one mindanao - january 22, 2016

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ 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

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]

SOCCSKSARGEN RegionBautista 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]

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA 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 EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSDOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

Misamis Oriental promotes booming tourism spots

Cover Story

By: Nelia Quijano & Mariel B. Urdaneta

today’s news

PHL to pilot WEF and WIPO’s Inventors Assistance Program

12

32 Free deworming to schoolchildren slated Jan. 27By: Claro A. Lanipa

Former senators continue to back peace process, BBL constitutionality

16

34 Ipilenos celebrate Feast of Santo NinoBy: Rhea Grace A. Laplana

38 8IB pins ranks of newly promoted officer

20 DOLE 12 gets nomination for CSC 2015 PAGASA Award

By: Rhea C. Abao

By: Susil D.. Ragas

By: Norman M Tagros24

26

DA Caraga gives access for more opportunities

DTI Surigao Norte to accept accreditation of service, repair shops

NATIONAL INFOCUS

WESTERN NORTHERN

SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

12 16 19

22 3036

39 SB 5, 3 okayed

4 January 22, 2016One Mindanao

promotes booming tourism spotsMisamis Oriental

5January 22, 2016 One Mindanao

The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental continues in its campaign “Explore MisOr” by welcoming the New Year with

Kuyamis Festival, an annual event which highlights the core product of the province which is coconut.

promotes booming tourism spotsMisamis Oriental By: Nelia Quijano & Mariel B. Urdaneta


The Kuyamis Festival has been launched three years ago which served as a venue in promoting various products made from Kuyamis. This celebration also a way to boost Tourism Industry that includes the showcasing of handicraft items and Filipino specialty prepared by the different municipalities of

Misamis Oriental.

Kuyamis is a type of coconut which believed to where Misamis derived its name. It also contributed to the livelihood of the province hence, making the province ranked as fifth over the top 10 major coconut producers nationwide.


Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano said the purpose of the festival is to promote the coconut industry of the province, in an effort of strengthening its product development in support of the tourism thrust geared towards making Misamis Oriental as the coconut capital of the Philippines.

During a live interview in Lambo Dyes, a radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) region 10 at DXIM Radyo Ng Bayan, Misamis Oriental Information Officer Allyn Auxtero Peñalosa said that this year, the province is celebrating its 86th Foundation Anniversary and 3rd Kuyamis Festival at the Capitol


Grounds. Peñalosa said that the province has two hot springs, two white islands and 70 waterfalls. She added that governor Bambi Emano discovered that Misamis Oriental has potential tourism spots that will definitely make it boom in tourism.

She said that once the tourism industry be developed and become stable, even with local officials replaced, the industry will continue and make progress for the province and everybody. Two of those Misamis Oriental



aspiring tourism spots are the Agutayan White Island and Sagpulon Falls which is currently being developed. Agutayan White Island which is located in Jasaan has its Watch tower where Giant Clamps can be seen. With the help of STEAG State Power Inc., a power producing company in the province, the Watch Tower adds more attraction to tourists. Another is the Sagpulon falls which is also located in Jasaan. It is already in its 82% completion with its function rooms and cottages for the visitors.

Misamis Oriental received a National award, where it sits fifth among the top 10 coconut producing industry in the Philippines. Also, in year 2017 Kuyamis Festival will be accredited as National Festival not only here in Misamis Oriental but also internationally. Kuyamis Festival with Ordinance Number 133-14 is the official Festival of Misamis Oriental every first week of January.

MANILA -- President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday recognized the role of the youth in nation-building during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 13 Awarding Ceremony in Malacañang Palace.

10 accomplished youth organizations honored

“Sa mga gaya ninyong kabataan, talagang sumusulong at umaarangkada ang ating bayan,” Aquino said. “Simple lang ang pangarap ko, ang ipamana sa mga susunod na henerasyon ang isang bansang

hindi hamak na mas maunlad, mas mapayapa at mas matatag kaysa sa ating dinatnan.” The President said the youth is the hope of the motherland.



