one mindanao - march 12, 2013

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESEDITORIAL BOARDWestern 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

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Cellphone 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]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound 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]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phBlogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur Twitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

Executive Editor …….. EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern & Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director - PIA Caraga Region OIC Regional Director - PIA Region X

Associate Editors …… NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII ELAINE O. RATUNIL Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X

Regional Desk Editors Franklin P. Gumapon, PIA Region IX Jorie C. Valcorza, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editor ............... Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Retchie Tolinero, PIA Region X

Senior Layout Artists : Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region

Editorial Advisers :

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Philippine Information Agency

Director General

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

Cover Story

The new Davao del Norte Sports ComplexRudolph AlamaSouthern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Tuesday, March 12, 2013 Vol. 2 No. 143

page 4

President Aquino assures that government’s infrastructure projects in Quezon province are now in place 9

Danilo E. Doguiles, Central Mindanao

Competition for sustainable, eco-friendly schools remains open until April 16 18

DSWD validates, assesses Typhoon Pablo victims in Region 12, ARMM

SSS-Cotabato begins processing of members’ IDs

Cebu-based shipping line sets new ship’s maiden voyage March 16

Danilo E. Doguiles, ARMM16

2023

Oliver Ross V. Rivera, Central Mindanao

Caraga Region

GAD in Caraga conducts ‘Kalandra-kas sa Kababaihan’ 24

DENR-10, Northern Mindanao

DENR 10 promotes Baliangao Protected Land-scape & Seascape as an eco-tourism site33

PIA holds 1st Provincial Information Center Managers’ confab Alma L. Tingcang, Western Mindanao

29Jennifer P. Gaitano, Caraga Region

Danielle Venz, Northern Mindanao

Goods entering China require registration, accreditation 34

7 12 14 17 21 28

Tuesday, March 12, 20134

The new Davao del Norte Sports Complex

It was in 2008 when the provincial government of

Davao del Norte formalized its desire to build a modern sports complex out from the ruins of the old sports complex in Mankilam, in Tagum City, located in a sprawling 12-hectare lot in front of the provincial capitol.

CoVer StoRy

The old sports complex was razed by fire and to take its place was P250-million sports facility complete with a 10,000 capacity grandstand and bleachers, eight-

lane rubberized track and field oval, olympic-sized swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis courts plus other support facilities and infrastructures.

It is aimed to be completed by 2010 just in time for Palarong Pambansa which Davao del Norte was hoping to bid.The Provincial Board granted authority to Governor Rodolfo del Rosario to take out a loan of P500-million

By Rudolph Alama

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 5

to finance the sports complex aside from purchasing heavy equipment for the province that could be used to build and maintain infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, irrigation and drainage canals. However the state of the world economy particularly the global meltdown in 2009 shelved the plans of the Provincial Government to pursue the project. After delays, the groundbreaking started in 2011, the original P250-million budget was trimmed to P243-million with modifications to fit the budget. It was also to be built using turn-key arrangement with the contractor Young Builders. Under a turn-key arrangement, the contractor would only be paid after it has finished construction and the facility would be formally accepted and turned

over to the provincial government. Young Builders Corp. had a track record of turn-key arrangement in constructing the Tagbilaran City Hall and the Quirino General Hospital in Bohol. The Davao del Norte Sports Complex would have a main grandstand of 1,712 square meters with approximately 3,000 seating capacity. It will also have an oval track of 8-lane running tracks, outdoor playing courts, olympic size swimming pool with a warm-up pool. It will be equipped with a night-lighting system which enables night games to be held in the complex, beneficial to athletes as they would not have to endure the scorching sun to play their games. Also in development is the rehabilitation of the basketball gym within the complex which will host various indoor games like basketball


and volleyball.

The oval track is made of tartan materials,

tartan is a trademark all-weather synthetic track surfacing made of polyurethane which is used for track and field competitions. It allows athletes to play even in rough weather without serious loss to their optimum performance. The Governor sees substantial economic benefits which can be drawn out of operating the sports complex. It could simulate local economy with the sports complex hosting big athletic meets like the Davao Region Athletic

Association (DAVRAA) or the Palarong Pambansa. The athletic field could also host fitness exercises for Dabaonons, while the aquatic facility with a club house can also be opened to the public. Tangible benefits aside from monetary value is that the sports complex could be a training ground for Dabaonon youths molding them to be athletic citizens and good role models for the province. The brand new sports complex was inaugurated last December 12, 2012 and last February 25 hosted the weeklong DAVRAA games, for the first time, the modern sports complex was opened to the public.


