one mindanao - monday 28, 2012

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

Managing Editor …….. ABNER M. CAGA Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge,PIARegionX

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

OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII

Regional Desk Editors Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region

Copy Editors Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region

Layout Artists ……… Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X

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

Editorial Advisers :

ATTY. JOSE A. FABIADirector-General

Philippine Information Agency

SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMAPresidentialCommunicationsOperationsOffice

EDITORIAL BOARDWestern Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephoneno.(062)215-1480/925-0038Cellphoneno.0908-8843404E-mail:[email protected]@yahoo.comBlogspot:www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook:PIAWesMinInfoBliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’Building,AntonioLunaStreetCagayandeOroCity9000TelefaxNo.(08822)72-66-83Telephoneno.(088)856-8178/729-594Cellphoneno.0928-52043050917-3084969E-mail:[email protected][email protected]:www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)2/FKantoMotorsBldg.,QuimpoBlvd.,NewMatinaDavaoCity8000Telephoneno.(082)297-0991/301-8580Telefaxno.(082)297-0992/304-2044Cellphoneno.0917-7053606/0918-9202950E-mail:[email protected]

Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN) Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St.KoronadalCity,SouthCotabato9506Telephoneno.(083)520-0249Telefaxno.(083)228-9736/228-9739/520-0100Cellphoneno.0921-6873373/0928-5204307E-mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)ViceMayors’LeagueofthePhilippinesBldg.,J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephoneno.(085)341-5285/360-1239Telefaxno.(085)341-2370Cellphoneno.0917-7188834Email:[email protected],[email protected],phBlogspot:www.piacaraga.blogspot.comFacebook:PIACaragaUpdates,PIAAgusandelNorte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur

Cover Story

Valencia City’s rice-duck growing—the future of organic rice farming

Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyNothern Mindanao

Today’s issue... Monday, May 28, 2012 Vol. 1 No. 266

page 4

Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob, Northern Mindanao

Pinoys, wave that flag proudly! 7

DOLE Caraga steps up Philjobnet advocacy

DepEd activates Oplan Balik Eskwela for SY 2012

15 Emergency employment for Sendong survivors launched in Cagayan de Oro

628 finish Tacurong city’s sports program

Apipa P. Bagumbaran, Northern Mindanao

Jessa Billano and Dani Doguiles, Central M indanao

DOLE-Caraga, Caraga Region

AusAID fetes Agusan del Sur environmental mngt planning team David M. Suyao, Caraga Region

1st Gender Welfare Assistance Center in N. Cotabato founded23 Shahana Joy Duerme, Central M indanao

Red Cross Zamboanga receives P1-M worth of equipment33 Western M indanao

26

DENR-XI donates P1M-worth of lum-ber to Davao City schools 18DENR-XI, Southern Mindanao

21

DOLE to launch child labor-free barangay campaign in Zamboanga32Alfonso T. Ruda, Western M indanao

2814

6 10 12 17

20 24 2925

4 Monday, May 28, 2012 ONE MINDANAO

Famous for its vast rice paddies and known as the rice granary of the province, Valencia City has embarked on Integrated Rice-

Ducks Farming System (IRDFS), which is regarded as the future of organic rice farming that relies on ducks.

Cover StoryValencia City’s rice-duck growing—the future of organic rice farming

Valencia City Mayor Leandro Jose Catarata said that farmers tend to utilize the local “bebe” (mallards) for egg-laying only, and nothing else.“Research, however, showed that the IRDFS is not only feasible, but also economically rewarding for the farmers because the ducks and ducklings in the rice fields, control weeds and insects very effectively making rice production 100 percent chemical-free,” the mayor said. Catarata himself, an agriculturist, said this technology was introduced in the city by the Philippine Agrarian Reform Foundation for National

Development (PARFUND) in 2010, and he stressed that

Valencia farmers are now gaining from it.

Materials and methods

It involves releasing ducklings into a rice paddy about one or two weeks after the seedlings have been planted. Between 150 and 200 ducklings are released into every hectare of rice paddy, which is enclosed by a net to protect the ducks from predators. IRDFS also allows for the production of healthy pure organic rice while relying on less manual labor.Effect on weed population and soil health

Study results showed t h a t

by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Monday, May 28, 2012 ONE MINDANAO 5

ducks were found to eat young weed plants and weed seeds. Moreover, their trampling activity also kept

the weeds under control, thereby oxygenating the water and encouraging the roots of the rice plants to grow vigorously. The movement of the ducks in the rice field enhances the aeration of the soil and prevents accumulation of harmful gases of the soil nearest to the plants’ roots, research results also showed. Besides, the feces and droppings of these ducks provide the essential nutrients to the rice plant.Economic gains The rearing of ducks, along with rice cultivation, enables the marginal

farmers to obtain not only rice as the main crop, but also subsidiary

products such as duck meat and eggs, from the same piece

of land, at the same time.

