18th P’gsalabuk Festival Showcases Unity Amidst Diversity

CLENRO rids streets of campaign materials

CSC opens application for October 23 CS Exam

Cocolisap infestation in Zambo under close watch, says PCA

36 Davao City internet cafes are Tech4ED centers

DSWD field workers mark convergence initiatives

Lt. Col. Almagro installed as new 55th IB Commander

14 rebel returnees receive livelihood assistance

DTI bats for empowerment of women micro entrepreneurs in NorMin

DICT law up to the President, says ICTO officer

“Pasidungog sa Mamumuo” held in Sibugay

SarBay is coming

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Government to subsidize senior high school program

Malacanang confident on expeditious canvassing of votes for president and vice president

More changes seen in selection of Duterte Cabinet

Senator Angara welcomes Duterte’s tax plans, vows to continue pushing for income tax reform

24-26 MAY 2016 issue

Iwokeuponefinemorningtotastethefirstfruitofthemulberrytreeinourbackyard.Itwasthefirstripefruit.SosweetthatIwantedtohavesomemorebutitwastheonlyripeoneIgot.

Infrustration,Iwonderwhythemulberrytreehaslargeleavesandverytinyfruitswhilethegrapehastinysmallleavesbutrelativelybiggersweetfruitsthanmulberry?

Ourincomingcommander-in-chiefforthenextsixyearscomesfromtheDavaoCity,thelargestCityinthecountryintermsoflandareawithpopulationrankingfourthandtherichestcityinthecountryoutsideMetroManila.ItisalsooneofthemostlivablecitiesinMindanaoandisconsideredtobethesafestcityinthePhilippines.

Amongthecontinents,Asiaisthelargestandmostpopulousintheworld,withQatar,therichestnationintheworldandthePhilippines,secondfrombottomamongthepoorestinAsiabasedonGDPestimates(derivedfromPPPcalculations,percapita).

WillDutertebeabletotranslatethe16millionvotesintobettertransportationsystem,curbingdrugsandcriminalityinthreetosixmonths,reducingpoverty,andspurringeconomicactivitiestogiveFilipinosacomfortablelifeinsixyearsandbeyond?

Dutertesaidheonlygoteffortsandvirtueplusdetermination,asheleadsinthegroundworkforchange.

Aniotaofvirtue,astinyasthemulberryfruitcoupledwithadeterminationasbigasthegrapefruit,willworkwondersonlyifallofuswillrallybehindtheleadersthatweelectandcontinuetoseekandadapttochange-asitcomes-forthebetter.

Noemi Bernardino-EdagaREGIONAL DIRECTOR, PIA WESTERN MINDANAO

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYWesternMindanao(DavaoRegion)PlatonUrroStreet,SanFranciscoDistrict,PagadianCityTelefaxno.(062)215-1480Email:r9_pia@yahoo.com/mimibern17@gmail.com

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To promote unity

amidst diversity, the city of Dipolog is holding each year the P’gsalabuk Festival showcasing the myriad interplay of cultures among the peoples of Mindanao – Christians, Moro and Lumads. Derived from a Subanen word, P’gsalabuk means “togetherness” or simply “unity” amongst peoples regardless of tribe, religion and political persuasions. This year’s P’gsalabuk festival, which is on its 18th year, features a number of activities and competitions that run for a month starting April 29 to May 29. “Dipolognons return to their native land during this time to gather together and celebrate the feast. At the Dipolog Rotunda,the bowl raised by the tri-people to the heavens is a gesture of thanksgiving and offering to God Almighty for the generous outpouring of grace and blessings, bountiful harvests and sustained peace and prosperity in the city,” Mayor Evelyn T. Uy said. The festivity does not only encourage tourism in the city but it also seeks to promote mutual respect, peace and harmony in the place through appreciation of the tri-people’s rich ethno-history, culture, arts, crafts, traditions, practices, customs, music, rituals and many others. The main highlights in this celebration were the competitions on Street Dance and Showdown and

the P’gsalabuk King and Queen 2016 held on May 20, 2016 at Dipolog Boulevard. Baile Filipina Dance Guild Inc. (BFDGI) bagged the championship in the Street Dance and Showdown competition with Php 100, 000 cash prize and a trophy. Other winners were the Aloran Cultural Dance Troupe from Misamis

