one mindanao - october 15, 2015

El Niño mitigation measures set in SurSur

Local COMELEC offices can’t disqualify, declare nuisance candidates, official says

LGU Kabasalan supports 100 scholars

Basa family from Davao Occidental is 2015 Huwarang Pamilya 4

Government backs project bonds for Philippine PPPs

Women peace advocates call for

BBL passage12

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Cover Story

National

SOCCSKSARGEN

Western

InFocus

Caraga

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Rhea Grace A. La PlanaO

UR C

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contents9

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Volume 5 * Issue No. 39

15

18

23 By: Greg Tataro Jr.

Cmte to tackle resolutions of Rotary Youth student leaders36

26

Northern

SNNHS students undergo career guidance program orientation

34

By: Esmeralda M. Cantila

37 DTI reminds consumers of basic rightsBy: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

Panabo Indigenous Peoples Avail WHAPEE Services 40 39Southern

By: Sheryll Jane S. Fernandez

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

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 Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ 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

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]

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]

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA 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 EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSEMMANUEL TAGHOY, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EDITORIAL BOARD

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - 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

4 October 15, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

Basa family from Davao Occidental is 2015 Huwarang Pamilya By: Sheryll Jane S. Fernandez

5October 15, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

Our family is a circle of strength, founded on faith, joined by love and kept by God. Sa tanan nga amoang kalisdanan, kahuyangan, kalipay ug sa tanan nga grasya nga

amoang nadawat, gina-hangad namo tanan sa Ginoo (In all our hardships, weaknesses, happiness and for all the blessings that we have received, we always offer it to God),” shares 35-year old Marebeth Basa of Barangay Linadasan in Don Marcelino town of Davao Occidental.

The Basa’s lives in a humble oceanfront home in Barangay Linadasan. Marebeth’s husband – Gimmy, 42, works as a fisherman. To augment the income they earn from fishing, they opened up a small sari-sari store.

“Ginabinuangan gani ko sa

akoang mga silingan nga lugi daw kaayo ko sa akoang sari-sari store kay P600 plus lang ang akoang gina-kompra gikan Malita, unya ang pamasahe padulong ug pauli kay P 500 (My neighbors oftentimes kid around that my sari-sari store is losing and unprofitable since I only purchase around P600-worth of


goods per month. The round trip van fare from Malita (neighboring municipality), where I get the goods, is already P500),” states Marebeth.

Despite their meager income, Marebeth and Gimmy strives hard to send their children to school – Sylka Mae, now 14; Brian James, now 9; and Jim Marey, now 5 years old. The Basa family became beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 2009. “Dako kaayo nga tabang ang programa ilabi na sa pag-eskwela sa amoang mga anak. Mas na-engganyo sila mo

eskwela tungod sa programa (The program has been a huge help especially in my children’s studies. They love going to school because of Pantawid Pamilya,” says Gimmy. Another unexpected blessing came to the family when they became recipients of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in 2012. Marebeth and Gimmy being accustomed to simple, frugal way of living, they promised to smartly invest the money they loaned from SLP. “Aron makatipid sa


pamasahe nga P 500 gikan Malita, naga-hitch lang ko sa mga molabay nga truck padulong Don Marcelino. Bahala’g galisod ko sa mga bitbit nga pinalit, basta maka-save ko sa pamasahe kay saying ang kwarta (To save on the P 500 fare to/from Malita, I hitch a ride on private trucks going to Don Marcelino. It does not matter if I have to haul loads of groceries, as long I can save on fare. P 500 is a big amount, you know)” shared Marebeth. In two years’ time, Marebeth and Gimmy were able to multiply their capital ten folds. From a small sari-sari store, they were able to open a new, bigger store just beside their house. Marebeth and Gimmy never fail to inculcate positive values to their three children. It is evident at how their children perform academically and non-academically in school. To share the blessings they received, the Basa Family sends ten indigenous people (IP) students to school. They also sponsor students to Girl Scout campings annually. “Buot namo nga ipa-ambit pud ang among grasya nga nadawat gikan sa Ginoo

ug sa DSWD. Tungod niini nga programa, sigurado mi nga makaya namong magtiayon ug makaya usab sa akong mga anak ang molampos (We want to share all the blessings we received from God and from DSWD. Because of this program, my husband and I and my children are certain that we will succeed),” emphasizes Marebeth. The Basa family is just one of the 229,871 families in the entire Davao Region who has benefited from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). On October 4, around 5,000 of these families gathered at Magsaysay Park in Davao City to celebrate the Family Day where DSWD formally declared the Basa family as the 2015 Huwarang Pamilya. But it was on September 28 during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Mall Davao that DSWD-11 Regional Director Priscilla Razon handed the award with a check amounting to P20,000 to the family awardee. Pantawid Pamilya is a poverty-reduction program


implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program provides conditional

cash grants to Listahanan-identified poor families having 0-18 year-old children.