L a b o r

and pesticide costs for controlling weeds and insects are minimized. Consequently, the ducks provide another source of added income for the farmers. Spread by the PARFUND, IRDFS is a technology of rice farming that relies on ducks to fertilize and stimulate the rice plants. It is an old technology in Japan known as “aigamo” by Takao Furuno through his book “The Power of Duck.”

Furuno is a rice farmer in Japan who had been struggling with his fight against weeds in his organic fields. Recognizing his problem as an opportunity, he started thinking of the weeds, bugs and snails in his fields as duck food, turning his problems into tasty duck meat. As the powerful slogan says “May bugas na, May sud-an pa” (rice and viand made easily available), the Valencia City agriculture office said that the IRDFS is in line with the government’s Agri-Pinoy program to attain the goal of food security and making the country rice self-sufficient.

6 Monday, May 28, 2012ONE MINDANAO

ACROSS THE NATION

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno S. Aquino specifically chose Brady as she was “someone who could hit the ground running.”

“Sonia Brady was chosen because, if you remember,

the President said he wanted someone who could hit the ground running, someone who is already familiar with the culture of the host country, its politics, essentially the ways of the host country,” Valte said.

“And if you look at the

background of Ambassador Brady, she is an old hand at foreign affairs, she formerly was our ambassador to China in 2006 to 2010, and prior to that, her very first posting outside the country was to Beijing, so she is someone who fulfills the

Palace says Sonia Brady top choice as ambassador to China

Malacañang defended on Sunday its choice of career diplomat Sonia Brady as the country’s ambassador to China saying the long time official of the Department of

Foreign Affairs had the training and expertise to handle the high level assignment.


requirements for the post,” she added.

Valte expressed confidence that with her credentials, Brady could easily hurdle the Commission of Appointments.

“Ambassador Brady is a career diplomat so we don’t want to sound arrogant and say they will have no problem with her, but with her extensive experience in foreign affairs and foreign relations we are confident that she will ably answer the questions of the members of the Commission on

Appointments,” Valte said.Brady served as Philippine

Ambassador to Beijing from April 2006 to January 2010. She also served as Ambassador to Thailand from 2002 to 2003, and Ambassador to Myanmar from 1995 to 1999.

Previously, Brady served as deputy chief of mission to Indonesia from 1994 to 1995; deputy chief of mission to Thailand (1992-1994); third secretary and vice consul and then second secretary and consul in Beijing, China from 1976 to

1978. She was also appointed

as Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy from July 2003 to 2006; special assistant, then assistant secretary to the Office of the Secretary for Policy and Coordination; director of the Office of Asia Pacific; assistant, then principal assistant, to the Office of Political Affairs.

She earned her Master of Arts in International Relations degree from the University of Southern California, B.S

Pinoys, wave that flag proudly!

Today is the start of Flag Days that ends on June 12, Independence Day. Every home, establishment whether public or private, and commercial buildings are enjoined to display the

Philippine Flag.


There’s nothing more soul-stirring than to see the tricolor flag waving proud and high as it signifies the unity and sovereignty of our own country. The symbol of our forefathers’ struggle for liberty against our oppressors, the Philippine flag means the ultimate freedom from bondage.

First sewn in Hongkong by Marcella Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose Rizal, it was designed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippine Republic.

The white triangle in the flag stands for peace and unity while the blue color denotes patriotism and justice. The red strip signifies the valor and blood spilled for freedom and independence.

The eight rays of the sun signifies the eight regions that led the uprising against Spain, and later against the United States: Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite. The three stars represent the three main areas of the country - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

When the National Flag was first hoisted in Kawit, Cavite during the proclamation of the Philippine Independence on June

12, 1898, the sight of the flag so roused the emotions of our countrymen that many wept. It is a truism that when Filipinos see the flag being raised and the National Anthem being sung in a foreign land, one gets teary eyed and emotional.

Such is the symbolism of the Flag - it is not just a piece of cloth, it is not just a design of many colors - it is the representation of what the country was and what it has come to be; it is also a representation


of what the Filipino is. But as the new

generations of Filipinos have sprung, many have forgotten what the National Flag stands for: many fly tattered flags, tattered flags have been used as rags, and rag-flags are not properly disposed of.

It had so offended the sensibilities of many that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) had to publish Republic Act 8491 of the “Flag and Heraldic Code of

the Philippines.” The Act prohibits, “adding any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, advertisements or any imprints of any nature on the flag.”

