one mindanao - february 23, 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 ARTISTSEMMANUEL TAGHOY, 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

Camiguin seen as potential area for Low Enthalpy Project

Cover Story

By: Irene Joy B. Dayo

today’s news

8 13 19

23 31

DepEd, DSWD partner to promote rights of adopted children

DOLE-NRCO turns over starter kits to undocumented OFWs in Sibugay

Task force for Mindanao transmission issues files potential resolution to secure Tower 25

13

36

33

DILEEP beneficiaries in Misamis Occidental covered by social insurance

NGCP boosts public school facilities in Mindanao

Stakeholders assess action plan for Davao River rehab

21 Skills training for MILF decommissioned combatants reels off

By: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga

25 Tandag City COMELEC holds briefing for local candidates, media practitioners, printing press operators

SOUTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN CARAGA

INFOCUS NATIONAL

WESTERN

NORTHERN 33

1610By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

34

By Juzel L. Danganan

By: Perlita B. Changco

By: Alma L. Tingcang

More opportunities for Davao athletes with sports academy in Tagum

17By: Noel Baguio

By: Aimee B. Sienes26 AgNor supports One

Billion Rising Revolution

By: Lei Garrett I. Miraflor

4 February 23, 2016One Mindanao

With the students mostly at home for the vacation, beaches, trekking adventures, outdoor games, are most common choices. But with the summer also comes the sweltering heat, which at times could be dangerous, even life –threatening. Says Dr. Condrado Braña, chief of hospital at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital: “As much as possible avoid strenuous physical outdoor activities.” And when you have to go outside under the heat of sun, he reminded: “Come prepared.” Excessive exposure to heat,

he said, could cause sunburn and dehydration and heat stoke, which in turn could result to worse problems, including death. Sunburn could lead to cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a person could be at risk to the dangers of melanoma -- a serious form of skin cancer -- if that person has had five or more sunburns. Dehydration is a serious illness that can sneak up on a person and make them sick before they know it. Mild dehydration could lead

The Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) under Department of Energy (DOE) has identified

Camiguin as one of the potential areas for locally funded Low Enthalpy Project.

Camiguin seen as potential area for Low Enthalpy ProjectBy Irene Joy B. Dayo

5February 23, 2016 One Mindanao

This project is an initiative of national

government that aims to further explore and evaluate low enthalpy geothermal areas that might be suitable for power generation using binary technology and other direct-use applications.

During their conduct of Information Education and Communication campaign for the comprehensive resource assessment in partnership with Philippine Information Agency – Region 10, Geothermal Energy Management Division Chief Ariel D. Fronda said that geothermal energy

could be source of several uses, such as power plants. He then added that a typical geothermal power plant producing thousands megawatt of electricity displaces million barrels of fuel oil, equivalent to saving hard-earned dollars.

Hosting communities could also benefit from both new and existing geothermal projects through a government share. The government share is equal to one percent of the gross income of renewable energy resource developers, wherein 40% of it will be given to local government.

Another is the benefits pursuant to ER 1-94 where in here, a host community could acquire one centavo for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. This would then be given through the form of electrification fund (EF), development and livelihood fund (DLF) and reforestation, watershed management, health and environment enhancement fund (RWMHEEF).

Chief Fronda also told the participants of the advocacy campaign composing of local government units of Mambajao and Catarman, barangay officials and representatives from Provincial


Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Camiguin, that they will still be studying the island for any geothermal resource. In conducting so, different project activities will be done.

DOE-REMB will be checking the rock types, structures, volcanic history and geohydrology of Camiguin through imageries interpretation and geological investigations. In addition, there would be also estimation of temperature and chemistry of the underground reservoir fluids from the water and gas samples, and identification of the flow of fluids located at the subsurface and estimation of reservoir’s shape and size.

Prior to conducting studies in Camiguin, DOE-REMB already reviewed available data regarding Camiguin’s geothermal capacities

and remote sensing and aerial photo interpretation. Geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys will then be done to confirm if there are geothermal resources in their area.

DOE envisions to formulate policy and guidelines for the development of low to medium enthalpy geothermal energy resources for small-scale power generation, agro-industrial and direct application. Moreover, they also plan to offer potential geothermal areas to investors in an aim of energy exploration, development and utilization.