9 October 15, 2015ONE MINDANAO 9October 15, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

APEC energy ministers highlight importance of low carbon development

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu-- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) energy ministers have reaffirmed the importance of low carbon development to achieve individual and regional economic aspirations.

“We commend the significant progress of the APEC Low-Carbon Model Town Project, where the concept and the indicators

for APEC Low-Carbon Town are being developed. We view environmental sustainability as equally important with economic


prosperity, and recognize the important role of the market in providing efficient, cost-effective energy technology solutions and energy resources,” the APEC ministers said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

They further said that the APEC region’s future economic growth will be supported by an appropriate mix of energy resources and power generation technologies that includes both

conventional and renewable energy, giving priority to clean energy sources and enhanced energy efficiency.

To achieve this, the energy ministers agreed to build on synergies among the member economies aimed at maximizing strengths from each economy, thus minimizing costs of policy implementation. In transitioning to a


low-carbon economy, APEC economies agreed to explore the contribution of clean energy technologies and energy-efficient initiatives in the transport and power sectors.

These may include biofuels, civil nuclear power, advanced coal technologies, liquefied natural gas, as well as solar, wind, and marine energy technologies.

The ministers said they will strive to attain the APEC’s aspirational goal of doubling the share of renewables in the APEC energy mix, including in power generation, from 2010 levels by 2030.

“We strongly encourage

the acceleration of renewable energy development and deployment toward this end,” they said in the statement.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada announced the selection of Mandaue City for the implementation of Phase 6 of the Low Carbon Model Town Project.

Mandaue City is entitled to a feasibility study grant that would determine policy program measures to attain its targets for green technology opportunities, particularly in building infrastructure, urban planning and the transport sector. (PCOO/PND (as)


Government backs project bonds for Philippine PPPs

QUEZON CITY-- With the recent roll-out of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects requiring larger funding, and the existing regulations of banks and their lending requirements, government is looking for alternative ways of funding from the capital market through the issuance of project bonds. During the recent PPP Forum organized by the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines together with the Securities and Exchange

Commission (SEC), the Philippine Stock Exchange, and the Asian Development Bank, finance experts from both the domestic and international finance


community tackled the issue of tapping the Philippine capital market to finance massive infrastructure projects that are currently part of the country growing pipeline of PPP projects. The discussion centered on the issuer and investor appetite for project bonds as a source of financing for PPP projects and the government’s initiatives to encourage the issuance of project bonds in the Philippines. “We are experiencing a lack

of infrastructure right now. We have to find ways and means to develop projects that can get the interest of the private sector not only for the operation and maintenance, but also in the financing of these future infrastructure PPP projects,” PPP Center Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao said. The PPP Center chief added that the government should create an enhanced environment that would promote infrastructure

FILEPHOTO: INQUIRER.NET

14 October 15, 2015ONE MINDANAO14 October 15, 2015ONE MINDANAO

development and access the capital market. In more mature PPP implementing countries with significant private-sector pension schemes like the UK, project bonds are used extensively. The key players are pension funds and life insurance companies which both invest directly.

Valery Tubbax, who heads the Project Finance Advisory team for Asia of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, stressed that project bonds in PPPs will only be possible if these projects are well-structured. He added that there is a real need for PPP experts to be engaged, particularly in the development stage of PPP projects. Currently, big ticket projects like the Laguna Lake Expressway Project costing USD 2.7 Billion and the South line of the North–South Railway project costing USD 3.79 Billion are being

auctioned. They are part of the USD 11.46 billion pipeline of PPP projects undergoing tender. With the Single Borrowers Limit ending by 2016, domestic lending will not be enough to absorb all the funding needs of PPP projects.

Meanwhile, SEC Commissioner Ephyro Amatong said the SEC supports using the bond market for PPP projects. Amatong said there is a big demand for PPP projects, including from the insurance sector. “The SEC is prepared to work with the industry on these requirements,” Amatong added.

With a change in government inevitable in less than a year, the Canilao underscored that now is the best time for the Aquino Administration to put together what it can recommend to the next presidency to help step up infrastructure development and finance. (PPP)


Women peace advocates call for BBL passage

PASIG CITY-- Women peace advocates and group conveners have reaffirmed their support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to end social injustice and uphold gender equality in Mindanao.

