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Feasting on Ostrich meat from Opol, Misamis Oriental

Incoming Duterte administration to focus on countryside development

Senator Angara hopeful on income tax reform passage under Duterte admin

Incoming PNP Chief vows to resign if he fails to reduce criminality, drugs within 3-6 months

DOH calls for full enforcement of smoke-free school

City gov’t highlights 3-year accomplishments

Bridging leaders for health lauded

Austria opens consular office in Davao City

Kidapawan gears up for Guinness World Record in dancing cha-cha

Davao hosts business leaders meet; president-elect to discuss 10-point agenda

Lanao Norte school showcases quake readiness

Search for Pantawid model families, exemplary kids in ZamPen begins

1CAV spearheads distribution of school supplies to children in remote village

Search is on for Outstanding Volunteers 2016

Investor eyes power generation for BASULTA – ARMM RBOI

Davao Region braces for the shake drill

No Cocolisap spread in Zambo after previous sighting, says PCA

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MindanaoRound Up

THELMA B. OLIVERREGIONAL DIRECTOR,PIA NORTHERN MINDANAO

Ostrich farming in the Philippines started in the Philippines in 1996 by known businessmen in Cagayan de Oro City.

The ostrich farm was opened in Barangay Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental. The first three pairs of breeding ostriches were bought in from Australia and the two additional groups were procured from Texas, USA.

To date, the ostrich farm in Barangay Malanang has around 800 big birds. This is the first and biggest ostrich farm in the Philippines.

Throughout the world, there is an increasing demand for high quality ostrich livestock and ostrich products.

Ostrich meat is, in fact, becoming a popular menu item whenever it is served and whenever it is consumed by gourmet diners.

Why eat ostrich meat? It looks and tastes like beef with 40% less fat than red meat. According to National Culinary Review, ostrich is poised to become the premier red meat combines the flavor, versatility and nutrition benefits.

But the issue now, though the ostrich meat has its high nutritional value, the cost of ostrich meat is quite expensive. How can the low and middle-income groups regularly consume this low calorie, low cholesterol meat? If the business of ostrich growing and farming will continue to flourish in the Philippines to supply the demand, will it bring down the cost?

I hope that in the near future, the cost per kilo of ostrich meat will be affordable to the majority of consumers so that many can enjoy the nutritional value of the red meat.

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THELMA B. OLIVERREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA NORTHERN MINDANAOPHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY

NORTHERN MINDANAO (Region X)Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna St., Cagayan de Oro CityContact no. (088) 856-8178 Email: pia10_pd@yahoo.com

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Yes, more than 600 of the eight-foot, flightless, swift-running African bird with long neck and long legs can be found in the Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm Inc. in barangay Malanang, Opol, Misamis Oriental province. Owned by the Limketkai Family in Cagayan de Oro City, who also owns the Limketkai Mall and Limketkai Luxe Hotel, among other

businesses, the farm is situated in the interior mountain side of the municipality that houses more than 600 Ostrich, 50 crocodiles, peacock, Chinese chicken, herd of sheep and Hyacinth Macau parrot. According to farm manager Julius Mugot, Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farm, Inc. started its operation in 1996. Originally, it had

just about 18 Ostrich from countries such as Africa and Australia. He said it was only in 2000 that the farm was opened for the public. Since its opening, various field trips and family getaways have ensued in the farm. Families and even schools visit the farm for educational tour or just for a weekend strolling. Not only this, the local government has

Feasting on Ostrich meat from Opol, Misamis OrientalCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – If you want to experience and to be awed by the thrill of being the small one in the nest of giant birds, then the Ostrich Farm in Opol, Misamis Oriental must be in your bucket list.

made this Ostrich tourism part of their festival. In fact, they have held an Ostrich Festival for the past several years. In September of last year, the local government unit of Opol held its 2nd Ostrich Festival Culinary Competition where participants such as chefs and cooks coming from various food establishments such as hotel and resorts, restaurants and kitchenette in the municipality gather to compete for their best dish of Ostrich meat. Mugot says the meat of the Ostrich does not

taste like that of a chicken at all. Although ostrich and chicken feed on the same food, ostrich meat is red and tastes like that of beef. Further, what is good about its meat is its healthy component, as it is low in cholesterol, low-fat and low-calories. He said that the 13-hectare farm is dedicated to breeding, and growing ostrich to supply the ostrich meat needs of the country. The farm is supplying to almost all big restaurants nationwide for their Ostrich delicacies. Right now, the red meat is sold at P1,400 per kilo.