He also praised the awardees, saying that instead of complaining and doing nothing, they volunteered to help others and uplift the condition of the country. “Kaya nga ang hamon at panawagan sa ating lahat, tularan ang magandang halimbawa ng ating awardees at ng iba pa nating kapwang tunay na nagmamalasakit at kumakalinga sa ating bansa,” he said. “Huwag kayong mapagod maglingkod, magsilbi at gumawa ng mabuti.”

The TAYO winners are:•School of Law and Community Enrichment, University of San Jose Recoletos, Cebu City•I Am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Inc., Mandaluyong City•Tanay Mountaineers, Tanay, Rizal•Kanlaon Theater Guild, Bacolod City•Environment and Climate Change Research Institute, De

La Salle Araneta University, Malabon City•Keep Hope Alive, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro•Youth Sports Advocacy, Quezon City•Bayugan National Comprehensive High School-YECS, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur•Tobog Youth Organization, Oas, Albay•UP ALCHEMES (Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students) Quezon City

The TAYO Awards Foundation is the country’s sole award-giving body that grants nationwide recognition to youth organizations for their outstanding contributions to nation-building and development. The TAYO 13 was organized by the TAYO Awards Foundation, the National Youth Commission, and the Office of Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. (PCOO/

One Mindanao14 January 22, 2016

PASIG CITY -- The Philippines was selected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to be one of the pilot countries for the implementation of the Inventors Assistance Program (IAP). Through the Program, eligible inventors and businesses seeking patents for their inventions will receive pro bono advice from IP lawyers for their IP filings in the Philippines or abroad.

PHL to pilot WEF and WIPO’s Inventors Assistance Program


Aside from the Philippines, Colombia and Morocco were also selected by WEF and WIPO as pilot countries for the Program. The IAP will be launched in the country on March 2016 in a joint activity among WEF, WIPO, and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). Concomitant with the launch, WIPO will select a limited number of Innovation and Technology and Support Offices (ITSO) to be part of WIPO’s IP Hub Program. Related workshops will also

be held during the week: - 29 February: National Workshop on IP Hub for Technology Scouting, Absorption, Adaptation and Innovation- 1 March: National Workshop on Patent and Technology,- 1 March: Launch of the Inventors Assistance Program- 2 March: Regional Workshop on Selected Open Source Tools for Patent Analytics- 3-4 March: Regional Workshop on IP Management around WIPO Green and WIPO ReSEARCH (DTI)

16 One Mindanao January 22, 2016

Former senators continue to back peace process, BBL constitutionality

MANILA -- The passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would contribute in stabilizing the Philippine economy as it assures local and foreign investors of a safer business environment in Mindanao, a peace panel member of the Philippine government (GPH) said. “Kung titignan natin ang ating kasaysayan, ang mga kapatid nating Muslim ay kasama ng mga Pilipinong lumalaban para sa ating kalayaan (If we look at

our history, our Moro brothers and sisters joined the rest of the Filipino people in fighting for our independence),” Alvarez said in a short statement during the pit

photo: www.mindanews.com


stop at the Senate gate of the Byaheng Bangsamoro, Byaheng Kapayapaan initiative launched by civil society organizations. “It was the Filipino Muslim community that kept on fighting for the country. Kailangan buhayin natin itong identity of unity, freedom, and struggle (We have to recognize this identity of unity, freedom, and struggle).” “Kung gusto nating umunlad, itigil natin itong mga kaguluhan sa Mindanao at hindi naman mahirap sapagkat naririyan na ang mga pangkabuhayan para sa ating lahat. Kung magkakaroon ng peace sa Mindanao ay maaring maging pangalawang Korea na tayo (If we want to have progress, we should stop the conflict in Mindanao and it is not that hard to do because it livelihood will be provided for everyone. If there is peace in Mindanao, we can even become the next Korea),” he added. Alvarez was referring to South Korea which has a very robust export-driven economy. Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel reaffirmed his support for the Bangsamoro peace process and reminded legislators of their duty to uphold the Constitution. “As I have time and again said:

