one mindanao - july 24, 2014

7 nominees from SOCCSKSARGEN vie for Tourism Star AwardsDanilo E. Doguiles CENTRAL MINDANAO

THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 227

President Aquino commemorates Apolinario Mabini’s 150th birth anniversary in Batangas

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

CARAGA REGION

CENTRAL MINDANAO

DAR turns over P34.3M roads to Lanao Norte

NorMin is corn sufficient says DA-10

PNP announces new requirements for firearm ownership

DILG-9 bares PQE passers

Zambo. Norte PDRRMC conducts simulation drill in Dipolog

Tandag City seeks media, public support against dengue

2015-2016 DOST scholarship now open

Tacurong holds 5-day fire volunteer training

Sidewalk vendors get negokarts from DOLE

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34 35

22 23

15 16

Information to Empower Filipinos

7DAR 10

Michael Uy

Franklin P. Gumapon

Mary May A. Abellon

Greg Tataro

Nora L. Molde 11

13

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Danilo E. Doguiles

Danilo E. Doguiles

7 nominees from SOCCSKSARGEN vie for Tourism Star Awards

7 nominees from SOCCSKSARGEN vie for Tourism Star Awards

Seven frontline tourism service providers in SOCCSKSARGEN Region are among

the nominees of the Tourism Star Awards Philippines, an official of the Department of Tourism confirmed. Tourism Star Awards is a program of the DOT intended to recognize individuals and local chief executives who have demonstrated excellent customer service and investment in tourism. “There are 55 (individual) nominees to the national Tourism Star Awards and seven of them come from the 12th Paradise,” Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera announced during the tour packages launching at the 15th T’nalak Festival Friday. 12th Paradise is the tourism brand of SOCCSKSARGEN Region, which includes the provinces of South

Cotabato, N o r t h C o t a b a t o , Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

by Danilo E. Doguiles

COVER STORY

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At the event held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center on Friday, July 18, DOT 12 recognized the Tourism Star nominees in the region. The nominees include: Reynard Navarro, a blogger and administrator of I Love South Cotabato website; Mara Juanico a tour guide based in General Santos City; Marlon

Ceballos, a guide whose expertise is guiding climbers

and tourists visiting the country’s highest peak

Mt. Apo; and, Oliver Malana, project

coordinator of the Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City. Also among the nominees are three e m p l o y e e s of the newly-e s t a b l i s h e d Greenleaf Hotel

in General Santos City, namely:

front desk officer Novie Baay, food

and drinks associate Abeven Balanag, and

sales executive Rhea Lara. Director Dillera with Regional

Tourism Council Michelle Solon led in awarding the nominees plaques of recognition for having been included in the national search.

Noting of the distinctiveness of the Tourism Star Awards, Dillera said, “No less than the people who have experienced the services provided by these frontliners were the ones who nominated them on line. (These clients) recognized, acknowledged, and gave credit to their services.” Per guideline, an individual cannot nominate himself/herself. Nominations ended on May 31, 2014. Nomination of individuals was done by submitting a nomination form with a testimonial narrative of the nominator’s experience with the nominee. Secondhand accounts of such experience were not accepted. Nominees may include hotel workers, policemen, tour guides, drivers, waiters, porters and many others. Winners will be selected based criteria depicting important Filipino

values, to wit: hospitality, honesty, professionalism, promptness, as well as flexibility, adaptability and creativity. Besides individuals, the Tourism Star Awards will also recognize city and municipal mayors and governors who have excelled in taking part in the country’s tourism development efforts by leading and engaging his/her community in boosting a tourism destination. At the event last Friday, Dillera also boasted of the growing tourism in the region taking note of the increase in the number of accredited travel and tour operators from only 3 in 2013 to 11 this year. The number of accredited tour guides is also likely to increase from only 1 last year to 22 this year since 22 recent passers of the DOT tour guiding examination are currently processing their accreditation. In an earlier interview, she said, the number of tourists visiting destinations in the region this year could reach 1.9 million. In her message at the tour packages launching , Solon described the 12th Paradise as “the next big thing” in tourism. “It is worth selling. I’s unique. It’s new. It’s fresh,” Solon said. “A lot of people have been everywhere. So they’re looking for new places to go. This is our time.”

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Across the Nation

President Aquino cites more projects funded by DAPPresident Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday identified more

projects funded by the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).In his message during the

commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini here, the President said the government had allotted P1.6 billion in DAP funds for TESDA programs to train 223,615 scholars, spending more than P7,000 per person.

