one mindanao - february 19, 2016

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 RegionBautista 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 ARTISTSDOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE 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

Dipolog is ZamPen’s most competitive city

Cover Story

By: Franklin P. Gumapon

today’s news

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21 28

Philippines to host Asia-Pacific Forestry Week

Election watch group launched in Basilan

Book on MILF decommissioned combatants launched

14 18

1922

24

RDC-X approves guidelines for preparation, review of govt agencies 2017 budget proposals

2016 budget of Pagatpat up for OK

ARMM to build 819 classrooms, 2 division offices starting February

ARMM to construct P1.4 billion worth of infrastructure projects

DTI advises consumers not to buy LPG-refilled butane canisters

29 Php223K released under employees compensation program in SOCCSKSARGEN

By: Rhea C. Abao

By: Gil E. Miranda

By: Peleta B. Abejo

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PENRO Agnor bags first prize for MBFDP poster presentationDAR Surigao Norte personnel undergo GAD, public accountability seminar

SOUTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

INFOCUS NATIONAL

WESTERN

ARMM

NORTHERN

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11

By: Danilo E.Doguiles

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38

By: Rene V. Carbayas

SSEAYP 2016 Search for Youth Goodwill Ambassadors starts

43By: Alma L. Tingcang

4 February 19, 2016One Mindanao

Dipolog is ZamPen’s most competitive cityBy Franklin P. Gumapon

Cover Story

Who would think that this small city would emerge as the most competitive component city in Zamboanga Peninsula region?

5February 19, 2016 One Mindanao

Official results of the2015 Cities and MunicipalitiesCompetitive Index (CMCI)showed that Dipolog City hadbestedtheothertwocomponentcities in the region – Dapitanin Zamboanga del Norte andPagadianinZamboangadelSur-basedontherankingmadebythe National CompetitivenessCouncil(NCC).

Dipolog got high scores intransparency,investmentpromotion,compliancewithnationaldirectives,infrastructure investment, distancetoport,andavailabilityofutilities.

Core indexes

All the cities and municipalitiesin the country have been rated onthe three core indexes: Economic

Dynamism,GovernmentEfficiencyandInfrastructure.Thecityreceivedaveryhighratingininvestmentpromotionasnewinvestorshavecometoputuptheirbusinesseshere,offeringemploymentopportunitiestothelocals.

Since the city government hadenrolled in the PerformanceGovernance System (PGS) -a management tool for localgovernments, civil society,and the private sector towork together on improvinggovernance, service delivery,and community livingstandards – all its programsandserviceshaveremarkablyimproved,makingthecitynotonly responsive to theneedsof the investors but also to

theothersectorsinthecommunity.Infact, the city is a recipient of variousrecognitions from government lineagencies such as theDepartment ofHealth’s (DOH) “Red Orchid” award


foritsanti-smokingcampaignandthe“Child-Friendly City” award from theDepartment of Social Welfare andDevelopment(DSWD).

Transparency in running theaffairs of the city government hasbeenubiquitous inall unitswith their“balanced scorecard” as required forthePGS.

Support facilities

MayorEvelynT.Uyseestoitthateverythingisinplacetoreadilyattendtotheneedsofallsectorsinthesociety.To assist the ambulant vendors, thecitygovernmenthasallowedthemto sell their products at the CityBoulevardwhere people gatherbeforesunsettostroll,jogorsavorfreshairfromthesea.

Dipologhas also built itsown hospital, which is namedafter former President CorazonC.Aquino,tocatertothesicknotonlyfromthecitybutthosecoming

fromnearbytownsaswell.

PGSproficient

Dipolog was conferred theProficiencyStageMedallionofthePGSduringthePublicGovernanceForumheld at the Philippine InternationalConvention Center (PICC) in PasayCityonMay4,2015.Inreceivingtheaward, Mayor Uy declared: “We arehappy that our efforts to transformour city through good governanceis gaining grounds and is nowbeingrecognized.Wewill continue topushforwarduntilwefullyrealizeourdreamandvisionforDipolog.”

Dr.JesusEstanislao,chairoftheInstituteforSolidarityinAsia(ISA)andforerunnerofPGSinthecountryalsolaudedDipolog for its achievementsaying,“WeadmirehowDipologwasable to implement transformationthrough PGS.We commend you forbeing able to make Vision Aligned


Circles (VACs) work and maketransformation inclusive. You canproudlysaythatinDipolog,evenstreetsweepersandgarbagecollectorsarepartofgoodgovernance.”

Islands of Good Governance

With Dipolog’s achievement ingovernance, the citywas recognizedasoneofthecountry’sfirst“IslandsofGoodGovernance” (IGG) along withthecitiesofBalanga,Butuan,Mandaueand Talisay during a luncheon withAsia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC)SeniorOfficialsonNovember13,2015inManila.

“IamoverwhelmedbythecitationmadebyISAthatDipologCityisamongthe first five local government units(LGUs)tohaveadvancedsignificantlyalong the PGS pathway, promotinghigh standards of governance andinitiating thefightagainst corruption,”theladymayorsaid.