Mugot said, “compared to chickens, the Ostriches are easier to maintain, as they are not prone to diseases. They even like the hot weather. They have long lives, too. An ostrich can live up to 50 to 70 years.” An Ostrich can be slaughtered already for its meat starting 10 months to one year old. The female ostrich also lays eggs every other day, and an egg sells for P500 a piece. On average Ostrich eggs are 15 cm (5.9 in) long, 13 cm (5.1 in) wide, and weigh 1.4 kilograms (3.1 lb), over 20 times the

weight of a chicken’s egg. You can even stand on the eggs; they will not break. That’s how strong it is. Further, they are not only selling the meat but the skin as well. They can be good items and additions for bag manufacturing, among others. Meanwhile, the egg with its glossy, porcelain-like shell can be great room décor to give more character to a room. Not only has this farm become one of the tourist spots in Opol but it has also contributed to the economy and to the wonderful and colorful culture of cooking Ostrich delicacies in the municipality and its neighboring city. Who would ever think that Ostrich can be found in this second class municipality, which supplies Ostrich meat nationwide? If you happen to travel to Misamis Oriental, be sure to drop by the municipality of Opol, and visit the Ostrich Farm. They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. even on weekends. Take your good camera with you, your family especially the kids and “kids at heart” and take lots of photos. They can even let you ride one of the friendlier Ostrich for a good fun experience. (Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat)

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Incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said economic managers want to increase allocation for public spending even if this means increasing the allocation for infrastructure projects from the current two percent of domestic output to three percent.

He said there are currently 42 million Filipinos in the labor force but about 80 percent of approved projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative are located in and around Metro Manila. ”If you are going to spend lots of money

in Metro Manila you will only congest the area, not reduce unemployment in the provinces,” he said Dominguez also pointed out that since most of the infrastructure projects and businesses are currently located in Metro Manila and surrounding areas, the

Incoming Duterte administrationto focus on countryside developmentF ocus on countryside development by putting in of more

infrastructure and thereby opening more job opportunities and reduce poverty is what the incoming Duterte

administration bids to sustain growth of the Philippine economy.

National News I 20-22 JUNE 2016 9

Angara’s initial proposal, Senate Bill 2149 which was filed in February 2014, aims to lower income tax rates across-the-board, reducing the highest tax rate from 32 to 25 percent, and to compress the tax brackets from seven to five. Subsequently, in November last

year, he filed SB 3003 that seeks to adjust the levels of taxable income to take into account inflation. Second on the incoming administration’s 10-point economic agenda is to “institute progressive tax reform and more effective tax collection,

incoming government needs to be pro-active to ensure that developments will also happen in the countryside. ”You have to encourage local governments to come up with projects to and to invest in their areas. There is a need for a paradigm shift,” he said. With the planned increase for public infrastructure, Dominguez said they will increase the proportion of deficit to gross domestic product (GDP) to three percent from the current Aquino administration’s two percent ceiling. ”In consultation with economic managers, we decided to bring that up to the level of three percent of GDP. We think bringing

it up to that level will not result to a blow-out (of deficit),” he said. The incoming Finance chief said domestic poverty rate has not gone down below 25 percent but the incoming administration eyes to reduce this by about 1.25-1.5 percent annually through a “synergistic approach” using the incoming administrations 10-point economic agenda. ”By the end of six years we could be about 16 percent. With this poverty program the reduction will accelerate through the years,” he said citing that the poverty-reduction program will be implemented in coordination with the private sector and the civil society.

Dominguez said the 16 percent poverty incidence rate “is not ambitious” but a goal of “achieving what the others did not.” Incoming Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said the infrastructure projects economic managers eye for the country in the next six years can easily be implemented since these are small and medium-sized ones, which are not ideal under PPP ”There are lots of infrastructure projects for country that can be done without PPP,” he said noting that placing these under this particular mode will only make it harder to materialize. (PNA)

Senator Angara hopeful on incometax reform passage under Duterte adminSenator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara on Tuesday (June 21)

expressed optimism that his proposed income tax reform will finally be signed into law under the administration of President-

elect Rodrigo Duterte after the latter’s economic managers have put tax reform among the top of his 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

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indexing taxes to inflation.” It also states that a tax reform package will be submitted to Congress by September. “Economists and experts have all agreed that there is an urgent need to change the country’s current tax system. I’m looking forward to the tax reform package that will be submitted to us. We’ll make sure that the Congress passes a version that will ease the tax burden of our workers and at the same time, would not pose risk to the country’s fiscal health but would help improve revenue collection, attract foreign direct investment

and boost job generation in the country,” said the senator, who also attended “Sulong Pilipinas” held in Davao City. Angara has also filed a bill reducing corporate income tax rate, noting that with a 30-percent corporate income tax rate, which is the highest among ASEAN countries, the Philippines might be left behind in the tight race for job-creating investments. Angara cited a recent study by Dr. Stella Quimbo of the UP School of Economics which showed that while a decrease in corporate income tax rate will initially lead to lower corporate income

tax collection, the offset will come in the form of greater net collections given the projected increase in investments when corporate income tax rates are reduced. The lawmaker agreed that the Congress could study and identify the transactions that should no longer be exempted from VAT. He, however, asked the income finance department not to touch VAT exemptions enjoyed by senior citizens and persons with disabilities, which Angara has sponsored. (PNA)

