one mindanao - february 21, 2012

Cover Story

Davao del Sur Coliseum, creating a landmark in basketball sports

Carina L. Cayon Southern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 191

page 4

Kaso ng krimen sa Lungsod ng Koronadal, bumaba17Ac Agad , Central Mindanao

Zanorte-PDRRMC trains disaster responders on boat handling 20Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

TARBEMCO pays loan, redeems land title, motor vehicle 21Euphemio Masanegra, Jr., Western Mindanao

Siargao Island to host 5th International Game Fishing Tournament 27Michael O. Conte, Caraga Region

Women’s month celebration to highlight women’s role in disaster risk reduction

28Noel B. Najarro, Caraga Region

Ozamiz City police office intensifies police visibility in the barangays32 Juvy L. Canumay, Northern Mindanao

Aquino vows commitment to Filipino citizenry – to curb corruption, realize inclusive growth and give people a government truly accountable to them 11OWWA announces scholarship grant for OFW children, dependents15Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Housing construction for typhoon Sendong survivors in Iligan in full swing31Melvin T. Anggot, Northern Mindanao

City sees need to rehabilitate 9 public cemeteries34Mai Macapagat, Southern Mindanao

9 14 18

DavNor starts bringing services to farflung, depressed brgys35Jeanevive Abangan, Southern Mindanao

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Managing Editor ……......... ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors …... Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

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25 3330

4 Tuesday, February 21, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

The 5,000-seater coliseum in Davao del Sur province, touted as the biggest in Mindanao, is

beginning to create landmark attention in sports in the province.

Cover Story


by Carina L. Cayon

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

In basketball, in particular, in just a span of one year since its inauguration in December 2010, the Davao del Sur coliseum has drawn into this southeastern Philippine province the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to hold four PBA games. These allowed basketball aficionados and spectators to get a close look at the PBA players at the packed airconditioned coliseum. Now, PBA fans would not only be glued to their television sets at home, they would have the chance to see live their idols. Built at a cost of P268 million, its wide range of uses for events such as sports, conventions and congresses is expected to spur economic growth for the province. In its PBA game accommodations, the coliseum is earning substantially. Provincial information officer Nilda Aniñon said that the first PBA game in December 2010 has gained the province net proceeds of P1.58 million, while the second game in June provided a P700,000 net. Governor Douglas Cagas has high hopes for the coliseum to bring economic

stability for Davao del Sur, saying that this has been his long-time dream

for his constituents. The first game was held

during the grand opening of the

C o l i s e u m on December 4 2010, while the second time was on June 25 last year as part of the celebration of the province’s 44th founding anniversary on July 1.



O n July 30 last

year, the province was among the ten provinces selected by the Philippine Sports Commission to accommodate one of PBA’s semi-final games. Aniñon said that “the province was very lucky to have been chosen as one of the host provinces,” saying that this would provide the chance to showcase the biggest sports complex in Mindanao.

“The people of Davao del Sur have also learned to love PBA games,”

Aniñon said, hoping that the sports commission

will pick again the province to hold

one of the PBA final games. True enough, the coliseum once again shook on January 20 this year with teeming basketball fans energetically cheering for their favorite team from either the Talk ‘N Text or Powerade Tigers. The game on that Friday night was the first finals game of the PBA this year, with Talk ‘N Text emerging as the champion and scoring 116 over Powerade Tigers’ 100. Aniñon said that the successful holding of the PBA finals at the Coliseum is another milestone for the province signifying a continuous development of the local government’s sports and tourism program. Spur economic growth In the PBA semi-finals games, the province earned more than P800,000 from ticket sales after the fans scrambled for the tickets sold at P1,200 for the court side, P600 for the lower box, and P200 for the upper box area. Its sold out tickets enabled the province to pay PSC P800,000 for the Staging Rights, the transportation, accommodation and meals for around 25 players and coaches of the PBA teams, she said. The 59 PBA sponsors in the PBA

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 7

semi-finals also shelled out P741,000 funding, Aniñon reported. From the PBA finals game played by Talk ‘N Text and Powerade Tigers on Jan. 20, Gov. Cagas reported that the province earned a net income of about P1.3 million. Cagas said that the gross income was estimated to have reached to over P3.5 million which came from the ticket sales amounting to P1,842,090, and from the contributions of sponsors that reached to P1,723,550. The Governor made his report to the provincial capitol employees during the Monday convocation program on Feb. 1. He said that the net income of P1.3 million would be intended for the maintenance of the Davao del Sur Coliseum. In the finals game, the provincial government shouldered all expenses required for hosting the PBA game, which amounted to around P2,202,420.15. From the gross income, Aninon said that Davao del Sur provincial government paid a fee to the Games and Amusement Board for the players of Talk ‘N Text and Powerade Tigers. She said that other expenses were

also shouldered such as the fee for the exclusive television coverage by

the AKTV sports channel, hotel accommodation, plane and

land transportation fares of the

players. A s i d e

from sports events like basketball, Cagas said that the Coliseum is open for public function uses such as conventions and congresses with a fee of P15,000 per hour. The rate is negotiable however, subject to the discretion of his office and depending on the nature of the use and the status of the users. The coliseum has also been the venue of the regular Monday convocations of the provincial capitol employees and other big provincial events.


