pia mindanao - july 4-6, 2016 issue

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Pres. Duterte appoints retired Gen. Yano as DND usec

Sec. Piñol takes over agri dept,announces new heads of DA offices

Gov’t to address hunger through inter-agency collaboration

1st peasant leader assumes office as DAR Secretary; announces open-door policy for farmersPalace officials to gov’t workers: Give public what is due them

CDO officials urged to take part in city development

OCD 10 leads disaster consciousness month celeb

National Disaster Consciousness Month kicks off in Davao Region

DavNor guv vows to stand on his own

PRO 12 launches Project DUTERTE

Anflo City to rise in Panabo

“Serve your constituents confidently with your heart,” says Congw. Cerilles

Zambo. Norte officials support Digong’s call to end crime, corruption, poverty

City exec to strengthen security, peace in Gingoog

City gov’t extends help to conflict-affected farmers

NGP implementers trained on inspection, charting, mapping

ZCWD lifts water rationing

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CoverStory

DidYouKnow

NationalNews

MindanaoRound Up

NOEMI B. EDAGAREGIONAL DIRECTOR

PIA WESTERN MINDANAO

Tough job is an understatement to describe the mandate of an institution tasked to guard the country against external and internal threats to national peace and security in support of social and economic development.

This institution is the Department of National Defense (DND). It is responsive, professional and competent in meeting challenges to national security and domestic stability.

Mindanao takes pride as one of its sons, Cesar B. Yano, who was handpicked by President Rodrigo Duterte to take action on the challenges of the Department.

Barely enjoyed his three years of retirement as brigadier general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2013, his 34 years of meritorious and valuable services brought him back again to serve the country - this time - as Undersecretary for Defense Operations.

Zamboanga Peninsula is most proud of him among Mindanaoans because Usec Yano is one among us being a resident of Zamboanga del Norte.

As this comes as another feather on his cap, let us rally with him in prayer for blessings of guidance, wisdom and protection that his brilliance and expertise will be of good use for the honor of God and country.

Mabuhay po kayo Usec Cesar B. Yano!

PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCYWestern Mindanao (Davao Region)Platon Urro Street, San Francisco District,Pagadian CityTelefax no. (062) 215-1480Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]

NOEMI B. EDAGAREGIONAL DIRECTORPIA WESTERN MINDANAO

Retired Brig. Gen. Cesar B. Yano was recently appointed as Undersecretary for Defense Operations of the Department of National Defense (DND) by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

A native of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte

Usec. Yano was born in BarangayDisud, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, the third child in a brood of five,to parents who were both public school teachers. He finished his elementary education in

Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School and his high school was spent at St. Joseph College, Sindangan. He first tasted city life when he took up 3 years of engineering studies in Cebu City before he entered the Philippine Military Academy.

Gen. YanoPres. Duterte appoints retired

as DND usec

Serving the military Brig. Gen. Yano was a member of the PMA Class of 1980 and was in military service for 34 years. Upon graduation from PMA, he experiencedreal action as a young lieutenant at the height of the secessionist rebellion in Jolo, Sulu in the early 80’s. He also served as assistant chief of staff for civil military operations and spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division in Northern Mindanao. In 2005, Yano worked as chief of staff of the 7th Infantry Division and the Northern Luzon Command based at Fort Magsaysay, Cabanatuan City. The valor of this mighty general was later on challenged in 2007 when he became the commander of the 302nd Brigade operating combat battalions in Cebu, Bohol and eastern Negros. Because of his successful fight against the New People’s Army (NPA), the latter has issued a “warrant of arrest” against him and six other army field commanders. In 2010, he became the second son of the province of Zamboanga del Norte to earn the much coveted rank of general in the AFP following the footsteps of his elder brother who retired as a

four-star general.

Attaché to the United States

He once served as the country’s Defense and Armed Forces attaché to the United States in 2011. While serving asone of the country’s top military diplomat in Washington, D.C., the Philippine Navy acquired two Hamilton-class weather high-endurance cutters (WHECs) that were renamed as BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz. In addition, the Philippine Air Force C-130 “Hercules” cargo plane was also successfully overhauled in Mojave, California and the AFP received new weapons and numerous military supplies worth$2.8 million. These two ships and military weapons were considered a big boost to the country’s external defense protecting our maritime borders. Moreover, he received the Philippine Legion of Honor Award for his meritorious and valuable services which enhanced our diplomatic and security relations with the United States as well as Canada. Accordingly, he provided the DND and AFP with vital information that served as basis in the decision-making of

government policy makers. He relentlessly engaged the security experts and think-tanks based in Washington D.C to discuss security implications to the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region. He retired from military service on May 10, 2013 as Brigadier General of the Philippine Army. He is the younger brother of Alexander B. Yano, former chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,and Philippine ambassador to Brunei Darussalam during the presidency of Gloria M. Arroyo.

