one mindanao - march 20, 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

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

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Northern Mindanao

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Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

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Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

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LAYOUT ARTISTS

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

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

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

CONTENTS

OWWA-13 organizes lecture seminar on health issues, HIV-AIDS awareness

Zambo mayor open to solar power to address blackouts

ZamboSur WEM-RIC fast-tracks projects, gains more support

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3738

25

Norma “Normskie” del Rosario Pereyras: In High Voltage to Serve

President Aquino issues executive order on guidelines for reconveyance, use of coco levy assets

Ceasefire mechanism body investigating alleged MILF camp in Iligan

DepEd, BSP award best finance educators in elementary schools

DepEd-MisOcc sets graduation rites from March 27-28, this year

Miss Philippines Earth-Misamis Oriental 2015 crownedBy: OWWA-Caraga

By: BSP

16

By: OPAPP

23

By: Dominic I. Sanchez

By: Alma L. Tingcang

By: Buboy Pabia

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERNINFOCUS

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

42 Coconut Tissue Culture Laboratory inaugurated in UPMinBy: UP Mindanao

By: Jeanevive Duron-Abangan

1519

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4 MARCH 20, 2015One Mindanao

She moves fast, thinks fast, decides fast but she stays active even in a 24- hour gruelling combination of travels, meetings and speaking engagements. Thus, she has earned the moniker, “The Human Voltage.” She is Norma “Normskie” del Rosario Pereyras, a multi-awarded long-time volunteer. Aside from being packed with energy, this 69 years old legendary woman volunteer also possesses a charging gift

of humor through which she inspires people to work with her. She dances, sings, throws jokes and stirs everyone to join

In High Voltage to ServeNorma “Normskie” del Rosario Pereyras:

5MARCH 20, 2015 One Mindanao

her in a “happy yippeyyehey” cheer which puts a stamp of happiness in all her volunteer work. Basically she is a happy person but her being happy does not diminish the quality of her volunteer work. Volunteerism is a selflessact of giving ones time, talent and treasure for the success of an endeavorto serve the least privileged and the disadvantaged. One can expect nothing from it, but what has driven Normskie to risk her life in an arduous work of volunteering?

The Start

Looking back 35 years ago, she joined the Banal Na Pag-aaral (BNP) group which honed her deep faith in God. After attending a series of religious seminars and prayer meetings, enlightenment struck her to dedicate her life in service to others.

“After our graduation, I felt something which opened my eyes to serve my fellow human beings, and that started my volunteering which was sustained and inspired by God


through the years,” she added.

She was about 33 years of age when she started her volunteer work with the Church where she first served as aCatechist. She was already married at that time with four children, the eldest of whom was 13 years old. She considered her age at the start of her volunteer work as a meaningful coincidence with themissionary work of Christ who was in His 30s when He spread the Gospel. “I really thank God for I bloomed where God planted

me,” she said.

From a Catechist, Normskie became coordinator of a mini deanery now known as Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK). Then she took the position as Pastoral Council president, helping priests in their church work. Eventually, she was elected as a Parish Council president then as president of the Church Lectors’ Group. It was during her leadership among the lectors in Tagum City that the group earned personality as part of the Church ministry with its own


constitution and by-laws.

Positions and Awards While serving the Church, she also became visible in the community as a Girls Scout volunteer starting as a barangay lay leader, as Council representative, thenas GSP Council President in Davao del Norte. She moved up the ladder of Girls Scout leadership as Regional Chairperson of GSP Eastern Mindanao, supervising 13 GSP councils. Finally, she is now at the GSP Central Board, sitting as the Chair of

the Committee on Equipment Service.

Joining Tagum Cooperative in 1985, she then spreads far and wide her involvement in cooperative volunteer work, expanding her participation in the national and international levels. She blazes the trail of women leadership in Tagum Cooperative and makes history asthefirst ladychairpersonofthe Board of Directors (BOD).

She took the reign of BOD leadership for three straight calendar years from 1995 to


1998 during which she did a thorough cleansing in the system of governance of Tagum Cooperative. She initiated a paradigm shift, transforming it into an economically viable and sustainablecommunityfinancialinstitution until now.She came back as chairperson of the BOD in calendar years 2005 to 2006, 2012 to 2013 and in 2014 to 2015.

Aside from GSP and Tagum Cooperative, Normskie also has held at one point in time top level positions either as president, vice president,

chairperson, vice chairperson or a BOD member in various organizations such asAsian Women Cooperative Forum (AWCF), National Cooperative Development Council,National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO), MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center, TESDA- Trainers Pool, CDA- Women in Cooperatives, Tagum City and Region XI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Palm City Toastmasters Club, Credit Union Trainers for Empowerment, Women in Cooperatives, Tagum City/Southern Mindanao Tourism


Council, Davao del Norte Bids and Awards Committee, Tagum City Water District, United Doctors Hospital of Tagum, Inc. She was the first ladypresident of the Philippine Cooperative Center (PCC) and the first lady vice presidentof the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU). Her other affiliationswere with the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), with the International Association for Volunteer Efforts (IAVE), and that she served as past assistant governor for two consecutive years, of the Rotary Club of

Tagum Golden L.A.C.E.S.