The coliseum is part of the P500 million five-structure components designed for the Davao del Sur Sports-Cultural and Business Center Complex to include gym and convention centers, swimming pool, dormitory, restaurant, parks and playground, and rubberized track and field. On December 5 last year, the Izumo Contractors, Inc. turned over the completed coliseum structure to the provincial government that approved the project in 2008. The building was constructed in 2009 within the 11-hectare site of the complex located across the provincial capitol at Barangay Matti, Digos City.

Training Center in Mindanao The sports complex in the province is being considered to become the Philippine Sports Training Center in Mindanao. Early last year, Sports Commissioner Chito Loyzaga visited the province and signified intention to sponsor a resolution to the Commission to make Davao del Sur Sports Complex as the country’s sports training center in Mindanao. Cagas welcomed this development for the province, saying that this would

be a headstart in the field of sports tourism in the province and a

landmark in the countryside.

H e s t a t e d that the first move would be to improve sports tourism in the province which, he said is his long-time dream. “Sports tourism is doing well in Davao del Sur and is believed to pave the way in transforming it into an agro-industrial commercial and eco-tourism province,” Aniñon said. Improving the sports tourism in the province is part of the governor’s core program in making Davao del Sur an Agro Industrial Commercial Eco-Tourism province.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino stresses need to implement reforms in country’s judicial system

President Benigno S. Aquino III stressed the need to implement reforms in the judicial branch of government to fully realize and achieve efforts to restore accountability among public officials as part of his reform agenda as specifically cited in the

2012 Index of Economic Freedom by the Heritage Foundation.

Speaking before the participants during the opening ceremony of the Cabinet Workshop on

Anti-Corruption Strategies at the Heroes Hall of the

Malacanang Palace on Tuesday, President Aquino reiterated the necessary improvement in the

President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Professor Robert Klitgaard during the Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 21). Klitgaard has advised many governments on economic strategy and institutional reform, and his consulting work and research have taken him to more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He has been called “the world’s leading expert on corruption”. He is a University Professor at Claremont Graduate University, where he served as the President from 2005 to 2009. In photo is Asian Institute of Management (AIM) president Dr. Edilberto de Jesus. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau).

10 Tuesday, February 21, 2012ONE MINDANAO

country’s judicial system to ensure the fair dispensation of justice to everyone.

“We want our judiciary to dispense justice blindly, as it should… and perhaps this explains our fight to restore integrity to the judiciary, which has made headlines everywhere. No one should doubt that our justice system is a major battleground for reform,” the President said.

“In the 2012 Index of Economic Reform released by the Heritage Foundation, it shows that while the Philippines has made progress in terms of fighting corruption, the problem of judicial inefficiency and susceptibility to outside pressures remains a serious concern,” he stressed.

The Chief Executive said that the success in fighting corruption requires a real sense of accountability among public servants.

“We cannot sustainably fight corruption unless we introduce a sense of accountability – a sense that, if you commit a crime, you will be punished… we want to send a stern yet simple message --- justice evades no one. There are no exceptions in our campaign against corruption,” President Aquino said.

The Index of Economic Freedom is an annual guide published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation.

For over a decade, The Wall

Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington’s preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom.

Since 1995, the Index has brought Economist Adam Smith’s theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 184 countries around the world.

In its 2012 Index of Economic Freedom, the Heritage Foundation noted the lingering institutional challenges which require commitment to reform in the Philippine economy. It acknowledged the country’s progress while citing the inefficiency in the judiciary.

“Despite the challenging global economic environment, the Philippine economy has been on a steady path of economic expansion,” the Index results read.

“There are lingering institutional challenges that will require deeper commitment to reform. Despite some progress, corruption continues to undermine prospects for long-term economic development. The inefficient judiciary, which remains susceptible to political interference, does not provide effective protection for property rights or strong and transparent enforcement

of the law,” it further said. (JCL)


Aquino vows commitment to Filipino citizenry – to curb corruption, realize inclusive growth and give people a government truly accountable to them

In an effort to achieve his administration’s commitment with the Filipino citizenry, President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to curb corruption, realize an inclusive growth for everyone, and give the people a government which is truly accountable

to them.

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his opening remarks during the Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 21). Klitgaard has advised many governments on economic strategy and institutional reform, and his consulting work and research have taken him to more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He has been called “the world’s leading expert on corruption”. In photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Asian Institute of Management (AIM) president Dr. Edilberto de Jesus, DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro. (Photo by: Gil Nartea, Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau, Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO).


In his message during the opening ceremony of the Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Tuesday, the President reaffirmed the continuous efforts being pursued by the government in realizing his campaign promise to the people as embodied in the blueprint of his reform agenda.