Some 66 percent or 146,731 of the graduates are now employed, he said.

“Ang natitira pong 34 percent, tinutulungan na rin ngayon at tinutulungan pa rin ng TESDA na makahanap ng kani-kanilang mga trabaho. Lahat po sila, nakalista ang pangalan, tirahan, at telepono; bukas po ito sa lahat at puwedeng siyasatin ninuman,” he said.

The public also benefited from the DREAM-LiDAR project under Project

8 JULY 2014 | PAGE

NOAH of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which received funding from the DAP, the Chief Executive said, adding that through the project, experts are now able to disseminate reliable information on weather disturbances.

This gives local government units enough time to evacuate people from danger zones, as what Albay Governor Joey Salceda did during the recent onslaught of Typhoon ‘Glenda,’ the President explained, noting that, as a result, Albay posted zero casualty during the storm.

In the tourism sector, of the 202 roads that were constructed to connect priority destinations in the country to major hubs, 66 were built in 2012, using P5 billion in DAP funds, he said.

“Ang mga kalsadang ito ang maghahatid—at ang iba nga sa kanila ay naghahatid na—ng ginhawa sa mga turista. At sa kanilang pagdating, direktang nakikinabang ang mga kababayan nating umaasa sa sektor ng turismo,” he said.

The President further pointed out that in July 2012, the Supreme Court posted a savings of P1.8 billion, which was meant to augment the fund for the construction of the Manila Hall of Justice.

“Ang problema lang po, nasa ilalim ng Department of Justice ang item ng ating budget para sa proyektong ito. Karugtong po nito ang ikalawa nating halimbawa. Noong taong pareho, 2012, may 100 million piso ang budget ng

DOJ para sa Manila Hall of Justice. Nakatanggap po tayo ng sulat mula sa Korte Suprema, naglalaman ng isang hiling. Ipinalilipat po nila ang mga pondo para maipatayo ang mga gusaling magbabahay ng mga korte,” he said.

The High Court however withdrew the request in December 2013, when the implementation of the DAP became an issue.

President Aquino cited this as an example of cross-border transfer, or the allocation of funds from one branch of government to another.

“Ididiin ko lang po: Nang sinimulan natin ang DAP, nariyan na ang Sections 38, 39, at 49 ng ating Administrative Code. Ang ginawa nating pamamaraan ay ginawa na rin naman ng mga naunang administrasyon. At dahil nga po ginawa rin ito ng Korte Suprema, lalong tumibay ang ating paniniwala na nasa tama ang ating mga kilos,” he said.

The President reiterated that the implementation of the DAP had a lawful basis, and as such, the Executive branch has asked the Supreme Court to reassess its decision to declare parts of the program unconstitutional.

The High Court has ruled that the DAP is unconstitutional, saying the President had violated the Constitution by using or transferring funds without proper mandate from Congress. PND

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“Si Mabini ang kumakatawan sa talino ng Pilipino—talinong ibinuhos niya sa pagpanday ng mga prinsipyo at sistemang nagbigay-hugis sa isang malayang lipunan,” the President said in his speech at the Apolinario Mabini Shrine in this city.

He cited three concepts

by Mabini that the present administration tries to follow.

First, Mabini highlighted the importance of following a mandate as the foundation of governance, the President said, noting that the strength of the state emanates from the people.

Looking back, he said Mabini

President Aquino commemorates Apolinario Mabini’s 150th birth anniversary in Batangas

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday led the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario

Mabini, whose contributions strengthened the foundation of Philippine democracy.

10 JULY 2014 | PAGE

spearheaded the conduct of the first local election in the country in August 1898.

Mabini also led the formation of the country’s first legislature in Malolos, Bulacan in 1898, he said, noting that this body elected Emilio Aguinaldo as president in January 1899 to replace the revolutionary government that declared Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

Second, Mabini instilled the concept of public service in the Filipino people’s consciousness, President Aquino said.

“Ang paniniwala niya: Kung sa taumbayan nagbubukal ang kapangyarihan, dapat lang itong gamitin sa ikabubuti nila,” he said.

And third, according to Mabini, public institutions were formed to serve the interests of the people, and as such, the government must not hold back in providing services to the people, he said.

“Sa harap ng Malolos Congress, idiniin ni Mabini ang pangangailangan ng ehekutibong maging mabilis, maliksi, at buo ang loob, dahil trabaho nitong matugunan ang pangangailangan ng taumbayan sa lalong madaling panahon,” President Aquino said.

