one mindanao - april 28, 2014

Bukidnon’s Impasugong: Home of the country’s finest cowboysRuby Leonora R. BalistoyNORTHERN MINDANAO MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 168

New military accord elevates PHL-US defense alliance, says DFA Chief

NATIONAL

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CARAGA REGION

WESTERN MINDANAO

NORTHERN MINDANAO

CENTRAL MINDANAO

DSWD needs more staff for a bigger community-driven program

2015 Natl Caving Summit set in Surigao City

AFP cites plan on Labor Day in Caraga

DOLE-Sibugay, PLGU spearhead summer job orientation

Water projects in Bukidnon now operational

DOH-PhilNos urges organ donation, transplantation

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Information to Empower Filipinos

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SOUTHERN MINDANAO

DavNor steps up fire prevention drive 17 noel baguio

Alma L. Tingcang

Jasper Marie Oblina-RucatVenus L. Garcia

Greg Tataro, Jr.

Danilo E. Doguiles

Bukidnon’s Impasugong: Home of the country’s finest cowboys

Famous for its flourishing forest and healthy livestock, Impasugong town in Bukidnon is the home

of the country’s finest cowboys, where the spectacular rodeo show draws large crowds to watch spills-and-thrills as “vaqueros” (cowboys) show off skills in a cattle roundup.

Impasugong town Mayor Mario T. Okinlay, a professional rodeo cowboy, said there are nine commercial cattle farms in the area holding more than one thousand

heads in all. “The local government also manages a communal ranch in a 649-hectare grazing land that holds 300 cattle heads,” the mayor said. Preserving heritage in changing times Villagers used to herd cattle across long distances. However, since it requires more time and skill, becoming a cowboy was every

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

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herder’s dream. For over several decades, the “dreamers” gradually learned to perfectly tend cattle and perform many of their duties on horseback. The town still has preserved its cultural heritage and ethnic identity, which led Star Cinema to unveil the beauty of Impasugong. The blockbuster film “Love Me Again” starring Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual was shot in the town’s vast grazing land and valleys. Its colorful mountains, grassland, rocky canyons and gorges are all fabulous tourist spots. With the town’s richness derived predominantly from cattle

farms—aside from pineapple, palm oil trees, and high value crops—rodeo shows also prospered. Okinlay said the town’s cowboys work actively in ranches, trail riding and handling cattle and horses. “They also compete in rodeos to demonstrate their unique skills in a specially prepared arena. We are inspired and honored as they top in almost all rodeo events,” the mayor said. The Rodeo challenge In the annual Kaamulan Festival, rodeo became the most

watched sports race. Cowboys compete in five rodeo events namely breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping, bull riding and calf ribbon picking. • The Breakaway Roping: A roper is on horseback with one end of the rope tied to the saddle horn. When the calf is released from the chute, the roper will be in hot pursuit, with lasso swirling in the air overhead. When the loop is thrown, it must pass completely over the calf’s head. As the calf pulls away from the rider, the rope grows taut and the string will break away from the saddle horn. The fastest run wins. • The Steer Wrestling: This involves strength, speed, and precision. A cowboy on horseback, with an assistant known as hazer, chases a steer (neutered bull), drops from the horse to the steer, and then wrestles the steer to the ground twisting its horns. The fastest cowboy to plunge the bull to the ground wins the race. • The Team Roping: This features a steer and two riders. The first roper is the “header” who ropes the front of the steer, usually around the horns or neck. The second is the “heeler” who ropes the steer by its hind feet. The fastest performer wins.

• The Bull Riding: Involves a rider getting on a large bull and attempting to stay mounted while the bull bucks or jumps upward. The rider must tightly fasten one hand to the bull with a long braided rope. A rider who stays longer atop the bucking bull wins. • The Calf Ribbon Picking: This is also a timed event where a horse-mounted ‘muse’ (cowgirl) ropes or lassoes a calf, leaps from her horse, and picks the ribbons decorated in calf’s body parts. The fastest performer is proclaimed ‘Rodeo Queen.’ Natural attractions

Mountain climbers can have a panoramic view of Bukidnon’s grandeur at the top of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP), a haven for the Philippine Eagle. The main activity that nature trekkers can engage in Mt. Kitanglad is bird-watching. The vast Panyak caves have beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations that also attract cave explorers. Not only is the town endowed with natural attractions. With an average elevation ranging from 500 to more than 1,000 meters above sea level, its terrain is characterized by deep ravines and thick forest mountains.