One Mindanao8 February 23, 2016

Youth urged to venture into farming

QUEZON CITY-- “When I became the agri secretary in 2010, the average farmer age is 57 years old. But with the various interventions provided by the government—more specifically farm mechanization—there are more young farmers now,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said. The agri chief who recently led two farmers’ forum in CARAGA region, said, “The youth

are encouraged to venture into farming with the realization that it’s now fun to farm.”

file photo of http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/


During the event, Alcala, turned-over agri-implements amounting to P144 million to the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte.

In both occasions, the Agri chief turned over a mini 4WD tractor, rice reaper, floating tillers, pump and engine sets, hand tractors, and composting facilities to more than 10 farmers and irrigators’ associations.

Alcala also turned over certificates of funds for the construction of farm-to-market roads in Kitcharao, Tubay and RTR, in Agusan del Norte.

“We will continue to deliver to you high-impact projects, that will benefit you for a long time,” he continued, stressing that the present administration will continue to implement projects that would provide maximum benefits to the Filipino farmers.

Apart from these, the Philippine Rural Development Project also issued during the event, a No Objection Letter (NOL) or notice to proceed for the FMR projects located at Nasipit and Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, Sison, and Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

Alcala urged the youth to take agri-related courses in line with the government’s efforts to produce new breed of farmers.

“And so I request the regional office to evaluate and screen students who are interested to take agri courses,” he said adding that the DA will provide scholarship grants. “We will be more than happy to shoulder not only the tuition fees of these deserving students but also their other school expenses.” (DA)


PASIG CITY-- As part of the government’s advocacy for protecting and upholding the rights of every child, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) teamed up to raise awareness on legal adoption of children.

DepEd, DSWD partner to promote rights of adopted children

Legal na Ampon Ako: Anak na Totoo brought together DepEd school officials, teachers, child-caring partners, and adoption agencies in a forum to bring focus on the processes required of adoption. Adoption is recognized as

a tool to protect and uphold the rights of a child as mandated by United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

“Adopted children may be very vulnerable at some point in


their lives, so it is important for schools to offer them a caring environment where they will feel safe, accepted, loved, and not discriminated against,” DepEd Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages Mario A. Deriquito said.

Speaking about the CRC’s guiding principles and the rights of a child to survival and development, protection, and participation, Association of Child-Caring Agencies President (ACCAP) Atty. Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana called for

immediate attention to the needs of children.

Pimentel-Gana added that children need protection not only because they are entitled to the same human rights as adults, but also because their dependence on adults causes their opinions and needs to be ignored or overlooked as trivial. Rosalie D. Dagulo, OIC-Assistant Director of DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau, reiterated the social, administrative, and legal

file photo of www.canadianinquirer.net


processes required in adopting a child, starting with the issuance of a DSWD Certification Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA).

The CDCLAA is a certificate that is issued after a thorough process of ensuring that an abandoned (foundlings included), surrendered, or neglected child is no longer reinstatable to his or her biological family. Only after this would the process of legal adoption—which includes application of interested parents, preparation of home study report, screening of applications, matching or family selection, pre-placement and placement of child, supervised trial custody, finalization of adoption, and issuance of adoption documents—commence.

Intercountry Adoption Board (IAB) Executive Director Atty. Bernadette B. Abejo emphasized the need to be cautious of

usual illegal adoption cases like “simulation of birth” (or tampering of the civil registry to indicate the adopting parents’ names on the birth certificate, thus doing away with the legal obligations of adopting), which may also lead to child trafficking.

“But there is so much hope for these children (on the streets),” Abejo said, mentioning how the IAB’s precise process of matching potential adoptive parents from different countries with qualified children has changed the lives of Filipino adoptees.

Chaired by DSWD, other organizing committee members for this adoption consciousness effort are child caring/placement agencies such as Norfil Foundation Inc., CRIBS Foundation, and Kaisahang Buhay Foundation Inc., ACCAP, local government units (LGUs), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). (DepEd)


Task force for Mindanao transmission issues files potential resolution to secure Tower 25

MANILA -- The Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF) submitted a proposed resolution to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to secure Tower 25 of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Lanao del Sur. “It will enable NGCP to conduct the repair on Tower 25, since it’s critical for the

(transmission line of the) Agus 1 and Agus 2 hydropower plants,” Department of Energy (DOE)

By: Juzel L. Danganan

file photo of www.wazzuppilipinas.com

14 One Mindanao February 23, 2016

Secretary Zenaida Monsada said in a press conference Tuesday.

