one mindanao - february 18, 2014

A Ray of Hope for a Pantawid Pamilya BeneficiarySherlyn E. LugtoNorthern Mindanao

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 122

President Aquino to investors: Reforms boosted PHL economy

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Maramag PESO announces overseas job hiring

Trust funds Use, 20% of IRA, among full disclosure documents

3-day Regional Caving Summit set in Surigao City

OPAPP-PAMANA releases P19.2M for two FMR concreting projects in NorthCot

Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur nurses under NDP now ready for deployment

Tzu Chi Foundation to construct school buildings in ComVal Bayog to conduct capability enhancement

training for barangay officials

167 families join flood evacuation drill in Surigao Sur town

IP education stakeholders’ forum set on Feb. 20-21 in Pagadian City

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21

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PIO, Maramag

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Zenny Villejo

grace almedillaClaro A. Lanipa

Franklin P. Gumapon

Information to Empower Filipinos

107 12

Nida Grace P. Barcena

A Ray of Hope for a Pantawid Pamilya Beneficiary

For people who have less in fortune, getting a help from a particular

organization, charity programs and others would be one of the hopeful ways for them to get out or at least ease the indigence they are In line with this, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or also known as Pantawid Pamilya is one of the many programs that the government provides to improve the lives of the people. Implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Program aims to alleviate poverty simply through offering marginalized families cash allowance granting that they would follow all the conditions of the Program. One beneficiary of the PantawidPamilya is Vilma Montes-Beñas, 42, with two children aged 10 and 9. Vilma became abeneficiaryof thisProgramsince2009.According to Vilma, she never thought that shewillbechosenasoneofthebeneficiariesof the Program and will be given the chance to give a better life to her children. Despite the fact that she came from a less fortunate family, Vilma did not expect

much from the Program as she has lived all her life working hard just to earn for a living. SheflewtoManiladuringhisearlyteenageyears to get a job to support herself and her family. While in Manila, she met her husband, Roland Beñas. After months of knowing each other, they decided to come home to Vilma’s hometown in Cagayan de Oro after they learned that she was pregnant. From

By Sherlyn E. Lugto

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then on, they lived together and got married in 2010. Knowing that both of them do not have a good job to support their family, Vilma cheerfully shared that the Pantawid Pamilya really became a big help in terms of giving their kids the right to be sent to school and be given a healthy environment. “Nagpasalamat gyud kaayo ko sa gobyerno ug sa DSWD aning programa kay kung wala gyud ni, tingali pit-os gyud kaayo among kinabuhi karon” (I am really grateful and so much thankful to the government and the DSWD as well. If not because of this program, we would surely be living a pitiful life),” Vilma said in an interview. Moreover, Vilma enthusiastically shared that with the addition of DSWD’s Self-Employment Assistance Para sa

Kaunlaran (SEA-K) livelihood program, their life has become even better. In 2011, the couple was able to loan P5,000 from SEA-K which enabled them to build a small sari-sari store and further helped Vilma’s husband as he no longer have to strive really hard driving a pedicab until late night. In addition, the P2,200 that the family gets every other two months from the Pantawid Pamilya also helped a lot in supporting the studies of Vilma’s kids saying, “Kada dawat gyud nako sa 4P’s insigida pud gyud ko mugahin ug pampalit ug vitamins sa mga bata kay kahibalo ko nga importante gyud ang ilang kahimsog. Ug usa pa pud, ginatudlu-an man mi sa DSWD nga kining 4P’s kinahanglan gamiton gyud sa saktong pamaagi ug igahin gyud para sa kaayuhan sa pamilya hilabina sa akong mga anak kay kini para sa ilaha.” (Every time I receive my 4P’s cash grant, I would really immediately set aside certain amount for my kids’ vitamins because I know that health is very important. Furthermore, DSWD has always been so consistent in reminding us to spend the cash wisely and use it only for the welfare of the whole family, especially the kids) It is indeed undeniable that Vilma and her whole family are grateful for the cash grants they receive. The Pantawid Pamilya has certainly given them a lot of reasons to celebrate life and be thankful to God and to the people behind the program as well. In fact, her two sons never fail to always enlighten their day simply by giving them pride as they continue to do better in school.

