one mindanao - february 18, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)

P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0908-8843404E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)

J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)

Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

DOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

JAYV NICOLAI N. PARNADA, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

CONTENTS

AgNor gov ensures nutrition of children

DAR-ZN turns-over SRI equipment, mallard ducks to DPIA

13

25

2930

18

Pag-IBIG weds couple of 52 yearsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

Customs launches “bible” for all regulated products

Turkey, Indonesia convey messages of support for Mindanao peace process

TESDA offers P60M scholarship package for 2015

Foreign bird watchers caught in Army-NPA clash, all safe

Peace council urges barangay heads to support terrorist watch of Ozamiz police

By: Aimee B. Sienes

10

By: Perlita B. Changco

1735 POPCOM celebrates 45 years

of contribution to sustainable population, developmentBy: Malou Pizarro-Apego

By: Mary May A. Abellon

By: Edmar C. Pabia

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

34 DPWH-XI starts Davao City’s Diversion Road expansion biddingBy: RG Alama

713

15 35

23

28

“Kasalan ng Bayan” benefit 89 couples in Pagadian26By: Leah D. Agonoy

By: Michael Uy

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob

By: IJMLagare37 Gensan, Red Cross launch family

card for indigents

4 FEBRUARY 18, 2015One Mindanao4 FEBRUARY 18, 2015One Mindanao4

Pag-IBIG weds couple of 52 years By: Danilo E. Doguiles

the Home Mutual Development Fund (HDMF) or more popularly known as Pag-IBIG Fund finally made official on Thursday the wedding of two people who have been

together for 52 years.

5FEBRUARY 18, 2015 One Mindanao

Egmedio Corpuz, 77 and Julieta Binzon-Corpuz, 69 decisively tied the knot along with 86 other couples in a mass wedding ceremony solemnized by Mayor Ronnel Rivera at Carlos P. Garcia Park here.

“We are very surprised as our parents informed us only two days ago that they are finally getting married today. Nevertheless, our happiness is unfathomable as we have been wishing for this day to come since we were still young children,” said Ofelia Silva, 52, the eldest daughter of the Corpuz couple. Engr. Domingo Cania II, Branch Head of Pag-IBIG Gensan disclosed that for four years now, Pag-IBIG’s “Kasalan ng Bayan” hopes to help couples, who wish to be married but have no financial means to do so, undergo the rites of marriage.Cania shared to the newly-weds the benefits of their membership to the Fund as well as his personal advice on how to keep a marriage lasting through the four “P’s.”

“Please remember these 4Ps: Patience, Perseverance, do away with Pride, and to Pray always,” he said.

Meanwhile, Julieta recalled how she and Egmedio kept their relationship strong despite the absence of marriage for 52 years.

She admitted that their dream to get married was long been “buried in oblivion” because they do not have the money to expend for a decent wedding ceremony.

“We then settled to just be complacent with our love for each other. After all, we still have seven children to raise, and spending for a wedding is no longer a priority,” she explained.

Alden Tampus, 30, and Rowena Pateño-Tampus, 21 also shared their thankfulness over the free wedding ceremony arranged by Pag-IBIG Fund and the City Government of Gensan

6 FEBRUARY 18, 2015One Mindanao

for them. Rowena, is currently seven months pregnant of her second baby and finding money to spend for their wedding seemed impossible for the past years.

“We had wedding plans since four years ago, but it was not materialized because we could not afford even a simple civil rite. In fact, we have completed all the requirements for a civil wedding since 2012, but we could not ask help from our parents since they are as poor as we are,” she said. The Corpuz couple expressed their gratitude to Pag-IBIG Fund for bridging the realization of their dream through the “I Do. I Do. Araw ng Pag-IBIG” program.

The “red carpet-inspired” wedding was attended by

Egmedio and Julieta’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “But through the “I Do. I Do. Araw ng Pag-IBIG” program, our almost forgotten dream to get married now came true” said egmedio. Ikinatuwa naman ng mag-asawang Corpuz ang libreng kasalan na ipinagkaloob ng Pag-IBIG Fund sa pakikipagtulongan ng lokal na pamahalaan dahilan sa naisakatuparan din umano ang matagal na nilang minimithing kasal na walang gastos. Naging napaka espesyal umano ang selebrasyon na ibinase sa konseptong “garden wedding” at “red carpet” na dinaluhan naman ng mga anak, apo, maging apo sa tuhod ng mag-asawa.