The Heraldic Code tells the public how to use the flag properly, at all times. The flag shall be displayed in all public establishments, educational institutions, and public plazas through the year. Worn out flags shall not be thrown away but must be solemnly burned

to avoid misuse. The said flags must also be replaced immediately. The flag must be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. After being lowered, it must be handled and folded properly as part of the ceremony.

The position of the flag also plays a significant role in the current state of the country. In time of peace, flags flown from the flagpole shall have its blue field on top. However, the red field is on top in times of war. Half-mast flag, denotes mourning.

Today, as we celebrate the 114th Independence Day Anniversary, the spirit of Filipino heroes and martyrs born then and now, are embodied in the flag. The flag rallies Filipinos to a common cause, so all Pinoys, wave that flag proudly!


MinDA, USAID sign pact on peace and dev’tKORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, -- Affirming its support to the peace and development initiatives in Mindanao, the US government, through the Unit-ed States Agency for International Development (USAID), recently signed a bilateral assistance agreement with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) for the implementation of its major activities in Mindanao.


The agreement was signed by USAID Depu-ty Administrator Donald Steinberg, USAID Phil-ippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, and MinDA Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino.

“This bilateral signing comes at an opportune time as we all gear up for an accelerated im-plementation of major peace and development initiatives in Mindanao,” Antonino said.

A cumulative amount of $127.7 million is allo-cated through the agree-ment to strengthen the Mindanao Peace and Development Program (MPAD) implemented in six conflict-affected ar-eas in Mindanao: Cota-bato City, Isabela City, Zamboanga City, Marawi City, Jolo, and Southern Basilan.

MPAD, a USAID grant assistance currently un-der the oversight of MinDA, aims to promote economic growth in the identified areas through expansion of economic opportunities, infrastruc-ture development, im-provement in governance and social services.

Antoniono said that the USAID-MinDA part-

nership has been one of the most formidable tandems in the sphere of collaboration between the Philippine govern-ment and official devel-opment assistance.

Some of the MPAD projects under the over-sight of MinDA are Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program, Microenter-prise Access to Banking Services, Transparent and Accountable Gov-ernance Project, Baran-gay Justice Service Sys-tem Project, and Credit Union Empowerment and Strengthening (CUES) Project. Barangay Jus-tice for Peace Project and CUES ended in Febru-ary 2010 and December 2011, respectively, while the three other ongoing projects will all close in September 2012.

Bilateral agreements were also signed between the USAID and the De-partment of Health. The allocated funds will be used for the implemen-tation of universal health care and family health programs.

These assistance agreements are inline with the priorities out-lined in President Be-nigno Aquino’s Social

Contract with the Fili-pino People as well as with the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan and the Philippine Development Plan.

“This partnership strongly supports the implementation of pro-grams that promote in-clusive growth in the Philippines under the Partnership for Growth (PFG),” Steinberg said.

PFG is a partnership between the govern-ments of US and Philip-pines, which is seen to fast track the reforms of growth centers in vari-ous localities including in Mindanao, and provide remote and conflict-af-fected areas with more opportunities for growth.

“It’s not just about eco-nomics or governance. It is mainly about the (Fili-pino) people,” stressed Steinberg.

Philippines is one of the only four countries identified to be part of the PFG.

MinDA has already committed to continue providing the needed oversight support for the MPAD initiatives in Mind-anao. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12/MinDA)


May 28 to June 12 declared as National Flag Days

The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year have been declared as National Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies, and instrumentalities of government, business

establishments, institutions of learning, and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.

This provision is found in Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8491 entitled, “An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines,” which was approved on February 12, 1998. Otherwise known as the “Flag

and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” RA 8491 enjoins all Filipinos to show reverence to the Filipino Flag at all times and inculcate in the minds and hearts of the people a just pride in the native land, with fitting respect and affection for it. RA 8491 specifies that the flag,

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war. If in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war and the flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top. If planted on the ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of such height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity. If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward. If on a stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering. Meanwhile, the following prohibitions are also specified in RA 8491: to mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag or over its surface; to dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute and to use the flag as a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, as covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects, as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles, as a staff or whip; to use the flag for unveiling monuments or statues and as trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs; to display the flag under any painting or picture, horizontally face-up, below any platform or in

discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails; to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform, to add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature on the flag; to print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise; to display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations; and to use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial and to display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens. RA 8491 provides that the flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water, or other objects, and that a flag worn out through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away but be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration and shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.


DepEd activates Oplan Balik Eskwela for SY 2012OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental - To ensure the smooth opening of classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) will activate Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) for School Year (SY) 2012-2013, from May 28 to June 8, this year.