In a roundtable discussion held on Monday at the Marco Polo Hotel in this city, Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325) convener and project manager Carmen Lauzon-Gatmaytan emphasized the

continued support of women’s networks from the Bangsamoro core territory for the passage of the BBL because it will “have a lasting impact on the lives of Bangsamoro women on the gro

PHOTOCREDIT: PHILSTAR.COM


“Women must have meaningful participation in the communities and to matters relating to peace. We want to lead and [have] an equal stand like the men in our society,” Gatmaytan said.

Gatmaytan pointed out that there is a need to bring forward the issues of gender equality in the peace process and that the women have a key role especially in ending social injustices.

Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace, national coordinator of WE Act 1325 and executive director of Miriam College’s Center for Peace Education (CPE), said legislators should also restore several provisions in their separate versions of the BBL which were originally contained in the version drafted by the Bangsamoro

Transition Authority and submitted to Congress as House Bill 4994 and Senate Bill 2408.

“We are women of diverse backgrounds and cultures coming from the Bangsamoro Core Territories and different parts of the country. It is in [this] light that we support the provisions upholding gender equality

and women’s human rights in the original draft of the BBL as well as the enhancements introduced in the [House] Substitute Bill 5811,” she said.

“However, we believe these gender provisions will better serve their purpose if the BBL passed will be true to the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” Galace said.

“We appeal for a BBL that is consistent with the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration to chart their political future that will secure their identity and allow for greater autonomy,” she said.

BBL is inclusive to all genders

On the other hand, Ang


Kilusan ng Kababaihang Pilipino (PILIPINA) National Coordinator Elizabeth Yang said the “BBL adopts the principle of gender equality, which is also enshrined in the Constitution.”

She cited Article VIII Section 10 of the House version of the BBL called the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which states that the Bangsamoro Government must uphold and protect the fundamental rights of women and children, including the right of women to engage in lawful employment.

“This principle and rights uphold the Philippines’ landmark law, R.A. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women,” she said.

She added that through the proposed BBL, Bangsamoro women will have a voice in governance and decision-making

so they can infuse policies and programs with recognition and respect for gender equality and women’s rights.

“Alongside their Filipino sisters of diverse ethnicities and faiths, Bangsamoro women struggle daily to sustain their families, protect their safety and live with dignity,” Yang remarked. The proposed draft law also ensures active participation of the women in the Bangsamoro Government through a reserved seat for their sector in the parliament and the appointment of at least one woman in the Cabinet.

“Women and children of Mindanao have a greater chance to live in peace, freedom and security, with the passage of this law,” Yang added. (PPMB)


PhilHealth12 explains latest policies to stakeholders By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 15 — In line with its ef-forts to improve delivery of services, PhilHealth 12 gathered stakeholders in a forum here where discussions highlighted lat-est policies of the health insurance agency.


The annual event, dubbed Project Reach Out, according to PhilHealth 12 “serves as a link between PhilHealth and health care providers.” It was attended by 205 representatives of 104 accredited health facilities from across SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Said activity, according to Re-gional Vice Dr. Miriam Grace Pamonag was in accordance with Rule 1 Title V of the Re-vised Implementing Rules and Regulations of the National Health Insurance Act of 2013 which states that “the Corpora-tion shall implement a Quality Assurance Program applicable to all health care providers for the delivery of health services nationwide… to ensure qual-ity health services necessary to achieve the desired health outcomes and member satisfac-tion.”

Policies deliberated were Cir-cular No.20-2015 (Suspension of the Charge to Future Claims Policy), Circular No. 23-2015 (Policy Statements on the Di-agnosis, Empiric Management, and Prevention of Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in Immunocompetent Adults as Reference by the Corporation in Ensuring Quality of Care), Circular. No. 24-2015 (New

PhilHealth Dialysis Package (Revision 1), and Circular No. 25-2015 (Social Health Insur-ance Coverage and Benefits for Women About to Give Birth Re-vision 1)

Circular No. 20-2015 deferred implementation of PhilHealth Circular No. 15-2015 regarding Charge to Future Claims “to be able to guarantee a smooth transition by giving our health care providers enough time to make the appropriate adjust-ments.”

Explaining Circular No. 25, Dr. Henry Manzares, head of the Benefits Administration Section, emphasized: “Women without qualifying contributions who de-livered and discharged on week-ends or holidays are now given the chance to settle their contri-bution on the next working day in order to avail of the package.”

