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Volume 1, No. 6 7-13 May 2016DENR-13 develops

4,452 hectares mangrove plantation

under NGPCaraga’s PRDP approved projects rises to P982 Million

Call for Nominations: 2016 Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine Award

Butuan incumbent admin loses by 13-0 over opponent’s landslide victory

Mindanao power monitoring body expects better power on Monday polls

Proper hand washing can save lives

Aquino government ready for smooth transition to next administration, say Palace official

PHL named world’s 8th top medical tourism hub

DAR AgSur launches project, gives financial assistance

Siargao agrarian orgs undergo strategic planning

Surigao Norte tourism office pushes for water infra projects

DOST launches SETUP project in Bislig City

Hinatuan agrarian reform beneficiaries take oath

AgNor approves budget for brgy relocation site

DAR conducts basic cooperative training to AgNor ARBs

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CONTENTS

Regional News

Cover

Provincial News

Health News

Mindanao News

National News

4 7-13 MAY 2016

Areas developed and planted to mangroves

and beach forest by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel under the National Greening Program (NGP) have reached 4,452 hectares since 2011.

Cover StoryDENR-13 develops 4,452 hectares

57-13 MAY 2016

By: Eric Herzon F. Gallego

Cover StoryDENR-13 develops 4,452 hectares

mangrove plantation under NGP Surigao del Norte reported that 55 percent of the total target area have been planted in 1,989 hectares coastline with bacauan mangrove species and 447.6 hectares of beach forest. Surigao del Sur reported that some 1,544 hectares of beach coast were planted with mangrove propagules.

There were only 5 percent or 220 hectares of mangroves developed and planted in Dinagat and 215 hectares in Agusan del Norte.

“We are focusing our efforts for the meantime on mangrove propagules planting considering the long months of dry-spell that hit the country since October 2015,” said DENR Caraga Regional Director

Nonito M. Tamayo.

The personnel of the PENR Office of Agusan del Norte and CENR Office of Nasipit including the DENR Regional offices went to the different planting sites along the beaches to plant mangrove propagules in celebration of the 46th Earth Day with the theme “Let us plant trees.”

CENR officer Norman Asugan of CENRO Nasipit, Agusan del Norte said more than 3,000 mangrove propagules have been planted by the DENR personnel during the Earth Day celebration, spread in different sites of the western coast of the province with a combined area of 10 hectares. (DENR Caraga)

6 7-13 MAY 2016

Caraga’s PRDP approved projects rises to P982 Million

BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Rural Development Project–National Project Coordination Office (PRDP-NPCO) reports that Caraga’s approved infrastructure and enterprise subprojects have already reached a total of P982,605,907.

By: Fretcher Magatao

77-13 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS Intensified Building-Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) Component which aims to put in place strategic and climate-resilient rural infrastructure facilities along the value chain got the bulk of this amount with nineteen approved subprojects amounting to a total of P 966,385,906.98. Seven of these are already under implementation and twelve subprojects are still on the procurement process. Other than the approved 19 subprojects, I-BUILD for Caraga still has five subprojects in the pipeline which has a total amount of P516,563,803.89 and hoped to be approved within the year. These infrastructure subprojects would translate to improved road networks linking production areas with markets to enhance efficiency of transporting agricultural products; increased productivity from irrigation and water supply systems; and lower postharvest losses. The 24 I-BUILD subprojects for Caraga would create a total amount of P1,482,949,710.92. I-BUILD team in the region is doing its best to achieve the target and has formulated a program that would reach the attainment of 41% disburement of implemented subprojects by June. “We have been busy helping the LGUs and contractors comply the needed requirements so we can reach our goal for this

year,” Engr. Rene Morales, I-BUILD Component Head said during the provincial coordination meeting. On the other hand, Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) Component, which aims to strengthen and develop viable agri-fishery based enterprises through efficient value chains of key agriculture and fishery products already has one approved subproject amounting to P16,220,000 on procurement process for the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprises in Santiago, Agusan del Norte. The component has also four other subprojects amounting to a total of P65,584,180.32 in the pineline. One production, processing and marketing subproject for Agusan del Sur and the same subproject for the Province of Dinagat Islands. Two additional enterprise subprojects are also hoped to be implemented in Agusan del Norte within the year. The realization of I-REAP subprojects would translate to an increased smallholder groups operating viable enterprises; enhanced producer productivity through formalized arrangements for marketing and technical services; and increased smallholder and fisher resilience to climate change and adverse weather conditions. PRDP is a six-year national government platform for an inclusive,

8 7-13 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Call for Nominations: 2016 Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine AwardBUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) in cooperation with the Gruppo Medica, Inc. (GMI) and the Caraga Health Research and Development Consortium (CHRDC) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2016 DOST-PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine.