Her long-running trail of volunteer work in various civic andcooperativeaffiliationshasmade Normskie “see the world” andhas earned her strings of awards and citations.

She was first recognizedas the Most Outstanding NGO Volunteer in Best Practices for the National Category in 2001 given by Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA); Unsung Women Heroes Award, National Category in 2009 by the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region, Inc.; Longevity Award as an Officer


given in 2012 by NATCCO; 25 Years in Service Distinguished Service Award in 2012 byTagum Cooperative. Davao del Norte Provincial Government also recognized her in 2012 for having taken the highest position of PCC and MASS SPECC. Capping Normkie’s volunteer work in cooperative movement were the regional and national level Gawad Parangal awards as the Most Outstanding Cooperative Leader given in 2012 by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Advocacy vs Struggles

Embedded in her involvement with various organizations are her primary advocacy on service to God, Women Empowerment, Gender and Development, Family Enrichment, Personality Development and Financial Literacy. These are topics in most of her speaking engagements, lectures and seminars through which she has contributed the formation ofright family values, self-awareness, self- development, respect for women, spirituality and financial managementskills of her listeners and the

people she has led. She reaps nofinancial rewardsexcept forself- fulfilment, peace of mindand joy.

“I am at my best if I make people happy,” she said.

Meanwhile, Normskie owes it to GSP some life-changing and unforgettable experiences she has learned from.She holds dear in her memory her trips to far-flung communities visitingGirl Scout members, spending encampment in the mountains, guiding girls do their community work, riding in logging trucks, travelling on a rickety habal-habal (single motor) through bumpy mountain roads, and crossing the rough seas of the Davao Gulf.

“I have to endure the seething heat of the sun aside from the security threats,” she said referring to the height of insurgency problem in 1980s.

In pursuing gender equality, she pressed for women’s fair share in terms of opportunities, positions and even household chores. In joining the Rotary Club, she aimed to become a full-pledge Rotarian and decision-maker. She fought to mainstream


gender and development and family enrichment in Tagum Cooperative in 1990s. At home, she and her husband rolled on their early family life as a partnership, sharing responsibilities even household chores.

“I am inspiring women to stand up and say their piece no matter what,” she said as she explained women nowadays can no longer be considered as “token” but bread winners as well.

Sustained through faith, good relationship

Normskiehas sustained over the years her volunteer work after she earned her first national recognition as avolunteer in 2001. What has been her secret?

“It is God’s strength in me that has sustained me and my family which has become my inspiration. They support me,” she said. “Sabi nga ng Dios ‘serve me and I will take care of you’. Indeed, He has taken good care of me, even my beauty, up to now,” she added.

Even in her senior citizen

years, Normskie has maintained her good relationship with the organizations she has been affiliated with. She expandsher partnership with local government units and national government organizations and takes part with the Provincial/Regional Development Councils, Provincial and Regional Peace and Order Councils as a civil society representative. She has established good relationship with media practitioners aside from her network of friends and co-workers in the Church. These have entrenched her volunteerism with which she is bonded for as long she lives.

More than 30 years as a volunteer, she has realized that she’s been blessed with inner strength through which she draws her resilience and her courage to fight for what isjust and right, and to push for changes. She banks on her continued faith in God to keep her going against all odds, credibility risks and security threats.

Realization

Her long years in volunteerism has made Normskieseethe important role


of volunteers as government partners in community development. They help local and national governments alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life of the underprivileged and the disadvantaged. Volunteers also work well on instilling values at home and in church.

She has experienced this with GSP which encourages scouts to come up with projects never been thought of to help community folks.Cooperative volunteers like her have become pillars of setting up a secured financial environment

for members in grassroots communities. She looks at Church workers not only as assistant to priests but also as bearers of Christian honesty, a virtue that is called for, in service to Christ and His people.

While looking at volunteerism as Christianity in Action, Normskie values honesty and upholds willingness to share her time, talent and treasure. She does these as her thanksgiving to God, never expecting in returns because she believes that God “cannot be outdone in His generosity.”


She urges volunteers to also take onselflessness, sincerity,persistence for excellence and passion to serve and to do what one is gifted with, either dancing, singing, speaking or leading.

Observations Volunteering may be her long time love, but she notes the “dwindling” number of volunteers, especially the young ones. She calls on government agencies and civic organizations to continue recognizing volunteers to

inspire and encourage them to go on serving. She, however, sees bright prospect of volunteerismin the country especially now that the United Nations has placed it among the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). On top of giving awards, Pereyras sees the need to develop the attitude and the passion to serve especially among young peopleto sustain the spirit of volunteerism. In reality, only a few volunteers persist towork hard with all the enthusiasm they can muster. Normskie, however, is


optimistic that volunteers can succeed if they are inspired to do their tasks at hand, with clearknowledgeandfirmbeliefthat theyarebringingbenefitsto target communities.