TherewerenineLGUsthroughoutthecountrythatwereassessedforIGGcertificationandonlyfivehadmadeit.

Dipolog now envisions that by2020 itwill become the sport eventscenterofthesouth.

One Mindanao8 February 19, 2016

DepEd produces new breed of education leaders

PASIG CITY -- In line with its continued commitment to provide quality basic education to Filipino learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) stepped up its education management through the Superintendents’ Leadership Program (SLP).

filephoto of http://spoof.thelasallian.com/

SLP aims to strengthen leadership and management in education. It aspires to further the

level of competency of all Schools Division Superintendents (SDS) and other school officials amidst


DepEd’s ever-advancing policies, strategies, and organization. It is anchored on the survey that the DepEd conducted to determine the challenges, opportunities, and skills set that are integral to the changes brought by the K to 12 Program.

“This leadership program is not only for the public schools of DepEd,” DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC said. “I think that this is the high time to institutionalize this program for the both public and private institutions in this country.”

DepEd Undersecretary for Governance and Operations Rizalino Rivera meanwhile said that DepEd’s goal “is to provide access to quality education, and that requires us to have continuous learning.” Since the start of the program in October 2012, a total of 277 Superintendents and Assistant

Superintendents from all regions have already participated, Three batches have already gone through their 12 modules. These modules are designed to provide them with the required level of competencies needed to perform their role.

“We will not forgive ourselves if after completing the SLP, we will not do something,” Roxas City SDS Roel Bermejo said. He added that through the SLP, school officials are empowered to do the best for the teachers, school personnel, and learners.

“SLP had made us better persons, family men and women, education leaders and managers. SLP is one of the best things that happened in our lives,” Bermejo said. SDS Natividad Bayubay from Zamboanga del Norte narrated the challenges she faced when she “inherited an office that is marred by controversies and bad reputation” and how SLP enabled


her to handle and manage it.

One of the notable participants from batch 1, the first SDS among the SLP graduates to finish his doctorate degree, is SDS Jonathan De La Peña from Misamis Occidental.

When De La Peña was asked of the benefits of the program to his school, he said, “I am proud to say that, aside from my degree, my biggest take away from my graduate school is its expanded learning community that reached even the farthest school in

my division. Our professional relationship and friendship has served as a bridge and an alleyway for this institution to touch the lives of our children in our public schools.

SLP is facilitated by the National Educators Academy of the Philippines in partnership with DLSU, Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc., Lopez Group Foundation Inc., Department of Foreign Affairs and Australian Aid through the Basic Education Sector Transformation Program. (DepEd)


MANILA -- Over 700 government and forestry officials, representatives of international and non-government organizations, and forest industries from 33 countries are expected to gather at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga on February 22-26, 2016 for the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week.

Philippines to host Asia-Pacific Forestry Week

Spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) and the Asia Pacific Forestry Commission (APFC), in partnership with the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR), the event will be among the largest and most important forestry events in the region in this year.

It will also run in conjunction


with the 26th session of the APFC, which convenes every two years to review progress, discuss issues and set new agendas on forestry.

“The selection of the Philippines as host country for these events is very timely. We have much to share with our colleagues from our experience in implementing the first phase of the National Greening Program (NGP), through which we were able to reforest more than 1.3 million hectares from 2011-2015,” DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said.

He added, “We also look forward to learning from other

countries and international experts on how to improve the roll out of the expanded NGP and hit our 2018 target of reforesting an additional 7 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands.”

In FAO’s 2015 Global Forest Resources Assessment, the Philippines ranked fifth among 234 countries and territories, and first in Asia, with the greatest reported annual forest area gain (240,000 ha/year) from 2011-2015. This year’s Forestry Week will run from 22 to 26 February, with primary emphasis on “growing our future” through effective


integration of forestry with the other facets of sustainable development.

Patrick Durst, FAO’s Senior Forestry Officer for Asia and the Pacific explains that “forestry should no longer be viewed as a separate extractive renewable sector. It can significantly contribute to eliminating food security and poverty, conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.“

More than 40 workshops, seminars and side events will take place during the Asia-Pacific Forestry Week and will serve as a springboard for inclusive dialogues related to future trade and markets, challenges and opportunities in the face of climate change, serving society, new institutions and new governance, green investment and growing natural assets. “FAO is taking significant steps to support nations in

approaching forest management while ensuring that long-term social, economic and environmental objectives are met. In the Philippines, we are working in close partnership with the DENR’s Forest Management Bureau in the implementation of three projects that will facilitate the adoption of Forest and Landscape Restoration principles as well as the development of a National Forest Monitoring System Action Plan,” said FAO Representative in the Philippines José Luis Fernández. (DENR)

14 One Mindanao February 19, 2016

Book on MILF decommissioned combatants launched

COTABATO CITY-- Despite the failure of the 16th Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Bangsamoro peace process continues to score successes as evidenced in the recently released book featuring real stories of the initially decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants. The book titled The Journey of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s First Ex-Combatants, was

launched last Monday at the office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission – the body that

file photo of https://cdn3.scmp.com


drafted the original draft law -- here in the city.