ACROSS THE NATIONPresident Aquino visits coco water plantation in Candelaria, Quezon

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited on Monday the coconut water plantation of the Peter Paul Philippine Corporation (PPPC) as part of his administration’s goal to accelerate the growth of the coconut industry.

Upon his arrival at the plantation located in Barangay Pahinga Norte, the Chief Executive was welcomed by PPPC President Joey Quimson and other PPPC officials. He was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Representative Irvin Alcala

of the Quezon 2nd District The President toured the coconut

water plantation that provide the continuous supply of fresh premium coconuts year round. The 13-hectare property is located about 100 kilometers south of the city of Manila.

8Tuesday, March 12, 2013

The President’s visit to the PPPC is designed to help highlight the importance of the collaboration between the government and the business sector in boosting the country’s coconut production.

During his visit, the President was briefed on the PPPC’s operations, and an update on the collaboration between the government, through the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, and the PPPC to accelerate the growth of the coconut industry.

The PPPC, likewise, briefed the President on the various initiatives and programs aimed at improving the productivity to cope with the rising global demand for coconut products.

The President, for his part, expressed his administration’s support for the integrated development of the coconut industry.

The government’s efforts to promote coco water exports resulted in 823 percent increase - from 1.81 million liters worth $1.84 million in 2010 to 16.75 million liters worth $15.11 million in 2011.

It also resulted in the 39.15 percent increase in the quantity of coco coir

exports from 4.43 million kilograms (net) worth $974,586 in 2010 to 6.16 million kg (net) worth $2.01 million in 2011. At present, the Philippines is one of the major exporters of coco water.

Meanwhile, coconut water exports from the Philippines posted an 81-percent increase in volume for the first semester of 2012, increasing from 5.662 million liters to 10.249 million liters for the same period in 2011.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also reported $11.8 million in earnings, which is a 100.54-percent increase from the previous year’s $5.57 million. Emerging markets for coconut water consumption accounted for almost 7 percent of export volumes.

The PPPC was established in Candelaria, Quezon on June 29, 1946 - just a couple of days before the Philippines gained independence from American rule.

In 1962, majority interest in the company was sold to the Filipino group. The company has established production facilities to produce other coconut products, such as coconut milk and cream, coconut water, virgin coconut oil, coconut flour/fiber, copra, copra cake, coconut oil, paring cake, paring


oil, and other residual products, thus consolidating its strengths in the creation of an integrated coconut processing plant.

Today, the PPPC operates the largest single production facility of desiccated coconut in the world, with a rated capacity of 22,000 metric tons per year.

Quimson said the PPPC remains committed to the utilization of its core competencies as a premier producer of

desiccated coconut, and the enhancement of its other coconut-based products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut flour/ fiber, coconut milk and cream and other specialty products.

Peter Paul’s products are seen in all major markets such as North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and maintains a substantial share in each of these markets. PND (js)

President Aquino assures that government’s infrastructure projects in Quezon province are now in place

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured

on Monday that the government’s infrastructure projects, including the Lucena Diversion Talao-Talao Port Road, are now in place to further expand the agriculture, commerce and tourism industries in the province.

10Tuesday, March 12, 2013

In his message during a meeting with local leaders and the community held at the Gumaca National High School Covered Court located on Bonifacio Street in Mabini here, the Chief Executive said his administration continues to invest in the much-needed initiatives and programs to boost the province’s various industries.

“Nakahilera na po ang mga proyekto nating pangimprastraktura na siyang magtatahi o magpapaaliwalas sa mga industriyang pangturismo at komersyo,” the President said.

“Isang halimbawa po sa mga ipinapatayo nating daan ay ang Lucena Diversion Talao-Talao Port Road, sa byaheng Dalahican mula at patungong Pagbilao, Talao-Talao Port 7,000 motorista po ang makikinabang dahil magiging 20 minuto nalang ang dating 45 minutong travel time,”

he stressed.The government started

working on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Extension project to reduce the travel time in Southern Luzon, Aquino stressed.

