one mindanao - february 3, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

2/F Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Today’s issue... Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 173

February 2 is World Wetlands Day, DENR sets series of activities

Xavier Ecoville welcomes 2nd batch of families

DA chief leads Agri-Pinoy Stakeholders’ meet in Camiguin

LGU Tupi strengthens “munisipyo sa barangay” program

DepEd-Butuan determined to defend Caraga Regional Athletic Meet championship title

Claro A. Lanipa, Western Mindanao

Vanessa M. Gorra, Northern Mindanao

Jorie C. Valcorza, Northern Mindanao

15

19Series of energization activities set in Surigao del Sur21

Customs seizes misdeclared onions in Davao Port

RG Alam, Southern Mindanao

Aquino cites importance of good governance in achieving sustainable progress and development 10

City gov’t waives rental fee of local electric coop16

PNP says Zamboanga del Norte is safe Alfonso T. Ruda, Western Mindanao

8

13

18

Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

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

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

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

Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……………... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARD

Cover Story

Provincial hospital soon

to rise in Surigao Norte

Fryan E. AbkilanCaraga Region

Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 173

February 2 is World Wetlands Day, DENR sets series of activities

Xavier Ecoville welcomes 2nd batch of families

DA chief leads Agri-Pinoy Stakeholders’ meet in Camiguin

LGU Tupi strengthens “munisipyo sa barangay” program

Pops Gumana Fruylan, Central Mindanao


Robert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

2428

29

page 4

Series of energization activities set in Surigao del Sur

Greg Tataro, Jr., Caraga Region

Customs seizes misdeclared onions in Davao Port 32

Aquino cites importance of good governance in achieving sustainable progress and development

City gov’t waives rental fee of local electric coopDEDoguiles, Central Mindanao

PNP says Zamboanga del Norte is safe 2322

2631

4 Friday, February 3, 2012ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

Provincial hospital soon to rise in Surigao del Norte

A provincial hospital will soon be constructed and established after Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and the provincial

government officials held a groundbreaking ceremony and laying of capsule on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Placer.

by Fryan E. Abkilan

5 Friday, February 3, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Placer Mayor Felimon Napuli, in his welcome message, expressed gratitude to the provincial officials for choosing his municipality to be the site of the province’s new 50-bed medical facility. “It is an honor as well as privilege that the Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital will soon rise in this land of promise and golden town of Placer,” he said. “As the mayor of this town, I can’t measure the gratefulness I feel right now,” he added. Department of Health (DOH) Asec. Dr. Romulo Busuego, in his message, revealed that the agency has committed around P140 million for the construction

and upgrading of the medical facilities of the hospital. Busuego said Health Secretary Enrique Ona had already earmarked an initial P50 million for the construction of Phase 1. “We are witnessing another milestone of health program, aiming to achieve the three important goals of our health reforms today. The department has actually committed P140 million to complete this institution. The Phase 1 is already here, we have it released thru the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),” Busuego said. Right after his speech, a symbolic signing of the


memorandum of agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation was then held between Gov. Sol Matugas, Sec. Gazmin and Asec Busuego. It is stated in the MOA that the Philippine Army and the Provincial Government have agreed to swap the two-hectare property owned by Philippine Army in front of the 30th Infantry Battalion Headquarters along the national highway in Brgy. Sta. Cruz with the property of the provincial government situated at Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit to pave the way for the construction of the hospital. Sec. Gazmin emphasized the commitment of the national government under President Benigno S. Aquino III to bring the basic services much closer to the people. “One of the real assets of a strong nation is its healthy citizenry, this presupposes the fulfillment and the fundamental duty on the part of the government to take care of the health needs and ensure the physical well-being of its people. Accordingly, this forms part of the social contract with the Filipino people of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III,” Gazmin said.


