one mindanao - march 28, 2012

PIA REGIONAL OFFICES

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

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Cover Story

Promoting Davao through moving visuals; the Davao-In-A-Minute Video Competition

Southern Mindanao

Today’s issue...Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 225

page 4

DSWD allocates P9.8M for 4Ps beneficiaries in Bislig CityRobert E. Roperos, Caraga Region

PNP - Surigao del Sur ready for events this summer 15 Greg Tataro, Caraga Region

DOLE, DTI, Zambo Norte solon turn-over P800-T livelihood project in Roxas town

19Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao

Lanao Sur stakeholders address women’s rights in armed conflict21 Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Aquino government lines up eight public-privatepartnership projects for 201210

Sky lanterns to light the sky during “Earth Hour” observance on March 31Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao

4ID conducts free cervical cancer vaccination 22 Northern Mindanao

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DOH 12 to intensify campaign on TB in children 27 Dani Doguiles, Central Mindanao

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8,000 to join Summer 2012 Multimedia Boot Camp in Gensan 29Pops Gumana-Fruylan, Central Mindanao

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4 Wednesday, March 28, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Touted as the most exciting video contest for the year, Davao-In-A-Minute is seen as a vehicle to help

promote Davao particularly with the production of creative and appealing one-minute videos, this according to Dax Cañedo, a member of the organizing committee of Davao-In-A-Minute which was part of the major activities for the 75th Araw ng Dabaw.

Cover StoryPromoting Davao through moving visuals; the

Davao-In-A-Minute Video Competition

Cañedo founded the Mindanao Film and Television Development

Foundation (MFTDFI) organizers of one of the country’s longest

running independent filmfest, the Davao City-

based Mindanao Film Festival.

Cañedo says that the

o n e -

minute videos are audience friendly, can easily be shared among a broad audience with potential to be an internet viral it also poses an exciting artistic challenge for those who will be making it. “Imagine the challenge of telling people why life is here in Davao within a span of 60 seconds.” The one-minute videos must adhere to the theme fitted to the city’s Life is Here branding campaign. Major criteria included relevance to the theme, creativity of the concept, visual and

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

narrative appeal and technical proficiency.

“It is really about being creative in telling us why life is here. The video contest values creativity because we believe there are so many creative people in Davao City.” Cañedo added. The kick-off ceremonies were on Feb. 11 at SM City Davao, during the kick-off Jason Magnaye city tourism and investment promotion chief said that winning videos of the festival can be used as collaterals by the city. “For the artists this could be some sort of a bragging right, this could

also form part of their portfolio. It could also be a show of love to their

city; the videos they make could hopefully help entice visitors

and tourists, correct negative impression

that could provide some positive

impact to the city

particularly the economy.” Cañedo added. Pertinent rules and Mechanics of the video contest included

- Maximum time frame for videos must be within 60 seconds (1 minute) plus maximum 10 seconds for credits - Videos must adhere to the theme Davao: Life is Here (Davao City tourism brand) - Videos entries should either be in 720x480, 1280x720, 1920x1080 in resolution. - Submitted entries must include waivers and consent form for talents for the use of copyrighted images, music and recordings and other copyrighted material. - Video entries may be in any form i.e. TV ads, short films, music videos, wedding videos, animation, documentary etc. limitation rests upon the creativity of the maker. After the March 9 deadline the video contests had a total of 40

participants

6 Wednesday, March 28, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

who submitted their one-minute videos. Out of the 40, about 15 video works were shortlisted as finalists. Rolyn Pregunta won the top prize for her work LIFE IS HERE (entry no. 13). Second prize went to Pheje Roma for his video DAVAO=LIFE (entry no. 12) while third prize went to the video THE CITY WHERE LIFE SHINES (entry no. 10) submitted by Reynald Christopher Tapel. The first, second and third places in the contest received P30,000; P20,000 and P10,000 respectively along with trophies. City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio personally handed the prizes to the winners during the awarding ceremonies last March 19 Monday at the City Hall of Davao. Five other videos who placed 4th to 8th received P5,000 in cash prizes they are; KANINDOT SA DAKBAYAN SA DABAW (Zarah Gallardo), THE CITY LIKE NO OTHER (Prof. Genelin Ruth James), TRENDING DAVAO (Edmund Jay Michael Rubin), A DAY IN DAVAO (Ryam Yap) and EVENTFULLY DAVAO (Christian Joy Salas). The video which got the highest online votes based on Facebook likes was the Twitter-inspired video TRENDING