The OBE aims to address the problems commonly encountered during this period, particularly the assurance that students are properly enrolled and will be able to attend school in the first day of classes on June 4. Along this line, Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC, in DepEd Memo No. 83, s. of 2012, has directed the Regional Directors and schools division/city superintendents of DepEd to form the Local Information and Action Center (LIAC) to serve as information and complaints processing and routing mechanism

for the duration of the project. Particularly, the LIAC is tasked to designate some of its personnel to oversee the regional/division and local concerns, set up hotlines to receive calls, text messages, fax messages and emails on complaints, requests and suggestions from parents, students and other concerned citizens and set-up help desks to accommodate walk-in concerns. Meanwhile, Secretary Luistro said the OBE works on the convergence and coordination with other government agencies involved in school opening matters. As such, DepEd will again initiate the creation of the OBE Inter-Agency Task Force composed of the following agencies: Department of Trade and Industry, Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, among others. Meetings of the task force will be scheduled and private corporations involved in the delivery of services will be invited.

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


Emergency employment for Sendong survivors launched in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - An

emergency employment,

livelihood recovery and reconstruction project for Tropical

Storm Sendong survivors in the

cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan has been launched on

Monday, May 21 in Barangay Balulang,

this city.

The project, dubbed the Community-Based Emergency Employment and Reconstruction Project (CBEERP), was a collaborative undertaking of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), International Labor Organization (ILO), Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the local government units as part of their continuing efforts to provide relief to Sendong survivors. It consists of three phases,

namely, emergency employment, livelihood recovery and production of guides and manuals on emergency employment approach, said Nori T. Palarca, chief technical adviser of the ILO-Employment Intensive Investment Program. He said the emergency employment component involves a 15-day clean-up activity that includes de-clogging and dredging of the drainage canals in Sendong affected-barangays. The qualified beneficiary

Secretary Luistro also assured that DepEd will provide the public with important information through press releases, press conferences, media interview, website posting, as well as other available means, such as the DEText facility, to provide a

link between DepEd and the general public. Thus, he has enjoined all field and school officials are enjoined to lend their support to the campaign to ensure that all school children are enrolled.

by Apipa P. Bagumbaran


will be paid a daily wage of P215 or 75 percent of the approved minimum wage for the city. The livelihood recovery component, Palarca said, aims to re-establish the lost livelihood of the victims. It will be implemented through infrastructure development that will need alternative livelihood like local resource-based hollow blocks production. He also said that part of the interventions of ILO is to provide skills training to those workers that will engaged in the recovery and reconstruction work such as skills on carpentry, masonry and welding, among others. On the other hand, the manual to be developed will serve as guide to the other areas in cases calamities or similar situations, he added. Meanwhile, Crispin D. Dannug, Jr., assistant regional director of DOLE-10, disclosed that a total of 847 beneficiaries were already identified

through the interviews administered by DOLE at the different relocation sites and from the database of the respective barangays. The DOLE-10 earlier announced that 722 beneficiaries will be involved in the 15-day clean-up program and 125 workers will work in the respective relocation sites. Accordingly, the DOLE-10 will provide the hand tools and protective gears like wheel barrow, shovel, rake, digging bar,

picks, dust pan, broom and rubbers boots while the ILO will provide the work clothing and cover the costs of health insurance for the work crew. The pay loaders and dump trucks for hauling and dumping of the debris will be provided by the City Planning and Development Offices. Dannug further disclosed that the launch will also be done in Iligan City next week.


by Carina Cayon

A regional official of the De-partment of Education here

assured that the region is all set for the school opening on June 4. DepEd Assistant Regional Director Fe delos Reyes guaranteed a hundred percent readiness of all schools from the nine DepEd Divisions in Davao Region during Friday’s Kapihan sa PIA held at Abreeza Mall in the city. Delos Reyes also assured that all elementary and secondary schools will have enough school chairs and

tables for all the students. She raised the assurance recognizing the efforts of the local government unit of Tagum City that have manufactured and distributed school furniture out of the confiscated illegal logs to many schools in the entire region. Delos Reyes said Grade 1 teachers have been trained in preparation for the new curriculum on Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education where Grade 1

pupils would learn their lessons in the local dialect starting this school year. The last batch of Grade 1 teachers though will have to take the training next week yet, she added. For the region, the Cebuano dialect will be used as the medium of instruction, she said adding that instructional materials written in the vernacular have also been prepared. Delos Reyes explained that the Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education will also cover Grades 2

