one mindanao - july 28, 2014

Climate change from a wholistic perspectiveVenus L. GarciaCARAGA REGION

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 229

Gov’t infrastructure investments in Region 12 reach P14.7B in 3 years

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

CENTRAL MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

DOLE-Caraga transforms Butuan brgy into a Child Labor Free

Surigao Norte holds youth innovation, entrepreneurship workshop

Farmers’ agricultural training seen to boost Misamis Oriental, Camiguin provinces’ harvests

Mambajao gains approval for 15M GPBP projects

BFAR orients LGUs on fisherfolk registration

La Union LGU visits IGaCoS

Women, OSY complete food processing training in Sominot town

Zambo CHO belies AIDS cases in evacuation site

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Information to Empower Filipinos

8DOLE-13

Erlinda M. Manluctao

Jorie C. Valcorza

Danilo E. Doguiles

MTA samal

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PEEDMO-SDN

Gideon C. Corgue

Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

Climate change from a wholistic perspective

Climate change from a wholistic perspective

The environmental change that may affect more migration, both internally and internationally, for people to seek safer grounds;

the environmental risk drivers; changes in annual mean temperature/rainfall and sea level rise; the quality and extent of coastal resources; the level of environmental pollution; the overall state of biodiversity and other determinants have contributed to the underlying impacts on the progression of climate change from which the need for adaptation capacity in a wholistic perspective must be put in place.

Climate change affects migration Taken from a viewpoint of the founding and current member of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network Merlie “Milet” Mendoza who enunciated in details her topic during the Information Officers’ Summit on Climate Change

by Venus L. Garcia

COVER STORY

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Advocacy conducted by the Philippine Information Agency and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Caraga on Wednesday in this city, she expressed that climate change can be attributed to both natural and human interventions, therefore, the culpability should not be indicated to natural causes of climate change alone. As defined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) environmental migrants refer to the persons or groups of persons, for compelling reasons of sudden

or progressive change in the environment that adversely affects their lives or living conditions, are obliged to leave their habitual homes. “There are four paths by which environmental change may affect migration: intensification of natural

disasters; increased warming and drought that affects agricultural

production, reducing people’s livelihoods and access to clean water; rising sea levels that render coastal areas uninhabitable; and competition over natural resources

that may lead to conflict, which in turn precipitates displacement,” enumerated Mendoza. Mendoza cited that the determining factors for migration include vulnerability or resilience to these situations, that is, the capability to cope or adapt to them will determine the degree to which people are forced to migrate and the availability of alternative livelihoods or other coping capacities in the affected area generally determines the scale and form of migration that may take place. Mendoza likewise explained that the first stage of climate change-induced migrationor the premigration is when actions to prevent, mitigate, and help individuals adapt to environmental hazards take place and “when prevention of the underlying causes of environmentally induced migration is the most critical need but it will require considerable political will, time, and resources to take the steps that are needed to protect the environment.”

Adaptation and disaster risk reduction As clearly described by Mendoza, adaptation refers to “initiatives and measures to reduce the vulnerability of natural and human systems against actual or expected climate change effects while disaster risk reduction involves systematic efforts to analyze and manage the causal factors of disasters, including through reduced exposure to hazards, lessened vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improved preparedness for adverse events.” “Identifying vulnerabilities is essential in each case since the “characteristics and circumstances

of a community, system or asset make

it susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard,” said Mendoza. Therefore, the challenge is that “attention needs to be given to both sides of the environment and migration nexus: identifying adaptation strategies that allow people to remain where they currently live and work, and identifying resettlement strategies that protect people’s lives and livelihoods when they are unable to remain.”

Humanitarian perspective of reducing vulnerabilities Over two decades of

peacebuilding experience, humanitarian and development worker Milet Mendoza shared that while performing emergency response, “we shall take into consideration the need to reduce vulnerabilities and to strengthen the community’s disaster response capacities and capabilities.” Mendoza stressed that to the extent possible, communities shall take active involvement and it is desired for them to get organized to draw strength within and help each other. She told the participants of said summit about how publicity and advocacy activities should be managed. “We shall recognize disaster victims as dignified humans,

n o t hopeless objects, whose rights must be upheld at all times. Our presence, work, and assistance shall in no way cause further harm to, or prolong suffering of the community we seek to serve,” bared Mendoza. “When engaging in climate change advocacy, recognize the role as complement to the primary role of the government in mitigation and adaptation and disaster and emergency management. We shall coordinate efforts for the maximum benefit,” Mendoza remarked.