The site groundbreaking was also graced by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, 4th ID Commanding General MGen. Victor Felix, EASTMINCOM Commanding Officer

Commodore Santiago Nebres, 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Ronald Albano, municipal mayors, some provincial and local officials.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino forwards substitute Freedom of Information Bill to congressional allies

President Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration has submitted a substitute Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) to their allies in the lower house for the eventual passage of the legislation aimed at having wider public access to

government information.

“Now because it’s your 112th anniversary,

let me give y o u

my gift. Here’s the scoop: I am happy to share with you that we have made progress in a much talk-

ed about issue. Earlier today—and actu-ally this


afternoon—we formally submitted to our coalition partners in the House of Representatives a substi-tute Freedom of Informa-tion Bill, which we believe addresses stakeholders’ desires to have more trans-parency and more access to information in govern-ment,” the President said in his speech at the 112th anniversary of the Manila Bulletin on Thursday.

“We want every other administration voted into power to work under the same standard of trans-parency and accountability that we have set for our-selves. This is a significant

step toward achiev-ing that goal,”

h e

added.Just before his an-

nouncement, the Presi-dent instructed his com-munications group, which has been doing consulta-tions to craft the legisla-tion, to “push ahead” with the much-delayed Free-dom of Information bill.

During the 14th Con-gress, the House of Rep-resentatives failed to ratify the FOI bill due to lack of quorum and pro-tests from congressmen, although the Senate rati-fied a similar measure in the bicameral conference committee.

There are several versions of the FOI bill filed in the 15th Congress that have been pending at the committee level

in both the houses of Con-gress. The 15th Congress wanted the passage of the controversial measure as its major achievement.

Once passed, the FOI bill would allow the pub-lic to obtain records of government transactions, meetings and other busi-nesses, a right enshrined in the Constitution. It will also provide definite pro-cedure in dealing with requests for information and seeks to penalize of-ficials denying access to information.

President Aquino vowed to support the passage of the bill during the 2010 presidential cam-paign. (AS)


President Benigno S. Aquino III stressed the importance of implementing good governance in pursuit of real and sustainable progress in the country and the people as he warned those who are still living in deceit and corruption

to be ready to face the consequences of their malevolent acts.

Aquino cites importance of good governance in achieving sustainable progress and development

In his speech during the 65th anniversary celebra-tion of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) at the Penthouse of the Bulwagan ng Diwang

Pilipino, DBP Head Office in Maka-

ti City on

Friday, President Aquino expressed the unyield-ing and intensified efforts of the government to go after unscrupulous public servants who are getting wealthy at the expense of the Filipino people.

“To those who might still be holding on to

their ways despite my ex-pressed direct order to thread the straight path, please do not test me… I can be a patient man but my patience has its limits especially for those who stand as obstacles to reform,”


the President said.“Keep this in mind

especially for the next year, which will be more challenging and more important, we will be continuing our pursuit… conviction and punishment of those who have done wrong and we will make certain that the fruits we have picked along the path of good governance redounds in tangible ways to the benefit of the Filipino people,” he added.

President Aquino cited the acceptable results of good governance that could promote the influx of more investors in the country resulting to more jobs and economic oppor-tunity for the people.

“Good governance pays dividends… it fosters con-fidence in our institutions attracting more investors in establishing a system of predictable outcomes and stability,” the President said.

“Those who fall in line, follow the rules

and work

hard will get their goals… those who break the law will be held accountable. All of us must strengthen our efforts at good gover-nance… on your shoulders lies the fate of the devel-opment projects for our countrymen,” he stressed.

The Chief Executive, together with Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, led the celebration of the state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines’ anniversary rites.

During the event, DBP president and chief executive officer Francisco del Rosario Jr. reported on the new DBP initiatives designed to increase its assistance to various priority thrusts of the Aquino administration. This includes the Connecting Rural and Urban Intermodal Systems Efficiently (CRUISE) program which is the bank’s response to the national government’s efforts to promote increased investment in the transport infrastructure.