“From the beginning of my campaign, I have maintained that the job of the President is composed of three things. The first is the efficient allocation of resources – that as a country with a sizable debt and limited resources, we must be able to utilize these resources to the maximum benefit of our people,” the President said.

“The second is to make certain that, as we walk the path to progress, no one is left behind… I believe it is the government’s job to

promote inclusive growth and the third is the bedrock on which the first two are built on -- the idea that by curbing corruption we can reduce poverty. Or in simpler terms, the idea that tens of millions of Filipinos voted for in the May 2010 elections -- Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” he added.

According to the President, these are the core strategies for changing the status quo. “A status quo where taxpayers can look forward to a government that delivers, where the government build bridges and roads that actually exist, where Filipinos who work hard are rewarded justly and where public servants truly regard the people as their bosses,” he explained.

The Chief Executive also expressed high hopes that the participants in

the workshop would be able to considerably help the


government in fulfilling its vision of a country that is really free from the grip of corruption.

“I am hopeful that, through the ideas we share and generate today, we can build even more on our successes. Let us take this opportunity to learn from each other and ultimately fulfill the dream we share with our people -- that of a Philippines free from the grip of corruption, free to prosper under the broad light of day,” President Aquino stressed.

“Rest assured, if we stay true to our peoples’ cherished idea of honest, transparent governance, then, surely, more progress awaits us in the future,” he said.

Professor Robert Klitgaard, known as “the world’s leading expert on corruption” conducted the workshop, which was attended by several members of the cabinet.

Klitgaard has advised many governments on economic strategy and institutional reform, and his consulting work and research have taken him to more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Professor Klitgaard is a University Professor at Claremont Graduate University, where he served as the President from 2005 to 2009.

He previously served as Dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate

School, where he was also the Ford Distinguished Professor of International Development and Security. He has been a Professor of Economics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban; Lester Crown Professor of Economics at Yale’s School of Management; and Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he also served as Special Assistant to Harvard President Derek Bok.

Among those who attended the workshop were Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Trade

and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, among others.

(JCL)


2,200 techvoc scholarships allottedfor Region 12by Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY -- At least 2,200 scholarship slots for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) are open in Soccsksar-gen Region this year, an official of TESDA-12 said.

TESDA 12 Regional Director Zeus Ampuyas told members of the media here that 800 of these allocations are intended for the Private Education Student Fund Assistance (PESFA) while 1,400 slots are open for the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

“We have a budget allotment of P10 million for the PESFA and P15 million for the TWSP,” Director Ampuyas said.

He added that provincial TESDA offices are now

accepting applications for PESFA scholarships who would wish to undergo training on any of the following post-secondary non-degree TVET courses: agriculture and fishery, processed food and beverages, tourism (including Hotel and

Restaurant), decorative crafts, metals and engineering, furniture and fixtures, garments, c o n s t r u c t i o n , c o m m u n i c a t i o n / information technology/ electronics, maritime, land transport, and health and social services and other community, social and personal services.

Scholarships for TWSP, however, are still pending awaiting release of guidelines by TESDA Central Office.

Ampuyas, however, assured that the 1,400 scholarship TWSP quota


of Soccsksargen Region has been confirmed.

“We expect to begin taking in scholars for the training for work program in March,” he said. “We will we publish these available slots and priority courses once the guidelines are made available. ”

This year, TESDA 12 aims to be able to enrol a total of at least 47,760 TVET student-trainees in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan, and Cotabato.

Of number, he said, at least 42,712 should be able to graduate, 27,799 should be assessed and 22,959 should gain their competency

certification. TESDA 12 also

targets at least 23,203 of the enrolees to gain employment before the year ends.

Ampuyas also announced that for 2012, TESDA-12 has an allotment of P9,691,000 for maintenance and other operating expenses for the programs in the regional offices and

provincial offices and another P4,422,000 MOOE for the TESDA-sponsored schools, namely: General Santos National School of Arts and Trade and Surallah National Agricultural School.

“These allotments do not include the P25 million allotment for the PESFA and TWSP scholarships,” he clarified.

OWWA announces scholarship grant for OFW children, dependents

KORONADAL CITY -- Soccsksargen Region’s Office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA-12) here has announced the opening of the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for school year 2013-2014.

by Dani Doguiles


OWWA 12 Regional Director Abdulgani K. Umag said, the scholarship is open to all graduating high school students who are children or dependents of active OWWA members.

“We have already coordinated with schools all over the region to inform their students who are either children or dependents of OFW workers to already apply for the scholarship grant,” Umag said.

Application forms are available at the OWWA-12 Office at Reyes Subdivision, Barangay Morales, this city.

“Interested students may also get application forms from the public OFW desk officer of their local government

unit,” he said. Deadline of

the submission of application forms is on August 31, 2012. The qualifying examination , which Umag said will be administered by the Department of Science and Technology may be

held either in November or December this year.