“Unta lang gyud magpadayon ni nga programa sa atong gobyerno kay kini dako gyud kayo ug natabang dili lang sa ako kundili sa mga parehas nako nga yanong tao lang. Gusto ko nga tanan pod untang mgapobresamanako,makabenefitaningmaong programa arun matabangan pod sila nga mauswag ilang pamuyo parehas nako” (I just hope this program will still continue in the coming years because this has really given much help not just to me but also to the plain and simple citizens around. I want every poor family to benefit from this program so thatthey would also have that opportunity to improve their lives),” Vilma added. She also mentioned that DSWD has also requirements which should befulfilledsuchasregularlyattendingto the Family Development Sessions (FDS) every month. The goal of the FDS is to educate the family, especially the parents, in disciplining their kids in a proper way.With this, it is envisioned that sooner, lives of the Filipino families will improve not just physically and mentally but also spiritually. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4P’s is a human development

program of the national government. This program aims to help poor households by giving them cash grants, particularly for children aged 0-18 years old. However, the cash grants, which the beneficiariesreceive every other two months, will only be released if thebeneficiarieswill followthe conditions laid in the said program. On the other hand, the Self-

Employment Assistance Para sa Kaunlaran (SEA-K) is also a program of DSWD. This is a livelihood assistance program which allows needy families to loan in order to start their own business. The DSWD only approves the loan of those members who actively participates in the seminars, weekly meetings and business management trainings conducted by the DSWD.

7FEBRUARY 2014 | PAGE

Investment forum, ISF model building inauguration, meet with SF mayor to highlight President Aquino’s week

Attracting more foreign investments at a forum and inaugurating a medium-rise building model unit for informal

settlers will highlight President Benigno S. Aquino III’s week, Malacañang said Monday.

Across the Nation

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President will attend the third Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum, where he will highlight his administration’s economic achievements

stemming from good governance.“The President will also talk about the

administration’s continued commitment to making our economic growth sustainable and even more inclusive,” Lacierda said.


Also this week, President Aquino will inaugurate the Estero de San Miguel medium-rise building model unit for informal settler families.

Lacierda said the new unit has an “innovative” design that can fit into the available narrow lot outside the three-meter easement along the estero.

Such a structure can house up to 16 families in its initial phase, he said.

“This is part of the administration’s strategy to help more informal settlers live dignified lives in safer communities,” he added.

Also this week, the President will meet San Francisco City Mayor Edwin Lee and the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee delegation, as they pay him a courtesy call.

Lacierda said Lee is the first Asian American to head San Francisco, and played a major role in “fostering a sense of solidarity among the many immigrant groups in the city, one of which is the growing Filipino-American community.”

He noted Lee and the committee expressed their support for the survivors of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

“Their visit to our country reaffirms their solidarity and friendship with our people,” he said.

Lacierda said this week’s activities seek to reaffirm the Aquino administration’s policy “to leave no one behind, as we tread the straight path to greater progress and development.” PND

President Aquino to investors: Reforms boosted PHL economy

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday urged investors to invest in the Philippines, boasting of the economic

achievements the country has attained since the start of his term in 2010 due to reforms in competitiveness and governance put in place.


During the 3rd Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum 2014 at Solaire Resort, Parañaque, Philippines, the President said that the country has come a long way since being dubbed as the ‘Sick Man of Asia’.

Although the country has taken a beating from back to back calamities the past year, President Aquino said that it still managed to achieve a 7.2 percent economic growth for the entire 2013.

He noted other achievements such as reaching 59th place at the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Rankings and being second most profitable among ASEAN-5 countries in a 2013 survey of companies in Asia and Oceania, among others.

“The days when we were called the Sick Man of Asia are becoming a distant memory,” the President stressed.

“Now, we are seeing so many international organizations and publications expressing optimism about our future, and they have already referred to us as ‘Asia’s Bright Spot’ or as the ‘New Asian Tiger’,” he added.

President Aquino also said that continued rehabilitation efforts after calamities last year is the government’s number one priority.

He said that the government will ‘build back better’ houses, communities in safer places and have these surpass how they were before typhoon “Yolanda” struck.