The intent of the BBL – peace and development for the violence afflicted areas in Mindanao – is good. What needs to be done is to align its provisions with the mandate of the Constitution. And the sooner it is done by the Congress, the better it will be for our country and people.” Aside from genuine autonomy, the BBL contains fiscal and economic provisions that will enable the autonomous region to become self-reliant. However, its passage into law has been delayed due to frequent breakdowns in congressional proceedings attributed to a lack of quorum. After having started the turno en contra before opening the period of amendments last Monday, the House failed once more to muster a quorum yesterday. The Senate, meanwhile, has yet to take up the BBL since it resumed sessions this year. For his part, National Peace Council member and framer of the 1987 Philippine Constitution Atty. Christian Monsod echoed the statements of the former senators, explaining that the powers detailed in the BBL are within the bounds of the Constitution and that anti-BBL


propaganda merely emanate from Muslim antipathy and distrust. “There is a provision in the Constitution that it would deem part of any agreement or law in the country. The BBL will pass constitutional scrutiny. We have to distinguish the articulated reason to the objections [of the legislators]. Former constitutional framers already said that they have no problem with the constitutionality of the BBL,” he explained. “The issues they have are out of their own fear. It’s not

about constitutionality anymore, it’s about power. Natatakot silang mabawasan ang kanilang kapangyarihan kapag naipasa na itong BBL (They are afraid that their powers will be lessened once the BBL gets passed).” Monsod called on current lawmakers to look at the big picture of the Bangsamoro peace process and work on the passage of the BBL immediately for the peace roadmap to continue. “The peace process is more than the BBL. It is part of [it]. To have peace, we must first pass the BBL.”


Tacurong City welcomes new police chief

By: Danilo E.Doguiles

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat, Jan 22 — The city government here recently welcomed its new chief of police, PSupt. Ranie Ha-chuela.


DOLE 12 gets nomination for CSC 2015 PAGASA AwardKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 22 — Seven employ-ees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 are nominated to the 2015 Civil Service Commission’s PAGASA Award (Group Category) for their outstanding work performance.

On Monday, January 18 out-going chief of police PSupt Junny Buenacosa officially re-linquished his post to Hachuela in a turn-over of command cer-emony at the Tacurong City Po-lice Station.

As the new COP, Hachuela said his top management pri-orities are intense drug opera-tions and reduction of street crimes like robbery and carnap-ping.

Mayor Lina Montilla, Vice Mayor Joseph George Lechon-sito, members of the Sanngu-niang Panlungsod, barangay captains, and the rest of the Tacurong City Police Station per-sonnel bore witness to the said ceremony.

Also present to welcome the incoming COP were officials from the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office, Task Force Tal-

akudong, Tacurong City Fire Pro-tection Bureau, and members of the Rotary Club-Tacurong City Chapter, Sultan Kudarat Cham-ber of Commerce, and Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Hachuela is a native of Brgy. Baras, Tacurong City. He gradu-ated from the Philippine Na-tional Police Academy (PNPA) in 1997.

Prior to his assignment in Ta-curong, he was Deputy R4 Lo-gistics at Police Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City.

In 2003, Hachuela was award-ed the Medalya ng Kagitingan (Medal of Valor) for his heroic deed in defending the town of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte and rescuing the municipal may-or and his family from a siege. (LGU-Tacurong Information/DEDoguiles-PIA12)

Recognized with the CSC PAGASA Award are Regional Di


rector Ofelia Domingo, Ruby B. Carrasco (Chief LEO), Rosa-lie Mylene N. Tamse (AOV), Je-meia Mae C. Eslabon (Sr.LEO), Mechelle T. Olog(LEO III), Mar-nie Dave S. Eballes (ISA II), and Oliver B. Sespeñe (Statistician II).