By: Margarette Faye Urbiztondo

value chain-oriented and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. It is the upscale version of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) where innovations are introduced to address current and emerging challenges and make rural development more effective. It is currently implemented under the Department of Agriculture (DA),

PRDP is jointly funded by the World Bank, National Government and the Local Government Units (LGUs). The project has partnered with LGUs and the private sector in providing key infrastructure, facilities, technology and information that will raise income, productivity and competitiveness among the players in agriculture. (DA-Caraga)

97-13 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

The award is given to provide motivation for students, with technical guidance of their faculty adviser, to view undergraduate thesis as an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interest. The Award recognizes relevant the innovative research works on herbal medicine that can lead to practical and/or commercial applications. The search is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing and Arts and Sciences who have completed their thesis projects on medicinal plants in the current school year. Nominations must be made by the students’ faculty adviser using the attached prescribed nomination form. Any alteration on the nomination form is not allowed. All nominees must submit the following requirements together with the nomination form: (1) one soft copy and hard copies of the thesis report, (2) plant authentication certification and (3) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) certification for researches

involving animals and/or Ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee for researches involving human participants. Nominations with incomplete requirement will automatically be excluded from the list of official entries. A maximum of three (3) thesis projects are allowed per institution. The Gruppo Medica Inc. will be giving a cash prize of P60,000.00 for the first prize or (P42,000 for the student, P12,000 for the mentor and P6,000 for the school), P40,000.00 for the second prize winner (P28,000 for the student, P8,000 for the mentor and P4,000 for the school) and P20,000.00 for the third prize winner (P14,000 for the student, P4,000 for the mentor and P2,000 for the school). Deadline for submission of nomination to the consortium is on May 20, 2016. The nominees will be reviewed and short-listed by the consortium. The short-listed nominees will be submitted to PCHRD not later than May 27, 2016. (DOST-Caraga)

10 7-13 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

Butuan incumbent admin loses by 13-0 over opponent’s landslide victory

BUTUAN CITY -- In this year’s conduct of elections in the local level, construction mogul Engr. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada’s (RCL) political line-up gains the electoral victory as the group received an overwhelming majority of the votes, in effect, eliminating the incumbents from their position through a rare landslide win of 13 contested electoral seats with nil over its opponents. In an official result, the team RCL has achieved a genuine success, beginning from the mayoral and vice-mayoral positions, 10 city legislative councilors, to include its congressional representative of the first district. A political fight won by a clean knockout. Incoming solon Lagnada, a well-known supporter of city mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., will soon to

assume office that will eventually hailed him as a harbinger of future progress of the only chartered city in Caraga region. This is one of the biggest upsets in political history in the area, Lagnada earning a mark of annihilating the rivals by somehow putting an end to a well-entrenched political clan, which is an extraordinary feat of a neophyte in the local political arena.

By: Venus L. Garcia

photo:Bernardo Arellano Panizales

117-13 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

After completing the electoral phases and subjecting to the rules of fair play among the candidates, Butuan City proclaimed winners are the following per official and final tally of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC): Mayor: Lagnada, Ronnie Vicente – 89,811 Vice Mayor: Aquino, Joboy – 88,641 Member, House of Representatives; Agusan del Norte, First Legislative District: Fortun, Lawrence Lemuel – 82,773 Members, Sangguniang Panlungsod; Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Lone District: Carampatana, Glenn - 94,445 Nalcot, Ferdinand - 87,022

Burdeos, Rema - 84,591 Plaza, Derrick - 82,892 Nortega, Cromwell - 76,042 Andaya, Omar - 75,397 Busa, Cherry May - 75,237 Rosario, Vincent Rizal - 71,919 Sanchez, Ehrnest John - 70,901 Unay, John Gil Sr. - 68,563 The winning political contenders had reached more voters in a smooth electoral process and it is now a challenge for a person who is elected for the favor of the people and who is dependent on the suffrages of his fellow citizens to prove worthy of taking the place for true public service. (PIA-Caraga)

photo:Bernardo Arellano Panizales

12 7-13 MAY 2016

Pre-Election OperationsMedia Center Ocular Inspection

Interview with Libertad Central Elem. School principal Nenita M. Diolata8 May 2016

Photo Gallery

Election 2016 PressConAFP, PNP & COMELEC Caraga Press ConferenceMedia Center - PNP Caraga Sandigan Hall, Butuan City9 May 2016