With a budget allo-

cation of 20 billion pesos, it is aligned with the Phil-ippine Development Plan 2011-2016 for infrastruc-ture investments.

Other DBP projects in-clude the Tree-Planting Financing Program (TPFP) and Financing for Public Basic Education (FPBE), among others.

The DBP officials and Board of Directors assisted by Secretary Purisima also presented to the President, the symbolic check bearing the P4 billion dividends to the national government. The actual check will be given to the government during the Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Day on February 6, Monday.

Forty one scholars rep-resenting the 458 DBP stu-dent scholars for the school year 2011-2012 under the DBP Endowment for Edu-cation Program (DEEP) were also presented. (JCL)


MAITUM, Sarangani - Mayor Elsie Perrett and Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano of Taguig City show the memorandum-of-agreement (MOA) they signed January 27 on mutual assistance and cooperation, among others active exchange of experiences, best practices, and resources in good governance particularly in the field of tourism, education, commerce/trade and industry, environmental protection, public health, and social services; and promotion and implementa-tion of sustainable programs geared towards better understanding and appreciation of their respective cultures, gifts, and resources. (Afren de Guzman)

Sarangani town, Taguig City ink pact on mutual assistance, cooperation

Photo Release


Fresh tilapia from Lake Sebu safe for consumption -- officialsby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Most fresh tilapia fish sourced from the Lake Sebu are safe for consumption, officials here say.

Lake Sebu Mayor An-tonio Fungan said the recent fish kill in South Cotabato’s premiere tourist destination has not affected the entire Lake.

“Not all fish cages

were affected by the fish kill,” he said. The inci-dent, he added, only af-fected a very small por-tion of the lake.

Fungan also assured foreign and local tour-ists that supply of fresh

tilapia will not be lacking since most of the fish growers in the area can still provide market re-quirement.

Besides the popular zipline at Seven Falls, tasting Lake Sebu’s


tilapia delicacies, including inihaw, kinilaw, paksiw, cracklings, tempura and many others has a common objective of visitors.

Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Reynaldo Legaste said, based on their strict monitoring, no “double-dead” tilapia have been transported to be sold fresh in local markets.

In Lake Sebu and in the public market of Koronadal City, price of tilapia remains at P80 to P90 a kilo.

However, both Fungan and Legaste reminded buying public to carefully examine the tilapia before making purchases.

Legaste said, tilapia that died from the fish kill have dry scales and body and pale gills.

Mayor Fungan also reported that the fish kill has already abated.

He said, since Friday until yesterday, 48,7770 kg of tilapia have died off, causing about P3.92 million loss.

Fungan believes the fish kill was due to in-crease in the lake’s tem-

perature brought about by overpopulation of the fish cages, which like-wise resulted in oxygen depletion.

On Monday, Legaste said that he has already certified release of 2.5 million of tilapia fingerlings to be distributed to the 48 tilapia growers affected by the fish kill to help them get recover their losses.

He added fish growers in the area are familiar with fish kill, which the local call as “kamahong.” Kamahong, he said, is an annual phenomenon in Lake Sebu.

Last year, fish growers in the area lost about P1.4 million worth of produce to fish kill in July that killed more than 13,000 kg of tilapia.

Yesterday, experts from the Bureau of Fish-eries and Aquatic Re-sources (BFAR) and De-partment of Agriculture (DA) visited Lake Sebu to inspect the area and assess the damage of the recent fish kill.

BFAR has yet to release report on the

visit.But Acting Assistant

Regional Director Ambutong Pautong affected tilapia growers can expect support from the agency.

“Certainly we will provide fingerling sup-port [to tilapia growers in Lake Sebu,” Pautong said.

“Consultation with the local government is on-going but the dispersal of fingerlings cannot be implemented by until quality of water has stabilized,” he said.

However, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido warned the public against consuming dried tilapia – locally called “pinakas” -- suspected of contamination.

