one mindanao - september 1, 2015

Agnor solon seeks to protect coastal resources, files envi bill anew

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A Passion, A Quest and A Vision: the VjANDEP SETUP story

Growth of services value chains, critical for job creation, inclusive growth - NEDA

Bangsamoro peace process takes center stage during National

Peace Consciousness Month

Night market now draws income for the city government

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Cover Story

National

Caraga

Northern

SOCCSKSARGEN

InFocus

Southern

By: Susil D. Ragas

By: Maria Lourdes S. Tiongco

By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

OUR

CO

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RPOC, Gingoog foster peace, security in NorMin

Tacurong eyes stronger cooperative sector

Lumads asks for extension in the retrieval of typhoon-damaged trees

DTI turns-over machines under SSF program to Kolambugan town

contents

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Volume 5 * Issue No.8

By: Eric F. Gallego

By: Tess Superioridad Baluyos

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PQA,PQC orientation held in Dipolog38Western

By: Alfonso T. Ruda36By: Edmar Pabia

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 ARTISTS EMMANUEL D. 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 September 1, 2015ONE MINDANAO

Cover Story

By: Tess Superioridad Baluyos

A Passion, A Quest and A Vision: the VjANDEP SETUP story

eleanor-Popera-Jose and her husband made history in baking “pastel” or “Spanish cake” which they started as a

hobby, in 1990. With as little capital of P120, the couple turned entrepreneur set out on a journey to break into the pastel industry. Thus, the birth of the famous “sweet VjANDEP pastel” of Camiguin in Region 10.

5September 1, 2015 ONE MINDANAO


The overwhelming patronage by tourists for pastel as a “pasalubong” delicacy, encouraged VjANDEP to pursue its dream of building the “pastel empire” from Camiguin island to the Mindanao mainland. In those long and trying years since 2003, VjANDEP has sought the assistance of DOST for various technology interventions towards technology upgrading, process and product improvement under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Upgrading Program or SETUP. Their passion to produce the desired pastel quality and marketability did not end in achieving half-baked solutions. VjANDEP realized that producing “pastel” goes beyond using the best raw materials and equipment. VjANDEP knew that to keep the business on the rise, it has to close the gap between production and marketing. VjANDEP believed the prime importance to connect to its customers, on a larger scale. Hence, it has to give attention on how its “pastel” products are packaged and presented in the market, and that is through packaging innovation. An integrated packaging

intervention was provided through the collaboration of DOST agencies: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-10) and the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute’s - Packaging Research and Development Center of the Philippines (ITDI-PRDCP). In 2011, VjANDEP’s pastel had undergone accelerated shelf life analysis at the DOST-10 Accelerated Shelf Life Evaluation Laboratory. A series of product’ laboratory testing and analysis for quality assurance, product package development, package and label designing, all these created the VjANDEP’s pastel packaging innovation. Then, VjANDEP’s pastel quality has been maintained with its shelf life made longer from 5 to 15 days under refrigerated condition. The package attracted massive product patronage that transcended distance boundaries and time limitations. Its markets have spread out to key cities in Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, and Bacolod in the Visayas and Metro Manila in Luzon, while expanding to Iligan and Davao in Mindanao. VjANDEP’s production has to


meet the ever increasing demand. From an average of 200 dozens per day in 2008, this increased to 3,000 dozens per day in 2014.

The company’s annual gross sales soared from P121.7 Million in 2011 to P184.5 Million in 2014. Similarly, employment grew


higher from 180 in 2011 to 245 workers in 2014. There is no turning back for the VjANDEP pastel’s trending in the market. The passion, which started as hobby in pastel making, is no longer a few pesos but a multi million enterprise. The quest to ascend as the number one pastel producer in the country is a

priority. But the vision to remain as the top “pasalubong” delicacy for Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro’s tourists, bearing the culture, ethnicity and pride of Region X, is indeed a continuing prize still to be won through continuing technology innovation.