National News I 20-22 JUNE 2016 11

Dela Rosa would personally ask President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to sack and replace him if he fails to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs within the three-to-six months target. “I will step down if you see me as a failure. If I will not deliver a good result in six months. I will surrender and I will tell him (Duterte): ‘I cannot

do it, please release me, let me go’,” Dela Rosa said in an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Dela Rosa aims to accomplish the anti-criminality and drugs campaign within the three to six months timeframe and he will make every effort to attain. The center piece of the Duterte administration is peace and order and the

plan to reduce criminality and corruption within the said time frame Dela Rosa is set to focus on eliminating drugs while reducing other forms of crime as well. “ We need to get rid of those first then at the same time, we need to eliminate all other forms of crime,” he said. While admitting that he is indeed a junior

Incoming PNP Chief vows to resign if he failsto reduce criminality, drugs within 3-6 monthsI ncoming Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief

Supt. Ronald Dela Rosa will resign after six months if he fails to reduce criminality and drugs in the country.

Photo courtesy of www.mb.com.ph

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compared to the other qualified senior police officers, dela Rosa said what he could offer is his sincerity as head of the national police organization. Dela Rosa said he would replicate the peace and order strategies which he developed and implemented in Davao City in various police offices across the country. And part of it is a regular assessment of the performance of the police commanders, from regional directors to town police chiefs, to determine if they still have to stay on the job. “Three months after their appointment, we will

evaluate their performance if they measure up on the expectation of the public,” said dela Rosa. According to Dela Rosa they will conduct a lifestyle check among the force to remove officials involved in illegal activities. “We will do every approach -- legal or illegal -- to stop these officials from doing just the same act over again,” he insisted. The incoming PNP Chief said that he also wanted the station commanders of each police station to be more engaged in the field to help the reduction of petty crimes.

”We will assign district directors in Metro Manila. We will make sure that these directors are not just hired to do office works but also field works,” Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1986, used to be the provincial director of Davao Oriental before he was appointed as director of the Davao City Police. He also serve as executive director of the Directorate for Human Resources and Doctrine Development, to earn his first star which he did a few month ago. (PNA)

DOH calls for full enforcementof smoke-free schoolT he Department of Health (DOH), together with the Department

of Education (DepEd), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government of Pasig, on

Monday (June 20) strongly reminded partner agencies, schools, universities, colleges, and parents to religiously enforce a 100 percent smoke-free school facilities in observance of June as “No Smoking Month.” In a program held at Rizal High School in Pasig, the DOH led the call among students and parents to emphasize that smoking is harmful to the health and youth should never attempt to try out smoking. “Studies have shown

that most young people who smoke regularly continue to smoke throughout adulthood and fall prey to being ‘replacement smokers’ of the tobacco industry. Hence, we call on students, as well as the rest of our young population, to never

start smoking,” said DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin. Garin appealed also to the young students who unfortunately started to quit immediately. “Professional help is available for those who want to quit. Not smoking,

National News I 20-22 JUNE 2016

or quitting smoking, greatly reduces your risk for disease and early death. You also protect the health of others by preventing exposure to secondhand smoke.” Garin said. The Health Chief said that since the implementation of the Sin Tax Reform of 2012, a dramatic decrease in smoking prevalence among the poor and the young was reported. In the Social Weather Stations first quarter 2014 Survey revealed that the percentage of those currently smoking in Class E decreased from 38 percent in 2012 to 25 percent in 2014. For the 18-24 years old age group, the percentage of those currently smoking also fell from 35 percent in 2012 to 18 percent in 2014. She added that exposure of people inhaling second-hand smoke was more dangerous than those who smoke. “ S e c o n d - h a n d smoking increases non-smokers’ risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and other cancers (nasal sinus cavity cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer,

and bladder cancer, among others) and lung diseases (such as tuberculosis and pneumonia),” she added She reminded also about the existing law, Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which provides that tobacco products could not be sold or distributed within 100 meters from the school perimeter, as well as near public playgrounds or any other facility that minors frequently go to. The penalties for violation on all restrictions range from a fine of not less than Php 500 to not more than Php 400,000 and imprisonment ranging from 30 days to three years depending on the seriousness of the violation. Moreover, business permits and licenses may also be revoked or cancelled. She further reminded about the full implementation of Graphic Health Warning Law on November of this year. This year’s theme, “Graphic Health Warnings: Full Blast na sa November! Alamin. Unawain. Bantayan natin,” raises awareness on the full implementation of

