly sponsored by one of the city councilors and the Brotherhood for Livelihood

Philippines (BLP).

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

http://mindanao.usvpp.gov


The 3-day fish pro-cessing training was geared at developing and sharing skills to the out of school youth (OSY) for them to be more productive in life and to have opportunity to earn a living for themselves and their families. The OSY-partic-ipants came from far flung barangays Bun-guiao, Bolong and Sitio Patis.

During the 3-day training, the participants were taught how to make spicy tuyo, tuna flakes, Spanish style sardines in tomato sauce and Span-ish style in corn oil. Councilor Miguel Alavar who initiated the training said he was im-pressed with the partici-pants as they were quick to fallow and learn all that was taught to them during then the training.

Alavar shared he is also happy to note that one of the trainers in the program was a product of the same livelihood training preciously con-ducted. He informed there are still similar trainings to be conducted in vari-ous barangays of the city pending request approv-al. (JPA/PIA-ZamBa-SulTa)

ARMM gets P800 million initial health stimulus fund

ISABELA CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)’s health department announced that another trance of funds was already downloaded as part of the health stimulus fund released by the national government; accelerating health programs in the region.


The Bureau of Pub-lic Information said that the assertive collabora-tion of the health depart-ment of the ARMM with its national office has yielded another bless-ing, this time the latter releasing already some P800-million subsidy for health programs in the region. ARMM Health Sec-retary Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding said the DOH

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central office download-ed recently P450-million to his office as another trance of its P1.3-billion share from the P8.5-billion stimulus financial package earmarked by the Aquino administra-tion to fast-track devel-opment in the autono-mous region. Sinolinding said his office earlier got P350-

million from the DOH national office bring-ing to P800 million the total amount released from the share of health projects and programs, which Health Secre-tary Enrique Ona pro-grammed for ARMM on order of President Beni-gno Aqiono III. He said the P1.3-bil-lion share of his depart-ment from P8.5-billion stimulus fund is intend-ed for the procurement of modern equipment and facilities to upgrade medical operations and health services in the autonomous region. “We are just wait-ing for instructions from Secretary Ona to pro-ceed with the procure-ment of all equipment and health facilities that we will be using in our region,” Sinolinding an-nounced. He said the P1.3-billion procurement fund will pursue the Aquino government-designed Health Facilities En-hancement Program un-der the P8.5 Billion Stim-ulus subsidy for ARMM. Dr. Sinolinding ex-pressed optimism that

“with the support of our skilled and dedicated health workers, I am confident that we can redeem ARMM from be-ing always among the regions with high infant and maternal mortality.” He said the modern equipment and facilities to be purchased would be distributed equitably to the ARMM component provinces of Maguindan-ao, Lanao del Sur, Basi-lan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. Sinolinding lauded the national government for recognizing the trail-blazing health campaign in ARMM, which has been acknowledged recently for having the lowest rate of dengue cases and largest number of breastfeeding mothers in the country. “We would like to thank our government because this early, the ordinary citizen of our region has already felt the state’s presence and assistance,” he added. (JPA/BPI-ARMM/RVC-PIA9 ZBST)


Mayor Uy believed Corona had lost pub-lic trust in leading the Supreme Court (SC) by flip-flopping in cer-tain decisions on issues brought before the high court. The public also considered Corona as a hindrance to the re-forms President Beni-gno Simeon C. Aquino would like to institute to curb graft and corrup-tion in the bureaucracy. Mayor Flora Vil-larosa of Siayan town, the poorest municipality in the country, also ex-pressed support to the move to impeach Coro-na. She, however, gave no reasons for having such a stand. It can be recalled that the House of Rep-resentatives has already transmitted the im-

peachment case to the Senate af-ter 188 lawmak-ers signed the 57-page complaint against Corona. Corona has been charged with betrayal of pub-lic trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corrup-tion, among oth-ers. But all the three congress-men of Zam-boanga del Norte failed to sign the i m p e a c h m e n t complaint. Con-gressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the sec-ond district was in the US while the articles of impeachment were tackled in the House. He belongs to PNoy’s Liber-

al Party. The other two con-gressmen, Cesar G. Jalosjos and Seth Fred-erick P. Jalosjos, are members of the Lakas-CMD party. (JPA/FPG/PIA-Zambo. Norte)

Dipolog mayor supports impeach rap vs CJ Corona by Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY - “I support the impeachment of Chief Justice Corona,” thus declared Mayor Evelyn Tang-Uy of this city.