Members from different sec-tors are now entitled to the No Balance Billing Policy on Mater-nity Care Package once admit-ted in lying-in centers, birth-ing homes and infirmaries on a ward type of accommodation; however, this does not apply to private hospitals for patients admitted in private rooms, he elaborated.

Per Circular No. 24, members


and their dependents may now also avail of the extended di-alysis package up to 90 days as long as there are still remaining unused days due to dependents (if the patient is principal mem-ber) or to the principal member (if the patient is dependent).

Members without declared dependents can avail of the automatic 45 days extension; however, the extended number of days is exclusive only for he-modialysis procedures.

Regarding Circular23, Man-zares pointed out that claims of moderate risk pneumonia with less than 4 days confine-ment will be denied.

Diagnostic tests indicated in the circular are required in order to provide proof that the case is indeed pneumonia moderate risk, he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Antoniette La-dio, head of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section discussed the Standards for Ac-creditation of Dialysis Clinics Performing Peritoneal Dialysis since they are entitled to claim of said package per Circular 21-2015.

Dr. Ladio also discussed Health Care Provider Perfor-mance Assessment System per Circular 31-2014.

Sharon Ysmael from the Le-gal Support Unit talked about administrative offences and Penalties for Health Care Insti-tutions and Providers where she enumerated and explained possible offences by members, PhilHealth employees and health care providers.

At the open forum, the issue on the new requirements for the pneumonia package be-came a major issue.

To this, Dr Ladio respond-ed, saying: “We may utilize the remaining hours discussing is-sues beyond our control but at the end of the day, Circular 23 will still be Circular 23. The best thing we can do for now is write a letter addressed to the Philip-pine Society of Pulmologists and other stakeholders for these as-sociations to bring your concern to our policy makers.”

Most representative of hospi-tals agreed to follow the new requirements as these had gone through studies by policy mak-ers and because noncompliance to the same could mean denial of benefit payments.

Meanwhile, Nol Vilala, head of the Gen. Santos Local Health In-surance (LHIO) announced that there have been members that were denied benefit because


Local COMELEC offices can’t disqualify, declare nuisance candidates, official says By Danilo E, Doguies

their membership have al-ready expired based on records.

“I wanted to clarify this one in line with the legal impediment which might occur again for members who are lending their cards. The member was denied because we have found out that he lent his card to another who died during his admission. So as our partner, please help us explain possible consequences like this for members violating our rules,” Valila appealed to the health providers.

Panelists encouraged hospital

owners to upgrade their facilities to accommodate more patients and provide better services to the members.

Dr. Manzares, reminded them to keep regularly updated for efficient processing of benefit payments.

“We are partners. We help you financially. Help us deliver qual-ity services for the benefit of our members,” Dr. Ladio told the participants (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from HGNaanep-PhilHealth 12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct. 15 — “COMELEC offices in the regions and provinces do not have the authority to declare anybody as a nuisance candidate,” Atty. Jay Gerada, South Co-tabato election supervisor. clarified.

Also, COMELEC offices can-not disqualify any aspirant for any reason nor prevent any-body from filing a certificate of candidacy, Atty. Gerada said in a press conference Tuesday.

“Only the Law Department of

the Commission on Elections in Manila can disqualify candi-date or declare anybody as a nuisance candidate for reason that the person is incapable of waging a national campaign for national positions or in our


case, is incapable of running a province-wide campaign,” he elaborated.

Describing their responsibil-ity as ministerial, the election supervisor explained that their duty is to determine the com-pleteness of the requirements and accept COCs from aspi-rants.

Filing of COCs started Mon-day and will close Friday, Octo-ber 16. COMELEC offices are open from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to receive COCs for aspi-rants.

According to COMELEC Reso-lution 9984, on the last day of COC filing, those who would like to submit COCs should be inside the COMELEC office at 4:45 p.m. At this time, the receiving officer shall log the aspirants present. Only those listed will be allowed to file their COCs beyond COC beyond 5:00 p.m.

“Any person not present when the name is called shall not be allowed to file a COC,” the reso-lution reads.

A representative may file for a particular candidate provided that the filer should possess an authority to file COC from the latter.

Those who are running un-

der a party should present certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA), otherwise, they will be listed as indepen-dent candidates.

Atty. Gerada noted that their responsibilities, besides accept-ing COCs, is limited to con-solidating the COCs filed with their office and submitting these to the Law Department of COMELEC for the preparation of the final list of candidates.