Undersecretary for Defense Operations

As USec for Defense Operations, he is tasked to advise and assist the secretary of National Defense in formulating and implementing department objectives and policies on matters pertaining to defense operations. Certainly, Usec. Yano has both the brilliance and expertisein bringing the country to its highest potential,to effectively and efficiently guard against internal and external threats to national peace and security while providing support for social and economic development. (Mary May A. Abellon)

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Following his oath taking with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Malacañang as the new chief of the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol received the stewardship of the department on July 1, 2016 from outgoing Secretary Proceso Alcala.

Sec. Piñol takes over agri dept,announces new heads of DA offices

National News I July 4-6, 2016 7

In a simple turn over ceremony at the DA grounds, Secretary Piñol said,(referring to the DA flag handed over to him by outgoing Secretary Alcala). “Napakabigat ng bandila na ibinigay sa akin ni Secretary Procy Alcala. Ganyan din po kabigat siguro ang magiging tungkulin ko bilang bagong tagapangasiwa ng isa sa pinakamalaking departamento sa ating gobyerno.” Sec. Piñol underscored the importance of his cabinet position, explaining the protocol on the seating arrangement of cabinet officials during meetings in Malacañang. The proximity of the cabinet official to the Chief Executive indicates the relative importance of the government agency he leads. “The Secretary of Agriculture sits right next to the President after Secretary Sonny Dominguez of the Department of Finance. That’s how important our Department (DA) is,” he said. Sec. Piñol also stressed that the way things being done now should be changed. He cited that the country’s capacity to irrigate farmlands for more rice for the country is only about 52,000 hectares. Thus, over the next six years Filipino farmers will

have to strive very hard to produce more food for the country with a population growth of 1.9% every year. The new Agri Chief acknowledged that the turn-over of leadership is a very emotional moment for outgoing Sec. Alcala having spent six years of his life in DA. “I know how you love the people in this department. But we have the saying that goes, the only thing that doesn’t change in this world is “change”, nothing is permanent. Champions lose, kings fall, we have to move forward, he added. As Sec. Piñol takes over the stewardship of DA, he also announced the new heads of various DA offices who would be working with him in the next six years to assist him in accomplishing the gargantuan tasks inherent to his position. Undersecre tar ies Segfredo Serrano and Bernadette Romulo-Puyat are retained as DA’s Undersecretary for Policy and Planning and Undersecretary for Administration and Finance and Chief-of-Staff, respectively. Evelyn Lavinia is the Usec. for Agribusiness and High Value Crops. On the other hand, lawyer Ranibai Delangalen is the new Undersecretary for Special Concerns.

The other officials who will join the DA family are: Sec. Piñol’s younger brother, Ferdinand “Bobong” Piñol as his Executive Assistant; Retired Commodore Eduardo Gongona as Usec. for Fisheries and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director; Retired Admiral Joey Casilia, and Atty. Tom Fawti, personal lawyer of Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao will serve as fisheries consultants. Atty. Francisco Villano, Jr. will be the Assistant Secretary for Finance; former priest Father Lerey Panes as the ASec. for Planning, Project Development and Special Projects; Atty. Hansel Didulo as ASec. for the Visayas (who will focus on the agriculture concerns in the Visayas area); Dr. Enrico Garzon as ASec. for Livestock; Richard “Bong” Año II as Asec. for Operations. Sec. Piñol also announced that he has recommended to President Duterte new heads of the National Irrigation Administration and the National Food Authority. Engr. C’zar Sulaik, a former Regional Executive Director for CARAGA and Atty. Domingo Duerme, a former Vice-President of Philippine Airlines in Mindanao, respectively. (DA)