T he spirit of

Bayanihan among

Mindanaoans once again

prevails in this difficult time

for the people of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City who were

ravaged by tropical storm

Sendong.

Military transports relief goods to CdeO before Christmas Eve

From the hundreds of helpful Mindanaoans, the Eastern Mindanao Command gathered tons of assorted relief goods from various organizations and individuals who initiated the “Pagtinabangay-Caravan alang sa CDO ug Iligan.” The Eastmincom facilitated the transport of assorted relief goods

from Camp Panacan, Davao City to Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City. The assorted relief goods consists of sacks of rice, boxes of potable bottled waters, brand new and used clothes, hygiene supplies, food supplements for children, canned goods, noodles, dried fishes,


United States provides additional $800,000 to assist victims of tropical storm SendongMANILA - The United States is providing an additional $800,000 (PhP34.4 million) to address the immediate needs of victims of Tropical Storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City in Mindanao.

This funding augments initial assistance of $100,000 (PhP4.1 million) provided by the U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The funds will be used to support ongoing emergency relief and early recovery operations by the Philippine Government in disaster-stricken areas. Earlier this week, an assessment team from USAID/OFDA visited flood-affected areas of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. Based on their assessment and

discussions with Philippine authorities on the ground, they determined that the additional United States Government funding will provide for logistical support for water distribution and temporary shelter materials. In addition to the above-mentioned assistance, to help meet the critical need for potable water in flood-stricken areas, the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) are working with the National Development Support Unit (NADESCU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring in three high-capacity water purification units capable of processing 13,000 gallons of water per day.

utensils among others. It is transported by the twenty two (22) M35 military trucks from the Eastmincom, 10th Infantry Division, 6th Infantry Division, Task Force Davao, 701st, 1001st, 1002nd, 1003rd Brigades, 60th, 66th, 69th, 71st Infantry Battalions and three (3) dump trucks from the city government of Davao.


MARFORPAC is also providing technical experts who will assist the AFP in the deployment and operation of these units. The United States Joint Special Operations Task Force–Philippines (JSOTF-P) responded to calls for immediate assistance on December 18th with the loan of two 15-foot Zodiac rubber boats with 55hp outboard engines to the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to support early search and rescue operations. “The United States applauds

the rescue, relief, and recovery efforts undertaken by Philippine civilian and military authorities. We continue to dialogue with appropriate Philippine Government agencies and others to determine

what additional assistance might be necessary. While we believe that the resilience of flood-affected communities will eventually prevail, the U.S. Government and the American people are committed to providing further assistance as requested and where needed to ensure that survivors can get back on their feet and start anew.” Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said. For 50 years the United States has been a key partner of the Philippines in providing immediate humanitarian response during natural calamities.

Del Monte brings aid to Sendong survivorsBUGO, Cagayan de Oro - Volunteers from Del Monte Philippines join many other groups who continue to bring aid and succor to survivors of Tropical storm Sendong, many of whom lost their loved ones as well as their homes during one of the world’s worst storm this year.

The volunteers are employees from the company’s pineapple cannery in barangay Bugo, some 20 kilometers away from flooded areas of the city, and children of Del Monte employees who are on their school break. As news on the extent of Sendong’s devastation began to spread, Del Monte volunteers were

among the first to lend comfort and bring food to families in various affected areas on December 17. Since the first day of the flood, four (4) mobile teams of about 5-10 volunteers each, conduct daily relief missions in barangays Consolacion, Macanhan, Carmen, Balulang, Kauswagan and Macasandig. Among the team’s first


Del Monte brings aid to Sendong survivors

beneficiaries were some 100 of its employees whose houses were destroyed in varying degrees by the floods. In addition to responding to the needs of affected areas, these mobile teams were tasked to seek out the company’s employees and ensure their safety and security. Several of these families were relocated to safer quarters; all received food packs, medicines, clothes and beddings. Del Monte’s two (2) fire crews deliver water as shortage affects half of the city’s 750,000 residents.