MANILA - The Palace has announced the approval of several infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing trade, following Monday’s meeting of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Benigno S.

Palace announces approval of major infrastructure projects

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said that the approved projects include the construction of the P5.1-

billion Panguil Bay Bridge, which will connect the city of Tangub in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao del Norte.


Once the bridge is constructed, travel time between the two areas will be reduced from two-and-a-half hours to 37 minutes, Coloma said. Many areas in northern Mindanao will benefit from the project, among them the Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City), the Davao region, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), he said.

The NEDA Board also approved the expansion of the P6.7-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) from two lanes to four lanes,

and the P20-billion North Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector Road Project, which needed to be re-approved after a lapse of 18 months.

Also approved by the NEDA Board was the Cavite-Laguna Expressway Project (CALAX).

In November last year, President Aquino instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to rebid the project and on Monday the NEDA Board approved it, Coloma said, adding that the bid parameter will be the highest premium, with a minimum bid price of P20.105 billion.

Also approved on Monday was the first phase of the North-South Commuter Railway Project under the Department of Transportation and Communications. The P117.3-billion project will center on the construction of a 36.7-km narrow-gauge elevated commuter railway of the Philippine National Railways from Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila. The project also involves the


procurement of rolling stock and installation of electro-mechanical systems, Coloma said.

Also approved for implementation was the North-South Railway Project -- South Line commuter railway project from Tutuban to Calamba, Laguna and the long haul railway operations between Tutuban and Legaspi, Albay. This includes the extended operations on the branch line between Calamba and Batangas and extension between Legaspi and Matnog, Sorsogon, Coloma said. The project involves the repair and rehabilitation of existing rail lines, he said.

The projects approved by the NEDA Board aim to ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila, especially the NLEX-SLEX Connector and the CALAX, he said. “Importante kasi ito dahil ang patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya ay nakabatay doon sa pagiging mahusay ang daloy ng produkto at mga tao at na-identify na po ang congestion sa Metro Manila bilang isang pangunahing

problema,” Coloma said. “Malaking oras at malaking halaga ang nasasayang dahil sa mahigpit ng kondisyon ng traffic sa Kamaynilaan. Kaya ito ay tuwirang tinutukoy sa pamamagitan nitong mga connectivity and infrastructure projects,” he added. (PCOO/PND (as)


“Some importers and brokers would resort to bribery just to make their transactions with the Bureau faster, and at the same time, with little or no knowledge of the import process, traders

are often victimized or exploited by unscrupulous Customs employees. By making the list of all regulated products and their corresponding import regulations and required clearances / permits

Customs launches “bible” for all regulated products

MANILA - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has come up with a masterlist of all of the regulated import products in the country and their corresponding import requirements that can be downloaded online in a bid to help minimize corruption and make the importing process more transparent.


readily available online, we are empowering the public so they can transact with the Bureau with less hassle and at the same time eliminate any room for corruption in our personnel,” Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla said. “There will be less legwork for importers and brokers as they wouldn’t have to go from one agency to another just to inquire about the permits / clearances needed for importation and at the same time, our front-liners will be empowered as they now have a single reference list for all regulated products. They don’t have to guess what permits are needed for a certain product. They won’t make the mistake of requesting for wrong or unnecessary clearance / permit,” Sevilla said.

According to Sevilla, this is the first time that a single reference list of all regulated products has ever been done. “This is the first in the history of Customs that such a ‘bible’ of all regulated imports and

their corresponding import requirements has ever been compiled. This is truly a major step in improving the Customs process.”

“By taking stock of all regulations, permits, and clearances of various government agencies, we were able to see that many products require clearances from multiple agencies. We are hoping that this would also serve as a catalyst of change for the different regulatory bodies to revisit their rules or regulations so that in the future we can have unified clearances for products that are presently requiring more than one permit to import.”