“Mula sa puso talaga yan. (It should really come from the heart.) ,” she said while telling volunteers to have no other agenda in mind except to help the community.

A good workplan can largely contribute to the success of a project.On top of strategies to carry out an endeavor, Pereyras advises volunteers to view their work “as an offering to God” from whom they can draw a steady

supply of energy to work, and inspiration to serve. “Never, at any point in time, have I considered all these as my own, but His,” she said referring to the recognitions and citations which put a hallmark of success in hervolunteer work. At the end of the day, Normskie offers her volunteerism “for the greater glory and honor of God”, her secret behind her high voltage to serve. (Jeanevive Duron-Abangan, PIA 11 written for the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA).


MANILA - Many Filipinos continue to believe in the leadership of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Thursday.

Many Filipinos still believe in President

This was the Palace’s reaction to the latest Pulse Asia survey that showed that “around 4 out of 10 Filipinos do not think President Aquino should step down from office now”.

“Malinaw na pagpapahayag ng saloobin ng ating mga mamamayan, ng mga boss, na ang nakararami sa kanila ay naniniwala sa kanyang pamumuno at nais na tapusin


niya ang kanyang termino at gampanan ang kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin,” Secretary Coloma said. The survey, conducted from March 1 to 7 using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents, showed that 42 percent disagreed when asked if President Aquino should resign as president now.

While 29 percent of the respondents supported calls for the President to resign, about 28 percent were undecided.

The survey was conducted against a backdrop of challenges being faced by the administration, among them the unresolved questions regarding the Mamasapano operation that resulted in the death of 44 police

commandos, and the suspension of congressional discussions on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Coloma assured the public that in return, the President will not disappoint his “Bosses”.

“Dahil diyan ay ibayong pagsisikap, determinasyon at kasipagan ang ipapakita ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon para maging karapat-dapat sa kanilang patuloy na pagtitiwala at pagtangkilik,” he said.

President Aquino issues executive order on guidelines for reconveyance, use of coco levy assets MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday issued Executive Order 180, providing the administrative guidelines for the reconveyance and utilization of coco levy assets for the benefit of coconut farmers and the country’s coconut industry.


Through EO 180, the President mandated several government agencies to protect and recover the government’s rights and interests in coco levy assets.

The Order specificallyinstructs the Office of theSolicitor General (OSG), the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), and other government agencies under the Department of Justice to file pleadings and maintainappropriate legal actions to preserve and recover the government’s entitlements in coco levy assets.

The EO mandates the PCGG, the Bureau of Treasury, the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations

(GOCCs), the OSG, and government representatives to sequestered corporations to reconvey and transfer titles of coco levy assets to the government.

These include shares of stocks in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), shares in Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF) companies and holding companies, and 5.5 million San Miguel Corp. (SMC) shares paid by the SMC and UCPB in the name of PCGG.

These agencies must also deposit money and funds constituting the coco levy or accruing from the coco levy assets in the Special Account in the General Fund for Coco Levies with the Bureau of Treasury, pursuant to Presidential Decree


1234.

With respect to the converted SMC shares Series 1 preferred shares, these must include all dividends declared, paid or issued after September 17, 2009, the proceeds from the redemption on October 5, 2012, and income, interests or profitsderived from those assets.

With regards to the PCGG SMC shares, these include all the dividends declared, paid or issued since March 22, 1990.

Government agencies controlling or administering coco levy assets must be dissolved pursuant to existing laws, with all the money and assets to be transferred or deposited to government coffers, according to the Order.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), in cooperation withtheOfficeofthePresidentialAssistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, is mandated by the Order to develop a coconut industry roadmap and submit it to the President.

Initial funding for the industry roadmap, which will come from the money and funds

constituting the coco levy and coco levy assets, will be released once the President approves the roadmap.

TheOrderspecifiesthatthemoney must be allocated only for the benefit of the coconutfarmers and the development of the coconut industry.

The PCA was also instructed by the President through the Order to issue implementing rules and regulations to ensure thefulfillmentofthemandateofEO 180.

The President said in the Order that the use of the coco levy fund must improve coconut farm productivity, develop coconut-based enterprises, and increase the income of coconut farmers.

It must also strengthen coconut farmers’ organizations as well as rehabilitate and develop the coconut industry.

The coco levy fund came from levies, taxes and enforced contributions imposed by the government on coconut farmers, planters and millers starting in the early 1970s. (PCOO/PND (as)


Ceasefire mechanism body investigating alleged MILF camp in Iligan

COTABATO CITY - Government of the Philippines-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GPH-CCCH) Head of Secretariat Major Carlos T. Sol confirmed that they have already received the report of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army on the alleged training camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Iligan City, and that they are already validating the report to immediately undertake measures for dismantling.