“The book is a journey of experiences of discrimination and injustice and dispossession and of their desires of better lives for themselves, for their families, for their communities, for their homeland, and for their whole country,” said peace historian Nerea Bilbatua, the person responsible for conceptualizing and writing the publication.

Bilbatua said the publishing organization of the book, The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (CPCS), was invited by the MILF to interview ten of the decommissioned combatants.

CPCS’ Emma Leslie explained that “the narrative is something that could change the course of the peace process.”

“We needed to understand why you needed to take up guns in the first place when you feel there is no other alternative. And why (they) suffered for so many decades in order to make a change. And then why do (they) commit to year after year after year of negotiation believing that another way is possible and that peace is within our grasp,” added Leslie.

She said that these stories help the general public understand the context of the MILF combatants’ cause, that “these are men and women who have ordinary lives who have made a choice in order to influence the future.”

“These kinds of stories embody the history of what happened to us as a people, what happened to the Bangsamoro in particular. Now that kind of commitment shows us why it is important for us to continue peace,” said GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer who attended the book launch. (OPAPP)


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is a multi-stakeholder program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that aims to improve the standard of living of poor households by facilitating opportunities for development and management of resources viable for micro-enterprises, community empowerment through skills training and employment facilitation.

By: Jamila M. Taha

A PWD kneading towards success

It gives significant priority to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Pantawid Pamilya) beneficiaries in all its interventions since they are considered to be the poorest of the poor as signified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). One of the modalities of the program provides Technical Skills Training, a capacity-building strategy to prepare program participants to better manage livelihood opportunities and pro-actively ensures optimum quality performance in managing their livelihood activities. In 2015, the program produced about 3,500 graduates of technical courses with NC II certifications as assessed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority


(TESDA). One of the notable recipients of this program is Aida A. Papel, a 50 year old mother of six children, a Person with Disability (PWD) and a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary of Barangay Pahindong, Medina, Misamis Oriental since 2011.Realities of life Medina is a forth class municipality located in the coastal and eastern portion of the province of Misamis Oriental, 106 kilometers drive from Cagayan de Oro City, with a population of 38,969 and home to 2,059 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries. Aida is living in a neighborhood close to her relatives with her husband whose only source of livelihood is farming. “Life was difficult then, but we worked it out together to survive our daily needs,” she says in vernacular. However, their simple living was challenged because of an accident that burned Aida’s hands, almost burned their home and eventually cost her marriage. “Gibiyaan ko sa akong bana tungod kay wala kaagwanta ug atiman sa ako panahon sa kalisod (my husband left me when I was terribly ill, he couldn’t take care of me),” she adds. Separated from her husband, Aida had to work harder and face life’s challenges alone, for her children’s welfare. She took every livelihood opportunity that she could despite her disability. She was neglected at first but eventually she found her way forward. Aida works as a sales agent,

community volunteer and later on as a community leader. Well ahead, she was enlisted as one of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya in the area, which immensely made an impact to her family particularly her children who are still in grade school.Gears toward success At the beginning of the skills training provided by the department in partnership with the Skills Mastery Institute for this particular area, Aida was discouraged to partake due to her disability. Her burned hands which resulted to deformity may seem unsuited for massage therapy. However, Aida’s perseverance and determination to learn aided her to participate and complete the 25-day theoretical and hands-on training, which eventually earned her the National Certificate II on Massage Therapy along with her groupmates of 29 other beneficiaries. Since then, the group has established their very own massage center, through the support of their local executive. They also have an exclusive contract of service with Duka Bay Resort which earns them P200 each per client apart from extra tips. “Isip usa sa mga nagdumala sa among massage center, nalipay gyud ko nga ang akong gi-eskwelahan kay nagamit gyud nako sa akong panginabuhi (being a part owner and manager of our massage center, I feel glad that I have used my learning for living),” she says. Each member of the group


RDC-X approves guidelines for preparation, review of govt agencies 2017 budget proposals

shares part of their income to their group fund for the maintenance of their business. Even if the building and electricity is covered by the local government, they also anticipate the future operations of their business if there will be a change of government leadership in their municipality. Beyond these junctures, Aida now harvests the fruits of her hard work. She has not only restored their house but has also uplifted the status of their family to the community. Her children can now go to school with new clothes, schools supplies and reasonable allowance. Above all, her experiences brought her self-worth and boosted her confidence and strength to move farther. “Nagpasalamat ko sa DSWD pinangulohan ni secretary Dinky Soliman, sa gihatag nga oportunidad sa ako isip usa ka kabus ug benepisyaryo sa Pantawid Pamilya, nga makabakod ug mulambo ang panginabuhi pinaagi sa mga program

niini. Sana magpadayon kini nga mga programa (I am thankful to the DSWD through the leadership of secretary Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman for the opportunity they gave me being one of the poor and beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya, to develop and improve our lives through their programs. I hope these programs will continue),” she says. She also calls out to her fellow PWDs to live a better life despite their condition saying, “Nanawagan ko sa akong mga kauban nga PWD nga dili mawad-an ug paglaum ug magpadayon kita sa pagpaningkamot alang sa kalambuan sa atong pamilya. Hindi hadlang ang iyong kapansanan para maabot mo ang iyong pinapangarap na magandang buhay (I am appealing to other PWDs not to lose hope and strive farther for the betterment of our families. Your disability is not a hindrance to achieve your dream of living a beautiful life),” she affirms.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X approved the Regional Policy Guidelines in the Preparation of the FY 2017 Budget Proposals during its meeting on Monday, February 16.