Umag also encouraged interested students to file their application forms earlier because there are documents that need to be submitted to prove that they are bona fide dependents of active OFW members.

“We want to be assured that their

parents are still working abroad and are active OWWA members because the money spent for the scholarship belongs to OFWs who paid their contributions,” he explained. “We cannot use the funds to children of undocumented workers.”

EDSP is a scholarship grant offered to qualified beneficiaries/dependents of OWWA members who intend to enrol in any 4-5 year baccalaureate course.

Each scholar gets financial assistance amounting to P30,000.00 per semester or a maximum of P60,000.00 per school year.


Tuition fees shall be paid directly to the school, while the remaining amount shall be released to the scholar upon submission of the grades for the term duration.

To be qualified, a senior high school student should be a child of an OWWA member or brother or sister of an unmarried OWWA member, below 21 years old, and among

the upper 20% of the high school graduation class.

Applicants need to present proofs of relationship to the OWWA member such certified birth certificate, proofs of OWWA membership (such as official receipt of OWWA Contribution or certification from OWWA Membership Registry Division.

Other documentary

requirements include high school report card, certificate of good moral character, certification issued by the school principal that the student belong to the upper 20 percent of the graduating class.

Applicants who have taken post-secondary or vocational courses or have started a college course are disqualified from EDSP.

Kaso ng krimen sa Lungsod ng Koronadal, bumabaKORONADAL CITY – Bahagyang bumaba ang kaso ng krimen sa Lungsod ng Koronadal mula Enero a-1 hanggang Disyembre a-31, 2011 kumpara sa taong 2010 , ayon kay City police chief Supt. Michael Lebanan.

Sa isang panayam ng lokal na radyo, sinabi ni Lebanan na bumaba sa mahigit 20% ang krimen na nangyari sa Lungsod.

Ayon kay Lebanan, sa kanilang index crime report para sa taong 2011, nagtala lamang ng 248 crimes against persons and properties sa buong lungsod, kumpara sa 611 na insidente noong taong 2010.

Sa kabuuan, ang crime rate volume ng lungsod sa taong 2011 ay umabot lamang sa 416 na mga kaso at malayo umano ang agwat sa 1,309 na mga kaso sa nakalipas na taon.

Ang pagbaba ng kriminalidad sa lungsod, ayon kay Lebanan ay naabot ng kanyang pamunuan dahil sa pinalakas na kampanya laban sa

kriminalidad at tuluy-tuloy na pagmo-monitor ng mga alagad ng kapulisan sa buong lungsod.

Sa kabila ng mababang insidente ng krimen noong nakalipas na taon, hiniling pa rin ni Lebanan ang patuloy na kooperasyon ng mga Koronadalenos upang mapanatiling payapa at maayos ang lungsod.(AcAgad PIA12)


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DOH 9 to hire over 500 nurses, 180 midwives

Over 500 nurses and 180 Midwives will soon have a job as the health department here is set to hire them under its Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Service (RN HEALS).

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Dr. Aristides Tan said the office will hire a total of 511 nurses ready for deployment in the various parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region this March. Hired nurses under the RN HEALS according to Tan, will work in the community for at least a year to look after and follow up health needs of the community they are assigned with and validate those that belong in the poorest of the poor for enrollment to the Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth). Tan said, of the 511 available (nurses’) items/ positions, 220 slots will be given to Zamboanga del Sur, 205 to Zamboanga del Norte, 72 to Zamboanga Sibugay, 8 to Zamboanga City and 6 to Isabela City, Basilan. He said, DOH will also hire 180 Midwives of which 76 will come from Zamboanga Del Sur, 61 from Zamboanga del Norte, 41 from Sibugay and one each from Zamboanga City and Isabela, Basilan. He said hiring and selection

will be through panel interview with panelists from DOH, City Health Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Hired applicants will have a two day orientation before deployment to respective area of assignments/posts. Areas of deployment of hired nurses will be determined by DOH and DSWD. “One of the priority areas is where most of the beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps are located and where Basic Emergency Maternal Obstetric Neonatal Care centers are situated,” Tan informed. Tan said, these nurses will receive P8,000 monthly pay but the health department called on concerned local government for an additional P2,000 as their counterpart for these nurses. The hiring of nurses under RN HEALS is the third in a row that DOH has conducted. (JPA/R.G.A.A.Go/PIA-ZBST)


Zanorte-PDRRMC trains disaster responders on boat handlingDIPOLOG CITY - Due to recent flashfloods that hit Dapitan City and other parts of Zamboanga del Norte, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) strengthened the capability of its members during rescue operations.

