one mindanao - july 24, 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

EMMANUEL D. TAGHOY, 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

DAR admits slow start in getting job done in SurSur, vows to make up

Fresh graduates avail DOLE’s internship program for employment in SurSur

DOLE 12 awards seal of recognition to 5 companies

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PWDs still face discrimination – PBU prexy

DTI backs ASEAN-ROK strategic partnership

South Cotabato coop gets initial PHP4.8-M funding for cassava project

DTI LDN, DAR conduct crunchy tilapia training to farmer’s coop

PCA9 distributes 730 fertilizers to coco farmers in La Libertad town

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By:Greg Tataro, Jr.

By: Romelyn B. Bactol/Iris C. Asis

By: Gideon C. Corgue

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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21 Mindanao solon hails signing of anti-trust, cabotage bills

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By: Dominic I. Sanchez

Contents

By: Noel Baguio

By: Danillo E. Doguiles

By: Ara Arian A. AmarOzamiz CDRRMC collects close to 50 bags of blood

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By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

29 EU-funded project orients MSMEs, public servants on food safety

4 July 24, 2015One Mindanao

Discrimination among persons with disabilities

(PWDs) from some sectors of society still exist, shared Teddy Kahil, president of the Philippine Blind Union (PBU) and of the Regional Federation of PWDs.

Cover Story

PWDs still face discrimination – PBU prexy By: Dominic I. Sanchez

5July 24, 2015 One Mindanao

“Yes, there have been instances even in recent times when PWDs were discriminated,” he clarified during a media forum held at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here recently.

“I have a friend who is a paraplegic (physical impairment of the lower extremities), and he shared an experience where he was refused employment from a certain private company,” Kahil shared. This PWD, according to Kahil met all the qualifications needed to perform the job for the position, however he was refused employment, particularly because of his disability.

“We cannot help but feel a sense of dissatisfaction over such an instance,” Kahil said. “The job interviewer was apparently biased not to hire him because of his disability since throughout the interview, all his questions were directed towards the physical impairment.”

Bullying, name-calling not only from the uneducated

Kahil revealed that he has received similar complaints from other PWDs. “There are also cases of bullying, humiliating PWDs, and

name-calling.”

“Sadly, discrimination does not only come from the uneducated. Many professionals are also doing this,” Kahil lamented.

Meanwhile, Henry Salac of the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Unit of the City Social Welfare and Development Office said that they still receive complaints. But they have been doing extra effort to maximize advocacies to raise awareness on the rights of the PWDs to avoid such issues.

‘Government advocacy very helpful’

“But cases (of discrimination) now are becoming rare,” Kahil said.

According to Kahil, for Zamboanga in particular, the government has been very protective of the rights of PWDs through advocacies. “Many sectors are aware of the rights of PWDs, and we are very happy to say that society now is more sensitive.”

Salac said that they are looking into campaigning about said rights in the communities here, “but we really need the help

PWDs still face discrimination – PBU prexy


of the barangay officials”.

Bullies shall pay fines, go to prison

Republic Act 9442, the Act Amending RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons provides for the penalizing of malicious and demeaning attitudes and ridicule towards PWDs. “For the first offense, the guilty party shall be fined with not less than Php50,000, and imprisonment for not less than six months,” Kahil explained.

The same law also provides for other PWD rights as well as other privileges and incentives that include a 20 percent discount to establishments, similar to those provided for senior citizens.Kahil said “we have the laws, we have the programs in place,” but what matters is how society responds to the laws.

PWDs have great potential Kahil calls for society to be more sensitive.

“Instead of bullying and discriminating us, society should


recognize PWDs for the potential to help our communities,” Kahil said, who is a recipient of the prestigious Apolinario Mabini Award, conferred by President Benigno S. Aquino III himself.

“PWDs, just like the rest of society have a lot to contribute, and the public should recognize the potential,” he said. “Instead of discriminating, we should realize that PWDs can excel in many aspects, and they can help build our nation if they are given the chance.” Meanwhile, Salac invites PWDs who still have not been

issued with IDs to come and visit the CSWDO in Pettit Barracks. “The IDs will be their passport to discounts and other privileges,” he said.

July 17-23 is celebrated as National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. This year’s theme is “Health and Wellness Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Toward Inclusive Development For All”. The Regional Council for Disability Affairs (RCDA) has lined up several advocacy activities such as media guesting, PWD voters registration, jobs and wellness fairs and others for the weeklong celebration.