“I confirm that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, has forwarded to the CCCH its recommendation with regard the dismantling of an alleged training facility by the MILF near the boundary of Sitio Limonsodan in Barangay Waterfalls of Rogongon, Iligan City. We received the official transmittal today and are currently conducting validation procedures,” announced Sol.

The CCCH was created to monitor the implementation of the long-standing ceasefirebetween the GPH and the MILF. The body is also tasked to resolve ceasefire violationcomplaints in order to prevent conflictescalationandceasefirebreakdown.

The Commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Colonel Gilbert Gapay (GSC), PA said he crafted the recommendation due to a complaint filed by DeodatoS. Abugan Sr., a chieftain of the Higaonon tribe. The said complaint also cited continued recruitment and the conduct of military-like training exercises by the MILF. Lanao del Norte-based 4th Mechanized Infantry

Battalion made the alleged pictures of the training camp public, which is not among the several MILF camps recognized under the peace agreement with the government.

Sol also corrected reports that members of the 105th Base Command of the MILF, the unit allegedly involved in the clash with the Philippine National Police Special Action Forces in Mamasapano last January, were in the area. The alleged camp of the 103rd Base Command is in Lanao while the 105th Base Command is in Maguindanao, a different province.

“We assure everyone, especially those in Iligan and neighboring towns, that we will do our utmost to resolve this complaint at the soonest time possible. We appreciate the public’s vigilance and we urge everyone to continue helping us. The ceasefire with the MILF has been holding. We want it to continue doing so,” added Sol. (OPAPP)


AgSur guv confers 134 graduates of basic search, rescue training By: David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR - Governor Adolph Edward Plaza confers this morning the 134 graduates of Basic Search and Rescue course that will automatically become members of the Search and Rescue Agusan del Sur (SARAS) teams of the different municipalities where they respectively reside.

In a simple but solemn ceremony, the graduates, clad in orange, sat silently waiting for their names to be called to receive the certificate of completion while members of their families who supported them for the


whole 10 days duration of the training surrounded them to witness their commitment of their noble cause of volunteerism. In his message, Gov. Plaza thanked the trainees for responding to the call of the government as volunteers in times of disaster and calamities in order to save lives and properties. “Indeed, it is very heart-warming to see willing and able faces of people like you who sacrificed to participate in this 10-day training. Leaving your families and personal responsibilities behind, you voluntarily came here to personally signify your spirit of volunteerism to act as front liners during disasters and calamities so that others will live. Because of what I witnessed, I am contemplating that all the SARAS will again have a

refresher training on November so that your skills in the search and rescue operation will be enhanced while developing closer camaraderie and cooperation. I will also do my best to produce

additional equipment so that you will also become more effective in the discharge of your responsibilities. Again, from the bottom of my heart, congratulations to all of you, newly graduates,” Gov. Plaza said. In response, three of the participants responded almost the same with each other, saying they do not expect that the training was as rigid as they experienced. A lady trainee said, she was made to eat food that never in her entire life have tasted it, but it added energy and strength to even perform better. The new year (2015) of Agusan del Sur was greeted by typhoon Seniang that caused landslides and floods. Millions worth of properties, roads and bridges, farm products were damaged and most of all, lives were lost.


OWWA-13 organizes lecture seminar on health issues, HIV-AIDS awareness

BUTUAN CITY - In line with the 2015 Women’s Month

celebration and Gender and Development (GAD) activity,

the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

Regional Welfare Office-13 organized a one-day

seminar on Menopausal-Andropausal Health

Issues and HIV-AIDS awareness held

recently at OWWA training hall.

In line with the 2015 Women’s Month celebration and Gender and Development (GAD) activity, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office-13organized a one-day seminar on Menopausal-Andropausal Health Issues and HIV-AIDS awareness held recently at OWWA training hall. The activity aimed at promoting awareness on the pressing health concern confronting the men and women

going through the menopausal and andropausal stage. The HIV-AIDS was also tackled to create consciousness among the participants with the gradual increase of cases in the region. Around 30 OFW Family Circle (OFC) members consisting of mostly women coming from various barangays of the city and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and some OWWA personnel participated in the lecture seminar. Emmie Marie Cabahug,

By: OWWA-Caraga


Training Specialist III and Family Planning Coordinator of Caraga RegionalHealthOfficeservedasthe resource speaker. Highlighted in her discussions are the symptoms of menopausal and andropausal, approaches to manage it and what to do to maximize health at this stage. Cabahug also presented the statistics of HIV-AIDS cases in the country during the last 30 years (1884-2014) and as well as the cases in Caraga for the last 19 years (1995-June 2014) which has shown alarming increased. She also expounded how HIV-AIDS affects the body and how it can be prevented, treated and managed. In his message, OWWA OIC regional director Eduardo Bellido said that the concept of the seminar is an offshoot of the consultative meeting with OFW Family Circles in Agusan del Norte held last February. Bellido expressed that the topic relates to the men and women’s life as part of the human cycle. “For me, when you aged up, you age gracefully. It is only a normal cycle of human life and we have to face ultimately out there,” conveyed Bellido.

