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Davao Occidental Province is PHL’s 81st province

Palace: Anti-drug campaign a success; seize the momentum

DepEd reminds public schools on ‘No Collection Policy’

Palace announces new appointments

Lacson bill adds casinos, real estate brokers, art and vehicle dealers to AMLA coverage

1 soldier killed, 5 wounded in Basilan offensive vs. Abu Sayyaf

ZamPen gov’t agencies urged to brace for La Niña

South Cotabato is 3rd Most Competitive Province in PHL

NorthCot LGU turns-over Php25M worth of projects

1FAB, DXPR ink MOU to strengthen partnership

Disability council bats for accessible tourism

Cotabato Provincial Public Safety Company holds anti-drug symposium for students

Davao City records first case of stroke-like Japanese Encephalitis

Police, military in Davao region support ‘intensified’ anti-drug campaign

PPSC’s fight vs crimes, illegal drugs beefed up

Education is a powerful tool for change, says Iligan City solon

Oplan Tokhang yields more surrenderees region-wide

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CoverStory

DidYouKnow

NationalNews

MindanaoRound Up

EFREN ELBANBUENACLUSTER HEAD, PIA MINDANAO

The new province of Davao Occidental

Last June 30, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-XI team went to Malita town, the capital of the 81st province of the country - Davao Occidental.

The new province was carved out from its mother province of Davao del Sur by virtue of Republic Act 10360, covering the five towns of the then second district of Davao del Sur, namely: Malita, Don Marcelino, Sta. Maria, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani.

Davao del Sur was one of the three provinces carved out from the defunct Davao Province in 1967 through Republic Act 4867, the other provinces included Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. In 1998 the fourth province, Compostela Valley, was created from Davao del Norte,

The erstwhile Davao Province now constitutes the administrative region of Region XI consisting of five provinces with the chartered city of Davao as the regional center.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos III who sponsored the bill said “the distance of these far-flung second district towns from the capital of Digos City impairs the delivery of provincial government services, thus necessitating the creation of a new province, which would bring focus of governance and development to the once remote towns.”

The new province is abundantly blessed with fertile soil and rich seas. In the past, the towns of Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos were opened by the U.S. colonial government to American settlers who established plantations in this part of the country. Thus, it is not surprising for political families to have American-sounding surnames like the Joyces of Jose Abad Santos and the Johnsons of Don Marcelino.

It will not be long when the province will be a fully functioning local government unit with unbridled optimism that Davao Occidental can deliver not just basic social services to its constituents but also harness its resources from its people to its environment to transform the province into a bustling area in this part of Mindanao.

We congratulate Governor Claude Bautista and the rest of the provincial government of Davao Occidental. W, the men and women of PIA-XI would always stand as your partner in governance and nation building.

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Efren ElbanbuenaCLUSTER HEAD, PIA MINDANAO

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYSouthern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors, Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000

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Davao Occidental Province is PHL’s 81st province

By Carina L. Cayon

The Davao Occidental Province has risen to become the 81st and the newest province of the country, sitting on the southwestern tip of the Davao region and sharing water borders to the south with the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi.

Carved out from the second district of Davao del Sur by virtue of Republic Act 10360 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on January 14, 2013, the new province was enacted on July 23, 2013 and ratified in a plebiscite held on October 28, 2013. Its municipalities are Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani with Malita as the provincial capital.

Held along the official inauguration of Davao Occidental last June 30 this year was the oath taking of the first set of elected officials led by Governor Claude P. Bautista who vowed to work

for full development of the province with a total land area of 2,163.45 square kilometers.

Governor Bautista was sworn into office by Judge Renato Bermejo of Malita Municipal Circuit Trial Court with provincial and municipal officials clad in Barong Tagalog and Filipiniana as witnesses.

The governor’s siblings who won elective posts also took their oath of office such Congresswoman Lorna Bautista-Bandigan of the lone congressional district of the province and Vice Governor Franklin Bautista who was the former

representative of Davao del Sur’s second district.

Prior to his election as Davao Occidental governor, Bautista served as Davao del Sur governor for one term from 2013 to 2016.

In his inaugural speech, the governor took it as a great challenge to serve as the first elected local chief executive of the province saying, “We’re starting from zero, no building, nothing! We have to wait for 30 days before we can hire personnel and start our operations.”