Occidental as the second placer receiving Php80, 000 cash prize

and a trophy while Roxas contingent got the third

spot with Php 50, 000 cash prize and

a trophy. The groups of Tribu ni Tatay Manny and Dimasalang

Talent Guild won Php 30, 000 as

consolation prize. The night will not end without the gala of P’gsalabuk King and Queen participated by talented and dazzling individuals from the barangays of Barra, Estaka, Sta. Isabel, Minaog, Sta. Filomena, Olingan, Galas and Turno. Mr. Joseph Ian Rocamora of Barangay Barra and Ms. Jenny Mae Rocamora of Barangay Estaka were crowned as the P’gsalabuk King and Queen 2016.

Meanwhile, the city government of Dipologalso hosted for the fourth time since 2013, the National Triathlon Competition at Dipolog Boulevard on May 14-15, 2016. Other activities were the

Annual S u m m e r F o o t b a l l League 2016 held on April 16 to May 14; 1st P’gsalabuk Pigeon Racing held on May 14; and the P’gsalabuk Dance Sports Competition held on May 19. Duringthetownfiestacelebratingthe feast of St. Vicente Ferrer, the Dipolog Holy Rosary Cathedral hosted a “Tod-To-Rod-Tod Dance,” where religious devotees danced to the beat of the drums to ask something or give thanks for the blessings, protection and good health, in front of their patron saint. Come May 27, 2016 @ 7:00 p.m., there will be a BFDGI Night-feat Spanish and Latin Dances at the Dipolog Boulevard Commercial Complex Stage. The month-long celebration will not end there, as the Music for the Youth and the Azul Dance Recital will be held on May 28 and May 29, respectively showcasing the talents of the youth in the art of music and dance. (Mary Mae A. Abellon/PIA9)

Government to subsidizesenior high school programPresidential Communications Operations Office

Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. has assured that the implementation of the senior high school program will be subsidized by the

government through the voucher system.

“The senior high school program, which will be offered this year, will include a government subsidy through the voucher system. Around 90 percent of all grade 11 enrollees in private schools, SUCs and LUCs will be

voucher beneficiaries.Many seniorhigh schools have announced they have no additional fees or top-up beyond the voucher amount. Of course, those that will enroll in the SH program in public schools will not need to pay any fees,” said Coloma

Photo by: rappler

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Malacanang confident on expeditious canvassing of votes for president and vice president

The House of Representatives, which will resume sessions on Monday following a three-month break, and the Senate are scheduled to meet on May 24 to form the NBOC, which is tasked to proclaim the country’s new president and vice president. The canvassing will be held on May 25.“Tiwala ang pamahalaan na gagampanan ng Kongreso bilang National Board of Canvassers ang

kanilang tungkulin na tiyaking maging maayos, mabilis, patas at may integridad ang isasagawang canvassing ng mga boto para sa pangulo at pangalawang pangulo,” said Communications Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte topped the presidential race while Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo won as vice president ThePalaceofficialalsonotedthe

Malacanang has expressed confidence on the expeditious and impartial canvassing of votes for president and vice president

by the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC).

quoting the Education Secretary Armin Luistro. Parents have expressed concern over the additional cost of sending their children to senior high school as required in the K-to-12 basic education program. “Such concerns may have arisen from lack of information on and understanding of the policies and processes put in place by government to ensure a smooth transition into and full implementation of the K to 12 program, particularly on the inception of a senior high school program that will add two years, grades 11 and 12 to the free universal basic education program as mandated by

the Constitution,” explained Coloma. Coloma said the Department of Education has allocated a budget of around P12 billion to ensure that all Grade 10 graduates would be able to enter the senior high school program. The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School [SHS]) to provide sufficienttime for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. (PCOO)