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Across the Nation

President Aquino infuses multi-billion-peso funds for infra projects in LegazpiDuring his administration’s first four years, President Benigno

Aquino III has brought multi-billion-peso funds for infrastructure projects in this city, which is now considered as the fastest tourism and investment hub in the Bicol Region.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said the first remarkable infrastructure project by President Aquino in this city is the Php 500-million pumping station that

aims to address the perennial flooding problem in the city during heavy rainfall.

“We’re very grateful to President Aquino because he really cares for and

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Across the Nation loves Legazpi City because for four years, he has infused multi-billion-peso funding for infrastructure development. These initiatives are making Legazpi the fast-rising economic and tourism hub in the country,” Rosal said.

He said several ambitious projects are lined up for the development of Legazpi this year, funded by the national government, and these include: the Php 140-million four-lane Yawa bridge, Php 200-million mega highway, Php 8-million core shelter program in Barangay Dapdap, and Php 10-million school classrooms for upland national high schools, among others.

Other projects are the Php 14.6-million multi-purpose hall that would accommodate 3,000 people in times of calamity and the Php 80-million Legazpi City Hospital for the poor to decongest the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital.

“We have to compete with other big cities of the county, and even globally, through good governance by giving back to the people their taxes religiously returned by establishing schools, farm-to-market roads, and health and education of children. We were able to send back to school 60 percent of drop-out students seven years ago. This is also the agenda of our President,” the mayor said.

Seven years after the occurrence of catastrophic super typhoon “Reming,”

Legazpi City, the capital of Albay, has risen as the fastest booming city in the country.

And so, Rosal said, the people of Tacloban should learn from the experience of Legazpi City whose development is soaring, even better, after the occurrence of the deadly “Reming”.

The super typhoon hit Albay province on November 30, 2006, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving multi-billion-peso devastation on government and private infrastructures as well as agricultural crops.

Several barangays in Albay -- such as Padang in Legazpi City, Bañag in Daraga town and Maipon in the municipality of Guinobatan -- were totally buried by the cascading volcanic materials from the slopes of Mayon volcano.

But the strong partnership of the government and the private sector in Albay, specifically in Legazpi City, greatly helped the residents regain the glory of the capital city of the province.

“After super typhoon Reming, Legazpi’s comparative business tax was posted at Php 263.5 million in 2013. If Legazpi was booming before, after Reming, we have bounced back -- even better now,” Rosal said.

As to tourism, the mayor said, Legazpi posted 579,470 tourists arrivals, an increase of 32.27 percent compared to 2012’s 438,100 tourist arrivals. (PNA)

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Reynaldo Tamayo, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 12 director, said Monday such funding covered for the construction and development of 1,773 projects that were set under the region’s infrastructure program from 2011 to 2013.

He said these are on top of the 228 projects worth P5.17 billion that were approved by the national government under the region’s 2014 infrastructure program.

Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Tamayo said the implemented projects comprise major roads, bridges and other

structures that were deemed vital for the area’s socio-economic development.

These include components of the P1.135 billion city circumferential road, opening and concreting of tourism roads, the continuing expansion to four lanes of the region’s national highways and primary roads as well as the concreting of the secondary roads, he said.

In 2011, he said they accomplished a total of 245 projects worth P3.87 billion in 2011 and an additional 264 worth P4.35 billion in 2012.

He said they implemented 1,264 more projects worth P6.56 billion last year that were endorsed by the national government under 2013 infrastructure program.

Tamayo said the 2013 program

Gov’t infrastructure investments in Region 12 reach P14.7B in 3 years

The national government has

invested around P14.7 billion in the last three years for the implementation of various priority infrastructure projects in parts of Region 12 or the Soccsksargen Region.

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includes five tourism road projects worth P340.89 million that were endorsed by the national government to help enhance the region’s tourism potentials.

It covered for rehabilitation and concreting of three key access roads leading to emerging ecotourism and adventure sites in Makilala town in North Cotabato and in the municipalities of Glan and Maitum in Sarangani, he said.