DA expects boom in PH fisheries

QUEZON CITY – Efforts of government to modernize the Philippine fisheries have enabled the sector to gain momentum for sustainable and inclusive growth, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday


The DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), has been instituting measures to ensure that fishing in the country’s waters becomes sustainable, and that all forms of fishery resource use provide equitable benefits to stakeholders, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said. “This administration inherited overfished waters and overbuilt fish cage areas that contributed to fish kills and dwindling fishery yields,” Alcala added.

To address this the DA has engaged fisheries stakeholders

to craft and implement policies and programs for the sustainable utilization and management of aquatic resources, so that these could continue provide stable supply of food, livelihood and ecological services.

Closed seasons To facilitate the

natural progression of fish breeding cycle, BFAR has successfully enforced four closed fishing seasons from 2011 to 2015. These have led to the resurgence of tamban and galunggong, attracting more tuna that feed on them. For the first quarter of 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported that the total production of yellow fin tuna increased significantly by 11.76 percent.

The success of the closed season has also led to the Philippines being allowed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to fish in tuna-rich High Seas Pocket 1 of


the Pacific Ocean.

More fishery law enforcers

Poor implementation of fishery laws—particularly to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing—has likewise prompted the BFAR to propose for the training and deployment of additional fishery law enforcers. In 2010, the BFAR had only four fishery law enforcers for the entire Philippines.

With this, the bureau implemented an intensive three-month training course for fishery law enforcers-regulators. The 188 graduates of the course have now been deployed as professional fishery law enforcers.

BFAR has reported that three of the graduates were in fact among the enforcers that captured Taiwanese and Indonesian poachers in Batanes last May.

BFAR has similarly encouraged coastal communities to protect their municipal waters up to 15 kilometers from the shore for the

exclusive use of artisanal fisherfolk.

Securing fisherfolk welfare

Recognizing the indispensable role of artisanal fisherfolk in the fisheries sector, the government has implemented programs to ensure improved access of small fishers to social services and to reduce poverty incidence among them.

The National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR) has been able to register over 1.6 million fishers. This national registry is instrumental in facilitating the free insurance coverage for the fisherfolk by the Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation. The FishR database has been crossmatched with the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction by DSWD. Fisherfolk listed on both registries will be automatically given a PHilHealth number to serve as ticket to a free health care insurance.

“This registration of fisherfolk


was mandated by the Fisheries Act of 1998, but it is only during this administration that it has been funded and enforced,” Alcala said.

For infrastructure, the BFAR also expects to complete the establishment of 252 community fish landing centers in strategic areas nationwide to be finished by the end of 2015. These facilities are seen to reduce fisheries post-harvest losses from 25% to 18% or even lower.

Undersecretary for Fisheries and concurrent BFAR national director Asis G. Perez said that

the bureau carefully identified the sites where the facilities would be established using the FishR database, among other data sources. The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) likewise assisted in identifying target areas based on poverty incidence and volume of production, among other criteria.

Yellow card no more

With the reforms and modernization measures the government has implemented especially on IUU fishing, the European Union (EU) has lifted the


“yellow card” warning from the Philippines.

This would mean a greater market potential for Philippine fish exports to the EU and the rest of the international market. The Philippine fish exports to the EU amounted to ₱9.4 billion in 2013. Overall, the country’s fishery exports value rose from US$634 million in 2010 to US$1.156 billion in 2013, with the biggest increase of 42.6% happening from 2012 to 2013.

Amended fisheries code

According to the DA, the implementation of the amended Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 will help catalyze the government’s drive of modernizing the fisheries sector.

Under the revised law, the penalties imposed for violation of the Fisheries Code were raised from the old law’s ₱10,000−₱500,000 range to ₱500,000−₱10 million range.

Perez said that with the revised fisheries law, the government re-emphasizes its call to eradicate all forms of unsustainable use of marine resources that are detrimental to the ecosystem and to the welfare of fisherfolk who depend on these resources.

“The revised law would help us protect our waters from degradation, and ensure that the access of small fishers to their municipal waters is guarded from encroachment by large-scale commercial fishers,” Perez said.