Davao Region all set for school opening


and 3, however, Grade 1 entrants will be the first batch to fully undergo the program this school year as part of the program implementation plan. After the successful conduct of the yearly school maintenance program or “Brigada Eskwela” on May 21-26 in the region, DepEd-XI has also set for the Oplan Balik Eskwela 2012 on May 28 to June 8 to further

ensure the smooth opening of classes this June. The OBE aims to address the problems commonly encountered during this period and to ensure that students are properly enrolled and able to attend school on the first day of classes on June 4, DepEd Memorandum No. 83-2012 provided. (PIA-11/Carina L. Cayon)

DENR-XI donates P1M-worth of lumber to Davao City schoolsDAVAO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resourc-es (DENR-XI) donated on Friday (May 25, 2012) a total of 32,984 board feet of Lauan and Yakal worth P1,055,488 to the Depart-ment of Education (DepED-XI) for the manufacture of schools desks and other fixtures for schools in Davao city. The said donations came from the confiscations made by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Davao City headed by CENR Officer Melchor G. Ozaraga last February 2012 in line with the implementation of Executive Order No. 23. Under Section 2, Article 2.7 of E.O. 23 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 1, 2011, DepED is given the

priority in the use of all confiscated logs. The lumbers which are now deposited at the Boyscout of the Philippines Camp in Malagos, Davao City will be manufactured into school desks and other school fixtures by the Davao City Government under the direct supervision of Vice-Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte together with


the DepED officials. DENR-XI Director Jim O. Sampulna said that the donated lumbers will help address the lack of desks and school fixtures needed to serve the growing number of students in the City. “As part of the monitoring process, DepED is mandated to submit pictures and detailed report of the use of donated lumber to the DENR. The DepEd’s report will be the basis for monitoring the disposition

of the lumber,” Sampulna said. The donation was made official with the signing of the Deed of Donation signed by DENR-XI Director Jim O. Sampulna, DepED-XI represented by Dr. Helen D. Paguican and witnessed by Ozaraga, Regional Technical Director Hardinado Patnugot Jr., Engr. Inocencio Maranga and Dr. Maria Ines Asuncion of DepED-Division Office. (DENR-XI/Bing Cordova)

regional gallery...

Comvalenyo visual art-ist Jun Fornales poses in front of his tinalak indig-enous mural at the head-quarters of the 10th In-fantry Division in Mawab Compostela Valley Prov-ince.


“Let’s Map Tacurong City!” - computer enthusiastsBy Faith Dimaano

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Over 50 computer enthusiasts on May 20 began mapping Tacurong City in a Google Mapping seminar-workshop called “Let’s Map Tacurong City!”


The seminar-workshop, on offshoot of a recent workshop in nearby General Santos City, was held at the Notre Dame of Tacurong College Audio Visual Room.

Event organizer Dr. Remo Aguilar was ecstatic after more than 50 participants registered instead of the expected 30 at the planning stage.

Lectures and workshops included the importance of mapping Tacurong City, basics of mapping using Google Map Maker, and working the software through a step-by-step tutorial.

Participants were taught how to add new places, landmarks, streets, establishments, and other structures in the city.

Mentors from the

SOCKSARGEN Bloggers also helped in the editing, reviewing, and deleting map features and a representative from the City Planning Office lectured on tracking trails using GPS-enabled Android phones

During the opening program, City Councilor Rodrigo Jamorabon thanked Dr. Remo and his colleagues for conducting the events.

Organizers of the summit in Gensan said mapping locations like General Santos City, Tacurong, and nearby cities and provinces could help boost tourism potential of the subject location.

“The idea (of a Google mapping seminar in Tacurong) started to crop up after we saw that Tacurong doesn’t have that much laid beautiful

map (in Google). It has a low resolution satellite image, so we thought that maybe it’s time that we start mapping Tacurong and try to hurdle the obstacle of its low satellite image,” Dr. Aguilar said.

Most of the participants were students from the different colleges of Tacurong City. Others came from the Joint Task Force Talakudong, the PNP, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the business chamber of the city, and owners of business establishments.

Significant part of the whole-day activity was the filing of a petition to Google asking for a better resolution of Tacurong City in Google Maps. (DED-PIA 12/ Faith Dimaano-Tacurong LGU)

628 finish Tacurong city’s sports programBy Jessa Billano and Dani Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- A total of 628 trainees were recently declared graduates of the 30-day summer sports program of Tacurong City.

The Talakudong SummerSports Camp 2012, which started

April 20, closed with a celebration at the 601st Infantry Brigade’s

new camp in Brgy. Kalandagan, Tacurong City.


Report say that 39 boy and girls completed a course in arnis, 76 in badminton, 70 in dance sport, 29 in karatedo, 35 in sepak takraw, 79 in soccer, 37 in softball/baseball, 30 in table tennis, 182 in taekwondo, and 51 in volleyball.