In harmony with nature Impasugong is a Higaonon term which means “current that flows upstream.” It has cool temperature throughout the year with numerous waterfalls and springs perfect for bathing and swimming. Its surrounding lush forests and cool blue waters allow you to relax with serenity. There are countless reasons why Higa-onons in Impasugong, Bukidnon love nature. Find time to come and visit us here. Before you know it, you will be adding other reasons why this town should naturally be as it is—home of the country’s finest cowboys.

8 APRIL 2014 | PAGE

US President Obama formally starts 2-day state visit to PHL

United States President Barack Obama arrived at Malacanang at exactly 2:10 p.m. on Monday to formally start his two-day

state visit to the Republic of the Philippines.

Across the Nation

The US leader earlier flew in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at 1:35 p.m. on board the US Air Force One from Malaysia for the last leg of his four-nation Asian tour.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, along with

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, Foreign Affair Secretary Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg welcomed the US President at the AGES Aviation Center,

9 APRIL| PAGE

Across the Nation

Balagbag Ramp at the NAIA in Pasay City.Newly-designated Philippine Air Force

chief Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado also welcomed and assisted President Obama from Air Force One to US Marine One helicopter that brought him to Malacanang.

President Benigno S. Aquino III received President Obama, who was accorded with arrival honors highlighted by a 21-gun salute while the national anthems of both countries were being played at the Palace grounds.

The two leaders proceeded at the Palace’s Reception Hall for the traditional signing of the Guestbook.

Then then proceeded to the Aguinaldo State Dining Room for expanded bilateral meeting set at 2:25 p.m.

President Aquino will be accompanied by his Cabinet members and their US counterparts during the scheduled one-hour bilateral talks.

President Aquino and his US counterpart are also scheduled to hold a joint press

conference with the Malacanang Press Corps and foreign journalists at 3:25 p.m.

After the press conference, President Obama will visit the Philippine Embassy along Roxas Blvd. in Manila and will return to Malacanang for a state dinner with President Aquino at the Rizal Hall.

Aside from the Philippines, President Obama also visited Japan, South Korea and Malaysia during his seven-day Asian trip.

Earlier on Monday, Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Goldberg pointed out that the 10-year pact will not reopen US bases in the Philippines, but “it’s an agreement to enhance our defense relationship.”

The US ambassador also said the EDCA will also take Philippines-US bilateral security relationships to a higher level. (PNA)

New military accord elevates PHL-US defense alliance, says DFA Chief

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on Monday called the new defense agreement between the Philippines and the

United States a “milestone” pact that elevates the long-time allies’ defense partnership.

10 APRIL 2014 | PAGE

A product of nearly two years of planning and negotiations, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA was signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg a few hours before the arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama, who makes his last stop in Manila today following a week-long Asian tour that includes Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Philippines.

“The EDCA elevates to a higher plane of engagement our already robust defense alliance, a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

“It provides new momentum for our partnership and opens up fresh avenues of bilateral cooperation,” he added.

EDCA expands the coverage of the existing Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 by Manila and Washington and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement.

It allows an increased but non-permanent presence of American troops to the country and access to designated Philippine military facilities.

The agreement is also designed to strengthen the ill-equipped Philippine military for external defense, maritime security and maritime domain awareness amid heightened concerns over China’s actions in the disputed South China Sea.

Philippine officials assured that all activities under the EDCA are covered by the Philippine Constitution.

The accord also grants the U.S. military the right to pre-position its equipment, vessels and aircraft as it ruled out permanent basing and entry of nuclear weapons.