The seven DOLE XII person-nel were nominated by OIC-As-sistant Regional Director Naomi Lyn C. Abellana to the said awards because of their exem-plary performance which con-tributed to the success of the online systems for the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and Regis-tration of Workers Association (RWA)program in 2014.

At the awarding ceremony at the DOLE 12 Conference Room on Monday (January 18), Re-gional Director Ofelia Domingo emphasized that the regional agency is full of potential and qualified employees who can be nominated to awards pro-grams of other agencies.

“I am proud to say that DOLE XII employees are all hard working and should be recog-nized. Continue to do your best with the right attitude and we will reap more awards even in heaven. We also hope to receive the Philippine Quality Awards

(PQA) this year,” Director Do-mingo said.

On her part, Angelica Capao-an, chief human resource spe-cialist of CSC said that their agency will continue to recog-nize deserving public servants through their Honor Awards pro-gram.

“Anyone can be nominated as long as she or he shows ex-emplary performance in public service. We continue to encour-age government employees to be committed with their work by recognizing them through HAP,” Capao-an said

CSC PAGASA Award is con-ferred on an individual or group of individuals for outstanding contribution/s resulting from an idea or performance that direct-ly benefit more than one depart-ment of the government.

Its criteria include the note-worthiness of outstanding per-formance or contributions, impact of performance, reli-ability and effectiveness of the innovation, consistency of per-formance, and demonstrated teamwork, cooperation, cama-raderie and cohesiveness. (KZ-Turnos-DOLE 12/DEDogu-iles-PIA12)


SurSur guv welcomes newly-deployed AFP troops

BUTUAN CITY – In hopes of an insurgency-free province, Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel together with the officials from the military, local government, and media welcomed the 16th Infantry “Maglilingkod” Battalion (16IB) of the Philippine Army at Tandag City Airport in Tandag City on Wednesday, January 20.

By: Daisy Jane M. Apit


“The deployment of these troops will help make the province an insurgency-free area. As they say, we cannot attain development without achieving peace,” Gov. Pimentel said. Pimentel also expressed confidence that the troops will take efficient and effective measures against the New People’s Army (NPA) especially in the upcoming elections wherein threats of the communist group’s harassments are presumed. He further added that the local government under his administration is in full support

to all activities and endeavors of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) especially in stabilizing the peace and security of the province. Accordingly, the 16IB led by Ltc Andres Ferrer was previously stationed and assigned in Oriental Mindoro in Luzon before it was placed under the operational control by the 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade. They will now be part of the said brigade which covers the whole Surigao del Sur as its area of responsibility


DA Caraga regional director Edna M. Mabeza personally witnessed the said ceremony with Municipal Mayor of Las Nieves Avelina S. Rosales and barangay officials of Pinana-an. “The DA Caraga through the Farm to Market Road Development Program (FMRDP) continues to provide allocation of funds to congressional districts. This is to equitably distribute the

projects to serve the farmers in the region,” said director Mabeza. In 2015, DA-FMRDP has an allocation of P390 million for FMR projects distributed to the five provinces of the region. As of today, a total of 24 kilometers FMR was completed in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); Agusan del Norte with 7 kilometers, Agusan del Sur with

DA Caraga gives access for more opportunities By: Rhea C. Abao

BUTUAN CITY– The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga suc-cessfully turned-over the concreted farm to market road (FMR) with a project cost worth P10 million in Brgy. Pinana-an, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte last January 15.


4.44 kilometers, and Surigao del Norte with .5 kilometers. “Brgy. Pinana-an is grateful to receive the farm to market road. This helps the farmers and also the constituents of our barangay in transporting farm products much easier and has provided us access to more opportunities and basic social services,” said Brgy. Kagawad Elesio T. Diez. The said FMR is a joint undertaking of the DA and DPWH in which aside from providing the funds. DA also conducts the pre-implementation activities, monitoring and evaluation during

the construction while DPWH does the implementation activities including the preparation of all documents, procurement and oversees the construction phase. DA’s sincere commitment to further promote agricultural development continues. For this year FMRDP has an allocation of P417 million for Caraga region. The department continues to extend development interventions to isolated and hard-to-reach areas ensuring that farmers are not left behind.