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“It’s being addressed by the proper departments,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Monday (July 4) when asked about the SWS survey result. For instance, he said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has launched a program to combat hunger and malnutrition which he said is a symbolic measure of the government’s effort. “I cannot give you now the specific details as to the exact programs that are addressing it. But definitely, the Agriculture [department]

is addressing that and so is DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), the clusters are addressing that,” Abella said. Pinol had earlier vowed to make milk feeding in public schools a nationwide program to eliminate malnutrition among children. This will also give dairy producers a market for their produce which has been a lingering problem for the industry. Meanwhile, Abella said the conditional cash transfer program, which was a major anti-poverty program of the previous

government, is also being reviewed. Some 3.1 million Filipino families claimed to have experienced “involuntary hunger” in the first three months of 2016, with a significant rise noted in Mindanao, according to the SWS survey released on Monday. Results showed that some 2.6 million Filipinos experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the last three months of 2015. The survey was conducted from March 30 to April 2. (PCOO News Release)

The government will carry out concerted efforts to address hunger in the country through its frontline agencies, as more families claim they experience involuntary hunger based on the first quarter Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Gov’t to address hungerthrough inter-agency collaboration

National News I July 4-6, 2016 9

RAYS OF HOPE. Newly-installed Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol takes the challenge of leading the Department of Agriculture under the Duterte administration and be instrumental in enabling the government attain available and affordable food for every Filipino. During a simple turn-over ceremony on July 1, 2016 at the DA grounds, Piñol underscored that the [heavy] DA flag being turned-over to him symbolizes the great responsibility accorded to him to lead one of the biggest agency of the Philippine government. (AFID photo by Ardy Tompong)

Farmer- leader Rafael Mariano who once led the militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in dialogues with government officials aptly assumes office as the first and only true-blooded farmer to sit as DAR Secretary. “I was a synthetic farmer, having been the grandson of a Batangas farmer, but Ka Paeng is the real farmer,” admits outgoing secretary Virgilio De los Reyes during the recent turnover ceremony held at the DAR gymnasium attended by some 500 DAR employees and handful of visitors from the incoming team. Ka Paeng was warmly welcomed as he thanked the DAR’s transition team for the transition report from outgoing DAR chief Virgilio de los Reyes. Among his to-do-lists, Ka Paeng plans to convene this month the Presidential Agrarian

Reform Council (PARC) to revisit the bureaucracy’s policy issues. He noted under the Aquino administration, PARC officials never meet even once. There was a resounding clapping of hands when he announced his plan to boost the morale of DAR employees and recognized the worth of even the lowly utility worker of DAR, the rank –and-file and the drivers. He said he will seek suspension of the rationalization order in which more than 869 positions were invalidated, which undoubtedly caused dismay among employees. He also plans to strengthen the department’s connectivity programs with DA, DENR, DILG, DOJ and NEDA has started discussions with DENR secretary Gina Lopez and DA’s chief Manuel Pinol.

Anakpawis and KMP members who were invited during the turnover raised clenched fists in victory when Ka Paeng announced an open-door policy in the once-heavily guarded bureaucracy. He reminded everyone the reason why DAR has the mandate: it is because of the farmers, he noted. Will there be no rallies under his term? With his open door-policy, rallies will grow and strengthen in support of Genuine Agrarian Reform Program, He urged DAR employees to welcome farmer groups and to assist them in their concerns. Echoing President Duterte’s inaugural speech, Ka Paeng said he is also ready to go to work. (DAR)

The tables are turned.

1st peasant leader assumes office as DAR Secretary; announces open-door policy for farmers

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National News I July 4-6, 2016

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told palace employees that in order to help President Rodrigo R. Duterte achieve his goals, the support of everybody, particularly those in the government service, will be crucial.

Palace officials to gov’t workers:Give public what is due them

During the new administration’s first flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning at the Kalayaan Hall grounds in Malacanang, Medialdea said, “The thrusts of President Duterte’s administration are peace and order, good governance, the fight against corruption, the fight against illegal drugs, and the upliftment of those who have less in life and in law.” He requested palace personnel and all workers in government to extend their solid support, regardless of their personal opinions and preferences, to President Duterte’s administration. “He is a good person. This forward-looking administration is committed to keep on supporting those employees who have performed with competency, efficiency, dedication, and integrity, whether permanent or co-terminus.”