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assurance given by the leadership of both chambers. “Sa ating natunghayang pahayag ng liderato ng Senado at Kamara de Representantes, nagpahayag sila ng kahandaan na tapusin sa takdang panahon ang canvassing para sa agarang paghayag o pag-proklama ng mga nagwaging kandidato,” said Coloma. Meanwhile, Coloma said there are no bills needing certification of

urgency to be passed in Congress. Coloma quoted Presidential Legislative Liaison OfficeUndersecretary Bernardito Sayo as saying that “No certification ofurgency may be needed because mostofthesignificantmeasuresarealready lined up for third reading and wemay not have the time to finishfloordeliberationson those thatwillbe brought to the floor for the firsttime”. (PCOO)

Senator Angara welcomes Duterte’s tax plans,vows to continue pushing for income tax reform

Senator Sonny Angara has welcomed the plans of the incoming Duterte government to overhaul the income tax system, and has reiterated his vow to continue pushing

for income tax reform in the 17th Congress.

24-26 MAY 2016

“We very much welcome presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte’s plans of improving the country’s income tax system to make it more progressive and equitable. We’ve been pushing for this reform since I was elected senator in 2013,” said Angara, chairman of the ways and means committee. Angara’s initial proposal, Senate Bill 2149 which was filedin February 2014, aims to lower income tax rates across-the-board, reducing the highest tax rate from 32 to 25 percent, and to compress thetaxbracketsfromseventofive. Subsequently, in November of last year, he filed SB 3003that seeks to adjust the levels of taxable income to take into account inflation. The senator said that given the remaining time of the Aquino administration, SB 3003 was a more viable proposal and should be the minimum position the government can take in reforming the country’s tax system. Under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, individuals with taxable income of over P500,000 are taxed with a fixedamount of P125,000 plus the 32 percent of the excess over P500,000. At present, the Philippines has the second highest individual income tax rate at 32 percent in the ASEAN region, next to Thailand and Vietnam’s 35 percent. “P500,000 in 1997 does not have the same value today due to inflation.P1in1997,whenadjustedforinflation,isnowworthonly44centavos. Our workers are being

excessively taxed. And worse, despite an increase in their salaries, some of our workers will make less money in real terms than in 1997 becauseofinflationandasaresultof being in a higher tax bracket,” the lawmaker explained. “We’ll definitely supportincoming president Duterte’s plan to immediately revisit the decades-old individual income tax scheme within the first 180 days of hisadministration,” he added. President Aquino and his economic managers did not support proposals to lower income tax rates citing possible P30-billion revenue loss whereas Angara pointed out that tax reform could have already been done earlier given the hundreds of billions of government underspending. The proposed measure also did not pass the House of Representatives which prevented the Senate from making progress as the Constitution’s origination clause provides that all revenue measures must originate from the Lower House. “Economists and experts have all agreed that there is an urgent need to change the country’s current tax system given how outdated, unfair and uncompetitive it is. This long overdue reform is a perfect example of Duterte’s brand of ‘change is coming,’” Angara said. “Kung gusto natin ng pagbabago, suportahan natin ang pagpasa ng panukalang batas na ito na ang layunin ay iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino sa halip na payamanin ang gobyerno,” the senator stressed. (Senate)

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More changes seen in selection of Duterte Cabinet

Duterte said he wants his would-be Cabinet in place when he takes his oathofoffice. In selecting his Cabinet, Duterte said he wants to balance it as he pointed out that people must not put

The incoming administration of presumptive

president Rodrigo Duterte continues to take shape as more personalities are expected to come out in the coming days.

color on his policy and decisions on his choices. “I will not allow anybody to put color on my choices. From now on it will be for the interest of the people that counts,” he said.Duterte announced he is considering a retired military official to head theDepartment of National Defense (DND) after Gilbert Teodoro begged off to join the government again as the head of the agency. Teodoro served as DND secretary during the term of former president and now Pampanga Representative (2nd District) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and is currently the president of a mining