Of the total allocation, the official said P33.46 million was drawn from the savings made by the agency through the implementation of competitive and transparent bidding process for the tourism road projects.

As of last June 30, Tamayo said they have so far posted an average accomplishment rating of 94.61 percent for the 2011 to 2013 infrastructure programs.

He said such accomplishment rating is considered the highest among the country’s 16 regions and they are currently doubling their efforts to meet the assigned targets or timeline of the implemented projects.

“We’re currently addressing various gaps to fast track the implementation of our projects, specifically conflicts concerning road right-of-ways and other related problems,” Tamayo said.

In 2013, DPWH-12 ranked number one among the country’s 16 regional offices in terms of the

physical or actual accomplishment of their annual infrastructure program.

The agency accomplished such feat despite placing only 15th in terms of overall performance in their first semester assessment.

For this year, Tamayo said they’re targeting to maintain their position as the country’s top implementer in terms of infrastructure projects.

For their 2014 infrastructure program, he said they have posted an accomplishment rating of 45.57 percent as of last June 30.

He expressed optimism that the agency will be able to maintain the top spot in terms of performance and also in “leading Region 12 towards economic success and social justice through infrastructure development.”

The official said they expect to compete during the second half the ongoing paving of national primary roads within the region

In terms of secondary roads, he said they have so far accomplished 65 percent of their targets and on track towards their completion by 2016.

“A number of road openings and development of tourism roads are currently in the pipeline and scheduled for completion before President Benigno S. Aquino III will end his term in 2016,” Tamayo said.

12JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

President Aquino set to certify Bangsamoro Basic Law as urgent billPresident Benigno S. Aquino III is set to certify the Bangsamoro

Basic Law (BBL) as urgent bill, a Palace official said on Sunday.

“Ipinahayag ni Pangulong (Benigno) Aquino (III) na prayoridad ng pamahalaan na ganap na maisabatas ang BBL

at maitatag ang Bangsamoro Transition Authority sa susunod na taon,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office


Secretary Hermino Coloma, Jr., in a press briefing over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

President Benigno Aquino III has previously said that the BBL will be submitted to Congress to be enacted into law after he delivers his State of the Nation Address on July 28.

Coloma added that Bangsamoro Transtition Council (BTC) held a meeting last week to finalize the BBL before it is submitted to Congress for ratification.

Present during the meeting were the members of the Philippine panel headed by Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Senen Bacani, Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao of National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Coloma recounted.

The Communication Secretary said the President reminded both the Philippine Panel and the representative of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to work

together and within the framework of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“Ayon sa Pangulo, ‘let’s approach this drafting of the proposed BBL with an open mind…everything is consistent with the CAB, and limit the potential challenges.’ Dagdag pa niya, ‘let us put ourselves in each other’s shoes. Mula sa ‘kayo’ at ‘kami’, ibalik natin sa ‘tayo’,” said Coloma quoting the President.

On March 27, the CAB was signed in Malacanang, this ended the decades-long conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Mindanao. PND


BSP orients Bislig stakeholders on new banknotesBy Nida Grace P. BarcenaBUTUAN CITY - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) conducted an orientation about the security features of the New Generation Philippine Banknotes to various stakeholders in the city.


The orientation, facilitated by Jetzer Tan of BSP Corporate Af-fairs Office, and Zandy Estoy of BSP-CDO, is part of the agen-cy’s public information cam-paign about the country’s new peso bills, said Laine Elechicon of Bislig City Information Office. “The purpose of this cam-paign is to inform our people of the importance of safeguard-ing and preventing the spread of counterfeit or fake money,” said Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro. In a press statement re-leased from the BSP, the present banknotes will remain in circula-tion and will continue to be ac-

cepted as legal ten-der for at least three more years. Based on previous currency retirement or demonetization program of the BSP, this will give enough time for the public accordingly to make a full transition to the new genera-tion currency, wherein a separate schedule will be followed for coins. Banknotes of the Philippine peso are made of durable paper, principally composed 80% cot-ton and 20% abaca issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) for circulation in the country.

DOLE-Caraga transforms Butuan brgy into a Child Labor Free By DOLE-13

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga, in partnership with the local government here has created Resolution No. 7-206-14 Series of 2014 containing initiatives or activities for the development of the children in Barangay Doongan of this city, particularly in the former dump site area, which is a perfect picture of poverty.


