one mindanao - june 5, 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

DOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE APIT, PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

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BOI urges Mindanao investors to align business with IPP 2014-2016

Pay workers correctly on Independence Day

DepEd- NorthCot thanks different sectors for orderly school opening

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By: Carina L. Cayon

Cover Story

CARAGA WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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OUR COVER

Contents

By: Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

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Cortes women OFWs undergo beauty care skills training

BSP underscores financial inclusion strategy

Government, MILF fighters link arms for Brigada Eskwela

Evaluation for Outstanding Regional BNS starts

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Bloodletting, Operation Tuli highlight Emcor’s 13th Anniversary

24By: Jorie C. Valcorza

By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

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TESDA bares 2015 scholarship program in SurSurBy: Greg Tataro, Jr.

By Alma L. Tingcang

PhilHealth accredits Gingoog health centerBy: Buboy Pabia

By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

28 June 6 a special non-working holiday in Zambo. NorteBy: Alfonso T. Ruda

4 June 5, 2015One Mindanao

BOI urges Mindanao investors to align business with IPP 2014-2016

Cover Story

By: Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan

5June 5, 2015 One Mindanao

T he Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urges Mindanao investors to align their business with the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) 2014-2016 and avail of the government’s fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

Ellorence Cruz, BOI-Gensan Desk Representative said it is essential that investors here should learn first the priority areas under the IPP 2014-2016 and review the opportunities of the plan before setting up their new business. “The IPP is a rolling three-year

plan, reviewed annually for effective implementation. This feature ensures continuity, consistency and predictability – factors seriously considered by domestic and foreign investors,” she pointed out.

In a forum conducted here last month, BOI Governor Lucita P. Reyes underscored the importance of the IPP 2014-2016 and how it evolved from a one year plan to a rolling

three-year plan after thorough planning and consultations with the different industry players and stakeholders. “The new IPP is more comprehensive and inclusive which objectives focused on increase employment opportunities by revitalizing


growth sectors, especially the manufacturing sector; promote higher value adding activities and deeper SME participation in the supply chains; and strengthen participation in global and regional production networks including the ASEAN Economic Community,” she explained.

Reyes also disclosed that the new IPP has preferred lists of “economic activities that - based on industry studies, plans and roadmaps - are strategic or critical to advance a particular industry or improve the product’s value chain.” These include: Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Fishery, Services, Economic and Low-cost Housing, Hospitals, Energy, Public Infrastructure and Logistics, and PPP Projects.Cruz said that existing companies with new projects like expansion and modernization covered by the IPP are encouraged to register with the BOI to avail of the incentives. “Fiscal Incentives include: Income Tax Holiday, Exemption

from taxes and duties on imported spare parts (NOLCO), Exemption from wharfage dues and export tax, duty, impost and fees (GIE), Reduction of the Rates of Duty on Capital, Equipment, Spareparts and Accessories by Virtue of EO 528, Tax exemption on breeding stocks and genetic materials, Tax Credits, Additional deductions from Taxable Income.” “While Non-Fiscal Incentives include: Employment of Foreign Nationals, Simplification of customs procedures, Importation of consigned equipment, Privilege to operate a bonded manufacturing/trading warehouse.”

Meanwhile, Gilbert Tan, Assistant Professor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) College of Business Administration and Accountancy expressed gratefulness over the conduct of the forum and IPP road show in Gensan, which was participated by representatives from various chambers of commerce, business support organizations, LGUs, academes, members of inter-agency committees, NGOs,


consumer organizations and the media.

“The BOI investment roadshow highlights avenues for

entrepreneurship opportunities that business teachers can

help promote among their students,” he emphasized.

In the same occasion, Interior Secretary, Mar Roxas, also assured participants that the government is doing its best to improve business and infrastructure in the country as he encouraged investors to align their plans with governments thrusts and create more jobs.

This year’s IPP is anchored on the theme: “Industry Development and Inclusive Growth.”


Government to Japanese investors: There are enough local funds to finance infrastructure development

MANILA -- The Philippine government has assured Japanese companies planning to invest in the country’s infrastructure projects that there are enough funds to support such developments.