“Our rehabilitation efforts dovetail seamlessly into our plans for the economy

in the medium and long term,” the President said.

President Aquino enumerated other achievements in 2013 including how the manufacturing sector grew by 10.5 percent, and was one of the main factors in building on our economic momentum.

He said that the government has also increased infrastructure spending—from P304 billion in 2013 to nearly 400 billion in 2014 and made tourism more convenient for tourists to experience how fun it is in the Philippines.

“We must cement the reforms we have made, and make certain that we extend our aim of uninterrupted growth—from years, to decades, and hopefully, even to generations,” the President said.

He also said that one way of cementing reforms was to pursue laws that will keep business environment conducive to growth and create opportunities for the population that hits working age.

Furthermore, President Aquino also took pride in increased budgets for the Department of Education and TESDA and also said that the government is also pushing for growth in the agricultural sector.

“If you invest in the Philippines, human capital will be the least of your worries,” the President said.

He finally ended his speech by inviting all stakeholders to be present as Filipinos pursue “the road to becoming an economy and a country greater than ever before”. (PNA)

10FEBRUARY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Senate to hold inquiries into framework agreement in Mindanao -- Guingona

Sen. Teofisto Guingona III on Tuesday said the Senate will hold public inquiry into the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro in areas in

Mindanao to be affected by the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law.”The rule of this committee is

to ventilate the contents of the framework agreement as well as

its annexes,” Guingona, chairman of the Senate committee on peace, unification and reconciliation, said


during the first Senate hearing into the framework agreement on Tuesday at the Senate.

Guingona said the Senate panel also intends to conduct public hearings in major cities of Mindanao like Cotabato, Zamboanga, General Santos and Davao.

”This is in line with our trust that everything about the peace process should be known to all, transparency and accountability and people participation,” Guingona said.

Guingona has filed Senate Resolution 471 directing the committee on peace, unification and reconciliation to conduct an inquiry into the framework agreement and the annexes that have been signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the end of view of gaining a firmer grasp of the issues and challenges that will be faced by the nation with the impending passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles thanked the Senate for providing venue to inform the public on the proposed Bangsamoro basic law.

Aside from Deles, other present

in the Senate public hearing are GPH Peace Panel chairperson Prof. Miriam Colonel-Ferrer and members undersecretaries Yasmin Busran-Lao and Jose Luis Martin Gascon.

Fr. Eliseo Mercado, director of Institute for autonomy and governance of Notre Dame University; Ateneo school of government dean Atty. Antonio La Vina and school of law dean Atty. Sefredy Candelaria were also present.

Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat also attended the public hearing.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said during the February 6 visit to the Senate by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives have agreed to pass the Bangsamoro basic law before the end of the year.

The BTC is the body assigned to draft the Bangsamoro basic law which will provide the legal framework for the Bangsamoro political entity.

The Bangsamoro basic law will replace the current Republic Act 6734 that first created Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in August 1981.


Agri body to tackle MOU for road projects in brgysby CdeOSP

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Council committee on agriculture and fisheries in Cagayan de Oro will soon discuss the request of the Barangay Council of Pagatpat for the city government to enter into a Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the release of P1 million.


The amount is the 10% equity for the implementation of the Pagatpat-San Simon farm- to-market road project. The DA has allocated P10 million for the project, which will greatly benefit constituents of Pagatpat and San Simon. The committee will also act upon the request of the Barangay

Council of Tignapoloan for allocation of funds in the amount of P120,000 as the city’s equity for the P1.2 million farm- to- market road project in Barangay Tignapoloan. According to Councilor Annie Daba, chair of the committee, the project requires a 10% equity contribution from its local proponent.