24-26 MAY 2016

firm. Duterte also named former Justice Secretary Silvestre Bello III to be his Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and at the same time could be his consultant on the peace process with Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF). He also picked his national campaign manager and currently Mayor of Maribojoc town in Bohol, Leoncio Evasco, Jr. as Chief of Cabinet; and Ernesto Pernia for the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). It is not sure if Evasco would accept the post considering his earlier statement that he is not eyeing any post as he would rather retire from government. Evasco was reported to head the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) but he denied he was offered the post. Duterte is also eyeing retired army general Hermogenes Esperon as his National Security Adviser. Earlier, Duterte named lawyers Salvador Medialdea as Executive Secretary and Salvador Panelo as chief of the Presidential Communications Group; lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre as secretary of the Department of Justice; Las Piñas Representative-elect Mark Villar as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); former Chief Executive Officer andPresident of the Clark Development Project Arthur Tugade for the Department of Transportation and Communications; Carlos Dominguez for the Department of Finance; Lyceum of the Philippines president Peter Laurel for the Department of Education; former press secretary Jesus Dureza

for the peace process but focusing on the Moro group; former Securities and Exchange Commission chief Perfecto Yasay Jr. as acting secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Alfonso Cusi for the Department of Energy; Jose Calida as Solicitor General and former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol as secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Duterte defended his choices. Duterte said Tugade, who is not a ‘kababayan’, is brilliant and good; Yasay is articulate; Cusi is an organization man and has expertise and credentials to run the government; and Villar as good. He said he asked Villar to draw him a map where they have property development projects. In those project areas, Villar as DPWH secretary must not build roads and alleys to avoid suspicion. Duterte said he wants Tugade and Villartofixtheirdepartmentswhichhedescribed as two corrupt organizations in the government. He has yet to name his choices for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Agrarian Reform and the Social Services, which are reserved for the progressive left and not the communist party, he clarified. DOLEis already for Bello, who was former secretary general for Mindanao of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and after that served the Cabinet of past Presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Bello also chaired GRP Negotiating Panel for Talks with the CPP/NPA/NDFthatsealedthefirstdealwiththecommunists that is the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL). (PNA)

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DSWD field workers mark convergence initiatives

MALAYBALAY CITY - Provincial Operations Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bukidnon has led its 5th anniversary celebration of the agency’s convergence initiatives last May 10.

24-26 MAY 2016

Christopher Capinpin, the provincial link, said this convergence initiative began in 2011 from a simple gathering of the provincial staff until it later extends tothefieldworkers. The event sought to strengthen the camaraderie between and among thefieldworkersthroughteam-buildingactivities in order to create a more positive working environment that leads to a better delivery of services to partner-beneficiaries. The team-building activities include sports fest/competition, allowing each municipality to create their very own teams for a friendly competition against the other areas. Each team was composed of staff/personnel working from various programs of DSWD like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) and others. Trophies, medals and cash prizes were given to the winners of each sports category. The event also featured the Search

for Mr. and Ms. Convergence 2016 in which the selected candidates were expected to embody DSWD core values such as respect for human dignity, integrity and service excellence and becomes a catalyst of convergence. Apart from team-building activities, the provincial office also distributedvarious certificates of recognition andawards to all hardworking men and women in the field to motivate andencourage them to strive more to become better public servants. “All deserving personnel who have worked above par are rewarded to inspire them to improve and continue the good work they are doing,” Capinpin adds. This particular convergence activity is peculiar only to the province, as it is the only DSWD Provincial Operations Officethatholdssuchanevent. Capinpin said the event also served as a thanksgiving gathering of all convergence staff that have endured challenges in their respective areas and delivered quality services to the public. (Jamila M. Taha/PIA10)

14 rebel returnees receive livelihood assistanceKIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato - Fourteen former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels here received on Tuesday a total of Php700,000 as livelihood assistance under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP). Each of them were given a P50 thousand check to start with their respective project proposals through the Business and Individual Reintegration Plan they submitted to the Provincial Social Welfare and developmentOffice(PSWDO). TheCLIPbeneficiariescamefromthe municipalities of Magpet, Arakan, M’lang, Makilala and the lone city of

Kidapawan. Of the 14 returnees, 10 are male and four are female. All the rebel returnees originated from NPA- infested areas where the government’s endeavor of peace and development is focused. Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Ali Abdullah emphasized that the assistance is