He said, eating con-taminated dried tilapia could cause food poi-soning.

Those who have signs of food poisoning – stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea – should immediately seek medical attention, he said. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


LGU Tupi strengthens “munisipyo sa barangay” programby Pops Gumana Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The municipal government of Tupi, South Cotabato is strengthening its “Munisipyo sa Barangay” program by reaching out to the farthest barangays of the municipality to bring basic services “closer to the people.”

According to a report from the office of the mayor, the recent “ba-rangayan” in Miasong was part of the second round of the Munisipyo sa Barangay program of Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. which start-ed in Barangay Cebua-no on November last year and is expected to serve the other 14 ba-

rangays within a year.It said the mayor was

pushing for the second year implementation of the program to reach out to those who were not able to avail of the free services especial-ly residents in remote barangays as well as to follow up the health conditions of those who were given free treat-

ment in the first phase of the program.

After two days in Mi-asong, the municipal government recorded a total of 503 residents who availed of the free medical check-up and were given free medi-cines, 26 cattles were marked, and 11 cou-ples were solemnized by the mayor.

“Fifty recipients have availed of the free birth registration, and 303 availed of the dental services which included tooth extrac-tion, general cleaning, and oral examinations for pregnant wom-en. Free toothbrush and oral examinations were also given to pre-schoolers,” the report said.

Moreover, the report disclosed that 11 volunteer dentists


from the Philippine Dental Association - South Cotabato Chapter, and Philippine National Police-Tupi conducted the free oral and dental services.

“Other services offered were

supplemental feeding, real property taxes assessment (RPTA), business licensing, agricultural services, road maintenance & other engineering works,” it added.

Meanwhile, Tamayo

revealed that for the first phase of the program, a total of 4,789 patients were checked-up and given free medicines; 1,329 cattles were marked; 1,914 were registered and had their birth certificates for free; 110 availed of the free basic internet literacy program; and a total of 1,302 couples were solemnized.

“We will do this regularly so that our people will no longer go to our municipal hall to transact business - they would just wait for the services to come in their barangays.” the mayor said.

City gov’t waives rental fee of local electric coopKORONADAL CITY -- The city government of Koronadal City will not charge rental fee for the use of its old city hall building by the local electric cooperative.

Since October, South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) has temporarily occupied part of the ground floor of the old city hall building at the city center.

This after, SO-

COTECO 1 was forced to moved out from its office inside Fit-mart Mall when the building was bought and occupied by Gai-sano Grand Mall.

To be able to efficiently deliver services to its

clientele in and around Koronadal City, SOCOTECO1 management led by General Manager Santiago Tudio asked the local government to be allow them to occupy a part of the building, which has


been vacated after the new city hall in Carpenter Hill was declared habitable.

This was approved but around December last year, some sectors questioned the privilege accorded to the cooperative.

Some members of the city then proposed that SOCOTECO 1 be charged P5,000 monthly rental fee.

But early this month, Mayor Peter B. Miguel asked the city council to waive

the monthly rental. He said, SOCOTECO

1 has been contributing millions to the city treasury compared to the few thousands of pesos of favor that that the city government could accord the cooperative for its interim use of the LGU’s facility.

This week, the city council approved Mayor Miguel’s request.

In response, GM Tudio said, thanked

city council mem-bers for agreeing with Mayor Miguel’s proposal to waive the rental fee.

He said, the city government would not lose out of the agree-ment since they have made repairs and reha-bilitation of the space they are occupying.

He also said that by March, they may vacate the old city hall and go back to its office inside Gaisano Grand Mall. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12)


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Agusan del Sur tops rice production in 2011 by Nora CL Molde

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) Caraga region has

identified Agusan del Sur as top rice-producing province in the region for 2011.