DOE leads the task force, which is composed of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of National Defense (DND), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Land Registration Authority, National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Power Corporation (Napocor), National Security Council, National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine National Police (PNP), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

It aims to resolve the right-of-way (ROW) concerns and

transmission issues in Mindanao through legal remedies.

Monsada also bared the resolution aims to tap personnel from the PNP, AFP, National Police Commission (Napolcom), DILG, DENR and DPWH to secure transmission lines, substations and other facilities. They are also tasked to provide assistance and coordinate with the NGCP.

She further said there are leads to the identity of the bombers, which often used incendiary explosive devices, but stressed the AFP and PNP has to investigate and confirm it.

Tower 25 was bombed last Dec. 24, 2015, affecting Mindanao’s power supply, as it carried the Agus 2-Kibawe 138-kilovolt (kV) line. However, personnel from power-grid operator NGCP were refused entry to the tower by the Sambitory family in Lanao del Sur.

The secretary noted the repair is vital for the reliable power supply of Mindanao, which is loomed to have a critical power situation from April to May. (PNA)


Candidates to the Davao Bago Awards screenedDAVAO CITY- An officer of the governing board of the Datu Bago Awards Organization Incorporated revealed the current evaluation for the awardees to the conferment of the 46th Datu Bago Awards, one of the highlights of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration. `Maria Julieta Torres, exec-utive director of the Datu Bago Awards Organization, Incorpo-rated said they are currently as-sessing the leadership traits of the endorsed names who might receive the award this year. “Datu Bago award confer-ment is the highest recognition given by the city government to its residents who have contrib-uted greatly to its development and way of life as city of Davao,” she said. Torres said the awardees might come from various fields namely education, journalism and the like with highly rec-ognized accomplishments that make Davao City known to the world. She said the awardee must be law-abiding, of good moral character and has a good repu-

tation to the community. “There were a total of 154 Datu Bago awardees already,” Torres said.She said the Datu Bago Awards Board will eventually announce the names of the awardees once Mayor Rodrigo Duterte confirmed the results of their evaluation.Marina Ruivivar, a member of the board and a Datu Bago awardee in 2008 underscored other crite-ria of an awardee ranging from being a resident of the city for ten years, a Davaoeno by heart and spirit, and has contributed much and significantly to the growth and development of the city. She said an awardee must not only be good in his profes-sion, but also exemplary in his effort, time and ideas of serving the Davaoenos.


“The financial status is the least of all criteria because in the past there were many awardees who came from the middle class and poor sector,” Ruivivar said. She said Datu Bago was a warrior of Tausug lineage, whose father was a chieftain.

Ruivivar said Datu Bago was remembered as a warrior with strong leadership in defending the country against the foreign invaders, a feat shared by Lapu-lapu in Mactan Island, Cebu and Dagohoy of Bohol Island. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Stakeholders assess action plan for Davao River rehabDAVAO CITY-Stakeholders of the Davao River Water Quality Man-agement Area convened at the Grand Regal Hotel today to push for the rehabilitation and preservation of the DaStakeholders vao river.Engr. Nestor Patnugot, chief of the Environment Management Education Division of the Envi-ronment Management Bureau XI said the plans of the stakehold-ers who form as members of the standing committees will be used in the agenda of the Watershed Governing Board for their meet-ings. The stakeholders’ commit-tees were the capacity devel-opment, information-education campaign committee, mobiliza-tion planning and research de-velopment, and monitoring. He said transparency and accountability will be measured

here especially that the Commis-sion on Audit will look closely on the impact of the program to the ordinary people. “Six years of the Philip-pine Development Plan under the Aquino Administration will be evaluated by looking through how we protect our rivers,” Pat-nugot said. He also looked forward that the next successor of President Aquino will continue the pro-grams of the Davao River Waq-ma. Monitoring stations of the EMB XI are found among eight barangays along Davao River.


DAVAO DEL NORTE- After pulling off the best Palarong Pambansa ever last year, the Province of Davao del Norte is raising the bar with the establishment of the Davao del Norte Regional Sports Academy (DNRSA).