DAVAO by Edmund Jay Michael Rubin who got 1270 Facebook likes . The

people’s choice video received an additional P5,000 in as

cash prize. Jurors for the

c o m p e t i t i o n i n c l u d e d

C h e r y l A m o r

supervising desk news and information department TV5 Davao, Derf Maiz TV host/anchor of Una Ka Bai morning show GMA 5 Davao and Olan Emboscado, multi-awarded travel blogger (The Travelteller). The other videos included in the top 15 were the entries; SMALL WORLD, BIG CITY (KC Corro Cot Roxas), THE STORY TELLER (Albert Egot), IT’S FUN IN DAVAO (Jed Nasol), THE BEST PLACES (Sonny Campaner), DAVAO “LIFE IS HERE” (Arnold Obien Abella), DURI (Carl Joseph Liamzon) and HIGHLIGHTS OF DAVAO (Eight Espino). Davao Cit-y’s first one-minuter video contest is brought to you by the City Government of Davao and the Duaw Davao Foundation in partnership with the Mindanao Film and Television Development Foundation together with the support of Southspot channel (skcycable ch. 19), Trellis and Vines and Louworks Studios.


ACROSS THE NATIONAquino vows to meet its goal of making country one of world’s largest economies

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to continue implementing all-out initiatives and unrelenting efforts to maximize the innate potential of the Filipinos and the country to achieve the

government’s goal of making the country one of the largest economies in the world through reforms founded on political will and programs to end corruption.

In his speech during the Philippine Investment Forum at the Rigodon Ballroom of

the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday, President Aquino said that the government is

steadfast in effecting reforms that will expunge hopelessness, negativity, and empower

8 Wednesday, March 28, 2012ONE MINDANAO

the people by building

a proactive society towards

a more progressive economy.

“We are proud of the progress we have made, but we are not satisfied with just this. We Filipinos know just how much potential this country has and we are working even longer nights to fulfill this potential… so many people in government continue to work endless nights to make certain that we build on our momentum—that we continue along this path to progress,” the President said.

“We have fought the culture of naysaying and negativity, and have given a sense of empowerment to our people, replacing the hopelessness of the past with a steadfast commitment to building a society that indeed works. We have put an end to business as

usual and proclaimed a country open for real business,” the Chief Executive continued.

According to the President, these efforts have led to a considerable progress in the country’s economy that has breached not just 4,000 but the 5,000 barrier as well in the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi). These accomplishments were noted by various international organizations gaining the country a renewed investor confidence and presenting its merits as a safe and lucrative investment destination.

“In our relatively short time in office, a significant number of respected international organizations have also given us thumbs up signs. The World Economic Forum, for one, bumped the Philippines ten places up—from 85th to 75th—in their latest Competitiveness Index.

The Japan External Trade Organization, after conducting a survey among companies in our region, named us the best place to do business in Asia-Oceania, whether in manufacturing or service. HSBC even recently predicted that, by the year 2050, we will be the sixteenth largest economy in the world. And these are only a few of the companies and organizations that have already changed their mind about the Philippines—and have been very vocal about it,” President Aquino said.

“This renewed confidence from the


g l o b a l

community has reflected

itself in real pesos and centavos

invested in the country. Since we took office in July of 2010, we have seen 449.7 billion pesos in investments in the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. This accounts for 22 percent of all investments in PEZA since it was established in 1995—seventeen years ago. Likewise, in 2011, investment promotion agency-approved foreign direct investments grew by 30.6 percent to 256.1 billion pesos—the highest recorded level in sixteen years,” the President stressed.