the GHW law which requires all tobacco products to carry pictorial warnings that show the ill effects of smoking. Since March this year, all tobacco products manufactured or imported for sale in the Philippines are required to carry graphic health warnings on the lower portion of a cigarette pack, in at least 50 percent of both sides of the pack. Because of these the manufacturers and suppliers of the cigarettes are not allowed to release cigarette packs without GHWs. Old stocks already in the market and delivered prior to GHW implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are still allowed to circulate but all of this will all be pulled out once the full implementation begins. “We enjoin you to know (alamin) what GHWs are; understand (unawain) its effect and importance as a tobacco-control measure; and make sure (bantayan natin) that all tobacco products carry these pictorial warnings to inform the public of the ill effects of smoking.” Garin ended up. (PNA)

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The accomplishment of the city government’s eight-point agenda along with the outline key strategies and programs moving forward in the next three years was presented during the 66th City Charter Day celebration held at Kiosko Kagawasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

City gov’t highlights 3-year accomplishments

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The agenda dubbed “Peace and Order Poverty Alleviation, Revenue Generation, Infrastructure, Metropolization, Education and Environment, Health and Hospital Services, Agricultural Productivity, and Traffic, Transportation and Tourism (PRIMEHEAT),” was adopted by the city government to pursue its vision for the city—to be the strategic and prime development hub of the south.

Social services, peace and order

For poverty alleviation, and peace and order, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the private sector and civil society, continued to provide a range of assistance delivered through existing and new programs specifically

designed to respond to various beneficiaries. The city government has notably increased the honorarium of 182 child development teachers from P2,400 to P5,000, created the Oro Youth Development Council that covered six sectoral groups, provided educational assistance to 113 poor tertiary students and 200 Indigenous People (IP) students, involved 2,956 out-of-school youths (OSYs) in community organizing, and registered 1,242 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 31,936 senior citizens with identification cards (IDs). For employment assistance, there were 28,800 applicants who were hired or employed in the 28 job fairs conducted from July 2013 to May 2016. As for the peace and order, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) reported a decline of total crime volume by 30 percent

from 15,960 in 2014 to 11,166 in 2015. The crime solving efficiency of the said office also improved from 12 percent to nearly 16 percent. Revenue and infrastructure The city government has recorded an annual average increase of 14 percent over the last three years and has remarkably heightened business activities that are translated to increased revenues from tolls, rentals or user fees by various enterprises run by the city government. The business issued with permits also grew from 17, 823 in 2011 to 21,359 in 2014. When it comes to the construction of roads, buildings and offices, a total of 33 kilometers of roads had been paved from 2013 to 2016. In addition, total of 441 new classrooms in six public elementary and

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secondary schools were built, making the overall classroom to student ratio from 1:90 to 1:45. Moreover, the JR Borja General Hospital got a complete transformation with the renovation of the existing third floor, south wing building and addition of 66 beds for various wards. With the new facilities and affordable service, the number of patients served in the hospital increased from 92.5 percent in 2013 to 160 percent in 2014 based on the bed occupancy rates. The city government also focused on the creation of the Shelter and Housing Development Multisectoral Task Force, provision of water supply, electricity, road access and canal improvements to Piso-Piso areas, and completion of some 3,097 housing units in Barangays Pagatpat and Balubal in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga.

Agriculture and Tourism An average of 2,187 farmers every year received technology transfer training and received 13,602 fruit tree seedlings. Aside from this, a total of 12 food terminals in 12 barangays were established by the city government. Tilapia fingerlings dispersal was also implemented in 2014 (with an estimate of 150,000 fingerlings released) and 2015 (with half a million fingerlings) along the Cagayan de Oro and Iponan River. Aside from agricultural productivity, the city government also focused on solving traffic problems in the city driving out illegal and undisciplined vendors occupying the streets and sidewalks, and creating the ‘Operation Hapsay Dalan.’ With the positive social media feedback and

immediate response to key issues, tourism arrivals in 2015 reached 655,176 surpassing the 2012 tourist arrival of 541,196 in the city. This also indicates that tourist confidence has been restored after it slowed down in 2013 and 2014. C o g n i z a n t of the significant accomplishments of every program, the city government now gears up for intensified implementation of priority programs, strengthening leadership role, upholding good governance practices and building strong linkages. For his part, Mayor Oscar Moreno has urged everyone to move together as one team and one group regardless of political color since “the people deserve the best service possible and that people should always be guided by one flag, one government and one regime.” (Recthie T. Paculba)