“By December 10, COMELEC should be able to issue the fi-nal list of official candidates for the 2016 national and local elec-tions, otherwise, the COMELEC won’t be able to print the bal-lots on time,” he said.

Per COMELEC Resolution 9981, the election period will begin on January 10, 2016.

Campaign period for can-didates for president, vice-president, senator and groups participating in the party-list system will commence on Feb-ruary 9, 2016.

Those running for congres-sional position, and elective regional, provincial, city and municipal post can only begin campaigning on March 25, 2016 (DEDoguiles/PIA12)


“All I want is justice for my husband,” says wife of late Datu Sulhayan

BUTUAN CITY– I and my family are seeking justice for my hus-band’s untimely death. He hasn’t harmed or has done anything wrong to anyone but the NPAs lost his life from us. He deserves justice!”

By: Jennifer P. Gaitano


This was the statement of Maida Sulhayan, wife of the late Datu Ricardo Sulhayan, who was recently killed by the New Peo-ple’s Army (NPA), during an in-terview on Thursday with the personnel of the Philippine Infor-mation Agency (PIA) and media partners in Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Sulhayan believed that her husband was killed due to his re-fusal of giving revolutionary tax to NPA. “My husband didn’t want to give the amount demanded by the NPAs as revolutionary tax from the logging activities in our area, and that’s the only reason I can see which made them (NPAs) killed him,” she remarked.

She also asked the govern-ment to help her and give urgent response to the investigation of the case. “I am appealing to the gov-ernment - national and local to help me in this fight. All I want is justice for my husband who was killed by the NPAs. We are mourning for his death. They (NPAs) have no right to do that to my husband. I wish them to suffer the consequences of their wrongdoings,” stressed Sulhay-an. Datu Sulhayan’s widow then hoped for the speedy investi-gation and arrest of the perpe-trators by the law enforcement agencies.


El Niño mitigation measures set in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The mitigation plan for El Niño in Su-rigao del Sur has already been put in place.

Marcos Quico, provincial chief agriculturist assured that strategies, interventions, and fund sources had been taken into account with the end in view of cushioning the adverse effects of El Niño on vulnerable areas. A total funding of P12,835,900 had likewise been submitted for approval at the Department of Agriculture (DA), P11,669,000 of which would come from DA re-gional office 13 while the balance of P1,166,900 would be shelled out by the provincial and mu-nicipal local government units (LGUs), it was learned.

The primary focus of the mitigation measures would be on cash crops like rice, corn, veg-etables, high value crops as well as livestock and poultry, Quico pointed out. He added that the interven-tions would come in the form of rice seed action program, corn seed program, inter-cropping technology training, and the like. Rice, corn, and vegetable growers as well as backyard raisers would surely stand to gain from these programs, Quico stressed.

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

FILE PHOTO: GOV.PH


SNNHS students undergo career guidance program orientation

SURIGAO CITY, Su-rigao del Norte – In compliance to the Department of Edu-cation’s (DepEd’s) rolled out Career Guidance Program (CGP), around 200 incoming Grade 11 students of Surigao del Norte National High School (SNNHS) underwent a weekly modular career orien-tation since Septem-ber this year.

The CGP program aims to as-sist the Senior High School (SHS) entrants in making informed de-cisions regarding their choice of career and promote awareness of the importance of choosing a career that suits their skills and interests that matches the avail-able resources and the needs of the society. Class advisers of Grade 10 students were mandated to fol-low through the scheduled con-duct of the several modular top-

ics for discussions. The homeroom guidance class was mobilized to integrate the lessons and activities for the three modules which include module one “Embarking on a Journey of self-Discovery, mod-ule two “Examining the Destina-tions”, and module three “Chart-ing Your Own Course.” The activities will culminate in Career Guidance Week cel-ebration on October 12 to 16, 2015.

By: Esmeralda M. Cantila


Php44.2 M set for El Niño interventions in SOCCSKSARGEN By Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1 -- Some Php44.2 mil-lion have been allotted for measures that would address con-cerns of farmers over long dry spell in the coming months, an official of the Department of Agriculture 12 said.


Tripartite council for overseas employment industry organizedBy Danilo E. Doguiles

could be reduced by more than 28,000 metric tons while that of could be reduced by 128,500 metric tons.

Yield from high value crops such as banana, coffee, rubber

and mango are also expect-ed to decrease. (DEDoguiles-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Oct 1-- In line with their ef-forts to push reforms in their sector, the overseas industry play-ers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have united to establish an Indus-try Tripartite Council (ITC).