Secretary Alcala believes that the government has indeed put up all the essential measures to secure sustainable and inclusive growth in the fisheries industry, where the poorest among the basic sectors—the artisanal fisherfolk—belong.

“These comprehensive mechanisms for modernized fisheries will all together become a strong, reliable backbone of a more productive and resilient sector for years to come,” Alcala said. (DA)


DTI backs ASEAN-ROK strategic partnership

MANILA - With the full integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) commits to the ASEAN – Republic of Korea (ROK) strategic partnership’s vision on global and regional community that builds and enhances trust among its members.


In his message read by Board of Investments (BOI) Director Angelica M. Cayas during the 1st Korea – ASEAN Grand Project Partnership Forum, DTI Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr. commended the Korean business community for its vital role and contribution not only to our country’s economy but to ASEAN.

“South Korea’s active support in the creation of the ASEAN Economic Community has certainly been favorable as we endeavor to increase connectivity and address common challenges in the region,” Manalo said.

He cited that one of these challenges is the attainment of inclusive growth, where development generates employment and reduces poverty if sustained.

“This forum is an expedient platform to discuss and address such issue, as it provides matching opportunities for project developers with prospective suppliers in the

fields of infrastructure, power plant operations and maintenance, and climate change preparedness,” Manalo said.

He added that the continuous development on these areas is one of the key drivers to sustained growth among the ASEAN member states in the long term.

“I trust that this would not be the last and the least of our efforts to further strengthen our existing collaboration and build new ones,” Manalo said.

Korea-ASEAN Grand Project Partnership was held to support Korean firms entering the ASEAN market. During the forum, three Korean and three Philippine companies have signed memoranda of agreement. It was attended by 72 Korean businessmen, 46 Philippine senior officials, and about 200 attendees from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.


On the second day of the event, 250 one-on-one business meetings were held for 31 Korean companies, 60 Philippine organizations, and 22 ASEAN delegates.

“I am optimistic that this mission will bring the ASEAN – ROK relations to new heights and help the delegates here today to realize and invest in the full potential of our country,” Manalo said.

Manalo said that the ASEAN and South Korea remain important trading partners, with South Korea maintaining its position as the fifth largest trading partner

of ASEAN, and ASEAN becoming the second largest trade partner of South Korea. The foreign direct investment flow from South Korea to ASEAN also increased by 105.88 percent in 2013.

He noted that South Korea has continuously kept its strong position in terms of trade and investments in our country. It ranked as the Philippines’ 5th major trading partner, 7th export market, and 4th import supplier. It placed as the 11th top investing foreign country with investment promotion agencies-approved investments amounting to US$93.21 million pledges last year. (DTI)


Large portion of the agricultural lands in Caraga placed under ‘fertility mapping’

BUTUAN CITY -- Large portion of the lands in Caraga region intended for agricultural development have been placed under “fertility mapped” and found to be still largely productive, according to a senior official of the regional Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management in a recent forum.


Marcelo P. Dayo, regional coordinator of the DA’s Bureau of Soil and Water Management, said that they already have conducted “fertility mapping” in Agusan del Sur province and Butuan City. Fertility mapping had been also conducted in the municipalities of Dinagat, Dinagat Province and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

Similar activities are still on-going in the other provinces and municipalities of Caraga, he said.

According to Dayo, soil analysis on some portions of the mapped areas showed that soil acidity is the main problem.

He however said that the large portion of the agricultural lands mapped were found to be fertile and productive, adding that the problematic areas can still be corrected by “liming.”

The official pointed out that areas in the region such as a banana plantation area in Tandag, Surigao del Sur and a portion of land planted with durian in the province had been checked through “liming” thus restoring their productivity in six months after lime application.

He also said that organic farming and the less usage of synthetic fertilizers will help

check soil acidity.

Rhodielyn Bacsarpa of the Regional Soils Laboratory of DA-RFO 13 said that large portion of the sample soils brought to their office for analysis from the agricultural areas have yielded tolerable if not less acidic results.

Most of the soil samples showing high acidity results, she said, came from the mining areas of the region.

She however said that the soil acidity of the submitted samples is still at the tolerable level and can be checked with liming.

According to Bacsarpa, lime is “calcium carbonate” and are readily available in agricultural supply stores.

Dayo also said that soil reaching acidity intolerable level, would not be productive despite application of fertilizer.