The Philippines is also performing well in the bond market having issued 1.5 billion dollars in global bonds with a coupon rate of five per cent – the lowest for an Asian sovereign for that tenor and at better rates than several other investment

grade sovereigns like Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and even some EU countries like Spain.

“All of this is happening amidst global economic uncertainty. If these facts and figures tell us anything, it is that the Philippines’ success has been nothing less than heroic—that we have experienced high after high in our investment story,” the President said.

Among those present during the forum were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Presidential C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Operations Office Secretary Herminio

“Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. and Euromoney Institutional Investor Asia chief executive officer Tony Shale.

The conference dubbed as “The New Beginning” gathered government officials, top Filipino business executives, local and foreign investors to offer a global audience a balanced perspective on the renewed Philippine investment story.

The key topics to be discussed during the two-day event include Capital markets, Infrastructure, Real Estate and Energy and Power, among others. (JCL)


Aquino government lines up eight public-private partnership

projects for 2012

The government will roll out this year eight projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) program in a more accelerated pace, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.

Spearheading the Philippine Investment Forum at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday, the President said he has instructed the Cabinet’s economic cluster to speed up the approval of PPP projects so that work could

immediately start on the ground.

“There has to be more speed in terms of giving a thumbs up, or a thumbs down to all the various projects that are under consideration. We cannot afford to think of decades upon decades,”

the President said during the forum.

“We are missing the opportunities that are already extant,” he added.

The country’s PPP thrust is already generating a lot of interest from investors,


f r o m b u i l d i n g

s c h o o l s , roads, bridges

and airports, the President said.One particular

focus is rehabilitation and improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which now becomes congested as more air traffic is experienced by the country.

“There is a need to really expand our gateways and various studies are underway to determine exactly how best to achieve that,” the Chief Executive said referring to NAIA.

“There are limitations to how much you can expand NAIA especially given the density of the population in the surrounding areas. But that should not stop us from having the facilities available for the tourists.”

There is also a study being done on a proposal to build a

nautical highway aimed at cutting down travel time from Luzon to Mindanao, the President said adding that the proponents want to reduce travel time from three days to about 15 hours.

Once this is realized, the President stressed that products coming from the south could easily reach Metro Manila consumers, which, he said, would be a big boost to

Mindanao’s agricultural producers.

Last year, the government gave the greenlight for the P1.4-billion four-kilometer Daang Hari-South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) under the PPP projects.

The Aquino a d m i n i s t r a t i o n shortlisted and readied for rollout last year at least 10 projects worth 127.8 billion under the PPP. (AS)


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PhilHealth inks MOA with Butuan City gov’t

To continuously ensure health care benefits of Butuanons, the Philippine Health (PhilHealth) Insurance Corporation recently signed a

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the city government here.

The MOA signing between the two parties ensures coverage of

poor and the low-income families identified by the city government under the

Partial Subsidy Scheme, which also shows support to President Benigno

by Jennifer P. Gaitano


S. Aquino III’s goal of universal health coverage for all. Heads of government agencies, representatives, partner-stakeholders and some members of the media graced said activity. Representing Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr., Vice-Mayor Atty. Lawrence Fortun signed the MOA with PhilHealth President and CEO Eduardo Banzon, Caraga Regional Vice President Johnny Sychua, and Area Vice President Ramon Aristoza Jr. In his message, Banzon stressed that PhilHealth Law was the best law ever passed and legislated by the congress because it has

the message of social solidarity. “We want people of different walks of life be protected and secured of their health care benefits and with PhilHealth, we are fulfilling that goal,” he said. PhilHealth aims of placing a renewed emphasis on achieving universal coverage. It is categorized as a tax-exempt government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) of the country, and attached to the Department of Health (DOH) providing affordable health social health insurance coverage for all Filipinos. This social insurance program shall serve as

means for the healthy to help pay for the care of the sick and for those who can afford medical care to subsidize those who cannot. Both local and national government allocate funds to subsidy the indigent. Banzon also emphasized that PhilHealth is responsible for oversight and administration of public sector insurance schemes. It has a governing board chaired by the Secretary of Health with representation from other government departments (ministries) and agencies, and the private sector including the OFW sector. Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Fortun expressed his gratitude for the efforts of PhilHealth in reaching out the poor and marginalized sector in the country to ensure their health care benefits. With this development, the city government and PhilHealth hoped to work together and strengthen its partnership for the all Butuanons and Caraganons.