It likewise highlights enhanced cooperation on disaster response as demonstrated by the US’ prompt assistance to the Philippines when it was battered by super typhoon “Yolanda” in November of last year.

“With the rapidly evolving regional architecture and domestic realities, our dynamic and forward-looking partnership attaches great importance in enhancing our individual and collective self-defense capabilities, strengthening maritime security and maritime domain awareness, and improving humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capacities,” Del Rosario said.

He stressed that the “valuable components of a responsible and responsive security engagement” will benefit both countries and “contribute to regional and international security and stability.”

“With the EDCA, the Philippines and the United States as sovereign allies have written a new chapter for our modern and mature partnership, firmly grounded on deeply-held democratic values, common interests and shared aspirations,” Del Rosario said. (PNA)

11APRIL2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Secretary Coloma asks media, info officers to help counter impacts of Climate Change

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. underscored the importance

of communicators in heightening awareness for people to overcome impact of climate change.

Guesting at the two-day Mindanao Media Summit on April 25 and 26 at The Royal Mandaya Hotel attended by members of the media and information officers from government agencies

and the academe in Mindanao, Coloma said communicators can contribute in raising awareness on climate change to combat culture of complacency.

The other two challenges for


communicators to address is how to raise the willingness to change by people who are resistant to change; and contributing to capacity building in mainstreaming climate change into government programs.

Coloma emphasized the role of communicators in understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change to the people.

He recalled the worst typhoons that hit Mindanao since Sendong, for which members of the media and government information officers could draw lessons not only on covering disasters, but also as the sector that could help people to be more resilient to natural or man-made disasters.

When asked on the creation of separate offices in government to work on disaster risk resiliency, Coloma stressed the government does not separate any office, but they should start incorporating into their programs and projects measures and policies to

ensure resiliency to climate change such as in the building of schools and evacuation centers.

He even urged the local government offices to build their capacities to efficiently and effectively respond to the challenges of climate change.

The Mindanao Media Summit, which is now on its 9th year, tackled

“Communicating the Impact of Climate Change in Mindanao”. This was attended not only by members of the print and broadcast media, but also information officers of the Philippines Information Agency (PIA), other government agencies and the academe in Mindanao. The summit aims to gather editors from print and broadcast media, columnists, government information officers and members of the academe to stress environment reporting as a relevant and urgent part of community journalism.

The summit was likewise aimed at increasing understanding of editors and columnists on environment and disaster management; create opportunities for the media to build networks with experts on the field; get updates on the country’s plans on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management; and mainstream government media in public advocacy on the environment. (PNA)


Horse-racing in the sand is funGUMASA, Sarangani - Mahin Festival 2014 may not be complete without this yearly exciting activity, the Horse Racing Competition which forms part of Glan’s history as horse riding is the first settlers’ way of transportation. This year’s winners are White Castle rider Eric Ragados as 1st placer, Bentong rider Boy Tanap, 2nd placer, and Sumbang rider Tito Pontilar as the 3rd placer. The winners got a cash prize of P 4,000, P 3,000, P and 2,000, respectively. (Tres Be-sana/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)


TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat -- Eighty-six Grade 3 pupils in Baran-gay Grino, this city, are currently undergoing a three-week session to improve their skill in reading and mathematics.

Tacurong City holds summer reading, math camp for kidsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Implemented by the local gov-ernment unit of Tacurong City, the PEACE (Promoting and Empower-ing Actions for Children’s Educa-tion) Summer Reading and Math Camp started Monday, April 21, and will continue on May 12.

At the first day of classes, the campers, all pupils of the Dr. Manuel J. Grino Memorial Central School (DMJGCS), received free workbooks and school supplies.

Through this 15-day summer camp, the LGU hopes to improve the schoolchildren’s reading and math competencies and to prepare them for the National Achievement Test in the coming school year.

LGU support to the activity also includes daily lunch feeding pro-gram for the pupil-campers’ nour-ishment and motivation.

