one mindanao - july 15, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA 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 EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

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 BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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 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

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

GIDEON C. CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

AR SulKud launches geotagging of infra projects

Investigation on fake rice in Davao City yielded zero results

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Soybeans Gains Famethrough SELAP Project

DPWH installs earthquake recording instrument; promotes structural integrity of buildings

BBL key to unlocking Bangsamoro’s economic potentials

P10-M Isabela City police station inaugurated

SurSur health officials bare consolidated report on mass poisoning; suspects face inquest proceeding

Surigao Norte guv to deliver

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By:Aida C. Agad

By: Rene V. Carbayas

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

By: John Glenn A. Platil

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

21 City gov’t sets online building permit processing’s soft launchingBy: CIO

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

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By: Vanessa P. Sanchez

Contents

19 COMELEC reminds registered voters on biometrics validationBy: Alfonso T. Ruda

23 DOH-XI urges PWDs to enlist for health assessmentBy: Carina L. Cayon

4 July 14, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

By: Vanessa P. Sanchez


Hitting two birds with one stone.

5July 14, 2015 One Mindanao


This is how the Patong-patong Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Brgy. Patong-patong, Madrid, Surigao del Sur sees their Soya Milk Production project because they do not only earn a living but at the same time they are also contributing to the improvement of the nutrition of the people.

The Patong-patong RIC, composed of 42 members, availed of the livelihood project under the Support to Emergency and

Livelihood Assistance Program (SELAP) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XIII (DA-RFO XIII) in 2014. The group chose the said project because they saw the potential of the soybean industry.

Jocel Crizaldo, President of the Patong-patong RIC, said that they were given P300,000 for the implementation of the project. They used the amount as start-up capital and bought the needed equipment in processing


soya milk. They were also able to put up a small “sari-sari” store.The group attended trainings on soybean processing as part of the project package. They started their operation in October 2014 selling their product at the association’s sari-sari store. They have also tied with the schools located nearby so can also display and sell their product at the schools’ canteens. Bulk orders are also accepted. A bottle of soya milk is sold for P15. In February of this year, the

group expanded their project and started making a coffee drink from soybeans. Soya coffee is slowly recognized and preferred by residents because of its natural ingredients. A kilo of soya coffee sells for P200. Crizaldo said that soya milk offers many health benefits that is why it is good for children and even adults. In fact, among their frequent buyers are the senior citizens of the area including Jesucita Bringen who swears that when she started drinking soya milk and soya coffee she


felt invigorated.

“I used to suffer from arthritis but drinking soya milk and soya coffee relieves me of my arthritis pains. I feel I have gained some of my old strength back,” Bringen said.

On the other hand, Jocel Palomar, a member of the Patong-patong RIC, said that she noticed some changes in her son EJ since he started drinking soya milk. He gained weight and is more energetic and alert.In support to the project, the local government unit of Madrid through the Municipal Agriculture

Office initiated a soybean production project. Municipal Agriculturist Ilogon said they initiated planting of soybeans in the municipality so that the RIC will have ready access to soybeans, the raw material of their product.

Crizaldo said that their project has been a big help to them because it has been an avenue for them to earn extra income. Further, she said their time is now used on productive activities and it is also a bonus that they get to help improve the health of the people who patronize their products.


President Aquino orders intensified campaign against illegal drug trafficking

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday directed the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to conduct an intensified and more focused campaign against drug trafficking in the country. Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the President’s order is anchored on

the Five Pillars of Action under the National Drug Program of Action 2015 to 2020 --


Drug Supply Reduction; Drug Demand Reduction; Alternative Development; Civic Awareness and Response; and Regional/International Cooperation.

“The President said all concerned government agencies should concentrate on preventing the spread of illegal drugs at its source, while stopping smuggling and manufacturing activities,” Secretary Coloma said in a statement, issued following the President’s meeting with members of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) in Malacañang.

“President Aquino said law enforcement agencies should prioritize their actions based

on the level of threat to the community in order to protect the welfare of the country, especially our youth,” he added.

Coloma further said that PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac reported that 13,792 individuals had been arrested from 2010 to 2014.