By: Peleta B. Abejo


The City Council headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas during the February 15 regular session is slated to adopt a resolution returning to the barangay its ordinance that covers its annual budget in the amount of P5,760,365 for full implementation. Barangay Pagatpat, headed

by Punong Barangay Achilee Jose Babaran, appropriated an amount for the construction of benches at the covered court of Pagatpat Elementary School and construction of comfort rooms for the Early Childhood Care Development Center at Zone 6. The barangay will also provide

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Barangay Pagatpat in Cagayan de Oro will soon be able to address some needs of the Pagatpat Elementary School and Day Care Center.

2016 budget of Pagatpat up for OK

This is to ensure that proposed programs and projects of government agencies for the fiscal year 2017 are aligned with the region’s priorities. The said guidelines reflected the existing national policies related to the Public Expenditure Management and Public Financial Management reforms, and espoused for development interventions in the region’s focus areas. Agency programs and projects shall be inclusive to consider the poorest areas (areas with the most number of poor households), lagging areas (areas with the highest rate of poverty incidence) and most climate vulnerable areas (areas that are highly susceptible to flooding). Presided over by NEDA-X Director and RDC-X vice-chairperson, Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., and co-presided by Tangub City Mayor Philip T. Tan,

the RDC-X also expressed support to the following: a) Creation of the Indigenous Peoples Technical Working Group (IP-TWG) under the Regional Land Use Committee-X (RLUC-X); b) Memorandum Circular No. 87, s. 2015, “Directing All the National Government Agencies and Instrumentalities, Including Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations to Submit an Inventory of Their Respective Idle Lands, and Creating an Inter-Agency Task Force to Identify Lands and Sites for Socialized Housing;” and c) Participation of the RDC-X Private Sector Representatives (PSRs) to the 7th RDC PSRs’ National Convention on April 26-29, 2016 in Legazpi City. The Council also approved the proposed activities for the selection of private sector representatives to the RDC-X for the term 2016-2019.


a foot bridge at Zone 6 and install electrical lighting facilities at Zones 5, 7, 2C and Zone 1B as well as rehabilitate the water systems at Zone 2B and Zone1A. Funds will also be provided for the construction of perimeter fences of Zone 5 and Pamalihi. The construction of side roofing of the Pagatpat covered court will also commence. In a related development, the 2016 annual budget of Barangay Bonbon in the amount of P6,664,925 is also included in the agenda. Of the amount P1.1 million

is set aside for projects under its Development Fund. These include the improvement and rehabilitation of its multi-purpose building, concreting of pathways, improvement of road at Zone 5, construction of the drainage system at Zone 2, construction of boundary monument declogging of drainage and the electrical revamp of its covered court. The barangay also appropriated an amount for the livelihood development projects of its constituents. (ELB/CdeOSP)


Newly-rehabilitated Ramain bridge now open to motorists

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman and Provincial Governor Mamintal A. Adiong, Jr. inaugurated the newly-rehabilitated Ramain

Bridge in Bubong town on February 15, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhance mobility of motorists.


ARMM to build 819 classrooms, 2 division offices starting FebruaryMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will build up to 819 classrooms starting this month after memorandums of agreements (MOA) were signed on February 16.

The bridge, located along the Lake Lanao Circumferential Road, has a total length of 61.36 meters and a width of 7.32 meters. Governor Adiong said it would now be easier for residents of the first district of Lanao del Sur to go

to Marawi City and other parts of the province with the rehabilitated bridge. Before, the residents of the towns located in the first district had to take a farther detour with limited space just to get to Marawi City because the slabs and riprap of the bridge became dilapidated causing inconvenience to motorists. The bridge was originally built in 1969. Rehabilitation works started in 2015 when the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the ARMM released P12.3 million from its 2014 infrastructure funds. Together with some other provincial officials, Hataman and Adiong made a ceremonial drive-through of the bridge which is part of the government’s plan to develop

local communities. Hataman said it is the commitment of President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III to make ARMM a progressive region with developed provinces and cities. (Ahmad Nour-al-dinn A. Tamano/APB/PIA-10)


Dr. John Magno, ARMM’s Educa-tion secretary, said the construction will fill the increasing need for senior high school classrooms in the region. “Ang mga classrooms na ipa-patayo ay para sa preparation sa full implementation ng K to 12 Program sa ARMM (The classrooms to be con-structed are for the full implementa-tion of K to 12 Program in ARMM),” Secretary Magno said. The projects are worth more than P1 billion from the regional Depart-ment of Education’s (DepEd-ARMM’s) 2015 Basic Education Facilities Fund. The ARMM is composed of nine schools divisions, namely Maguindan-ao I and II, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur I and II, Lamitan City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. To date, there are