Pointing out that Mabini had once called on the legislators to work with the executive branch of the government in fulfilling its mandate to the people, the Chief Executive said that Mabini’s concept on governance is relevant to modern times, such as in the implementation of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

While parts of the DAP were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, the President said the program has benefited the people in many ways.

As Mabini said, whatever power a leader possesses, he must always bear in mind that the people’s welfare is his paramount concern, President Aquino said.

With the President during Wednesday’s event were Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr., Congressman Sonny Collantes, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang, and Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima. PND

11JULY 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

International forum seeks to strengthen human resource in EAGAAiming to revive and strengthen the human resource linkages

within the BIMP-EAGA, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) forum is pursued to encourage multi-sector collaboration in technical education, training, and vocational industries within the sub-region.

Organized as a side event to the upcoming 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’

Meeting, the forum which is slated on October 22 at the Seda Hotel here in this city, will gather more than 50


leaders and human resource enablers from EAGA-member countries.

“We cannot stress enough the significant contributions of a skilled and globally competitive human resource in economic development, and we hope to facilitate open exchanges of ideas on how to further strengthen the TVET sector in BIMP-EAGA during this forum,” said TVET Forum organizer Joji Ilagan-Bian, who is also the founding chair of the Mindanao TVET Association.

Bian added that a new and strengthened collaboration among BIMP-EAGA’s TVET leaders will further expand the employment opportunities for Mindanao and Palawan’s TVET graduates. The two key islands are Philippines’ focus areas for BIMP-EAGA.

“More than a decade ago, we had a BIMP-EAGA Human Resource Development working group, solely focusing on enhancing the competencies and income of the sub-region’s workforce. We are confident that this forum will revive that initiative,” said Janet Lopoz, executive director of the Mindanao Development Authority.

The BIMP-EAGA sub-economic cooperation serves as a test-bed for ASEAN protocols and is seen as a significant building block towards achieving ASEAN Integration in 2015.

Through the Mutual Recognition Arrangements for the services sector, ASEAN member-countries

commit to recognize the education or experience including licenses and certifications granted by the Philippine Government to its overseas workers.

Among the expected results of the forum are joint-venture agreements on TVET initiatives within the BIMP-EAGA particularly on student and faculty exchanges, trade skills competitions and the mutual recognition of skills standards among EAGA-member countries.

“We must in a way be able to respond to the various competing labor demands, which will likely emerge within the next 20 years, both here and abroad,” Lopoz said while adding, “the international forum could also facilitate increased socio-cultural exchange in BIMP-EAGA.”

The 2nd BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Meeting is slated from October 23-26 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippine East ASEAN Growth Area while the IMT-GT stand for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle.

Top business leaders from these five countries are expected to converge during the four-day event, with the overall goal of promoting trade, investment, and tourism within the ASEAN region. (PNA)


Grade 5 kids join Kiddie GST workshopAbout 64 Grade 5 pupils of Congan Elementary School participate in the workshop of identifying the gender differences between boy and girl dur-ing the Gal E’ Libun: Kiddie Gender Sensitivity Training on July 18. The training was facilitated by the Vice Governor’s Office. (Quenny Dandan/VICE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE-Sarangani)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region12 has recently turned over P1.37 million worth of completed community projects to two municipalities in North Cotabato, an official of the agency said.

DSWD turns over P1.37 M community projects to North Cotabato

DSWD-12 Regional Director Bai Zorahayda T. Taha said the projects, including three day care centers and a drop-in center, were built under the national government’s Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP) initiative.

“These projects are part of the government’s effort to answer the needs of less privileged and vulnerable sectors in which they themselves identified and implemented that are responsive in their pressing needs,” Taha said.

According to Taha, a new drop-in center dubbed as “Bahay Pasilungan” was turned over in Poblacion, Midsayap, now serving abused women, children and other individuals in crisis.

On the other hand, at least a hundred day care pupils in village of Sadaan and Kimagango in Midasayap and Langayen in Pikit town are now benefiting from the new day care centers.

Alma Villan, 53, a day care teacher of Barangay Sadaan said that the project realized her longing

of having conducive classroom to improve learning experience and condition.

“People used to call our classroom as dirty kitchen because it was old and dilapidated,” Villan said, who is now 11 years as teacher.

“Now, it looks like a beautiful home,”

Villan added that with the new facility has encouraged more children to enrol in the village’s day care program, increasing the number of enrolees to 40 at present as compared to on 10 last year.