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part of the objective to provide former rebels permanent and peaceful closure of their armed struggle. “In line with the national government’s advocacy, here in the province we implement the releasing of livelihood assistance in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cotabato, Local Government Units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Office of the Presidential Adviser onthe Peace Process (OPAPP) and the PSWDO,” Abdullah said. Last year, the same rebel returnees were given P15 thousand each as immediate assistance so that they have something to start with aftersurrenderingtheirfirearms. The PSWDO facilitated the recipients’ submission of project proposals and the approval and release

ofassistance.Also,theofficewillheadthe monitoring of the projects. At present, the rebel returnees are also applying for PhilHealth membership. “The livelihood assistance for former rebels proves that the government is sincere in accepting them back to the fold of the government and help them to be part again of the community,” Governor Emmylou Mendoza said. With this, the provincial government is appealing to the public to help the government in making the integration successful and in the process, make the campaign to convince more rebels to surrender and avail of the government’s existing programs. (JSta.Cruz&RASotto/SJDuerme/PIA12)

Lt. Col. Almagro installed as new 55th IB Commander

Almagro replaced Lt. Col. Vener Y. Morga whose accomplishments during his stint as 55th IB commander were given due recognition by Major General (MGen.)Felix F. Barrientos Jr., commanding officer of 1st Infantry(Tabak) Division based in Camp Major Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Among his significantaccomplishments include the neutralization of several threat group personalities within the province of Misamis Occidental, and the battalion’s

recovery of enemy’s firearms,ammunitions, and subversive documents. Morga did not only focus on combat operations but he also conducted numerous Civil-Military Operations (CMOs) such as medical and dental missions, cleanliness drives, and tree planting activities within his areas of responsibility. During Morga’s watch, the 55th IB was able to help several barangays through the continuous conduct of Bayanihan Team Activities (BTA),

PIÑAN, Zamboanga del Norte – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt.Col.)Pompeyo Jason M. Almagro has been installed as the new commanding officer of the 55th Infantry Batallion (IB) in a recent change of command ceremony held at the 101st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army in Barangay Del Pilar here.

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benefitingthepeopleinthearea. For his part, Lt. Col. Almagro, vowed to continue the unit’s mission of winning the peace and helping the people create an environment conducive for sustainable development to attain just and lasting peace. The changing of the guard is

part of the military’s colorful tradition wherein the outgoing commander formally relinquishes his command to the incoming commander with the troops and stakeholders as their witness. (Ceferino Lagronio/ATR/PIA9)

Cocolisap infestation in Zambo under close watch, says PCA

PCA’s initial report disclosed that about 13 coconut trees in Barangay Dulian in Upper Bungiao and seven more trees in Barangay Latuan have been infested by the insect. It, however, could not confirmyet if it’s the same invasive insect that had plagued Basilan province. “If this is the endemic type of Cocolisap that we have, this would subside on rainy days. However, if it is the invasive type that comes from other country, then we would have to prepare for any eventualities,” said Efren Carba, provincial coconut development officer. PCA believed that Cocolisap has

already been in the area for three months now and could have possibly spread in about 1.2 kilometers from the said area. Carba said plant quarantine inspectors have already been posted in the area to conduct regular pest surveillance. He also said biological control agents were already released to the infested and nearby trees. Out of the 98 barangays in Zamboanga City, 64 are coconut producing barangays. “There is no Cocolisap outbreak yet, but coconut farmers should be wary,” Carba stressed. (Emmanuel Taghoy/PIA9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-9 is closely monitoring further spread of Coconut Scale Insect (CSI) or Cocolisap in the city after it was sighted in two barangays here.