Comelec looking for ways to use old PCOS machines, save on costs for 2016 elections

MANILA -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andy Bautista today revealed that while the Commission will certainly bid out the refurbishment and upgrade of the existing 82,000 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines for the 2019 mid-term elections, it is still looking at the possibility of refurbishing some of these equipment to augment the new machines it will lease for the May 2016 elections.


Though the Comelec has signed a lease agreement with Smartmatic for the use of a new, upgraded version of the PCOS machine, Bautista says they are still looking at the viability of refurbishing some of the old machines to bring down the voter-to-machine ratio to approximately 600 voters per cluster per machine.

A few IT firms have already signified their intention to volunteer their expertise and time to check on the old machines, and see which ones we can still use for 2016, Bautista added.

There are about 82,000 old PCOS machines that were purchased in 2012 which are being kept in a warehouse in Laguna by the Comelec. Recently,


the poll body has decided to lease 94,000 new optical mark readers (OMRs) for the upcoming elections “One of the Comelec’s goals is to enhance the voting experience. This is why we partnered with over 200 malls all over the country for our “no bio, no boto” campaign. We are also trying to find ways on how to decongest some clustered precincts with traditionally high voter population turnouts so that our people would not be inconvenienced when they go to their precincts. Let us eliminate those long lines. And the only way to do just that is to increase the number of PCOS machines per clustered precincts,” Bautista said. Bautista has also instructed the Comelec’s asset department to conduct an inventory of the equipment and election paraphernalia used during the

last 2013 mid-term elections. This would not only allow the Commission to assess their preparedness and readiness for the 2016 elections—it would likewise afford them the opportunity to re-use old materials to save funds.

Managing government resources in an optimal manner is nothing new for Bautista. While serving as the chair of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), Bautista managed to save public monies by increasing revenue, maximising efficiency and cutting on costs. This performance led to the PCGG being named as the most outstanding agency under the 11-office Department of Justice cluster from 2012 to 2014.

Indeed, his efforts have paid off. A new survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) from November 2014 to


May 2015 based on interviews of 966 Filipino firms on their perception of corruption in the Philippines shows the PCGG getting a positive 15% grade in 2014/2015 as compared with its previous rating of negative 38% in 2009. The 53% upswing is the highest positive increase among all the agencies and departments under the Aquino administration.

“To save more, we are looking at partnering with government agencies on producing some of the election components such as ballot printing and logistics, one example is having a partnership with NPO (National Printing Office) and the PhilPost. If we can secure these tie-ups, then we may be able to lower the expenditure for the elections.” Bautista adds. (Comelec)


Growth of services value chains, critical for job creation, inclusive growth - NEDA

CEBU CITY -- The critical role of services trade in global value chains (GVCs) must be further explored as it can provide potential new sources of growth and jobs for the country and the entire APEC region, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).


“We would like to see greater participation of services in various GVCs that will increase productivity and add value to goods produced. In the process, these will create more jobs and make growth more inclusive,” said NEDA Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra, head of the Philippine delegation to the third APEC Senior Officials’

Meeting during the Joint Meeting of the APEC Group on Services and Market Access Group (GOS-MAG) on August 26.

In a paper for the APEC 2015 Research Project, the Philippine Institute of Development Studies explained that “the value chain is the full range of activities that firms and workers perform


to bring a product from its conception to end use and beyond…GVCs reflect the fact that activities that constitute a value chain have generally been carried out in inter-firm networks on a global scale.” “GVCs now account for more than 50 percent of global trade. The significant role of GVCs in international services trade creates a sense of urgency to make the services sector more competitive. So it’s very important for us to do further analytical work in the area,” said Esguerra, who is also the APEC GOS Convenor.

The joint GOS-MAG meeting showcased studies of how select APEC economies opened markets for services in specific sectors to benefit from participation in GVCs.

“This initiative is definitely a progressive move towards creating a better understanding of

how our economies can maximize GVC participation and how APEC can create the appropriate policy environment conducive to the growth of services value chains,” Esguerra said.

He also noted the importance of developing innovative services within GVCs and prioritizing services in the development agenda, addressing services and investment restrictions, and achieving balance in regulatory reform, among others.