2,155 elementary schools and 304 secondary schools in the region. The Division of Maguindanao I will receive the largest number of proj-ects with 165 classrooms worth more than P158 million. Among the schools where senior high school classrooms would be built is the Guindulungan National High School in the town of Guindulungan in Maguindanao prov-ince. Two units of one-storey building with three classrooms each and hav-ing a total worth P5.3 million will be built in the school. “Matutugunan talaga ng mga ipapatayong classrooms ang pangan-gailangan namin para sa senior high school (The classrooms to be con-structed will meet the need for senior high school facilities)” said Morales


ARMM to construct P1.4 billion worth of infrastructure projectsMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - In a bid to improve the living conditions in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Department of Public Works and Highways in the region (DPWH-ARMM) will implement P1.4 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan provinces.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman with DPWH-ARMM Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 16, with local government executives, specifically the mayors, for the concreting and construction of roads, water systems and fish ports. Various infrastructure projects in the region are expected to be

rolled out this month, ARMM officials said. Each province will be given more than P200 million for the implementation of the projects. The funding is part of the P10.1 billion approved budget for the rehabilitation, construction and/or repair of local roads, bridges, seaports, and other infrastructure projects in the five provinces of the region.

Dilangalen, school head of Guindu-lungan National High School. The school has more than 800 students from Grades 7 to 10. It ac-commodates students from nearby towns of Talayan and Datu Saudi Am-patuan, also in Maguindanao. In June 2016, the school will offer Grades 11 and 12. Dilangalen added that they expect almost 200 students to enrol in their senior high school program during that time. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Public Works and Highways Secretary Don Loong and DepEd-ARMM Sec-retary Magno led the signing of the

projects, together with eight district engineers. The projects will be implement-ed by DPWH-ARMM District Engineer-ing Offices. “The District Engineering Offices have built high quality school buildings in the past. Target natin na ngayong taon din matapos lahat (Our target is to finish all these projects this year),” Secretary Loong said. The construction of the schools division offices of Basilan and Lamitan City will also roll out P11 million and P10 million, respectively, this year. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)


“We are now doing things more systematically and we are strengthening our partnership with the local government units,” Sec. Loong said. The DPWH-ARMM is investing heavily on roads, bridges and other infrastructures to ease the movement of agriculture products and other goods in the region. It has targeted to pave a total of 1,520.967 kilometers of roads across the region from 2012-2016. As of February 2016, it has already concreted 701.238 kilometers of roads. The department has allocated funds for many flagship projects in the region. For this year’s regular infrastructure projects, the department is targeting to construct 485.726 kilometers of roads, 46

bridges, 14 flood control structures, 12 drainage canals, 54 water supply systems, 25 seaports and 41 other projects across the region. The massive infrastructure program is expected to generate thousands of jobs in the region. “We in the DPWH-ARMM build not only roads, but hopes and dreams as well of the Bangsamoro people. We build roads where people have lost faith in the government, and where government has lost hope that we can build infrastructure in those areas. Through the administration of Governor Hataman, we are going into those areas,” Sec. Loong said. (BPI-ARMM/PIA-10)


Davao Light nears completion of under-ground cabling systemDAVAO CITY- Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) is 96% complete in its underground cabling system within the environs of the Davao City Hall. Ross Luga, DLPC Corporate Communications Office said that they are expected to complete their part in the project by the end of February. Luga said there are no lon-ger DLPC poles in the streets of Claveria, San Pedro and City Hall Drive. Magallanes Street will have poles removed by the end of February this year. These are streets which bound the project site of the underground cable system- Davao City Hall and the Sanguniang Panglungsod (City Council.) City Ordinance 0177 Series of 2014 establishes an under-ground cabling system for elec-trical and telecommunication to replace the present overhead cabling system within the pe-ripheries of Davao City Hall and Sangguniang Panglungsod. Luga said that the power

firm has spent about P108-mil-lion for the project. He added that other companies with verti-cal wires are also embarking on transferring their overhead wires underground. City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order no. 2 Series of 2015 constituting the Wire and Cables Technical Team. The team included representa-tives from DLPC, PLDT, Skycable, Bayantel along with other repre-sentatives from the local and na-tional government offices. Luga said that the under-ground cabling system is friend-lier to business as it gives more spaces for establishments, the cables and wires are shielded from natural elements, promote environmental sustainability as the poles can be replaced with plants and shrubs and also with-out the eyesore of dangling wires