By Alfonso T. Ruda

Elements of the 42nd Special Forces Battalion under the command of 1Lt. Rodelo Famulag based in Taguilon, Dapitan City conducted a training on boat handling with more than 20 members of the Zanorte-PDRRMC on February 17 at the shoreline of Punta Corro in Dipolog City. Engr. Dennis Joseph Tenorio, Zanorte-PDRRMC Action Officer said participants came from the PDRRMC, Provincial Health Office, and Zanorte Medical Center

Team. The training aimed to improve

the capability of the Provincial


disaster response team to handle emergency situations during rescue operations, particularly when the boat capsizes. The undertaking was also to prepare its members of the arrival of three (3) inflatable rubber boats which the Provincial Government will be having very soon. “The public bidding for the purchase of the said rubber boats is now on-going,” Tenorio said. At present, Zanorte PDRRMC has an ambulance, a patrol boat, a number of life jackets, portable chainsaw (with the sub-offices of the Provincial Engineering Office), portable generator set, and heavy equipment of the PEO for its disaster response operations. Presently, the PDRRMC is only relying on the speedboat

lent by the Office of Civil Defense Regional Office IX for its rescue operations in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. Tenorio said that except for some office staff, other members of the PDRRMC are employees of the Provincial Government and will only convene as disaster responders when emergency situation arises. It maybe recalled that the PDRRMC, together with other government agencies and civic organizations have helped in the evacuation of affected residents in 11 barangays of Dapitan City during the recent flashfloods that made the Macasoy Bridge in Oyan, Dapitan City impassable by big vehicles.(JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Showing what a hardworking and resourceful cooperative could achieve, Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TARBEMCO), a rubber-based cooperative in Naga, this province received on February 15, 2012 its land title covering 869 hectares awarded through the implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, and certificates of registration of two six-wheeler hauling trucks which were made as collaterals of a loan it availed from the Department of Agrarian Reform – Development Bank of the Philippines (DAR-DBP) Window III Financing Program.

TARBEMCO pays loan, redeems land title, motor vehicleBy Adolfo Lopez, Jr. and Euphemio Masanegra, Jr.


In a short but meaningful ceremony held at the DAR Provincial Office, Ipil Heights, Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Rizzel Villanueva, turned over the land title and the vehicle registration certificates to TARBEMCO through its Board of Directors Chairman Oliver Dolera. Representatives from the DAR Central Office – Project Development Management Service (PDMS) Maria Theresa Baul and Rose de la Torre witnessed and attended the ceremony. Also present were Naga Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Flordie B. Bagundol and Atty. Judith P. Patriarca, Legal Division Chief of DAR Zamboanga del Sur, who both played significant roles in the financial assistance granted to TARBEMCO.

TARBEMCO received assistance from the DAR-DBP Window III Financing Program in the amount of Php 5.4 million way back in 1992 which was used as the initial operating capital on the cooperative’s rubber replanting program. On August 18, 2011, the coop made its final payment amounting to Php. 41,528.04, thus freeing itself from the said loan obligation. The said event was a glorious milestone in the history of TARBEMCO which, like many rubber-cooperatives, went through a struggle in its journey in rubber farming plantation. Only a few Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) cooperatives throughout the region have paid their loan obligations which they incurred during the previous


years when they suffered financial crisis. Way back in 1992, TARBEMCO was awarded a total land area of 9,480,618 sq. m., embraced in four (4) land titles issued by the DAR under Voluntary Offer to Sell (VOS) scheme on land acquisition and distribution program. The ARBs of Tambanan then, decided that the bulk of the awarded property would be planted with rubber trees and then registered as Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (TAMARBA), which later TARBEMCO. The venture did not start well as TARBEMCO ARBs encountered a lot of challenges and difficulties in their

rubber farming operation during its transition period. Financial crisis, management predicament, and other cooperative ordeals set in as the ARBs were merely rubber plantation workers and not well-equipped with knowledge, experience and expertise as to the actual operation and management of the plantation. The weekly production income far outweighed the need to maintain the plantation’s operation. The crisis was a big blow on the lives of the ARBs’ families who were dependent on their shares. Officers of TARBEMCO endeavored to look for alternative means like availing loans even at a very high interest to sustain the


operation. Creditors, however, were cautious and hesitant to extend financial assistance due to apparent financial difficulty of the cooperative at that time. It was then that TARBEMCO grabbed the opportunity given by DAR-DBP Window III Financing Program and made its land title and two motor vehicles’ certificates of registration as collaterals. The contract involved in the said program obligated the cooperative to pay the loan and interest within ten years. However, TARBEMCO could not pay the said obligation within the agreed period due to the crisis it underwent in the early years of its operation. DAR and DBP then granted a restructuring plan of TARBEMCO’s loan, giving them a chance to pay the loan in a much longer period. Through hard work and

perseverance, TARBEMCO gradually paid its obligation and made an over-all payment amounting to Php 9, 000, 000.00, an amount which is not easy to raise. Such accomplishment served as a good example and inspiration to other cooperatives which are still paying their loan obligations on top of their land amortization to the Land Bank of the Philippines. The said payment was another triumph by TARBEMCO which had already paid its land amortization for the awarded property to LBP back in May 2011 in the amount of Php 19,334,602.43. Thru determination and hard work, TARBEMCO has really achieved its vision, setting a real paradigm to other ARBs and cooperatives. (DAR-9/AL/EM/PIA-9/CAL)


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GSIS official assures members pension funds are in good handsby Robert E. Roperos

Top officials of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) today assured members that pension funds are safe and in good hands.