Composed of representatives from the labor and manage-ment sectors and the govern-ment led by the Department of Labor and Employment, an ITC primarily serves as “a fo-rum for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employers and government sectors in the formulation and implementation of labor and so-cial policies” as indicated in the Department Order 111-11.

Adonis Dollente, vice chair-person of the newly-organized Overseas Employment ITC vowed that the recruitment agencies will continue to sup-

port the programs and services of DOLE and its attached agen-cies for the benefit of the in-dustry.

“ We will continue to abide by the rules and regulations, and we hope that through this newly established ITC we can resolve issues affecting our labor force,” Dollente said.

Meanwhile, DOLE Regional Director Ofelia Domingo em-phasized that the establish-ment of the Overseas Employ-ment ITC in SOCCSKSARGEN Region along with the Overseas Regional Reintegration Network (ORRN), all industry stakehold


DIPOLOG CITY – A decrease in crime volume has been noted in Zamboanga Peninsula, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-9.

Crime volume in ZamPen dips By Franklin P. Gumapon

In a special meeting held here recently by the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)-9, PSSupt. Jose Chiquito M. Malayo of PRO-9

reported that the crime volume in the region for January to September 2015 had accounted for 12,995 from


IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – The local government unit (LGU) of Kabasalan has provided assistance to 100 “Iskolar ng Kabasalan” from Kabasalan National High School (KNHS).

LGU Kabasalan supports 100 scholars By: Rhea Grace A. La Plana

Dr. Ma. Coleen L. Emoricha, KNHS principal said the scholarship program given to poor but deserving students is a great help to parents who have difficulty in sending their children to school. The educational assistance amounting to P75,000.00 was

granted to the scholars in a simple ceremony recently which was attended by Kabasalan town Mayor George C. Cainglet and Sangguniang Bayan Education Committee Chair, Ms. Elma Bragado. In her speech, Ms. Bragado warned the students against

15,591 of the same period last year. Malayo also disclosed that the crime solution efficiency (CSE) in the region had increased to 20.19 percent and the crime clearance efficiency (CCE) to 21.87 percent. CSE refers to the crimes solved with the suspects arrested while CCE means the suspects have been identified but not arrested. Moreover, Malayo also reported that four bombing incidents happened in the region from January to September this

year and all these occurred in Zamboanga City. Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy, RPOC-9 chair, called for a special meeting following the kidnapping of an Italian national, Rolando del Torchio, in Dipolog City last Oct. 7. The victim, who runs a pizza parlor, was forcibly taken by the suspects who allegedly belong to the kidnap-for-ransom group operating in the area. Hot pursuit operations against the suspects to rescue the victim are still going on.


having a romantic affair this early, encouraged them to finish their studies and dream of bigger things in life. Each scholar will receive the amount of P750.00 to pay for DepEd approved fees such as: school paper, student government fees, PTA contributions and other school expenses. Prior to the scholarship grant, the scholars were interviewed and screened, and their life stories were documented by their respective advisers. They were very grateful for the assistance received and motivated to strive harder in their studies. The scholars also expressed their heartfelt thanks to local officials for the concern and for putting prime value on

education. Mayor Cainglet said that he has many plans for KNHS and cited two projects underway which are: covered court for the school and additional scholars for the next school year. According to KNHS guidance counselor, Mrs. Melinda Joy M. Javier, such scholarship program is the mainstream of BUILD4KNHS, Inc., an NGO which stands for “Building Initiatives to Lower Drop-out For KNHS.” Moreover, Mrs. Javier said that the school-owned NGO has four main purposes: to lower drop-outs, improve students’ school performance, synergize community and school activities and help students to help themselves.


Private sector engagement crucial in ASEAN integration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Private sector plays a crucial role in realizing the goals of the ASEAN Economic Integration, according to Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo, Assistant Secretary of the Industry Development Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran


Rodolfo made the remarks during the opening ceremonies of the 6th Regional Development Council Private Sector Representatives (RDC-PSR) National Convention held Wednesday, October 14, at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel, this city. He said the private sector can help in ensuring compliance of ASEAN members with their commitments. Rodolfo also cited the need for a pro-active private sector in pursuing market opportunities, creating brand awareness and promoting inclusive business models. His statement was supported by Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno who underscored the important role of the private sector in the local economy. Addressing around 173

d e l e g a t e s , Moreno said regions will not attain success without the engagement a n d commitment of the private sector. The opening ceremony of the 6th RDC-PSR national c o n v e n t i o n

was highlighted by a program showcasing the rich culture and various tribes in Northern Mindanao. With the theme “Enhancing Public and Private Partnership in the ASEAN Market,” the three-day RDC-PSR national confab aims to strengthen the role of PSRs, enhance their capabilities in meeting the challenges of the ASEAN Economic Integration, and strengthen public-private partnership towards global competitiveness. The best practices on public and private partnership (PPP) and the strategies to enhance the role of the private sector in the PPP will also be tackled in the three-day convention.