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According to a report from the Regional Board of Investments of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the investment supports the goal of the Hataman administration to address the concerns over energy deficit in the area and lack of running in some parts. RBOI identified the new investor as the Kaltimex Rural Energy Corporation, the local affiliate of an Indonesian-Indian company that is known for its expertise in providing power in off-grid islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Kaltimex has committed to improve the electric power situation by investing in the island provinces, the report said. After securing a

power purchase agreement from the Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative it will invest Php 400 million in an 8-MW diesel-fed power barge that will expand capacity in the future through co-generation with a solar power plant. Kaltimex is also now in talks with the Sulu Electric Cooperative to do the same in Sulu province. Basilan is also part of the company’s investment strategy to provide services in off-grid and isolated island electric power markets or what is known as SPUG (small power utilities group) areas in the Philippines. Lawyer Ishak Mastura, chairman and managing head of the ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) said about Kaltimex project,

which will be registered in RBOI: “This is a God-send because our target is really to improve the dire situation in the island provinces of ARMM in terms of human and economic development that breeds Abu Sayyaf and we cannot do this without reliable electricity supply.” For his part, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said that one of his primary goals for his next term, which starts at noon of June 30, is to make sure that BASULTA will have no more brownouts through more energy investments that will in turn power industries and bring light to the island communities. (DEDoguiles/ RBOI-ARMM)

COTABATO CITY – An investor has pledged to invest in production of electricity for the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, also known as BASULTA.

Investor eyes power generation for BASULTA – ARMM RBOI

The honorary consular office located in the second floor of The Shoppes commercial building along Diversion Road was inaugurated last Friday (June 17) with Austrian Ambassador Josef Müllner as guest-of-

DAVAO CITY - The Embassy of Austria in the Philippines has opened a honorary consular office in Davao City with Davao-based Austrian resident Dr. Peter Faistauer as honorary consul for Mindanao.

Austria opens consular office in Davao City

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honor. Davao City First District Representative Karlo Nograles, 3rd District Councilor Bernard Al-ag and Atty. Jhopee Avanceña Agustin of the city mayor’s office graced the opening reception for the new honorary consulate. Ambassador Müllner said the opening of the consulate is in line with the thrust of the Austrian government to expand the network of consular offices around the world. This is the second honorary consular office in the country after Cebu City. Dr. Faistauer said the office which will be manned by a two-man staff aims to support Austrian citizens who come

seeking for assistance. Among these cases include losing their purses and getting sick. The honorary consul said there is an estimated 70 Austrian citizens residing in Mindanao Aside from citizen assistance the consulate will help facilitate academic exchange through scholarships. Academic exchange programs offered in the embassy can be made available here through the honorary consulate. Dr. Faistauer is a lawyer and a banker with a 25-year experience of banking in China. He is based in Davao City for 15 years already and is married to a Dabawenya. (RG Alama)

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Austrian Ambassador Josef Mullner exchanges pleasantries with Davao City First District Congressman Karlo Nograles.

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ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has reported that there was no further spread of Coconut Scale Insect (CSI) or Cocolisap in the city after its previous sighting in two barangays here.

No Cocolisap spread in Zambo after previous sighting, says PCA

The Zamboanga City CSI Task Force, which was organized last month, has convened for its second meeting to provide updates on the current activities initiated by the different coconut industry sectors to preempt any CSI pest outbreak in the city. Provincial Coconut Development Manager Efren Carba of PCA said they have intensified their information drive campaign to coconut farmers in the east coast part of the city, aside from the conduct of massive treatment to coconut trees in the area where the Cocolisap

has been spotted. He said some 20 infested trees which were treated previously in Barangays Latuan and Dulian (Upper Bunguiao) showed no signs of any development on Cocolisap infestation. “We have established a laboratory here in Zamboanga City for the production of the biological control agents, which are the natural enemies of the Cocolisap, to have enough supply. With this, we can also provide assistance to Basilan province to curb the infestation there,” Carba said.