“Last year, the PDEA apprehended over 1,000 high-value targets and charged more than 2,000 drug personalities in various areas in the country. The PDEA would also double its clearing operations at the barangay level and would push for the hiring of more agents to strengthen its law enforcement operations,” he said.

Coloma noted that in accordance with the President’s directive, Health Secretary Janette Garin said the Department of Health is carrying out the repair, facilities improvement and


expansion of drug treatment and rehabilitation centers in the country, for which P393 million is being spent this year, while another P400 million will be disbursed in 2016.

The meeting was attended by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa as well as DDB members, including Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Health Secretary Garin, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon

Soliman, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, DDB Permanent Member Edgar Galvante, National Bureau of Investigation Director Virgilio Mendez, Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina, National Youth Commission Chairperson Gregorio Tingzon, and representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department of Labor and Employment. (PCOO/PND (jm)


DPWH installs earthquake recording instrument; promotes structural integrity of buildings

MANILA - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced on Tuesday that two (2) units of accelerograph were installed in its 5-storey building to ensure its serviceability, performance, and structural integrity against earthquake while leading the public sector in maximizing resources and technology available for disaster risk reduction. Installation of accelerograph, a sensing equipment that measures seismic acceleration or strong

ground motion that processes and converts the intensity, velocity and displacement of ground motion, coincides with


the holding of Earthquake Resilience Seminar by the DPWH National Building Code Development Office among Metro Manila Building Officials recently. Earlier, the DPWH through its National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) issued NBCDO Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2015, which provides for the Guidelines and Implementing Rules on Earthquake Recording Instrumentation (ERI) for Buildings and as part of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the National Building Code and pertinent provisions of National Structural Code of the Philippines. The Guidelines and Implementing Rules on Earthquake Recording Instrumentation for Buildings which was published in newspaper of general circulation requires building to install

certain number of ERI and at different locations. It shall cover all existing buildings, both government and private, located in Seismic Zone 4 in the entire Philippines, except Palawan and Tawi-Tawi located in Zone 2. The installation of the instrument shall form part of the requirements for the Annual Certificate of Inspections for existing buildings and as a pre-condition for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings covered by the guidelines. Monitoring of compliance on the provisions is under the ambit of powers of the office of the local Building Officials and City/Municipal Engineer who are required by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to submit quarterly compliance report of the buildings under their respective areas of jurisdiction. (DPWH)


BBL key to unlocking Bangsamoro’s economic potentials

MANILA-- The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has more than sufficient socio-economic and development provisions that will open up opportunities and accommodate livelihood projects and jobs for its citizens, according to the Mindanao Business Council (MinBC).

“Aside from revamping the political setup of the current ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), the BBL also strengthens the wealth-sharing and revenue-generation of the autonomous region that can translate into improved public goods such as farm-to-market roads, agricultural facilities, and ports,” said MinBC Executive Director Rolando A. Torres in a

press statement by the Peace Process Media Bureau.

Torres added that “such improvements will most likely encourage local and foreign investments that will translate to economic opportunities for our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters.”

Under the Basic Law of the

14 July 14, 2015One Mindanao14 July 14, 2015One Mindanao

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR), the BBL version currently being deliberated in plenary of the House of Representatives, the Bangsamoro government has the power to provide tax incentives to “encourage investments and other economic activities.”

The tax incentives, according to the bill, may be in the form of exemptions from regional taxes, rebates, and tax holidays among others in addition to national tax incentives.

Torres acknowledged the efforts exerted by the key players in the peace process such as the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panels, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, as well as lawmakers in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“It is admirable that the negotiators, those who initially drafted the BBL, and the lawmakers are putting into motion a vision that will not only rehabilitate the ARMM but also put it into contention to become one of the premier regions in the country,” added Torres.

The Bangsamoro bill also

improves on the current wealth-sharing arrangement between the national government and the regional government. For instance, 75% of the national taxes, fees and charges collected by the Central Government within the Bangsamoro will be shared by the region and its constituent local government units. The ARMM currently gets a 70% share.

Aside from taxes and revenue generation already devolved to the ARMM through R.A. No. 9054 and other legislations and issuances, the Bangsamoro will also have the power to levy capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax, and estate tax where all taxable elements are within the Bangsamoro.