A total of 29,500 liters per day are delivered to affected areas and this will continue for the next 30 days. To supplement delivery, the company has recently installed four water refilling points outside its plant gate for the public. A mobile medical team extends free treatment and medicines spread across the nine evacuation centers, while nurses go around homes with the mobile relief teams to identify people needing medical attention and refer them to its mobile medical team. At Del Monte’s Cannery Headquarters, teams load relief goods for delivery. Another team collects donations from employees as others pack donated items for distribution. Volunteers from Del Monte’s agri-headquarters in Camp Phillips, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, have lent support to colleagues at the cannery.


Clean up teams armed with brushes, pails, and shovels travel to Cagayan de Oro every day to help affected residents clear mud and debris from their homes, making the houses ready for re-occupancy by Christmas Eve. Del Monte Philippines Mindanao Operations Group Head Manny Nisperos said “We at Del Monte are one with the community in moving forward from this tragedy. The company, as well as its volunteers, is here to help.” As the Company’s relief effort progresses, more volunteer teams have been organized to bring assistance to more survivors. Additional relief programs have also been lined up to respond to specific needs of affected communities and help the survivors move on. Among these programs are: the conduct of more medical missions as the risk of disease increases at evacuation centers; feeding programs and provision of vitamin-rich juice drinks at evacuation centers; and sustained water delivery in areas where water shortage remains critical. The company is further considering to partner with agencies to help survivors rebuild their homes. Del Monte Philippines has a long tradition of helping

the community not only during good times but more significantly during emergencies and calamities. It has sent teams on rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of a major earthquake that hit Northern Luzon and Baguio City (1990), and during the deadly flashfloods in Ormoc (1991), Camiguin (2003) and Misamis Oriental (2010). Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) has operated in Bukidnon for the last 86 years and has contributed much to the development and upliftment of lives in the local communities where it operates. At present, there are more than 10,000 people that work in both the cannery and plantation of DMPI. Together with their dependents, there are at least 40 to 50 thousand people that depend on the Company.(PR)


Power firm foundation commits P11M relief, rebuilding assistance for Sendong areas by Carina Cayon

The Aboitiz Foundation has committed over P11 million in relief and rebuilding ef-

forts for the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan which were severe-ly devastated by tropical storm Sendong. Aboitiz Foundation chairman Jon Ramon Aboitiz said in a press release

that the Foundation has already do-nated to the relief efforts of the local government units. Aboitiz cited that over 11,000 packs of relief supplies have been dis-tributed to an estimated 80 evacuation sites and affected areas in both cities. With the help of its partner-or-ganizations, the foundation immedi-ately distributed almost 6,000 bottles

of drinking water in evacuation centers and affected com-munities, he said. Aboitiz said the Aboitiz Group com-panies nationwide have pitched in the effort by sending cash and in kind donations such as canned goods and other food items, clothes, blankets, slippers and as sorted


medicines, among others. “We share in the grief of our coun-trymen in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and we hope we can somehow lighten the burden of the communities affect-ed by this tragedy,” Aboitiz stated. “The Aboitiz Group has been in Mindanao for more than 50 years and we are committed to its development and the welfare of its people,” he add-ed. He said that the relief operations are still ongoing, and that the founda-tion intends to give more financial aid. “We are ready to bring in more help as needed by our partner organi-zations, the local government units and

national government agencies,” Aboitiz said.The Aboitiz Group was among the first to dispatch aid to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City in response to the appeals of the Northern Mindanao LGUs. Aboitiz Group representatives im-mediately addressed the critical need for drinking water in Cagayan de Oro, few hours after the calamity struck. Company volunteers instantly packed and distributed relief goods in Iligan where the Aboitiz business unit Pilmico Foods is located. The company also gave financial assistance to all its affected employ-ees, some of whom lost their homes.