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36 Davao City internet cafes are Tech4ED centers

Tech4Ed, which stands for Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurial, and Economic Development, is a program of the Department of Science and Technology- Information Communications Technology Office(DOST-ICTO) that sets up cyber-education centers giving the community access to online-based services like eEduskills, eAssist and eGovServ. eEduskills offers digitized reviewers on Alternative Learning System, English proficiency, digitalliteracy, TESDA (Technical Education Skills Development Authority) courses, value formation, internet know-how and ethics and cyber security. eAssist includes Microsoft digital literacy and career-shifting module for teachers while eGovServ provides access to online government services such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Social Security System and other agencies. According to Bettina Quimson Deputy Director of ICTO, Tech4Ed bridges the educational and digital

divide, as it provides the grassroots with the needed gadgets, internet access and digital literacy. Quimson said the internet cafes could effectively propagate Tech4Ed because of their strategic location. ICAD president Alexis Bangayan also said the cafes are located throughout the city and the number of cafes would increase if the program rolls out. Though the services by the ICTO are free, users will have to pay only P8 per hour for the use of the facility provided by the ICAD member internet café. Bangayan said the P8 per hour is very affordable. Aside from the convenience of internet cafes, these establishments operate 24/7, thus, users can choose what hours to work or learn online. The ICTO and ICAD held a press conference last May 20 at the Philippine Information Agency regional officehere followed by a formal inauguration of the different internet café/Tech4Ed centers. (RG Alama/PIA11)

DAVAO CITY- About 36 internet cafes belonging to the Internet Café Association of Davao (ICAD) are now Tech4Ed centers.

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MembersofInternationalWeLoveUFoundation-PagadianchapteronSunday,May22conductcleanupdrivedubbed“2016 Clean Up World Movement to Cope With Climate Change”atAgoraPublicMarket,PagadianCity.TheFoundationcommemoratesthedesignationofMay22ascleanupday.

CLEAN UP DRIVE

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CLENRO rids streets of campaign materials

Volunteers, who were grouped into teams, gathered at 6 a.m. in front of the City Hall to know their assigned areas, covering Tiano Brothers St., Burgos St., Nazareth-Macasandig main road, Agora road, Gaabucayan St., Pimentel St., Lapasan-Cugman Highway, Puerto Highway, Macabalan-Puntod Road, Brgy. Carmen, Patag, Bulua, Iponan Highway, Canitoan-Pagatpat Road, Kauwasagan-Bonbon main road. Operation Baklas aimed to remove campaign materials such as posters, tarpaulins and stickers from private areas as mandated

by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). CLENRO also encourages the people to make use of the materials through recycling to lessen the trash in the city. The said activity was participated in by 150 volunteers from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Cagayan de Oro City PoliceOffice(COCPO),civilsocietygroups, Carmen Barangay Council, Mangaycayay Association, Bombo Listeners Club, and CLENRO Personnel. (Samantha Kaye Carreos/PIA10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO – The City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) here conducted “Operation Baklas” to clean up the campaign materials used during the recently concluded May 9 national and local elections.

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Evolution, because starting from its inception in 2006 with some 3,000 people, the crowd has grown to 127,000 last year. Sarbay Fest will again be held at Gumasa Beach in Glan in a new schedule. Despite the change in date, Provincial and Regional Tourism Council president Michelle Lopez Solon guarantees that no one misses out. “Many college calendars have moved from June to August. Thus, their summer schedule has moved as well. We checked that some are stillhavingfinalexaminationsonthelast week of May,” Solon said. “So this is why we decided to make it the firstweekendof summer forAuguststudents and last weekend of summer for June entrants.” Sarbay Fest is not just about partying and entertainment but a call

to preserve Mother Nature. The #ilovesarbay campaign launched last year is braced up through partnership with Sarangani Province Empowerment and Community Transformation Forum, Inc. (Spectrum). This time, Sarbay Fest 2016 will install the “commitment wall” to call on party-goers to participate in SarBay’s environmental campaign. Concessionaires will mandatorily contribute a minimum of Php200 worth of mangrove seedlings and while sponsors will pay Php500 will be used by Spectrum to buy the seedlings which will later be given to thebeneficiaries. With the expected bigger number of attendees, SarBay Fest is set to unveil evolutionized activities which will also promote Sarangani Bay’s protection and preservation.

SarBay is comingGUMASA, Sarangani – “On June 3 and 4, join the evolution! Not only Mindanaoans but the people of the Philippines will celebrate Real Change in the biggest beach festival in the country, SarBay Fest 2016!” says the teaser.