He also recalled that having served as governor of Davao del Sur for three

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years, he was able to deliver assistance and developments to far-flung and mountainous barangays in the municipalities of Davao Occidental. The governor laid down his major programs, which include feeding program in schools and improving the welfare of teachers through socialized housing project and provision of transportation allowance. “We’ll not only educate students, but we’ll also help teachers who need to be taken care of,” Governor Bautista declared to the rousing cheers from the teachers in the audience. His other programs are reforestation of a 100,000-hectare area, development of 10,000-hectare black pepper plantation and industrial park projects. The governor also revealed that the San Miguel Corporation would be putting up a 600-hectare industrial complex, which will start in the 2nd quarter of 2017. He said “this industrial complex will invite foreign investors from Japan and Korea, and will generate more than 1,000 employment.” He also promised to put up a circumferential road to Sarangani island in two years-time and to install potable water system in all far-flung barangays. However, to realize all these programs, Bautista has called on all provincial and municipal officials and employees to rally and support him. “The challenge that lies ahead is very difficult. But with your support and unity, I know that we can do it,” he stressed adding, “I need your help, I need

your assistance, I need your minds, I need your suggestions and I need your friendship.” The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has initially allocated P300 million for the operation of the province from July to December this year. On the other hand, he bared that Danding Cojuangco Jr. of the San Miguel Corp. has donated 30-hectare area for the local government to put up its provincial capitol complex at Barangay Lais, the last barangay going to the municipality of Don Marcelino. “The provincial government offices and facilities in Davao Occidental including the national government agencies and the police will be housed in the complex,” he said. Meanwhile, Congresswoman Lorna Bautista-Bandigan was emotional in her speech, as she shared that the creation of the province was the vision of her late father, Benjamin Bautista Sr., who served as mayor of Malita in the 1960s, assemblyman in 1978-1984, and representative of the second district of Davao del Sur in 1987-1998. The neophyte politician vowed to continue the vision of his father for inclusive economic growth. She, however, admitted that carrying out developments in the province is an enormous challenge and difficult considering the geographic location, which is mountainous and remote. “I am asking for the support and cooperation of all officials and constituents to fulfill the vision of economic progress in Davao Occidental,” Bandigan concluded.

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“We have to seize the momentum,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar. “The voluntary surrender of thousands of self-confessed users and pushers reaffirms our

people’s renewed faith and trust in authorities. In his resolute campaign against drugs, the President has even made it possible to unite the populace in combatting the illegal drug trade,” Andanar added. He said President

Duterte’s uncompromising stance towards drug lords has resulted in very positive responses, and yet reiterates the police operational protocol. “Government is against any form of extra judicial killings. We do not condone

Close to 60,000 drug dependents nationwide have surrendered since the Duterte administration began its intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Palace: Anti-drug campaigna success; seize the momentum

National News I July 14-15, 2016 9

these acts. Government is here to save our people from the drug menace and punish the offenders, including the big-time ones. The PNP continues to investigate situations involving vigilante killings and operational aspects where deaths are reported,” Andanar pointed out.

“While the campaign against drugs is far from perfect, a generation of Filipinos have been saved from this scourge of society and destroyer of lives. Many communities are now relatively drug-free with record-high number of people giving up to authorities, choosing quieter

and healthier lives,” Andanar added. At present, plans to build rehabilitation centers nationwide are being undertaken. In Central Luzon, police authorities are eyeing Subic and Clark to house drug-dependents. (PCOO)

In a statement, the DepEd reiterated its goal to provide all Filipino learners with free basic education in public elementary and secondary schools. This is pursuant to DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2012 which includes the implementing policies on the collection of voluntary contributions. Under the guidelines, these authorized contributions include those made for Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Anti-TB Fund Drive, Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), and school publication fee. The contribution per learner for the BSP and GSP is PHP50, PHP35 for the

PNRC, and PHP5 for the Anti-TB Fund Drive. The Department stressed that an excessive amount for the PTA contribution must be avoided. ”This contribution may only be collected after the PTA presents to their members and to the school head/principal a report on the utilization of the previous school year’s collections and their proposed budget with program of activities,” DepEd said. For the school publication fee, no more than PHP60 may be collected from elementary pupils and not more than PHP 90 for high school students. The publication of the school newspaper, although not compulsory, is

encouraged to bolster the journalism program at the elementary and secondary levels. ”DepEd maintains that contributions should not become monetary constraints for parents and learners, and acknowledges the many expenses they incur just to send their children to school,” it said. DepEd also reiterated that failure to settle these voluntary school contributions must not be used as a basis for non-admission, non-promotion, or non-issuance of clearance to a student. This Order is available online at http://www.deped.gov.ph/orders/do-41-s-2012. (PNA)

The Department of Education (DepEd) reminded public schools nationwide that the collection of authorized contributions is purely voluntary.