Based on BAS records, the province continue to top in producing rice followed by the provinces of Surigao del Sur then the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. Although the production of rice has decreased in 2011 because of the different calamities that hit the

region, BAS regional agricultural statistics officer Melchor Bautista said the production of rice and rubber are still leading in the region. Meanwhile, in an interview with a local station here, Bautista said their office is now preparing for the wet summer after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and

Astronomical Services Administration warned the public that rainy season would be experienced in the country until the month of August this year. Bautista further said that they are now studying the effects of the wet summer, especially that it might greatly affect rice production.


by Robert E. Roperos

Officials and coaches of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Butuan City Division is determined to defend the championship title they won last year in the Caraga Regional Athletic Meet, as the region’s annual athletic

event will take place on Feb. 5 to 9 at Patin-ay Grandstand in Agusan del Sur.


In an interview with a local radio station here, DepEd Butuan Division Assistant Athletic Manager Renato Latorre said athletes of this city are in good shape and has prepared for this event, showing their determination to grab the championship title for the second time around. Latorre said among the sports contested during the five-day athletic meet include basketball, volleyball, track and field, swimming, among others. The official added they are 80 percent confident that the city’s athletic delegation can defend the championship title. Latorre further acknowledged the city government headed by Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr. for giving support to the entire

delegation. He said the city government spent for the expenses of the athletes’ uniforms, medicines and food through the local school board fund. “With this, the city government has allocated enough budgets for the city’s delegation as it vied for another championship crown this year and Mayor Amante is hoping that the city’s athletes will again show their supremacy and bring home the beacon for the city,” Latorre said. M e a n w h i l e , archrival Agusan del Norte Athletic Delegation is also determined to grab the championship title from the defending champion Butuan City, as the team’s athletes have already undergone rigid trainings early last month.

It can be noted that the Agusan del Norte Athletic Delegation has been dominating the overall championship titles since the start of the Caraga Regional Athletic Meet way back in 1997, two years after Republic Act 7901 was approved by former President Fidel V. Ramos, creating the Caraga Administrative Region on Feb. 23, 1995. Because of this, more fun, excitement and action is expected to take place in this year’s major sporting event in the region to be held in the region’s land of golden opportunities, Agusan del Sur. This year’s 15th Caraga Regional Meet is anchored on the theme, “Athletes in the new millennium; Building borderless partnership through sports.”


According to Agi Jaluag, Information Officer of Surigao del Sur Electric Coopera-tive II (SURSECO II), the energization pro-gram which covers a purok and five sitios started yesterday, Feb. 2 until Saturday, Feb. 4. Jaluag said these include Sitio Palompon, Barangay Mahaba,

Marihatag; Purok 5, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel; Sitio Awasan and Sitio Pag-Antan in Barangay Jubang, Tago; Sitio Bayabas, Barangay San Isidro, Tandag City; and Si-tio Bayabay, Barangay Bugsukan, Cantilan. Jaluag stressed that said energization program is part of the rural electrification

program under Presi-dent Benigno Aquino III’s administration. Meanwhile, aside from the respective municipal and city of-ficials, Governor John-ny Pimentel and First District Congressman Philip Pichay are also expected to grace the series of occa-sions. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag)

Series of energization activities set in Surigao del Sur by Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A series of ceremonial energization activities is set to happen in six far-flung areas in Surigao del Sur.


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by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) will soon have a brand new Cobalt Source, replacing the “half life” that has aged to 10 years serving patients not only from

Zamboanga but also from nearby provinces.