Speaking before the members and pensioners in Caraga Region during the Stakeholders’ Dialogue held in one of the local convention centers here, GSIS chairman of the board Daniel L. Lacson, Jr. said with the new administration under the leadership of President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara, members have nothing to worry with their contributions as it is safely kept and ready for release anytime. Lacson cited the role

of technology in achieving transparency in GSIS. He emphasized that using the GWAPS Kiosk is a way where members could be able to see for themselves their transaction records in GSIS. In this way, he added members can assure that their contributions will be in safe hands as they can monitor their records from time to time. The GSIS board chair also stressed that with these developments, more GWAPS kiosks are already installed in government

offices nationwide and more will still be installed this year. “Through this, more GSIS members can monitor the flow of transaction they have engaged in us,” Lacson said. M e a n w h i l e , Lacson said the current administration is doing its best to solve left problems and complaints of its members within this year, as this is the directive given to the new leadership by President Benigno S. Aquino III.


SURIGAO DEL NORTE -- Siargao Island, the surfing and game fishing (SurFishing) capital of the country, is set to host the 5th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament in Pilar town this April. In a report posted on www.siargaoislands.net, organizers said the tournament will be participated by anglers from all over the world. “The town is expecting more than eighty anglers from the different countries in the world such as Japan, Singapore, Russia, United States, Germany, Switzerland and China to join the tournament,” the

report said. The tournament is the largest game fishing event in the country which has gained full support from both government and fishing clubs all over the Philippines. The international event, which is expected to boost the tourism industry of the island, is organized by the Office of Cong. Francisco T. Matugas (1st

District of Surigao del Norte), Office of Gov. Sol F. Matugas (Province of Surigao del Norte), Office of Pilar Mayor Lucio T. Gonzales, and Department of Tourism (DOT). Siargao Island’s marine life is inhabited by thousands of fish species including marlin, sailfish, giant tuna, tanguigue, king mackerel, great barracuda, and swordfish.

Siargao Island to host 5th International Game Fishing Tournament by Michael O. Conte


Women’s month celebration to highlight women’s role in disaster risk reduction

BUTUAN CITY-- The 2012 Regional Development Council-Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) “Women’s Month Celebration” will highlight among others the role of women in disaster risk reduction response.

This was announced by RDC-GADCC chairperson Atty. Marilyn M. Pintor in a press conference held Friday at the NEDA Conference room, NEDA Office, Rosales Ave., Butuan City. Pintor said that in consideration of the recent disasters and calamities hitting the and the impact of climate

change observed and experienced globally the theme for this year’s celebration is: “Women Weathering Climate Change, Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.” The theme, she said, highlights that disaster risk reduction is everyone’s responsibility. It will also underscore the role of women as

powerful agents of change in relation to disaster risk reduction (DRR). W o m e n ’ s indigenous knowledge on climate change and disaster, because of their responsibilities and experiences should be utilized in DRR and climate change adaptation strategies. It is also in consonance with the

by Noel B. Najarro


continuing national and local efforts to advocate the Magna Carta of Women and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which was started in the same celebration last year. For this year, Pintor said, the focus will be on MDG7 on ensuring environmental sustainability. The general objective for this year’s

celebration is to help build gender-responsive resilient communities that are responsible, accountable and prepared for any disaster that may come their (women’s) way. S p e c i f i c a l l y , according to Atty. Pintor, the committee aims to raise awareness of the national government agencies, local government units, civil

society organizations and communities in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and gender and climate change issues. It will also generate commitment of local LGUs for the preparation and implementation of their responsive DRR and climate change adaptation plans and encourage women’s participation in government’s programs geared towards disaster preparedness and building resilient communities using government’s budget. Pintor also announced the rundown of activities of the month-long celebration which included today’s press conference, the opening ceremony which will feature a women’s concert and sky lantern light up (March 1), Kalandrakas VIII (March 8), Role of Women in Disaster Risk Reduction Management Workshop (March 22), Culmination Program with Games at the PPA Grounds (March 30) and a Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) within the month of March.


Xavier Ecoville holds community buildingby Xyla Mercedita GualbertoXavier Ecoville,

the joint relocation

and resettlement project of Xavier University (XU) and the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, conducted its first community building with the Xavier Ecoville (XE) residents and the XU resettlement committee.