DTI advises consumers not to buy LPG-re-filled butane canistersDAVAO CITY– The Department of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminds the general public, particularly those who are using bu-tane stoves, on the danger of using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-re-filled butane canisters for household consumption. The agency pointed out that butane canisters are used only once and must never be refilled since use of refilled butane can-ister may cause accidents such as explosion and fire. DTI-Davao Regional Direc-tor Maria Belenda Q. Ambi em-phasized that “only welded steel cylinders are covered with Phil-ippine National Standard for gas containers designed for storage, transport and distribution of LPG for domestic consumption.” It can be noted that the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Department Circular DC2014-01-0001 covers the rules and regulations of LPG industry in-cluding refiners, importers, re-fillers, marketers, and even haul-ers. The said mandate states that illegal or “backyard refilling” of butane canisters is strictly pro-

hibited under the department’s rules and regulations. Considering such, Ambi en-couraged everyone to report any information relative to “backyard refilling” to the nearest fire sta-tion in the locality or DOE Min-danao Field Office through tele-phone number (082) 221-0778. “With everyone’s concern and vigilance, we can surely help save lives,” she said.Meanwhile, inquiries can be ad-dressed to DTI-Davao Region at 4F Mintrade Realty Building, corner Monteverde and Sales Streets, Davao City. They can also be reached through landline number (082) 224-0511, local 417 and 420 (Consumer Protec-tion Services Division). (DTI-11/WDG/JMM)

is more pleasing aesthetically. The power firm’s under-ground cables along San Pedro Street, Claveria Street and City Hall Drive is now energized. While

they are expecting the under-ground cable along Magallanes Street to be energized by the end of February. (PIA/RG Alama)


60- day cloud seeding operation kicks off in NorthCotBy:Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Feb. 19- The provincial govern-ment here has started the 60- day cloud seeding operations after over 27,000 hectares of crops were affected of the El Niño phenom-enon.

Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Eliseo Mangliwan said the cloud

seeding operations cost Php3.4 million and was taken from the


Php223K released under employees compensation program in SOCCSKSARGEN By: Danilo E.Doguiles

calamity fund of the provincial government. Also, the Depart-ment of Agriculture 12 has allot-ted Php700,000 to augment the said operations.

The kick off ceremony on Wednesday which was held at the Central Mindanao Airport in Tawan- tawan, M’lang was spear-headed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) and the Disaster Risk Reduc-tion and Management Division of the Provincial Governor’s Office (DRRMD).

Also, the Department of Agri-culture 12- Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA- BSWM) took part in the first cloud seed-ing operation in the province.

“The conduct of cloud seed-ing here is very important as it could increase water level in ir-rigation canals and other water ways to supply farmers’ need for water,” Mangliwan said.

He said that in each sortie,

the airplane of the Inter-Island Airlines, Inc. carries at least 15 sacks containing 25 to 50 kilo-grams of salt.

Meanwhile, it can be noted that the province was declared under state of calamity due to the ef-fects of the drought. Based from the data of the OPAg, severely affected towns include Matalam, Makilala, Magpet, Carmen and Alamada.

Over 23, 000 farmers are also suffering now after their crops were affected by the calam-ity. Damage to crops of farmers is now amounting to P400 mil-lion, which according to Mangli-wan could rise if North Cotabato would not experience rain.

On the other hand, Governor Emmylou Mendoza encouraged residents to support the provin-cial government’s initiatives in combating the effects of El Niño. (SJDuerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz- NorthCot Media Center)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 19— A total of Php 223,649.31 of employees’ compensation benefits was paid to beneficiaries in 2015, according to an official of the Employees Compensation Commission in SOCCKSARGEN Region


Jerylle Marie Blanza, focal per-son on workers’ contingency of ECC- Regional Extension Unit 12, said these benefits cover em-ployee compensation for sick-ness, disability, funeral and survivorship to employees who were victims of work-related contingencies.

Of the said amount, Php 130,863.05 was paid to six indi-viduals as sickness and disabil-ity compensation.

A police officer from South Cotabato who was wounded in a shooting incident received Php76,653.05 in permanent par-tial disability compensation.

Two families, including the family of PO2 Roger Cordero who was killed in the Mamasa-pano incident, were each given Php20,000 funeral benefits.

Said funds were released by the Government Service Insur-ance System and the Social Se-curity System.

Blanza attributed the imme-diate release of aforementioned funds from GSIS and SSS to the intensive information campaign conducted by the regional ECC unit to educate workers and management groups in both pri-vate and public institutions.

Advocacy focal person Christo-pher Gamboa regularly conducts IEC campaigns in companies, business establishments, gov-

ernment institutions, worker groups and other stakeholders to increase awareness among workers and human resource and administrative officers re-garding employee compensation if they meet work-related acci-dents and disability.

The ECC unit in SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region is only 3 years old.

Gamboa said the ECC also extends services to Persons with Work-Related Disability (PWRD) through KaGaBay Program.

Through KaGaBay, he ex-plained, PWRDs can either avail of free rehabilitation services or skills and entrepreneurial train-ing.

Victims of work-related ac-cident can avail of free physical or occupational therapy in ECC’s partner hospitals or may un-dergo skills and entrepreneurial training should they desire to venture into small business.

Beneficiaries are also given travel and meal allowances to complete therapy or training. In 2015, ECC 12 released Php 22,849.38 to seven PWRDs who had availed of the KaGaBay pro-gram’s services. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Aggie secretary to turnover P140M worth of projects in Caraga provinces By: Fretcher Magatao

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala schedules a turnover activity of farm facilities and projects amounting to P140 Million on February 19 to fulfill the Depart-ment’s commitments to the farmers in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.