Dayo advised farmers to have their farm soil samples be periodically checked at their regional laboratory for analysis before applying synthetic fertilizers. (PNA)


South Cotabato coop gets initial PHP4.8-M funding for cassava project

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The provincial government has released an initial PHP4.8 million to a cooperative based in Polomolok town to facilitate the implementation of its cassava granules production and marketing project.

Justina Navarrete, acting head of the South Cotabato Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, said Friday they turned over

the funds to the Polo Samahang Nayon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SNMPC) as part of its grant under the Philippine Rural Development


Program (PRDP).

She said it represents the first and second tranches of the PHP39-million loan grant earlier approved by the PRDP for the venture.

“It will be used for the purchase of equipment and construction of the required facilities for the project,” she said.

Navarrete said they specifically released three checks to the Polo SNMPC, the project’s lead proponent.

Out of the total amount, she said some PHP2.92 million came from the loan proceeds while the remaining funds were from the national government’s share and the provincial government’s counterpart.

The official said the cooperative allotted some PHP400,000 for the construction of a nursery; PHP400,000 for the establishment of a vermi-cast production plant; PHP2.2 million for production support; PHP728,000 for administrative cost; and, PHP150,000 for the purchase of a mechanical chipper, PHP750,000 for a granulator and PHP245,000 for a moisture meter.

Karen Mae Daguro, Polo SNMPC manager, expressed her gratitude to the provincial government for fast tracking the release of the funds.

“We can now finally start with the implementation of the project,” she said.

She said they will exert all the necessary efforts to make the six-year project sustainable and successful as an enterprise. The cassava projects is the first-ever venture that was approved by the PRDP under its enterprise development component.

“We serve as the model all over the country so we will strive to keep the project on track,” she said.

The released PHP4.8 million funding is part of the PHP25.88 million earlier downloaded to the provincial government by the Department of Agriculture in Region 12.

Navarrete said the remaining PHP21 million will be utilized for the purchase of five trucks worth a total of PHP6 million, two truck scales worth PHP2.5 million and five tractors worth PHP12.5 million.(PNA)


Stakeholders support CDO housing projects

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Various government agencies and sectors ensured their support in the realization of Cagayan de Oro City government to harmonize and develop the housing projects in the city.

by City Information Office

The agencies and groups that attended in the Housing Summit on June 21 include PAG-IBIG Fund, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro Social Action Center, Federation of Local Government Unit Homeowners’ Association, Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Social Housing Finance Corporation and more. City Mayor Oscar Moreno hopes that the


Now, they have noted some of the fisher folks in the area sell tilapia at a lower price or just throw away small tilapia. The Cooperative saw this as an opportunity to make another product. They want to enhance this tilapia into something that would entice the market. Thus, the Department of Trade and Industry-Lanao del Norte (DTI-LDN), in partnership with the Department of Agrarian

Reform (DAR)-10 , spearheaded the Skills Training in Crunchy Tilapia Making conducted at the barangay hall on July 14, 2015. Entrepreneur Florencia C. Cordero of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, who has been successfully making crunchy tilapia since 2012, shared her expertise to some 13-coop members during the one day training. Participants made 1.25 kilograms dried crunchy tilapia

DTI LDN, DAR conduct crunchy tilapia training to farmer’s coop

LALA, Lanao del Norte -- The El Salvador Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Barangay El Salvador, Lala, Lanao del Norte, has been a growing cooperative for the past years as they see opportunities that come their way.

by Ara Arian A. Amar

will be strengthened to attain development in this aspect. He is also thankful to the Shelter and Housing Multi-Sectoral Task Force headed by Ramon Fernandez in partnership with the Habitat for Humanity, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and Xavier University who took the initiative in conducting such

activity. The Housing Summit was also graced by various housing agencies, civil society organizations, barangay officials, academe, private sectors, non government organizations, government agencies, and homeowners and community associations.


OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- Some 49 bags of blood have been collected by the Ozamiz City Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), during a recent bloodletting, in the city.