“Ngayon palang din po nakalatag na ang ating pangmatagalang plano sa pagpapabilis ng transportasyon dito sa Quezon patungo sa ibang karatig na lalawigan,” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng SLEX Extension na magkokonekta sa inyong probinsya at sa Laguna, kasama na po ang Maharlika Highway, oras na makumpleto po ito ang byaheng Sto. Tomas, Batangas at Lucena Quezon na ngayon ay inaabot ng apat na oras ay itinatayang magiging isang oras na lang,” he said.

Anchored on the principle of “Tuwid na Daan,” the President noted that his government was


able to build on the gains of the anti-corruption campaign and reduce poverty. He noted that the various government programs to boost the agriculture industry resulted in the creation of jobs for the people.

“Ang mabibiyayaan po ng mga proyektong ito mahigit 1,100 lupain para sa mga magsasaka natin sa mga munisipalidad niyo rito sa Quezon. Sa huli po nakatuon ang mga inisyatiba natin sa halaga at pakinabang ng mga ito, kay Juan at Juana dela Cruz,” he said.

He said the government started implementing programs to boost the coconut industry, including the coco water trade.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to effectively provide the people of various social services such as health, education among others.

“Nariyan din po ang ating

mga serbisyong panlipunan upang masuportahan ang kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Sa katunayan, ang mga benepisyaryong kabahayan pong kabilang sa ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program sa buong bansa mula nitong katapusan ng Pebrero ay umabot na sa mahigit 3.8 million households ang bilang. Mahigit 91, 302 rito sa bilang na ito ang mga pamilyang mula sa Quezon,” he said.

With its beautiful beaches and hospitable locals, Gumaca is expected to attract more tourists.

The President also called on the people of the province to rise to the challenge of revitalization. He underscored the importance of the collaboration between the public and private sectors towards a productive and self-sufficient nation. PND (js)


Gov’t urged to upgrade Mindanao hydro plants

Senator Chiz Escudero urged the Aquino administration to upgrade Mindanao’s ailing Mindanao hydropower plants to balance the power mix and pull down electricity rates that

would be enticing for investors to share in the development of the southern Philippines.

Escudero vehemently opposed the government’s plan to privatize hydropower plant operations in Mindanao saying that the consumers would be susceptible to trade abuse of unscrupulous power stakeholders.

“Again, I am against the privatization of these hydropower plants. The government should instead upgrade these so as to improve their capacities to provide cheap electricity,” Escudero said during a recent forum here.


Escudero, also a member of the Joint Congressional Power Commission, said that building more coal-fired power plants in Mindanao would not help the island’s development as it would push power rates higher to the detriment of people of Mindanao.

He explained that the energy department was pushing for a coal-fired power plants because the government does not want to spend for the upgrading of the hydropower plants in Mindanao.

Mindanao has at present the Agus-Pulangi hydropower complexes in the provinces of Lanao Del Sur and Bukidnon, which supplies more

than 50 percent of the island’s total power requirements.

Mindanao has a total potential of 2,519.29 MW of hydro sources as against the 1,163.30 from coal, according to the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2003-2012.

He said it is the duty of the government to help in Mindanao’s development by taking full advantage of its cheap electricity rates.

“If this comparative advantage of Mindanao is no longer there, what then would entice investors to invest here?” he asked.

Mindanao’s power rates are lower by 30-40 percent than the mixed generation costs of Luzon and the Visayas because of the island’s hydro-power. (PNA)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- In an effort to bring medical services to far flung areas of the province, the Integrated Provincial Health Office-Maguindanao will continue its “Doctors to the Barrio” program.

IPHO-Maguindanao continues Doctors to the Barrio programBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

IPHO Maguindanao Chief Dr. Tahir Sulaik said that more physicians have offered their professional services to remote Moro communities in the province.

The Doctors to the Barrio Program is one of the flagship program of the DOH that aims to deploy competent health workers to areas which are hard to reach, far-flung, economically underdeveloped and lacking the capability to provide adequate health services.


IPHO-Maguindanao continues Doctors to the Barrio program

Aside from distance, many communities in Maguindanao have no hospital or medical facilities so the Doctors to the Barrio program will make do with makeshift hospitals and medical stations.