DSWD allocates P9.8M for 4Ps beneficiaries in Bislig City

BUTUAN CITY –- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) allotted some P9.8 million for the recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Bislig City.

by Robert E. Roperos

S t e l l a Marie Barcelon, spokesperson of the 4Ps from DSWD-Caraga, said that this is in response to the directives of President Benigno S. Aquino III to strengthen the program to mitigate poverty in the region. Barcelon said this is the first release of the cash in the said area, where a total of 4,304 household beneficiaries will be able to receive assistance. She added that

beneficiaries were already informed of this and that they can now withdraw their money over the counter at the nearest Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) in their area. In a related development, some 165 beneficiaries under the sustainable livelihood program of DSWD-Caraga in San Luis, Agusan del Sur were able to receive their cash assistance recently. A c c o r d i n g

to Rey Serdeña, DSWD-Caraga chief of Livelihood Unit, around P900,000 worth of check was already turned over to beneficiaries composed of eight groups coming from the different barangays of the said municipality in Agusan del Sur. Serdeña said the livelihood assistance will give opportunity to the beneficiaries in the area to uplift their economic condition as DSWD-Caraga is


PNP-Surigao del Sur ready for events this summer By Greg Tataro

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur is all set for the three events that will take place this summer. These are the: 43rd NPA anniversary, lenten season, and summer vacation.

According to Police Provincial Director SSupt Arthur Sanchez, they have already braced for all these upcoming events through the guidance of the national headquarters

citing both the memoranda dated March 4 and 16, respectively, relative to the security preparations and operations for the said events. On March 26, the PNP

National Headquarters has reiterated the said orders, it was learned. Meanwhile, Sanchez said he has already met with the army officials recently to discuss security matters.

monitoring them on how are they going to use the cash assistance for their livelihood. According to DSWD, the sustainable livelihood program is part of the agency’s convergence program for poverty reduction. It is a three-year program (2011-2013) which provides e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l capacity building for all Pantawid Pamilyang

Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries. The program offers two tracks of assistance namely: S e l f - E m p l o y m e n t A s s i s t a n c e -Kaunlaran (SEA-K) and Guaranteed Employment. SEA-K is DWSD’s c o m p r e h e n s i v e approach and investment in social capital towards poverty alleviation which aims

to provide poor and disadvantaged sector of the society with timely access to credit and development opportunities. M e a n w h i l e , the guaranteed employment program is considered as exit strategy for the beneficiaries from welfare assistance to development-oriented support.


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Aside from booth exhibit which highlights the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) Fair 2012 and the groundbreaking ceremony of the P2

million worth of disaster management and evacuation center (DMEC) in Poblacion, Vincenzo Sagun, a blood letting activity was also conducted over the weekend to better serve its constituents.

By Gideon C. Corgue

PRC collects 16,200 cc of blood in V. Sagun


T h e activity was jointly conducted by the local government unit (LGU) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as part of the fair which was attended by almost 3,000 residents, majority of whom are women. A medical team from PRC performed the blood letting activity to 36 blood donors. Police officer 2 Adelfa Gacasan of Vincenzo Sagun municipal police station was the first from among the residents and the only police officer who donated blood. “Akong gipailawom ang akong kaugalingon pagpakuha ug dugo tungod kay gusto nako makatabang dili lamang sa mga miyembro sa akong pamilya ug mga kaparyentehan panahon sa emerhensya apan ngadto na usab sa mga nanginhanglan ug dugo ilabi na gayud sa mga kabus(I