The list of regulated imports can be downloaded by going to the BOC website customs.gov.ph and clicking the banner BOC Regulated Imports List. Just download all the links in one folder in your computer to be able to access the list including the user’s guide.

The downloadable imports list comes in three versions:


by specific product, by broad category product, and by the regulating agency. All three lists contain information for over 7,400 regulated products ranging from basic commodities like rice and sugar to vehicles, iron and steel products, oil, and electronic goods, among others. Each row in the list corresponds to one product. Also included in the row is the product’s category, who can import it, its regulating agency, list of prerequisite documents for Customs clearance, links to regulating agencies’ clearances and permits, among others.

The BOC is advising importers and brokers to download and view the Regulated Imports List as the Bureau will strictly implement all the requirements shown in

the list beginning April 20, 2015. All imports of products included in the list must have the required permits from the regulating agencies in the masterlist before it can be cleared by Customs.

“Because the online masterlist will become the basis of all involved in the importation of products—from the importers, brokers, to the Customs personnel, we will make sure that the list is updated if ever there are any changes in regulations,” Sevilla said.

BOC has requested regulating government agencies that if there will be changes in their regulations on imports, to inform BOC at least one month in advance before implementation so that the Bureau can reflect the changes in the master list.

The regulatory products master list web page was first announced by Sevilla during the Economic Development Cluster Meeting last Friday, February 13. (customs.gov.ph)


Turkey, Indonesia convey messages of support for Mindanao peace process By: Michael Uy

MANILA - Turkey and Indonesia have added their voices in support of the Mindanao peace process amid the fallout of the Mamasapano incident.security plan to prevent similar incident to happen during the sporting event on May 3-9.


“We attach great importance to the resolute continuation of the Southern Philippines Peace Process, constituting a model for peace and cooperation in the region,” Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release issued last January 30. “We hope that this regrettable incident will not damage the process and the cooperation between the parties,” the Ministry added. During his expanded bilateral meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 09, Indonesian President Joko Widodo likewise reiterated his government’s commitment to the Mindanao peace process though Indonesia’s continued participation in the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Australia, Canada, Libya, Norway, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States have also expressed support for the Philippine Government’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao as they offered their condolences to the families and loved ones of the 44 PNP-SAF personnel who were killed in the line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. (DFA)


Employment rate up in Caraga Region - DOLE

BUTUAN CITY- The employment rate in Caraga region goes up during the start of the last quarter last year while the unemployment and underemployment declined during the same period, according to a top labor regional official here.

By: Noel B. Najarro


AgNor gov ensures nutrition of childrenBy: Aimee B. Sienes

BUTUAN CITY - Agusan del Norte governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell “Angel” M. Amante-Matba is making sure that children enrolled in the day care centers in the province are given proper health and nutrition.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga regional director Atty. Johnson G. Cañete during the monthly press forum with the local media here on Monday disclosed that at the start of the last quarter of last year (October) compared to the start of the third quarter (July), data from the Labor Force Survey (LFS) shows that the employment rate here in the region goes up from 94.4 percent (on July) to 95.8 percent (in October) last year. Canete also said that the unemployment rate declined from 5.6 percent (in July) to 4.2 percent (in October). The underemployment also went down from 26.3 percent (in July) to 22.0 percent (in October). Part of the forum was the update given by each attached agencies of the DOLE. According to Cañete, the reports from DOLE’s attached

agencies and the other government line agencies also support the facts and figures of the LFS latest survey result. The official added that the visible manifestations of these are the constructions seen everywhere in the region, the establishments of banks, the most recent of which was the Central Bank Butuan branch, the establishment of subdivision and housing projects, business establishments, mining industries and many other indicators. “Even the business sector here such as the chambers of commerce and industries can attest that business here in the region is doing well,” Canete said. The media forum was followed by the Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC) meeting chaired by Atty. Cañete, attended by other officials of DOLE’s attached agencies.


In coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XIII, and as part of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program, governor Matba will sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD for the Supplementary Feeding Program. This program is a provision of food in addition to the regular meals to currently enrolled day care children to reduce malnutrition rates among pre-schoolers. For proper implementation of the program in the

municipalities of Santiago and Jabonga, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently authorized governor Matba to sign the said MOA with DSWD. Based on this, it is hoped that no more children in the province will be malnourished. To recall, three municipalities last 2014 have already implemented the Supplementary Feeding program namely, the municipalities of Las Nieves, Tubay and Nasipit.


TESDA offers P60M scholarship package for 2015 By: Malou Pizarro-Apego

BUTUAN CITY - At least P60 million scholarship package will be offered by the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga to all the Caraganons for the year 2015.

TESDA Caraga regional director Florencio Sunico Jr. said, included in the P59.697 million scholarship package is the P40.5 million appropriation for the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), P9.1 million for the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA) and P10M for the Special Training for Employment. Sunico also bared a 100 percent increase in the budget for TWSP for 2015 from only P20 million last year to more than P40 million this year.Sunico adds more than 9,500 students will be able to take

advantage of the Special Training for Employment Program where each student will stand to benefit an average of P6,213 from the fund. Meanwhile, as part of its 20th anniversary celebration, TESDA Caraga announces its offering of free assessment to government workers. Sunico said, the free assessment is open to drivers, welders, mechanics and other government employees who want to acquire a certification from TESDA.


Zambo passengers of Saudia airlines have no trace of MERS-CoV – City Health OfficeBy: Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The four of the five co-passengers of the pregnant Filipina nurse diagnosed with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) who flew to Zamboanga City have no traces of the disease so far, said City Health Officer Rodelin Agbulos in a press conference here Monday.


Dr. Agbulos told the press that upon arrival in the city, the four passengers were diagnosed with no symptoms of MERS-CoV.

“The passengers are asymptomatic, meaning they had no signs of the symptoms of the virus,” Dr. Agbulos explained. He added that the City Health Office is continuously monitoring the passengers for any symptoms.

“The fifth was not monitored since the passenger immediately proceeded to Jolo province, said Agbulos. But the passenger was already reported to the Department of Health (DOH) to be monitored in the province.

Last Sunday (February 15), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma bared that two more co-passengers of the Filipina nurse were monitored to have been exhibiting symptoms, and are already under isolation.

“The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Makati is monitoring the two patients, and providing them with medical care,” Coloma said over Radyo ng Bayan.

On February 1, Saudia Airlines

flight 860 arrived in Manila with 225 passengers on board, including the confirmed MERS-COV patient, and the five who had already reached Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, the DOH has been reminding the passengers to immediately seek medical assistance or contact the local DOH if they experience symptoms such as fever, body pain, or difficulty in breathing. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also other possible symptoms.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as of February, 358 people have already died from the virus worldwide. Medical scientists from all over the world are still uncertain as to how the virus originated, although they generally believe that it came from an animal source. To date, medical authorities believe that MERS-CoV is spread due to close contact with an infected person, although health agencies now are still trying to determine the specifics of its spread,

The WHO continuously advises governments to monitor acute respiratory infections and to “carefully review unusual patterns.”


DAR-ZN turns-over SRI equipment, mallard ducks to DPIABy: Mary May A. AbellonDIPOLOG CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Zamboanga del Norte has recently turned-over System of Rice Intensification (SRI) equipment and 980 mallard ducks to the Dipolog-Polanco Irrigators Association (DPIA) at Upper Turno this city.

DAR allocated P993,715 for the SRI subproject through its ARCP2, which is funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB), inclusive of training for farmer-beneficiaries from Dec. 9, 2014 to March 24, 2015.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Moh. Dassan J. Adju disclosed that Zamboanga

del Norte had received the biggest allocation among provinces because “they have seen our efforts and cooperation from the local government units (LGUs), farmers and the community.”

Meanwhile, City Agriculturist Jose Kerr Porlas said that the provincial government of Zamboanga del


Norte and the city government of Dipolog would give the DPIA additional 600 and 2,000 mallard ducks, respectively.

These mallard duck, locally known as “itik” are intended to control pests in the rice fields and for “balot-making” to give the farmers addidtional income.

The beneficiaries were given also five pieces of mechanical weeder and three pieces of 10-kilogram weighing scales.