During an investment forum here Thursday, President

Benigno S. Aquino III was asked about financing, once Japanese


companies consider building infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

In response, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the Philippines has achieved macroeconomic stability as a result of the President’s good

governance initiative.

The country’s central bank has also contributed to this stability, owing to its efficient management, Secretary Purisima said.

“We have also been able to increase the capacity of the local banking system. As a result, the single borrower’s limit of banks was temporarily extended and at the same time with their increasing sizes, we were able to accommodate more infrastructure projects,” he told Japanese businessmen at the forum, held at the Hotel New Otani here.

“Nevertheless the president has also decided to open up more bridges to investment from abroad,” he added.


The government has also liberalized the banking system, he said, noting that it has so far approved the entry of four foreign banks -- the first being the Sumitomo Bank of Japan and three others from South Korea and Taiwan.

The entry of these foreign banks should offer additional financing access for infrastructure projects, Purisima said, adding that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has linked up with a foreign fund to engage in infrastructure financing.

“So far, we have not seen any issues in terms of funds,” he said. As the g o v e r n m e n t launches more public-private partnership (PPP) projects, Purisima said it is

also looking into the possibility of issuing infrastructure and insurance bonds for the purpose of infrastructure development.

In case of currency mismatch between company financing and revenue flow for local infrastructure, he said there are locally available facilities, including those from the government, which can be utilized to address the concern. (PCOO/PND (as)


Pay workers correctly on Independence Day

MANILA -- Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz on Wednesday reminded private sector employers to do their patriotic duty by observing proper pay rules on 12 June, Independence Day.


Baldoz said 12 June, when Filipinos mark the country’s Independence Day, is a regular holiday. She added that President Benigno S. Aquino III, in Proclamation 831 dated 17 July 2014, declared Independence Day as a regular holiday.

“Proper observance of all holiday pay rules strengthens decent work and builds productivity. Voluntary labor standards compliance redounds to social protection and the competitiveness of business and industry,” she added.

For June 12, the following pay rules will apply:

• If the employee did not work, he or she shall be paid 100 percent of his or her salary for that day. • If the employee worked, he or she shall be paid 200 percent of his/her regular salary for that day for the first eight hours. For work done in excess of eight hours

(overtime work), the employee shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her hourly rate. • If 12 June is the employee’s rest day and he or she still reported for work, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her daily rate of 200 percent. • If the employee worked more than eight hours on his or her rest day on 12 June, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her hourly rate on the day. Baldoz urged private sector employers to “observe voluntary compliance with labor standards, particularly with payment of correct wages/salaries of employees who will report for work on Independence Day.” (DOLE)


PIKIT, North Cotabato -- Government troopers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters set aside their firearms on Wednesday, June 3 and joined hands in the repair of school buildings and rendering medical and dental services to hundreds of school children in the town of Rajamuda here.

Government, MILF fighters link arms for Brigada Eskwela

The event kicked off a series of “Brigada Eskwela” activities in Bangsamoro communities

inside MILF camps in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Lanao del Norte


and Lanao del Sur revolving around the theme,“Ang batang Bangsamoro ay dapat nasa paaralan, ayaw sa barilan.”

The activity, which will culminate on Monday June 8, 2015, is spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), MILF, local government units (LGUs) and various line agencies of the government that include the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH).

Brig. General Carlito Galvez, head of the Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities of the government (GPH-CCCH) said the activity manifests the readiness of the MILF to embrace society.

Galvez, in his message, called on participants to join hands for the future of Bangsamoro children. “Sama sama po tayo na aagapay para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak. Tulungan nating palakasin ang governance ng Bangsamoro,” he said.

Galvez made it clear that the activities are part of

the normalization process as defined in the Comprehensive Agreement for the Bangsamoro (CAB) that was signed by both the government and MILF peace panels.

Omar Obas, Schools Division Superintendent of North Cotabato expressed gratitude to OPAPP, AFP, the MILF and other development stakeholders for choosing Rajamuda as one of the beneficiaries of Brigada Eskwela.

“Matagal na nating minimithi ang kapayapaan. Kaya bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na pagpasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law nararapat lamang na magkaron tayo ng mga pagtitipon na tulad nito,” he said.

Obas said Brigada Eskwela is an expression of unity and peace.