The facility became a reality when President Benigno Simeon Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10674, establishing the DNRSA to be located at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Com-plex in Mankilam, Tagum City. 1st District Congressman Anthony del Rosario, who prin-cipally authored the measure in Congress, said the facility, which is the first nationally-legislated sports academy in the country, shall be the primary sports de-velopment and training center

for the Davao Region. “The sports academy will provide better opportunities for our young athletes in the Davao Region,” he said.As he puts it, DNRSA “is a mani-festation of our firm commit-ment to continuously develop our youth in the field of sports and to provide a competitive venue for producing elite athletes,” in the region. Cong. del Rosario handed over the DNRSA marker to Gov-ernor Rodolfo del Rosario and

Engr. Metudio Turbella, di-rector of the Environment Man-agement Bureau XI called for the meeting and urged partner line-government agencies, envi-ronmental advocacy group, the Davao City Water District, pri-vate firms and nongovernment organization to work together in

improving the water quality of the city’s biggest waterway. He assured that the EMB XI will support all efforts spear-headed by the Davao River Water Quality Management Area in or-der to attain its objective in pre-serving the river. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

More opportunities for Davao athletes with sports academy in Tagum


DepEd-XI Regional Director Atty. Alberto Escobarte, during the opening ceremonies of the 2016 Davao Region Athletic Associa-tion (DAVRAA) Meet last Febru-ary 14, 2016. The marker contains tab-lets of R.A. 10674, bearing the signatures of President Aquino, Senate President Franklin Dril-lon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. Unlike other provincial sports development training cen-ters that are created by local or-dinances, DNRSA has the back-ing of a national law that assures the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Phil-ippine Sports Commission (PSC). Governor Rodolfo del Rosa-rio said funds are already avail-able for the start of the facility. He said the training center will assure the sustainability of the spanking world-class sports complex of the province. (Noel Baguio/PIO DavNor)


National schools presscon opens in Koronadal City By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Feb. 23 — Close to 5,000 delegates, including 2,958 campus journalists, from the country’s 17 regions are here for the five-day 2016 National Schools Press Conference.


Education Secretary Bro. Ar-min Luistro also arrived here for the opening ceremonies at the New City Hall, 4:30 p.m. Monday (February 22).

Broadcast journalist and TV personality Kara David will ad-dress the participants as the keynote speaker.

Anchored on the theme “The Role of 21st Century Cam-pus Journalists in Upholding Good Governance, Leadership and Transparency,” the confer-ence aims “to demonstrate un-derstanding of the importance of journalism by expressing it through different journalis-tic endeavors and approaches; sustain advocacy on social con-sciousness and environmental awareness; provide a venue for an enriching learning experience for students interested in Jour-nalism as a career or those who intend to use skill sets learned through campus journalism to give them a better edge in their chosen careers; promote re-sponsible journalism and fair and ethical use of social media; and enhance journalistic com-petence through healthy and friendly competitions.”

From Tuesday to Friday, ele-mentary and high school cam-pus journalists will be compet-

ing in individual events such as news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, copyreading and headline writing, sports writing, science and health writing, editing and photojour-nalism as well as group events like TV scriptwriting and broad-casting in English and Filipino.

School publications will also compete for the best news section, editorial section, fea-ture section, sports section, sci-ence and health section and layout and page design.

Mervie Seblos of the Koro-nadal City Schools Division and local NSPC focal person said the contests will be held at the Notre Dame of Marbel Univer-sity-Integrated Basic Education (NDMU-IBED) campus and at the South Cotabato Gymna-sium and Cultural Center.

Director Bayocot said contest venues will be closed to pub-lic, even to coaches, officials chaperons and media.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Peter Miguel allayed concerns over peace and order condition of the city. He assured partici-pants that the city and South Cotabato province are peaceful, citing the city government’s organizing of an international event in 2015.


Skills training for MILF decommissioned combatants reels offBy:Perlita B. Changco

Koronadal City hosted the CIOFF International Folklore Festival on August 8-19, 2015 participated in by over 400 performers from Russia, Slove-nia, Poland, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan, Chinese Tai-pei, Turkey, and the Philippines. The event featured perfor-mances in gymnasiums and open spaces in Koronadal City, Tacurong City, and General Santos City as well as munici-palities in South Cotabato, Sa-rangani and Sultan Kudarat.

Although they did not declare any alert level, the City PNP also guaranteed the safety of the delegates in their billeting

quarters and contest venues.Police senior inspector Jome-

ro Sentinta said two police of-ficers and four members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team will be deployed in each billeting quarter. Police officers will also be stationed in each contest venue.