DepEd reminds public schoolson ‘No Collection Policy’

Ramon P. Jacinto as Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs and Information Technology Communications with the rank of Undersecretary; Raymundo de Vera Elefante as Undersecretary for Finance, Ammunitions,

Installations and Materials of the Department of National Defense; The re-appointment of Gamaliel Cordova as Commissioner of the National Te lecommunicat ions Commission;

Jesus Clint O. Aranas as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue; and Lanee S. Cui-David as Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. (PCO News Release)

The President has signed the appointment of General Arthur I. Tabaquero as Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs with the rank of Undersecretary.

Palace announces new appointments

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National News I July 14-15, 2016

Lacson, in Senate Bill 45, said the Financial Action Task Force has noted how money launderers now use such businesses and professions to cover their illegal transactions, with the casino industry seemingly attractive for those undertaking money-laundering activities. “While the contributions of the (casino) industry are acknowledged, it is also understood that casinos are equally exposed to the raging threats of money laundering,” Lacson said in explaining the inclusion of casinos in the AMLA’s scope. He added the Bank of Bangladesh cyber-heist in February 2016 exposed the AMLA’s vulnerabilities in curtailing money laundering schemes in the Philippines, as a sum of the laundered money was moved to the casino industry through junket operators. Under Lacson’s bill, the AMLC will be strengthened with: – inclusion of casinos, real estate brokers, art dealers, and motor vehicle dealers as covered persons – changing the nomenclature for the covered person,

“jewelry dealers” in precious metals and stones to “dealers” in precious metals and stones, and including “jewelry dealers” as a separate covered person; – designating the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as the supervising authority of foreign exchange dealers, money changers, remittance and money transfer businesses, for purposes of the AMLA. On the other hand, the bill updates the requirement on customer identification to include all aspects of customer due diligence. It also authorizes covered persons to temporarily withhold transaction and/or withhold subsequent transactions for up to two banking days, to allow them to verify if a transaction is suspicious, and terminate if they find reasonable belief that there is possible violation of the AMLA. Covered transactions involve amounts in excess of P500,000 in one banking day. For casinos, it may include single or aggregate transactions exceeding P150,000 in one gaming day.

For dealers of precious metals and stones, the covered transactions include those exceeding P1 million. For real estate brokers, covered are single transactions exceeding P3 million. To prevent the AMLA from being used for political and economic harassment, Lacson’s bill specified that no case for money laundering may be filed against and no assets shall be frozen, attached or forfeited to the prejudice of a candidate during an election period. The bill prohibits casino operators from: – receipt of cash for transmittal through wire or telegraphic transfer for or on behalf of a customer – payments in cash of funds received through wire or telegraphic transfer – cashing of checks or other negotiable instruments – receiving money, the purpose of ownership of which cannot be ascertained within a period of seven days, unless the AMLC prescribes a different period, from the date of the receipt. (Senate)

To better equip Philippine authorities to fight money laundering, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson has filed a bill expanding the coverage of the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) to include Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) such as casinos, real estate brokers, and dealers of art works and motor vehicles.

Lacson bill adds casinos, real estate brokers, art and vehicle dealers to AMLA coverage

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ZAMBOANGA CITY – One soldier was killed, while five others were wounded yesterday (July 12) morning after a bomb exploded in Tipo-Tipo municipality, Basilan, where military operations have been relentless against the Abu Sayyaf terror group.

1 soldier killed, 5 wounded in Basilan offensive vs. Abu Sayyaf

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According to Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesperson Maj. Filemon Tan, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at around 6:20 in the morning of July 12 when the troops under the 8th Scout Ranger Company and 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion were conducting clearing operations. The wounded soldiers are now at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Wesmincom. “We have been continuing with our operations against

these bandits in Basilan and Sulu,” Maj. Tan emphasized, adding that government forces are relentless in the campaign to neutralize the terror group. Maj. Tan said that government forces have been eyeing an ASG-fortified hill in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan. “The hill is high ground and it is a strategic advantage for the enemy,” he said, which attributes to the gradual movement of government troops. The hill serves as a temporary camp of the ASG.