For the activity, the LGU gets support from several partners such as SEAOIL Foundation, KAYA NATIN Movement, Ateneo School of Governance and the Department of the Interior and Local Govern-

ment.Local stakeholders have also

been pouring their support to aug-ment other camp needs.

Several grantees of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) assist teachers in the and help prepare for the daily feeding of the kids.

City Councilor Psyche Sucaldito heads the camp staff composed of selected LGU employees from dif-ferent offices.

At the launching, LGU officials led by Mayor Lina O. Montilla and DepEd-Tacurong administrators ap-pealed to parents to help teachers in nurturing the children’s love for learning.

SEAOIL Foundation extended a P50,000-grant for Project PEACE when LGU-Tacurong’s proposal ranked third among other propos-als submitted by LGUs and schools nationwide for the Champions for Education and Good Governance. (DEDoguiles with report from the LGU-Tacurong City Information)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (DSWD 12) based here has opened 152 positions with the upgrading of its community-driven strat-egy to a national strategy for poverty reduction, an official of the agency said.

DSWD needs more staff for a bigger community-driven programBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Gemma Rivera, DSWD 12 assistant regional director said the new personnel are intended for the implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS - National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) that is expected to be launched nationwide next month.

Among the job opportunities that are available, according to Rivera, include 17 area coordinators (AC), 19 technical facilitators (TF), 19 community finance facilitators (CFF) and 97 community empowerment facilitators (CEF).

“The agency is now accepting interested applicants for these positions while we are waiting the authority to hire from the Central Office that will give us go signal to undergo screening process to fill up these positions,” Rivera said.

Rivera added that the staff will undergo trainings prior to their deployment to 17 municipalities in the region that the program will cover.

Among the identified municipalities for Kalahi-CIDSS NCDDP implementation are Alamada, Aleosan, Banisilan, Carmen, and Pikit in North Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan, Palimbang, and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat; and Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum in Sarangani province.

NCDDP scales up the community-driven development (CDD) strategy used by Kalahi-CIDSS for 11 years proven effective for poverty reduction, improving local governance and community empowerment.

Interested applicants may send their application to Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XII, Purok Bumanaag, Barangay Zone 3, Koronadal City, Telephone Number (083) 228-3607. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from HTEstacion-DSWD-12)


Duterte gives ultimatum to bridge dwellersDAVAO CITY-Mayor Rodrigo Du-terte appealed to dwellers under the Bangkerohan Bridge to volun-tarily demolish their shelters and leave the area to pave the way for the repair of the Generoso Bridge I and the major pipeline of the Davao City Water District. He stressed that the local govern-ment does not want to resort to demoli-tion considering the hard times. Duterte said all residents in the city must have ample share of the water sup-ply, and the repairs are necessary to en-sure that the supply of water can reach to all. He said that the DCWD complains that it cannot start the repair of the pipe-line since residents would not vacate the area, consequently hindering the entry of heavy equipment. “I appeal to you to be patient to the government so that we can help all other residents in the city,” Duterte said. He said the leadership of the Baran-

gays 5-A and 2-A will look for a place as their temporary resettlement for the 126 families who will be affected by the proj-ect. Duterte assured that the dwellers can return under the bridge once the re-pairs are finished. He explained that the repairs of the bridge and the construction of a separate link for the major pipeline are necessary to reinforce the integrity of the Generoso Bridge I. Duterte warned that if the bridge col-lapses, the problems will become compli-cated consequently leading the dwellers to go home to the provinces where they come from. He assured financial assistance at P20,000 each to the 126 families who will be affected by the repairs and link construction through the DCWD. Duterte gave the dwellers April 30 to vacate the place. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DavNor steps up fire prevention driveDAVAO DEL NORTE – The pro-vincial government of Davao del Norte has intensified its fire pre-vention campaign in order to save lives and properties and mitigate the impact of destructive confla-gration. Through Oplan A.N.D.A.M. (Advocacy on Natural Disaster Awareness and Management) program, the province has been equipping communities, including school children, the invaluable knowledge of preventing fires, as well as, the proper techniques in controlling fire. Fire drills and seminars were conducted during ANDAM’s visit to disaster-prone barangays, along with orientation onbasic life-saving techniques, water sanitation and hygiene, bio-gas technology and botanical concoction, and earthquake drill. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said the effort of the province complements this year’s observance of the Fire Prevention Month, with the theme “Isulong ang Kaunlaran, Sunog ay Iwasan, Kaalaman at Pag-iingat ang Kailangan.” The governor stressed the importance of fire safety, which, he said, must be given equal attention along with the preparation and mitigation efforts