Likewise, he advised the participants to be preventive and encouraged them undergo regular check-up. After the discussions, an open forum was also facilitated to clarify the queries of the participants. While aside from initiating the said activity, OWWA-13 also participated earlier in the color fun-walk activity which served as the kick-off ceremony on Women’s Month Celebration in Caraga spearheaded by the Regional Development Council – Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (RDC-GADCC) chaired by Atty. Marlyn Pintor. The observance of National Women’s month every March is in line with Proclamation No. 227 promulgated in 1988. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Juana, ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na” and pays tribute to all women leaders who passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies.


DepEd, BSP award best finance educators in elementary schools

MANILA - Teachers from Butuan City, Baguio City, and Alaminos, Laguna emerged as the national winners of the 2014 GURO NG PAG-ASA (Gantimpala para sa Ulirang PagtutuRO ng PAG-iimpok at Araling PanSAlapi) in awarding ceremonies held Wednesday at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) here.

By: BSP

The 2014 GURO ng PAG-ASA National Winners are: Angelie C. Alvizo of Butuan City Special Education (SPED) Center, Butuan City for Edukasyon sa

Pagpapakatao (EsP); Juana Nimfa P. Abrigo of Alaminos Elementary School, Laguna for Araling Panlipunan (AP); Danilo B. Bambico of Baguio City Special


Education (SPED) Center, Baguio City for Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP). A new award, the Bida sa Pag-iimpok at Pangkabuhayan Award (BSP Award), was also given this year to honor the best sustained savings and entrepreneurship program implemented by a teacher/student/class or school. The BSP Award was given to Rexza Mae C. Panaligan, a grade 5 student of Santa Barbara Central Elementary School, Iloilo for her peer tutoring program where she demonstrated resourcefulness in managing her own financesand strong commitment to promotingfinancialskillstoherpeers. On its third year, GURO ng PAG-ASA is an annual rewards program of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for the best teachers who teach and integrate lessons in saving, money management, and entrepreneurship in the elementary curriculum through three entry subjects: Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Araling Panlipunan, and Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan. The most nominations were received this year which include entries from twelve (12)

regions out of seventeen (17) in the country. The nominees were narrowed down by the screening committee composed of representatives from DepEd and the academe. This year’s winners were chosen not only for their exemplary performance in teaching financial lessons totheir pupils but also for their exceptional dedication to extend financial education to theirrespective communities. Area Finalists include Jose Michael C. Gaje of Santa Barbara Central Elementary School, Iloilo, and Maria Lucille V. Gabriel of San Ildefonso Elementary School, Bulacan for EsP, Jeanette Z. Bagtas of Caba Elementary School, La Union and Brigida P. Borra of Passi I Central Elementary School, Iloilo for AP, and Darwin T. Tadifa of Tubungan Central Elementary School, Iloilo for EPP. The Board of Judges, chaired by former DepEd OIC Dr. Fe A. Hidalgo, also include Dr. Wilma S. Reyes, Philippine Normal University Vice President for Research, Planning and Quality Assurance, and Dr. Marilette R. Almayda, Director III of the Bureau of Elementary Education-DepEd as members.


DILG-9 launches “Operation Listo,” disaster preparedness manuals in SibugayBy Emmanuel D. TaghoyIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – “We cannot afford to be complacent. We have to be proactive. We have to act today. We have to act now. Dapat maging listo tayo (Be alert)!” exclaimed As-sistant Regional Director Pedro G. Cuevas of the Department of the Interior and Local Gov-ernment (DILG)-9 during the launching of the disaster prepredness manuals and “Operation Listo” at Roderic’s Resort here yesterday.

Participating in the said activity were firemarshalls, chiefs of po-

lice, local disaster and risk reduction manage-mentofficers,munici


pal local government operations officersandmayorsfromthe16municipalities of the province. “Disasters and calamities may strike at any place or time; and we have experienced and witnessed how greatly these di-sasters have affected the lives of many Filipinos,” said Cuevas. He explained that the Op-eration “Listo” serves as one of the mechanisms for disaster risk reduction management. “The primary objective of Operation Listo on disasters is for local government units to adapt certain set of standards and ac-tions before and during disasters and emergencies particularly in the onslaught of a typhoon.” Cuevas informed the partici-pants of the importance every-one’s role during a disaster and emphasized that all must per-form their specific functionwelltoachieveefficacy inthedisas-ter contingency plans. “Our individual roles and ac-tions, when properly coordinated and complemented will ensure efficiency and effectiveness of