The activity titled “Ila-ila ta Bai” and held at the XE multi-purpose center aimed to establish a sense of community among all residents in XE to foster trust, harmony, and development. “This is not just a program about building houses but also a program for the people,” said camp manager Iris Montellano. Slightly over a hundred families or close to 500 individuals (out of the target of 500 families) coming from

various places in the city that are now considered no-build zones have been relocated to XE. During the community building they were asked to form one big circle, the women were in the inner circle facing the men who were in the outer circle. An action song was introduced and after every round of singing, everyone turned around to shake hands and get to know the person in front of them. XU staff and


partners also joined in the activity. While the parents were busy meeting new faces, the children were also doing the same. They played group games together with some XU staff. With the support and supervision of the XU Resettlement Team, the residents signed up to help in the implementation of the programs and be part of the Kasilingan Team which will compose the future leaders of XE. Mark Lawrence Cruz, Gawad Kalinga coordinator for Ateneo de Manila University, was also present during the activity. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, former chairman of

the National Youth Commission (NYC) and one of the founders of MicroVentures Inc. which launched the Hapinoy Sari-Sari Store program, dropped in during the discussion of the Kasilingan Team. He sat with the livelihood group and shared his intention of helping build a community of micro-entrepreneurs in XE. With the overwhelming support of many organizations and individuals, the XE residents broke into a song to express their joy and gratitude. They sang “Heal the World” and chanted “Xavier Ecoville, Unite! Unite!” (XU)

Housing construction for typhoon Sendong survivors in Iligan in full swingby Melvin T. Anggot

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The city government of Iligan is confident that the construction of houses at Bayanihan Village of Iligan City at Sta. Elena is in full swing, Feb. 15.

This, after stakeholders have finalized tasking of the different aspects in the simultaneous shelter building for Sendong survivors. The National Housing Authority will focus on the planning and design; Department of Public Works and Highways on site development; City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and Housing and Resettlement Office (HRO) on the survey layout of the lot;


CEO and Subdivision Assessment and Monitoring Office on the preparation of permits and licenses; CEO and Iligan City Waterworks Systems Office, power and water connections; Gawad Kalinga the building of the units; City Social Welfare and Development Office on the selection of beneficiaries; HRO and CEO on the actual relocation;

and the Cooperative Development Authority and Livelihood Office and Gawad Kalinga for livelihood. Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said that the simultaneous shelter building was delayed as the stakeholders have to still decide the final design of the house. It was decided to construct a cluster of row houses of 1,711 units. (CIO)

Ozamiz City police office intensifies police visibility in the barangaysby Juvy L. Canumay

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Ozamiz City Police Office (OCPO) has intensified police visibility in the barangays, especially in areas where criminalities are often reported to take place, said P/Supt. Jonas Amparo, OCPO Director.

Barangay Aguada has been the focus of their police visibility operations because of its location in the center of the city where big schools are found. As has been reported, students were mostly the victims of various crimes, such as bag and cellphone snatching at the entrance of the schools, and of robbery in their boarding houses located near the schools. Amparo said he has assigned the mobile patrol car of OCPO to make the daily rounds and ordered his men to go on regular foot patrol

to make sure that peace and order is maintained in the area. The OCPO Director, however, said the order for his men to go on foot patrol is done in the other barangays of the city. Meanwhile, Amparo said he will be visiting the different barangays to explain about the process of law enforcement and how people can help maintain peace and order in the communities, after which an open forum will be conducted where people can clarify certain law enforcement issues. (CIO)


“Get ‘em” Mayor’s marching orders after brutal rob slay by Rudolph Alama

Mayor Sara Duterte ordered police officials to pursue all

leads and catch the perpetrators responsible for the brutal slaying of 23-years nurse Marjorie Kwan last Saturday (Feb. 18).

“Immediately” was the Mayor’s answer when asked of her timetable for the case to be solved. “We condole with the family of Miss Marjorie Kwan, we take full responsibility of what happened because it is the duty of the DCPO (Davao City Police Office) and the City Government in ensuring peace and order.” The Mayor said during a press conference held last Monday (Feb. 20) at the City Hall. The Mayor bared that she has plans of visiting the burial of the victim who was robbed early morning while returning to her home from hospital duty.Citing the killing as a very

unfortunate incident and should not be tolerated the Mayor said that crime has marred the record of Davao City as a peaceful city. Mayor Duterte also defended the city police office citing their


City sees need to rehabilitate 9 public cemeteries

performance in crime solution and in the city’s low crime rate which is the lowest in Mindanao. She said that isolated incidents such as Kwan’s killing tend to be sensationalized, Duterte said that this should not take away the efforts of the Davao City Police office. Emphasizing that she doesn’t intend to downplay the recent crime, she said that the police are making headway with more arrests and lower registered crimes. “Kada adlaw nay madakpan and there was one day zero ang pangawat.” (everyday someone is caught and there was one day without a case of theft) The Mayor said. Ask for the solution for petty

crimes like burglaries and robberies the Mayor said it is the police who will answer that. “Usually they say that it is police visibility that is why we have the anti-crime unit.” Duterte said, The Davao City Anti-Crime unit is made up of police auxiliaries that would assist the regular policemen in patrolling and maintaining increase police visibility. The Mayor cited that the ideal cop to ratio is 1 is to 500, Davao City currently has about 1 policemen for 1,200 people. “The PNP cannot add more policemen, we support them thru the anti-crime unit.” The Mayor said.