Tacurong Mayor Lina Montilla commended the enthusiasm of the

children to join the sports camp instead of just staying in the comfort of their homes during the summer vacation.

She vowed to continue providing the children a venue like this where they can harness their skills and where the city government can discover new personalities who can represent the

city to higher sports competitions.

Col. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the Brigade that hosted the culmination program thanked the parents for supporting their children’s desire to undergo formal sports training.

The brigade troops showed their talents via a field demonstration and sponsored an obstacle race where winners got special prizes.

During the closing ceremony, the Rotary Club of Tacurong, represented by Past Assistant District Gov. Erwin Anthony Garcia, Pres. Noel Catudan, and Vice President Herter Indanao, donated sports equipment to the city LGU.

Talakudong Sports Camp 2012 was funded by the city LGU and was made possible by trainers of various sports headed by the City Sports Coordinator Clarencio “Kid” Cordero. (DED-PIA 12/ Jessa Billano-Tacurong City LGU)


1st Gender Welfare Assistance Center in N. Cotabato foundedBy Shahana Joy Duerme

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato —The first Gender Welfare Assistance Center (GWAC) in North Cotabao has been established recently in Kabacan town here, will be inaugurated on May 29.

The project is a program which aims to make it easier for traveling mothers to breastfeed their babies, and is being implemented by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Municipality of Kabacan, according to Tourism Designate Officer Sarah Jane Guererro.

GWAC allows nursing mothers to rest while waiting for their next ride. Also, they can do

other personal things like changing their baby’s diaper since the center has urinals and other sanitary areas that operate properly.

This project is also in line with the Gender Development Code of the National Government which advances women empowerment, gender equality as well as g e n d e r - r e s p o n s i v e development in building a progressive and

peaceful community.Governor Emmylou

Mendoza is expected to be guest speaker during the said inauguration.

GWAC will be administered by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Kabacan and the Local Council of Women (LCW) headed by its president, Mrs. Yvonne Saliling. ( S J D u e r m e - P I A /Rhoderick Beñez)


Youth camp highlights climate justiceBy Dani Doguiles & Hannadi Guiamad

A five-day summer peace camp in Upi, Maguidanao

held recently has urged young peo-ple to give much attention to the environment.

The 7th Mindanao Summer Youth Peace Camp held at Upi Agricultural School Provincial Technical Institute of Agriculture Social Hall, Upi, Maguindanao from May 17 – 21 was aimed at educating Bangasamoro and lumad youth from different provinces of Mindanao on the role in protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Mark Mandar of the Kilusang Maralita sa Kanayunan , one of the camp’s lecturers, said

discussions mostly focus on issues on environment and its protection as well as on the important role of the youth along this concerns.

“Young people should get involve and take part in the proper care of the environment. This is important because as youth they have more significant roles in making sure that their communities are safe from disaster,” Mandar said.

Among the specific issues discussed were the extent of environmental degradation, means to

prevent deterioration of environmental conditions, and e n v i r o n m e n t a l deterioration.

During the camp, participants were also urged to lead in the planting of trees, especially in their communities and lead in advocacies meant to protect the environment.

The camp’s theme was “Peace Ta Kabataan, Struggle Against Environmental Destruction Peacetival” (DEDoguiles- PIA 12/Hannadi Guiamad – Upi LGU)


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Red Cross thankful to local radio’s bloodletting activityby Robert E. Roperos

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Butuan City-Agusan del Norte Chapter has expressed gratitude to a homegrown radio station

for yielding some 72 bags of blood in a bloodletting activity held Saturday outside their station.


Dubbed “Give Love, Give Blood Part II,” the bloodletting activity is part of the corporate social responsibility of 103.9 Radyo Trumpeta, a homegrown FM radio station here which was established a year ago by broadcaster-turned businessman Norbert Pagaspas, who is the former station manager of dxBR-Bombo Radyo Butuan. PRC said the 32,400cc blood collected from the 72 donors is a big help to fill in society’s need of blood. The PRC reported that there were 80 individuals who volunteered to donate but unfortunately, only 72 qualified. The Red Cross personnel also said aside from the residents here, people from the neighboring province of Agusan del Norte came here in the city to donate blood, particularly in the municipality of Buenavista, some 26 kilometers away from this city. According to American Red Cross (ARC), to be successful blood donors, drink extra fluids before the donation. Be sure to eat by not skipping breakfast or lunch on the

day of the donation since the body needs extra energy to donate a pint of blood. They will also feel better after donating if they have eaten a meal a few hours before. The ARC also said blood donors should have no strenuous exercise before or after donating. If the donor exercises before donating, be sure to drink even more fluids to replace what they lost during their workout. Further, ARC reminded the donors not to drink hot liquids, smoke, or even chew gum just prior to the blood-letting. This can cause their temperature to be falsely elevated. “Wear comfortable clothing,” the ARC said. Finally, ARC said donors must be relaxed. They may feel a little nervous, especially if it is their first time to donate blood. A b o v e all of these, the PRC said if you plan to donate blood the following day, you must get a good night’s sleep.