Meanwhile, DSWD assistant regional director, Gemma N. Rivera said that the recently turned over projects comprises the first batch of GPBP projects in North Cotabato implemented through the agency.

“There are ten more projects amounting to P9 million that are now mostly in the completion stage and expected to be turned-over in the communities in the coming months,” Rivera said.

These projects include, according


to Rivera, the first center for children in conflict with the law (CICL) in the province, day care centers, livelihood centers and many others.

GPBP, formerly known as Bottom-Up Planning and Budgeting or BUB, is a planning and budgeting approach in the formulation of the budget proposals of government

agencies, taking into consideration the development of poor cities and municipalities as identified in their respective local poverty reduction action plans as endorsed by the basic sectors and civil society organizations. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from HTEstacion-DSWD-12)

Tacurong holds 5-day fire volunteer trainingBy Danilo E. Doguiles

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat – At least 55 persons here are undergoing a five-day fire volunteer sponsored by the city government and facilitated by the Tacurong Bureau of Fire Protection.

The training which is being coordinated by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) from July 21 to 25 involves personnel of the City Schools Division, the city government, Tacurong Police Station, Tacurong Search and Rescue Team (TRACER), EORA-CVO, and the

Joint Task Force Talakudong.The training aims to further

strengthen partnership among these offices on disaster mitigation and response.

“During incidents or disasters, the LGU cannot work alone. We need to work with everyone who are willing

and able to help,” said Mayor Lina O. Montilla at the opening program.

“That is why, we involve them in disaster preparation.”

Montilla chairs the Tacurong CDRRMC

BFP Provincial Director CSupt. Samuel Perez was also present at the opening ceremony.

BFP, headed by Inspector Ma. Jenna Resurreccion, first


briefed the trainees about firefighting safety techniques, procedures, apparatus, tools and equipment, and communication system.

The training included lectures and practical examinations on fire suppression and control, and basic rescue and emergency medical operations.

Fire simulation exercises will also test the participants on how to apply their newly-acquired skills and knowledge on basic firefighting.

Tacurong CDRRMC and BFP-Tacurong also introduced the basic

incident command system to raise awareness on the process and structure during disaster response.

Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon, SP Chairperson on Disaster Management, oversees the training and other disaster preparedness activities in the city.

The 5-day fire volunteer training is among the activities conducted in Tacurong City in observance of July as Disaster Awareness Month. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from LGU Tacurong City Information)

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -- Thirty ambulant vendors in Midsayap , North Cotabato recently received NegoKarts intended to improve their mobility while selling their products.

Sidewalk vendors get negokarts from DOLEBy Danilo E. Doguiles

The beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment-funded NegoKarts are members of the Midsayap Umbrella Sidewalk Vendors’ Association (MUSVA) who received the aid through the local government unit.

MUSVA President Mary Ann Dolendo said the beneficiaries comprised only a part of their association and that the livelihood assistance would set as a model to encourage active participation among other members.

Midsayap Mayor Romeo Araña, and Vice Mayor Albert Luis Garduque, and other local officials, along with DOLE-12 NCFO staff Joemi Pascasio lead the turn over of the assistance

to beneficiaries. Mayor Araña in his message urged

the grantees to give importance, make use, and take care of the negokarts provided them. He also reminded them to remain responsible citizens of the municipality and to refrain from any unlawful activities,

Meanwhile, Pascasio said DOLE’s intention in providing such privilege to the ambulant vendors is to enhance their employment and income-generating capacity.

The utmost goal that the association, he emphasized, should be to strive to sustain their livelihood. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOLE 12)


DENR, PIA launch climate change advocacy campaignby Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago” is the newest climate change slogan launched by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the city today, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).


The campaign aims to weaken apathy to climate change and popularize and strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures in response to climate change. The event was witnessed by the media, national line agencies heads and information officers, Pilipinas Natin, as well as faculty and students from colleges and universities offering communication courses. DENR’s Environment Management Bureau (EMB) region 10 director Sabdullah C. Abubacar said it is also aimed at inspiring and motivating active cooperation and participation particularly of the youth,

as well as foster partnerships with public and private communities. Highlights’ of the launch is the unveiling of the thematic advocacy brand logo and ceremonial pledge of the KALIgKASAN, a term coined from the work Kaligtasan (safety) and Kalikasan (environment). The advocacy calls not only of protecting the environment, but also of protecting ourselves. Other program brand under this campaign is the “Punuan” for the national greening program (NGP) and “Nagbago na Ako” support endorsement statement.