Board Member Dulia Sultan of North Cotabato 2nd District represented Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza also lauded the activity, taking note of the provincial government’s support to efforts to achieve lasting peace in the area.

Brigada Eskwela, Sultan said, is a pursuit where weapons


of war are shelved and replaced with the tools of education, peace and development.

“Ang pagkawala ng armas sa mata ng mga bata ay paraan upang tuluyan nang mawaglit sa kanilang isipan ang barilan at kaguluhan. Paaralan at lapis ang ating gamitin upang tulungan silang maging masigasig sa pag-aaral at makamit ang magandang kinabukasan,” the Board Member added.

School buildings and classrooms were repaired by AFP troopers and MILF fighters during the activity.

Dental services and free haircut were also given to the school children in the area.

Abdul Kadir Manibpil, the deputy brigade commander of the National Guard Front of the MILF graced the occasion and led his men, together with the AFP troopers in the repair of school buildings and classrooms. In his message, Manibpil assured the full support of the MILF to the activity, saying that Brigada Eskwela will turn schools into conducive and favorable learning facilities for

Bangsamoro children.

Col. Noel Clement, commander of the 602nd Brigade, was also thankful for the opportunity given to the AFP to take part in the undertaking that he said would show that soldiers are not only trained for war but also to perform peace and development works.

“We will not only build classrooms in today’s activity. We will also rebuild the lives of our school children,” Clement stressed. (OPAPP)


Lady foresters dare danger to get crucial data about forest land use

BUTUAN CITY -- It takes lady foresters of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office to cross danger lines inside forest jungles in Agusan del Sur to get crucial data on forest land use needed in management decision.

By Eric Herson Gallego


“We spend lot of hours hiking in the forest jungle without minding the danger that lurks somewhere to assess the forest resources particularly about the National Greening Program (NGP),” Forester Marlyn delos Arcos said. Arcos is assigned at the Conservation and Development Division, Technical Service of the DENR 13 where data and information about the status of the planted seedlings and the tree stands are constantly monitored to guide the top management in making decisions. “We go to places where men dare not owing to critical security condition,” Arcos said. The lady forester was referring to the presence of the armed rebels who patrol the forest apparently evading the pursuing government troops. “We avoid the conflict as possible,“ Arcos said. “We’re not afraid facing an NPA cadre if the situation warrants although most often they understand our job,” she

added. Arcos said the Forest Resource Assessment (FRA) is so important in the forest land use. Its activities involve collecting, managing and analyzing data and information about forest resources. Information from sample plots and tracts, the measurement of biophysical properties and feedback from forest users are very crucial in the management of tree resources. “We focus in particular about the changes in land use and the existing vegetation inside a forest area,” Arcos added. She said 26 sample tracts in Caraga Region are currently being assessed and evaluated by the DENR team.


Cortes women OFWs undergo beauty care skills training

BUTUAN CITY -- Understanding the rapidly growing economy and the increasing number of tourists exploring the area brought about by the development of the municipality’s eco-tourism, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) together with the local government of Cortes, Surigao

del Sur, has recently afforded the Cortes OFW and Dependents Organization (CODA) Skills Training on Beauty Care on May 28-30, 2015.

By: Jean Pearl I. Millones

Vincent Dueñas, Cortes Tourism Officer, emphasized the challenge in upgrading the human capital’s capability to meet the area’s rising demand for more skilled workers and increase Cortesanon’s household

income. “We are trying to promote and develop eco-tourism, but the question is: are we ready to cater services to the tourists,” said Dueñas. The three-day techno


transfer was participated in by some 17 CODA members. Among the skills included in the course were manicure, pedicure, hair cutting, and a more advanced skill in beauty care and hair rebonding. OWWA Caraga regional director Samuel S. Madrid, in his message, pointed out the government’s action to help alleviate poverty, “Ang gobyerno ay ginagawa ang lahat upang madagdagan o kaya’y mabigyan kayo ng panibagong kaalaman upang lalo kayong maging kapaki-pakinabang sa buhay,” Madrid further expressed his gratitude and lauded the members of CODA for their dedication and determination in improving their organization. In response to the agency’s fervent pursuit to further heighten the empowerment of its member-OFWs and arm them with competency especially in the outskirts of the region, the members of the organization much appreciated the agency’s efforts with delight. Leonora L. Anecoy,

a member of CODA and an amateur manicurist, shared her elation for being granted with the training. “After availing of the financial literacy training, it is very helpful that we are given beauty care training to advance our skills where we can generate additional income from,” she said in a local dialect. After the training program, the participants were provided with starter kits making them ready to start their own venture to beauty care and gradually open up a beauty care center. The activity was done simultaneously with the Information Technology Training catering to some other members of the organization.