Ozamiz CDRRMC collects close to 50 bags of blood

The bloodletting was done by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr., Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARS-RTTH), among the National Service Training Program (NSTP) students of Misamis Institute of Technology (MIT), Ritchie Egbus, CDRRM Officer, said. It was also part of the month-long activities lined-up for the 2015 National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) with the theme: “Pamilya at

Pamayanang Handa, Katuwang sa Pag-unlad ng Bayan.” However, the bloodletting drive of the CDRRMC will continue even beyond the NDCM, as “part of our disaster preparedness,” Egbus clarified. “We have to make sure that we have enough supply of blood in the blood banks of hospitals in the city to cater to the needs of the residents, at all times, especially during calamities and disasters,” he said.

out of the five kilograms fresh tilapia. Brgy.El Salvador is an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) of the town’s DAR-Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in Lanao del Norte. Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan, DTI Lanao del Norte,

in his message, said having abundant supply of tilapia in the area, the members will easily promote crunchy tilapia, not only in their locality but the whole of Lanao del Norte. “Wise is the man who sees opportunities in all forms,” said Paclipan.

by Rutchie C. Aguhob


DAVAO CITY- Ga-wad Kalinga seeks to build more enchanted farms such as the one established in Bula-can. Luis Oquinena, executive director of Gawad Kalinga said they are looking at es-tablishing Enchanted Farms in Bukidnon and Iloilo. He says that huge capital is needed in putting up an En-chanted Farm because of the size of the area, which is 20 to 30 hect-

ares. The current En-chanted Farm located in Angat town in Bula-can province is an in-cubation site for social enterprises and sus-tainable living set in a farm. It acts as a farm village university, sili-con valley for social entrepreneurship and Disneyland for social tourism. Oquinena said that creating more en-chanted farms is part of the Gawad Kalin-ga’s vision in pover-

GK seeks more enchanted farms by RG Alama


ty alleviation. He hopes that an enchanted farm could be estab-lished in Davao City. The GK executive director was in the city today (July 22) to attend the formal turn-over of the Gawad Kalinga Bayan Anihan site in Pueblo Antonio in Catigan Toril District. The community boasts of an ube farm and vegetable gar-dens aimed at self-sufficiency and boosting additional income for families living in the area. In some ways it sort of a small-scale version of Bulacan’s Enchanted Farm. “What you see here is what Gawad Kalinga does in different

parts of the country.” Oquinena says of the GK Bayan Anihan site in Catigan.


Mindanao solon hails signing of anti-trust, cabotage billsTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, July 22, 2015 - A Mindanao lawmaker hailed President Be-nigno Simeon Aquino III for signing into law two landmark measures that aim to boost the country’s economic growth through fair competition and liberalized shipping industry. In a fitting ceremony in Malaca-ñang attended by leaders of both chambers of Congress, the presi-dent signed on Tuesday (July 21) the Philippine Competition Act and the Foreign Ships Co-Loading Act that amended the 50-year old Cabotage Law. Davao del Norte 1st District Congressman Anthony del Rosa-rio sees the new laws are “a game changer” in the Philippine economy. The legislator, who is among the principal authors of the anti-trust law, said the measure will greatly boost the country’s preparedness for the ASEAN economic integration in December. He is happy that the oldest economic bill was finally passed into law to level the playing field and protect consumers, besides allowing the country to partake of the untold benefits of globalization. “The comprehensive competi-tion law will allow us to take advan-tage of the opportunities brought

about by the ASEAN market integra-tion,” he beamed. Under the law, a Philippine Competition Commission will be established to prosecute those en-gaged in unfair and deceptive trade practices. Entities guilty of engaging in unfair business practices will also be penalized with fines reaching up to P250 million, with amounts adjusted for inflation every five years. Viola-tors may also face up to seven years in prison. As co-author of the amend-ments to the Cabotage Law, del Ro-sario further revealed the act aims to promote competition in the shipping industry by allowing foreign vessels to transport passengers and cargoes between ports within the domestic waters. It repealed provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Phil-ippines that limited the right to en-gage in trade within the Philippine coasts only to vessels carrying a certificate of Philippine registry. “The law will relax our cabotage restrictions to lower the shipping cost and make our shipping indus-try competitive,” he said, stressing its favorable impact on the nation’s economy in view of the regional in-tegration.(noel baguio-PIO DN)


P22.2M worth of infra projects benefit residents of N. CotabatoBy:Shahana Joy R Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, July 24 --- Residents of the province are now benefit-ting from the recently turned-over infrastruc-ture projects which cost P22.2 million.

The infrastructure projects which were im-plemented in 11 villages of the province were funded by the provincial government in co-operation with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) party-list and the 3rd Congressional District Office.