The MinBC executive director also called on the lawmakers to pass the BBL in order for progress and development to begin. “The BBL is the key into unlocking the economic potentials of the Bangsamoro region. We call on our lawmakers to pass it as soon as possible so that peace and progress will already be experienced in places long torn by armed conflict.” (PPMB)


PAGADIAN CITY – About 20 information officers of Zamboanga Peninsula electric cooperatives are gathered today at the ZAMSURECO I Heroes’ Hall here for a three-day journalistic writing workshop.

ZAMPEN electric coops info officers undergo 3-day journalistic training By Alma L. Tingcang

Engr. Jose Raul Saniel, Z A M S U R E C O - I General Manager

welcomed the participants from ZAMSURECO I, ZAMSURECO II and


ZANECO and looked forward to a very productive training on basic newswriting, basic photography and social media with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 staff as speakers and facilitators. Recognizing that there is still a big room for improvement to strengthen information and education campaign of the cooperatives, Saniel sees the training as a timely and powerful tool to empower the information officers and maximize the use of high-end equipment. “This forges a strong relationship between the electric cooperatives and the PIA. I know this will not be easy for you. I encourage you to ask questions, focus on the lectures and participate actively. Get the most out of this training,” GM Saniel, who also attended

the sessions encouraged the participants. PIA9 Regional Director Noemi B Edaga inspired the participants by saying that the social media can be a very powerful tool to share information and has a great impact on people’s attitude and behavior. She called on participants to simply enjoy the training while learning the basic skills in

newswriting, photography, photojournalism and social media. ARD Franklin P. Gumapon discussed basic newswriting with the active interaction among the participants, some of whom were graduates of mass communication and business management.


In her message, Mayor Akbar recalled that the late Local Government Secretary Jessie Robredo was here three years ago to lead the groundbreaking of the site for the P10-million city police station. “Dahil sa tiyaga, tibay ng loob, kakulitan at kaunting kapal na mukha na rin ay inaprubahan ni Secretary Jess and construction of the new PNP office (Through perseverance, confidence, persistent follow up, [the late] Secretary Jess finally approved the construction of the new PNP office),” she said. Mayor Akbar was persistent in asking for the said project, saying “kahit na halos matunaw na ako sa kahihiyan dahil lagi na lang ako nasa DILG office, nilalakas ko na lang ang loob ko at iniisip ko hindi ako dapat mahiya kasi ang hinihingi ko ay hindi para sa aking sarili. Ang

hinihingi ko sa kanya ay para sa bayan (I almost melt down in shame for always following it up at the DILG office. I took courage in asking for the project since it is not for my self but for the community),” the lady mayor added. The former location of the city police station at Kaumpurnah was small and prone to flooding. This prompted her to do something about it. “With this new building, I believe you [police] will have a more conducive and more comfortable place to work, and hopefully to have more and better services to our constituents,” she stressed as she challenged PNP chief Col. Albert Larubis and his men and women to work hard in keeping the city safe. She urged the police to get the public’s trust and confidence

P10-M Isabela City police station inauguratedISABELA CITY, Basilan – Mayor Cherrylyn Santos Akbar of this city inaugurated on July 6 the new city police station with hopes for better services from the local police.

By Rene V. Carbayas


that the city police are “ready to help and always ready to protect communities anytime, anywhere.” She further reminded the police to use their authority well with greater respect for civilians and practice maximum tolerance in handling conflict but unwavering to criminals. She also asked the civilians to unite to help in protecting and defending “our one and only Isabela city” from harm. Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, also the National President of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines and first President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, thanked Mayor Akbar for the invitation to come and visit Basilan for the first time. “I’m a witness today to the peaceful and growing city of Isabela City,” Moreno said as

he commended the efforts of the local leadership to raise the city’s standards and services. He affirmed that there is a need for every chief executive to be persistent or even beg for projects because the national government cannot easily guess what the locals need unless somebody would knock for projects. He also lauded DILG Secretary Mar Roxas for continuing the project, which was started by the late Robredo. P/Supt Albert C. Larubis said that the P10 million-worth type A building was constructed to better serve the constituents of Isabela City and Isabelaños in general. He explained that legal arrangements on the owner of the lot delayed the implementation of the project for about two years because the title was still named after the original owners when the past local government administration purchased the land. Funded by the Philippine National Police, the construction of the new police station started on May 13, 2014 and completed on May 31, 2015. With the new city police station, the public expects better services from the local police force.