DAR turns over P34.3M roads to Lanao Norteby DAR 10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over two farm-to-market roads (FMR) amounting to P32.1 million in Kalambuan agrarian reform community (ARC) in Kolambugan and P2.2 million to RAKIM ARC in Barangay Ramain, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

Regional Director Felix Aguhob said more agricultural development is expected to happen in the remote barangays of Kulasihan, San Roque and Palao following the completion of the 7.583 km. Kulasihan-Palao farm-to-market road and 2.2 km. junction national highway to sitio Langgoyo Ramain road of this province. Aguhob said these projects are

implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project III and funded from the Philippine government and Japan International Cooperation Agency. The DAR-10 officials turned over the symbolic key to Mayor Lorenzo Manigos of Kolambugan and mayor Ulwan Dimaporo of Sultan Naga Dimaporo. Both expressed sincere


DAR turns over P34.3M roads to Lanao Norte

gratitude for the government assistance and hoping for more interventions in their respective municipalities. Aguhob informed congresswoman Imelda Dimaporo of the 1st District of Lanao del Norte that the Kulasihan-Palao road is the longest FMR constructed in the province. Dimaporo thanked the DAR for the project and urged the LGU officials

to do their part in the preparation of project proposals as required by the implementing agencies. Gov. Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo also expressed his appreciation for the delivery of the said projects and urged for more government support that will enhance the development of the province.

NorMin is corn sufficient says DA-10by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Northern Mindanao earned 110 percent sufficiency level in corn, says Department of Agriculture during the latest media forum held in the city.

Regional corn program focal person Larry E. Paraluman bared that northern Mindanao produced 1.185 million metric tons of corn in 2013, valued at P14B which is 16% of the country’s total production. For the year 2014 and 2015, the DA-10 has targeted a 5% growth in corn production to address the demand for feeds as the livestock and poultry industry in the region is projected to expand by 5%. Ensuring to attain its target, the DA continues to encourage individual farmers to organize themselves in order to access the programs, projects and services which are generally poured to farm clusters that are

composed of organized farmers with a total combined corn area of 200-400 hectares. “With farm clusters receiving assistance on farm mechanization, helps lessen cost in production,” Paraluman said. Organized farmers group can also benefit from the assistance being provided such as postharvest facilities which assure them of a quality produce and storage facilities as well as prolongs the shelf life of the product. This, according to Paraluman, allows farmers to enter into contract growing and other agri-business ventures,” Paraluman said.


AgSur blood coordinating council collects 1,747 bags By David M. Suyao

PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur - The Provincial Blood Coordinating Council (PBCC), thru its technical blood program team (TBPT) has collected a total of 1,747 bags of 500cc blood from various donors provincewide from January to June this year, according to reports by the TBPT to the PBCC.


In a meeting conducted on Tuesday, a total of 1,565 bags were taken from field donation during the mobile blood dona-tion conducted by the BPT in ba-rangays who volunteer to donate blood. Replacement of used blood by patients of the D.O. Plaza Me-morial Hospital reached 56 bags, 90 bags from the walk-in donors and another 36 bags from pa-tients directed to produce donors in order to get the needed blood especially when the type of blood needed by the patient is out of stock at the hospital’s blood bank. Usage of the blood collected by the PBCC does not only limit in the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hos-pital although it registers the highest usage with 1,137 bags since January until June this year. San Francisco Doctors Hos-pital ranked second with 217, while the Bunawan District Hos-pital ranked third with 103 bags. Hospitals as far as Davao City, Tagum City, Butuan City, Agu-san del Norte, Compostela Valley province and Surigao del Sur also availed the blood collected by the PBCC in times of their needs. Darwina Ligan, Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Sur Chap-ter also reported that as of June 2014, the blood program in Agu-san del Sur under the PBCC op-

erations has already spent P2,508,700 for blood reagents alone. While the provincial government’s unique support budget amount-ing to P1.8 million was already expended, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza added P309,600 from his discretionary fund while each municipality’s annual aid to the blood program worth P50,000 each totaling to P399,700 was also spent in order to cope up with the required amount until June. According to Vilma Mabras of the Provincial Budget Office, another P700,000 was allocat-ed starting July until December this year from the supplementa-ry fund to cover the cost of the reagents while the rigid collec-tion of the municipal financial aid worth P50,000 each is enforced. It can be recalled that the provincial government has set aside fund to support the blood program of Agusan del Sur in the amount of P1.8 million to cover the cost of the reagents but due to rising demand of blood, sup-plementary funds are needed. Patients from Agusan del Sur who are in need of blood no longer pay for the process-ing fee worth P1,500 per bag because of the support given by the provincial government.