In Aleosan town, projects include: 330-me-ter road concreting in Barangay Fort Pikit; 2-classroom building in Malapang Elementary School in Barangay Malapang; classroom


building in Dualing High School Annex in Barangay Cawilihan and a multi-purpose building in Barangay Pentil. Meanwhile, in Pigcawayan town, three covered court projects were turned over to Barangay Lawili, Don Miguel Elementary School in Barangay Tumbras and Capayuran Elemen-tary School in Barangay Capay-uran.

On the other hand, the proj-ects turned over in Kabacan town include: 460-meter road concreting in Barangay Osias; and a covered court in Barangay Malamote while in M’lang, two covered court projects were im-plemented in the villages of Lika and Bialong.

Governor Emmylou Mendoza

highlighted the projects as the provincial government’s re-sponse to the predicaments en-countered by people in many vil-lages such as unfavorable road conditions and the lack of facili-ties or structures to hold official barangay activities.

Residents from the 11 ben-eficiary villages expressed their gratefulness for the implemen-tation of projects that are really beneficial to them.

Lopez Buda, Sr. Barangay Chairman of Fort Pikit said the be-fore the 330-meter road stretch was concreted, the villagers find it hard to pass the road especial-ly during rainy days.

“I am so thankful to the pro


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 24 -- Five com-panies in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have recently re-ceived Service Quality Seal of Recognition from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) 12

vincial government because the path is now passable and ev-eryone from the area can eas-ily travel using the road,” stated Buda.

Meanwhile, Daundang B. Umal and Alfredo Sapulot, school prin-cipals of Malapang Elementary School and Dualing High School Annex in Aleosan respectively, were both grateful for the projects

implemented to their schools.The school building in Mala-

pang Elementary School will be used as classroom and computer room by some 26 Grade 6 pupils while in Dualing High School An-nex the building will be used by Grades 7 and 8 pupils. (NorthCot Media Center/SJDuerme-PIA12)

DOLE 12 awards seal of recognition to 5 companiesBy:Danilo E. Doguiles

Regional Director Ofelia Do-mingo of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 led the RTWPB in recogniz-ing the companies said to be key employment generators in a ceremony at Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City on Mon-day, July 20.

Awarded were Cinco Niñas Resto, Paraiso Verde Resort and

Water Park, Inc. both in Koro-nadal City; Dolores Farm Resort in Polomolok; Dolores Lake Re-sort in Lake Sebu and Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City.

According to DOLE 12, these awardees had decreased number of client complaints that resulted in increase in sales and enhanced their capacity to pro vide incen-tives to their workers and crews.


It should also be noted that all the awardees have been award-ed Certificates of Compliance on General Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

The Regional Board has also issued a resolution forwarding the list of awardees to the Train-ing and Technical Services Divi-sion [TTSD] of the National Wag-es and Productivity Commission

[NWPC] as official repository of list of issued Seal of Recognition as well as to the Office of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Baldoz.(DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from EHL-DOLE 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 24 -- In a bid to further heighten its impact, the European Union-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) Project 3 is conducting capacity-building program that reaches MSMEs, and government employees serving the food and drug sector.

EU-funded project orients MSMEs, public servants on food safetyBy:Danilo E. Doguiles

TRTA, in a press release sent to Philippine Information Agency 12, said that the program is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Health – Food & Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) and the Department of Trade & In-dustry – Bureau of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise Development (DTI-BMSMED).

The program will address the lack of technical knowledge on

food safety laws and standards amongst country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as the government em-ployees serving the food and drug sectors, according to TRTA 3.

This collaboration recently or-ganized the conduct of a train-ing-workshop on food Safety for SOCCSKSAREGEN Region.

In the event, over 80 food mi


cro-entrepreneurs attended the training, mostly for the purpose of getting information on obtaining the FDA-issued license to operate and certificate of product registra-tion as a step towards enhanced marketability of their products.

DTI- South Cotabato Director Flora Gabunales of DTI - South Cotabato and the Regional Prod-uct Manager for Processed Food Cluster, said this is the second food safety Compliance seminar conducted this year.

The first one was conducted last March 19-20 with 100 SME par-ticipants from all over Region 12.

Gabunales emphasized that food safety cannot be compro-mised and that they are provid-ing the necessary business devel-opment services for the assisted processors for them to be compli-ant.