against typhoon, earthquake and other calamities. “Dapat maging mas handa tayo sa sunog dahil maaari itong mangyari sa araw-araw,” he said during the March Convocation program at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. “The key is awareness and preparedness.” Provincial Fire Marshall F/Supt. Sedney Besana asked the public to be always aware of the potential hazards in their homes and offices. He said the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn’t break out in the first place, by checking their electrical connections and proper handling and storage of hazardous materials and potential ignition sources. He also asked the constituents to be aware of using available fire protection equipment necessary to control fire. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-XI reported a 46.4-percent increase in the number of fire incidents in the Davao Region in January 2014 as compared to the same period last year. It said Davao del Norte ranked second, with Davao City leading the number of incidence among the local government units in the region.(noel baguio/davnor pio)


PCOO Sec. Coloma urges communicators to bridge information on climate change

regional gallery

Mati City Mayor at Waniban Island, The City og Mati is stepping up its promotional efforts particularly in the social media to attract tourists to the city.


PCOO Sec. Coloma urges communicators to bridge information on climate change By Venus L. GarciaDAVAO CITY- “From the standpoint of communicators, it is important that information officers and all media sectors to perform the function of bridging information to create community understanding and awareness regarding the facets of climate change,” encouraged Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Sonny Coloma during the 1st day of 9th Mindanao Media Summit held in this city.


Sec. Coloma discussed the topic, “Communicating the Impact of Climate Change in Mindanao” in order that the people will have common understanding on climate change to have unified preparation and common objective – to have less if not zero casualty and damages in times of disaster.

He recalled the devastating effects of typhoon Sendong, Pablo, Ondoy and Yolanda calamities. He pointed out some contribution of human beings and other natural causes of these destructive catastrophes.

He challenged everyone to overcome the culture of complacency, to counter the resistance to change, and to strengthen capacity building.

“The vulnerability to climate change impacts are attributed to geographical location, poverty, health and other contributing factors. These have something to do with the morbidity and mortality rates,” said Coloma.

According to Sec. Coloma, one of the mitigating measures to lessen the impacts of disaster is to correct or change the practice and facilities that are not useful into effective and modern so that the bad experiences will not return again.

He said that because of scientific mechanism and use of social media, information is acquired conveniently and has raised public awareness such as employing

workable solutions on mitigating effects of climate change.

“At the grassgroots level we will be seeing significant knowledge-based improvement on disaster risk reduction management and resiliency and a very proactive local government as well,” Coloma added.

The Media Summit is a two-day event that gathered some hundred participating information officers from Philippine Information Agency-Mindanao cluster, academe and private media practitioners.


2015 Natl Caving Summit set in Surigao City

SURIGAO CITY-- Another milestone in tourism promotion is achieved by the local government here when the city won the bid to host the 2015 National Caving Summit

By Venus L. Garcia

This was revealed by city mayor Ernesto Matugas in his State of the Local Governance Report on Thursday, Apr. 24.

“The cave system in Brgy. Silop consisting of about 14 caves is one that we should be proud of and where we will hand in hand preserve for all generations to enjoy,” said Matugas.

Meanwhile, the city is including in its priority list of plans and projects the increase access to tourism attractions in the islands.

Matugas said that with the favorable consideration and approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, they hope to purchase this year the first tourist inter-island vessel which will provide a quality transport facility to support the promotion of island tours.

He, further said that the city’s tourist arrivals for 2013 reached a record high

of 202,261, registering a two percent growth compared to 2012 tourist arrival of 197,987.