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On June 3, the extreme sports Swim-Across-the Bay (15 kilometers) and SarBay Bancarera will open SarBay Fest. Powered-up ball games are set preceding Zumba, Fire Dancing and the daring Bay Bodies 2016. International disc jockeys from Australia and Brazil -- The Lunatics -- are bound to set the foam party agog, sponsored by Talk N’ Text. On June 4, party-goers may go all out sporty for the Swim-Bike-Run for the environment sponsored by Smart Telecommunications and it includes 1-kilometer swim, 30-km bike, and 8-km run. Individual competition can be joined by both male and female ages 24 and above. Friends of 2 to 3 may opt for relay. June 4 is also the day to release bangusfingerlingswhichwillthenbefollowed by triathlon. Other ball games will intercede adding up the Drum Beating Competition to the roster of events. The all-night beach party (from sunset to sunrise) will stage Franco band and DJs Jennifer Lee, Ron Poe, Italo and Cathy Frey.On June 5, at around 6 o’clock in the morning, a clean-up drive is set to entice all the party-goers to join, followed again by the releasing of bangusfingerlingsinpartnershipwithCLAFI. Last year’s SarBay Fest earned

a positive feedback in terms of restoring the sanitation of the entire venue. The #lovecleansarbay desk will continue in service 24/7 wherein SarBay citizens are given tokens and gifts for every 10 kilos of trash they bring. More so, additional number of cleaning personnel will be added this year. Another new feature accessible for SarBay-goers is the Bangsi Cruise which will navigate to the famous beaches and coves in Sarangani Bay. Interested SarBayers can avail of an all-access pass for P1,000 that comes with a shirt. Rooms and accommodation are usually fully booked by now. However, tents of different sizes are for rent: Double Tent for 2-3 pax (P2,000), Quad Tent for 4-5 pax (P 2,500). “We are inviting everyone to come and celebrate SarBay Fest with us. Be part of our environmental campaign, be part of the merry-making and let’s end our summer fun!” said April Marjorie Rudes of Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotions Center. Making it as the celebration of the incoming Mayor President Duterte administration, Rudes added that this could be the presumptive last SarBay without a curfew. (CMIDCruz/DEDoguiles/PIA12)

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CSC opens application for October 23 CS ExamKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is now accepting applications for the Career Service Examination for Professional and SubProfessional Levels on October 23. Said exam will be a paper-and-pencil test. In a statement sent to Philippine Information Agency, CSC 12 noted that the examination is open to Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old atthetimeoffilingofapplication. Interestedindividualsmustfilethe application in person at the CSCRegionalOffice or at any ofthe agency’s field officers wherethe applicants intend to take the examination. The deadline of submission of application will be on September 1. However, the CSC 12 emphasized that the acceptance of application is onfirst-come,firstservedbasisasthe fieldoffices mayclose earlierif they have already reached set

quotas in number of examinees. Requirements for the application include the following: fully accomplished CS Form NO. 100, Revised 2015 and 4 ID pictures. The ID pictures should be identical, colored with white background, passports size printed in good quality photo paper and taken within the last 3 months. CSC charges Php500 for as examination fee. In SOCCSKSARGEN Region, the testing centers will be in Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City, and General Santos City. Civil service eligibility is one of the important requirements for entry to employment in government offices.(DEDoguiles/PIA12)

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According to Ma. Eliza A. Pabillore, provincial director of DTI Misamis Oriental, this activity with funding from the Canadian Government aims to help women achieve inclusive development and economic empowerment by creating an enabling environment at the national and local levels. Emphasizing the importance of women as entrepreneurs in the economy, Pabillore said the women have a great potential to become successful entrepreneurs. “Women are very focused and, at the same time, have the ability to take care of a lot of concerns, and we do a lot of multi-tasking,” she explained.