have submitted myself for blood letting because I want to help not only to my family members and relatives in times of emergency but for those who are in need of blood especially the poor), ” Gacasan said who was on her second time to donate blood. Allan Arcay, a resident of barangay Poblacion said for the 4th time, he donated blood because he wants to help those who are in need of blood. “Dako kaayo ang akong kalipay nga makatabang sa mga nanginahanglan ug dugo ug ingon man aron masusi ang akong kaugalingon kon wala ba ako’y sakit( I am extremely happy to help those who are in need of blood and to have myself checked if I don’t have disease),” Arcay said.


Blood donor recruitment officer Dorie Ortiz said a total of 16,200 cc of blood were collected from blood donors during the activity. PRC lauded the local government unit thru the chief

executive for accommodating them during the launching of the fair saying that it helped the blood donation campaign of their agency. (JPA/GCC/PIA9-Zambosur)

In a simple turnover ceremony the other day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-IX headed by Regional Director Sisinio Cano, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) represented by Provincial Director Noel Bazan and Zamboanga del Norte second district representative Rosendo S. Labadlabad have turned-over the sardines training center and a set of equipment to RSLA. The DOLE through its conduit, the DTI, allotted for this project P450 thousand to be used in the training and procurement of equipment such as gas stoves, pressure cookers and other utensils. Congressman Labadlabad also donated from his Priority

Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) P350 thousand for the construction of the training center. In his message before the officers and members of RSLA, Labadlabad appealed to the organization to strive and make said livelihood project grow “so they can also help others who are in need.” RSLA has now 26 members who are mostly housewives of small fishermen in the locality. RSLA President Angelita Renquijo has expressed her gratitude to DOLE, DTI and to Congressman Labadlabad for giving her group an alternative livelihood that would help each member earn additional income for his/her family. (FPG/PIA-Zamboanga del Norte)

by Franklin P. GumaponROXAS, Zamboanga del Norte – In keeping with President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III’s goal of improving the living condition of the marginal sectors in the countryside, the Roxas Sardines Livelihood Association (RSLA) in Barangay Dohinob here has recently received P800 thousand worth of livelihood project consisting of a training center and equipment for bottled sardines making.

DOLE, DTI, Zambo Norte solon turn-over P800-T livelihood project in Roxas town


The “Earth Hour” activity which is being spearheaded by the city government, will be held at the favorite hangout park of the young and old populace- the Paseo del Mar. During the observance, the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) will symbolically switch off power, which will put the entire city in “darkness from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. This will be the time when participating government agencies including the city government will release sky lanterns. Prior the symbolic power switch off, a short program will be held at

the Paseo del Mar where the newly inaugurated musically gyrating dancing fountain will entertain the participants and the public with several “water dancing” shows. It can be recalled, last year’s earth hour activity was held at the Zamcelco covered court where the entire city was also put in ‘darkness,” but after 15 minutes, power was restored feeder by feeder. “Earth Hour” is a global observance, a call to action related to energy efficiency, conservation and a send-off message that calls to do something to mitigate climate change. (JPA/ PIA 9- ZBST)

Sky lanterns to light the sky during “Earth Hour” observance on March 31by Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Sky lanterns will find its way up and illuminate the sky as a symbolic gesture of Zamboanga City’s support in the “Earth Hour” observance set on March 31st.


RDC targets 58 poor towns in NorMin for 2013by Jorie C. Valcorza

Fifty-eight poor municipalities in Region 10

were prioritized in the Regional Development Council 10 (RDC 10) consolidated budget proposal for 2013.