DTI Surigao Norte to accept accreditation of service, repair shops

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte provincial office informs all enterprises engaged in the service and repair of motor vehicles, heavy equipment, office machine/data processing, automotive/engineering machine shop, electronics, electrical, air conditioning and refrigeration that they are eligible to apply for accreditation with the DTI.

According to DTI provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, no such service and repair enterprises shall be licensed or permitted to operate in the country or the first time without first being accredited by the DTI that is in accordance with the provisions of the Presidential Decree No. 1572. He said that all enterprises aforementioned which have already been accredited need only to apply for renewal on or before the Jan. 31 every year. “They should avail of the

one month grace period which is the month of January to avoid surcharges and penalties for late filing,” said Negapatan. Accreditation of service and repair shops provides adequate protection to safeguard the interest of the public against unethical, unfair and incompetent practice of service and repair shops. Consumer should patronize repair shops that comply with the accreditation to protect their welfare and interest.

By: Susil D. Ragas


Wesmincom chief maintains Malik is dead, hopeful on Misuari arrest soonBy Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Contrary to a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) official’s claim that the man behind the bloody 2013 siege of Zamboanga, Ustadz Habier Malik is very much “alive and kicking” in Jolo town, Sulu province, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) here explicitly maintains that Malik was killed at the height of the siege.


“Sa amin, yun pa rin dati, sumakabilang buhay na siya,” (To us, we maintain that he died), pronounced Lt. Gen. Mayoraldo Dela Cruz during a media interview Wednesday (January 20). It can be recalled after the siege, authorities confirmed that Malik died from bullet wounds in a firefight with government troops. Earlier last week, MNLF Deputy for Operations Faiser Serna claimed over a local radio news program that Malik is still alive, but was not seen during the MNLF’s latest meeting in Indanan, Sulu. Serna also claimed that MNLF leader Prof. Nur Misuari presided over the meeting himself. Gen. Dela Cruz admitted that Misuari is very elusive. “Si Misuari, palipat-lipat yan ng lugar. Biglang nawawala,” (Misuari constantly moves from place to place, he disappears suddenly from where he was spotted) he said. The general explained that the military is only in a support role when it comes to arresting high-profile personalities like the MNLF

leader. “This is the job of the CIDG,” referring to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. “Wala namang pumunta sa amin from CIDG. Pag pumunta sila, by all means, we will assist them in making the arrest,” (CIDG did not come to us) he said. But Gen. Dela Cruz is very much hopeful on the arrest. “Darating din ang araw na maaresto din natin siya,” (time will come when we could finally arrest him). Misuari and Malik both have a standing warrant of arrest for rebellion for their participation in the 2013 siege. Meanwhile, residents in the city have grown concerned on the presence of military armored vehicles. Gen. Dela Cruz clarified that there is no need for concern as the deployment is a standard procedure to ensure security.“This is normal. We always want the people here to feel safe and secure,” he said. He said that the armored vehicles will also need to patrol the more isolated places here.


“It is very important to let the people know that Task Force Zamboanga is striving to do

whatever it takes to protect the city,” he added. “We always have to be prepared.”

Free deworming to schoolchildren slated Jan. 27By Claro A. Lanipa

PAGADIAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) will administer free deworming to all schoolchildren from kindergarten to grade 6 with ages 5 to 12 years old in all public schools in the country come Jan. 27.