Medialdea related the beginning of his friendship with the President which goes back several decades, which started when he sat on the chair of a prosecutor in Davao, and that prosecutor turned out to be Rodrigo R. Duterte. He said, “The story is not about friendship but of a public servant willing to give courtesy or comfort to the public he serves. His giving up a seat was a gesture of a public servant.” In the same event, Abella said, “We are here today because people who felt excluded believe the promise that we made, that they too could have a comfortable life — life unbounded, unburdened by corruption, a life unhampered by crime, a life unthreatened by illegal drugs, a life free to pursue their dreams of a better world. So let us not let them down.”

Abella said, “People who lost faith in government are willing to trust in it again and should not be disappointed by doing what was promised, compassion or ‘malasakit’ and change or ‘pagbabago’. They want their leaders to care about them and they want the miserable conditions of their lives to change. So let us inspire them.” “Together, let us build a nation that is righteous, peaceful, and joyful. Let us trust God who placed us here to enable us to be worthwhile servants. So why are we here? In the President’s famous words: ‘Because we are ready to begin the work right now.’ So let us do so. Let us begin the week and the next cycle of years with excitement in our hearts to do what we have been told to do,” Abella further said. (PCOO)

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CDO officials urged to take part in city developmentCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The newly-elected officials of the city took their oath on July 1 at Kiosko Kagawasan.

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Administered by former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Oscar Moreno and Ronaldo Uy took their oath as city mayor and first district representative respectively. Raineir Joaquin Uy sworn in as the city vice-mayor administered by Carmen Punong Barangay Rosemary Lorna Uy. Moreno then administered the oath taking of First District Councilors Zaldy Ocon, Jay Pascual, Romeo Calizo, George Goking and Reuben Daba, and Second District Councilor Maria Lourdes Gaane. In his message, Pimentel encouraged the Kagay-anons to take part in attaining development in the city saying, “Si Oca Moreno maayo nga mayor pero dili siya magmalampuson kung kamo nga iyang gisilbihan maghilom lang (Oca Moreno will never be successful if the people he serves will never speak up).” Meanwhile, Moreno promised to serve the best way possible and urged everyone to put a stop on political rumpus, “It’s about time that you and I, regardless of our political persuasions, move forward as one community guided by the same spirit.” Prior to the oath taking ceremony, a concelebrated mass was held by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Fr. Antonio Moreno, Msgr. Perseus Cabunoc, SSJV, Fr. Robert Yap, SJ, and Msgr. Rey Manuel Monsanto, SSJV, JCD. (Recthie T. Paculba)

These farmers, according to a report from the Kidapawan City Information Office, were imperiled in recent skirmishes over land ownership issues that aggravated their problems wrought by the El Nino phenomenon. The City Agriculture Office delivered the palay seedlings to the recipient beneficiaries in the village where at least 25 hectares of rice fields will be covered by the aid. “We are very thankful to Mayor Joseph Evangelista for the assistance, said Nenita Alonsagay, Board of Director ng Amas Farmers Association, adding that the distribution was timely as they have already started land preparation activities, after the seven-month drought. Recipient-farmers are expected to harvest in September or October. Alonsagay also announced that Mayor Evangelista promised that the city government will install a potable water system that would provide clean and safe drinking water to residents of Sitio Nazareth. (DEDoguiles/LKOasay-Kidapawan CIO)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato - Some 33 farmers in Sitio Nazareth, Barangay Amas, this city, received palay seeds from the city government to help them restart farming activities.

City gov’t extends help to conflict-affected farmers

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DAVAO CITY - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-11 last Friday launched the National Disaster Consciousness Month side by side with the line agencies of government like the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and the Emergency Response Center Central 911.

Liza Mazo, director of the OCD-11 said the activities this month starts with massive information campaign through a press briefing at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-11, 5-kilometer fun run, coastal cleanup and mangrove planting in Barangay Lasang and the Regional Gawad Kalasag Awards that will culminate on July 29. She said all activities include skills competition on rescue exercise and the establishment of incident command system will be held on July 21 and 22. “All these activities will be participated by line

government agencies and the local DRRMCs,” Mazo said. She explained that in times of disaster, the RDRRMC provides assistance to the local government units which are encouraged to come up with plans on disaster management with communities which are greatly affected by calamities. “We make sure that there is organization with people working down on the grassroots level, dissemination of information like early warning systems,” Mazo concluded. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

National Disaster Consciousness Month kicks off in Davao Region

Phil, Information Agency-XI regional director Efren F. Elbanbuena receives a certificate of appreciation from Office of Civil Defense -XI regional director Liza Mazo during the press conference on the start of the National Disaster Consciousness Month last Friday (July 1) at the PIA-XI office.