DAVAO CITY - The City Government of Davao is bent to rehabilitate nine more public cemeteries in the city following the completion of the first phase in the rehabilitation of the Wireless Public Cemetery. Davao City has ten public cemeteries located in Ma-a, Panacan, Tibungco, Bunawan, Toril, Mintal, Calinan, Tugbok, and Paquibato. Jose Elmaro P. Guintadcan, chief of the City Economic Enterprise and Economic Planning Services (CEEEPS), explained in Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw that all the ten public cemeteries in the city need

rehabilitation similar to what the city government has done for the Wireless Cemetery. “However, we are doing this one

by Mai Macapagat


cemetery at a time because this needs sufficient budget.” Guintadcan said. The Wireless Cemetery rehabilitation project has completed the first phase which included the exhumation and the construction of the ossuaries . By March, the office targets to invite the families and relatives of those buried in the Wireless Cemetery to visit the office and apply for the annual rental of ossuaries. “We have informed their relatives who were present during the exhumation that we would be offering them for annual rental of the ossuary at P250 per annum. This is the proposed rate to be deliberated in the Sangguniang Panlungsod.” he added. To recall, the City Government

closed the cemetery in April of 2010 to pave the way from the massive exhumation, rehabilitation, and repairs. In the exhumation process, the remains were stored in black plastic bags, sealed, labeled and deposited in identified mausoleum as temporary depository or holding area. The City government has allotted P5.9 million for the first phase of the Wireless Cemetery. The Official expects an increase of 5 percent in its revenues from the rental fee of the ossuary. Aside from the rehabilitation of public cemeteries, the enterprise office is also seeing the strict monitoring of public terminals, the Sta. Ana Wharf, the Magsaysay Park, and slaughter houses as additional sources of revenue.

DavNor starts bringing services to farflung, depressed brgys by Jeanevive Abangan

TAGUM CITY- The provincial government of Davao del Norte started to haul last Friday its Convergence for Peace and Development caravan of services which brought along an array of assistance and benefits seen to complement with the priorities of President Simeon Benigno Aquino III. Provincial Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario led the heads of provincial government offices

in delivering such government services to far-flung Barangay Mabuhay in Carmen, Davao del Norte where he also launched this year’s journey of the Convergence caravan to 30 depressed and far-flung barangays province-wide. The Davao del Norte Convergence of Peace and Development pools together various services of the provincial government offices, delivered to hard-to-reached barangays.


Such initiative also gets the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. In his dialogue with officials of Barangay Mabuhay, del Rosario let them understand that the provincial government brought along services in line with the priorities of President Aquino particularly those on health, education, livelihood and even on road infrastructure, so together, the government would create a much greater impact in serving the public. Aside from bringing along numerous needed services, del Rosario also took time attending to requests of the barangay officials who asked for a farm-to-market road, improvement of the barangay water system, construction of new school building, and the opening of a new road connecting to Barangay Paradise in Paquibato District of Davao City. Brgy. Mabuhay is located 27 kilometers away from Carmen Poblacion. Carmen Mayor Marcelino Perandos views Barangay Mabuhay as a secluded area as it lies at the periphery of Panabo City and Paquibato District in Davao City. One has to pass through areas which are part of Panabo City before reaching Brgy. Mabuhay. Among the community health and social services that the provincial government poured into Barangay

Mabuhay were medical and dental services, minor surgery, Malaria case finding, distribution of toilet bowls, distribution of vegetable seeds and animal health services. Children were served with porridge, given slippers and were treated to free hair cut. Provincial Health Office chief Dr. Agapito Hornido said his office, for the first time in convergence caravan, did pap smear examination, offered dental consultation and counseling, distributed toothbrushes for adults, and administered x-ray scanning at the barangay level. It was also in Mabuhay where del Rosario first administered the swearing into office of community health teams which according to Dr. Hornido formed part of the Aquino Health Agenda. Aside from health concerns, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) also made it a point to monitor the social issues besetting the barangay by encouraging resident to approach its consultation desk which heard complaints regarding 4Ps implementation and other matters which the office could act upon. The Municipal Government of Carmen also brought along the services of its Municipal Civil Registrar and supported the provincial


government staff deployed during the Convergence caravan of services. The provincial government last year started to haul pooled services through the Convergence in eight barangays particularly in

Gupitan in Kapalong; New Cortez, New Corella; Binancian, Asuncion; Cabadiangan, Talaingod; Datu Balong, San Isidro; Patrocenio, New Corella; Sitio Igang, Palma Gil, Talaingod; and in Mamangan, San Isidro.

PHOTO GALLERY

City Mayor Sara Duterte meets up with the 12 semifinalists of the 2012 Mutya ng Dabaw at the presidential room of the Davao City Hall last February 20.

one mindanao - february 21, 2012

Documents

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