COMELEC reminds registered voters on biometrics validationDIPOLOG CITY—The Commission on Election has reminded that all registered voters in Dipolog City who have no biometrics data are not eligible to vote this coming national and local elections on May 9, 2016.

By Alfonso T. Ruda

In a recent Kapihan sa Dipolog held at Sunburst Fried Chicken, Hotel Camila I here, Acting Dipolog CityComelec Officer Atty. Ellis Miguel said out of 71,200 registered voters in Dipolog City, 7,511registered voters have incomplete biometrics data while 1,812 registered voters have no biometrics data at all. “Those who have incomplete biometrics data are those who have missed either one of three requirements in securing biometrics data. These 3 requirements include signature, fingerprint and picture,” Miguel said. Meanwhile, Comelec Regional Director Wilfredo Balisadoappealed for voters to visit the local Comelec office for validation this early, and not to wait for the last minute to avoid inconvenience. If they do not comply, they will not be able to exercise their right of suffrage in the forthcoming elections. He also reminded the public that the deadline of voter’s

registration will be at 5:00PM of October 31, 2015. Balisado also welcomed the idea of politicians providing service vehicles to the registrants during registration. According to him, this is an act of volunteerism and cannot be considered early campaigning. “Hakot system” or providing vehicles to the voters will only become an election offense if a politician will provide vehicles for registered voters during election day. Any Filipino citizen who is a resident of the Philippines for 1 year and 6 months, resident of a barangay where he wanted to register and vote this coming election and who will be 18 years old on or before the election day(May 9, 2015)are eligible to register and vote this coming election. “Meaning those who are still 17 years old today but will become 18 years old on or before the election day can register now to be able to vote,” Balisado explained.


Baliangao celebrates ‘Dagatnon’ festival, July 7-17

BALIANGAO, Misamis Occidental – The local government, here, has lined-up its activities for the celebration of the ‘Dagatnon’ festival, from July 7-17, this year.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob

“Focused on the theme: “Kinaiyahan Ampingan, Para sa Kalambuan (Let’s Take Care of the Environment for Progress),” these activities are held in honor of our patron saint, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, whose feast day falls on July 16,” Mayor Agne V. Yap, said. Yap said the activities started with the nine-day novena or petitions and a mass, together with the field demonstration and program, raffle draw and fellowship, July 7, and mass wedding, July 8.


Meanwhile, Tourism Officer Kevin Christian J. Chua said the following activities have been set in Baliangao: Town parade, oath of sportsmanship for the inter-barangay basketball and tennis, one-man band and presentation of Ms. Baliangao 2015 Candidates, July 13. Free fasting blood sugar, agriculture, trade and industrial fair, sponsoring national, provincial and municipal agencies’ night and Search for the“Voice

of Baliangao,” July 14, fluvial procession, mass baptism, boat-raising, cheer dance and drum corps competition and coronation of Ms. Baliangao 2015, July 15. Early dawn serenade or “Diana” around town, “Dagatnon” festival street dance, hip-hop dance contest and fireworks display, July 16, and “Binulagan” or culmination party, awarding of prizes to winners in all the contests, closing program, and disco dance, July 17.

During the flag raising ceremony held on July 13, Mayor Oscar Moreno announced the soft launching of the Building Permit Management System (BPMS) this week. A memorandum of agreement was signed by Moreno and Dr. Ricardo Rotoras, president of Mindanao University of Science and Technology, in lieu of the implementation of BPMS.

According to Architect Maria Concepcion Alvarez-Alcantara, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Building Official (OBO), it is the aim of the BPMS to upgrade the processing of documents in CBO such as the building, electrical and occupancy permits with the use of modern technology like the automation system that was developed by the experts from MUST.

City gov’t sets online building permit processing’s soft launchingCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The public can now experience speedy and more modern system in acquiring building permits and other documents in the City Building Office (CBO).