Sulaik also said

that the positive developments in the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front helps them to expand their services to Maguindanaons.

Maguindanao is composed of 36 towns

and many of its residents, once ill, would have to travel for hours before reaching Cotabato City where the Regional Hospital and Medical Center is located. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Typhoon Pablo that hit a large part Davao Region, particularly Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, in December apparently also affected 63,846 households in Soccsksargen Region and parts of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

DSWD validates, assesses Typhoon Pablo victims in Region 12, ARMMBy Danilo E. Doguiles

The large number of reported Pablo victims in the Region 12 and the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the ARMM have prompted the National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 12 to conduct a special household validation. DSWD 12 regional director Zorahayda T. Taha, said the validation and assessment is necessary to monitor the status of the

poor and non-poor household after Pablo struck and destroyed many lives and livelihood. She said in an interview that it is apparent that the condition of the households has changed subsequent to the catastrophe. Recently, 286 e n u m e r a t o r s , supervisors, and are coordinators were trained for the special enumeration that would verify if Typhoon Pablo has in fact changed the economic status of the

households that were assessed in 2009.Of this number, 174 enumerators, 10 area supervisors and 2 area coordinators were trained for Region 12. On the other hand, the team for ARMM is composed of 60 enumerators, 34 area supervisors and 6 area coordinators. Areas to undergo validation and assessment was based on the report of the Local Government Units and Disaster Response Operation,


and Information Center (DROMIC) to DSWD as of January 8, 2013.

Said report indicated that 12,674 households were affected by Typhoon Pablo in Region 12 and 51,172 households in Lanao and Maguindanao in ARMM. Most hit in ARMM (LaMa) was the municipality of Bubong, Lanao del Sur with 3,535 affected households. Meanwhile, in Region 12, Pikit, North Cotabato reported the biggest number with 4,700 households. In conducting this initiative, the enumerators will initially use the Habagat Pre Assessment Form (HPAF) to verify if the household is an authentic Typhoon Pablo victim. After checking the household’s authenticity, the Household Need Assessment Form (HNAF) will be used to evaluate the present

state of these household included in the NHTS-PR data base. Household Assessment Form (HAF), on the other hand, will be administered to enumerate households that were not included in the nationwide enumeration in 2009. NHTU head Jackiya Lao, head clarified that the objective of the special validation is chiefly to monitor the current status of the identified poor and non-poor households in 2009. She also noted that not all areas will be covered by the special validation. “NHTU will not provide social services to the

victims. If in the event a non-poor household, would be identified as poor household in the special validation, that particular household could then become a potential beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, for instance” she added. However, she further explained that the status change of household from non-poor to poor does not guarantee that the latter automatically becomes a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary. The special validation is expected to be completed on March 28. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato-- South Cotabato will be joining this year’s celebration of the International Museum Day, an official of the pro-vincial government here said.

South Cotabato to join International Museum Day celebrationBy Danilo E. Doguiles

Provincial museum in-charge Indira “Dinky” Cagaanan, said South Cotabato will be hosting a conference related to the global museum celebration at the Mountain Log Resort in Lake Sebu town on May 17 – 19.

This year’s celebration centers on the theme “Memory + Creativity = Social Change.”

I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y renowned museologist Marian Pastor Roces will be the resource person in the event’s seminar-workshop.


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Local schools interested in joining the national search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools but have not yet filed their application for the competition have been given an extension, an official of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB)12, announced yes-terday.

Roces is the founder of TAO Inc., an agency specializing in museum and exhibition development. She is a critical commentator on international art, culture, and politics supported by prestigious institutions worldwide.

Roces is also the founding curator of the Museo ng Kalinangang Pilipino at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Besides the seminar-workshop, participants are also set to visit the South Cotabato Museum

and the Notre Dame of Marbel University Museum.

Also included in their itinerary are the zipline ride at the 7 Falls as well as a boat tour around Lake Sebu.

The provincial government and the municipal government of Lake Sebu will also host a dinner and cultural presentation for the delegation.

The International Museum Day is celebrated annually on or around May 18. It is being coordinated by

the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the only international o r g a n i z a t i o n representing museums and museum professionals. ICOM’s secretariat has base in UNESCO House in Paris, France.