Meanwhile, DTI 12 Regional Di-rector Ibrahim Guiamadel of DTI Regional Office 12 also explained that an FDA license to operate is among the basic requirements for companies to be able to partici-pate in the DTI-initiated regional, national and international trade fairs and similar event.

The Department also imple-mented the Shared Service Facili-ties project by way of providing the necessary equipment to quali-fied cooperators for use of our food processors.

The Food and Drug Administra-tion (FDA) has given its full sup-port to the successful conduct of the activity as part of its intent to enjoin microenterprises to ex-ploit the advantages offered by its newly established e-registration system, which facilitates the is-suance of licenses to operate and certificates of product registration for low-risk food products and food raw materials.

Moreover, the FDA has intro-duced an electronic platform li-censing system for micro-enter-prises engaged in food processing, as required by the Food Safety Act of 2013 (RA 10611) and FDA Act of 2009 (RA 9711).

The EU-PH Trade Related Techni-cal Assistance (TRTA) Programme is a continuing development proj-ect that promotes trade and in-vestment to achieve inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Its third phase, the TRTA 3 started in December 2013 with the signing of the Financing Agreement be-tween the Republic of the Philip-pines and the European Union. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DTI 12)


DENR-13 launches ‘LakbayKalikasan’ in Agusan Marsh

BUTUAN CITY- The Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) Region 13 through the Conservation and Development Division headed by Maritess M. Ocampo has launched on July 16 the program dubbed Nature Exposure otherwise known as “LakbayKalikasan” in Agusan Marshland, for the people to appreciate the value of nature in that area.

By: Eric F. Gallego


“This undertaking is a community-based initiative that emphasizes on environmental education to stir consciousness about environmental conservation and preservation particularly among the young generation,” OIC, PENR Officer Roberto Oliveros said. “We want the people to understand the nature as they appreciate the values and importance of the Agusan Marsh which is host to various species of marine flora and fauna, and enjoy its aesthetic value,” Ocampo said during the launching of LakbayKalikasan at the Integrated Protected Area Services Office complex at Barangay Mambalili in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. For instance, she said, there are about 200 species of migratory birds that spend few

months on the Agusan Marshland during winter season in Japan, China, Russia and other Western Countries. The launching program shall likewise introduce the newly acquired tour boats of the DENR to be utilized in the river cruise. It will travel from the wharf in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur to the center attraction of the Marsh which is Panlabuhan Lake in Loreto of that province. This is the place where you can find the floating villages and the beautiful, cool and placid lake amidst the myriad of migratory birds. The visitors can also enjoy canoeing to complete their enjoyment inside the lake. Agusan Marsh is also host to peatlands, which sequester carbon dioxide gases responsible in the global warming.

DAR admits slow start in getting job done in SurSur, vows to make up TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Office (DARPO) here has vowed to make up after admitting having a slow start in carrying out its accomplishment for the first semester of CY 2015.

By: Greg Tataro Jr.


Benjamin Mataksil, DAR provincial office chief, said it is not unusual for them to post a low output on Land Tenure Improvement (LTI), which covers five major areas, hinting that the latter part of the year is enough time to work on. Indicating the corresponding target, he clearly demonstrated how his office has made it on: Land Acquisition and Distribution (LAD)-109 out of 4,628 hectares have been accomplished

together with 57 agrarian reform b e n e f i c i a r i e s (ARBs); Leasehold – 43 out of 100 hectares have likewise been done together with 22 ARBs; Survey on New Lands – 1,070 out of 3,150 hectares have been completed, 574 of which have been transmitted to DENR, while 77 hectares have already obtained an approved survey plan; Survey on Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) – 547

hectares have been completed with 500 hectares transmitted to DENR; and Land Acquisition Distribution Information System (LADIS) – 98 of 750 hectares have been accomplished together with 61 ARBs. Mataksil expressed confidence they can make it before the year ends as plan to step up effort is already in place, making the assurance that everything is still doable.


Fresh graduates avail DOLE’s internship program for employment in SurSur By: Romelyn B. Bactol/Iris C. Asis

“I am so thankful for the internship program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for without it, I may not have the chance to file and to take the board exam this coming September 27, 2015 due to lack of budget,” says Andy Sajolga, one of the GIP beneficiaries in District 2. He was tasked to teach at Bigaan National High School in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur and received one and a half month salary as government intern amounting to P6,231.00. A fellow intern, Amina M.