Rey Cueva, TESDA provincial chief here, broke down the amount to P1,591,784 for Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA); P1,825,000 for Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP); P6,434,597.84 for Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), and; P1,714,300 for Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB). Correspondingly, he cited the number of slots for each

program, particularly for PESFA-196, TWSP-200, and STEP-530. However, Cueva has yet to indicate the number of slots for BUB. In addition, 13 technical-vocational (Tech-Voc) providers have been identified to cater for the various skills training and qualifications enumerated under the said scholarship program.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur– A total of P11,565,681.84 is set aside for the implementation of 2015 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship program in Surigao del Sur.

By: Greg Tataro, Jr.

TESDA bares 2015 scholarship program in SurSur

By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH-9) concludes a two-day orientation workshop on the implementation of Univer-sal Health Care High Impact Five (UHC-HI5) for health workers in Zamboanga del Sur held June 3-4, 2015 at Hotel Guillermo here.

Orientation workshop on High Impact 5 winds up

Dr. Joshua Brillantes, chief, Local Health Support Division, DOH-9 said UHC-HI5 is a strategy which aims to produce the great-

est improvements in health outcomes and the highest impact on the priority vulnerable population with focus on five critical Univer


sal Health Care interventions.“These interventions give prior-ity to the poor, provide tangible outputs which are “felt” with-in a breakthrough period of 15 months through a synchronized nationwide implementation of ac-tivities,” Dr. Brillantes explained.The five high impact break-throughs to intensify local health operations include: maternal care for women of reproductive age; infant care for children below 1 year old; Under 5 or children be-low 5 years old; prevention and control of Human Immunodefi-ciency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) among adolescents; and the es-tablishment of Service Delivery Network (SDN). On the other hand, Dr. Ruby Constantino, DOH-9 assistant regional director appealed to

participants composed of rural health doctors, nurses, city, pro-vincial and other health workers from private hospitals for their support and commitment to en-sure the success of the program.To augment the DOH’s opera-tions for routine health services, a summit on UHC-High Impact 5 will be conducted on June 10, 2015 at the Maguindanao Hall, Provincial Government Complex, in Dao, this city with no less than DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Pau-lyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial as the guest of honor and speaker.All municipal mayors, together with their selected health person-nel and other regional govern-ment agencies and representa-tives from neighboring provinces in the region are expected to at-tend this summit.


Bloodletting, Operation Tuli highlight Emcor’s 13th AnniversaryBy Alma L. TingcangIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - EMCOR, the no. 1 retailer of computers, furniture and appliances and motorcycles in the Philippines recently celebrated its 13th anniversary with community service as bloodletting and Libreng Tuli at its store premises recently.

Ms. Charlin Burgos, manager of Emcor Ipil said this is part of the company’s corporate social re-sponsibility (CSR) through the years of its existence since 1976.

She said the 2-day activity was conducted in partnership with the Municipal Health Office team led by Ms. Xyla Inoferio.

Employees of EMCOR donated


blood, while 18 Grade 5 and 6 children from different schools in Ipil availed of the free circumci-sion.

EMCOR’s CSR activities include financial and material assistance to calamity-stricken areas, con-struction of bridges in isolated communities, feeding program

for malnourished children in var-ious schools, scholarship grant to poor but deserving students, watershed and greening projects and other related activities.

EMCOR provides quality products and services and provides more job opportunities in the commu-nity they serve nation-wide.


June 6 a special non-working holiday in Zambo. NorteBy Alfonso T. Ruda

DIPOLOG CITY - Malacanang has declared June 6, 2015 as a special non-working holiday in the province of Zamboanga del Norte in commemoration of the province’s 63rd founding anniversary.