Alcala will turnover around P66 Million to Agusan del Norte and P74 Million worth of projects to Surigao del Norte on the same day. More than 10 farmers and irrigators’ associations will benefit from the said provinces in the activity. Around 5,000 individuals are also expected to attend from the different municipalities. Items such as mini 4WD tractor, rice reaper, floating tillers, pump and engine sets, hand tractors and composting facilities are among the farm facilities to be turned over. Ongoing construction of Farm-to-Market Roads (FMR) under the regular program of the Department at Kitcharao, Tubay and RTR, Agusan del Norte will be given certificates of fund transfer for its second tranche. Three FMR projects at Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte will also be given certificates of fund transfer for its first tranche which gives a kick-off for the construction of the project. DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) will also issue certificates of No Objection Letter (NOL) or notice to proceed for the FMR projects located at Nasipit and Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte and Sison and

Malimono, Surigao del Norte. A number of items for raffle are also prepared such as hand tractors, floating tillers, garden tools, Carabaos, pack bags, fertilizers, soil ameliorants, molasses, certified rice seeds, assorted vegetable seeds and planting materials that would amount to P1.8 Million. The ceremony in the morning will take place in Surigao del Norte Convention Center where farmers and fisherfolk’s forum follows after the turnover activity. A raffle of various farm inputs will also happen during the activity. The same line of activities are expected in the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) RTR, Agusan del Norte in the afternoon.


PENRO AgNor bags first prize for MBFDP poster presentation By Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

BUTUAN CITY -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Agusan del Norte won the first prize for the recently concluded Mangrove and Beach forest Development Project Poster Presentation during the Post Project Assessment held at Waterfront Pavillion Hotel, Ermita, Manila on February 5-6, 2016. Out of the 36 provinces, the poster produced by the office which highlights the elements of technology application, social mobilization/ cash for work scheme, and sustainability mechanism has able to capture the interest of the judges paving the way to bagging the first prize. The criteria for judging for the said competition are: 50%-contents/ in format ion presented, 30%-organization of elements and colors, and 20%-over all appeal to audience. The breakdown of winners

includes: PENRO Agusan del Norte-first prize bringing home 30,000 pesos, Province of Bohol-2nd prize, and the Provinces of Quezon and Cantanduanes tied for the 3rd prize. This activity was held simultaneous with the healthy competition among DENR regional directors through a paper presentation of project accomplishments on the implementation of the MBFDP wherein DENR Caraga made it to the 4th place.


DAR Surigao Norte personnel undergo GAD, public accountability seminar By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte- The Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) conducted recently a seminar on Gender and Development anchored on Public Accountability and Values Enhancement (GAD-PAVES) held at the Kasili Mainit Lakeside Resort in Brgy. Quezon, Mainit, this province.

The three-day activity aims to raise active accountability partners in transforming and rebuilding the nation by reinforcing positive personal values system; creating synergy between organic agencies and private sectors; producing a pool of manpower who will advocate transparency and accountability in public service; developing active consciousness and vigilance in the promotion of equal rights and opportunities of men and women; and attaining righteousness at all cost by imploring the aid of the Almighty God. A total of 79 DAR-SDN personnel participated in the said activity ready to take on the shoes as “doctors of society.” The “doctors” will deal with the 10 identified illnesses of the society. According to Teofilo Birad, one of the participants, the seminar was very timely and helpful in

his daily undertaking to serve the agrarian reform beneficiaries and the general public. He said it enlightened him on his outlook towards gender equality, to be tactful in dealing with his fellowmen, and more importantly to be a model public servant as public office is a public trust. Three speakers coming from the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV) served as the resource persons namely, Richard Razon, Jesus Sison and Greg Remando. CRFV is a civil society organization (CSO) and the corruption prevention unit of the Transparency International Philippines which was appointed by the Civil Service Commission in 2013 as the implementing civil society organization of the Values Restoration Program of the government.

35February 19, 2016 One Mindanao 35


Public warned against fraudulent 4Ps recruiters, fake IDsBy Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The public is advised to take caution on the fake Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) IDs being circulated by malicious individuals or group of people .


This stern warning was issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) IX following a complaint filed by a victim.In an article released by Ivan Eric Salvador of DSWD, he said “a walk-in complaint was filed by a non-beneficiary victim residing in Barangay Canelar Moret regarding the case.”Salvador narrated, per statement of the victim, a certain Ms. Atilano presented herself as a DSWD worker and that she is recruiting families for inclusion in the 4Ps. Ms. Atilano then gave her (the victim) the supposed 4Ps ID in exchange of Php200.00 as payment and even assured the victim that she will receive grants amounting to Php 3,900 from the program for three months time. It was later found out that the said ID was fake as confirmed by DSWD and that this certain Ms. Atilano is a fraud.“DSWD clarifies that it does not collect any amount in exchange of Identification Cards or any

form of services,” Salvador said in his article.“Issuances of IDs are done only during Program Orientation Seminar (POS) and not through house-to house visits,” he further said. Salvador said the confiscated fake IDs bear logos of DSWD, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and some information such as Household ID number.“Upon validation, it was found out that the household ID number does not match with the Pantawid system or in any number series recorded in the database. There were forged signatures, typographical errors including incorrect design and layout orientation seen in the fake IDs,” Salvador explained.Salvador called on the public to report to the social welfare department any similar incident and cases so the office can immediately act upon it.“DSWD calls for vigilance among households not to entertain suspicious activities and not to


divulge information to anyone without validating from their barangay officials and assigned

DSWD worker (City/Municipal Link) in the area,” Salvador said.