Alcantara also added that a dry run will be conducted in the actual online building permit application by the experts from MUST and OBO during the soft launching to test the new system which is said to be the ‘first-of-

its-kind’ in the country. For his part, Moreno sent his gratitude for MUST’s support in sharing their technical expertise in the said project that will enhance the services of the OBO.(CIO/PIA10)

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- The Subayen Keg Subanon Festival Street Dance will highlight the city’s 67th Charter Anniversary of Ozamiz on July 16, this year.

‘Subayan Keg Subanon’ festival street dance highlights Ozamiz 67th charter anniversary

“Coinciding with the feast of Nuestra Seňora de la Concepcion Y del Triunfo, the date is marked with revelry and thanksgiving for the intercession of the Blessed Mother in bringing peace and development to reign in the city,” Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., said. Parojinog said the Street Dance will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will follow this route: From the City Hall Ground, going forward to Insular Life Bldg., turn right to Las Aguadas, turn left to Bonifacio St. Turn left to Rizal Ave., turn right to Burgos St. going to Royal Garden Hotel, turn left to Zamora St., to Ozamiz City Public Mall,

turn left to Jolibee, turn right to Rizal Avenue, then to Fort Road to Cotta Square for the dance showdown. Meanwhile, Parojinog said the city has prepared several related activities for the city fiesta, which included the following: Screening of Ms. Ozamiz Tourism 2015 candidates, at the Cotta Square, last May 31, and the Swim Wear Competition of the candidates, at Steven Co Residence in Barangay Bacolod, last July 4. City Tour of Official Candidates and Press Conference of Miss Ozamiz Tourism 2015, at the Mayor’s Conference Hall, July 6, Gala Night Dinner with the Ms Ozamiz Tourism 2015 Candidates, July 9, and Grand Coronation Night of Ms. Ozamiz Tourism 2015, July 14.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


DAVAO CITY – The Department of Health in Davao Region has called on all persons with disabilities to en-list in the agency’s reg-istration undertaking that aims to establish a database of PWDs for program planning. Marialyn Avan-cena, nurse coordina-tor of DOH-XI’s Health and Wellness Program for PWDs and Older Per-sons, said the registra-tion is a way of getting the actual count of PWDs in the region and their corresponding needs on health. She said that the data gathering of PWDs has been going on for years now, but the list has not been finalized as of this time due to the low turn-out of regis-trants. “That’s why we urge the PWDs of all ages and all types of disabilities to enlist through their barangays and health

centers so they will be counted and be assessed of their health needs,” stated Avancena who’s working under DOH-XI’s Non-Communicable Dis-eases division. She attributed the low turn-out of PWD reg-istrants as due to stigma, saying “marami pa rin sa mga PWDs or parents of children with special needs ang nahihiya to come out.” The records of PWDs availing of services in health facilities are also not coherent to the regional data because there are PWD patients coming from outside Davao Region. “We really have to strengthen our database of PWDs so we can as-sess their health needs,” Avancena emphasized. She added, “We have various health pro-grams available, but we don’t have specific health assistance for PWDs and senior citizens.”

DOH-XI urges PWDs to enlist for health assessment


The DOH registration would also complement the World Health Orga-nization survey on WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) which also assesses the health needs of PWDs. WHODAS is catering to those PWDs needing health assistance, she explained, adding that DOH-XI is currently undertaking training activi-ties for health personnel to adminis-ter the WHODAS survey. The DOH registry and WHODAS both aim to come up with a database of PWDs and classification of specific needs, Avancena stated, citing the physically impaired in need of assis-tive devices and special children re-quiring therapies. Meanwhile, the Persons with Disability Office under the Davao City Social Services and Development Of-

fice has already completed its data banking in the first quarter and final-izing the second quarter records. Teogenes Comiling of CSSDO, a physically-impaired PWD, said the first quarter data showed that there are many children with special needs in Davao City. The PWDs will take the center stage as the National Disability Pre-vention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week will be celebrated on July 17-23 in the entire country. The celebration banners the theme: “Health and Wellness of Per-sons with Disabilities, Opportunities Towards an Inclusive Development for All.” (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