137-13 MAY 2016

DAR conducts basic cooperative training to AgNor ARBsBUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte conducted a two-day seminar on Basic Cooperative Course 34 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) members of farmers’ cooperatives and associations held recently at Barangay Dulag, here. The seminar was held through the effort of the DAR Agusan del Norte led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega, CESO

V, in partnership with Propegemus Foundation, Inc. (PFI). Among the participants who

By: Gil E. Miranda

14 7-13 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

attended the training are members of the DAR assisted organizations that includes Manila De Bugabus Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MDBMPC); Dulag Organic Farmers (DOF); Dulag Dairy Cow Farmers Association (DDCFA); Dulag Women’s Association and Barangay Dulag Organic Farmers Association Inc (BDOFAI). The activity was aimed to capacitate the ARBs on the fundamental of cooperativism, identify the importance of legal underpinnings of a cooperative and explain the plans, programs and policies of the cooperative. According to BDOFAI Chairman Lorenzo Salar, Jr., majority of the participants are satisfied with the results of the topic discussed during the

training. “Na challenge ko sa kabag-ohan sa mga topiko. Nagpasalamat ko sa facilitator nga ilang napasabot sa amo ang topiko hinungdang nga nadugangan ang among kahibalo sa kooperatiba (I was challenged from the new kind of topics. I am thankful to the facilitator for we learned something from this training),” Salar said. During the seminar, Arnold L. Tapere, PFI Executive Director and one of the speakers discussed to the participants the history of the cooperative and its principles. “The DAR and in partnership with the PFI intend to empower the ARBs and strengthen their organizations,” he said. (DAR-Agusan del Norte)

AgNor approves budget for brgy relocation site

BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to purchase a parcel of an agricultural land in Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, with an area of 10,369 square meters amounting to P1,000,000.00 for the relocation

site of said barangay.

By: Aimee B. Sienes

157-13 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Barangay Cahayagan has not enough funds for the purchase of the said relocation site, thus, the Barangay Council headed by Punong Barangay Isagani A. Pajardo requested for financial assistance from the province. As part of the priority programs of the provincial government, the province addressed the needs of the said barangay for the improvement of the barangay and the lives of the constituents. The Provincial Appraisal Committee already appraised the market value of the property and considering that the price is fair and

reasonable, which is lower than the actual sale value in the locality, the province agreed to finalize the sale. To immediately acquire the said relocation site, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign the Deed of Absolute Sale in behalf of the province with the owner of the said land Alberto Villahermosa through Sanggunian Resolution No. 088-2016, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

Province of Agusan del NorteAccelerating New Dimension on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL)Technical Working Group MeetingProvincial Governor’s Office, Butuan City12 May 2016

Photo Gallery

16 7-13 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Department of Agrarian Reform recently launched the Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project (VLPCEP) and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held at DAR Conference Hall, San Francisco, this province for the RAM Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RARBEMPCO) as the project beneficiary.

DAR AgSur launches project, gives financial assistanceBy: Cyrene Tajonera and Rechel Besonia

Said project was designed to enhance the existing processing center with development support initiative for ARB cooperatives, improve their capability to produce quality processed products including services to its members. Further, it helps develop market- competitive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) products and enrich enterprise and livelihood activities at the community level in the selected agrarian reform areas. The RARBEMPCO at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Rosario, Agusan del Sur is fortunate to be able to avail the said project. The coop engages in kaong vinegar production because of its wide

production of sweet palms. Though they have an existing processing center, their financial capability is not sufficient to cover the expenses to enhance the building and acquire the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) License to operate which is necessary in promoting the reliability of the product’s safety for the consumers. Hence, the department provides technical and financial assistance amounting to P500, 000.00. 70 % which will be used to cover the expenses of the processing center enhancement while 30% will be used in the processing of FDA- LTO and trainings. The said launching was attended by Department of Trade and Industry

Agusan del Sur

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

OIC Provincial Director Brenda Corvera; OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) Allan N. Mundala; Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Evita R. Puerin; Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (ARPO II) Corine Munion; RAM Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RARBEMPCO) Manager Juel Jayuma and other representatives from line agencies. “Ako nagpasalamt ug dako sa atong ahensya sa DAR nga pinaagi ani nga proyekto kami matabangan aron molambo ang among produkto. Dako kaayo nga garbo sa among kooperatiba nga maila ang among

produkto dili lang sa among probinsya kundi lakip sa ubang mga lugar. Among paningkamotan nga mamahimong successful kining mao nga proyekto pinaagi sa among kakugi (I am thankful to the DAR for giving us this rare opportunity to enhance our processing center and eventually improve our product. It is our pride to be known for the quality of our product not just in our province but hopefully to other places as well. We will give our full commitment in making the project successful through hard work),” said Jayuma on his message of commitment. (DAR-Agusan del Sur)

Agusan del Sur

18 7-13 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Five assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) underwent a two-day Strategic Development Planning and Workshop held at D’Islanders Pension Hauz, Dapa, Siargao Island, this province.