Budget allocations for existing programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) in other areas were likewise considered. National Economic Development Authority 10 (NEDA 10) Director Leon M. Dacanay, Jr explained that the RDC is responsible for the review, prioritization and endorsement of the investment programming and budgeting processes to the

national government and multi-year sectoral investment programs of the region for funding and implementation. Pilot agencies in the bottom up approach here

in the region have presented today, during the RDC Full Council Meeting at the NEDA 10 office, their consolidated committee budgets for review and endorsement which has been reviewed by the RDC Secretariat based on the 2013 priorities. The budget endorsements were aligned to President Aquino’s Social Contract and to the 16 areas


Lanao Sur stakeholders address women’s rights in armed conflictby Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Stakeholders from the various sectors in the province gathered last March 19 at the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao Convergence Hall of the Mindanao State University to address women’s rights in armed conflict situations.

The forum was organized by Al-Mujadillah Development Foundation (AMDF), a women’s organization committed to promote women’s rights, good governance and peace building towards gender-fair, humane and sustainable communities. Zahria Muti-Mapandi, executive director of the AMDF, said the activity was in line with the efforts of the Philippine Commission on Women to popularize Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) and the National Action Plan (NAP) on the United Nations Security Council Resolutions stressing that the understanding of the MCW and NAP will make its implementation easier. The forum was also intended to help communities and local government units in preparing and reflecting the NAP on their respective gender and development plans, she added.

A n c h o r e d on the MCW, par t i cu lar ly t h o s e p r o v i s i o n s r e l a t i n g to peace a n d development, the NAP is the government’s response to the landmark international normative standards on women, peace, and security. The NAP aims to ensure the protection of women’s human rights and prevention of violation of these in armed conflict and post-conflict situations; to empower women and ensure their active and meaningful participation in areas of peace building, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction; to promote and mainstream gender perspective in

of transformational leadership as reflected in the national/regional development goals and targets, and strategies in the Philippine

Development Plan and Regional Development Plan as well as the strategic action plan for Sendong-affected areas.


all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution; and to institutionalize a system to monitor, evaluate and report its implementation. Mapandi said the forum was one of the activities the AMDF has lined-up in celebration of the 2012 Women’s Month. Other major activities include

an orientation on women economic leadership to come-up with an assessment if women could also be leaders in agricultural markets, as well as barangay consultations on the establishment of the Violence Against Women Desk at the barangay level.

4ID conducts free cervical cancer vaccinationCAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division conducted a free cervical cancer vaccination at the Station Hospital here.

A total of 118 female soldier of the division received the vaccination against cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the term for a malignant neoplasm arising from cells originating in the cervix uteri. One of the most common symptoms of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, but in some cases there may be no obvious symptoms until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. Treatment for this disease usually consists of surgery (including local excision) in early stages, and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in more advanced stages of the disease. This is the only type of cancer which has a vaccine which is therefore the easy to be prevented. Having Pap smear can help in the early detection and prevention of the disease prior the administration of a vaccine. The

vaccine costs P2, 500 to P4,500 per shot. Prerequisite for the beneficiaries is that they should have pap smear, no menstrual period and no sexual contact for three days before receiving the vaccination. Though the vaccine is proven effective in preventing this cancer it is important to realize that no vaccine provides complete protection against all cancer-causing types of HPV, so routine cervical cancer screening is still necessary. “Female soldiers must take advantage of this activity since the vaccine cost much when availed commercially. Let us join hands in fighting cervical cancer,” MGen. Victor A. Felix AFP, Commander, 4ID, said. “I believe that a healthy soldier can provide a more focused and effective service to the Filipino people,” he added. (4ID)


Davao intensifies push for organic agriculture

The local government of Davao is pushing its initiative to

promote the use of organic natural farming. According to Leo Avila III OIC of the City Agriculturist Office, City Mayor Sara Duterte has just

signed the executive order c o n v e n i n g the organic a g r i c u l t u r e management council and also created the technical c o m m i t t e e on organic agriculture. A v i l a said that this will attune all programs related to o r g a n i c

agriculture with the CAO as the lead agency. The City was the first local government unit in the country to enact an organic agriculture ordinance with the passage of Ordinance 0384-10 in 2010.