“Although the dump site is currently being converted into an Eco-Park, the place is still packed with informal sector workers and child laborers,” cited DOLE-Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson Cañete.

There are children collecting garbage disposals from one house to another, some drive pedi-cabs and push carts to sell Filipino snacks for a living.

“With this effort, the DOLE will

be providing various activities for the people living in the area especially the children. These children are the most vulnerable sector in our society, that’s why we have to do something to address their concerns,” stressed Cañete.

Also, said resolution supports the initiative of the DOLE-Caraga to transform Doongan into a Child Labor Free Barangay.

Surigao Norte holds youth innovation, entrepreneurship workshop SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The provincial government here thru the provincial economic enterprise and development management office (PEEDMO) held a one-day orientation-workshop on innovation and entrepreneurship for the youth on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at Sagisi Hall of Gateway Hotel, this city.

By PEEDMO-SDN

PEEDMO officer-in-charge Graciela E. Mante said the workshop was participated by selected student leaders of the province.

Mante said the one-day entrepreneurship activitiy was aimed to incorporate an entrepreneurial perspective to the mindset of the youth and stimulate their drive to organize strategies for employment creation, product and service innovation, community revitalization and livelihood promotion.

“This is the first of a series of workshops intended to aid the younger generation to develop their capacity in maximizing their potential to be the prime movers in the economic development of the province, “ she said.

Mante said the output of the workshop will be presented in the up-coming Youth Entrepreneurship Forum on July 25, 2014 to be held at the Surigao State College and Technology (SCCT) Main Campus.

Surigao Norte holds youth innovation, entrepreneurship workshop

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


C4DNet to go full-blast on RDC XI advocacies

DAVAO DEL NORTE- The Commu-nication for Development Network (C4DNet) under the auspices of the National Economic and Devel-opment Authority (NEDA) XI will go full-blast in its communication and advocacy activities in the sec-ond half of the year. During the 3rd quarter meeting

at the Philip-pine Information Agency (PIA) XI Regional Office, the C4DNet lined up specific activities to be undertaken with a major event to be launched starting August this year. Topping the list of activities that the C4D Net will undertake is the series of press briefings to start off on

August 8 with Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson Rodolfo P. del Rosario, governor of Davao del Norte, to discuss the RDC XI 2014-2016 Development Thrusts and the 2013 Updates. He will be joined on the panel by NEDA XI Regional Director Ma.

by Jeanevive Abangan


Lourdes Lim, vice chairperson of RDC XI Succeeding topics in the series of twice a month press briefings are Modern and Competitive Agriculture Programs, Sustainable Environment and Natural Resources Programs in September; Competitive Industry and Services, Science and Technol-ogy and Innovation, and Strategic and Sustainable Infrastructure pro-grams in October; Good Governance, Peace and Development and Human Resource Development programs in November; and Social Protection for Inclusive Growth programs in Decem-ber. There will also be roadshows to be conducted at the provincial and city levels to broaden the understand-ing of local stakesholders “on the so-cio-economic directions” of the Davao Region as mapped out in the updated Regional Development Plan (RDP). The conduct of the roadshow is also aimed at generating positive re-sponses and to trigger local initiatives that would contribute to the Plan im-plementation; and to strengthen the network among regional and local stakeholders to achieve the goals, ob-jectives and targets set in the RDP. Aiming to strengthen its network of advocacy and to widely spread the dissemination of information, the C4DNet will also be creating the RDC XI Press Corps whose members will serve as mainstay media practitioners to be invited during press briefings and during RDC Roadshow. There will also be advocacy fora

with stakeholders on Pov-erty Reduction and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), the 2013 Regional De-velopment Report, the State of the Region Report and the Regional Peace Situation. Schedules for the each specific forum are yet to be determined as ar-ranged by the RDC XI Secretariat but all the fora are set in the months of August to November this year. Aside from the forum with stake-holders, there will also be advocacy support to specific RDC XI implemen-tation plan activities and policy advo-cacies. Set within the second half of the year are the “Investment Forum for Power Supply/Renewable Energy Proj-ects”, “ ASEAN Economic Cooperation (AEC)”, “ Economic and Financial Lit-eracy”, “ Industry Cluster Roadmap” , “Typhoon Pablo Rehabilitation Plan Outcomes”, “Establishment of the Davao Regional State University Sys-tem (DRSUS)”. NEDA XI which serves as the mother agency of C4DNet will sponsor the capability-building for its mem-bers who will benefit from trainings on social media, development statis-tics and the basic and advanced news writing. Taking the role as the communi-cation and advocacy arm of RDC XI, the C4DNet gains the able advise and supervision of regional directors Ma. Lourdes Lim of NEDA XI and Efren F. Elbanbuena of PIA XI. (PIA XI/ Jean-evive Duron-Abangan)