DOH approves purchase of P16M Cobalt Source for Zamboanga Hospital

by Jocelyn P. Alvarez


The acquisition comes after Health Secretary Enrique Ona approved the purchase of the Cobalt Source with the efforts of the Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Beng Climaco-Salazar. Costing the government some P16 million, the cobalt source will be purchased by the Department of Health (DOH) in Canada and is ex-pected to arrive here first quarter of this year. ZCMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Ro-meo Ong said, awaiting the arrival of the cobalt source, the hospital’s

Department of Radiation Oncology (DRO) has temporarily suspended ac-ceptance of (new) incoming patients referred for radiation therapy. He assured though that patients who are presently undergoing therapy with the DRO will still get to finish ses-sions, and there are at the moment 8 patients undergoing regular therapy sessions. Cobalt Source is being used in Radiation Therapy, a method used for patients with cervical, colon, rectal and breast cancers. Radiation Therapy costs P400.00 per session in ZCMC, informed Dr. Ong. (JPA/PIA-ZBST)

DIPOLOG CITY - “There’s no problem with the peace and security in Zamboanga del Norte,” this was the collective assessment of the police and military authorities in the province during their recent press conference held here.

PNP says Zamboanga del Norte is safeby Alfonso T. Ruda


According to 1st Lieutenant Godfrey Fajutag of the 101st Infan-try Brigade, people need not worry about the peace and order condition in the province, as it is being tak-en cared of by the law enforcement agencies. Fajutag assured all residents of the province, including tourists their safety. “Each one of us can vouch with regard to the peace and order in our respective area of responsibility,” he said. Meanwhile, Dapitan City Police Office Chief Supt. Glenn Dulawan and Dipolog City PNP Chief, Supt. Joven Parcon , committed to work hand-in-hand and never allow politics to hinder their function as peacekeepers in the province. Both Dulawan and Parcon

assured closer coordination with concerned agencies for an immediate response to any criminal activities that may happen. Apart from its campaign against criminal elements, the Dipolog City PNP has also conducted outreach activities in the different barangays of the city. (JPA/ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte)

February 2 is World Wetlands Day, DENR sets series of activitiesPAGADIAN CITY -To give importance to wetlands and how vital it is to conserve them today, February 2 is observed as World Wetlands Day with this year’s theme “Wetlands and Tourism.” The Wetlands Day celebration will be a great opportunity for people to look at their wetlands and its interconnections with the environment around them; how the wetlands benefit the surroundings and how activities throughout the river basin may affect the wetlands.

by Claro A. Lanipa

Wetland tourism has benefited both locally and nationally for people and wildlife – benefits such as stronger economies, sustainable livelihood, healthy people and thriving ecosystems. Data shows at least 35 percent of Ramsar

Sites around the world record some level of tourism activity and this percentage is consistent throughout all regions. In Region 9, the Depart-ment of Environment and Natu-ral Resources (DENR) has lined up


series of activities for the said celebration. Protected Areas Wildlife & Coastal Zone Management Services officer in charge Mario Ronulo said to create wider awareness on the importance of wetlands, symposiums in selected schools are now being conducted in the city. He said to highlight the celebration, a tree planting activity is scheduled today (February 3) around the lake in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. It will be participated in by the municipal and barangay officials; faculty, staff and students of the Enerio School of Arts and Trades together with DENR officials and employees. Lakewood was selected for the tree planting activity because it links with the theme “Wetlands and Tourism,” and its slogan “Wetlands and Tourism, a great experience, re-sponsible tourism supports wetlands

and people.” Ronulo explained. Ronulo further said, that the celebration will not only last for a day but for the whole month of February. He said within the month, informa-tion, education and communication (IEC) activities have been scheduled for the municipalities of Guipos and San Miguel to include schools within the area. Moreover, in support to this celebration, one banner program or pilot project of DENR-9 will be im-plemented within the same month called the “Ridge to Reef” proj-ect, Ronulo said. This project cov-ers tree planting from the tip of a mountain down to the lowest por-tion of the coastline. In Zamboanga Peninsula, the project will start from the tip of Mount Timolan which is part of Tigbao municipality down to Malubog Bay which is the drainage of Dinas River. (JPA/CAL/PIA-Zambo Sur)


PNP kicks-off e-Blotter in Northern MindanaoBy Elaine O. Ratunil

The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched “e-Blotter” system in Northern Mindanao.