MARAMAG, Bukidnon - More than 50 overseas jobs are waiting for jobseekers in Maramag and its neighboring towns as the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) holds special recruitment activity from February 12 to 28.

by PIO, Maramag

Maramag PESO announces overseas job hiring

Oscar S. Navacilla, PESO manager of Maramag local government said the Michael Angelo Manpower Exponent, Inc. and Gammon Manpower International, Inc., both POEA-licensed agencies for overseas employment, would be in town to conduct interviews and hire applicants fit to work as domestic helpers for Hongkong, Singapore, and Malaysia. The job hiring activity will be at the Public Employment Service Office, Municipal Hall, Anahawon, Maramag, Bukidnon from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

of the scheduled dates. Navacilla said applicants must apply personally and submit copies of passport-sized pictures. Interested applicants who already had passports should also bring it with them, he said. For more details, please contact PESO Manager Oscar S. Navacilla at the Public Employment Service Office, Municipal Hall, Maramag, Bukidnon with telephone number (088) 238-5461 and (088) 238-5465.


Trust funds Use, 20% of IRA, among full disclosure documents by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – The utilization of trust funds and the 20% Component of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), are among the Full Disclosure Docindex.

As such, they should be posted regularly, at least 20 days after the end of each quarter, effective 2014, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said in Memorandum Circular No. 2013-140, he issued in December, last year. The circular sets the Implementing Guidelines on the Full Disclosure of the Local Budget and Finances, and Bids and Public Offerings to be followed by all Provincial and Local Chief Executives (P/LCE), starting Jan. 1, 2014. Also to be posted 20 days after the end of each quarter are the following reports: Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund Utilization, Quarterly Statement of Cash Flow, Special Education (SEF) Utilization, Unliquidated Cash Advances and Manpower Complement.

Meanwhile, the Bid Results on Civil Works, Goods and Consulting Services need to be posted within the prescribed period under the Government Procurement Reform Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and must be updated quarterly, together with the Supplemental

Procurement Plan, not later than 20 days after its approval by the Head of Procuring Unit. These reports have to be posted, also in at least three conspicuous places of the Provincial Capitol, City/Municipal Hall and other government-owned facilities, such as the social center, gymnasium, auditorium, manpower development center, training center, transport terminal, public market, public school, health station or center and hospital. Meanwhile, Sanivier G. Patoc, DILG Provincial Director of Misamis Occidental, said copies of these financial documents may be provided by the P/LCE to the media, civic society organizations, basic sector, and business groups, the reproduction of which shall be at the expense of the requesting party.


Balikbayans puts twist on Tagum’s Musikahan, anniversary celebrations

DAVAO DEL NORTE--- The city government of Tagum puts a new twist to its Musikahan Festival and 16th founding anniversary with the first time staging of Ba-likbayan festival dubbed as “Tagu-menyos Bisag Asa”. Meaning Tagumenyos from wherever, the Tagumenyo Bisag Asa is aimed at giving a grand

welcome for Balikbayans who hailed from Tagum. Guesting at Tagum Biz Talk at Big 8, Tagumenyo Bisag Asa private sector executive committee chairperson Norma Pereyras said 25 balikbayans as of Tuesday confirmed participation to the event. The Tagumenyo Bisag Asa makes up the Trio with Musikahan Festival and the 16th Founding Anniversary

set to run from February 21 to March 7. “This is the new twist that the city government of Tagum will be staging,” she said while assuring Tagumenyos abroad of the“warmest” welcome that the city government of Tagum prepared for their arrival.


Aside from those who already are in Tagum, Balikbayans expected to join the Tagumenyos Bisag Asa will come from the United States of America, from countries in Europe among other places of origin.

“There could have been more should this have happened in December,” Pereyras said. Grand welcome awaits Tagumenyo Balikbayan at 7:00 a.m. on March 5 at Francisco Bangoy International Airport. After breezing them through a number of Musikahan activities in the morning, the city government of Tagum will then treat them to a dinner with cultural show that will start at 6:00 p.m. on the same day. At 6:00 in the morning on March 6, the city government of Tagum will call them to a mass and ecumenical prayer; after which they will then join breakfast with Mayor Allan Rellon and other city government officials and dignitaries. They will then be toured around the city as a way of leading them back to the history of how the city has gone through its way to transformation. In the evening on March 6, the city government of Tagum will sponsor the “Gabi ng Parangal” cocktail to honor Tagumenyo Balikbayans who made significant contribution to the progress of the city. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive D. Abangan)


COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE----The province is very grateful to all generous program partners and organizations and to Tzu Chi Foundation for extending support to the rebuilding efforts of ComVal. Last February 6, 2014, a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of 15-classroom building, 1 Library, and 1 Faculty Office intended for Mangayon Elementary School in Compostela was held. The occasion was graced by Executive Assistant IV Isabelo L. Melendres, Mayor Lema P. Bolo, DepEd District Supervisor Marcelino de los Reyes, School Principal Ms. Ruth Gunida, and representantives of VIGOR/ BROSCO Construction- Engr. Raymond Cabrera, Engr. Paciano Dumanon, Jr., Engr. Kim Ian Toreno, and Mr. Ronald Manulat. A day ahead of the event, Engr. Mingkong Lee of the Tzu Chi Foundation visited the place. Governor Arturo T. Uy

through Executive Assistant IV Melendres extended his gratitude since the project will not only benefit the Mangayon Elementary School, which is one of the mostly affected schools during typhoon Pablo, but will generate local employment for laborers during the period of construction. The province also gives assistance in the site preparation. As said, the school buildings are to be built with stronger foundation and calamity resilient, and could be used as evacuation center in times of calamities. Tzu Chi Foundation has followed good teachings in life like saying good words; thinking good thoughts; and doing good deeds. The group first came to ComVal on January 2, 2013, nearly a month after Typhoon Pablo and distributed relief goods and conducted a medical mission for the victims. (grace almedilla, ids-comval)

Tzu Chi Foundation to construct school buildings in ComVal


Cut with love on V-DayThirty individuals undergoing skills training on Hair Science and Beauty Culture learn and apply the basics of haircutting on February 14. The training is funded by the local government unit of Tacurong City to help out-of-school youth and unemployed adults acquire basic skills for employment and livelihood. The 15-day training started on February 7. Participants’ gradua-tion rites will be on March 2014. Meanwhile, barangay councils have funded trainings on basic welding in Brgy. New Passi and a driving course in Brgy Griño. The City Social Welfare and Development Office facilitates these skills trainings in cooperation with the Technical Educa-tion and Skills Development Authority. (LGU-Tacurong City Information)


COTABATO CITY -- The Regional Board of Investments of the Autono-mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM) is likely to break its in-vestment record in 2013, an official of the agency said.

ARMM reports record-breaking P1.451 B investments in 1st QuarterBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

In its meeting last week in Zamboanga City, RBOI-ARRM approved for registration P1.451 billion worth of investments in the ARMM in the 1st quarter 2014 alone.

RBOI Chairman and Managing Head, Atty. Ishak Mastura noted, this is a record for the ARMM since it is almost equal to investments registered with

the RBOI in 2013, which stood at P1.463 billion by year end.

Moreover, he said, this is the first time that investments in the region exceeded Php 1 billion year on year, which, he added, may even reach P2 B by the end of this year.

Investors registering investments in that meeting were Lamsan Power


Corporation, SR Languyan Mining Corporation, and ABSCOR Multi-Trading Company.

Lamsan Power Corporation based in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao registered a pioneer biomass renewable energy project costing P921.56 M.

The 15-megawatt (MW) power plant will utilize rice hull, corn husks, cobs and other agricultural waste from its own cornstarch plant.

Once completed, the project is expected to reduce the commercial power consumption of the company for its cornstarch operations.

This could also augment power reserves of the National Power Corporation and the Mindanao grid because Lamsan Power will be selling 11.5 MW to these power companies.

ARMM Gov. Mujib Hataman said this power project is good news since this will help ease power shortages being experienced by some areas in Mindanao.

“The power plant is a very important support facility that would encourage more businesses to flourish in the region,” Gov. Hataman said.

Meanwhile, SR Languyan Mining Corporation has invested P520 M for a nickel ore mining project with a capacity of 1 million metric tons (MT) per year in Brgy. Darussalam, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

ABSCOR Multi-Trading Company based in Port Holland, Maluso, Basilan has put in P10 M for an import and export trading business.

The company transacts business undertakings in the geographic areas of the countries of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines that are under the East ASEAN Growth Area, more commonly known as the BIMP-EAGA.

These firms are set to employ at least 1,122 individuals from these investments.