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The onset of the 2016 rainy season, driven by the South West Monsoon or Habagat, have brought about consistent rainfall in the city since the month of May and June which slowly stabilized the dam level to normal and a steady rise in ZCWD’s daily water production level. ZCWD noted that the lowest river stream flow recorded as of June 28 was 5,171 cubic meters per hour (m3/hr). The Surface Water Production Facility (Water Treatment Plant & Old Reservoir) requires only about 5,000 m3/hr of raw water to sustain its normal water production and cater to the demand of its

customers. However, due to highly turbid water caused by landslides brought about by heavy rains at the watershed areas, some sections of the city will still experience low or no water. This occurrences will require the frequent back washing (cleaning) of filters to ensure that the water passes the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). According to ZCWD, the activity can greatly reduce the water production output of its treatment plant in Pasonanca as the water used for back washing is clean water intended to be distributed to customers.

Moreover, other areas will also experience low water pressure or no water due to the regular maintenance and upgrade of the water distribution and service pipelines. ZCWD regularly issues advisories to the public before the conduct of these activities. It was in the last quarter of 2015 that ZCWD had advised the public to start conserving water due to the long dry spell felt until the 2nd quarter of 2016. About 57,000 consumers were affected by the eight-hour water rationing scheme that started on January 8. However, the water district

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) is lifting water rationing here effective today, July 4.

ZCWD lifts water rationing

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implemented every-other-day water rationing on March 21 to stretch the thin water supply and cater to as many customers. ZCWD continues to urge the public to help conserve water and

immediately report leaks, illegal use of booster pumps and illegal water connections. To report any violation or for any concern, please call ZCWD Customer Care Division @ 955 – 1007 to 1008; WTP 991 – 1553 to

1554 loc. 108 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Customers may also visit the ZCWD’s website at https://www.zcwd.gov.ph for updates. (Emmanuel D. Taghoy)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-10, chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Ana C. Cañeda, and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (XU) Academic Vice President Rev. Fr. Rene C. Tacastacas SJ, led the ribbon cutting and opening for the month-long observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM), July 1.

OCD 10 leads disaster consciousness month celeb

The celebration commenced with a brief ceremony at Magis Walkway of XU, Cagayan de Oro. This year’s NDCM observance is anchored on the theme “Kahandaan

at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa (Readiness and response to crisis: Everybody’s Duty).” In the press conference, the media zeroed in on additional programs

the agencies planned to undertake in light of the new administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, with the panel of discussants from the OCD, Department of Science and Technology (DOST),


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Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and XU Engineering Resource Center (ERC). The kick-off was highlighted by the static display of response assets and equipment, exhibits on the four DRRM thematic areas and bloodletting, with personnel of partner agencies—Cagayan de Oro CDRRMC, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), DOST, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Health (DOH), DILG, NEDA, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) Philippine Army, XU, Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), 52nd Engineering Brigade, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), ACRC (Radio Group), National Housing Authority (NHA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and

weather bureau PAGASA. Meanwhile, the IEC campaign and media blitz maximized the community awareness-raising especially among the students that came from various schools and colleges in the city appreciating the programs, projects and activities on disaster risk reduction (DRR) by the council members, local DRRMCs and partner institutions in northern Mindanao. National Disaster Consciousness Month is held every month of July to increase awareness of every Filipino to the threats of disaster and for a better appreciation of the government’s disaster preparedness program, pursuant to the Executive Order No. 137, s. 1999. Cañeda says the significance of this NDCM being the first official working day of the newly-installed government officials and heads of agencies in the new administration, and

taking from the marching order of President Duterte at the first cabinet meeting the previous day that emphasized the importance of operational readiness in the pre-positioning of assets for immediate response to emergencies especially in the expected water-induced incidents during this La Niña period. Further, she rallied all-of-nation and whole-of-society efforts at empowering communities at the household level in crucial decision making and cooperation with local officials in protecting their families, towards developing the culture of safety among each of us to the collective goal of zero casualty in any incidents. Cañeda reiterates her call on member-agencies and stakeholders for cooperation and support to government DRRM programs. (Titus M. Velez)

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TAGUM, Davao del Norte — Newly installed Provincial Governor Anthony G. Del Rosario paid respect and honored his father former, Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario but he assured the public to stand as a man of his own.