Better known as the new Crime Incident Report System, PNP Chief Police Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome, led the inauguration of

the ‘e-Blotter’ at the three (3) Police stations in Cagayan de Oro: Divisoria, Agora and Macabalan as the pilot areas in the region.


E-Blotter system, a priority program of Dir. Gen. Bartolome, is geared towards enhancing the crime reporting system in the country for effective law enforcement, public safety and efficient administration of justice. P/Dir. Gen. Bartolome cited the system facilitates crime documentation and modernize data storage but also presents quick, fast and reliable transmission of crime information from police station to the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame as an effective management tool for decision makers and security planners to have an easy and intelligent way of mapping out peace and order and anti-criminality strategy. The primary goal of the e-Blotter system is to have a daily update on what is really happening on the ground, particularly in every police station which is vital in mapping out strategies for quick response and crime prevention, said Bartolome. The e-Blotter is designed as a stand-alone system which will be installed in all police stations as a means of reporting and monitoring all crime incidents that transpired within their respective areas as well as the results and records of the investigation. While the traditional blotter has been recognized as a symbol of police authority, the e-Blotter, meanwhile, ensures accuracy in crime data documentation, reliability

in storage for quick reference and hassle-free transmission of data to the end recipient of all police reports at the PNP. The new system is a cost-free project since the software is being developed locally by the programmers of the PNP Information Technology Management Service (ITMS) and shall be installed into the desktop of every police stations and units. The new management tool will not only simplify the gathering and organization of crime information but also provide instant and accurate crime statistics that is tamper-free, said Police Chief Superintendent Jufel C. Adriatico, Regional Director, Police Regional Office (PRO)-10. He said this new system will promote transparency in the police community since it is one way of enhancing the crime reporting system in the country for effective law enforcement, which requires comprehensive, adequate and timely information on crimes.


Xavier Ecoville welcomes 2nd batch of families by Vanessa M. Gorra

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Xavier Ecoville, the joint relocation and resettlement project of Xavier University and the Local Government of Cagayan de Oro, welcomed Friday the second batch of relocatees to their new neighborhood in Lumbia.

With the first batch of 40 families that moved in on January 25, 40 days since Sendong and also the blessing of the temporary site at Xavier Ecoville, there are now 76 families in the temporary shelter provided with help from partner organizations, namely the International Organization for Migration which built 42 bunkhouses, the Department of Social Welfare and

Development and the 52nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army which built 12 bunkhouses, and the Philippine Red Cross which pitched 500 tents. Latrines, washrooms and kitchen facilities have been provided by the Human Resources Consortium, electricity lines by the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO) and water supply by


DA chief leads Agri-Pinoy Stakeholders’ meet in Camiguinby Jorie C. Valcorza

CAMIGUIN, Mambajao – Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala mingles with more than 100 farmers and fisherfolks during the “Agri-Pinoy Stakeholders Forum” at the Mambajao Bagsakan Complex recently. Stakeholders took the opportunity to pour in their concerns to the secretary, mostly, centered on technology update. He however assured

stakeholders that more projects will pour in and has initially awarded a Php30 million worth of Farm to Market Road (FMR) project to the provincial government for

Rio Verde. XU is in the process of finalizing the master plans for both site development and community development, Xavier Ecoville being not just a housing project but a community building program. The University, which is taking the lead in this joint project with the Cagayan de Oro City Government, is exploring partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Gawad Kalinga and other private foundations for housing development in the permanent site. Although no specific agreements have been reached, the partnership framework outlines a detailed action plan to build row houses that can accommodate 500 families, and to implement best practices in environmental management and disaster risk reduction and preparedness. “This is clearly an example of PPP