According to Carba, concerned farmers were also advised to conduct pruning and proper disposal of infested leaflets to be followed by the release of the biological control agents. PCA will also continue to train more plant quarantine inspectors, who will conduct regular pest surveillance in their respective barangays in case of Cocolisap sighting. “It’s through early detection and rapid treatment that we can contain possible spread of Cocolisap,” Carba concluded. (Emmanuel D. Taghoy)

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“Gone are the days when LGUs say ‘we can do it on our own,’” said Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno in his message to local health leaders. “Today’s governance highlights partnership and collaboration.” The local chief executives who were recognized as Bridging Leaders for Health were Mayor Lorenzo Mañigos of Kolambugan town, Lanao del Norte province; Mayor Fatima Tomawis of Tangcal, Lanao del Norte;

Mayor Omaradji Pizarro of Kalilangan, Bukidnon province; and Mayor Farhana Palawan of Poona Piagapo, Lanao del Norte. The activity formed part of GLI’s Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP), in partnership with the Department of Health Regional Office 10, Zuellig Family Foundation, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “It is a mistake to assume that health divide

and other societal divides can be addressed by the government alone,” Moreno continued. “We need consortium and partnerships which can be done through the Bridging Leadership process.” Moreno, a bridging leader graduate himself under the Mindanao Bridging Leaders Program of the Asian Institute of Management, served at the guest speaker at the MLGP awarding ceremony. “Better health contributes to better livability that

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Four local chief executives and seven municipal health officers from the different local government units in Northern Mindanao were recognized at the fourth colloquium and awarding ceremony of Xavier University’s Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) in Cagayan de Oro City.

Bridging leaders for health lauded

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leads to competitiveness.” MLGP is a one-year, two-module program aimed at improving health outcomes through an empowering leadership and governance, enhanced local health systems, active community participation, and effective service delivery at the local level. The said program is also geared toward creating an immediate impact on achieving related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) such as the reduction of infant mortality rate (IMR) and improving maternal health in 609 identified priority municipalities nationwide that need to improve their local health systems. Following the Bridging Leadership Framework (BLF), the mayors and municipal health officers went through a series of

intensive discussions and workshops highlighting the health inequities in their respective localities. DOH-10 Regional Director Dr. Nimfa Torrizo, in her message, challenged the local leaders to sustain the gains they have achieved during the program and assured the regional support, particularly in the forthcoming Duterte administration. Considering that a certain health inequity is a systemic problem, the training emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholders’ co-ownership approach in addressing it. Thus, the bridging leader, together with the stakeholders, would lead the crafting of innovative solutions to health problems in their community.

“We are very happy to hear the stories of our local leaders, stories of transformation as Bridging Leaders, the lessons and insights behind the improved health scorecard,” said Engr. Gail de la Rita, assistant to Xavier’s vice-president for social development, who gave the parting message to the program graduates. “Xavier University will continue to be a significant and committed partner not only for health but for social development,” she added. GLI, through MLGP, has already produced 39 local chief executives as Bridging Leaders who are transforming their health scorecards into better health outcomes in their respective communities. (XU Comm)

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The city government here began organizing on Sunday, June 19, partners and rehearsals for the cha cha dance on August 30, a highlight of the Timpupo Festival, as it seeks to break Guinness World Record in the largest cha cha dance set by Edgefield Primary School and the Punggol North Community in Singapore on July 17. The dance held during the Edgefield Dance Day gathered 3,379

participants. For its bid for the world record, the city intends to assemble 10,000 individuals to dance the cha cha. To achieve this, organizers are seeking help from local dance studios and dance instructors to encourage more dancers and make sure that the participants will be synchronous in dancing and follow the correct cha cha dance

steps. They are also calling on public participation in this endeavor. I n t e r e s t e d individuals may contact the City Tourism Office or register via the official event Facebook page: Kidapawan City: Road to Guinness. Practices will be held at the city gymnasium every weekend. (DEDoguiles)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – The local government unit here is gearing up its bid to secure Guinness World Record in dancing cha-cha.

Kidapawan gears up for Guinness World Record in dancing cha-cha

Liza Mazo, director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-11 and chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the pilot area of the shake drill would be the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao headquarters in Camp Panacan. She said participants will be assessed on how they manage themselves during the earthquake by executing duck, cover and hold and by conducting emergency evacuation of victims. “We will look closely the state of readiness of all participants when a disaster

like earthquake occurs,” Mazo said. In April 21 shake drill the composite board of evaluators spearheaded by the Office of Civil Defense XI gave the Police Regional Office XI a very satisfactory mark following the holding of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill at its headquarters in Camp Catitipan, Buhangin. Mazo lauded the uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the PRO-11 for the orderly conduct of the earthquake drill, which was characterized by the observance of the

duck, cover and hold, and the corresponding fire and medical responses. She said that while there are adjustments to be made in terms of responding to the alarm system, the police responded efficiently. Mazo stressed that aside from the grade school pupils, the policemen are highly disciplined in carrying out the drill. She also revealed that Davao Region shares the responsibility of responding to Metro Manila in the event the Marikina fault line activates. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY - Davao Region braces for the holding of the shake drill on Jun22, 2016.

Davao Region braces for the shake drill

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TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur – Looking around Man-ilan Elementary School in the rural community of Tukuran, one might think it is for privileged children.