Tandag City seeks media, public support against dengue By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY - The city government here led by Mayor Roxanne Pimentel has sought the help of media to drum up its campaign against dengue.

Through former mayor, now city administrator Alexander Pimentel, the local government unit (LGU) has appealed to radio stations to announce “as frequently as possible” the anti-dengue campaign slogan contained in the “info-education-communication (IEC) material” of the Department of Health (DOH).

According to Pimentel, dengue cases have been alarming in recent months, citing the Adela Serra-Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) report for the period March 3 – July 3, 2014 which indicated “92 ‘suspected’ cases’” based on “actual hospital admission.”

“The spike, which was first noted in April (14 cases), sharply registered 41 cases in June,” he wrote in a communication letter dated July 17.

Pimentel bared that in the city alone, 13 out of 21 barangays have already made it to the list of dengue-hit areas, where Telaje tops them all at 24 cases.

Other barangays mentioned in descending order based on the number of cases are: Bagong Lungsod – 14; Mabua – 12; Dagocdoc – 10; Bungtod

– 8; Buenavista – 7; Rosario – 5; Bioto – 3; San Agustin Norte, San Agustin Sur, and Quezon – 3 each; and Maticdum and Salvacion – 1 apiece.

“The City Government of Tandag has once again rolled out its anti-dengue campaign to avert the increasing trend in the short-term, and to prevent further cases in the long-term,” he continued.

“Knowing the enormity of the problem, the anti-dengue campaign is designed to involve as many stakeholders as possible,” Pimentel added.

Early this month, Assistant Provincial Administrator Tomasito Pareja has already warned the public against the increasing number of dengue cases.


Tandag City seeks media, public support against dengue

2015-2016 DOST scholarship now open

BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga is now accepting applicants to the 2015 DOST-Science Education Institute (SEI) Undergraduate scholarship for Republic Act 7687 and Merit Programs, says regional director Dominga D. Mallonga.

By Nora L. Molde

According to director Mallonga, the selection of scholars will be conducted through a written examination to be held nationwide on September 21, 2014 in the seven testing centers in the region to include the DOST regional office in Butuan City; Patin-ay National High School

in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Surigao del Norte National High School in Surigao City; Jacinto P. Elpa National High School in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; Bislig National High School in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; Don Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. National High School in the province of Dinagat


Islands, and Dapa National High School in Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

Also, DOST senior science research specialist and DOST Caraga scholarship coordinator Norma Alli said, their agency is also requesting additional testing venue - the Roxas National High School in San Isidro in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

Alli said, the scholarship is open to all qualified graduating high school students from public and private high schools nationwide, said director Mallonga.

“DOST offers two types of undergraduate scholarships, the RA 7687 for qualified applicants who belong to families with low socio-economic status and MERIT for qualified applicants regardless of their families’ socio-economic status,” Alli added.

To be eligible to take the scholarship examination, an applicant must possess the following qualifications:

Eligibility for RA 7687 Undergraduate Scholarship

1. natural-born Filipino citizen;

2. poor, talented, and deserving student who belongs to a family whose socio-economic status does not exceed the set values of certain indicators;

3. top five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class; or

4. member of the graduating class of a DOST-SEI identified or DepEd recognized science high school;

5. resident of the municipality for the last four years as attested by the barangay;

6. of good moral character and in good health; and

7. qualifier of the 2014 S&T Scholarship examination.

Eligibility for Merit Undergraduate Scholarship

1. natural-born Filipino citizen;

2. top five percent (5%) of the regular high school graduating class; or

3. member of the graduating class of a DOST-SEI identified or DepEd recognized science high school;

4. of good moral character and in good health; and

5. qualifier of the 2014 S&T Scholarship examination.

Director Mallonga also said

that passers of 2015 DOST Scholarship exam will have the following privileges: tuition and other school fees (P8,000/semester for RA7687 and Merit);


book allowance of P5,000 per year; PE uniform allowance of P500 for the first semester of the year; and transportation allowance stipends.