Further, women play a very big role in the economy, providing additional income to their families, employment to the country and also giving rise to more enterprises in the country side. “There is a great potential of contributing to the Philippine economy and so the development of the country,” she maintained. The seminar-workshop also included the “greening” of the environment in which greening is going to be consolidated in the entire value chain project from the crude materials to the last item “because everything ought to be processed. Further, the intention of the workshop was to come up with an

DTI bats for empowerment of women micro entrepreneurs in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10 gathered 115 women micro entrepreneurs from all over Northern Mindanao last May 12-13 here in this city for a two-day seminar workshop on Greening the Gender Responsive Value Chain Analysis, a Gender Responsive Economic Action for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) project under the aegis of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

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action plan, which would help women micro entrepreneurs to grow and at the same time incorporate the greening concern of the entire value chain. “Taking care of the environment is a responsibility also of an entrepreneur,” Pabillore pointed out. Meanwhile, Rhodelia Sojor, a women entrepreneur from Lanao del Norte who started managing a family business, which deals with fabricating food-processing machines, said she attended the training because she wanted to expand her business and go into food processing since she is producing such equipment herself. She said she would make sure that her equipment sold in the market are gender-sensitive wherein women will not have a hard time using them. Having learned the importance of greening, she is now more conscious of the chemicals she will use and its proper disposal. In support of the women, she also hires women welders in her

factory. On the other hand, Malou Tumang, proprietor of Vita-C and president of the Food Processors of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIn) also disclosed that she had gained much information from attending the seminar such as government programs and projects to support micro entrepreneurs. She said the Food Innovation Center at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) is a great venue for food entrepreneurs to package their products. Lastly, she said that an entrepreneur must believe in his/her product and must have the discipline to be successful in the business. The activity was in collaboration with other government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-10, Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (Joemides Daquio/PIA10)

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar

Moreno (left) pins the Philippine National Police (PNP) Merit

Medal on May 23to police officers in their successful

operation during the shootout in Villa

Candida Subdivision, Barangay Bulua last

May 16. The medal is given to police

officers who show gallantry in action

while still doing their responsibility

as protectors of the people against

criminality.

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DICT law up to the President, says ICTO officer

He said President Benigno Aquino had already signed the said bill a few days after the May 9 elections. Bettina Quimson, deputy executive director of the ICTO, said a Department of the ICT would bring into essence what they have been doing in the ICTO. She said ICTO is just a policy-making body of the Department of ICT, as it can enforce and implement laws as it was with National Telecommunications Commission. The Philippines will now join other Asian countries of Malaysia,

Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, Saudi Arabia and China with their own Department or Ministry level ICT offices. Aside from planning and promoting the government’s ICT agenda, the DICT would promote e-governance, digital literacy and competitiveness, attract ICT investments and beef up consumer protection policies to protect them from lousy ICT services and also to ensure privacy. (RG Alama/PIA11)

DAVAO CITY - The law creating the Department of the ICT (DICT) is now with the President, according to Roy Espiritu, communications officer of the Information Communications Technology Office (ICTO), an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte talks to British national living in Zamboanga City who went to Davao after police informed him of kidnappers were casing his house.

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“Pasidungog sa Mamumuo” held in Sibugay

Anchored on the theme, “Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenting Trabaho” (the future is secure with decent jobs), the celebration was highlighted by the P2-million worth of livelihood projects extended by DOLE toselectedbeneficiaries. DOLE-Sibugay chief, Imelda Gatinao, said the “Araw ng Manggagawa” aims to commemorate the contribution of the Filipino workers to the society, and to remember the hard-fought rights of the workers. “It is also a day for unions to bring attention to current issued confronting the workers,” she added. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), on the other hand, held a “Dikwento Fair 2016” with Metro-Ipil Centrum, Ipil Market Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative (IMAVEMCO), Asia Consumer Value Trading Corp.,

Ipil Savers Mart, Coca-Cola Bottlers Company, National Food Authority, Golden Reigh Enterprises, Jerry’s Metro Plaza and EZ Marketing as participating stores/establishments. To make the said celebration more colorful, “Workers Got Talent 2016” and Tae’bo Workers Fitness Workout were also featured. No less than DOLE-9 Regional Director Sisinio B Cano graced the activity, which was also participated in by Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance (Philhealth), Pag-Ibig, Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Zamboanga Sibugay Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, and the local government unit of Ipil. (Rhea Grace La Plana/PIA9)

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay – To recognize the vital role of the laborers in society, the provincial office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here has recently spearheaded the “Pasidungog sa Mamumuo” (tribute to the laborers) at the municipal covered court in this town.

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