He reported that at least 23 ASGs were killed with 20 others wounded during the operations in Basilan and Sulu. “Heavy firefight is still ongoing involving armored vehicles, artillery fires and close air support against the ASG,” added the army major. The Abu Sayyaf is known for its terrorist activities including the recent beheading of two Canadians, bombings, and extortion in Southern Philippines. (Dominic I. Sanchez/Angelique Alejandro)

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Speaking during the Public Safety Junior Leadership Course graduation rites at the Regional Training Center (RTC)-10 of the 6th Division, Barangay Patag here, PPSC President Ricardo F. De Leon (ret) told some 100 police officer graduates that he is fully supporting the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and all forms of criminalities.

De Leon said the police should be committed to fight crimes and illegal drugs. He, however, reminded “an illegal act of a police could destroy not only themselves, but also their children who won’t be spared from the issues thrown at them.” “Tayong mga kapulisan, let us be supportive of the campaign against drugs. Tayo yung

gagawa ng obligasyon na yan, “ He said. (We, the police, let us be supportive of the campaign against drugs. We are the ones to fulfill that obligation.) He further said: “The police must open their hearts to serve and defend the people against the plagues wrought by drugs.” (Hazel Mae T. Pacturan)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Public Safety College has strengthened its programs against crimes and illegal drugs in support of the thrust of the Duterte administration.

PPSC’s fight vs crimes, illegal drugs beefed up

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“We have just received words that on July 14 we will again be awarded as number 3 in the whole country’s most competitive provinces,” Gov. Fuentes told the audience at the opening ceremonies of the 17th Tnalak Festival and the 50th foundation anniversary at the South Cotabato Sports Complex. As of press time, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has not yet released the list of awardees. NNC, however, confirmed in its website that it will recognize the most competitive municipalities, cities and provinces during the 4th Annual Regional Competitiveness Summit at

the Philippine International Convention Center on July 14 at 10 a.m. The summit highlight s the results of the cities and municipalities competitiveness index 2016, which ranks over 1,300 local government units (LGUs) across the country based on their performance on economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure. According to the provincial government, it has already received confirmation of the award and invitation to the event. In 2015, South Cotabato ranked fourth in the most competitive

provinces, after Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental and Cebu Province. Last year, South Cotabato garnered an overall score of 36.42 while the top 3 provinces scored 41.69, 38.93 and 36.65, respectively. South Cotabato’s Polomolok town was number 8 most competitive municipality in 2015 and No. 10 Most Competitive Municipality in 2014. “We offer this to the people of South Cotabato,” Fuentes said referring to the upcoming recognition, which the province achieved “despite trials and challenges.” (DEDoguiles)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - South Cotabato is the third “Most Competitive Province” in the Philippines, Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes announced Monday.

South Cotabato is 3rd Most Competitive Province in PHL15

Chief Inspector Andrea de la Cerna, spokesperson of the Davao Region Police Office said that as of today a total of 2,378 houses of suspected drug pushers and users have been visited by police authorities covering 166 houses visited by the Davao City Police Office, 253 houses in the area of responsibility of the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office, 77 in Davao Occidental,

696 in Davao del Norte, 946 houses in Compostela Valley and 240 houses in Davao Oriental. She said 21,514 users voluntarily surrendered while 783 drug pushers yielded to the authorities during the period. De la Cerna said 14 alleged drug pushers deny their involvement in the drugs trade. “The number

of surrenderees are overwhelming,” she said. Earlier, Chief Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, acting chief of the directorate for operations of the PNP, said they are working for the proper processing of those who turned themselves in voluntarily. “We have proposed an interagency against illegal drugs,” he said. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY - Police Provincial Offices in Davao Region noted a surge in the number of drug surrenderees in the intensified campaign against illegal drugs called “tok-hang,” a contraction of the Bisayan term “toktok-hangyo” (knock and appeal), since July 1 up to today.