The students are members of the recently organized 14th batch Rotary Youth City officials who had a one week experiential exposure at City Hall from September 21-25, 2015. This is under the joint program of the city government, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro and the Department of Education (DepEd). During the regular session Monday presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas, the City Council approved Resolution No.12163-2015, adopting and strongly endorsing to concerned government agencies and officials, or referring to the concerned City Council standing committees the 36 resolutions adopted by the Rotary Youth City Council Batch 2015 for their favorable consideration and appropriate action. These include RY Resolution Nos. 2015-15 and 2015-21. RY Resolution 2015-15, authored by Youth City Councilor

Pearl Ann Tomada, a student of Bugo National High School requests the City Mayor through committee of public works to provide new and big culverts particularly along Graymar Subdivision to address the flooding problems during rainy season which directly affects the barangay hall and Bugo National High School. Meanwhile, RY Resolution No. 2015-20 requests for the improvement of the drainage systems along Lapasan National High School, Gusa National High School – Cugman Annex, Pedro “Oloy” N. Roa Sr. High School, and Bulua National High School. According to Arfel Love D. Florentino, Jey Mart A. Cuyag, and Errell Jane E. San Gabriel, students of these schools, the poor drainage systems contribute to the problem of their schools. The City Council committee on public works is chaired by Councilor Alden Bacal. (ELB/CdeOSP)

Cmte to tackle resolutions of Rotary Youth student leadersCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Council committee on public works will soon review the various concerns of some barangays which were aired by affected students.


DTI reminds consumers of basic rightsCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) region 10 reminds consumers of their basic rights including right to refund, replacement and repair for defective products.

By: Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

In a one-on-one interview with DTI region 10 Legal Officer and Chief of Consumer Welfare Division Atty. Fel Lester Brillantes during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) radio program “Lambo Dyes” on 2 October 2015, consumers must be empowered and uphold their rights especially if they have been deceived by faulty products in the market. He said that consumers have the basic rights specifically the right to basic needs, right to safety, right to information, right to choose, right to representation, education and healthy environment, among others. In a nutshell, he said that if product is defective, consumer has the right to refund, replacement and repair. In celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month this October with the theme “Consumer Protection in the ASEAN Economic Community,” DTI together with the private sector and CONSUMERNET, a

group composed of 16 national front line agencies in region 10 have come up with activities to promote welfare of consumers. Atty. Brillantes said that consumer protection must be upheld especially in the ASEAN integration. Consumer rights must not be lessened and make sure products have high quality and proven safe since there will be freer flow of goods and as member of ASEAN, complaints will be easily endorsed to other ASEAN country. He said this collaboration with different line agencies is so important to have synergy to protect consumers especially on resolution of complaints, since after all consumer welfare is not just the business of DTI but everyone’s. First activity was a motorcade around Cagayan de Oro City and two more upcoming activities are the Regional Quiz Bee for high school students and awarding of DTI BAGWIS to establishments


with excellent customer service and laws compliant. Meanwhile, Natalie Igot of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and president of ConsumerNet region 10 said that aside from these activities, they will also have Mangrove Clean Up on 16 October 2015 in Taytay, Elsalvador in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Environment Management Bureau (EMB). Igot said that there is a big connection of consumers and the environment. She said we cannot have just the business side such as factories because we are part of the environment. So part of the goals of ConsumerNet is greening and clean up. In terms of education, she said CHED aims to deliver quality education through identifying and awarding schools with competencies. Igot said that in every five years, CHED give recognition to schools whether they fall under Center of Excellence or Center of Development. The difference, she said, is with the rating. For ratings 95 and up, schools will get Center of Excellence while a rating of 80-90 will get Center of Development where they are

dubbed leaders of the industry. This recognition will also assure parents of the quality education and service for their children. However, she emphasized that these recognition is field specific. In region 10, Center of Excellence is awarded to Central Mindanao University (CMU) in the field of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Forestry; while Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) for fields in Biology, Chemistry and Math. For Center of Development, Xavier Univeristy (XU) was awarded in the field of Agriculture, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering Literature Studies, Education and Electrical Engineering; MSU-IIT for Civil Engineering, Physics and Information Technology; CMU for Biology and Math; Capitol University and Cagayan de Oro College for Criminology; Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) for Math and Electrical Engineering and MSU Naawan for Marine Biology. Igot said this list is up to December 2015 only and next year, they will have a new list again. For the full list, simply visit www.region10ched.gov.ph.