ICOM assists members of the museum community in their mission to preserve, conserve and share cultural heritage. It has 30,000 members in 137 countries. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

Competition for sustainable, eco-friendly schools remains open until April 16By Danilo E. Doguiles

In a statement, EMB 12 acting regional director Ma. Socorro Lanto said, the deadline for the submission of entries for the nationwide search has been moved to April 16, to allow more schools to participate.

Submission of entries

for the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools was originally set to end on Friday, March 15.

Lanto said, the search intends to highlight achievements of schools that are committed in implementing

various environmental programs.

It is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the EMB in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd),


Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Smart Communications, Nestle Philippines, Unilever Philippines, Petron Foundation and One Meralco Foundation.

The search is also a direct response to Republic Act No. 9512 or Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 and an initiative of the country relative to the declaration of 2012 as the ASEAN Environment Year with the theme “ E n v i r o n m e n t a l Awareness thru Eco-Schools,” and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) .

It is open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, both public and private, the activity aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level as well as develop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase community awareness and involvement

on environmental concerns.

According to the contest guidelines, schools must register online at www.sustainableschools.ph and submit their entry in three hard copies to their respective DepEd Division Offices for elementary and high school categories, and to EMB Regional Offices for the higher education/college category. The minimum requirement for judging will be the hard copies.

Entries can likewise be submitted online in JPEG format with a resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi), a minimum size of 1536 x 2048 pixels, and a maximum file size of 1MB. Entries may be emailed to [email protected]. The top entry per category for every region will be forwarded to the EMB Central Office

for national judging.School entries should

revolve around the theme “Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.” Participating schools should include a brief description of the Project.

Entries will be rated according to the following criteria: Environment-related Aspects of the School’s Policy (20 pts); Environment-fr iendly School Operations and Presence of Environmental Programs (30 pts); Environment-related Features of the School Curriculum (30 pts); Presence of Vibrant Eco Organizations in Campus (10 pts); and Presence of Partners and Linkages in Environment Programs/Projects (10 pts). Only one entry per school will be accepted.

Regional winners for each category will receive a certificate


KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- Members of Social Security System in Cotabato City and neighboring towns can now process their membership identification cards (IDs) in the SSS-Cotabato office.

of recognition and cheque worth P15,000. At the national level, winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in each category will receive P50,000, P40,000, and P30,000 plus plaques of recognition.

Special awards are also set to be given, namely: “Nestle Leadership for Water” for schools that promote water management

solutions and practices and “Meralco Energy Leadership Award” for initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency and conservation.

Awarding of prizes will be held in time with the National Environment Awareness Month celebration in November.

For further details, please contact the National

Program Secretariat, Environmental Education and Information Division of the EMB-DENR at telefax numbers: (02) 9284674 / (02) 3765610; E-mail eco f r i end lyschoo [email protected]; Website: w w w . e m b . g o v .ph and www.sustainableschools.ph. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/EMB-12)

SSS-Cotabato begins processing of members’ IDsBy Oliver Ross V. Rivera

According to SSS-Cotabato Branch Manager Sukarno Pendaliday, they have already resumed facilitating applications for SSS IDs after suspending operations for several months due to mechanical problem.

With the arrival of a new data capturing machine last December, processing of documents and loans with the SSS had become easier.

The new ID system of SSS serves as multi-

purpose ID for easy processing of claims and securing loans at SSS or any financial institutions of the government.

The SSS ID card contains vital information about the carrier and information about his membership, among others.

Pendaliday also added that members who are yet to acquire IDs are advised to visit its office along Makakua Street, bring two valid IDs and fill up application

forms.In the previous years,

securing an SSS ID would entail additional expenses on the part of the members because from Cotabato City, they have to travel to Kidapawan City, a two-hour drive and costs at least P300 for round trip fare.

For inquiries, members are advised to call SSS-Cotabato Branch at (064)421-4515 or 421-8289. (ORVR-PIA12)


7 Butuan artists successfully transform garbage to artworks

BUTUAN CITY -- Seven Butuan artists had successfully transformed worthless garbage into precious artworks in a matter of five days.

www.piacaraga.blogspot.com h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

by NOEL B. NAJARRO


Butuan City’s icon the “balangay” literally “emerged” (this is the meaning of the Butuanon word ‘butwa’ ) out of the recyclable waste materials provided.