Election watch group launched in BasilanBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The alliance of Basilan Electorates for Honest, Orderly, and Peaceful Elections (BE HOPE) was launched last Feb. 13 to encourage public support toward a credible national election in May 2016.

The group’s launch started with jog for HOPE early morning on Saturday followed by a short

program at the Rizal Plaza here. NFI Executive Director Miriam L. Suacito said that BE HOPE


is composed of non-partisan organizations that decided to converge and formed an alliance as “responsible electorates for honest, orderly and peaceful elections in Basilan.” With the Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc. (NFI), the Prelature of Isabela, the 104th Brigade Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, as lead conveners, BE HOPE would serve as “a non-partisan organization engaged, enlightened, and mobilized in the attainment of meaningful political exercise and improved

peoples’ participation in good governance.” Army’s Brigade Commander Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista said that the entire force of the Philippine Army supports the quest of Basileños to a peaceful election. “Ang buong pwersa ng 104th Brigade ay nakikiisa sa inyo, tutulungan naming kayo para ensure natin na makamit natin an gating objectiba na sinasabi nating honest, orderly at peaceful elections (The entire force of the 104th Brigade is one with you,


we will help you to ensure that we will achieve our objectives of an honest, orderly, and peaceful elections),” he said. Deputy Provincial Police Director P/Supt Edwin M. Romero said that every citizen has the duty to choose the best candidates in the 2016 elections. “Superficial quality, such as personality and celerity should be disregarded. A new yardstick based on moral and principle should be the new norms in voting. The world is watching the Philippines with great interest. Exercising the right to vote is a privilege and a great responsibility. The future of the Philippines this coming election lies on the voter’s vote. With the BE HOPE watchful eyes the long-awaited electoral change might be just around the corner,” he said. Meanwhile, provincial director for interior government Abou Mohammad E. Asmawil told the college students of Claret attending the launching that what BE HOPE is doing is for their

future, especially in encouraging voters to select leaders that are honest. He cited the role of the civil society groups leading the campaign for HOPE, such as the Nagdilaab Foundation, Isabela Foundation, the United Evangelical Church of Isabela (UECI), the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, Claret Samal Foundation Inc, United Youth of the Philippines (UNYPhil), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPC-RV), KABALIKAT, BAPESDA, Philippine Red Cross, the Claret College of Isabela (CCI), the Basilan State College, Karancho, and UWARBMPC-Menzi, among others. Moreover, Child Fund Philippines project coordinator Margarita Auxtero read the vision-mission of BE HOPE. She also stated the objectives of the election watch group as follows: 1) identify and establish effective mechanisms and networking to assist COMELEC, the military, police and electorates to have honest, orderly, and peaceful elections; 2) conduct information and


education campaign to transform negative public perceptions about politics and government, and promote responsible voting through public fora, media mileage and other activities; and 3) mobilize the community especially the youth towards political accountability and responsibilities, and promotion of identified electoral reforms.

Other partner organizations of BE HOPE are the Philippine Information Agency-Basilan, the 4th and 15th Special Forces of the Philippine Army, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

SSEAYP 2016 Search for Youth Goodwill Ambassadors starts By Alma L. Tingcang

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The annual search for youth goodwill ambassadors who will join this year’s Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) officially started Wednesday, February 17, the National Youth Commission (NYC) announced.

NYC Chairperson Gio Tingson said, “We are looking for 28 outstanding Filipino youth to join other youth delegates from Japan and other ASEAN member

states. These delegates will not only simply represent the Philippines. They will embody the Filipino excellence and values that we are known for, and share


that with their fellow youth.”Participants will embark on a journey that would take them to Japan and six other Southeast Asian nations in 52 days on board the luxury cruise ship Nippon Maru.Dubbed as the “ultimate cruise experience,” SSEAYP gives an opportunity for the youth delegates on board MV Nippon Maru to discuss issues affecting young people in the ASEAN region and propose measures to address them.Aside from the activities on board the ship, they are also treated to unique country program in each port of call where they get to immerse with local youth and share best practices to foster youth development. Now on its 43th year, the SSEAYP is a flagship program of NYC. It is an annual cultural exchange

program that started in 1974 as a joint statement between ASEAN member states and Japan. The program’s objective is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among them and the local youth in their respective countries. The Japanese government is the main sponsor of the program.“We have made available on our website all application requirements and we encourage young Filipinos to grab this once in a lifetime chance to represent our country. This rare opportunity to do something meaningful and enjoy the experience at the same time is truly amazing,” Commissioner Earl Saavedra, head of the NYC Committee on International Affairs, said in closing.

one mindanao - february 19, 2016

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