“Our top foreign markets are countries in the North America region with 4,308 arrivals, from East Asia ranked second with 4,044, followed by Australia/Pacific countries which ranked third with 3,424, Western Europe as fourth with 862, and Northern Europe with 854 arrivals,” specified Matugas.

“These plans are just but the tip of our priorities but our programs, as evidenced by this report, remain encompassing and addressing development in all fronts. With your continued support to my leadership and administration, especially the new mandate you have given me last election, rest assured that I will pursue the same level of performance that you have come to know,” added Matugas.


AFP cites plan on Labor Day in CaragaTANDAG CITY-- Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Gregory Cayetano admitted that monitoring the movement of the New People’s Army (NPA) this coming Labor Day celebration on May 1 is a “usual procedure.” -ash.

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

Cayetano, whose area of responsibility (AOR) covers the two provinces of Caraga region—Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur—stressed that, hopefully, the armed rebels will do away with violence, instead, will exercise their rights to peaceful assembly.

However, the army officer expressed concern about the series of atrocities that the armed rebels had instigated while the Labor Day celebration is drawing near, confirming the two separate burning incidents of construction equipment in Barobo and Tago towns in Surigao

del Sur during the observance of the Holy Week.

Col. Cayetano said that these acts which directly affect the “cauldron” of these investors really scare and drive them away, adding that such atrocities do not secure the interest of workers, but rendering these members of the working class useless.

Also, the brigade commander has this piece of advice to all workers who are planning to stage a peaceful assembly and protest action on Labor Day: “Police your own ranks!”

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


1,797 examinees take Napolcom exams By Gideon C. CorguePAGADIAN CITY - A total of 1,797 examinees in region 9 took the Philippine National Police (PNP) Entrance and Promotional Examinations simultaneously conducted by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on April 27, 2014 at St. Columban College in Pagadian and Liloy National High School in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, respectively.


1,797 examinees take Napolcom exams

NAPOLCOM-9 Assistant Regional Director Pablito Abad Jr. said in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that of the 1,797 examinees, 623 took the police entrance examinations while the other 1,174 were distributed in various promotional test categories such as Superintendent, Police Inspector , Senior Police Officer, and Police Officer.

Abad disclosed that the examination team from NAPOLCOM Central Office headed by Atty. Elegio Lofrangco personally brought along the sealed examination box containing the examination materials.

Abad pointed out that the said examination is a tool aimed at upgrading the general qualification standards for appointment to the different ranks in the PNP organization as provided under RA 8551 or the Act Providing for the Reform and Reorganization of

the PNP.“With the exam, the qualification

standards of the commissioned officers, especially on eligibility, are also upgraded,” he elaborated.

The examination contained the following areas: verbal reasoning (vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar); quantitative reasoning (basic concepts, and problem-solving skills); and logical reasoning (induction, deduction, and synthesis).

Abad said the conduct of the said examinations was a success, as “the examinees faithfully adhered to the policies, rules and regulations set by NAPOLCOM.”

It can be recalled that a total of eight exams had been successfully administered in Pagadian City after the NAPOLCOM regional office was transferred from Zamboanga City to this city in 2008.


DOLE-Sibugay, PLGU spearhead summer job orientationBy Alma L. TingcangIPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay- Several students who were hopeful to land a job this summer flocked to the orientation program of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) together with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Zamboanga Sibugay.

The student applicants, who were gathered at the Center Podium of the Provincial Capitol, were grouped into two categories namely, the SPES babies and the Non-SPES babies.

Ms. Esther Yukoya, Provincial Human Resource Management Officer (PHRMO) of Sibugay explained that the SPES babies are those student applicants who enrolled in the program with at least two years of college education or a graduate of any two-year vocational course.

The Non-SPES babies, on the other hand, are those students who are on the secondary level.

OIC Elamsalih E. Ungad of DOLE-Sibugay said in an interview that the

SPES babies have already started in their respective assignments, both in the municipal and provincial areas, on April 14, while the Non-SPES babies have commenced their work on April 21.