Last year, the 26th Ministerial Meeting in China adopted the APEC Strategic Blueprint for Promoting Global Value Chains Development and Cooperation as a mechanism to strengthen mutual economic cooperation within the global value chain network.

“We hope to be able to hasten the process of developing innovative services within GVCs in


line with the China blueprint. The Philippines can take advantage of the recent enactment of the landmark Competition Act to boost its services value chains and attain a more productive, innovative, and competitive services sector,” Esguerra added.

The Competition Act is seen to attract investments and improve economic activity in the country by prohibiting the

abuse of dominant position and leveling the playing field among businesses. According to Esguerra, GVC-related initiatives along with appropriate legal instruments will contribute to the work on structural reform, which will also be tackled in the upcoming Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting on September 7 and 8, where the services sector is one of the priorities. (NEDA)


Bangsamoro peace process takes center stage during National Peace Consciousness Month

MANILA -- The Bangsamoro peace process will serve as the lynchpin of the country’s 12th National Peace Consciousness Month, with the two-pronged objective of encouraging Congress to finish the work on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) while at the same time continuing to raise awareness and understanding on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.


Government chief peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said this year’s observance “comes at a most opportune time as the leadership of both Houses of Congress are eyeing a September passage of the BBL.”

On separate occasions, both Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. made public pronouncements that there was still time to pass their respective BLBARs (Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region), the amended version of the BBL, in September.

“September has always been an important month for us in the peace process. This year will be extra special and memorable if our esteemed lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate will finally finish their work on the Bangsamoro law,” Ferrer said.

The chief negotiator also shared that the OPAPP was planning several activities for the month-long commemoration.

OPAPP has been leading the annual celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 675 series of 2004. The highlight of last year’s celebration came when the Office of the President transmitted the original BBL which was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.

Focusing on the Bangsamoro, Ferrer added that the agency would be launching a series of exhibits around Metro Manila and parts of Mindanao with the assistance of several government agencies, major shopping malls, and universities.

“Beyond just calling for the passage of the bill, the purpose of these exhibits is to bring closer to the Filipino people the stories and dreams of our fellow Filipino brothers and sisters in the prospective Bangsamoro,” she added.

Ferrer also noted that the “exhibits will hopefully enable and empower the general public to engage in continuing dialogue on the Bangsamoro and the


legislative process involving the BBL.” She said there are plans to put up information and education materials in public spaces to increase awareness on the peace process.

Accordingly, the exhibit will first grace Miriam College and the TriNoma Mall on 1 September and will stay there until the 5th and the 6th respectively.

Starting 14 September, the same exhibit can be viewed at the College of Arts and Science, University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) and the Philippine Normal University (PNU).

U.P. Manila agreed to host the exhibit for four days while the PNU have offered a duration of two weeks. The House of Representatives will also serve as another venue for the Bangsamoro exhibit starting from 14 to 17 September. The exhibits will focus on providing information and clarifying misconceptions on the draft law.

This September, the general

public can also expect to spot public utility vehicles in Metro Manila and Mindanao carrying messages on the BBL.

Several tricycle drivers and associations have agreed to carry the advertisements, pointing out the need to bring closer to the public the Bangsamoro message of peace and social justice.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping the Bangsamoro peace process in the consciousness of the public because the best opportunity to end the decades of alienation and hostility is now with us,” explained Ferrer.

Ferrer also invited everyone to keep an eye on the official OPAPP website as various activities and contests are also being planned. “We are bringing the peace month to the social media. The OPAPP will be launching several online-only events aligned with the objectives of the Bangsamoro peace process,” Ferrer added. (OPAPP)


Five DavNor mayors cited for health gover-nance programs

The awardees were Mayor Joseph Nilo Parrenas of Asun-cion, Mayor Marcelino Perandos of Carmen, Mayor Lolita Mora of Braulio E. Dujali, Mayor Benig-no Andamon of Sto. Tomas, City Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum and Mayor Nestor Alcoran of New, Corella. All awardees narrated all their programs and efforts to ad-dress the health needs and ser-vices for their respective con-stituents by providing medical programs and facilities that will improve the quality of life, nu-trition and health, particularly among women and children. Their respective health offi-cers were also cited in the cer-emony.