In a recent media forum here, Dr. Meriam Indin, regional health coordinator of DepEd-9 said the conduct of the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) aims to reduce cases of children affected with worms locally known as “bulate” which causes weakness, loss of appetite, decrease in IQ and anemia among children.Dr. Indin disclosed that abendazole 400mg is the drug of choice of DOH for the deworming, because it has a wide range of curative activity and is effective against all worms, it is safe and easy to administer and even was recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).If in case there is an adverse reaction on children after taking the drug, the DOH has recommended that referrals must only be done in government hospitals. “In Zamboanga del Sur the hospitals identified are the Margosatubig Regional Hospital in Margosatubig and the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center at Dao, this city,” Indin pointed out.All Rural Health Units (RHUs) in

every municipalities and cities were also coordinated and oriented about the activity and are ready to assist, she added.Indin emphasized, “that the deworming will be administered to a child only after two hours of full meal.” With this note, she encouraged all parents that on Jan. 27, their children should have a full meal before going to school.To ensure that the children will have a full stomach, DepEd will provide feeding prior to the deworming activity, while DOH will augment some snacks for the children on the same day.Meanwhile, Dr. Indin reported that in Zamboanga Peninsula there are 1,169 public elementary schools that will be dewormed on the said date, 657 of them are from the Zamboanga del Sur division.On the other hand, Ms. Dhalia Aseñero of the Integrated Provincial Health Office said children aged 1 to 4 years old will be dewormed in April and October this year during the Garantisadong Pambata activity.


Ipilenos celebrate Feast of Santo Nino By Rhea Grace A. Laplana

IPIL. Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – Ipilenos celebrated the Feast of the Santo Niño on January 17 which marked their deep devotion to the Holy Child believed by Catholics to be the source of many miracles.For Catholics, it is the oldest religious image in the country. Made of wood, the image is sculptured and carved. The image was one of the religious statues Ferdinand Magellan (who was a devout Catholic) brought with him in his monumental journey in 1521.

During its festivity, it is common to see devotees praying to venerate the image, in supplication for a

favor or as an expression for a blessing received. It’s also an opportunity to watch


what the real “Sinulog” is. The “Sinulog” has always been observed by the faithful devotees of Sto. Niño. The colorful festivity and “Sinulog” celebration was done at a chapel located at Tirso Babiera Street, Barangay Poblacion.Mrs. Lourdes Babiera and Mrs. Loleng Avanzado, both Santo Niño devotees led the solemn prayers and nightly novena at the said chapel. Fr. Arnold Hinggone celebrated a Holy Mass which culminated the 9-day novena.A grand procession around Ipil town was participated by about 500 devotees, religious groups, choir, ministers of the word, ministers of communion, rosary and novena leaders, students, teachers, residents and many Ipilenos from nearby barangays. Adding color to the festivity was the participation of 6 groups of street dancers: Tirso Babiera group, Tiayon group, Ipil National High School, and 3 groups from Barangay Don Andres. An Ipileno, Mrs. Lourdes Babiera is a faithful devotee of St. Nino. Her long standing devotion to the Holy Child is reflected in her

three granddaughters’ devotion to St. Nino as well. Candice Marie Dano, a Clinical Instructor of Southwestern University in Cebu, Catleya Dano, a nurse and Chloe Dano, a professor at Marian College all participated in the street dance. The three sisters grew up seeing their grandmother’s fervent love for Santo Nino that has molded them to be devotees too. Residents and different organizing committees were very grateful to some Ipilenos who donated cash and in kind for the flowers, food, snacks, and consolation prices. For faithful Catholics in Ipil, it is a blessing that they embraced and kept close to their hearts the devotion to Santo Nino. Ipilenos look forward to the annual Santo Nino feast as various beautifully clothed images of the Child Jesus, mounted on carrozas will be in procession. The Feast of the Santo Niño is an occasion of such grand spectacle and month-long festivities of Sinulog and Ati-atihan.


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Taxpayers in Cagayan de Oro will have more time to renew their business licenses this year.