President Benigno Aquino III is-sued Proclamation No. 1040 dat-ed May 27, 2015 declaring June 6, 2015 (Saturday) as a Special (Non-Working) Day in the prov-ince to give its people ample op-portunity to celebrate and partic-ipate in all activities during the celebration.

The week-long festivity official-ly started June 1 (Monday) with an opening program held at the Zamboanga del Norte Conven-tion and Sports Center. No less than the 1st Infantry Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Gerar-do F. Barrientos Jr was guest of honor and speaker.

A parade ensued around the main thoroughfares of the city partici-pated by provincial, city and mu-nicipal officials and employees, national government agencies, AFP, PNP, BFP, BJMP, judiciary, ac-

ademe, business sector, religious organizations, non-government Organizations, civil society orga-nizations and the media.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reminded local private busi-ness establishments to observe the appropriate compensation to employees who will be reporting for work during the said date.

It can be recalled that Zambo-anga del Norte was carved out of the defunct Zamboanga Province on June 6, 1952.

The provincial government has also lined-up a number of activi-ties to give meaning and color to the province’s 63rd founding anniversary and Saulog 2015 such as basketball and volley-ball tournament, beach volley-ball and other sports.

Oroquieta City Suman Tinambiran, best seller in Pasundayag Trade Fair

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - Nelsie Burlat’s “Suman Tinambiran,” a local delicacy from Oroquieta City, came out as one of the best-sellers, among the products from the province, sold at the recent Northern Mindanao Pasundayag at SM Clark, Angles City, Pampanga.

by Department of Trade and Industry

Made from sticky rice, commonly called “pilit,” steam-cooked in coconut milk, seasoned to taste, wound by a strip of “tapul,” a violet version of sticky rice and wrapped in banana leaves, Suman Tinambiran, is good for serving in between meals or snacks and a common “pasalubong (souvenir)” item.


It was a sell-out at the Pasundayag Trade Fair, Nila B. Malon-Maape, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist (TIDS), from the Department of Trade and Industry, Misamis Occidental (DTI MisOcc) who reported a total sales of P60,117.00 for 15 products from 10 firms in the province. The other best sellers of the products from Misamis Occidental were otap, banana chips, cookies and bottled bangus, which were sold in just a matter of two days.

“Interestingly, all products from the province were sold-out during the Pasundayag and that no products were returned to their producers,” Maape said. The Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) and DTI MisOcc shouldered the cost of transporting the products from Ozamiz to Manila by plane and from Manila to Pampanga by bus, Maape added.

Evaluation for Outstanding Regional BNS starts

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Nutrition Council (NNC) opens anew the Search for the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (ROBNS) for year 2014.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

Eight contenders coming from Ozamiz City and Tangub City for Misamis Occidental; Gingoog City and Alubijid for Misamis Oriental, Malaybalay City, Don Carlos and Valencia City for Bukidnon and Guinsiliban town for Camiguin are vying for the title. All these were chosen and endorsed by their respective Provincial Nutrition Council. The Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET), also represented by member national line agencies and religious sector representative

started visiting and evaluating the performance of the BNSs, testing their skills, doing interviews, written examinations as well as document review. This is done to validate the nomination and determine how adept and effective the BNS is in doing her job. NNC Regional Nutrition Coordinator in region 10 Marissa DM Navales said they also arrange dialogues with the Barangay Nutrition Council (BNS) during their visits to assess how determined and engaged


the BNC is in their local nutrition program. The search aims not only to commend the BNS for their relentless effort in stomping malnutrition, but also to stage innovative ideas that

can be replicated in other areas. Regional winners will receive trophy and more P20, 000 cash award, and will compete for the national OBNS award.

PhilHealth accredits Gingoog health center

GINGOOG CITY - In consonance with the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) has granted a Certificate of Accreditation in terms of Basic Participation to City Family Health Center stationed at Lugod corner Guno Streets in Barangay 16, Gingoog city as Maternity Care Package (MCP) Provider effective January 1 to December 31, 2015 with PhilHealth Accreditation No. M10001227.

by Buboy Pabia

City Mayor Marie Guingona said this granting of accreditation has manifested that the local government unit has been following to the requirements being set by PhilHealth in expanding the city’s maternity services to mothers residing in all its 79 barangays. Being the frontline office in this health service, City Health Officer Dr. Grace Javier Jadol said that after months of complying and compiling the necessary papers, the release of the accreditation has given consolation to the concerted efforts and has signaled for another chapter in the collective support for the maintenance of MCP provision in this eastern city of Misamis Oriental.