Maria Easterluna Canoy, ex-ecutive director of the Kitanglad Integrated NGOs challenged the mayors to pursue their health programs, focusing particularly their services to the indigenous peoples. She underscored that the onslaught of typhoons Pablo in 2012 and Sendong in 2011 dem-onstrated the vulnerability of the IP sector to climate change which impacts on their lives. Canoy recalled how the storm destroyed the forest in many areas in Mindanao causing displacement not only among the IPs but also among the birds and wild animals like deer, boars and monkeys. “These typhoons changed

DAVAO CITY- The Department of Health, Davao Medical School Foundation Incorporated and the Zuelling Family Foundation cited five mayors from Davao del Norte for their respective best practic-es in health governance under the Municipal Leadership and gov-ernance Program in a ceremony held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel Wednesday.


how we see our future as an indi-vidual, as a community, as a nation characterized by people of different ethnic origins,” she said. Canoy said that since the Philip-pines is located in the Pacific Belt, all the more it must have a strong health governance program that will cater to all people. She underscored and quoted

Pope Francis that with climate change, there is now a massive response to care for planet Earth by easing the impact of global warming. “We can do it by starting to care for our environment like a good gar-dener. Most of you mayors have farm-ing background, and you know what farming is, to cultivate,” Canoy said. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

Night market now draws income for the city governmentDAVAO CITY - The night-market is now earning for the city, ac-cording to Retired Colonel Yusop Jimlani, chief of the Drainage Maintenance and Demolition Unit.

Speaking in the AFP-PNP Press briefing, he revealed that the night market earned P2,242,867 from January to December in 2014 col-lected by the City Treasurer’s Of-fice. Jimlani said that from January to June in 2015 the income gen-erated from its operation reached P2,238,805. “The night market is now adding to the coffers of the city,” he said. Jimlani said the current num-ber of occupants stands at 166 ac-cessory vendors, 78 food vendors, 353 used clothing vendors and 14 organizations of masseurs. He said the Roxas Avenue re-mains open to those who want to open their business there on the given categories. Jimlani explained that the in-

come generated by the local gov-ernment is gained solely from the market ticket or arkabala payment required from the vendors. He said the DMU has a total of 531 operations in 2015 against sidewalks vendors who are prone to violate the law particularly at Bangkerohan Public Market. Jimlani also revealed that there are now looking at the bar-ring vendors with multiple places in various markets in order to of-fer the opportunity to others. “We are exposing these ven-dors since the night market is de-signed for the poorest of the poor to earn for their keep,” he said. Jimlani said he is resolved to clear the Bangkerohan Public Market area from street vendors. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

23 September 1, 2015ONE MINDANAO 23September 1, 2015 ONE MINDANAO

By:Shahana Joy E Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Sept 1-- To highlight the prov-ince’s pride for its local products, the provincial government fea-tures world- class commodities through its ‘Market- Market sa Kapitolyo’.

NorthCot’s ‘Market-Market sa Kapitolyo’ showcases world-class products


The event which will run for seven days is part of the 101st foundation anniversary and Kali-vungan 2015 of the province.

Josephine Abellana, head of the Public Affairs Assistance Tourism Sports and Development Divi-sion (PAATSDD) of the Provincial Governor’s Office noted that par-ticipating stakeholders who will display their products include; local government units, business groups and others.

Among the products market-ed at The Pavillion are the in-ternationally acclaimed Tree Life Coco Sugar of Carmen town and the Bios Dynamis Black Rice of Makilala and M’lang municipali-ties.

Abellana said that the move will help encourage more investors and will boost both the tourism and economy of the province.

“It’s a whole new experience for investors including those en-gaged in micro, small and me-dium enterprises because there are lots of opportunities waiting for them during the exhibit which will help in promoting their prod-ucts or services,” Abellana stat-ed.

Aside from LGUs and busi-ness groups, the ‘Market-Market sa Kapitolyo’ is joined by vari-ous entrepreneurs, both old and newcomers in agro-fair, trade and tourism.