For her part, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy told the farmer-beneficiaries “Dipolog will have more irrigated rice fields with the help of the national government and our counterpart funds.”

“Kasalan ng Bayan” benefit 89 couples in PagadianBy: Leah D. Agonoy

PAGADIAN CITY – Mayor Romeo Pulmones officiated this year’s Kasalan ng Bayan with 89 couples saying “I Do” to their partners last Feb. 14 at the Executive Function Hall, City Hall Complex here.


In his message, Pulmones thanked the couples in behalf of the officials of Pagadian City for availing the ‘Kasalan ng Bayan’ saying that securing their own marriage certificate is not only an advantage for them as a couple but is most importantly for their children.

“Marriage is very important especially to your children so they could be called as legitimate children,” the Mayor said.

“When your children want to join sports activities like the division meet, regional meet or “Palarong Pambansa,” and if coaches and sports officials doubt the real age of your children because they look older than their age, they would be asked to present security paper (SECPA) from the NSO as well as marriage certificate of their parents,” Pumones explained

Pulomes said the marriage certificate is part of the requirements of the agencies hiring employees abroad.

“There are requirements that need your names in the document that is why marriage certificates is also needed….”

“We are grateful that we have leaders in the city who are supportive of the program. We have noticed that there are many would-be couples would like to avail of the program and have seen the importance

of the wedding,” Pulmones said adding they are expecting more couples to avail of the Kasalan ng Bayan next year.

Meanwhile, City Civil Registrar Officer Leonardo Acorda related that in Pagadian City, the Kasalan ng Bayan started in 1999 and was conducted through clustered barangays.

Acorda added that “every February we celebrate the Civil Registration Month” pursuant to a memorandum issued by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) enjoining all local civil registrars to initiate a program like the “Kasalan ng Bayan.”

He added that the wedding would benefit most the couples’ children, as it would be more advantageous for them to be born to legally married parents.

After the ceremony, Pulmones distributed awards to pregnant bride who is nearest her delivery period, youngest pair and oldest pair.

Mayor Pulmones also gave awards to seven couples from the city’s farthest barangay, Lison Valley.


PhilHealth Iligan marks 20th anniversary with tree planting

ILIGAN CITY - The Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) in Iligan city and Lanao del Norte commemorates PhilHealth’s 20th anniversary with tree planting of 1,000 fruit bearing seedlings surrounding the school premise of Kalubihon High School in Dalipuga, Iligan city.

By: Lorry V. Gabule

This is simultaneous with the ‘PhilHealth Nationwide Run’ in other regions outside Mindanao on February 15. Christine Mae M. Garcia-Magno, chief social insurance officer, LHIO Iligan and Lanao del Norte, said they have invited the Barangay Council of Dalipuga, non-government organizations, civic clubs, different city government offices and other national government line agencies, students and parents of


the said school, and other youth in the community. They also invited the Kapagintaw Band of the Iligan Medical Center College, to make the activity meaningful with their songs about environment. Further, Magno said in pursuit of its corporate social responsibility, PhilHealth regional offices in Mindanao planted 20,000 trees as it commemorates its anniversary this year.

PhilHealth anniversary falls every 14th of February of every year, but we conduct the activities on the 15th of February considering that it’s a weekend, said Magno. She added the tree planting activity is part of PhilHealth’s contribution to the nation’s effort of protecting and preserving the environment, thus, we eagerly look forward to a partnership with our organization.

Foreign bird watchers caught in Army-NPA clash, all safe

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - A stray bullet hit a local tour guide while guiding seven foreign nationals who went bird watching, Friday morning, near Mt. Kitanglad Nature Park in barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City.