Superintendent Antonio Ri-vera, spokesperson of the PRO 11 told reporters in the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing that after the filing of certificates of candida-cies for the elections next year, a series of conferences will be con-ducted by the police with other members of the security sector and the poll body to discuss the parameters by which areas might be classified as either hot spots or areas of concern. He said that initially police and military will conduct their own respective assessments on the peace and order condition of an area before giving their classi-fication relative to the elections. Rivera said in the past elec-tions, Paquibato District had been placed under the areas of concern due to the presence of the communist rebels.

Colonel Norman Zuniega, public affairs officer of the 10th Infantry Battalion said the overall security of Davao Region and its nearby areas can only be cleared after the filing of the CoCs by the political candidates. He said the primary concern of the soldiers is the presence of the rebels in many areas which might influence the conduct of the elections. “We have to wait first the candidates who will file officially their CoCs and the concentration of rebels forces which might im-pact on the will the people to go out and to vote on the Election Day,” he said. Zuniega said thesoldiers look closely on the armed rebels who will determine the deployment of troops in the area. Chief Inspector Milgrace

Hotspot areas to be identified for 2016 pollsDAVAO CITY-The Philippine National Police in Davao Region and mili-tary have now collated the areas which might be classified as areas of concern during the 2016 national and local polls due to the presence of armed groups.


Driz, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office revealed a se-curity set up has been prepared and might be implemented for areas of concern as determined by the poll body and the security sector. She said Davao City has

been relatively peaceful with the absence of political rivalry among leaders and candidates. “We have to agree first the areas to be classified as areas of concern,” Driz said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

The Local Government led by Mayor James G. Gamao ex-pressed his gratitude to the dif-ferent line agencies who offered their free services such as medi-cal and dental services from PNP Region XI and 69th IB Philippine Army, free haircut from PNP Pana-bo, Councilors Janet Maboloc and Emmanuel Pamisaran, free man-icure from Councilor Raquel Ger-aldo, Councilor Ferdinand Gocon also offers free photocopy of im-portant documents and free I.D. lamination from Councilor Wahid Ranain.

Vice Mayor Janrey Gavi-na mentioned the importance of preserving and rekindling IP culture and traditions through gatherings and celebrations.The event carries with it the theme: “Lumadnong Kabataan, Kinaiya-han Ampingan.” Meanwhile, part of the cel-ebration IP Mandatory Represen-tative Datu Rodrigo Ambasan, Datu Victor Pandian IP of Davao del Norte and National Commis-sion on IP (NCIP) representative Emmanuel Cacal were also pres-ent to witness the 1st Lutong T

Panabo Indigenous Peoples Avail WHAPEE ServicesPANABO CITY, Davao del Norte, - More than one thousand Indigenous People (IP) availed the Welfare, Health, Agriculture, Peace and Or-der, Education, and Employment (WHAPEE) Caravan of services by LGU Panabo during the opening program of the 4th Annual Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month celebration last October 6, 2015 at the Panabo City Gym.


Kagan Tribe was declared as champion in the cooking contest, Mandaya tribe won the 1st place and Tagakaolo as the 2nd placer. Furthermore, in the Larong Tribu-Gukod Baboy Bae Vivian Asumbrado from the Mandaya Tribe was declared winner. Other

proposed activities are 2nd Hiyas ng Binulig, Foot Parade and Boodle fight on October 29, 2015 at ARF Gym. National Indigenous Peoples Month is an annual celebration is-sued in pursuance to Republic Act 8371 or Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) on October 29, 1997.(Jasz/CIO Panabo)

regional gallery

HOT MEALS. Day care children from barangays Ngan and Panansalan in Compostela town enjoy the nutritious hot meal through the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program during the 17th National ARENA XI Serbisyo Caravan at Sitio Mambusao, Ngan, Compostela town, Com-postela Valley. Meanwhile, some 5600 family food packs were dis-tributed by DSWD to residents of barangays Ngan, Panansalan, San Miguel, Osmeňa, Tamia and Mangayon. (DSWD)

one mindanao - october 15, 2015

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