Oplan Tokhang yields more surrenderees region-wide

Photo courtesy of Edge Davao

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In a disaster preparedness meeting held here yesterday, July 13, DILG-9 Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil has called on all agencies particularly the local government units (LGUs) to always prepare for any disaster, be it natural or human induced. “ D i s a s t e r preparedness is a very important concern. Let us collectively agree among ourselves as to the approaches and strategies to mitigate the impact of any disaster,” Abutazil said. The meeting also tackled the National Disaster Preparedness Plan (NDPP) for 2015-2028, Operation Listo, Gabay

at Mapa para sa Listong Pamilya, Regional Disaster Preparedness Plan, La Niña updates and presentation of preparedness reports by provincial/city disaster risk reduction management offices. Moreover, Ms. Maribel Enriquez, chief meteorologist of PAG-ASA-9, reported that “Asia is home to 80 percent of natural disasters and the Philippines is second in terms of vulnerability to natural hazards.” PAG-ASA forecasts that eight to 14 tropical cyclones may develop/enter the country starting June to December this year. Some 36

representatives from the DILG, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and provincial/city disaster risk reduction management offices attended the said meeting. (Franklin P. Gumapon)

PAGADIAN CITY – As the dry spell wrought by El Niño phenomenon is decaying away, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-9 is urging all government agencies in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) to prepare for La Niña which may bring heavy rains.

ZamPen gov’t agencies urged to brace for La Niña17

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This was the gist of the message of Representative Frederick W. Siao of this city’s lone district who served as guest speaker during the 48th Charter Anniversary of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) on July 12. Speaking on the theme, “Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship,” the newly elected congressman said economic and social development is within

the framework of his legislative agenda. “The theme is timely and very relevant, as we find solutions to major challenges like poverty, lack of opportunity of the hinterland barangays, peace and order and job creation,” Siao said. “To achieve this, the government cannot do it alone. We need the support of other stakeholders like MSU-IIT. We need to engage the stakeholders to realize the public-academe-

private partnership,” Siao stressed. “ N o w a d a y s , research, innovation and entrepreneurship are the ways to go and I am seeing MSU-IIT as the leading university in this aspect. With this, we can say that MSU-IIT leads, the others follow,” he added. The representative further said the hour has come for a renaissance of Iligan with the help of MSU-IIT. “And like any sector facing massive change

ILIGAN CITY — A community that is fully geared to new knowledge and technology offers enormous potential in three key ways: promoting economic growth, creating jobs, and finding solutions to major challenges.

Education is a powerful tool for change, says Iligan City solon

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spurred by technology, we are grappling with new paradigms. It’s never too late, I am sure that together we can help our beloved city attain its greatest potential.” Siao assured that his office is open for consultations, saying “we can do this together if we work as team” adding a quote from Mattie Stepanek which goes “Unity is strength...when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” He also promised to provide more scholarships to deserving students at MSU-IIT and to explore infrastructure programs that will benefit said school.

Siao said MSU-IIT has been part of his success in his first stint as city councilor. When he served as chairman for the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, he was able to forge a memorandum of agreement with MSU-IIT, particularly with the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, for a partnership on E n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p programs and other community development activities. Siao considered MSU-IIT as his alma mater because of the Mindanao Bridging Leadership Program of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) as the second Cohort

Fellow being mentored by brilliant professors of MSU-IIT. Siao’s dream for Iligan is for this city to be known as New Investment Destination of Mindanao, the Knowledge Hub of Southern Philippines and the Emerging City for ICT/BPO industry and Agricultural Development. “Let us all work together as one and be a positive agent of change for a better Iligan. I am looking forward to celebrate your golden year this coming 2018 with more partnerships and collaboration,” the new congressman concluded. (Lorry V. Gabule)

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These projects were implemented to ensure that development does not only come in the mainstream society but even in rural communities. Said projects include post-harvest facilities and farm inputs, water systems, covered courts, road concreting, and construction of multi-purpose building. Months after the onset of drought, affected farmers from Barangay Balogo, Pigcawayan and Barangay Bialong, Mlang received 200 bags of palay seeds and 20 bags of corn seeds. P o s t - h a r v e s t facilities particularly solar driers were distributed in Barangay Molok and New Igbaras both in Pigcawayan and in Barangay Bual in Tulunan. The facilities amount to P500 thousand each for Pigcawayan while Php600 thousand for Tulunan to include board and ring stage. Meanwhile, some 300 households from Barangay Katalicanan, Aleosan and barangays Bitoka and Lower Glad in Midsayap are now assured of a safe and accessible drinking