La Union LGU visits IGaCoSISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, DAVAO DEL NORTE - La Union Provincial government led by 2nd District Congressman Eufranio Eriguel with wife and Mayor of the municipality of Agoo Sandra Eriguel and Municipal Mayor of Aringay Eric Sibuma with del-egates consisting the Municipal Councillors, Department Heads , barangay captains and sectoral representatives of the two munic-ipalities visited the Island Garden City of Samal to learn the merging process underwent by IGaCoS be-fore it became a city on July 11. Agoo Mayor Sandra Eriguel said ,they chose IGaCoS for their learning tour being known of its unique amalgamation process, where the three municipalities , Babak, Samal and Kaputian merged to become one city, in which their province also plan to merge their two (2) municipalities , Aringay ang Agoo, for it to become a city. City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan welcomed and thanked the delegation from La Union province for choosing Samal Island as venue for learning the process of amalgamation in becoming a city. He even bared some couple of benefits enjoyed by the officials, employees and the people when it became a city compared to their status, when they were still a

municipality especially mentioning the meagre local income they had during those times. Antalan also shared significant political advices to the incumbent officials, department heads and employees and the importance of proper consultation with the people which helped hasten the merging process. Vice Mayor Al David Uy also spoke of the different challenges met by the legislative department despite the good intention in making policies for the betterment of the people. Uy mention some income generation city ordinances as support to the declining internal revenue allotment due to increasing number of cities but the moves were confronted with some impediments. Yet, Vice Mayor Uy assured the delegation’s access to the legislations and ordinances produced by the legislative department and assured support and cooperation. To have a better grasped on how IGaCoS became a city, City General Services Officer Percenito Bustamante presented the Constitution of the Island Garden City of Samal –Merging Process which extensively illustrate the vital process underwent by IGaCoS, other needed documents were also provided to the visitors . (MTA samal)


Agreement to lessen school expensesMAITUM, Sarangani – Mayor Pepito Catimbang expresses his appreciation to the parties in-volved saying this will be a big help to the parents to lessen their expenses with the MOA-sign-ing for Senior High School Early implementation cum Launching of DREAM Program (School in a garden Developing Realistic Environment Agripreneurial Malalag) Friday, July 25. (Afren de Guzman/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)


GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Members of the Philippine Society of Otolar-yngology, Head and Neck Surgery (PSOHNS) here recently handed to the Socksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc (SFFAII) some P269,000 as financial aid to victims of typhoon Yolanda.

Doctors send aid to Yolanda victimsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 12 on Saturday hosted a ceremony at the East Asia Royale Hotel to acknowledge the contributions of the donor organization and facilitate the hand-over of checks from the PSOHNS to SFFAII.

SFFAII, the umbrella organization of fisheries associations in Region 12, has been tasked to handle funds for the rehabilitation of the Yolanda-devastated communities under the AHON (Tagalog for “rise”) Program.

Dr. Howard Enriquez, president of PSOHNS, said, “As an organization, we have a social responsibility, thus through our collective efforts we were able to raise substantial amount of money from our fellows, hospitals, specialty group chapters, and pharmaceutical partners.…a portion of this will be given to your good program AHON.”

“We hope that even in small ways we can help improve the lives of the fisherfolk affected by the typhoon.”

Enriquez also mentioned that they agree with the proposal that a portion of their donation will be

used to purchase chest freezers to support livelihood of affected families.

Meanwhile, Mr. Joaquin Lu, president of SFFAII, thanked all the professionals who contributed for the AHON Program.

He suggested that with the coming of more funds it would be better to build new fiberglass boats considering that these last longer and these do not require outrigger that needs more space. He also said that fiberglass boats can be safely kept in their homes.