Twelve public elementary and secondary schools and four private academic institu-tions are being used as bil-leting quarters of contestants, coaches and official chaperons. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from RABSumanghid-DevCom Intern)

COTABATO CITY, Feb. 23 -Some 133 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) decommis-sioned combatants take the opportunity to undergo the free voca-tional courses and skills training program of the Technical Educa-tion and Skills Development Authority in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (TESDA-ARMM).

This skills training program of TESDA is agency’s contribution to the socio-economic package

for the decommissioned com-batants to help them produc-tively re-integrate back to their


communities and their fami-lies under the Annex on Normal-ization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro CAB).

The 133 represent the initial trainees among the 145 MILF combatants who laid down their firearms during the Ceremo-nial Turnover of Weapons and Decommissioning of the MILF Combatants held June 16, 2015 at the Old Capitol, Sultan Kuda-rat, Maguindanao with no less that Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III gracing the event.

TESDA-ARMM Executive Di-rector Datu Omar Shariff Jaafar said, this is a manifestation of the commitment of TESDA to help in the capacitation of de-commissioned combatants with different technical and livelihood skills.

“We are glad to be part of this endeavor to be able to contrib-ute to peace and development especially to the peace process itself and to showcase that it is possible to get competitive tech-nical vocational education and training locally,” Jaafar said.

TESDA offers these unique courses to everyone for free, he points out.

Decommissioned combatants chose driving course (41), car-

pentry (25), motorcycle/small engine mechanic (23), bread and pastry production (13), dressmaking/tailoring (9), cook-ery/food processing (4), 7 train-ees each for welding and electri-cal installation and maintenance and 2 trainees each for automo-tive servicing and entrepreneur-ship training.

Each trainee will receive PhP206 allowance per day.

Deputy Director General for TESD Operation Atty. Teodoro Pascua, reiterates TESDA’s man-date to provide skills training and vocational courses for liveli-hhod opportunities.

“The TESDA is always ready to provide the needs of the residents in the communities to help improve their livelihood through the courses and train-ings that we offer,” Pascua said. “We expect that after the skills training program, you will able to put up your own business to encourage others to start also their own small-scale business.’

The training course will be conducted at the TESDA-ARMM’s Regional Manpower Develop-ment Center (RMDC) in Baran-gay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.(IBEroy/PBChang-co-PIA Cotabato City)


PhilHealth now covers 97% CaraganonsBy: Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY-- The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) now has 97 percent of the Caraganons under its program as mem-bers or beneficiaries. This was disclosed by PHIC Regional Vice President Johnny Y. Sychua in a media briefing as

part of his welcome address and 2015 operational highlights, as kick-off of the commemoration of


its 21st Anniversary celebration this month. More highlights of the commemoration will be done on Sunday, February 14, according to Sychua. For 20 years, the corporation had been true to its vision which is: “Bawat Filipino Membro, Bawat Membro Protektado, Kalusugan Naging Sigurado,” Sychua said. According to the PhilHealth regional chief, the 3 percent non-PhilHealth members or beneficiaries here in the region constituted mostly of the indigenous people in the hinterlands and some “street people,” who for one reason or another had not availed of the program despite of its information and education dissemination programs.

Also in Caraga region, most of the members are from the National Housing Targeting System Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) because Caraga is still among the poorest region of the country. According to RVP Sychua, Caraga region has now 17 PhilHealth accredited hospitals, 37 infirmaries and 94 maternity care units. In the national level 93 million Filipinos are either members, beneficiaries or dependents, and that’s 92% of the Filipinos in the country. Other highlights of the media briefing included the updates on the membership, benefits and the media forum thereafter. (PNA)


Atty. Riza Ann Donalyn Culima-Constantino, city election officer, gladly said that the event was not only fruitful but successful as well, attributing it to the high percentage of attendance. In her letter of invitation dated February 17, 2016, the COMELEC city chief pointed out that the aim of conducting such an activity was “To attain an honest, orderly, transparent and peaceful May 9, 2016 Elections.”

Atty. Constantino stressed that the core of discussion was in connection with “the rules and regulations implementing Republic Act No. 9006 known as ‘Fair Election Act’ or Republic Act No. 7166,” adding that “As affected entities of this law, we should have common understanding about this to avoid penalties or committing an act against the law.”