“The beautiful finished product may even command a high price,” commented Agnes Carlos, Butuan City Community Affairs Officer who supervised the recently concluded “Ang Pagbutwa Hong Balangay: From Waste to Work of Art.”

The art competition showcased Butuan’s Balangay boat out of waste materials.

The creation of Kit Gresos (Entry #5) got the first prize which was worth P7,000.00. Gualberto Licong’s artwork won the second place and was awarded P5,000.00 while Crismieno Tamis, got the third place and won the P3,000.00 prize. The others got P2,000.00 each as consolation prizes.

The city government of Butuan in coordination with the local youth development council initiated the activity to demonstrate that trash can practically be transformed into cash-- from “waste into something beautiful and beneficial.”

Carlos also said this is in line with the city’s latest initiative to reduce the volume of garbage in the city in support to its existing “Clean Ground Zero Waste Program.”


Cebu-based shipping line sets new ship’s maiden voyage March 16

BUTUAN CITY-- Cebu-based Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. (CSLI) will begin trips to Nasipit, Agusan del Norte on board its latest acquisition, the Filipinas Butuan, with its maiden voyage on March 16.

Refurbished from Japan, the MV Filipinas Butuan has four main engines and three auxiliary engines.

It can carry 850 passengers, with a gross tonnage of 3,086 and a cruising speed of 15 knots.

Chase Cokaliong, human resources manager and special assistant to the founder, CEO and COO Chester Cokaliong, said they

spent P200 million to acquire the vessel from Nagasaki, Japan in March last year.

His sister Chesna Cokaliong, who is also a special assistant to the founder CEO and COO, said they observed there was no direct route from Cebu to Nasipit.

The shipping lines that sail to Nasipit dock in Surigao and Cagayan de Oro before proceeding


to Nasipit.The Cokaliongs said they see

the new route as an advantage, citing Nasipit’s proximity to other provinces.

MV Filipinas Butuan will sail from Cebu to Nasipit to Cebu on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it will sail from Cebu, stop in Jagna, Bohol before proceeding to Nasipit then back to Cebu.

With these new routes, the company now serves 13 ports of call, including Calbayog, Maguino-o, Dapitan, Dumaguete, Iligan, Iloilo, Maasin, Ozamis, Palompon, Surigao and Tagbilaran.

Mr. Cokaliong said that by sailing to Nasipit, they are serving a big market, many of whom find it better to set sail directly than drop by other ports.

GAD in Caraga conducts ‘Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan’by Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY -- In time with the International Women’s Day celebration, the Gender and Development Coordinating Committee (GADCC) chaired by Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Caraga Regional Director Atty. Marylin Pintor conducted last Friday the 9th “Kalandrakas sa Kababaihan” at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

Men and women are enjoying the trade fair, ukay-ukay, massage

and spa, medical mission, legal counseling, parlor games, and


other leisure activities. Atty. Pintor acknowledged the

presence of women from different sectors who remain active and continuously improve their capacities for the development of the community especially in getting involved in good governance.

During the said activity, Pintor and vice-chair Edna Hontiveros of Forward Filipina Inc handed over the plaques of recognition to the Outstanding Women of this year.

The following were awarded as Outstanding Women: Epifania Antoquia of Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City (Department of Agriculture 2012 Most Outstanding Rural Woman); and Helen Dumayas, retired GAD Focal Person of the Department of Budget and Management -Caraga.

The activity is also part of the month-long celebration for this year’s Women’s Month.

Also, SInsp. Ray Antonio Restauro of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Caraga reiterated during the program that the month of March is considered Fire Prevention Month of every year since this month has recorded several fire incidents.

“BFP is continuously conducting information dissemination to the public on the prevention of fire everywhere,” said Restauro.

The agency also distributed leaflets containing tips to make fire safety a daily habit.

Restauro further announced that in case of fire and other emergency, the public may call BFP hotline number: 160 or 342-8217.

Meanwhile, Diosita Andot of Mindanao Commission on Women also graced the activity and served as the keynote speaker of the ninth Kalandrakas.