The scholarship qualifiers can enroll in state universities and colleges and other higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Centers of Excellence or Centers of Development, wherein they can take up priority science and technology courses such as Agriculture, Agricultural Biotechnology; Agricultural Chemistry; Agricultural Engineering; Applied Mathematics; Applied Physics; Biochemistry; Biology; Ceramics Engineering; Chemistry with Applied Computer System; Chemistry with Materials Science and Engineering; Chemistry Engineering; Chemistry; Civil Engineering; Computer Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical Engineering; Electronics and Communications Engineering; Environmental Science; Fisheries; Food Technology; Forestry; Geology; Geodetic Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Information Technology; Manufacturing Engineering; Materials Engineering; Mathematics;

M e c h a n i c a l E n g i n e e r i n g ; M e t a l l u r g i c a l Engineering; Mining Engineering; Molecular Biology and Biotechnology; Physics; Physics with Applied Computer System; Physics with Material Science and Engineering; Science/Mathematics Teaching and Statistics.

The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarship Program is the Department’s response to its mandate of accelerating the pace of knowledge-driven development in accordance with the S&T human resource growth potential in the country, director Mallonga said.

Application forms are available at the DOST Caraga Regional Office, Caraga State University Compound, Ampayon, Butuan City and DOST Provincial Offices in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur, Surigao City , Bislig and Tandag City and can be downloaded at http//www.science-scholarships.ph, director Mallonga added.

Deadline for submission of application form and supporting documents is on August 22, 2014.

For inquiries, please visit or call DOST-Caraga at telephone number (085) 341-9551.


Zambo airport undergoes rehab amid impending transfer By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Several projects are now being undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to rehabilitate the Zamboanga City Airport in spite of the possibility of its transfer to another area here. Airport Manager Danilo Abareta explained to media in Monday’s press conference that although he “is not at liberty to comment on the

airport transfer,” works to maintain the airport would still continue. “We will continue to maintain it,” he said. “Hindi naman masasayang


ang ating initiative (our initiatives will not go to waste).” The local business sector is favoring for the airport’s transfer to barangay Mercedes. For one, Zamboanga business chamber governor Pedro Rufo Soliven said in an early statement that “this project… is very relevant in the anticipation of the ASEAN integration.” Next month, the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF-P) or Balikatan will begin the 1.8-km runway rehabilitation. “The Balikatan will fill potholes with asphalt,” Abareta explained. The rehabilitation work, which will be done by Filipino contractors under the supervision of JSOTF-P

will at most last for two to three weeks. Albareta bared that some portions of lots within airport premises are still awaiting court decisions as to ownership claims by private individuals. However, the airport manager clarified that the runway is not part of the disputed lots. “The airport consists of different lots and different owners, but the runway is not part of them,” Abareta clarified. Moreover, to prevent flooding in the runway as what happened last October, Abareta said that a de-clogging of a nearby creek is now being done. The P6-million worth project is “nearing completion.”


DILG-9 bares PQE passersBy Franklin P. Gumapon

PAGADIAN CITY – Seventeen examinees passed the pre-qualifying examination (PQE) administered by Ms. Kristina B. Laborte and Joy Christine M. Sartillo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Central Office on July 4, 2014 at Saint Columban College in this city. In an announcement issued today by the regional office of DILG-9, it said 17 out 99 examinees hurdled the test, which is part of the screening process in hiring its employees. “The PQE is an initial part of the selection process aimed to gauge the maximum potential of the applicants in every subject matter in order for the management to select only the best and deserving applicants who

have the capacity to carry out the mandate of the department,” the announcemenr further said. The passers are Abarido, Edly C.; Alam, Sariba A.; Alistado, Richsen O., Bitantos, May L.; Cinco, Lourdes Theressa M.; Daculio, Jehuel Nathan R.; Genovia, Jemilou M.; Guhil, Melvin A.; Halanes, Ruel S.; Herrera, Catherine Ann L.; Locson, Jay Immanuel B.; Lucero, Alvin Rex M.; Ortaleza, Roxan Desiree T.;

Other rehabilitative activities for the airport include the construction of new toilets and the restoration of the lampposts within the parking area. Meanwhile, effective Aug. 1 this year, the airport will impose parking fees for private vehicles. For cars and other four-wheeled vehicles, P20.00 will be collected and Php10.00 for motorcycles. The fees will only be collected from vehicles that would make use of the parking space – no fees will be collected for passenger drop-offs or pick-ups. “The parking fees is in consonance with our drive to increase airport revenues,” said Abareta.

Abareta also clarified on the squatter issue at the airport. He said that at least thirty-nine families are squatting within the airport premises, and is a “security concern” for them and the passengers. “We will be closely coordinating with the police for the ejectment of the squatters from the area for security reasons,” Abareta said. For last year, the airport management has reported approximately 900,000 airline passenger movement here.