1CAV spearheads distribution of school supplies to children in remote village

Arnold Tagalog, the school head said it has large classrooms, a computer laboratory, a small garden, and large playground. “Children not only get traditional education here but they learn about art, technology and the English language,” he said. “But the children who attend this school, which is more than 20-kilometers from the town proper don’t come from rich families. Instead, most are poor, and their parents struggle to provide

for basic needs, so buying school supplies like pad papers, notebooks, pencils, crayons, erasers, and rulers is a luxury,” Tagalog explained. Over the weekend, the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment and the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated Cooperative (PAFCIFIC) provided school supplies to 120 schoolchildren.

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Students, parents, teachers, and barangay officials of Man-ilan were surprised by the generous gift. “All the students were happy and parents were happy too. It’s really nice to receive these gifts from generous people,” Tagalog said. Mayor Francisvic S. Villamero said the basic school supplies bring hope for children whose education is hindered by poverty. “I encourage you to strive hard in your studies. And I hope that you will grow as intelligent and industrious students,” the good mayor quoted.

Capt. Gabriel Lastimosa, civil-military operations officer of the 1st Cavalry Squadron said the distribution of school supplies project will motivate children to attend school and to take continued interest in their schooling. “I believe that you will be motivated to go to school. We wish you success in your studies and become professionals in the future,” Lastimosa urged. PAFCIFIC Manager Romelie Lawagon said they partnered with the project of 1CAV and 1FAB because this would help

ease the financial burden of parents and give kids a good start of the school year. She encouraged the children to study seriously, and not allow poverty to hinder their education, as she believes that education is a proven way to break the vicious cycle of poverty. Lawagon said like them, she came from a poor family but along with her brothers and sisters, they strived hard in their studies and fulfilled their dreams of becoming professionals. (Gideon C. Corgue)

Business tycoons, regional business leaders, incoming cabinet secretaries attended the event held at the SMX Lanang last June 20-21. A business workshop was conducted in the first day aimed at gathering recommendations from the businessmen regarding the 10-point agenda of the incoming President.

The 10-point agenda of incoming President Duterte delves into continuing present macroeconomic policies with reforms particularly in revenue generation, accelerating infrastructure spending, attracting foreign direct investments, pursuit of genuine agricultural strategy, addressing bottlenecks in

land administration and management, strengthen basic education, a progressive tax income system, expanding the conditional-cash transfer program, promoting science and technology and the creative arts, strengthening the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law.

DAVAO CITY - More than 300 business leaders from across the country are in Davao City for a two-day conference dubbed “Sulong Pilipinas: Hakbang Tungong Kaunlaran” organized by the incoming President’s economic team.

Davao hosts business leaders meet; president-elect to discuss 10-point agenda

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George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries cited the event as a way of thinking-out-of-the box, to move forward in achieving inclusive growth. Vicente Lao of the Mindanao Business

Council said that never in the political history of the country has there been an administration that starts with a consultation until now. Incoming Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said that businessmen should build

coalitions of reform which aims to benefit not just the oligarchs but also the whole community. He stressed the need for good governance not just in the public sector but also for the private sector. (RG Alama)

Aimed at highlighting the exemplary performance of individuals and organizations in the field of volunteerism, SOV is open to all Filipino volunteers and organizations currently providing volunteer assistance particularly to under privileged people and communities. The search’s award has two types which include the National Outstanding Volunteer Award and the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award. There are two categories under the National Outstanding

Volunteer Award namely: youth and adult for individual category and non- profit and corporate under the organization category. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the PNVSCA website at www.pnvsca.gov.ph or interested nominating organizations or individuals could visit the NEDA Regional Office 12 at the Prime Regional Government Center at Barangay Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City. Deadline of submission of nomination forms is slated on July 5, 2016.

For the details on the qualifications for nomination and criteria for evaluation, interested parties can visit the said website or contact the Regional Search Committee 12 secretariat at telephone number (083) 228- 9203 and look for Mr. Ricardo Lamorena III. The SOV is an annual activity of sharing simple yet remarkable stories of inspiring other people to push for building strong communities through volunteerism. (SJDuerme)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The quest for patriotic and public service dedicated individuals is now open after the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) launched the 2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV).