Andot emphasized the vital role of women in decision-making, fighting against corruption, and good governance.

This year’s Women’s Month is anchored on the theme “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan”.


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Because of the significant performance of the project and the need to adopt a more sustainable approach through the complementation of financial and non-financial services in its implementation, the project has been scaled up to reach and engage a bigger number of ARBs/ARB households. With this, 30 cooperatives nationwide will be developed

LACARBEMCO undergoes microfinance training

DIPOLOG CITY - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. have jointly implemented recently the Microfinance Capacity Development Project for Partner Organizations (MCDPPO) to provide sustained credit access to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by developing ARB cooperatives as microfinance conduits.

By Anjanette Vallejera-Nemiaga


LACARBEMCO undergoes microfinance training

“Make sense of what is happening in our country,” Presidential communications Operations Office

(PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma said, recognizing the crucial role of the ICMs in the delivery of

PIA holds 1st Provincial Information Center Managers’ confabBy Alma L. Tingcang

MANILA – Some 70 information center managers (ICMs) of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) from all over the country have converged at the Bayview Park Hotel Manila along Roxas Boulevard for the first “Provincial ICMs Conference” starting March 10-14.

as microfinance conduits of which one cooperative has been selected as project partner in Zamboanga del Norte. This coop is the Langatian Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (LACARBEMCO) of Langatian, Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte. As part of the formal start of the program, LACARBEMCO underwent a Microfinance Capacity Development Program Orientation, Planning and Initial Mentoring and Technical Guidance Session. To maximize project resources, the initial mentoring and technical guidance (MATG) which would focus on the review of the articles of cooperation and by-laws and vision-mission-goals, objective(VMGO), have been conducted vis-a-vis the project orientation session with the cooperative officers, staff, selected clients as well as the municipal agrarian reform officer as participants. The microfinance project intends to reach out to more ARBs needing micro-agri financial and non-financial services, as microfinance is an effective tool for poverty alleviation. After the said training, the cooperative has been brought to KIMAYA Peoples Multipurpose Cooperative in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental for a learning expedition in order to familiarize its selected officers and management staff with the operation and implementation of microfinance in the community. OIC-PARO I Raul J. Sy, stressed during the opening ceremony, that he hopes that “this program would succeed and for them to work hand in hand with for the development of the cooperative.”


information to the public. He cited four guiding principles in making a story: Observe, Report, Analyze and Synthesize (ORAS). “I hope you will have a sharing of experiences. I don’t believe in exclusivity of ideas. I believe in the empowerment of everybody and recognize that everybody can contribute to the work,” PIA Director-General Jose Mari M. Oquinena also said in his message to the participants. “You are not implementers of an order. I want you to be initiators of something you believe what is good for your province,” DG Oquinena added. He encouraged the ICMs to refocus and to reaffirm their presence in the agency. “It is important to develop an intelligent heart, not just an intelligent mind,” stressed Oquinena. “Kasi marami namang matatalino sa mundo, bakit ganito tayo kagulo? Marami namang Ph. D. na agriculturist, bakit may gutom? Marami ang may masteral on communication and information, bakit hindi tayo nagkakaintindihan,” (We have a lot of brilliant people in the world, but why are in trouble? A number of agriculturists with Ph.D., but why are we hungry? Lots have masteral degrees on communication and information, but why are we not in agreement?) Oquinena noted. He said the ICMs should begin telling people to start thinking of others before self. “If you really want change, you have to conquer the culture na ako muna bago iba

balita.ph

(me first before others). Dapat, ang iba muna bago ako,” (It should be others first, before me) emphasized Oquinena. When DG Oquinena entered the government, he had a simple point of consideration, saying: “Although we do not have a perfect government, I said I will be serving a president who will not ask me to steal, that’s good enough for me. I’m not looking for a perfect president. I’m just looking for somebody that will not ask me to compromise my values. That will be okay for me.” “Because from there, you can build a future for your country; from there you can start dreaming of what is good for the country - because we have a President that encourages goodness in everyone,” he concluded.


Women in gov’t give gifts to ‘Sendong’ victims on Int’l Women’s Day by Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Gender Advocates-Women in Government Service (GA-WINGS) Region 10, supports the observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) through giving gifts to 77 families and conducting medical and dental mission at Berjaya-Gawad Kalinga (GK) resettlement area in Camaman-an, here.