DILG-9 bares PQE passers

Zambo. Norte PDRRMC conducts simulation drill in DipologBy Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Zamboanga del Norte in partnership with the government agencies and private groups conducted recently a simulation drill here in support of the National Disaster Consciousness Month celebration. The drill, which aims to instill in the people the importance of disaster preparedness, was conducted at the city hall and at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Exhibition Center with the employees of the city government and provincial government as participants. The employees were taught what to do during earthquake and fire. Meanwhile, drills on bombing, motor vehicle accident and hostage taking were conducted along the city streets. Water search and rescue operations during floods and landslides were also taught to the participants. This year’s national disaster consciousness month has for its theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan Ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon Ng

Kaunlaran.” Among the national and local agencies supporting the said activity were the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), PNP, SWAT Team, Explosive Operation Division (EOD), Traffic Management Group (TMG), Philippine Army, DILG, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), ZN Medical Center, City Health Office and Rescue 117. Other groups who turned up during the simulation drill were rescuers from Dipolog, Kalawit and Dapitan bringing along their medical teams and ambulance as well as other private organizations like D’Alert, REACT, mountaineers club and the media.

Ovalo, Judilloid S.; Tagong, Harby Hope M.; Tahil, Arrasfir Q.; and Tan, Lea D. These successful examinees are advised to immediately submit their

resume to the Personnel Section, Finance and Administrative Division, DILG Regional Office IX, Pagadian City.


Malita special high school celebrates 18 yearsMALITA, DAVAO DEL SUR- A spe-cial High School in Malita, Davao del Sur celebrated its 18th found-ing anniversary last July 17 in honor of the late congressman Benjamin V. Bautista, Sr. estab-lished it in 1996. The school’s vision had em-braced on courses that could eas-ily help the students to earn income while they are still in school and even beyond. Its major of concentration yielded more on agriculture, fishery and handicraft. The students are being taught on technical skills and equipped with the knowledge how to further enhance their learning and put it in practice. The birth of “ EARN and LEARN Program “ was conceptualized by Ben-jamin V. Bautista, Sr. especially de-signed to poor and marginalized stu-dents who had the desire and belief that education is the only tool to pull them away from poverty. The concept was also deeply ap-preciated by poor parents knowing that through this, they would only

have less amount of money to spend in school for their children. Having reached its 18th birth-day, the school was able to establish 5 extension high schools in 5 baran-gays of Malita town to cater students living in remote areas. As history un-folds, the former congressman’s main thrust was to alleviate his people from extreme poverty through prop-er education. He believed in his per-sonal conviction that education is the ultimate answer to free the poor from the clutches of poverty. Benjamin V. Bautista, Sr. and the school named after him will be best remembered a noble legacy for his people in Malita, Davao del Sur. It had molded and produced several graduates and professionals all these years. His program had served as an inspiration to his son Governor Claude Bautista who in his present adminis-tration is giving importance to edu-cational development in the province through his scholarship program. (PL-GU-DavSur/Nilda S. Aniñon)


PNP announces new requirements for firearm ownership

DAVAO DEL NORTE- Police Provin-cial Director, Police Senior Supt. Samuel Gadingan announced the new requirements for the registra-tion and renewal of firearms regis-tration. PSSupt. Gadingan said that any qualified person who wants to register their firearms or renewal of their existing registration must first secure License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) per Republic Act 10951 or the Comprehensive Firearm and Ammunition Regulation Act. According to RA 10951, LTOPF can be applied by a Filipino citizen, who is at least 21 years old and has gainful work, occupation or business or has filed Income Tax Return. The requirements for the license are psychiatric test, drug test, gun safety seminar certificate, finger print,

National Police Clearance (R2), and court clearance. The act also states that the license must be renewed every two years; while the firearm registration must be renewed every four years. Gadingan disclosed that the payment for the license and registration will be through registered banks. “Unlike before that the personnel from the police office will receive the payment, all

fees will paid through the banks,” he said. Gadingan said that one of the factors of the license is to avoid fictitious firearm registration and corruption in the system. He revealed that to disseminate the policies, the Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO) will conduct tomorrow (July 24) an Education Caravan at the provincial barracks, which will assemble stakeholders and media. One of the speakers for the caravan will be PNP Regional Director Wendy Garcia Rosario. Based on the records of the DNPPO, the province has 8,319 firearms; 7,496 of which were renewed as of December 2013. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

by Michael Uy

one mindanao - july 24, 2014

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