Tandag City COMELEC holds briefing for local candidates, media practitioners, printing press operators By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– The City COMELEC Office here held a briefing for local candidates, media practitioners and printing press operators at the Romualdez Building of Tandag Pilot Elementary School on Saturday, February 20, 2016.

file photo of http://www8.gmanews.tv/


This is a universal campaign to support the call for the protection of women against violence. This year, the One Billion Rising “Break the Chain” dance revolution was held to spread awareness of the campaign. Pursuant to Republic Act 10398, An Act Declaring November Twenty-Five Of Every Year As “National Consciousness Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women And Children”

and Proclamation No. 1172 s. 2006, Declaring November 25 to December 12 of every year as the “18- Day Campaign to End Violence against Women in the Philippines,” the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in coordination with government agencies of the Regional Development Council on Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) spearheaded the One Billion Rising “Break the Chain”

AgNor supports One Billion Rising Revolution By: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte supported the campaign for One Billion Rising: Rise for Revolution to end rape and sexual violence against women.


dance revolution, which was held on February 12, at Robinsons Place here and participated in by officials and employees of various government agencies including the provincial government. During the event, a short video presentation was shown to all the participants before the dance revolution led by the employees of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and was followed by a zumba dance. The campaign was initiated by playwright and activist Eve Ensler (known for her play The Vagina Monologues), and her organization V-Day. In 2012, the One Billion Rising campaign culminated in the biggest mass global action to end violence

against women ever with tens of thousands of events held. It continued every year thereafter with the theme One Billion Rising (2013), One Billion Rising for Justice (2014) and One Billion Rising: Rise for Revolution (2015). Groups supporting this campaign said that change can happen if grassroots movements and marginalized communities are in the lead. They said that “change can happen if we act now and we act together.” The groups are radicalizing their actions-enlarging, deepening and expanding the revolution so that many people would be aware of the campaign and end violence against women.

29February 23, 2016 One Mindanao 29


SSS to upgrade Tawi-Tawi service office to branch

By Felipo David G. Malcampo


Eddie Jara, SSS senior vice president for Visayas and Mindanao operations group said that “plans are underway to upgrade the Tawi-Tawi service office to a full service SSS branch to better cater to the needs of members.” The office is currently managed by officer-in-charge Lincoln Tawasil. Also, as part of the office upgrading, “the SSS has been in coordination with internet service providers to improve connectivity in Tawi-Tawi,” since many of the SSS facilities rely on the internet, said communications analyst Napoleon Rabanal II. In a press release, Nabanal said that this move by SSS to enhance its services is due to the fact that the province is now considered as an “economic tiger” in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). They are expecting more members in the coming years. Meanwhile, the SSS has recently renovated their office in Bongao “to provide better

services to its members and employers in the area,” said vice president for Western Mindanao Atty. Rodrigo Filoteo. The service office currently handles an average of 144 transactions daily. “We are putting much effort to enhance our Tawi-Tawi service office, which is now more spacious and comfortable for our transacting clients. We plan to further improve our office facilities and bring in additional personnel so that we can penetrate far-flung barangays and island municipalities for their possible participation in the AlkanSSSya program and other SSS initiatives,” Filoteo said.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) service office in Bongao town, Tawi-Tawi, currently catering to over 5,000 members will soon be a full-fledged branch office after plans for its upgrading will be finalized, said an SSS official recently.


DOLE-NRCO turns over starter kits to undocumented OFWs in Sibugay By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Department of Labor and Employment-National Reintegration Center for OFWs (DOLE-NRCO) recently awarded starter kits to 16 undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) held at the DOLE Provincial Office here.

Mr. Elamsalih E. Ungad, officer-in-charge of DOLE Sibugay said the OFWs received livelihood assistance in the form of tools, jigs and materials amounting to P159,711.00. “Livelihood projects such as sari-sari store, commercial cooking, tailoring and bread and pastries making were funded under the Livelihood Development Assistance Program of DOLE-NRCO,” the labor chief explained. Ungad said those who availed of the program are undocumented OFWs who have returned to the Philippines. Undocumented OFWs are those who acquired their passports through fraud or misrepresentation; those who possess expired visa or permits to stay; those who have no travel documents whatsoever;

those who have valid but inappropriate visa; or those employment contracts which were not processed by POEA or subsequently verified and registered on site by POLO, if required by law or regulation. The beneficiaries will receive a business enterprise start-up kit worth P10,000 which consist of the materials of their proposed business. All availees of the LDAP are required to finish the Small Business Management Training and Financial Awareness Seminar to prepare them in managing a small business enterprise. During the turn-over of the kits, Ungad challenged the beneficiaries to take good care of their business and innovate in order for their business to prosper. He also reminded them of the importance and value of saving and good investment.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The first leg of Pilipinas Debates 2016 which was held in Cagayan de Oro City on 21 February 2016 stirred many of Kagay-anons not just to support their presidential bets but also to assess who deserves to serve the country in the next election.