Search is on for Outstanding Volunteers 2016

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The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), in partnership with the Department of Education, has identified Lala NHS as the pilot area after it emerged as 1st placer for 2015 Gawad Kalasag Search for Best Public School Rural category in Northern Mindanao. Gawad Kalasag, or KAlamidad at SAkuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang KAligtasan, is the country’s annual recognition scheme in its search for excellence in the fields of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and

humanitarian action. Northern Mindanao OCD Regional Director Ana C. Cañeda said the national government is focusing to conduct earthquake drills in schools considering a bigger population will be affected once an earthquake strikes and this time encouraging people in the provinces to be always alert for any eventuality. During the Talakayan sa PIA held simultaneously during the second quarter Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Full Council

meeting, the council explained the importance of Duck, Cover and Hold as protocol during earthquakes. Cañeda says practicing safety should be second nature to us and incorporated in our system. Cañeda also reminded the public of the conduct of the NSED. “The activity aims to gauge the efficiency of warning dissemination and level of preparedness and response among school officials and the response team if an actual earthquake takes place in their area,” said Cañeda.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Lala National High School in Lanao del Norte province is all set to showcase its readiness in case an earthquake hits this coming second quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill on June 22 at 9 a.m.

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Representatives from the four vice-chairpersons of the RDRRMC which are the Department of Interior and Local Government (Disaster Preparedness), Department of Social Welfare and Development (Disaster Response ), Department of Science and Technology (Disaster Prevention and Mitigation) and National Economic Development Authority (Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery), will also be invited to witness the event. The quarterly drill is one of the government’s preparedness measures for possible earthquake. PHIVOLCS advises the public to undertake earthquake drill to avoid

getting caught flat-footed when an earthquake strikes. It also encourages the public to consult with proper authorities in checking the state of their houses using “House Self-Check for Earthquake Safety” evaluation. Marcial Labininay, regional director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanologists (PHIVOLCS) said earthquakes cannot be predicted and stopped so what the public can do is boost preparedness. Labininay said being in the Philippines, which is in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is surrounded by active earthquake generators or fault lines, “earthquakes happen anytime.” He said one aspect

is the engineering of structures. Labininay said in the remote areas people do not consult civil engineers in building structures.` He identified the faults to be present in Cabanglasan town in Bukidnon province; Iponan, Gingoog city and the municipalities of Balingasag, Tagoloan and Alubijid in Misamis Oriental; and Lanao del Norte fault system. Should these fault lines move, the municipalities of Lagonglong, Balingasag, and Jasaan will be affected since they are within the Cabanglasan fault. The Cabanglasan fault traverses east of

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Misamis Oriental. Also, Villanueva, Claveria, and Tagoloan towns are located near the Tagoloan fault while Opol is at the Iponan fault and the province of Lanao del Norte, which is near the Alubijid fault. Meanwhile, Labininay recalled a tsunami that hit Sultan Naga Dimaporo town, Lanao del Norte in 1976. On the night of

August 17, 1976, a tsunami ravaged Illana Bay and reached as high as four to five meters (14-15 feet) when they hit land. It was caused by a 6.7 magnitude undersea earthquake, epicenter of which was in the Celebes Sea between Mindanao mainland and Borneo. The 1976 earthquake and tsunami, also known as 1976 Moro Earthquake and Tsunami, killed at

least 8,000 people and wounded 10,000 more. It also rendered 90,000 homeless, making it the most devastating natural disasters that hit Mindanao. The coastal areas of Northern Mindanao will not be spared by a tsunami once the fault line underneath the sea between Camiguin Island and Bohol provinces move. (Elaine O. Ratunil)

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay - The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX has opened its doors for the annual Regional Search forHuwarangPantawidPamilya and Exemplary Child.

Search for Pantawid model families, exemplary kids in ZamPen begins

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Ivan Eric Salvador, Pantawid regional information officer said the Regional Program Management Office of PantawidPamilya through the Social Marketing Unit significantly recognizes the achievement and contribution of beneficiaries in the region who are role models in their manifestation of change. The DSWD’s PantawidPamilyang Pilipino Program is a human development program of the Philippine government that invests in the health and education of poor households particularly of children 0-18 years old. It is program that uses conditional cash transfers to poor households based on their compliance with verifiable conditions that have been identified

and agreed upon by the beneficiaries. In order to document the impact of the Family Development Sessions and the benefits of the program specifically in the strengthening of family relations and children empowerment as young advocates of the program, the Search for HuwarangPantawidPamilya and Exemplary Children are being conducted. It aims to encourage the partner-beneficiaries to maintain a good standing in the community serving as an inspiration and encourage other families and children to exercise positive values and productivity. The said search went through rigorous selection process in the provinces of

Zamboanga City-Isabela Cluster, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte through the conduct of municipal, cluster and provincial searches. The winners will be officially endorsed and shall be the provincial nominees to vie for the Regional Search competition. The provincial winners will be honored during the Regional Search proper on July in Zamboanga City and shall become Zamboanga Peninsula’s entry for the national level. The winning beneficiaries shall become program ambassadors and will be part of all advocacy efforts of the department. (Alma L. Tingcang)

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