facts and figures

$500-billion estimated worth of the global halal industry


Investigation on fake rice in Davao City yielded zero resultsDAVAO CITY-The series of investi-gations looking into the reported fake rice yielded negative result. Speaking in the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing, Police Director Benja-min Magalong, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group revealed that only the sample from the rice initially reported as fake showed contaminant called dibu-tyl phthalate, a plasticizer used for manufacture of cosmetics. He said other rice samples tak-en from various markets in the city showed no irregularity. Magalong said a case confer-ence on the alleged fake rice with the officials of the National Food Au-thority and law enforcement agen-cies like the National Bureau of In-vestigation, Bureau of Customs and the Criminal Investigation and De-tection Group and the Police Regional Office 11 showed negative result based on the thorough investigation on the supply chain and the labora-tory analysis conducted. “There were no traces of dibu-tyl phthalate or DBP on the other samples, except for the rice initially complained as fake,” he said. Magalong said the focus of the current investigation is on the con-taminant. He said the police could hardly convey other developments given

the ongoing laboratory analysis. “But definitely, the Special Investigation Task Group has an-nounced that there is no fake rice in Davao City,” Magalong said. Even with this pronouncement, he said the NFA is still leading the effort of inspecting the rice retailers, dealers and importers all over the country, escorted by police personnel and the CIDG which gather samples and conduct unannounced inspection on different sites. Magalong said there is an on-going simulation test on the process undergone by the alleged fake rice sample. He said the sample will be tak-en by the chemistry laboratory at the Ateneo de Manila to determine the result. “After that, we will conduct an-other simulation test where we will be inviting third parties to really wit-ness the simulation test within six days where representatives like a chemist, NFA personnel and media people. Until then, we may have a definitive finding on the issue,” Mag-along said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


T’nalak charity ball to raise funds for scholars

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 15 – Once again, benefactors joining the T’nalak charity ball will be ex-tending educational aid to underprivi-leged students of South Cotabato, a tourism official said.

By:Danilo E Doguiles

“One hundred percent of the tick-et sales generated by the Governor’s T’nalak Charity Ball will go to the Ka-bugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program,” Zhaun Barry Agabe of the South Cotabato Arts, Culture and Tourism Office disclosed in a press conference.

“No part of the proceeds will be spent for the dinner or talent fee of the ce-lebrity guests, Agabe emphasized, add-ing that expenses for the ball have been shouldered by the provincial government.

The 16th T’nalak Festival Governor’s Charity Ball will be held at the Grand Fi-esta Ballroom at The Farm @Carpenter Hill, starting at 7:00 p.m. on July 17.

Singer-actor Christian Bautista will be the event’s guest performer. 2014 Bb. Pilipinas Universe MJ Lastimosa will also be there as guest.

Bautista and Lastimosa will be hosting the search for Mutya ng South Cotabato


on Wednesday evening.Agabe added that tickets for

the charity event at on sale at P2,000.

“For those who will buy two to four tickets at one-time payment will only pay P1,800 per ticket while those who will pay for five or more tickets at one-time payment will only pay P1,500 per ticket,” he said.

Initially, organizers printed 500 tickets.

“South Cotabateños living abroad who cannot come to this year’s Tnalak Festival but would like to donate may also deposit donations through a

bank account that the provincial government has opened for the charity ball,” Agabe sais. For this, interested persons may contact ACT Office at telephone no. (083) 228 3447.

Formerly called “Balikbayan Night,” the event was re-named last year as “Gover-nor’s T’nalak Charity Ball” to expand participation not only to “balikbayans” and their visitors but also successful lo-cal entrepreneurs, and other guests who are interested in joining the fund-raising event.

Along with the renaming of the event, the provincial gov


ernment also started the initiative to use the income of the charity ball to Kabugwa-son Paglaum Scholarship Pro-gram,

The tourism office reported that in 2014 the charity ball raised P220,000 for the KPSP.

Kabugwason Paglaum Schol-arship Program is South Cota-bato’s flagship scholarship program. It was conceptual-ized by then Vice Governor (currently Koronadal City Vice Mayor) Eliordo Ogena and passed by the Sangguniang

Panlalawigan in 2005.It offers matriculation assis-

tance to poor but deserving students as well students who have excelled in academics and sports. The scholarship program has also set scholar-ship slots specific to indig-enous peoples and muslims.