Though the city cannot force farmers to shift to organic farming, the advocacy of organic agriculture is embedded in the different programs of the city government particularly farmer trainings, marketing assistance and research. Avila said that currently there are more than 100 farmers in the city practicing organic farming. Although these are conservative estimates and figures could grow if it includes indigenous farmers in the hinterlands who grow crops without the benefit of fertilizers and pesticides. Among these indigenous farmers are upland rice growers where organic method is used. The city is also promoting upland rice with an increase of 400 hectares planted to upland rice this year alone. The city is also identifying a organic zone in Sibulan. A v i l a said they had identified 100 hectares of area which can be classified as organic agriculture zones. Another organic zone is in Los Amigos in Calinan, where productive catfish fishponds sit next rice fields and any contamination from chemicals could affect the livelihood of fish growers in the area. Avila said that those practicing organic have seen it their endeavour as very sustainable, he said that without incurring costs on expensive fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals there is much

to profit. Also organic produce has also seen an increasing market of consumers. The CAO head said that there is a need to have a weekend market for organic produce where organic farmers can sell their products. Avila said that there is a strong clamor for such type of market as many people are going organic. They are also looking for a participatory guaranty system where farmers would certify each other’s produce as organic. A third party certifier is often utilized to guarantee that the agricultural produce is grown organically. The agriculture initiatives of the city government are drawing praise from non-government organizations and civil society. According to Josephine Lim of the Tribal Mission Foundation Incorporated, a Non-Government Organization pushing for sustainable organic agriculture, Davao City is set to be the template for the country as far as organic agriculture is concerned. The city is also actively partnering with NGO’s among which TMFI, Earthsoul Solutions, Go Organic Davao. In partnership with private partners the city is offering programs to support organic farmers these include technology-assistance, marketing support, fund access and research.(PIA/RG Alama)


regional gallery

(from left) Ramon Gutierrez, Director, Civil Aviation Authority of the Phiippines (CAAP), Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Gloria Steele Mission Ditrector of USAID and Victor Luciano, president of the Clark International Airport Corporation during a ceremonial signing of the Clark Davao airport sisterhood agreement held yesterday (March 28) at Marco Polo Davao


BIR-Soccsksargen breaks 2-month revenue targetby Dani Doguiles

KORONADALCITY, South Cotabato -- If revenue collection in the first two months of the year were a proof of the year-round performance, 2012 would be another fruitful year for the Bureau of Internal Revenue-Revenue Region No. 18 (BIR-RR 18) or BIR-Soccsksargen.

Atty. Rozil Lozares, BIR RR-18 regional director, toesterday day

announced cumulative collection from their five districts surpassed the

January – February target by 12.11 percent.

Data showed that BIR -Soccsksargen was able to collect P 794,225,483.09, which was P85,762,483.09 higher than its two-month target of P708,463,000.

Collection chief Lilia Basa revealed that compared to revenues in the same period last year, this present collection was 30.59 percent higher.

Basa added that of the five revenue districts only Sultan Kudarat/Tacurong City (Revenue


District No. 109 failed its target. It only collected P 9 6 , 2 9 9 , 2 1 3 . 9 3 against its target of P113,314,000

Percentage wise, Cotabato Province led all RDOs by exceeding targets by 34.38 percent by collecting P 1 1 5 , 5 5 4 , 8 2 6 . 2 1 against its goal of P 85,992,000.

M a g u i n d a n a o P r o v i n c e - C o t a b a t o District (RDO No, 107) collected P

212,529,062.41, which was 23.86 percent higher than its P171,585,000 target.

South Cotabato-Koronadal District (RDO No. 111) and Sarangani Province-Gensan District (RDO No. 110) collected P167,666,866.14 and P 2 0 2 , 1 7 5 , 5 1 4 . 4 0 , respectively.

Considering this trend, Lozares is hopeful that the revenue region will succeed in attaining its 2012 collection

target amounting to P5,126,213,000.00.

Relevant to the program of the BIR in providing effective and efficient service to the taxpaying public, BIR in Kidapawan City transferred to a new three-storey building, which should provide a wider space for the taxpaying public. The new building was inaugurated on March 22.