“In sustaining our partnership with PhilHealth, our city government has to abide and comply with identified circulars downloaded by PHIC,” Dr. Jadol said. In his letter to Mayor Marie, PHIC Regional Vice President Datu Masiding M. Alonto, Jr. has conveyed his felicitations to her administration in following steps for the renewal of City Center’s status as local provider of maternity care services. “Our partnership with you is vital in the achievement of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP),” said Datu Alonto

City to get new compactors, trash bins by 4th Qtr this year

DAVAO CITY- The City Government of Davao will receive the 22 compactors and about 13,000 trashbins within the fourth quarter of the year. Eliza Madrazo, OIC of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) said the equipment is part of the P600-million loan which the city took from the Land Bank of the Philip-pines early this year for its Solid Waste Manage-ment Project.

Mad razo said the new trashbins will be bigger with a capacity of 660 liters com-pared to the 360 liters of the previous bins. The 22 c o m p a c t o r s will beef up the 100 rented trucks which are used for

garbage collection. The city also uses its own open-type dumptrucks for garbage collection. Madrazo says the city no longer has any operation-al compactors. Madrazo said the 22 new compactors can lessen the costs of rent-als for the trucks whose contracts is worth P10 to P15-million a month. The CENRO collects about 400 to 500 tons of residual garbage daily. (PIA/RG Alama)


DAVAO CITY – The Bangko Sen-tral ng Pilipinas underscored the importance of pursuing financial inclusion strategy in the country, as this would provide greater ac-cess for all Filipinos to financial services.

BSP deputy governor Diwa Guini-gundo said financial inclusion expands access to financial services especially for the unserved and underserved, hence provides “better opportunities for people to save, invest and con-tribute to greater productive activities across the Philippines.” Guinigundo recently headed a consultation meeting with stakehold-ers from the public and private sector in Davao City, to present and discuss

the draft National Strat-egy for Financial Inclu-sion (NSFI) proposed by an inter-agency commit-tee that BSP convened in 2014. The BSP official said the committee com-posed of 13 agencies, considered NSFI an “ide-al platform where the public and private sector can cooperate and coor-dinate to make financial inclusion, and eventu-

ally, inclusive growth, a reality.” He further emphasized the need of the country for a financial inclusion strategy, saying this would allow Fili-pinos “to take advantage to produc-tive opportunities to reduce vulner-abilities to financial stress, financial risk, debt accumulation and eventu-ally poverty.” “Many among our people have limited access to financial services,” Guinigundo stated, citing a statistics that 36 percent of the 1,634 cities and municipalities in the country (or 15% of the population) do not have banking offices, as of end of Decem-ber 2014. He said only four out of ten Fili-

BSP underscores financial inclusion strat-egy


pino adults put aside money to save, and 68% of those who save money keep their savings at home which he said “is very dangerous.” Guinigundo added that 38% save in banks, 7.5% in cooperatives and 2.6% in group savings or palu-wagan. For access to credit, BSP stated 47% of Filipino adults are borrowing, most of the loans come from informal sources such as family, relatives and friends (62%) and informal lenders (10%). BSP’s data further showed that only few obtained credit from formal institutions such as lending/financ-ing companies (12%), cooperatives (10.5%), microfinance NGOs (9.9%), and banks (4.4%). Guinigundo bared that about 39% of households receiving over-seas Filipinos remittances allocate a portion of remittance to savings. In terms of insurance, also a fi-nancial product that provides financial risk protection for the people, Guini-gundo said that only 32.45% of the population has life insurance cover-age in 2013. “These numbers clearly estab-lished the imperative of a national strategy for financial inclusion. Fi-nancial inclusion even becomes more compelling if we consider the poor and their number, the unserved and underserved,” he said.