Located in barangays Tugas, Misom, Sinian and Landing, the 299.9 hectare protected area thrives with 21 species of mangroves with Bakauan dominant in the said area. It has a 75 hectare marine sanctuary which is home to 39 colorful fish species. Eco-tourism activities include boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and islet hopping. Nature walk can be done in the boardwalk of the Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape. The boardwalk which was constructed beneath the mangrove forests connects the islets from the mainland. It also serves as a research

laboratory that offers educational and scientific values for marine researchers or related studies.

Proclamation No. 418 dated November 22, 2000 declared the wetland areas of Baliangao as a protected area under the category of Protected Landscape and Seascape. It is under the management jurisdiction of the DENR and administered in accordance with the provisions of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, and its implementing rules and regulations. A Protected Area Management Board

DENR 10 promotes Baliangao Protected Landscape & Seascape as an eco-tourism site

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 is supporting the local government of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental in promoting Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) as an eco-tourism site.

by DENR-10

Around 29 government agencies participated in the said event bringing along their presents to the typhoon Sendong survivors who were relocated in the area. Clarissa C. Rosales, GA-WINGS 10 president, shared that such activity is conducted to simply share little blessings and to showcase the capabilities of women to extend help to those who are in need as a manifestation of the celebration’s

theme, “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.” Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and medical practitioners from the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) also attended in the celebration and led the conduct of the medical mission. A culminating activity will be conducted on March 22 and the venue is to be announced by the organization.


(PAMB) was established to strengthen the conservation and protection efforts of the area. Last year a 3 hectare mangrove rehabilitation project was undertaken within the area under the National Greening Program (NGP). Other activities conducted in BPLS include managing the protected area, implementing the Biodiversity

M o n i t o r i n g System (BMS) and the Nature C o n s e r v a t i o n , Education and Extension in schools or c o m m u n i t i e s visited. Prior to its proclamation as a protected area it was known as the Misom Sea Sanctuary established by the local government of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental pursuant to Resolution No.

01, Series of 1991. The 74-hectare marine reserve at barangay Misom was established by the PIPULI Foundation, Inc., an environmental non-government organization. The municipality of Baliangao is located in the northern part of the province of Misamis Occidental.

Goods entering China require registration, accreditationby Danielle Venz

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Local companies exporting food and agriculture products to China are now required to register and secure accreditation online to ensure the entry of their products.


“All goods to enter Mainland China (fishery, feeds, processed food and beverages and fresh fruits, etc.) require registration (new and old) and accreditation. For new (exporters), this may involve site inspections and product tests/sampling,” said Christine dela Cruz, commercial officer of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in China. Dela Cruz said China’s Decree 55 requires all exporters and agents, as well as Chinese importers, to complete a web-based registration process. The decree covers a wide range of products under the jurisdiction of China’s State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (SAQSIQ) Food Safety Bureau. These include food commodities such as meat and meat products, aquatic products, egg and egg products, dairy products, bee products and other non-prescribed foods such as biscuits and beverages. Dela Cruz encourages exporters to work closely with their importers to provide the required information. China is implementing the electronic certification (e-cert) system to establish a unified data exchange platform and achieve automatic data exchange and one-to-one certification. When Chinese authorities finish inspecting and quarantine, they will issue the electronic certificate and printed certificate. All the data of electronic certificate can be viewed in the e-cert system. The printed certificate, on the other hand, will be transmitted to the

import authority along with the goods and will be delivered to the exporter. Measures for inspection, quarantine, supervision and safety management are applicable to import and export food, as well as on food-related products, grains, fruits and edible live animals. Exporters need to establish a quality safety management system, prepare a purchase inspection and record system for raw materials, auxiliary materials, food additives, packaging material and containers and establish production records about safety management of exported food. For food imported for the first time that has no national safety standard, the consignee shall submit the permit certificate issued by the health administration department of the State Council to the inspection and quarantine agency. China is also undertaking label inspection regulations for import and export pre-packaged food. Food that is found substandard will undergo a technical process under the supervision of inspection and quarantine agencies. If it’s still found substandard after the process, it will not be allowed access to China.

one mindanao - march 12, 2013

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