Tacurong eyes stronger cooperative sector By: Danilo E. Doguiles

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Sept 1– Tacurong City’s coop-erative sector continues to flourish, an official here said.

Further, the Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 and the Cota-bato Provincial Tourism also take part in event.

Meanwhile, tomorrow, the 4-H Club of North Cotabato will pro-vide lectures and tips on organic farming to interested individuals.

This will be useful for those who want to grow crops using natural fertilizers and become part of the province’s endeavor to promote organic farming.

Moreover, other activities will be conducted on the following days to add fun to the event.

Among the activities are the amazing race, parlor games, sol-

idarity night, Search for Mr. And Miss 4-H Club Head Turner, hip-hop dance contest, ‘Festival of Talents’, musical and acoustic performances and many others.

With the ‘Market- Market sa Kapitolyo’, the PAATSDD togeth-er with the Office of the Provin-cial Agriculturist (OPAg) and the Provincial Cooperative Develop-ment Office (PCDO) hope that the exhibit will not only pro-mote tourism but will help in the province’s aspiration to achieve a healthy and sound economy. (JSta. Cruz-NorthCot Media Cen-ter/SJDuerme-PIA12)

City Cooperative Development Officer Nestor Leguro noted in his report at the LGU flag rais-ing ceremony on Monday that the cooperative sector here has remained active and lively.

Leguro reported that com-bined cooperative membership

in the city has already reached 6,968, involved in 21 active co-operatives.

These cooperatives, he added, are able to employ at least 303 individuals and have acquired total savings of P62 million and net income of P26 mil


lion.“These data show an increas-

ing trend,” Leguro said.Leguro emphasized that in a

bid to further strengthen the cooperative sector in the city, the local government unit is car-rying out a livelihood assistance projects.

This year, he said, LGU-Ta-curong City is allotting Php3.4 million for this particular pro-gram. Of this amount, Php700 thousand was released to benefi-ciaries in January 2015.

LGU-Tacurong is the sole ac-credited cooperative training provider in Sultan Kudarat prov-ince.

Since January, it has already implemented eight training-seminars that are backed by the Office for the Development of Cooperatives and Cooperative Development Authority.

These seminars were partici-pated by 336 cooperative mem-bers from several LGUs in the area.

Apart from business opera-tions, cooperatives here, accord-ing to Leguro, are also involved in community development.

In February, some 106 co-operative members, PhilHealth employees, 4Ps beneficiaries and barangay officials joined forces

to build a bamboo/vetiver grass nursery. These grasses are pri-mary planting materials in ri-parian zone protection and re-vegetation program of theAllah Valley Landscape Development Alliance.

This was followed by bam-boo and vetiver grass planting along riverbanks in Barangay Rajah Muda and Barangay Baras on March 6 and 13. These are identified as flood-prone areas.

The City Council for the Devel-opment of Cooperatives has also provided funds for the fencing of a 1-hectare lot intended for the Busog Lusog Talino (BLT) vege-table garden of the city govern-ment. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU-Tacurong City Information).


DAR chief hands titles, support services to SurSur farmers By: Joie L. Ceballos

BUTUAN CITY -- Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes led the distribution of certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) to 24 new landowners during the Peace Caravan held last August 25, 2015 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.


The area covers 46.7 hectares located in Brgy. Bucawe, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Delos Reyes also handed turn-over documents of the completed rehabilitation project of three farm to market roads amounting to P3.6 to the barangay captains of Barangays Anibongan, Manyayay and San Isidro. The road project are: (1) NRJ Anibongan to Sitio Tapo, (2) NRJ Bocgayan – Pamidpiran and (3) Crossing San Isidro to Huangan. Delos Reyes said that these efforts are towards bringing the agrarian reform’s services to the communities. DAR also handed P1.72 million common service farming facilities in a separate caravan

in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur last August 24, 2015. These facilities include three units of rice thresher, three units floating tilling and a 4WD 35HP Tractor with implements and trailer which was received by the Bayan Free Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The facilities are expected to benefit 74 agrarian reform beneficiaries and 57 other farmers in the area. The Peace Caravan is a joint effort of the Local Government of Surigao del Sur headed by the Gov. Johnny Pimentel and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) participated by various national and local government agencies, non-government organizations and other sectors.