In 2011, BIR-RR 18 exceeded its yearend revenue target by 6.1 percent. Total collection amounted to P4,420,940,992 against its annual target of P4,166,853,000 ( D E D o g u i l e s / P I A 12)

DOH 12 to intensify campaign on TB in childrenby Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- Health officials in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 plan to strengthen its campaign on the identification and treatment of children affected by TB.

Data released by the Department of Health-12 (DOH) dur-ing the World TB Day

celebration on Satur-day indicate that of the 8,012 TB cases in the region in 2011, 801

were children below 15 years.

Dr. Arlene Taruc, regional TB program


manager, however, said cases of children with TB could be high-er than the reported 9.5 percent of the to-tal TB cases in the re-gion if all of the actual cases of children with TB were covered.

DOH-12 Regional Director Marlyn Con-vocar admitted that the agency as well as a the public should give more attention on tu-berculosis among chil-dren.

Besides their regular information drive, Dr. Convocar also asked the media to help inform the public of this important concern.

“We have to remember that when their parents, relatives, or helpers have TB, most likely the children also have TB,” she said.

Coughs among children who had contact with TB patients, she said, should not be taken for granted. So, when the adult TB patient goes to the health center for their regular treatment, children

should also be brought along for testing, she added.

“In this way, we will be able to control the illness at an earlier stage and prevent the development of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB,” she said.

“All our health units have a treatment regimen for TB in children. Medicines, as well as doctors’ services, are free.”

One of the 28 MDR-TB patients being treated at the Programmatic Multi-Drug Resistant (PMDT) Treatment Center at the Koronadal City Health Office is only 17 years old.

Dr. Taruc further explained that children

are particularly vulnerable to the diseases because their contact with other people as well as fellow school children who may be carriers of the mycobacterium tuberculei organism are not always monitored.

Dr. Taruc added that the had already informed barangay health workers to intensify their campaign on TB in children in their respective areas.

DOH is also encouraging creation of barangay health teams to reach out to at least 100 families; their work includes close monitoring of residents with TB. (DED-PIA 12)


8,000 to join Summer 2012 Multimedia Boot Camp in GensanBy Pops Gumana-Fruylan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- More than 8,000 participants are expected to join the city government’s “Summer 2012 Multi Media Boot Camp” which will offer free computer-related trainings for public school teachers and students including local journalists and out-of-school youths (OSYs).

According to SHEEP Computer Literacy Program (CLP) head, Percival Pasuelo, the summer camp will officially open on March 30 by Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio on March 30, but hands on trainings will formally start on April 2.

“These training workshops are the idea of the mayor herself to empower the youth through the full use of information and communications technology (ICT) in line with the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP),” Pasuelo said.

Pasuelo revealed that the modules offered for the summer camp include: AutoCAD and SketchUp training for graduating high school students; Call Center training for high school

graduates, OSY, and students enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education (DepEd);

English Language Proficiency training for high school English teachers; SQL training for high school ICT coordinators; I n t r o d u c t o r y Bookkeeping using Excel for high school coordinators and Math teachers; and Digital Music Recording and Band Application for High School Students;

Electronic Music Education using Noteworthy Composer for elementary and high school Music teachers; Web and Video Blogging for pupils, students and teachers including ALS students and OSY; Photo Editing using Photoshop and Lightroom for students and ICT

coordinators; and Audio Visual Presentation (AVP) Creation for ALS students, ICT coordinators and teachers; and,

Digital Comic Strip for high school students; Newsletter Layouting using InDesign for elementary and high school students, and public school teachers; Newsletter Layouting using InDesign for Local Journalists; Animation for high school, elementary, and ALS students including OSY, Facebooking for Senior Citizens, and Basic Computer Operations for all public school teachers.

Pasuelo said the free trainings will be conducted by personnel of the SHEEP-CLP in line with Mayor Custodio’s battle cry, “Think Global Act Local.” (DED/PGF - PIA 12, Gensan)

one mindanao - march 28, 2012

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