The surge in investments in the ARMM comes in the wake of the signing in Kuala Lumpur on January 25 of the “Annex on Normalization” of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Mastura added these investors have registered with the RBOI because of their increased confidence in the improving peace and order situation in the area, brought about by the success of the peace negotiations.

“We are actually getting more inquiries about how to invest in the ARMM than is usual from foreign companies,” he said.

Other contributing factors, he added, include governance reforms in the autonomous regional government and the “hands-on” investment promotion conducted by Gov. Hataman to encourage investors to expand their operations or to set-up new enterprises in the region. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with reports from RBOI-ARMM.)


KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato —The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process through the PAyapa at Masaganang PamayaNAn (PA-MANA) recently turned over a total of P19.2 million to the provincial govern-ment of North Cotabato to be used for the two farm-to-market road (FMR) concreting projects.

OPAPP-PAMANA releases P19.2M for two FMR concreting projects in NorthCotBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

Regional Director Reynaldo Bungubung of the Department of the Interoio and Local Government 12 said that adjacent villages of Salvacion and Kibudoc in Matalam municipality and Damawatu and Galidan in Tulunan municipality will benefit from the development projects.“The fund represent 80% of the total P24 million the OPAPP-PAMANA allocated for the road projects. The remaining 20% will be released soon,” Bungubung said. The OPAPP-PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework for empowering conflict-affected areas in the country specifically in Mindanao. The OPAPP with the active support and participation of the concerned government line agencies and local government units along with civil society

groups follow a convergence strategy to close in the gaps in the development and bring progress to conflict-affected towns or villages.In support to this framework, North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza ensures the dynamic engagement of the provincial government in all the projects and programs of the OPAPP-PAMANA. Since its launching in 2011, thousands of displaced families in the province were given assistance by the OPAPP-PAMANA through its Internally Displaced Persons Shelter Assistance Project. This is apart from the infrastructure, livelihood, education projects and other peace initiatives realized in the many communities in North Cotabato. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Cotabato Provincial Government)


COTABATO CITY– A total of 457 nurses from the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao Del Sur are now ready to be deployed to their respective assign-ments under the Nurses Deployment Program 2014.

Maguindanao, Lanao Del Sur nurses under NDP now ready for deploymentBy: Oliver Ross V. Rivera

Some 203 nurses from Maguin-danao and 254 from Lanao Del Sur were accepted by region’s health department after a series of exami-nations and interviews last month.

The nurses will be assigned in ar-eas which need more health service providers like district hospitals, ba-rangay health stations, rural health units and birthing homes around the province.

According to ARMM Health Secre-tary Sinolinding, nurses employed under the NDP will be hired as Nurse I and will be counted as gov-ernment service providers through a contract entitling them to receive Salary Grade 11, which is more than P18,000.00 monthly.

“Nurses under the NDP will have a two year employment contract re-newable every six months depend-ing on their performance evalua-tion,” Sinolinding added.

Sinolinding also added that more nurses will be hired for the ARMM’s island provinces of Basilan, Sulu

and Tawi-Tawi.In Basilan, 98 nurses were al-

ready interviewed and are waiting for the results of the screening. 86 slots were allotted for the prov-ince.

Meanwhile, the screening of ap-plicants for Tawi-Tawi is set today, February 17. Eighty-three nurses will be hired for the province while the screening for the 120 slots for Sulu is scheduled on February 24.

The Nurse Deployment Project 2014 (NDP) is a Department of Health (DOH) project that aims to improve local health systems and support the Philippines’ attainment of Universal Health Care or “Ka-lusugang Pangkalahatan.”

Furthermore, it aims to also give employment opportunities to the growing number of unemployed nurses in the country. The program coincides with one of the main goals of the Aquino Health Agenda (AHA). (ORVRivera-PIA12)


Caraga GADCC chair calls on public to rise, dance to demand an end to violence against women By Jennifer P. GaitanoBUTUAN CITY - Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) chair and Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga regional director Atty. Marylin Pintor appealed to the public that as the world celebrates the second year of the “One Billion Rising For Justice” Campaign on Friday at the Robinson’s Place lobby in Butuan City, they should rise and dance to demand an end to violence against women and girls.


“Let’s do our part in preventing any forms of violence against women & girls in our community,” she said.