Lu also commended the fact that AHON now considers distribution of chest freezers. This, for him, is one opportunity to add value to their produce and eventually these could command better price in the market.

AHON program is BFAR’s version of public-private-people participation since it involves various sectors, including the beneficiaries, in implementing initiatives intended to help Yolanda survivors recover and re-establish their livelihood.

BFAR Office for Special Concerns acting chief Melanie Guerra, who


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Over 80 representatives from vari-ous local government units in SOCCSKSARGEN Region gathered in Gen-eral Santos City recently for an orientation on the Improved Municipal Fisherfolk Registration System (fishR)

represented BFAR director Atty. Asis Perez, expressed the bureau’s gratitude for all the efforts exerted by PSOHNS.

“Be assured that your financial assistance will reach the persons this is intended for,” said Guerra as she cited BFAR’s ground operations mechanics in identifying beneficiaries and their needs to rebuild life and livelihood of the fisherfolk after having being hit by the ruthless disaster.

She also informed the group that BFAR has already surpassed its targeted number of boats to be distributed and it is just right to support livelihood of the affected families, thus, AHON project now also focuses on procuring chest freezers and post-harvest interventions.

Another highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) which specifies commitments of involved parties, namely: BFAR, PSOHNS, and

SFFAII who pledged to effectively deliver all forms of assistance to the target beneficiaries.

Doctors Howard Enriquez, Raymond Belmonte, and Melfred Hernandez signed for PSOHNS while Mr. Joaquin Lu signed in behalf of the private sector through SFFAII. Atty. Asis Perez was expected to sign document for BFAR.

BFAR 12 OIC Regional Director Ambutong Pautong and Rosanna Bernadette Contreras, the Executive Director of SFFAII officially witnessed the MOA signing.

The participants were given a chance to experience a glimpse of the impacts of AHON initiatives and its message of “bayanihan” and hope as they viewed the music video “Ahon”.

Said video can now be downloaded at www.facebook.com/Ahon.BFAR. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from OSabal-BFAR 12)

BFAR orients LGUs on fisherfolk registrationBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Hosted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 12, the gathering aimed to familiarize the LGU officials regarding the features and capabilities of the

upgraded fishR in line with the ongoing official listing of fisherfolk in the region.

Also among the participants were officials of BFAR, its employees


under the Fisheries Information Management Center (FIMC), and officials of the city government.

Highlighted in the orientation was an update on the latest registration reports from the LGUs.

City Councilor Brix Tan, chairman of the Sangguniang Panglungsod’s Committee on Fisheries and Marine Resources, expressed confidence that the improved fishR system would hasten the initiative to list the fisherfolk in every locality, especially since the new system is capable of encoding data even in areas where internet connection is a concern.

He also explained to them how the city government went through with the process and encouraged other LGUs to push through with the registration.

Meanwhile, BFAR 12 OIC Assistant Regional Director Antonio Gepte V explained the benefits of the fisherfolk sector registration.

Gepte pointed out that government assistance could be delivered effectively when the beneficiaries are identified.

The fishR system, he added, is also a very vital tool in planning and implementing appropriate interventions for specific communities.

Participants were also oriented on the Data Entry Terminal (DET),

a computer program recently incorporated in the fishR system that allows entry and saving of the required data using only simple data memory gadgets such a USB drive and without the aid of internet connection.

Once internet connection is available the data saved in memory drives are transferred to the online registration database using the DET.

Copies of the DET program were distributed to the participants for installation in computers in their respective LGUs, which should hasten fisherfolk registration in all 50 municipal and city governments across SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Available data indicate that over 30,000 fisherfolk have been registered in the region. With the distribution of DET programs in the LGUs, the figure is expected to double or triple in the next two months.

Per record, Bicol Region leads in the registration of fisherfolk with over 115,000 registrants.

As announced earlier, the first 100 LGUs in the country to complete the registration of fisherfolk will be awarded P2 million-worth of projects. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from OSabal-BFAR 12)


Procurement Service Hub in Mindanao launchedby Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) launched today the first ever DBM Procurement Service Hub in the PHLPOST regional office in Macabalan, this city.