DavNor solon sees no instability with CJ’s impeachmentDAVAO DEL NORTE - Davao del Norte 1st District Congressman Antonio Rafael del Rosario be-lieves that the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona would not destabilize the coun-try’s economy. What’s crucial for him, however, is the manner of coming with a decision which should “be based on evidence,” he said. “Kay ako nagatuo (because I be-lieve) that if the decision is not based on evidence presented, posible mag-kagobut (it’s possible there would be chaos.),” he said in an interview after the presscon last Dec. 23 at the Pro-vincial Information Office of Davao del

Norte. He was hopeful that members of the Senate would carefully look at the evidence presented and the testimo-nies during the impeachment trial set January 16 next year when the Senate reconvenes. He said that even if the pub-lic perceives the Chief Justice to have done something wrong, the people still would like to witness a fair trial and expect to know the right decision based on evidence. “Whether guilty or not, angayan jud nga base sa evidence nga gipakita.” (it would be right to base on evidence.) he said. Del Rosario revealed to have not

by Jeanevive Duron Abangan


signed the Impeachment complaint because he was in Davao at the time the complaint was prepared, but ad-mitted being in favor of the impeach-ment case filed against Corona. On the other hand, Congress-man del Rosario is currently working on three priority bills particularly on regulating lead content especially of

children’s toys, on the setting up of a research center for stem cell treat-ment, and on granting of benefits for the family of deceased GSIS mem-bers. His proposals are now being studied by technical working groups as they are up for approval at the House committee levels.

Kapalong college… Region XI’s first recognized municipal college

KAPALONG, DAVAO DEL NORTE - The Kapalong College of Agri-culture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST), a locally run college in-stitution in town has finally grant-ed with government recognition by the Commission on Higher Edu-cation on the different programs/courses it offers after meeting the

necessary require-ments set forth by the commission in establishing a local college. CHED Regional Director Edward A. Aquino, bared that KCAST is the first local college in Re-gion XI that has been granted with such recognition.KCAST initially started its operation in 2005 under the Bukidnon State University con-

sortium program thru Municipal Or-dinance No. 423 which mandates its creation as authored by Hon. Helar-io T. Caminero, Committee Chair on Education Committee. Inasmuch as KCAST is located in Region XI, Aqui-no advised to have the college oper-ated independently as a local college starting in SY 2010-2011.


The completion of the 1st phase 20M 2-storey classroom building construction of the Timbol-Estrada administration which addressed the classroom shortage is a great con-tributing factor in meeting the recog-nition requirements. Out of the school income, the LGU was able to establish a 50 capac-ity- fully furnished and airconditioned Speech Laboratory and Audio Visual Room, a spacious Library equipped with recently published books and reading materials and a computer laboratory with 40 units internet connected computers. Science laboratories and equip-ment were also provided as part of the compliance process. To date KCAST has already a population of 860 stu-

dents with four recognized programs which include Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Financial Management and a Permit to Operate for the Bachelor in Agricultural Technology. “Hopefully we could add more programs to offer including vocational courses which would be of great ben-efit to our incoming college students. With these programs, we could give them the chance to really enroll on the field that they really want and definitely those that would fit their capabilities,” Mayor Timbol stressed. (Christie Jean Ganiera-MIO Ka-palong)

did you know...

The town of San Isidro. Davao del Norte is the region’s top producer of cacao (cocoa) beans accounting for more than half of the total cocoa production in southern mind-anao. About 4,000 hectares of its land area is planted to ca-cao.


Fireworks display caps “Paskuhan ng Bayan” celebration in Tupi

by Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The one week “Paskuhan ng Bayan” celebration in Tupi, South Cotabato culminated on Friday with a grandiose fire-works display that formed part of the town’s tradition for the past several years.

Thousands of Tupinians trooped to the municipal plaza to witness the impres-sive showcase of tiny, multi-colored fireballs exploding in the sky and illuminated the entire place.