By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Pilipinas Debates 2016 stirs crowd in CDO


Around 1,500 supporters and various stakeholders came personally to the Capitol University (CU) in the city, to witness live presidential candidates outwit each other in the debate. Jasmine Leslie Iserio, student of CU said it is a pleasure that her school is chosen as venue for the presidential debate and would want the presidential candidates to answer, “What makes them different from the other candidates?” She added that the debate is really effective wherein it opens the minds of the people as well as the youth. Edna Daanoy, barangay councillor of Patag Cagayan de Oro City commended the debate saying that she appreciated that the venue is in the city so that they will know personally what the candidates are thinking and planning to do for the people. She also urged them to give priority to the women such as providing livelihood programs or employment opportunities to contribute to the income of their husbands and the economy as a whole. Meanwhile, Alfredo Balansag, barangay captain of Andac Davao City during the live viewing of the debate in CU said that he hopes that all development projects in the country will also be given to the barangays especially in Mindanao. He stressed that presidential candidates should look into and focus on Mindanao especially the young ones, their future and address drugs, crimes, insurgency

and terrorism in the island. He added that the next president should be brave enough to stop crimes. Edison Lacea, student of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan said that as member of youth sector, he would like to know the stand of presidential candidates on the current educational reform such as K to 12. He also wants to know how the candidates will make education much more accessible especially to the out of school youth and identify their different youth development programs. On the other hand, Bridgit Espinosa of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental said she is glad all the presidentiables are present. In terms of answering the questions laid on them, she said that all of the presidential candidates were able to answer. One thing she would like to point out is that projects in the country should not be cornered in one area but distributed to all. She said that development in Mindanao can be seen through infrastructure, basic services and policies. What needs to be done is to continue these projects and continue participation as well especially from the local government units, thus, strengthen policies and eliminate corruption, she said. Finally, Nashrudin Piang Kusain, executive director of Adat-Bedat Inc. in Cotabato City said that he wants two things from the next president, develop agricultural lands and ensure food in every household especially in Mindanao.


Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office Head Leonardo G. Rodrigo reported that this is an initiative in line with the micro savings program of the Social Security System (SSS) called “AlkanSSSya”, offering affordable SSS premium contribution to informal sector groups (ISGs). Rodrigo further conveyed, “The AlkanSSSya program in Sapang Dalaga was first launched in 2014, enrolling members of Drivers Associations in the locality; initially the Sapang Dalaga Habal-Habal Motor Drivers’ Association (SADAHAMODA) with 40 beneficiaries. They are also happen

to be recipients of DOLE-X Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) Banana Cardava Production Project.” Not long after, the program extended to other informal/unregulated sector workers like market/ambulant vendors and farmers/fishermen including the Sapang Dalaga Vendors’ Association, whose 24 beneficiaries likewise received financial assistance from the DOLE-X BUB. The program has a convenient monthly contribution collection and remittance system, wherein the members save up to ₱11 a day to

Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sapang Dalaga recently signed an agreement with MLhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop providing family social insurance to 478 beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) on 15 December 2015, at the Sapang Dalaga Gymnasium, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental.