the disaster preparedness plan. Thus, we can save more lives,” he said. On the other hand, Police Senior Superintendent Jose Bay-aniL.Gucela,officer-in-chargeofZamboanga Sibugay Police Pro-vincialOfficesaidthepoliceforceis framing up contingency plans in case of man-made disasters like the Zamboanga siege espe-cially with the boiling issue of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Moreover, Gucela reported that the PNP is conducting series of information drives on kidnap-ping in coordination with the De-partment of Education (DepEd) having noticed that teachers are the easy targets of kidnappers and other lawless elements. According to Cuevas, similar activities such as provincial con-vergence, WemBoree on DRRM will be conducted by the DILG as backup interventions for disaster preparedness. DILG had conducted its re-gional launch of the “Operation Listo” last Feb. 17, in Zambo-anga City.


Zambo mayor open to solar power to address blackouts By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Solar power could be a solution to the persisting blackouts in the city. However, to utilize it as an alternative source of electricity for mass consumption, the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) must first study

“According to Engr. George Ledesma, ZAMCELCO general manager, if we are to use solar power in the city, it must firstpass through the cooperative,” said Mayor Beng Climaco-Sala-zar Wednesday (March 18) over Dateline Teleradyo. The purchase of solar power cells and creation of a power plant to supply the power demands of the consum-ers would entail millions of pesos worth of investment. As a result, consumers would have to pay higher fees. But this does not stop indi-

vidual power consumers from go-ingsolar.“Individualofficesandcompanies can do that,” Mayor Climaco-Salazar said. She, nevertheless, ex-pressed her support for using so-lar power for mass consumption, considering that it is a clean, renewable and environment-friendly source of electricity. “We are open to solar,” she said. She added that the local gov-ernment is looking into powering police stations with solar power cells for a start. “We would like to make our police stations go

it.This is one consideration the city leadership is looking at to address the power supply shortage in the city.


ZamboSur WEM-RIC fast-tracks projects, gains more support By Alma L. Tingcang

DUMALINAO, Zamboanga del Sur – “It’s a good thing because wom-en are now willing to participate and be counted upon in making positive changes in the community.” Thus said Ms. Junaflor“Sweet”S.Cerilles,first ladyofDumalinao and federated presi-dent of the Women Empower-

ment Movement-Rural Improve-ment Club (WEM-RIC) in the province in a recent interview with the Philippine Information

green.” However, solar cells on the roof of the city hall itself might not be a good idea. “The struc-ture is over a hundred years old,” she said, but there can still be alternatives. Barangays, too, can come up with their own solar stations to provide electricity in the com-munities. “If we do that, it will definitelycutourdependencyonthe current electricity providers,” she said. Earlier this month, the Uni-versidad de Zamboanga (UZ) launched a 120-kilowatt solar power project in partnership with the Buskowitz Development In-corporated (BDI) and Energy Re-newables Asia. The project costs

P12 million, and will provide electricity for the UZ main cam-pus in barangay Tetuan. The UZ believes that by lessening their demand for electricity, other member-consumers will be able to receive their slice of the pie, meaning lesser power outages in the city. BDI’s Thomas Deeg earlier explained that they pioneered solar power in Germany, a coun-try receiving lesser amount of sunlight compared to the Philip-pines. Deeg said that this tech-nology has been around for de-cades and is highly feasible here considering the country’s geo-graphical location near the equa-tor.


Agency. A full-time mom to 4 beauti-fulkidsasidefrombeingthefirstladyofDumalinao,shefindsitagreat challenge to lead the WEM-RIC and admits she wants to pur-sue her passion in farming. Cerilles recalls that when she assumed as president of WEM-RIC, there were only a few who joined but as of now, they have greatly increased in number. To-getherwiththeofficers,theyim-plemented a two-year plan which would empower women and up-lift the economic situation in the countryside. “We have the beadworks of thewomeninJosefina,theWom-en Christian-Muslim Seaweeds Association in Dimataling and organic gardening in Dumalinao, Tigbao and other municipalities

of the province,” The women’s groups who already have existing products have leveled up for product de-velopment like the beadwork in Josefinawhich isalready up inthe market not only locally but also abroad. “Soon we will open a pro-vincial market which we will call “Tindahan ni Juana” at Purok Congress, Sto. Nino District in Pagadian City, a sort of buying station wherein we will buy the products of our women in other municipalities like the Sukasim of Sominot and Coco Bagoong of Kumalarang and put them up for display,” she said excitedly. Cerilles recently received a letter from Ms. Georgia Lovell, chair of the Direct Aid Program (DAP) Committee of the Austra


lian government informing her of the approval of the grant and looks forward to the successful implementation of the project. The WEM-RIC’s new grant from the Australian government amounts to P8000 US dollars, which is for 500 ready-to-lay ducks, a breeder house with in-cubator and hatcher to be put up in Sebucao, Dumalinao. “Another upcoming project is the E-3 computer centers in-

tended for the education of our women and out-of-school youth girls,” Cerilles quoted as saying. With the sterling leadership of this young woman who sets her mind and heart into what-ever she does, there is no doubt that the WEM-RIC will contrib-ute much not only to the family’s economic upliftment but also to the community and the country as well.