This year, it opened scholar-ships for young professionals who would like to earn de-grees in Bachelor of Laws or Doctor of Medicine. (DEDogu-iles-PIA 12)


AR SulKud launches geotagging of infra projects

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat, July 15 – The Department of Agrarian Re-form (DAR) Sultan Kudarat rolled out on July 8 a project to geo-tag all foreign-funded infrastructure projects on July 8, an initia-tive to mark its locations and verify its existence,.

By:Aida C. Agad

The infra projects in the towns of Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino were among the first projects to be assigned with geotag.

DAR SK technical personnel said that the geotagging of in-fra projects would yield in more benefits even in its initial stage.

Engr. Alinader Dima, chief of Access Facilitation and Access Enhancement Services (AFAES) Section said that with infra proj-ects geotagged, any person can see at one glance the location of each project and the kind of project implemented for every municipality.

He added that other agencies planning to see an overview of the projects implemented in the province or identify projects for implementation can utilize the mapping data of DAR to avoid duplication of infrastructure projects.

AFAES Section technical staff, Engr. Richard Jay Gestupa said that although he is using a smartphone with a built-in GPS to perform the task, the differ-ence in meters is only minimal as compared to using a top-of-the-line geotagging equipment.

Rodolfo Alburo, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Of-ficer II, said that geotagging is a technology readily avail-able today which if utilized can enhance the mapping of infra-structure projects of DAR.

He added that with this initia-tive, DAR–SK is up-to-date with technology in its approach to-wards improving services with-out incurring additional cost. (JJBDael-DAR-SK/ACAgad-PIA 12)


Shared service facilities boosting micro entrepreneurs in Surigao del Norte By: Rodrigo Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – A total of nine facilities set up by the Department of Trade and Industry-Surigao del Norte Provincial Office (DTI-SDN) under the agency’s Shared Service Facilities (SSF) have been benefitting micro entrepreneurs under their proponent organizations across the province of Surigao del Norte since 2014.


“With such equipment and facility, these micro entrepreneurs are able to increase their income through improved production and increased production capacity,” said DTI provincial director Celestino Negapatan as he recounted that a team of SSF project evaluators have visited the province last June 2015 to look into the actual status of utilization of the processing equipment to its intended beneficiaries. The projects worth over P5 million went to community-based organizations. Among the community-based recipients are women organizations: the Kababayen-an sa Panatao Producers Cooperative on their Virgin Coconut Oil Production project (Barangay Panatao, Claver), Mayag Women’s Association on their Coco Sap Sweetener Processing project(Barangay Mayag, Sison) and Samahan ng mga Kababaihan with their Cassava Fritters Processing project (Barangay Cancohoy, Del Carmen). The latter was the latest to receive their equipment which was delivered last June 17-19, 2015. Two recipients are from the municipality of Malimono namely, the Tinago Eagles Fisherfolks

and Farmers Association (TEFFA) on their Bamboo Slat Production project (Barangay Tinago, Malimono) and the Malimono Farmers Consumers Cooperative with their Coco Sap Sweetener Processing project (Barangay Cayawan, Malimono). Four other farmer-groups also received equipment under the SSF program; Esperanza Farmers Credit and Consumers Organization with their CamoteMoledo Processing project (Esperanza, Del Carmen), Claver Coconut Famers Multi-Purpose Cooperative with their Geo-Net Production Project (Barangay Daywan, Claver), Trinidad Farmers Agra Multi-Purpose Cooperative for its Calamay Production project (Barangay Trinidad, Surigao City) and the Local Government of Alegria to support farmers beneficiaries on their Bamboo Slat Production.


By: Greg Tataro Jr.

SurSur health officials bare consolidated report on mass poisoning; suspects face inquest proceeding

TANDAG CITY – A consolidated report by health officials in Surigao del Sur bared a total of 1,198 individuals, mostly elementary pupils, high school and college students from public schools, who have been rushed to different hospitals and clinics, public and private, district-wide on Friday, last week, due to ingestion of durian, mango, and mangosteen candies.