DILEEP beneficiaries in Misamis Occidental covered by social insurance

The Pilipinas Debates 2016 was organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership with GMA Network Incorporated and Philippine Daily Inquirer. All the five presidential candidates

were present in the debate including Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

By: Lei Garrett I. Miraflor


eventually pay their ₱330 monthly dues. Through convergence with the LGU, the ISGs were provided with their own AlkanSSSya units installed at the Municipal Hall. Under the AlkanSSSya Program, members will be able to avail of the SS housing and educational loans as well as the different social security benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death and funeral. Through the deliberate and strategic efforts of the Municipal Mayor, Manuel G. Animas and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Leonora I. Miraflor, the LGU was able to tap two other insurance providers for additional coverage; namely MLhuillier and Palawan Express Pawnshop. ML Family Protect is one of the four insurance packages of MLhuillier Philippines under the umbrella of ML Pamilya Insurance Plans that provides Accidental Death/Permanent Disablement, Cash Assistance for Natural Death and Fire Cash Assistance and covers up to a family member with four children. Likewise, the Premium Pamilya ProtekTODO of Palawan Pawnshop extends accident insurance protection to the insured and the immediate members of his/her family for one year. However, unlike the SSS, the ML and PP premiums will be shouldered by the LGU at a cost of ₱99 and ₱100 per family every year; respectively.

The participating groups include Tru-Cut Boundary Women’s Association (TRUBWA), Poblacion Women’s Association, San Agustin Women’s Association, Poblacion Carpenter’s & Mason’s Association, Bitibut Women’s Association, Vendor’s Association, Returning OFW’s Association, Balik Pinas & OFWs Dependent’s Association, SPES Parents’ Association, and Poblacion Carpenters’ & Masons’ Association. “Our ultimate aim is to contribute to the concerted efforts in battling poverty and trying to achieve optimal development of the families and the whole community, said Mayor Animas. DOLE-X Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante stressed that work in the informal economy, by definition, is work with uncertain income, high levels of hazard associated with work and absence of work-related measures of social protection such as pension, sick pay and health insurance. Agravante added that little attention has been paid to the role of informal sector in fostering growth and creating jobs. Although informal employment gives many people an opportunity to earn reasonable incomes, most informal workers are without secure income, employment benefits and social protection. The enormity of the issue has endeavored the LGU to uphold social protection thereby providing better and improved quality of life for its vulnerable populations, especially the


NGCP boosts public school facilities in MindanaoILIGAN CITY – Staying true to its commitment to help communities by boosting educational facilities, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) built a multi-purpose hall, and classrooms for three public schools in Mindanao. The recipients were Pedro Molde Elementary School in Brgy. Cabilinan, Aurora, Zamboanga del Norte (for a multi-purpose hall); Dalama Elementary School in Tubod, Lanao del Norte (for a two-classroom building); and Maria Cristina National High School in Maria Cristina, Iligan City (for a three-classroom building) – all located in communities hosting NGCP facilities. Barangay Cabilinan currently hosts NGCP’s Aurora Substation which provides power transmission services to the entire Zamboanga Peninsula, Misamis Occidental, and parts of

Lanao del Norte, while Barangay in Tubod is traversed by the Baloi-Aurora 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line that delivers the power supply from Agus 1 and 2 power plants to the rest of the Mindanao grid. NGCP’s Mindanao Regional Office, meanwhile, is located in Maria Cristina, Iligan City. NGCP’s on-going priority project, the Aurora-Polanco 138-kV transmission line project, will traverse through the communities near Brgy. Cabilinan, while the Agus 6 Switchyard Upgrading Project is in Iligan City. “In building infrastructure, we consult the local government and

poorest, women, and youth. Rodrigo lauded the LGU and PESO for their contribution and role in stimulating economic development to the beneficiaries not only in the implementation of the various DOLE Programs but also in going the extra mile of providing them with social benefits. In response, Poblacion Women’s

Association (PWA) President Relyn Tumanda said, “Nagpasalamat jud mi ug dako nga nahatagan mi ani nga oportunidad. Mas kampante nami karon gikan sa insurance bisan na among panginabuhi dili klaro (We are very grateful for this opportunity. We feel more secured because of the insurance despite our uncertain income).


school leaders, and consider the most urgent needs of the public schools, in. We see to it that these host communities, who are critical in safeguarding our facilities, receive what they need,” said NGCP. Separate turn-over and inauguration ceremonies were held, with Mayor Nelieta Q. Noval and Vice-Mayor Emmanuel Palma leading the programs in Tubod and Aurora, respectively. “While our mandate is to provide efficient and reliable power transmission services, we ensure that our partners in protecting our lines and facilities – our host communities and the residents -- are taken care of. Building schools and supporting the public education system, is our way of giving back. We want to help ensure

the future of the youth by providing them with facilities conducive to learning and growth,” stated NGCP. NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. (NGCP/PIA 10-LDN)

one mindanao - february 23, 2016

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