SEC warns anew on online investment scam

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on its advisory dated August 7, 2015 issued warning that the illegal online taking activities of EMGOLDEX PHILIPPINES are now using the name GLOBAL INTERGOLD.

By: Susil Ragas

Per verification, GLOBAL INTERGOLD is not a registered corporation or partnership. Likewise GLOBAL INTERGOLD is not authorized to offer for sale, sell and solicit investments from the public since no selling agents

of GLOBAL INTERGOLD, as of now, have secured license form SEC to act as certified investment solicitor, investment adviser, broker or dealer in securities, or salesperson or dealer in securities.


The public is advised by the SEC to exercise self-restraint from investing their money into such high yield – high risk investment scheme and to take the necessary precautions in dealing with the above-named entity. The public is further advised that those who participate including those who offer investment either personal or thru social media (i.e. Facebook, instagram, etc.) in the investment taking of GLOBAL INTERGOLD are at risk of being prosecuted for criminal violation of the Securities Regulation Code. Considering the recent proliferation of illegal investment

solicitation form individuals and entities, the public are warned to take extra caution in making investment decisions that will involve considerable sum of money. Especially when the offer is so attractive, that at times the yield is very high compared to the prevailing rate of return of viable business ventures. Those with information of the said entity operation are encouraged to contact the Enforcement and Investor Protection Department of SEC at telephone number (02) 584-7187 or 584-6047.


By: Eric F. Gallego

Lumads asks for extension in the retrieval of typhoon-damaged trees

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 27 (PIA) -- The Leaders of the Indigenous Peoples in Esperanza and La Paz, Agusan del Sur have requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for another six months to a year extension period in the retrieval of typhoon Pablo-damaged trees during a meeting with the Undersecretary for Field Operations Demetrio L. Ignacio. The tribal leaders were prompted to bring their request as they took advantage of the presence of USec. Ignacio who sworn-in the 744 newly-appointed and promoted DENR 13 personnel including 12 division chiefs into office under the rationalization program held at the Inland Resort Convention Center in this city.

The privilege granted by Malacanang through the DENR Secretary about typhoon-damaged trees retrieval and extractions on January 3, 2015 has expired on July 15, 2015. The lumads were given time to extract and dispose about 12,171.45 cubic meters of damaged trees in Esperanza and 15,884.75 cubic meters in La Paz which


were inventoried by the PENRO personnel under PENRO Roberto Oliveros. Based on the development, however, the IPs in Esperanza and La Paz have able to get minimal volume of the inventoried typhoon-felled trees. The tribal datus headed Datu Manlimbalang Mangaseta said there are still plenty of the inventoried damaged trees at the different sites. “We are hoping to get those remaining stocks so that we can sell them at an authorized wood processing plant” the tribal chieftain said. The lumads in La Paz said the person they had authorized to facilitate the important documents and other transactions had “done much but below their expectation.” They said

they are seeking help from the municipal government of La Paz to fund their operation although they could no longer move the remaining stocks considering the authorization period had already expired. Two teams from the DENR Regional Office, which were sent to assess the outcome of the retrieval operation in the two municipalities are expected to report their findings shortly. USec Ignacio said the findings of the DENR teams are important but in the meantime, the lumad leaders were advised to help in fast-tracking the inventory and assessment of the stocks of typhoon-damaged trees in their area.


DSWD beneficiaries converge in Zambo for “Voice of the People”

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Hundreds of beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-9 gathered here last week in a project tour and stakeholders’ forum dubbed “Voice of the People, listening to those who matter most.”

By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

The two-day activity aimed to encourage and empower others through the testimonies of partner beneficiaries how the department helped them achieve change in life.