OIC Ungad revealed that 60 percent of the students’ salary will be shouldered by the provincial government, while the remaining 40 percent will come from DOLE-Sibugay.

“The money earned by the students through this summer job will be for their usage to pay tuition fees and other school expenses for opening of classes this year, which is also the purpose of the SPES program,” said Ungad.


DOLE-Sibugay, PLGU spearhead summer job orientation

DOH recommends frequent hand washing to prevent spread of MERS-CoVby Ma. Leona Felice Echeveria

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Health – 10 (DOH 10) encourages every individual to cooperate in preventing the spread of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome–Corona Virus (MERS-CoV) by practicing proper hygiene and sanitation.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, April 23, Asst. Regional Director Dr. Adriano P. Suba-an reminded the public of the basic practices like proper hand washing and cough manners to

avert the possible spread of diseases, including MERS-CoV. He added that boosting the body’s resistance will likewise helps. MERS-CoV is transmitted through


Water projects in Bukidnon now operationalby Ana Celeste W. Felisilda

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Two water projects implemented by the officials and functionaries of the municipality of San Fernando in the province of Bukidnon were completed in the first quarter of this year.

The projects were funded under the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and intended for the two waterless barangays of the municipality. The barangays Matupe and Cayaga have completed their water projects in the amount of P2 million and P2.5 million respectively. Around 442 households with an actual population of 2,230, of barangay Matupe will now have access

to potable and safe water. Barangay Cayaga, on the other hand, has also completed their Water System which will benefit 270 households of the entire barangay. GPBP is a project of the Aquino Administration aimed at addressing poverty in the countryside by providing access to basic services to the community like safe water. Under the GPBP water supply system projects are implemented by the DILG.

person-to-person contact via airborne droplets when coughing or sneezing with incubation period of 10 to 14 days. To recall last week, a Filipino passenger of Etihad Flight 424 from Abu Dhabi turned positive result on MERS-CoV, which put other people on board on threat to the virus. Fortunately, the passenger tested negative upon screening by the DOH on arrival.

Adriano bared that there were also five passengers from flight 424 that were bound for northern Mindanao and that their Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (RESDU) has already tracked them down and were isolated immediately to avoid the possible spread of the virus. Four of these passengers are now tested negative. The one left is still waiting for the test result.


Water projects in Bukidnon now operational

DOH-PhilNos urges organ donation, transplantationby Jasper Marie Oblina-RucatCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Health – Philippine Network for Organ Sharing (DOH-PhilNOS) in their strategic planning workshop conducted here aimed to come up with the best plan to encourage the public in deceased organ donation and transplantation.

According to Dr. Antonio Paraiso, program manager for DOH-PhilNOS, there are 23,000 dialysis patients in the country and half of them are excellent transplant patients. He said that once a person dies, his or her organs are still functioning. There is a specific period after death that organs can be survived and used again on another person in need. However, he said that “Kaunti lang ang gustong magpa transplant; 100 plus lang of the total ang gustong magpa transplant. Gusto nila, buhay na donor.” (Only a few want to undergo transplant. Only 100 plus of the total wants to undergo transplant. They want a living donor) He said there are two types of donors, the living and brain dead donor. The living donor may be a Living

Related Donor (LRD) up to 4th degree consanguinity or a Non-Related Living Donor (NRLD) not related by blood but willing to donate based on certain reasons such as the husband or wife, friend and others which could fall to voluntary and commercial donors. Meanwhile, brain

dead donors are those that passed away through head injury, stroke or accident among others. Dr. Paraiso explained though that the donation is not done by the dead but the next of kin after he is dead. However, through their Lifeline advocacy, anyone who wishes to donate their organs after they pass away may do so now. They must apply, request and fill up a form from PhilNos at [email protected]. Once they are approved, they will be given a Lifeline donor card. Dr. Paraiso says all Lifeline donor card owners are automatically included in the master list of potential organ donors and a priority when they are also in need of donors.

one mindanao - april 28, 2014

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