water after the provincial government has turned-over P600 thousand worth of water system project to each barangay. Pastor Ariel Caluyo from Barangay Bitoka recalled how hard it was for them to secure water for their families especially on rainy days aside from the fact that the source was quite far from their houses. A multi-purpose building which will be used as barangay health center was also turned over to Lower Paatan, Kabacan. This amounts to P600 thousand. Eleven covered courts worth P17.6 million were constructed to different municipalities in the province. Eight of which were given to public schools to include Kidapawan City’s Macebolig Integrated School, South Manuangan Elementary School (ES) in Pigcawayan, Malanduage ES and Aringay High School (HS) in Kabacan, Bagontapay ES in Mlang, Central Katinggawan ES in Midsayap, Salasang ES in Barangay Salasang in Arakan and Greenfield High School in Barangay Poblacion and Tulunan HS

in Tulunan. “This covered court project is such a great help to us especially in holding our graduation and recognition day,” said Elinosa Susa, Master Teacher 2 of South Manuangan Elementary School. On the other hand, villagers of Sitio Waterfalls in Cabpangi, Libungan was given a 268-meter stretch of road concreting project amounting to Php 3 million. As part of the intensified road rehabilitation program of the provincial government, Governor Emmylou Mendoza also conducted series of inspections to someP20 million worth of completed road projects in Kidapawan City, and in the towns of Magpet and Mlang. The governor assured that on her third term as the highest provincial official, her administration will continue to seek the welfare of the general public and implement programs and projects that can help the people and the province as well. (SJDuerme/MJKinkito&LGonzales-NorthCot Media Center)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato - A total of Php25 million worth of various projects were recently turned-over by the provincial government to far-flung areas in North Cotabato.

NorthCot LGU turns-over Php25M worth of projects

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DAVAO CITY - A 52-year old man was the first Davao City resident to be diagnosed with Japanese Encephalitis.

Davao City records first case of stroke-like Japanese Encephalitis

Dr. Josephine Villafuerte of the City Health Office said the man is now recovering but is showing signs of neurogolic effects even as he has been healed. Villafuerte said the patient likely contracted the disease in the locality as he has no history of travel. J a p a n e s e encephalitis is caused by a virus whose vector is the culex mosquito. One of the manifestations of the sickness is having a neurologic deficit like immobility and twitching. It is similar to one stricken with

stroke, Villafuerte said. Usually the JE afflicts children 5-15 years of age. But it can also affect adults. The vector of the disease the culex mosquito is commonly found in the homes particularly in gardens. Unlike the white-striped Aedes Aegypti, the culex has no distinguishing characteristic. Villafuerte opined that there had been several cases of JE already in Davao City but may not have been recorded. The 52-year old patient was discovered

to have JE when he was confined in the hospital for fever. There is no cure for JE but treatment can be had for its symptoms like fever. The City Health Office has asked the public to clean their surroundings particularly removing stagnant waters, which are breeding grounds of mosquitoes. Aside from Japanese encephalitis, the public had to contend with another but more common mosquito-borne disease- dengue fever. (RG Alama)

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Over the weekend, the 1FAB represented by commanding officer Lt. Colonel Hubert Acierto and RMN DXPR radio station represented by Station Manager Melchor U. Coronel formally inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Chandler Suites here to express the convergence of will between the two parties in the implementation of programs, activities, and projects designed to help the poor. Acierto gave a detailed explanation why the MOU signing ceremony between the 1FAB and DXPR is being conducted. He observed that some of the activities of 1FAB were similarly conducted by the management of DXPR in Pagadian City and in the

municipalities of Labangan and Tukuran, respectively. The unit conducted series of activities such as: medical and civic action program (MEDCAP), feeding program, and school supplies distribution, among others. It is also regularly extending support services to the Department of Education through the National School Maintenance Week (Brigada Eskwela), and Balik Eskwela Program in the adopted barangays of the above-mentioned municipalities. “With this, we decided to partner with them in the conduct of activities to help the poor,” he added. Meanwhile, Coronel said he was elated to partner with the 1FAB

in providing basic social services to the poor and marginalized sector. DXPR, he said is not only committed to continually provide news, information and entertainment to its listeners but the company is also committed to deliver social services as part of their corporate social responsibility. Tukuran Mayor Francisvic Villamero, one of the witnesses of the MOU signing in his message said the partnership of 1FAB and DXPR is an effective approach to “win the hearts and minds” of the people saying that it is a part of the “Bayanihan” campaign implemented by the AFP in 2011. Villamero said the approach will correct the negative impression of the

PAGADIAN CITY – The 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army intensifies the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” by actively engaging the participation of its stakeholders.