Spectators were awed at the sight of dazzling lights filling the sky and comple-mented the glittering plaza and the municipal building which were earlier dressed up with brilliant Christmas decors adorned with colorful, glimmering lights.


Prior to this, local of-ficials and employees clad with artistic 1960 - 1970 fashion clothes marched towards Tupi Sports and Cultural Center (TSCC) for their Christmas party, while live band entertained the crowd awaiting for the fireworks display.

“Paskuhan ng Bayan,

which opened on De-cember 17, was or-ganized by the local government of Tupi to provide nightly enter-tainments for all the “Tupinians” and “balik-bayans.”

One of the highlights of this year’s fete was the superb presenta-tion on Thursday of

one of the popular rock bands in the country in a one night perfor-mance dubbed as a “Night with Yano.”

Other activities in-clude live band con-test, singing compe-tition, gift-giving for children, and amateur boxing competition, among others.

DSWD covergence framework gains support from CSOsby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- Department of So-cial Welfare and Development in Soccsk-sargen Region has strengthened its pov-erty reduction interventions by gaining more support from civil society organiza-tions (CSO) and private sector partners.

DSWD 12 Assistant Regional Director Gem-ma Rivera said, these CSOs serve as their part-ners, guides, and guard-ians in strengthening ef-forts to fight poverty in the region.

Among the CSOs that have pledged active participation in DSWD’s convergence framework are: Kadtuntaya Founda-tion Inc., United Youth of

the Philippines ( U N Y P H I L ) , PASALI Gen-san, Mahintana Foun-dation Inc, ChildFund, World Vision, Hauman Foundation, Don Bos-co B’laan Self-Help Inc, Tribal Leaders Develop-ment Foundation, and others.

These organizations, Rivera said have volun-tarily joined in conver-

gence framework along their line of interests.

They either serve as watchmen by carrying out anti-corruption cam-paign, as guides by pro-viding technical assis-tance, as partners in the implementation of pov-erty reduction projects, or conduits by providing


feedback and moni-toring the mechanism of the three programs in the convergence frame-work.

DSWD’s convergence framework includes the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Ka-hirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery

of Social Services (Ka-lahi-CIDSS), and Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K).

Rivera said, through this mechanism, the government has provid-ed partners with oppor-tunity give recommen-dations toward assuring the programs campaign for transparency, ac-

countability, participa-tion.

Despite this accom-plishment, Rivera said, they are encouraging more non-government organizations, civic groups and private sec-tor partners to join in the advocacy to fight poverty.

Moratorium sa pagmimina kailangangpag-aralanKORONADAL CITY -- Kailangan ng matinding pag-aaral ang suhestiyon ng ilang miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na magpatupad ng limang taong moratorium sa pagmimina sa South Cotabato ayon kay Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.

Kabilang sa kailan-gang ikonsidera, ayon sa Gobernador ang ma-giging epekto nito sa mga probisyong inilatag sa Environment Code ng lalawigan.

Baka aniya magrere-sulta ng pagrebisa sa Environment Code na pi-naninindigan ng pama-halaang panlalawigan.

Maliban dito, maari ring lumala ang iligal na pagmimina sa la-lawigan kung ipagba-

bawal ito.Sa ngayon pinag-

sisikapan ng South Cotabato ang pagsu-long ng responsab-leng pagmimina sa pamamagitan ng legal na pagmimina at mas pinaigting na monitor-ing sa mga minahan.

Nagpapatuloy din ang mga hakbang na mapigil ang mga ban-las operation sa mga bayan ng Tampakan at T’boli.

Matatandaang na-pag-usapan kamakai-lang ng ilang miyem-bro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng South Cotabato ang posibili-dad ng pagbabawal ng pagmina, logging at pamumutol ng kahoy sa buong lalawigan matapos nabatid ang resulta ng bagyong Sendong sa Northern Mindanao, partikular sa mga lungsod ng Ili-gan at Cagayan de Oro. (DEDoguiles)

one mindanao - december 26, 2011

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