Among the objectives set in the NSFI framework is to attain the pres-ence of a wide range of financial prod-ucts and services that serve different market segments. Another aim is the assurance of a relevant, responsive and quality of said products and services, and the presence of a wide variety of strong, sound and duly authorized financial institutions utilizing innovative deliv-ery channels. Guinigundo said BSP expected to complete consultations on the draft NSFI last month to be able to pursue the launching and signing of Memo-randum of Agreement in June this year. He said NSFI is targeted to be finalized and approved by July. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon)

300 farmers, stakeholders benefit from OPAg’s ‘Gulayang Pangkabuhayan’By: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, June 5—Some 300 farmers and stakeholders from the three districts of the province are gain-ing benefits from the ‘Gulayang Pangkabu-hayan ng Cotabato’.

Just recently, farmers and their counter-parts began harvesting produce from the three planting sites of the Gulayang Pangka-buhayan thereby increasing their food sus-tainability and supply in their community.

Aside from this, local farmers also gained additional proficiency in vegetable gardening particularly in pruning and other technologies pertaining to vegetable production.

Aimed at reviving backyard gardening and strengthening food security and sustainability, the ‘Gulayang Pangkabuahayan ng Cotabato was launched on February 20, 2015 in South-ern Christian College in Midsayap for the First District, Balindog Research and Experimental Station in Barangay Balindog, Kidapawan City for the Second District and in 602nd Brigade, Camp Lucero, Carmen for the Third District.

“The participants were all introduced to the “Season-long Training on Vegetable Produc-tion” module of the Office of the Pro


vincial Agriculturist (OPAg) de-signed to help them have more productive gardens,” Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Eliseo M. Man-gliwan said.

The farmers planted various vegetable seeds which include, squash, eggplant and other leafy vegetables.

“It was fulfilling for the stake-holders to harvest vegetables be-cause these are a result of their undertaking to help the provin-cial government in its agricultur-al ventures,” stated Mangliwan.

He added that the program serves as a component of the


DepEd- NorthCot thanks different sectors for orderly school openingBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

provincial government’s cam-paign in intensifying vegetable production not only in the three venues of Gulayang Pangkabu-hayan ng Cotabato but also to other villages.

On June 10, some 300 farmers will be recognized in a gradua-tion rite at the Agri-Center Build-ing, Provincial Capitol Compound

of Amas, Kidapawan City.For her part, Governor Emmy-

lou Mnedoza vowed that the pro-vincial government will continue to seek different approaches and strategies to enhance the capac-ity of the agricultural sector. (SJ-Duerme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-N. Co-tabato Provincial Government)

KABACAN, North Cotabato, June 5 --- The Department of Education in the province extended gratefulness for the cooperation of differ-ent sectors in the aim of having a peaceful first day of school.

Cotabato Schools Division Su-perintendent Omar Obas par-ticularly thanked the local gov-ernment units as well as all the teachers, parents and security forces which include the police and village peace patrols.

“In general, the opening of classes in North Cotabato, espe-cially in conflict-affected areas was peaceful,” Obas stated.

On Monday, the official moni-tored different schools in the province particularly in the mu-

nicipalities of President Roxas, Antipas and Arakan.

According to him, even though there were few problems encoun-tered like old accounts of the stu-dents, still, these remained man-ageable and were immediately solved on the school level.

Obas on the other hand, en-couraged school teachers to re-port to the division office any problem the school may encoun-ter for the succeeding days.


He noted that problems on the lack of armchair might be en-countered since DepEd will open an enrollment next week to those who have not yet enrolled. With this, he assured that their office will address such problem as oth-er schools might have more than enough chairs.

It can be noted that the De-partment of Education, through its memorandum order no 116 series of 2015, pushed the im-plementation of the ‘ Lesson 1 on Day 1’ policy.

This means teachers must be

in their classrooms conducting classes instead of entertaining late enrollees.

In connection, Obas encour-aged parents to get their children enrolled.

Based on the list of DepEd-North Cotabato, there are now 203,687 pupils enrolled in ele-mentary and kindergarten while 75, 902 were enrolled in high school. (SJDuerme-PIA12/RBe-ñez-DXVL News)

one mindanao - june 5, 2015

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