According to Dr. Algerico Irizari, provincial health chief here during the press conference last Saturday afternoon, the number of patients accounted for only represents those who sought medical treatment after manifesting symptoms like

vomiting and abdominal pain. In Adela Serra-Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC), this city, the number of victims who came for medical attention reached up to 213, the most number of victims, among all medical facilities in the entire


province. Tomasito “Dongay” Pareja, assistant provincial administrator, who presided over the press conference on behalf of Governor Johnny Pimentel, described the incident as “chaotic.” Since 10 a.m. on that unfortunate Friday, all roads leading to ASTMMC, the biggest hospital here, had been jam-packed with all types of vehicles, public and private, including that of the army and police, aside from ambulances. Siren had been continuously wailing, attracting anybody’s attention that indeed there was an emergency situation going on. Meanwhile, two separate inquest proceedings, respectively, conducted by Atty. Constantino Cravajales, assistant provincial prosecutor, against five suspects apprehended in Cagwait and Atty. Benjamin Uy, Tandag City Prosecutor’s Office, have been held Monday morning. On the part of Constantino, who made the inquest proceeding against five suspect apprehended in Cagwait said charges of “Physical Injury in relation to RA 10611 otherwise known as Food Security Act of 2013; RA 7394 or The Consumer Act of the Philippines, and; Physical Injury

in relation to 7610” are set to be filed at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) here. They were identified as Junnit Teriote y Martinez, John Dequilla y Oben, Joel Paja y Alferez, Richard Rivera, Jr. y Lawag, and Martinez Bocaycay y Sawit. Atty. Uy confirmed that he also personally conducted the inquest proceeding against the two suspects nabbed in the city. In Tandag, the suspects were identified by police as Genelyn Dorgas Pasa and Henryto Bitco Amoguis. Moreover, the police force here under P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, provincial director, identified 13 suspects, but clarified only eight have been in police custody, five are still at large. However, as of latest development, the alleged suspect caught in Tagbina town, identified as Richard Briones y Artes, was freed after police interrogation due to lack of evidence according to SPO1 Nel Rillon, one of the investigators at the Police Provincial Office (PPO). On related developments, results of the laboratory test for the “candy samples” confiscated will come out after five to seven days, authorities said.


By: John Glenn A. PlatilSurigao Norte guv to deliver SOPA

SURIGAO CITY – Governor Sol F. Matugas is expected to deliver her State of the Province Address (SOPA) at the third or fourth week of July, this year focusing on three major areas: Developing the Infrastructure Base; Promoting Good Governance; and Expanding the HEALS (health, education, agri-aquaculture, livelihood and tourism, social services) Program. The governor will also underscore on a number of facilities which were completed in Siargao Island reaching a total amount of more than P46 million from 2014 to 2015, and a total of more than P36 million are still on-going, it was learned. With the effort of the 1st

district congressman Francisco T. Matugas, the province has seen the successful implementation of several infrastructure projects implemented thru the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Phil Ports Authority (PPA), TIEZA and the Department of Transportation


and Communication (DOTC). For the infrastructure development in the mainland in 2014 to 2015, a total of 86.178 kilometer roads were rehabilitated, improved, maintained and constructed, and a remaining 5.2 km-stretch is on-going. Various buildings were also completed for government services use reaching an amount of P75,556,112.42 million and there are on-going constructions reaching a total amount of P16,581,828.01 million. Moreover, land development structures were also 100 percent completed, as well as other structures that provide support for the delivery of basic services. Since the day that she assumed responsibility, the governor has initiated and sustained concrete reforms in upholding and maintaining good governance in the context of promoting transparency and accountability, providing promoting public participation and empowering local government units (LGUs), ensuring responsive services and policies, strengthening local revenue generation and developing the human resource. Financial assistance was also made available to the local

government units like assistance to international events, local festivals, Panambay sa Barangay, infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects and activities, water system and flood control projects. The governor will also make public her important decisions and impressive performance which perfectly demonstrate a timely, appropriate and responsive service to the needs of the Surigaonons by conducting regular Barangay and Municipal Officials Dialogues, various fora, summits, and dialogues with different sectors in the community such as the farmers, fisherfolks, and others to address issues hounding communities on top of her fresh targets for 2016.

one mindanao - july 15, 2015

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