By: Edmar C. Pabia

The victim, Carlito Gayramara, who is now in Malaybalay Polymedic General Hospital, said a bullet passed through his left arm when they were caught in the crossfire with nowhere to hide at about 8:00 a.m, February 13. Based on the visitors’ permit granted, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources

(DENR) here identified the birdwatchers as British nationals Peter Simpson, Paul Thomas Rendell, and Jill Patricia Rendell; Danish nationals Leo Soegaard Borch, Birgitte Noerregaard, and Ole Frederiksen; and Australian national Richard Lindsay Johnstone. In an interview, Col. Jesse A. Alvarez, army’s 403rd brigade commander, said one of the foreigners


was reported lost and killed but he clarified that the Australian national only went into hiding and got separated from the group when he heard series of gunshots. On same day, he said, the seven foreign tourists were back to their homesteads in Cagayan de Oro City. The army’s 1st Special Forces Battalion had a clash with the rebel

groups three days earlier in nearby Kapitan Anghel, also in this city, Alvarez said. “One of our soldiers was wounded and eventually died during that clash. That’s why our troops were in the area to pursue the rebels,” he said.

This, as mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., chairperson of CPOC, has directed the barangay leaders to activate their Barangay Patrol Action Teams (BPAT) and actively participate in the campaign to spot the terrorists in their respective areas. “This could be our contribution to the Mindanao peace process, currently being talked about, to make sure that we do not allow terrorists to roam around our city, freely and continue with their threats,” the mayor said during this year’s first full council meeting, held here, last Feb. 13.

Just recently, OCPS has launched a terrorist watch for Rener Lou Pidoy Dongon, also as (a.k.a.) Ren-Ren and Kudri, a student of Zulkifli bin Hir a.k.a. Marwan in making bombs, and one of the suspects in the bombing of Maxandria Hotel and Rosario Arcade, both of Cagayan de Oro City, last 2012 and 2013, respectively. A resident of barangay Tinago, Baroy, Lanao del Norte, Dongon has deep links to the international terrorist movement, as his sister Zainab is one of Marwan’s wives. Another sister Aminah is married

Peace council urges barangay heads to support terrorist watch of Ozamiz police

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - The Ozamiz City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has called on the chiefs of the city’s 55 barangays to support the “terrorist watch” of the Ozamiz City Police Station (OCPS).

By: Rutchie C. Aguhob


to Jainal Antel Sali, a.k.a. Abu Solaiman, while a third sister, Norain, is wife of Ahmad Santos, founder of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM) Abu Tariq and member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who was killed when the bomb he was holding exploded, police superintendent Michael Cadiogan Bawayan, Jr., chief of OCPS, said. Among the documents recovered from Dongon, when he eluded arrest by authorities in Marawi City, was a certification of a drug test he took from the Mehakans Drug Testing Center,

located at the Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal (IBJT) Building, in barangay Maloro, Tangub City, which only proves that he has freely entered Misamis Occidental, Bawayan said. “His picture is now posted in commercial establishments, city malls/eateries, piers, bus terminals, public markets, and other public places, and in the social media, so his presence in the city can be reported to the OCPS, either by calling telephone nos. 521-2201/586-0211/166 or through email: [email protected],” the OCPS chief said.


DavNor DOLE provides banca engines, fishing materials to Panabo fisherfolk

DAVAO DEL NORTE- The Department of La-bor and Employment (DOLE) turned over on February 13, nine ban-ca engines to Gamay na Organisasyon sa Mang-ingisda ug Sanktuaryo (GUGMASAN), a fisher-folk organization based in Panabo City. Lym Ongoy, DOLE Davao del Norte information officer, said that the facilities were granted to GUGMASAN as livelihood assistance to the fisherfolk. “Our office has always been supporting the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers for capacity-building in our program – DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP),” Ongoy said. He disclosed that the project cost P 161,390 and additional fishing paraphernalia amounting to around P 51,000 will

also be provided to the association. Ongoy also bared that the City Government of Panabo added one banca engine that was given to the association. “Since we cannot provide an engine for each member, we agreed that it will be utilized by the members in an equipment rental scheme, with which they are the ones who will patronize it and given priority,” he said. He added that based on their study, the fisherfolk were renting engines from other sources prior to the turn-over. GUGMASAN is a fisherfolk association with 53 members that is being registered through DOLE last 2014. During the turn-over, Panabo City Councilor Renante Bangoy advised the association to properly care for the facilities given to them.