“This activity served as a venue for beneficiaries to be articulators of change brought about by the implementation and delivery of the core social protective programs and services


of DSWD,” Ms. Consejo Usman, assistant regional director for operations said. Ms. Usman thanked the parent leaders of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps who worked out with DSWD for the success of its poverty reduction program. “You were able to change your lives because of your own efforts and the assistance of the government,” she stressed. Government agencies like Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and Department of Agriculture (DA) also attended the event to show support and commit to DSWD’s efforts and endeavors in empowering

the poor communities and providing them better opportunities in accessing basic social services. “Our partner agencies are here with us and all of the stakeholders as key implementers of social protection programs to bring to attention the issues that need

multi-sectoral approach and intervention,” Usman declared. “Voice of the People” is anchored on the message “Kaya ko ang Pagbabago, satulong ng Pamahalaan, nagbago ang buhay ko kaya kailangan kong maging aktibong mamamayan (Change is doable. With assistance from the government, my life had changed. Thus, I will be an active citizen.)”


PQA,PQC orientation held in DipologBy Alfonso T. RudaDIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Competitiveness Bureau has recently conducted an orientation on Philippine Quality Award (PQA) and Philippine Quality Challenge (PQC) at the Function Hall of Ariana Hotel here to encourage various business organizations to achieve organizational impeovement and performance excellence in handling theor affairs. In his welcome remarks, Engr. Noel Bazan, provincial director, DTI-Zamboanga Del Norte said “the orientation help the participants know more about the PQA and PQC program and hear the experience of the Sunlight Foods Corporation as 2012 Philippine Quality Challenge 1 awardee.” Ms. Eleanor Rochelle S.Cruz, president of the Philippine Society for Quality, Inc., who talked on the Philippine Quality Award Program, explained the significance of quality, the meaning of PQA and its data, objectives, core values and criteria, including the benefits of the program to public and private sectors. On the other hand, Ms. Carolina R. Velasco, assistant division chief of the National Quality and Competitiveness Division, pointed out the core values and criteria categories and their respective criteria

points, including the differences of the Philippine Quality Award Program from the Philippine Quality Challenge Program. Ms.Christine Quemel, trade and industry development analyst, DTI’s Competitiveness Bureau also presented the duties of the assessor, known as the backbone of Philippine Quality Award Program, the requirements of the interested applicants, process of the assessments for applicants and the benefits it can offer. Mr.Crispin R. Muyong Jr. vice president for operations also discussed the system and flow of their business and the all-in ways management processes, at the same time the performance it undergoes and the improvements acquired. The one-day PQA and PQC orientation was participated in by employees and personnel from the private sectors.


DOLE organizes Bukidnon bakery industry

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 10, throught its Bukidnon Provincial Field Office organized the Industrial Tripartite Council (ITC) of its Bakery Industry last 23 June 2015 at Taipan Restaurant, Valencia city.

By: Reyna L. Tagailo

DOLE-10 Regional Director, Raymundo G. Agravante said that the creation of the Industrial Tripartite Council (ITC) among the industries is pursuant to Executive Order No. 49-98. It serves primarily as a forum

for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employer and government sectors in formulating and implementing labor and social policies. “Through the General Labor Standards of the Department


and through the ITC, the basic mandate to protect workers’ rights and promote their welfare is strengthened,” Agravante said. This is aimed at improving work conditions, employer-employee relations, productivity and providing incentives for compliant establishments. Raul L. Valmores, DOLE Bukidnon Provincial Head said that by organizing the Bakery Industry, this would streamline the role of the government, and

at the same time, empowering workers’ and employers’ organizations, enhancing their respective rights, attaining industrial peace, and improving productivity throughout the industry. It was attended by some 50 owners and its representatives of the different bakeries. Joel Jumawid of JJ Bakeshop of Malaybalay City was elected as the President of the organization.