Lad, also a teacher assigned in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur will be taking her board exam this year. Both were thankful for the opportunity to develop their teaching skills. “I realized that behind our poverty, there are many programs being offered by the government, what we need to do is to look closely strive harder,” Amina said. DOLE-Surigao del Sur implemented the GIP as early as April 2015 and now other GIP beneficiaries are being absorbed by their offices after working for two months as interns.

BUTUAN CITY - Seventy two fresh graduates from the two districts of Surigao del Sur are now employed in the different government offices in the province under the DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP) for 2015.


TALUSAN, Zamboanga Sibugay – As a gesture of support to the information caravan for poverty reduction spearheaded by the Mindanao Communicator’s Network, Inc. (MINDACOMNET) together with the Regional Development Council (RDC)-9, the Office of Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) of Zamboanga Sibugay in partnership with the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army conducted on Tuesday an animal clinic at the municipal gym here.

OPV, 1st CAV squadron conduct animal clinic in Talusan town

By Gideon C. Corgue


Assistant Provincial Veterinarian Efren Davin in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 staff said the clinic provided free dog vaccination, animal deworming and consultation to farmers. Pet owners flocked to the gym bringing their dogs to avail of the free vaccination offered by the government through the OPV and Philippine Army, respectively. Deworming pills were given also to some farmers for their large cattle. Davin said, the OPV did not hesitate to respond the request of the 1st Cavalry Squadron to partner with them in the activity despite the long hours of travel from the island municipality

saying that they wanted to reach out their services especially to the poor people. “We want to let the people feel the presence of the government in this remote area by offering our free services to them,” Davin explained. Davin said his office had conducted the

activity in almost all of the municipalities but it was the first time to render said services in a 5th class municipality in the province’s first district. The activity, Davin said is in support of the government’s efforts to eliminate rabies by 2020 and to make the Philippines a rabies-free country. “The clinic also aimed at making the animals healthy and providing a safe community,” he added. Davin was grateful for the support extended by the municipal agricultural officer and technicians during the activity.A total of 60 dogs were given anti-rabies vaccines during the animal clinic.


PCA9 distributes 730 fertilizers to coco farmers in La Libertad town

LA LIBERTAD, Zamboanga del Norte – A total of 736 bags of fertilizers were distributed by the personnel of Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to coconut farmers yesterday, July 23, during the information caravan (Infocar) for poverty reduction conducted by the Mindanao Communicator’s Network, Inc. and the Regional Development Council (RDC)-9 at barangay Poblacion here.

By Gideon C. Corgue


In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9, Coconut Development Officer Antonio Soria said the PCA provided free agricultural grade-salt to coconut farmers under its Salt Fertilization Program (SFP), a component of PCA’s drive to increase domestic coconut production. Soria said utilizing agricultural-grade salt to fertilize coconut trees could increase the yield of coconut trees by as much as 25 percent during the first year of application, and by 50 to 100 percent in the second and third year of application. The fertilizer, Soria said, would help increase the coconut yield and boost the plant’s tolerance to drought. “It also boosts resistance to pests and diseases,” he added. The PCA has also assisted the coco farmers in filing their Cocolife Insurance benefits, he dislosed, adding “in this infocar, we offered our services to them (coco farmers) in processing their documents to facilitate the release of their Cocolife Insurance claims.” Each insured coco farmer will receive a financial assistance of P10 thousand. “There were 500 coco

farmers insured under the Cocolife Insurance where some of them have received already their insurance claims,” he added. Meanwhile, Dan Butalid, federation president of Small Coconut Farmers Organization thanked the government through the PCA for providing them free fertilizers. “Nalipay kami nga nakadawat ug hinabang nga abuno gikan sa kagamhanan tungod kay kini ang makatabang pagpauswag sa abot sa among lubi (We are happy to receive free fertilizer for our coconut plants from the government, as this will help increase our production),” Butalid said. With the fertilizers, Butalid observed that the coconut yields in his two-hectare farm had increased. Edilberto Micabalo of barangay New Argao, on the other hand, said he thanked the government for attending to coco farmers by providing them free fertilizers. Soria said coco farmers received four bags each of agricultural-grade salt.

one mindanao - july 24, 2015

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