According to DBM Procurement Service Executive Director Atty. Estanislao Granados that Cagayan de Oro is looked at as the gateway to Mindanao and that through this hub, all supplies in Mindanao will be based in Cagayan de Oro. He said that there will be a whole lot of difference since in the previous years, delivery of supplies and equipment to the different government offices in Mindanao take three to five weeks to accomplish. Now, from Cagayan de Oro, it should only take 15 hours to Zamboanga, seven hours to Surigao and nine hours to Koronadal and so on. Also he explained that this will be a different kind of challenge to the PHLPOST because in one year time, at least 522 twenty footer vans will pass in the Cagayan de Oro warehouse. PHLPOST Assistant Post Master General for Marketing and Management Support Services Luis D. Carlos meanwhile said that this is the first ever hub in the country and

it is just the beginning of a logistics service that they are moving not only with DBM but eventually with the Department of Health (DOH) and Games and Amusement Board (GAB). “It’s not a stamp company anymore but a logistics company,” Carlos said. The opening of this hub is the beginning of a rapid development in this part of the country, the Mindanao area is a growth area. This is an instrument of progress, a procurement of service, to provide supplies and equipment with PHLPOST as logistics provider, he said. Meanwhile, PHLPOST Mindanao Area 8 Director Nimia S. Acebes said that in 36 years of service, she never dreamed PHLPOST to have warehouse business but explained that they need to adapt to the changes. That is why now; they are into warehouse and logistics.

Farmers’ agricultural training seen to boost Misamis Oriental, Camiguin provinces’ harvestsby Erlinda M. Manluctao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - A total of 166 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from selected municipalities of Misamis Oriental and Camiguin recently completed the Agricultural Enterprise Development (AED) training course.


The newly trained farmer-beneficiaries are expected to help improve the provinces’ agriculture. The training, conducted by Xavier Science Foundation (XSF), was implemented under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) project. The ARCCESS project is designed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to provide strategic and sustainable support services to increase farm productivity, improve household incomes and provide sustainable livelihood for ARBs through the organization of agri-related enterprises. The graduates are members of the agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Laguindingan (Lapad Agrarian Reform and Farmers’ Cooperative) with 28 graduates, Taglimao (Taglimao Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative) with 22 graduates, Indahag (Indahag Agrarian Reform Community Multi-Purpose

Cooperative) with 27 graduates, Alubijid (Centro Sampatulog Farmers’ Consumers Cooperative) with 23 graduates, Balingoan (Kabangasan-Mapua-Dah i l i g Agrarian Reform Community) with 29 graduates, Agoho (Agoho Multi-Purpose Community) with 23 graduates, and Sagay (Bonbon-Sagay Upland Farmers’ Association) with 14 graduates. The ARBOs in Laguindingan, Taglimao and Indahag are currently engaged in corn production. Those in Alubijid and Balingoan are into cassava, while the ARBOs in Agoho and Sagay are producing abaca. In partnership with the DAR in Region 10, the XSF has provided agri-technology and agri-extension services to the identified ARBOs in an institutionalized manner. The services include trainings for farmer technicians and ARBs, common service facilities management plan, farm production management plan, preparation of training manuals and modules, among others.

Mambajao gains approval for 15M GPBP projectsby Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin - Thefty projects under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) with capitalization of P15-million gains approval from the oversight agencies.


These include programs and projects for the enhancement of health facilities, sustainable livelihood, farm to market road, repair and rehabilitation of school buildings, social pension for indigent senior citizens, and rice production. Mambajao mayor Maria Luisa Romualdo said they are fast tracking efforts to supply the needed documents for the release of funds and jump-start the implementation of these programs and projects jointly identified by the local government unit (LGU) and civil society organizations in Mambajao. Town’s rural health unit and five priority barangay health stations to include barangay Kuguita, Pandan, Vulcan, Tupsan and Yumbing will benefit from the enhancement program, while all barangays will be covered by the livelihood program. The approved FMR project will be granted to Sitio Tambaan, Anito and public elementary schools of

barangays Anito, Volcan, Tupsan, Yumbing, Pandan and Mambajao Central School were among the identified schools to avail of the repair and rehabilitation works. Some 200 indigent senior citizens are also up for social pension program, while organized farmers for the 60-hectare rice field will also receive assistance from GPBP. GPBP is formerly called Bottom up Budgeting (BuB), it ensures the inclusion of the funding requirement for the development needs identified at the local level in the budget proposals of the National Government Agencies. Romualdo said, the Phase III Socialized Housing Project will come next in their priority. This will serve as the shelter program for government employees who wished to own a home of their own at a lesser cost.