He also made it clear to continue the human development agenda dubbed as P.E.O.P.L.E. drawn during the administration of his father but he had expanded it to B.E.S.T. P.E.O.P.L.E. In his inaugural address last week, the new provincial governor vowed to stand as a

DavNor guv vows to stand on his own

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - A number of environment officers in South Cotabato recently underwent orientation on inspection, charting and mapping of National Greening Program (NGP). PENRO Technical Services Division Chief Forester Noraida Formacion, Technical Services Division chief of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) said the orientation aims to harmonize understanding on the monitoring and evaluation guidelines among field personnel and to introduce the basic concepts and procedures in the conduct of ICM. “The objective of the activity is to assess the NGP plantations so our site coordinators can make better strategies in reaching the minimum survival rate of 85%,” Formacion explained. In attendance were personel from Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) in General Santos City and in the Municipality of Banga, the Office of the Protected

Area Superintendents (PASu)s of the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) and Allah Valley Protected Landscape (AVPL) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO) of South Cotabato. Forester Ali Hajinasser, chief of the Conservation and Development Division explained further that the inspection, charting and mapping actitivity is a tool for the effective implementation of the NGP which will be extended from 2017 to 2028 by virtue of Executive Order No. 193 that President Benigno Aquino III signed on November 12, 2015. “You will be the eyes and ears of our government for the successful implementation of this program. If you will do your part, then we will have a great implementation of NGP”, Hajinasser reminded

the participants. The National Greening Program (NGP) is a massive forest rehabilitation program of the government established by virtue of Executive Order No. 26 issued on Feb. 24, 2011. It sought to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide from 2011 to 2016. Based on the Global Forest Resources Assessment of the Food and Agriculture Organization from 2010 to 2015, Philippines ranked 5th worldwide in greatest forest area gain. However, there are still 7.1 million hectares of unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands across the archipelago. (DEDoguiles/VRFirmalino/MCLocsin-DENR)

NGP implementers trained on inspection, charting, mapping


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man of his own “in making decisions and in crafting my policy in government” though he said he would still respect the counsel of his father, other political leaders and peers. Formerly serving as Davao del Norte 1st district house representative, Anthony has inherited the seat of his father who has been serving Davao del Norte as the provincial governor for 15 years aside from his long years in Congress, in the Cabinet and in other government office at the regional and national levels. The new Davao del Norte governor described his predecessor as “dauntless and visionary—a true statesman” and lauded him for transforming the province into a “premiere province” poised to engage in the global community. “He has made a great difference in the quality of life of our people, boosted their competitiveness and empowered them to drive their own development. They

are now in a better position to take control of their lives, their survival and their future,” the new Governor said referring to his father. Recognizing that his father’s “visionary leadership” had “led the way”, the new governor took on the conviction of his predecessor to “become more, to do more, and to dream more.” “There is no time for complacency. Inheriting a better province compels us to do even better,” he said. He also vowed to dedicate his service to carry on the aspirations of the past leaders who created a dent of respective successes in pushing the transformation of Davao del Norte. He made his pronouncement to expand the PEOPLE agenda of his predecessor to become BEST PEOPLE, an acronym that captures his platform of governance to focus on Balanced ecology, Enhanced agri-aquaculture, Sustainable tourism,

Transformative leadership, People empowerment, Education, Optimum health and social services, Public-private partnership, Link to the world, Employment and livelihood opportunities. He had in mind to propel the economy of the province, to generate more livelihood and employment opportunities, to push for a better education for all, to beef up health and social services, to harness the Public-Private partnerships, to step resiliency and adaptation to climate change, to promote peace and harmony and “allow a conducive atmosphere for business and trade to continue flourishing in the province”. He asked the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in realizing his plans and offered his hands of reconciliation “to restore civility among local leaders” as he called on everyone to work together. (Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