RPOC, Gingoog foster peace, security in NorMinGINGOOG CITY – Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in region 10 and the Gingoog City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) conducted a joint meeting on August 26 in furtherance of their commitment to peace-building and development in the region. The meeting also intends to discuss common peace and security concerns of the two councils, possibly come up with synchronized interventions that would produce better results and positively impacts the overall peace and development condition of northern Mindanao. For the first time ever in the city’s history, Mayor Marie de Lara Guingona had called for the

joint meeting between RPOC and CPOC. The lady executive had welcomed RPOC’s chair, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno of Cagayan de Oro City who paid a courtesy visit in her office prior to the meeting and delegated RPOC’s vice-chair, Ariel Hernandez, to preside on his behalf due to his commitment in Cagayan de Oro which has been celebrating

By: Edmar Pabia


its month-long activities for the city’s fiesta celebration in honor of Saint Augustine. Guingona said she is honored for the cooperation for the joint meeting which deliberates, presents, moves and adopts resolutions and plans for the salient aspiration of sustainable peace and order for our continued struggle for citywide development During the meeting, Lt. Col Jose Eriel Niembra and Capt. Marzan had presented the Peace and Order Situationer which involved the Army’s fight against insurgency, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) accomplishments and their continuous programs in protecting our government, its citizenry, the environment and the whole nation in general. Major Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, 4th Infantry Division commander had emphasized that our government should continually address the economic, socio-political, judicial and cultural needs of our people as our concerted efforts in decreasing the rate of insurgents. “Injustice is the prominent recruiter of rebellion. Pwedeng tiisin ng tao ang gutom at hirap, pero marihap niyang tiisin ang inhustisya na kanyang

naranasan,” said Lactao. In behalf of Major Gen. Gerardo S. Barrientos, Jr. who was invited to present for the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, Col Felicisimo C Budiongan of the Mechanized Division based in Iligan City shared their challenging roles against MILF, BIFF, MNLF and other peace-hassling cum life-threatening groups milling around Lanao and Zamboanga provinces. Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO)-10 presented crime rate in the region as well as solutions, strategies and recommendations. In its fight against illegal drugs, PRO-10 has its personnel who dwell in drug menace and now on their hasty way for administrative cases being filed against them. As icon of drug-busting, Regional Director Wilkins M. Villanueva of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) presented the tremendous market of illegal drugs around the world. Villanueva appreciated the cooperation of the Gingoog city chief executive in fishing out drug-identified pusher-users in various villages in the city.


Provincial Director Ruel B. Paclipan led the turning-over of the facility

to Barangay Chairman Manuel P. Chiong, Jr., who represented

DTI turns-over machines under SSF program to Kolambugan townBy: Maria Lourdes S. Tiongco

KOLAMBUGAN, Lanao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Lanao del Norte Provincial Office handed over two sets of multi-fiber roping machines under the Shared Service Facility (SSF) Program of the government to the local government unit of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte

“Huwag n’yong i-asa lahat sa amin. Magtulungan tayo. Let us change the system; let us start from the bottom to the top. Mas marami ang nasa bottom – sila ang mga user. Pagwalang consumer, walanang drug manufacturer,” said by the PMA graduate-director. For Gingoognons’ issues, the lady chair had tackled the resolution for Brgy. Alagatan’s land disputes and insurgency matter. Moreso, the council enabled to discuss and update the land issue pertaining to Sitio Sio-an’s (Brgy. Malinao) with the aid of the

supervising investigator from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in region 10, Victorio O. Aleria, Jr. who serves as the chair of Task Force Sio-an. Hernandez and Mayor Marie had both expressed their gratitude and acknowledgment to the councils’ members, guests, visitors, faith-based group, soldiers, police, media sector and other individuals who had participated and witnessed the joint endeavors that seek for genuine peace and lasting order in Northern Mindanao.


Municipal Mayor Lorenzo Mañigos of Kolambugan. It was then followed by a skills training on multi-fiber twisting and twining machines operation and rope making to around 28 handicraft weavers of Barangay Libertad, and are beneficiaries to this program. SSF Project, meanwhile, is one of the priority projects pushed by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The program aims to increase the quality, productivity and efficiency of microenterprises and small medium enterprises (SMEs) by addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters, through the provision of processing machines/equipment for the common use of the Microenterprises and SMEs within the said industry clusters all over the country.

one mindanao - september 1, 2015

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