BIR urges taxpayers to pay income tax before April 15

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has reiterated its call to taxpayers to file their income tax returns before the deadline.

By: Apipa Bagumbaran

In his message during the regional kick-off of the 2015 tax campaign, BIR Deputy Commissioner Nelson Aspe reminded the taxpayers in the region of the April 15 deadlineforfilingofincometaxstressingtheinconveniencesonthelastdayoffiling. Aspe, whose message was read by BIR Revenue Region 16 director Alberto Olasiman, emphasized that the April 15 deadline will not be extended. He said the anticipated brownouts during summer are not valid grounds for the extension of the deadline.


DepEd-MisOcc sets graduation rites from March 27-28, this year

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Department of Education, Division of Misamis Occidental (DepEd-MisOcc) has set the holding of the 2015 graduation rites in all schools of the division from March 27 and 28, this year.

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Aspe also encouraged taxpayers to file their returnselectronically. He urged them to support the tax campaign of the Bureau and help in the attainment of its goal by paying the correct taxes in order to sustain the country’s economic growth. The 2015 tax campaign with the theme “Angat pa, Pinas!” calls for greater cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their contribution to nation-building. The campaign logo for the year takes cues from the colors of the Philippine Flag, using arrows that show an upward movement to denote greater progress and positive change for the country. The campaign TV commercial, on the other hand, shows how taxesworktothebenefitofthecommunity. The tax campaign was launched in the region on March 13 with the unveiling of the

theme and presentation of the logo and TV commercial. It was attended by revenue officialsand personnel, local government officials, tax practitioners,professionals, media partners, business, professional and academic organizations, and students. Pledges of support to the campaign in the interest of nation building were also presented during the launching. Among those who voiced support were Cerael C. Donggay, President of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation, Inc.; Pershing Y. Tan Queto, Jr., President of the Ozamiz Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc.; VY Beng Hong, Vice-President of the Lanao Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Iligan City; and Edwin M. De Los Santos, Jr., President of the PICPA CDO-Misamis Oriental Chapter.


It has also recommended the use of a diploma template for schools to follow for uniformity of the required entries in the elementary and secondary schools of the division. This year’s graduation rites theme is: “Saktong Buhay: De-Kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday,” Dr. Jonathan S. Dela Peňa,schools division superintendent of DepEd-MisOcc, said. The theme highlights the importance of quality education in forging a decent future for the Filipino Youth. It emphasizes the commitment of DepEd to hone the 21st century skills among Filipino graduates in order for

them to actualize their life goals and dreams not only for themselves but also for the less fortunate,DelaPeňa,alsosaid. Meanwhile, DepEd-MisOcc has advised the school heads to conduct graduation rites in an appropriate solemn ceremony befitting the graduating pupilsand students and their parents and shall not be used as a political forum. Dela Peňa also reiteratedthe “no contribution policy” of DepEd and that no DepEd-MisOcc personnel is allowed to collect any graduation fee or any kind of contribution, relative to the conduct of 2015 graduation exercises.

As she congratulated the 11 candidates as “women of the Earth,” city mayor Marie de

Lara Guingona crowned Mitsume Aguilar who topped among them.

Miss Philippines Earth-Misamis Oriental 2015 crownedGINGOOG CITY - Lass hails from Cagayan de Oro grabbed this year’s Miss Philippines Earth-Misamis Oriental search during a Grand Coronation Night at the Arturo S. Lugod Memorial Cultural and Sports Center in the renowned “Cleanest and Greenest City of northern Mindanao.”

By: Buboy Pabia


Highlighting the opening salvo of the most spectacular and eco-tourism boosting pageant so far in the city, the lady executive wasflashingonthelight-emittingdiode (LED) screen her crafted audio presentation featuring background with city’s popular tourist spots and sceneries that call to change and mitigate the effects of climate change as one of the core advocacies of the most coveted competition. With great pleasure and honor, I am very grateful to the presence of the Project Director of the Carousel Productions, Inc. Peachy Veneracion of Manila through its local franchiser MBV Statuesque Promotions with Dr. Marlou Vales of Davao city for staging such fascinating provincial search that truly honed our ladies’ talents, intelligence

and confidencein representing themselves as ambassadors of our Mother Nature, spreaders of ecological balance, messengers of e n v i r o n m e n t a l a w a r e n e s s , catalysts for green revolution and amazons against global warming,

said mayor Marie. The mayor added Miss Earth pageant echoes our eco-tourism potentials throughout the archipelago through social media. Carousel opens our city’s gates for investment opportunities by telling to the nation that peace and in order in this eastern part of Misamis Oriental is in place and is under control by its peace-loving populace and cooperative men and women in uniform. She also extended her sincere gratitude to Miss Philippines Earth–Eco-Tourism Monique Teruelle Manuel of Bataan, co-producers, sponsors, local government unit employees and the general public for turning it into a successful and jam-packed event happened in the first quarter of our city’sEmerald Year”, Guingona said.