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DIPOLOG CITY – Zamboanga del Norte elective officials and President Rodrigo R. Duterte are now singing the same tune: to end the cycle of crime, corruption and poverty in the country. In his inaugural speech during the oath-taking rites on Thursday, June 30, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy has urged all elective official to join hands with the police and military personnel, and other law enforcement agencies to eradicate all forms of illegal activities to spare the public from hustle and bustle of life. Governor Uy spiced up his talk with Bible verses, which call for honest-to-goodness public service. He also pledged to continue supporting the marginal farmers and fisher folk by providing them with the needed farm inputs and fishing gears

including infrastructures such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems and others. R e p r e s e n t a t i v e Glona Labadlabad of the province’s second district also assured her constituents that all projects initiated by her husband, former congressman Rosendo Labadlabad, would be continued under her term. Third district representative Isagani S. Amatong, on the other hand, called on all elective officials to let “action speak rather than words,” adding “all officials in the government should serve with utmost honesty.” “How can we teach honesty without

being honest,” Amatong emphasized. Although the drug problem in the province is not as rampant as other parts of the country, Zamboanga del Norte is faced with a record high malnutrition problem based on the recent report issued by the National Nutrition Council (NCC) with the municipalities of Sindangan in the second district and Labason of the third district as having the highest rate of malnutrition incidence. Zamboanga del Norte, an agricultural province, is composed of two component cities and 25 municipalities. (Franklin P Gumapon)

Zambo. Norte officials support Digong’s call to end crime, corruption, poverty


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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato - The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 launches Project DUTERTE Monday (July 4). Project DUTERTE, which stands for Drug Use and Trafficking Elimination through Rehabilitation, Training and Enforcement, is an initiative of the PRO 12 in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which aims to encourage illegal drug users and pushers to abandon their unlawful activities and surrender to authorities. Supt. Romeo Galgo, information officer of the PRO-12, emphasized the project is a “campaign against corruption, criminalities and illegal drugs.” The regional launching in General Santos City kicked off with a motorcade from Camp Fermin Lira and a noise barrage at 9:30 a.m. Similar activities were also held in police stations across SOCCSKSARGEN Region, which covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. At the event, participants were also encouraged to sign a pledge of commitment “to support the relentless and sustained fight against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, unite and integrate our efforts to restore the faith of the people in government and uphold the National Motto of MakaDiyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa.” Besides encouraging individuals involved in illegal drugs to return to the folds of the law, the program also facilitates rehabilitation, skills enhancement and personality development that may help them secure lawful employment. It is being supported by other stakeholders such as the Department of the

Interior and Local Government with the local government units, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and many other partners. As of last week, more than 6,000 self-confessed drug users and pushers have voluntarily surrendered to authorities following an intensified anti-illegal drug information campaign by local police stations and barangay officials. In South Cotabato alone, police have listed 3,587 individuals who have surrendered to police authorities and signed a pledge of undertaking to do away with their illegal drug activities as of June 30. (DEDoguiles)

PRO 12 launches Project DUTERTE


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City exec to strengthen security, peace in GingoogGINGOOG CITY – The city government here shares the agenda of the new national administration’s fight against crimes, illegal drug trade and corruption.

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In pursuing this fight the city has made 78 arrests in various drug raids and buy bust operations. “We have put more police on the streets and more soldiers in our city to keep the peace. Now, we have renewed hope that we will go even stronger—further strengthen our peace and order campaign, to build on what we have begun,” Mayor Marie Guingona said in her speech during the city’s inauguration and oath-taking ceremonies of elected officials held at the Arturo Lugod Gymnasium, July 1. She also said that her administration will also pursue the Operation Tuk-Hang (Tuktok-Hangyo) and it will not exempt anyone who does illegal activities. “Tuktoka ang ilang mga balay ug hangyoa sila na maghunong sa dautang binuhatan. And that goes for all – walay kamag-anak, walang kaibigan, walay pabor-pabor, labi na sa mga opisyales (Knock on their houses and urge them to stop their evil deeds. And that goes for all—no relatives, no friends, no one is excused especially the officials),” she said. Plans on strengthening the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs)

and anti-illegal drug advocacy as part of the schools’ curriculum are also included in her local administration. The mayor also asked the help of the civic organizations and religious sector to help protect kids from falling into the illegal drug habit by instilling in them positive morals and values. Furthermore, plans of putting up rehabilitation center are already in the process not only to reduce the street demand for illegal drugs but to give new hope to the drug dependents to change their lives. Aside from the economic security projects for the city, the mayor also gives priority to the infrastructure development to bring more jobs and uplift the standard of living of the people in the city. The city government will expand its social pension fund beneficiaries from 1,600 to 2,100 this year. Also, it pushes for door-to-door delivery for those senior citizens who are not able to visit government facilities to get their medicines and social pension. Further, it will continue expanding their coverage for the PhilHealth Insurance Program to ensure all the residents have health insurance. To