1FAB, DXPR ink MOU to strengthen partnership

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Speaking at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing, Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the hard stance of the president who is prodding the government machinery to move versus illegal drugs has encouraged the law enforcers to go after drug pushers and users. “Enforcers are no longer afraid to do their jobs, especially in facing complaints, given the support of the President,” Balagtey said. Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said the military awaits orders to join the campaign against illegal drugs. He explained that momentarily, the soldiers are still focused on the internal security operations.

Batchar revealed that since 2011, 51 soldiers under the 10th ID had been discharged due to their involvement in the use of illegal drugs. “We are just waiting for the written orders for us to join the fight against illegal drugs,” he said. Atty. Arnold Rosales, director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-XI said the political will being shown by the president in the fight against drugs has boosted the law enforcement effort. He said, “with the support of the president and his men in the cabinet like the solicitor general, ordinary enforcers have found an ally in truly enforcing the law.” “The anti-drug message is strong that it reaches the people, prodding them to

surrender if indeed they are involved in illegal drugs. It makes the job of law enforcers easier to do,” Rosales added. Rosales revealed that earlier, the drug personalities in Tagum City did not reach a thousand. He said the turnout of drug dependents who yielded over the weekend was overwhelming. Senior Inspector Catherine De la Rey, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office, said the campaign against illegal drugs in the city has reverberated nationwide with the seriousness of the national leadership under the Duterte administration to address the problem. She said the president’s support is a big factor in pushing for the campaign against illegal drugs. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY - Police and military personnel have expressed their support to the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Police, military in Davao region support ‘intensified’ anti-drug campaign

people on our soldiers that they are bad especially during the Martial law years. “I am very much willing to support your programs and activities. I

can provide you supplies and men to facilitate the conduct of your activities,” Villamero volunteered. “I hope that your endeavors will help President Rodrigo Duterte’s

administration in solving the insurgency problem of the Philippines,” the mayor concluded. (Gideon C. Corgue)

The recently concluded seminar on “How to Handle Persons with Disabilities in Tourism Industry,” which was attended by hotel and restaurant managers, tour guides, resort and transport operators, and other Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited establishments, has given the participants the right ways of handling customers with disabilities with Carmen Zubiaga, acting executive director of NCDA, as resource speaker. The rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) were

also discussed by NCDA Information, Education and Communication Division Chief Rizalio Sanchez. Meanwhile, the practical and appropriate ways in handling PWDs who are orthopedically handicapped was handled by Executive Director of Handicapped’s Anchors in Christ, Inc. Dr. Enrique Ampo. The lecture and demonstration on handling PWDs with visual impairments and hearing impairments were discussed by Cagayan de Oro City

Council on Disability Affairs Chairman Rolando Domaolao and Kristine Mae Libot, deaf advisory teacher, respectively. Accessible tourism is a form of tourism that involves collaborative processes between stakeholders that will enable people with access requirements to function independently and with equity and dignity through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services and environments. (Recthie T. Paculba)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To promote the government’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) as well as other equally important laws and mandates on disability among duty bearers and stakeholders, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) campaigns for the “Accessible Tourism for All.”

Disability council bats for accessible tourism

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Students and teachers of Binoligan Integrated School participated in the symposium held at the school social hall. PCInsp. Arnold Montesa, acting company commander of CPPSC said the activity aims to bring awareness especially to the younger generation on the harmful effects of drugs. Various lectures were given by personnel of

the CPPSC focusing mainly on Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The lecture also included the effects of drug abuse to individuals and the community and the weight of its punishment, and how the police work on drug cases. After the symposium, the CPPSC also conducted a feeding program for the students.

The said activity was part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against the illegal trade and use of drugs under Project DUTERTE (Drugs Use and Trafficking Elimination through Rehabilitation, Training and Enforcement) and in support of the 21st Police Community Relations month celebration this July. (ORVRivera)

AMAS, KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – Members of the Cotabato Provincial Public Safety Company (CPPSC) recently led an anti-drug symposium for elementary school students in this city.

Cotabato Provincial Public Safety Company holds anti-drug symposium for students

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