Zambo IP students undergo journalism trainingBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - About thirty (30) Indigenous People (IP) students and out-of-school youth attended a journalism seminar in a local hotel here on July 24-25.


Zambo IP students undergo journalism training

The activity, organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in partnership with the United States Embassy-Manila, aimed to create a pool of community-based youth journalists, particularly from IP groups. Councilor Ismael Musa, the city council’s IP representative urged the participants to apply what they learned when they go back to their communities, inciting their tribes’ pride and heritage. “Your writing can make a change. Let us use this for the betterment of Zamboanga,” Councilor Musa said. PIA– IX regional director Noemi Edaga told the youth that “the workshop is an opportunity for

them to be exposed in the world of journalism,” which is one of the most essential elements of a free society. Meanwhile, NCIP-9 regional director Timuey Woy Lim P. Wong said that the IP youth are the hope of their tribes. “This workshop will hone your talents so you could use it to let the world know your potential to become leaders and achievers in the future.” The two-day seminar has modules on basic newswriting, feature writing and social media utilization. In addition, a module on climate change was also included to promote awareness on adaptation and mitigation measures that the youth may bring down to their communities.


The graduates received their training certificates from Senior Technical Education Development Specialist Juancho Lazo during the conduct of an information caravan held at the municipal gym here last Thursday. Merlyn Corsino, one of the graduates, said she was happy that she was given the opportunity by the local government unit (LGU) to avail of the free training. “Nalipay ko ug dako nga usa sa mga palaran nga mulupyo nga nakapahimulos sa duha ka adlaw nga pagbansaybansay paghimo sa tocino ug longganisa. Makatabang gyud ni sa akong pamuyo ilabi na sa

akong pagpa-eswkela sa akong lima ka mga anak,” Corsino said. (I am very grateful that I am one of lucky residents who availed of the 2-day training in tocino and longganisa making. Indeed, it will help me augment my income and that I could send my children to school.) “Kung aduna koy igo nga capital maghimo ug mamaligya ko longganisa ug tocino aron akong ipatuman ang akong nakat-onan sa nasangpit nga pagbansaybansay, she added. (If I have enough capital, I will start making and selling longganisa and tocino so I can apply the

SOMINOT, Zamboanga del Sur – Thirty-eight women and out-of-school-youth (OSY) graduated from a two-day food processing training conducted by the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) on July 18 and 19.

Women, OSY complete food processing training in Sominot town By Gideon C. Corgue


Women, OSY complete food processing training in Sominot town

“We have not found any positive cases of HIV inside evacuation camps, although there were cases of sexually transmitted infections among internally displaced persons (IDPs), but it’s not AIDS,” Dr. Agbulos clarified during a recent press briefing. Agbulos said if, indeed, there are cases of AIDS, it will really be a cause for alarm. But he clarified that “there is no truth to the report.” As part of its monitoring

activities inside the evacuation centers, the City Health Office (CHO) also looks into sexually transmitted infections and HIV among the IDPs by conducting medical checkups/missions including the distribution of hygiene kits to pregnant and lactating women. Other than the CHO, non-government partners like the Human Development Empowerment Services are also looking into problems of STDs and HIV cases inside ECs.

Zambo CHO belies AIDS cases in evacuation siteBy Michael Vincent D. Cajulao

ZAMBOANGA CITY – City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos denied reports of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases inside evacuation centers (ECs) except for cases of sexually transmitted disease (STD).

knowledge I’ve acquired from the training.) For his part, Lazo expressed his gratitude to the Mindanao Communicator’s Network (MindaComNet) for including the food processing training in this year’s information caravan in Sominot, a municipality in Zamboanga Peninsula with the second highest poverty incidence. Lazo lauded the municipality for actively supporting the skills

development programs of the agency. TESDA had also conducted a skills training in said town where it produced 170 graduates. “The short-term program could provide help to men, women and OSY in uplifting their economic status by utilizing their entrepreneurial skills so that they can start, develop, finance and succeed in their livelihoods,” Lazo concluded.

one mindanao - july 28, 2014

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