Meanwhile, Fred Cena, 28, from Ambago, Butuan City admitted that this is his first time to donate blood. He said he was at first nervous but when he realized that what he was doing was for the sake of other people who need blood, he felt fulfilled. On February 14, 2012, the said FM radio station also spearheaded the conduct of the same activity where 50 donors were able to donate blood. Aside from 103.9 Radyo Trumpeta, other radio stations here have also conducted blood letting activities like dxBR Bombo Radyo Butuan of the Bombo Radyo Philippines Network and the RMN-dxBC Butuan of the Radio Mindanao Network.


AusAID fetes Agusan del Sur environmental mngt planning team

AGUSAN DEL SUR -- Eight members of the provincial environmental management planning team (PEMP) here recently received certificates of merit from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) for formulating and developing the environmental management plan for various projects to be implemented in the province.

by David M. Suyao

Signed by Manuel Jamonir, road engineering coordinator and Graham Johnson Jones, Team Leader of the AusAID- Philippine Provincial Road Management Facility (PPRMF), AusAID recognized the eight members of the team for their exemplary dedication of time, commitment and support during the site visits, consultations and workshops leading to the formulation and development of environmental plan for the rehabilitation of the national road junction (NRJ) - Bayugan City to San Luis road, NRJ Sibagat

– Esperanza road and NRJ Sibagat – Esperanza (San Vicente-I l ihan-Tagl ibas road). According to AusAID representatives, the eight team members have gained deeper understanding and skills in implementing the PRMF’s environmental management system in compliance with the legal and policy obligations of the AusAID and the government of the Philippines. The eight members of the team are: Forester Ronolfo Paler, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer of the provincial government;

For. Zeneveve Longaquit, supervising Environmental Management Specialist (EMS); Marjories Tereso, EMS II; Albert Parba, EMS II; Dennis Manglicmot, CDA I; Ricardo Caldeo, Senior EMS; Shane, Macaylas, Provincial Engineering Office; and Alex Coreos, PENRO municipal government. The awards were received by Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza in Makati, Manila and was given to concerned PEMP members on May 23, by Gov. Plaza himself inside his office, witnessed by some provincial officials.


DOLE Caraga steps up Philjobnet advocacyby DOLE -Caraga

About a week before Labor Day, a follow-up operation was conducted near the city hall, to post philjobnet stickers to PUVs who have not been posted with the stickers during the launching of the project last year. Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. issued an executive order a year ago requiring all PUVs plying the city’s main thoroughfare to post the said stickers, to make the public aware of the employment services offered by the Philjobnet system. The operation was

spearheaded by DOLE-Caraga Regional Director Ofelia Domingo and Butuan PESO Manager Ronnie Azura to oversee posting of the philjobnet stickers by the traffic enforcers in the tricycles and jeepneys. In another development, RD Domingo signed a MOA with DepEd Caraga Regional Director Dr. Gloria D. Benigno, a memorandum requiring all secondary schools to register all their graduating high school students to the Philjobnet system. Last year, a similar MOA was

also forged with the regional director of Comission on Higher Education – Caraga. With the two MOAs in place, RD Domingo is anticipating that this strategy will help achieve the regional office’s goal of a 100-percent registration rate of all graduating students into the Philjobnet system.

BUTUAN CITY -- Five hundred more public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the city were posted with Philjobnet stickers last April, and a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was forged on Labor Day between the Caraga regional heads of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Education (DepEd), to intensify the public’s awareness of DOLE’s online job matching facility, the Philjobnet system.


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TVIRD, GK turn-over houses to Subanon families by Ernie Rojo

Seven Subanon families will now start to live in townhouse-like homes.

This, after TVI Resource Development Phils. Incorporated (TVIRD) through its partnership with Gawad Kalinga or GK made true its promise to provide them with decent

homes in their own homeland in a simple turn-over ceremony held recently. TVIRD’s Chairman, Mr. Clifford M. James, accompanied by the


company’s senior management and GK Partnerships Manager, Tito Cajulis, handed over the symbolic keys of the new houses to the Subanon beneficiaries in Tanuman, a property that belongs to the Subanon tribe’s ancestral domain. The seven beneficiaries are the first batch of 40 families who will be provided with new homes through a resettlement program for members of the Subanon tribe who were relocated to give way to the company’s mining operations in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. “This is a big moment for us all and I would like to thank everybody for making it a reality,” Mr. James said. He also expressed his excitement over the prospect of more sustainable development projects for the community after the company partnered with Gawad Kalinga in realizing the resettlement project. Thus, the place is now called the Tanuman GK Village. The GK Partnerships manager told the Subanon beneficiaries that GK and TVIRD are not only providing them with houses, but more importantly, they are building a thriving community that can stand on its own by helping one other.