(private-public partnership),” said Fr. Roberto Yap SJ, XU President, during the blessing of the temporary site which was attended by Mayor Vicente Emano, Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas, members of the City Council, heads of City Government offices, and various organizations working in the project. “I hope all benefactors and donors will work together to make Xavier Ecoville successful,” he said. President Benigno S. Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay, DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Secretary Neric Acosta, Congressman Rufus Rodriguez also visited Xavier Ecoville, January 25. On the birth anniversary of his mother, late President Cory, PNoy was pleased that people power was being harnessed to build new homes, new communities and new lives for Sendong survivors. (XU)


implementation, this year. Provincial Agriculture Officer, Rene Torion said the forum is heavily represented from upland to lowland farmers, vegetable farmers, fisherfolks, as well as representatives from the municipal federation of rural based organizations. Sec. Alcala brought along presents for the guests and some lucky farmers, drawn by raffle, were able to take home special packs of agricultural goods. Apart from the forum, the secretary also inspected and turned-over several agency funded projects in the province to include the Mambajao Bagsakan “Trade” Center, National Food Authority (NFA) Warehouse, Multi-Species

Hatchery in Sagay town, and the Benoni Bangus Broodstock Development Project in Mahinog. The Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office likewise officially presented and endorsed to Sec. Alcala proposed priority projects for the island-province. After Camiguin, the Secretary will tour around the region’s Mariculture Parks and is set to cover Misamis Oriental and Iligan City. He also turned-over assistance to farmers/fisherfolks affected by Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City, today, February 3, before proceeding to Bukidnon for a tramline inspection (alternative transport system) at the Kabula bridge linking to Baungon Bukidnon.


Filipinos urged to appreciate, understand the Constitution by Mai Macapagat

In time for the 25th anniversary of the Philippine

Constitution, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay urged the Filipino citizenry to understand and appreciate the constitution. “We, the Filipino people, are the real authors of the constitution. Since it is written, then we have the access to read and understand it. It is not just the sole responsibility of lawyers but it is our duty as citizens of this country to know it”, Binay said. He stressed in today’s activity organized by the Vanguards of the Philippine Constitution that the key for a working constitutional

democracy lies in having a strong citizenry that is aware of its rights and duties. Binay cited what makes the Philippine Constitution unique from any other constitutions in the world is the inclusion of “love in the listing of basic human values under which democracy should reign.” He then challenged every Filipino to be a citizen certain of his rights and duties under the constitution an dthe law and even more certain of his rights which stand above ordinary laws. It was during the administration of then President Corazon Aquino that she declared February 2 of every year as constitution day. She also declared February 2 as a non-working special holiday throughout the country. It was also during the reign of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that she declared same day as a special day in commemoration of the Constitution Day.


Customs seizes misdeclared onions in Davao Port

DAVAO CITY- The Bureau of Customs yesterday (February 3) presented to the media about P18.4 million worth of agricultural products which were seized at the Sasa wharf last January 27 for misdeclaration. The shipment contained in 23 container vans consisting of onions orignated from China Hongkong destined to several consignees. The products were declared as margarine, lanolin, savory products, shortening and yeast. “We are sending a strong message to all importers in Davao that from this time on this port will tolerate any misdeclared shipments.” said Bureau of Customs District Collector for the Port of Davao Atty. Martiniano

Bangcoy. According to Bangcoy, with the determination of the misdeclared ship-ments the Port will issue warrant of sei-zure and detention for the shipments af-terwhich there will be seizure proceedings notifying the parties concerned. The Dis-trict Collector said that if the consignees won’t appear in the hearings the goods will be forfeited in favor of the govern-

ment and if intentional misdeclara-tion is proven the port would initiate criminal cases smuggling against the consignees. The consignees of the misde-clared onions and potatoes were Aya Day Trading, Alvee Trading and D Golden House Trading Company. Misdeclaration of agricultural goods is detrimental to local farmers and also to public health as consignees would not pay proper taxes resulting in cheaper imported onions. The onions also do not follow stringent pyto-sanitary standards by the Department of Agriculture and could contain dangerous doses of chemicals like pesticides. (RG ALAMA)

one mindanao - february 3, 2012

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