By: Michael Uy


DPWH-XI starts Davao City’s Diversion Road expansion bidding

“Hopefully, you will take this equipment as if you bought them with your hard-earned money be-cause sometimes we often value less those that are just easily given to us specially by the government,” Ban-goy said. Meanwhile, Ongoy also revealed that the DOLE Davao del Norte will implement a total of P 15.359-million

Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) projects for this year. The amount covered projects that will be implemented in Asun-cion worth P 1.043-million, Panabo City with P1-million, Tagum City with P10.016-million, New Corella with P1-million and Talaingod with P1.8-million.

DAVAO CITY- The Department of Public Works and Highways has announced that they are now accepting bids for the expansion of the Carlos P. Garcia Highway or better known as the Diversion Road. The bid is for P264-million worth of projects under the expansion of the diversion road which has been allotted P554-million. The road connects the southern and northern points of the City and decongests Davao City’s main thoroughfares. Guesting at Kapihan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao last Monday (Feb. 16) DPWH-XI regional director Mariano Alquiza said the road project which will connect Puan, Bangkal Ulas and Talomo will be one of the deparment’s priority projects for 2015.The connection will involve around

2.6 kilometers of road network. Earlier DPWH has shelved the Ulas flyover project as based on studies it would not contribute much to traffic alleviation in the area. With the construction of the extension, trucks will have the option of not passing through the national highway in Ulas and instead proceed to the diversion road. The P554-million project will involve the widening of Maa and Pangi bridges which will be converted into four-lane bridges.

By: RG Alama


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb 18 – Some 370 internally displaced persons (IDPs) here recently received aid from the local government unit through the cash-for-work assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

IDPs receive cash aid from LGU Gensan

The IDPs—individuals who had lost their homes and properties through calamities such as fire and flood—received P2,925 each for working 15 days last December 2014 under the supervision of community social workers.

Beneficiaries were paid P195 per day for doing repairs and refurbishments in their damaged properties and cleaning their community.

They also attended a two-day training on family disaster preparedness with the help of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to learn basics of disaster response.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera visited the distribution of cash assistance, as he “is eager to be of service to the vulnerable (sector) of the city.”

“I really know that there a lot of indigents and IDPs here in the city that we should help through various social services programs. The assistance they received is a proof that we are trying to hasten and extend the reach of our service,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera also told the IDPs, “I wanted to apologize to all of you that it is only now that you received your cash assistance. Some of you should have received this last 2011.”

“But of course, we should not blame. What is important in this point is that you have your cash assistance,” he added.

Field Operations Head of the City Social Welfare

By: IJMLagare


and Development Office (CSWDO) Arabecque Batilong said the budget used for the cash-for-work assistance came from the national office of DSWD through their IDP program, amounting to around P1.1 million.

One of the recipients was Reynaldo Ancajas of Barangay Calumpang. His house was burned in 2011.

“I thank the local government of

General Santos and especially to the mayor for pushing this program until we have our cash assistance. This would really help sustain my family’s need,” Ancajas said.

Other IDPs are from the following barangays: North (35), South (56), Calumpang (61), Bula (38), Heights (71), Lagao (9), Tambler (1), West (4), Apopong (1), Fatima (14), and Labangal (80).

COTABATO CITY, Feb. 18-- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) celebrates its 45th year anniversary on February 18, 2015. Since its establish ment, POPCOM has taken the lead in contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of all Filipinos through responsible parenting, better health and education, attainment of population outcomes that are in harmony with available resources and sustainable environmental conditions, and reduction of poverty and inequalities in human development opportunities.

POPCOM celebrates 45 years of contribution to sustainable population, developmentBy: Perlita B. Changco


A one-day event will be conducted in POPCOM Building, Mandaluyong City between 8:00AM- 5:00 PM with activities that include tree planting within the POPCOM grounds, thanksgiving mass, ribbon cutting and viewing of photo exhibit, wellness activities, and conduct of KalusugangPangkalahatan (KP) Roadshow Activities including Family Development Session/Responsible Parenting-Family Planning (FDS/RP-FP) session, KalalakihangTapatsaResponsibilidad at ObligasyonsaPamilya (KATROPA) session, and Youth-for-You (U4U) teen trail initiative. Residents of Mandaluyong City and specifically Barangay Addition Hills will be the beneficiaries of the activity, which is the way by which POPCOM gives thanks to its host community.