date, there are already 23,000 families in the city with the basic health insurance. Meanwhile, Gingoog is set to strengthen its Rescue 115 and RadyoNet so that they can immediately respond to calls during emergencies and disasters. City Court Judge Eileen Joy P. Bonghanoy administered the oaths of office of Misamis Oriental Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Wayne T. Militante and Gingoog Councilors Thaddeus Lugod, Jerome Mercado, Winfred Militante Jr,April Rose Vosotros, Miguel Paderanga and Myrna Motoomull. Likewise Mayor Guingona and Vice Mayor Ruth L. Guingona took their oaths of office administered by Executive Judge Giovanni Alfred H. Navarro. One of the mayor’s sons in Balay Pangarap Youth Center held the Bible for the mayor in her oath taking. Holy Eucharistic celebration cum thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Apollo Canoy, SSJV and concelebrated by Warren Padilla, PACEM opened the ceremonies. (Hazel Mae Pacturan)


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To be called Anflo City, the mixed used development project will be located in a 88-hectare lot in the city traversing barangays San Pedro and Cagangohan. Damosa Land Inc Vice President Ricardo Lagdameo bared that the central business district project will have spaces for residential, commercial, agri-tourism and education or institutional. L a g d a m e o emphasized that within the Anflo City, they will establish Naturetainment, an agri-tourism feature with working farms and fun rides. “We will have to

make it fun; we will have to make it interesting especially for our youth of today,” he said. Lagdameo also disclosed that the project will be formally announced before August this year and will start its development by early next year. As to education, he highlighted that Anflo Group of Companies signed an agreement in November 2014 with the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to establish an extension campus within the area. “We always say why do we have to send our best and brightest

people in the region off to Manila. A lot of people got accepted into UP, according to our friends in the UP system, but they can’t afford to go to Manila; but what if we bring the education here for them.” UPLB is a state owned university more known for its agricultural courses. Lagdameo said that UPLB sends professors every weekend in Davao City to provide masteral classes to some ANFLOCOR employees, including outside students. (Michael Uy)

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TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte - A city within a city. The Anflo Group of Companies will be developing the first Asian Agri-Tourism City in Panabo City.

Anflo City to rise in Panabo

Visitors flock to the Chuch of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints Family History Exhibit in Abreeza Mall last July 1. The two-day exhibit enables participants to research on their family tree using digitized records from taken from the local civil registrar across the country.

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“Change is coming,” Cerilles said, quoting President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte’s key message during his campaign. “The first step to change is awareness, and the second step is acceptance. The nation’s transformation has a great price to pay.We can only achieve the kind of change we want to have if we stand united and work hand in hand,” the lady lawmaker said. “As the saying goes, ‘in unity there is strength and in strength there is progress,’ this is our time to serve. Let us give our best shot,”she urged all elected officials. Congresswoman Cerilles has served the province for

nine (9) years as governor and is now serving her last term of office as second district representative. On the other hand, First District Representative-elect Divina Grace C. Yu said, “this is the best opportunity to say “thank you” to all the people who made me where and who I am today. In return, I will do all the best I can to serve my constituents with integrity, dedication and commitment.” “Let’s work together, I am yours for the next three years, at your service,” she added. Congresswoman-elect Yu has also served the city of Pagadian for two terms as the

first lady Vice Mayor and now on her first term asa legislator. Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19 Executive Judge Romeo P. Descallar administered the oath taking of re-elected Governor Antonio H. Cerilles and the two (2) lady representatives of the province, while Governor Cerilles officiated the mass oath taking of Vice Governor Ace William E. Cerilles, 10 members of the provincial board, city mayor and vice mayor and the 26 municipal mayors and vice mayors including their respective Sangguniang Bayan members. (CAL)

PAGADIAN CITY – “To the newly elected officials of this province, I enjoin you to serve your constituents confidently with your heart, guided by the purpose of a public servant, service with sincerity and humility because the way up is the way down,” re-elected 2nd District Representative Aurora E. Cerilles said during the mass oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected provincial, city and municipal officials of Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday, June 30, at the Pagadian City gymnasium.

“Serve your constituents confidently with your heart,” says Congw. Cerilles


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pia mindanao - july 4-6, 2016 issue

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