By: City Information Office

SP extends deadline for filing of business renewals in Oro


The City Council headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas on Monday adopted Ordinance No. 13029-2016, extending the deadline for the filing of Business License Renewal application from January 20, 2016 until January 31, 2016. Vice Mayor Acenas filed the ordinance extending the deadline to February 28, in response to the letter of the coalition of Chamber of Commerce in Cagayan de Oro and partner associations, which cited the numerous complaints from member-companies with regards to the renewal of their respective business permits. According to businessmen, the extension will “give more time for the company-members to reasonably act and respond against this seemingly confusing predicament.” In the letter, businessmen raised questions regarding the implementation of the Cagayan de Oro City Revenue Code of 2015 and the imposition of environment fee for plastic bags, which was already repealed by Ordinance No. 13008-2015. According to the business group, the garbage fee collected by the city should be in accordance with the rates stipulated in the new Revenue Code.In addition to this, the Bureau of Fire Protection Inspection Fee is reportedly not found in the Revenue Code. The coalition of business chambers is also inquiring on the basis for imposing a 15-percent presumptive increase of tax on the

gross sales. “What is the status of those tax payers whose payment last year were made under protest,” the letter cited, among others.VERIFY ISSUES Councilor President D. Elipe, chair of the committee on finance and ways and means, proposed the January 31 deadline as he requested for more time for his committee to verify the complaints and issues raised by the business sector before extending the deadline further to February 28. He said the committee will want to collect the opinion of different members and to also ask the city treasurer how he is collecting the environment fee and others. Councilor Elipe said the extension of the deadline should have a concrete basis and should not be arbitrary. He said the City Council extended the deadline last year due to the non-implementation of the Revenue Code. “We are hoping that it was already implemented but according to the Chamber it wasn’t so we have to verify to have a concrete basis for our extension,” Elipe cited. “That’s why we are asking for a time to talk to the treasurer and the businessmen to look at the extent of the problem cause if the problem could be resolved by the end of the month than lets have it as it is but if it needs more time … we could extend it more for a maximum of six months,” he stressed. Councilor Adrian Barba supported


8IB pins ranks of newly promoted officers

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – Eight Infantry Battalion of of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division holds a pinning of ranks ceremony at its headquarters in Poblacion, Impasugong town, Bukidnon province after three of its officers were promoted to first lieutenants.

By: Norman M Tagros

LTC Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, presided the pinning of ranks of First Lieutenants Marisol C Lacorte, Lorjohn D Hernandez and Kenneth C Cabbigat, who are all natives of Luzon. The three young officers swore not to rest in their laurels and continue to give their best performance to better serve the prestigious 8th Infantry Battalion and the people of Bukidnon. Military ceremonies such as the pinning of ranks of newly promoted personnel are part of the time-honored traditions of the Philippine Army which boost the morale of the troops and challenge them to always give what the Filipino people and our

country deserve—a performance that meets the expectations of beaing a professional and capable Army. Meanwhile, LTC Babilonia congratulated his troops for the outstanding performance during the past year as there was a significant decrease of atrocities perpetrated by NPA rebels in the province of Bukidnon during the period. As the battalion regains its respectable image and holds the upper hand against the rebels in Bukidnon according to him, the Dependable Troopers must press on and must strive harder in order to win the peace, particularly in the IP dominated communities where our Lumad brothers reside.

the suggestion of Councilor Elipe citing that it will give the City Council ample to invite businessmen and verify the issues. “The extension until January 31

is still without prejudice to another extension after the meeting with businessmen,” said Councilor Nadya Emano-Elipe.


SB 5, with an estimated income of P3,563,113.98 will be utilized to pay terminal leave benefits and other obligations of the city to employees. The bulk of the amount, however, is earmarked for the city’s aid to the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (COCPO) for the completion of its new building including furniture and fixtures with a total amount of P2.8 million.

The ordinance approving the supplemental budgets was reviewed and favorably endorsed by the committees on finance and ways and means and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors President D. Elipe and Ramon G. Tabor, respectively. Councilor Teodulfo Lao presided over the regular session.

SB 5, 3 okayedCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Cagayan de Oro City Council headed by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas on Monday enacted Ordinance No. 13027-2016, approving Supplemental Budget No. 5 of the General Fund and Supplemental Budget No. 3 of the Special Account: Economic Enterprises, both for calendar year 2015 to implement approved ordinances.

one mindanao - january 22, 2016

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