The celebration will also showcase the soft launch of the awarding ceremony of the Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA) 2014 which will commence in August 2015. The award is designed to perpetuate the legacy of Rafael M. Salas by honoring local government units, local chief executives and institutions or individuals for their outstanding contributions in the field of population and development.

To drumbeat the celebration in Region 12, a simple gathering of Population officers and stakeholders will be held at Villa Princessita, Koronadal City which will be covered by live stream of the national office.

On its 45th year in service, POPCOM hopes to further heighten

the consciousness and provoke a meaningful discussion among government, non-government officials, individuals, and institutions that would lead to finding best ways to maximize the implementation of population management programs and services, not only in the national but also local levels. With the dedication, commitment and invaluable service of its staff, partners, and stakeholders, POPCOM aims that its current efforts for and with our Filipino people will be further strengthened and hopes that it will pave the way for the attainment of its vision of well-planned-, healthy, happy, prosperous, and empowered Filipino families.


GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Feb 18-- The city government of General Santos and the Philippine Red Cross has collaborated in a project that would provide health and life security for the marginalized sector here.

Gensan, Red Cross launch family card for indigents

The project tagged as C.L.E.A.N. Gensan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) Family Card, aims to give the poorest of the poor of the city multiple health benefits from the local government and its partner agencies.

Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Red Cross Governor Miguel Zubiri led the launching of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card at Robinson’s Mall on February 6.

Through the family card, the Red Cross commits to give P150 per day up to 60 days who will be hospitalized at the Gensan City Hospital to compensate for temporary loss of income.

Prime holders of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card are eligible for accidental death and disablement and dismemberment benefits worth P35,000 from the Social Security System (SSS).

On the other hand, LGU General Santos City will also enroll the beneficiaries to the Point of Care Program of the PHILHEALTH , which also assures that the beneficiaries of “no balance billing” upon discharge.

Besides these, card holders also receive mortuary benefit worth P20,000 (from SSS), death

benefits, psychological services for the members of the family of the prime card holders while in crises, and a birthday treat, if hospitalized during natal day, loan privileges, retirement pension at age 60, and maternity allowance.

Mayor Rivera tapped the Philippine Red Cross to take part in the initiative of extending the ability to render social services through the City Mayor’s Office Integrated Barangay Affairs (CMO-IBA)

“I want to thank our beloved Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera for letting Red Cross be part of this social contract called CLEAN Gensan,” Zubiri said at the launching ceremony.

“As an NGO, the Red Cross is continually doing its role to help those who are in need. I am very glad that the local government of General Santos City is now our partner in this advocacy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Robinsons Mall of Gensan has also provided a space at their food court for the CLEAN Gensan Family Card Kiosk, which will

By: IJMLagare


cater to the queries and applications regarding the program.

Mayor Rivera is targeting 11,900 indigents to be enrolled in the CLEAN Gensan Family Card this year.

Currently, 985 individuals from 17 barangays here in the city are qualified to be first beneficiaries of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card as assessed by the City Social Welfare and Development O f f i c e .

These consist of 70 individuals in Bula, 58 in Sinawal, 70 in Calumpang, 47 in San Jose, 58 in Olympog, 70 in Apopong, 70 in Labangal, 70 in Fatima, 58 in Baluan, 70 in Lagao, 58 in Tambler, 58 in North, 58 in Ligaya, 16 in RSWA-Fatima, 38 in RSWA-Mabuhay, 58 in Batomelong, and 58 in Conel.

Miriam Grace Pamong, regional vice president of Philhealth vowed that they will continue to work hand-in-hand with the city government for better d i s s e m i n a t i o n

of services.“We are thankful that the local

government is coordinating with us in their programs. Personally, this is a good opportunity from us to extend our services to the people of General Santos City,” Pamonag sais.

one mindanao - february 18, 2015

Documents

pia region ixthelma

pia region xolivia

pia region ixalma

pia surigao

pia agusan

pia caraga region nora

pia caraga updates

pia region xzener dumaguing