Rellon: ‘The State of Tagum City is very strong’

TAGUM CITY- Citing his administration’s gains in the past 20 months since assuming the city’s highest office, Mayor Allan L. Rellon boldly cited that “the state of Tagum City is very strong,” as steered by his ten-point devel-opment thrust called the EAGLE WINGS Pro-gram during his his-toric State of the City Address Wednesday, March 18, 2015. “For all that we have accomplished and

endured and for all the works that lie ahead, let it be known that the EA-GLE WINGS has indeed taken off and the State of Tagum City is very strong,” Mayor Rellon told the estimated crowd of 5,000 gathered at the Tagum City Pavilion. Wednesday’s event markedthefirsttimeinnine years where a sit-ting local chief executive rendered a comprehen-sivereportonthesignifi-cant accomplishments of the local bureaucracy; the last time a similar report was delivered was


during the administration of former Mayor Gelacio P. Gementiza. In his 1 hour and 20 minute-speech, Mayor Rellon reported his administration’s gains since assum-ingoffice,particularlyinthefieldof education, employment, culture, agriculture,fisheries,environment,peace and order, livelihood, tourism, economy, affordability of taxes, well-ness, sports, health, infrastructure, transportation, cooperative develop-ment, God-centered Governance and social services. “Tagum remains to be at the forefront of many good practices and innovations in local governance, es-pecially when enabled and empow-ered by the fundamental principle of stakeholdership—that only by work-ing together as a team, with every citizen pitching in his or her share, can we build a Tagum into the true home of ‘Tagumpay,’” he said. The mayor’s speech was inter-rupted with applause from the audi-ence at least 72 times. Serving as the highlight of May-or Rellon’s SOTCA is his endorsement of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), consisting of three volumes prepared by the City Planning and DevelopmentOffice,whichincludesthe CLUP itself, the Zoning Ordinance and Sectoral Plan. The said vital documents will serve as the compass of all the city’s developmental plans until 2025. Vice Mayor Geterito T. Gementi-za received the documents, which Mayor Rellon labeled as a “priority

legislative measure.” Major radio stations in the city aired the speech in their respec-tive broadcasts; while SkyCable also covered the event live - reaching a much wider audience other than those gathered at the Tagum City Pavilion. In closing, Mayor Rellon called on Tagumenyos to continue working for the continuous development of Tagum. “Sa atong pagtinabangay, walay duda, atong makab-ot ang Tagumpay,” (With your help, without a doubt we can reach victory) May-or Rellon ended. (Louie Lapat/CIO Tagum)


Coconut Tissue Culture Laboratory inau-gurated in UPMin

DAVAO CITY-The UP Mindanao Coconut Tissue Culture Laboratory was inaugurated last March 19 in the Mintal, Davao City campus. The facility that was established in support of the government re-search program, “Reinvigorating the Philippine Coconut Industry through Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis Technology”. The keynote message was giv-en by Dr. Danilo Cardenas, deputy executive director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). According to Dr. Cardenas, “The Philippines used to be number one in coconut production as well as in export. Now we are ranked number two. We still remain competitive, however that competitiveness is be-ing eroded because our coconuts are growing old, and have been depleted by typhoons, and coconut-scale in-sects. The Laboratory will use the new Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis Technology which will allow us to multiply or mass propagate coconut seedlings to produce 120 to 10,000 times the production of coconut seedlings per plumule.” He further disclosed that the Laboratoryisoneoffivebeingestab-

lished in different parts of the coun-try. With this Laboratory, “UP Min-danao, together with the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consor-tium (SMARRDEC) and its agencies can solve various industry problems facing the agricultural sector”. Messages were also given in the inauguration by Dr. Cristeta Cueto of Phil. Coconut Authority, and UP MindanaoofficialsPedroAlviolaandAntonio Obsioma. Also present were visiting scientists Edna Anit, Marita Carlos, and DOST-PCAARRD staff, local scientists Lourdes Generalao, Lorna Herradura, Emelita Mora and colleagues from Bureau of Plant In-dustry, Phil. Coconut Authority, and the Fiber Industry Development Au-thority,andUPMindanaoofficialsledby Dean Annabelle Novero. The blessing of the lab was made by Fr. John Villarete. (UP Mind-anao PR)


regional gallery

The new UP Mindanao Coconut Tissue Culture Laboratory at UP-Mintal campus. he Laboratory will use the new Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis Technology which will allow us to multiply or mass propagate coconut seedlings to produce 120 to 10,000 times the production of coconut seedlings per plumule.”

one mindanao - march 20, 2015

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