Also, during the flash mob activity of the committee members with partner stakeholders at the same venue, Atty. Pintor disclosed that in relation to the campaign on “One Billion Rising For Justice” campaign, Proclamation No.731 s.1996 also declares the second week of February of every year as “National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.”

Pintor further said that the One Billion Rising For Justice Campaign is a call to survivors to break the silence and release their stories - politically, spiritually, outrageously - through art, dance, marches, ritual, song, spoken word, testimonies and whatever way feels right.

“It is a global call to women survivors of violence and those who love them to gather safely in community outside places where they are entitled to justice - court houses, police stations, government offices, school administration buildings, work places, sites of environmental injustice,

military courts, embassies, places of worship, homes, or simply public gathering places where women deserve to feel safe but too often do not,” Pintor added.


3-day Regional Caving Summit set in Surigao City

SURIGAO CITY -- The City Government here thru the City Tourism Office and the Department of Tourism Caraga Region will conduct a three-day Regional Caving Summit on March 28 to 30, 2014 at Brgy. Silop, this city.

The 3-day summit aims to give the participants an opportunity to gain knowledge on the importance of conservation and preservation of caves and the promotion of ecotourism.

A registration fee of P700.00 will be collected from each participant to cover for the meals and snacks

for the whole duration of the event.All participants are required

to bring caving equipments like helmet with lamp, hand gloves and sleeping bag.

For further inquiries and confirmation, they may call the City Tourism Office at telephone number (086) 826-8064.

By Zenny Villejo


167 families join flood evacuation drill in Surigao Sur townSURIGAO DEL SUR -- Around 167 families with 712 dependents living near the river bank of Tago River joined the flood evacuation drill held on Saturday, Feb. 15 in Barangay Poblacion, San Miguel, this province.

During the briefing, Walter Alquiza GIZ Senior Advisor highlighted some important protocols on the activity. He was joined by the provincial and municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management officers and some council members.

“People living in flood-prone areas are vulnerable if they don’t know the risks they are facing and do not know what they can do to prepare and respond to the disaster,” said Alquiza.

The recent two consecutive floods early this year have affected Puroks 9 and 10 in Barangay Poblacion. “The floodwaters reached almost neck level,” recalled Barangay Kagawad Sol Alanzado.

“The rescuers only used a wooden boat (Bangka) to rescue the residents living near the riverbanks since the town has only one rubber boat,” Alanzado added.

Meantime, Mayor Alvaro Elizalde urged residents to keep vigilance of the weather situation and to be responsive on the different flood warning levels and evacuate earlier in

a safer place.The activity is part of the

implementation in the establishment of the local flood early warning system (LFEWS) in two municipalities of San Miguel and Tago where Tago River is traversing. The system is soon to operate early next month after all apparatus will be connected to the operation center of the Provincial DRRM office, according to Alquiza.

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

167 families join flood evacuation drill in Surigao Sur town By Nida Grace P. Barcena

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


Basilan hosts pre-EDSA People Power eventsBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The Province of Basilan played host to the 28th EDSA People Power Anniversary “Regional Salubungan” Thursday, Feb. 13, as a prelude to the annual commemoration of EDSA revolution on Feb. 25.


Jamju A. Rivera, local project officer for EDSA 28 Regional Salubungan, said that Basilan was chosen to be the venue for the said “Salubungan” in the ARMM provinces and cities. “During our last meeting at Bahay Ugnayan (formerly Malacañang Executive Guest House), with the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) on Jan. 29, 2014 we were informed that EPPC had chosen Basilan to be the venue for the ‘Regional Salubungan’ celebration which will be telecast nationwide during the EDSA People Power anniversary activities on NBN4, RPN9, IBC11 via Radio-TV Malacañang (RTVM) on Feb. 25, 2014,” he said. He explained that the event was held earlier to facilitate the documentation and editing of programmed activities by RTVM, in time for its showing on the Feb. 25. Aunell Ross Angcos of the EPPC and project office of “Salubungan” workshops said in an interview that the EPPC is trying to show the new people power – such as the “bayanihan” and volunteerism—to commemorate the EDSA revolution that involves the entire nation and veer away from the so-called “Manila-centered” celebration. “We wanted to introduce the new people power, wherein at the height of the EDSA People Power Revolution in Manila, a version of people power also happened in the different areas of the country, like Mindanao and Basilan in