The recipients themselves provided labor during the construction of the houses as part of their “sweat-equity.” For Gawad Kalinga, the most important thing is the fact that they help each other in building these houses, Cajulis added. He compares the site to townhouses or subdivisions in urban centers like Metro Manila. “Each house at the GK Tanuman costs around PhP 170,000.00” he said. Rodrigo Limbang, one of the beneficiaries said, “I am very thankful TVIRD, GK, fellow beneficiaries and other well-meaning citizens in Siocon. I am grateful to the students and teachers from Jose Rizal Memorial State College who shared

their precious time so we may have beautiful homes like these.” Those who received the houses are the families of Alonso Tumangkis, Rodrigo Limbang, Celestino Guinagag, Ronnie Limbang, Ronnie Tumangkis, Ronnie Paninong and Julie Ambaan. The building of homes in Tanuman is guided by the GK’s principle of “bayanihan”, a Filipino tradition of helping one another to achieve a common dream. It was expected that a total of 100 families will be given the Gawad Kalinga shelters through the GK-TVIRD partnership. Engr. Yulo Perez, Chief Operations Officer, hopes that more houses will be finished before the year ends. (NBE- PIA9/ER/TVIRD)


DOLE to launch child labor-free barangay campaign in ZamboangaDIPOLOG CITY - The Provincial Office of the Department of Labor and Employment in Zamboanga del Norte is scheduled to conduct a child labor-free barangay campaign on May 29, 2012 in Barangay Baybay in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

By Alfonso T. Ruda

Barangay Baybay is one of the 76 barangays identified by the DOLE as a barangay with high incidence of child labor which will be transformed into a child labor-free zone. According to the Labor Department, most of the child labor cases identified in the barangays are mining; farm work; deep sea fishing; pyrotechnics production; stevedore; vending; rubber budding; banana bagging; cargo loading; sugar cane farm work; scavenging; waitress/waiter; and pedicab driving. Ms. Lourdes Amores, DOLE-Zamboanga del Norte Supervising Labor Officer III said, the campaign has been scheduled to be undertaken after a coordination meeting with the officials of the Local Government Unit of Liloy, community leaders and Barangay Chairmen to ensure their cooperation in minimizing child labor and illegal recruitment of minors in their area. The DOLE anti-child labor program involves stricter enforcement of child labor laws, knowledge sharing, and alternative employment for the child workers’ families. Earlier Labor Secretary


Rosalinda Baldoz, in her speech during the nationwide launching of the child labor-free barangay campaign at the Occupational Health and Safety Center said, the department has mapped out strategies to intensify the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program. These strategies include

preventing children from engaging in child labor through livelihood assistance to parents of child laborers and educational assistance; removing children from child labor through Sagip Batang Manggagawa (SBM); advocacy activities; capacity building; and strengthening partnerships. (NBE/ATR/PIA9)

Red Cross Zamboanga receives P1-M worth of equipmentZAMBOANGA CITY - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga Chapter is set to receive today P1-million worth of equipment from House Deputy Speaker and District I Representative Beng Climaco, as she vows to continuously assist and help improve services of the premiere humanitarian agency. The turnover will coincide with the inauguration and ceremonial turnover this afternoon of the newly constructed Red Cross office funded by the city government. The equipment, requested by the local PRC, will help in the swift delivery of services among Zamboangueños and the nearby provinces to ensure that the processing of all blood samples and blood requirements for patients are safely done and carried out with utmost quality and hygiene. “With the recent rise of dengue cases in our city, the Red Cross had played an important role in making sure that blood is available for the transfusions needed by our patients. I am hopeful that with the provision of

new equipment, we shall be secured with safe blood being given out to our patients,” Climaco stressed. The three equipment include one unit of hematology analyzer, one unit plasma thawer, and one unit tachometer. Climaco is a galloner and has been a regular blood donor of the Red Cross. She is enjoining others to regularly donate blood and has initiated on regular basis the conduct of blood letting activities in partnership with various groups. The legislator emphasized that the support to the Red Cross seeks to complement the effort of the local government to help in the efficient carrying out the duties of all agencies. (JPA/MS/PIA9)

one mindanao - monday 28, 2012

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