he said. Angcos said that every province and city has its own stories of people power during the Marcos regime. He cited former Basilan Governor Louie Alano’s story about how Basilan politicians first created an opposition and eventually won elections—who were said to have been summoned to Malacañang by former first lady Imelda Marcos to woo them back to support the Marcos regime, but failed to no avail. “The spirit of ‘bayanihan’ and volunteerism resides in every heart of the Filipino. This is what the commission wanted to showcase about the new people power today. We wanted that power to be harnessed towards affecting change in the society,” he said. This year’s theme, “EDSA 28: Kapit Bisig tungo sa Pagbangon” highlights the Filipinos resiliency, courage, and generosity that in spite of the worse calamities and challenges befall the nation recently—the Filipino stands tall. “The world has witnessed the ‘bayanihan’ spirit of the Filipinos when typhoons and natural calamities wrought the nation with ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan), Zamboanga siege, and Bohol earthquake, among others. This proves that the people power

is in every heart of the Filipino wherever they are,” he said. Dubbed “Handog ng Basileño sa Mundo,” the regional “Salubungan” last Feb. 13 kicked-off with the people power bike for freedom caravan spearheaded by the Basilan Bikers Club followed by an online photo competition and exhibit at the provincial Capitol auditorium. In the afternoon, the Voice of the Philippines Democracy 2014 inter-collegiate extemporaneous speech competition and parliamentary debate competition were held. Among the college institutions invited, only the Claret College of Isabela (CCI) sent competitors in both categories. The different high schools in the province also engaged in the Mental Gymnastica 2014 people power academic triathlon quiz bee competition. At twilight, the Kabataang Pinoy Konsert ng Bayan started where groups of young people compete for the hip-hop dance showdown and Fliptop-takan (rapping) competition. With the above activities, the organizers hope to give the Philippines a good impression of Basilan, “that people power is very much alive in Basilan”.


Bayog to conduct capability enhancement training for barangay officialsBy Claro A. Lanipa

BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur – The municipal government here is slated to conduct a four-day Barangay Defense System Capability Enhancement Course (BDSCEC) for barangay officials starting tomorrow, Feb. 19.

The said training will be conducted in six batches with barangay chairmen, chairpersons of the committee on peace and order, members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT), Barangay Monitoring Action Team(BMAT) and Barangay Tanods as participants.

Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. said one of the objectives of this training is to impart knowledge and skills to the participants concerning information gathering and reporting to combat all forms of terroristic and illegal activities such as illegal drugs, illegal gambling, extortion,


Bayog to conduct capability enhancement training for barangay officials

IP education stakeholders’ forum set on Feb. 20-21 in Pagadian CityBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – In keeping with the government’s goal to strengthen the educational program for the country’s cultural minorities, the Department of Education (DepED)-9 is slated to hold a forum with the stakeholders on Feb. 20-21, 2014 at the Bay Plaza Hotel this city. The two-day activity aims to provide the Indigenous People (IP) community representatives a venue to work on addressing/resolving IP education issues and concerns. It also seeks to come up with certain guidelines on partnerships between and among IP communities and other private-public stakeholder groups, and to discuss ways to concretize understanding of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs) and Indigenous Learning System (ILS) among stakeholders. It can be recalled that DepED-9 had already met with the IP stakeholders in November last year to initially discuss the ISKPS and ILS

among IPs in the region. Expected to attend the said forum are IP community/tribal leaders, representatives from national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and other civic organizations. In Zamboanga Peninsula, the IPs are composed of Subanens, Kalibugan, Samal, Yakan and Badjau. The Subanens are the largest tribal group in the region whose communities straddle the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Misamis Occidental.

insurgency and others in their respective barangays. The participants will also be trained on disaster relief and rescue operations. They will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to be employed before, during and after any emergencies. Aside from the Mayor’s Office and the Municipal Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMC), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) represented by the personnel of the 44th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire and Protection and the Rural Health Unit (RHU) are also supporting the said training.

one mindanao - february 18, 2014

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