Siargao agrarian orgs undergo strategic planning By: Daryll M. Tumbaga

The officers and members of Esperanza Farmers Credit and Consumers Organization (ESFARCRECO) of Brgy. Esperanza, Del Carmen underwent the said activity on April 26-27, 2016 as the ARBO embarks on a project under the Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project of DAR-SDN. According to Levy P. Alatraca, secretary of ESFARCRECO, “the strategic planning really helped our

organization because we were able to identify the weaknesses and gaps of ESFARCRECO that we need to work out for it to grow. ”Meanwhile, the officers and members of both Don Paulino United Farmers and Fisherfolks Credit Organization (DOPUFAFICO) of Brgy. Don Paulino, Dapa; Osmeña Small Farmers Credit Cooperative (OSFACO) of Brgy. Osmeña, Dapa; Corazon Farmers Credit Association (COFARCA) of Brgy. Corazon, Gen. Luna; and Poblacion San Isidro Farmers

197-13 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- In another partnership program with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Tourism through the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) of Surigao del Norte will identify water infrastructure projects for priority tourism areas with problems on potable water supply.

Surigao Norte tourism office pushes for water infra projects

According to PTCO Officer-in-Charge Arturo M. Cruje, the province has pushed for the development of its priority tourism areas which has potentials to become tourist destinations. However, most of these areas have no sufficient water supply especially in Siargao Island. He said that the funds will come from the savings from Water Supply Funds of Fiscal Year General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2013 and 2015.

“Under the GAA for 2015 and 2016, water supply projects in these priority areas can now be funded. The DPWH Regional Office or District Engineering Office shall be responsible for the full implementation of the identified water infrastructure projects,” Cruje said. The provincial tourism office will identify the projects areas and endorse the list to a unified management body which shall be created soon. (Provincial Culture and Tourism Office-Surigao del Norte)

Association (POSAIFA) of Brgy. Del Carmen, San Isidro have undergone the strategic planning last April 28-29, 2016 in preparation for the reportorial requirements of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) should the said ARBOs register themselves with the CDA. According to Delia E. Pelicano, chairperson of COFARCA, “we are very grateful to the DAR for this

opportunity because through this strategic planning we are able to come up with a one-year action plan and most importantly the 5-year development plan for COFARCA.” Meantime, Eugenio Escopete of OSFACO added that the said activity was a big help in establishing the vision, mission, goals and objectives of their organization. (DAR-Surigao del Norte)

Surigao del Norte

20 7-13 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY -- A P1.7Million project of Mangagoy Fishermen Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFISCO) funded by the Department of Science and Technologys’ (DOST’s) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) was launched recently in Bislig City. This is so far the biggest SETUP funded project in the 2nd district of Surigao del Sur.

DOST launches SETUP project in Bislig City

The launching of the upgraded ice plant with 17 tons capacity, from 10 tons capacity before, was attended by cooperative’s officials and Caressa Leanne V. Lim, OIC Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOST-Surigao del Sur. Technology upgrading of the ice plant started last November 3, 2015. It was completed by the end of January 2016. Series of test runs were conducted to make sure that the equipment installed were running on its specification. The key features of the upgrade include having 360 cans of ice per batch compared to 165 cans before and, harvesting of ice and water filling

is now five cans per batch compared to one can before. Members of the cooperative include fishermen, boat operators, fish traders, market and ambulant vendors. A thousand of these beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the gains of the project. The upgraded facility aims to a increase 100 percent in sales during the first year of operation. DOST SETUP is a nationwide flagship program of DOST that helps micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve their business by boosting up their productivity and competitiveness through science, technology and innovation interventions. (DOST-Caraga)

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PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Ten agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Hinatuan, this province took their oath recently at the Municipal Trial Court of Barobo affirming their commitment to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of government.

Hinatuan agrarian reform beneficiaries take oath

Said oath taking is required as provided in the rules and regulations of becoming an ARB and what are their obligations upon receiving the certificate of land ownership award (CLOA). Among the obligations cited include the paying of their annual amortization with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), prohibition period of 10 years not to sell, transfer or convert the awarded lot unless fully paid at LBP, cultivate the land productively and pay taxes.

The obligations stated above are also relative to one of the requirements

of the LBP in the processing of Voluntary Offer to Sell Claim Folders (VOSCFs) and/or Compulsory Acquisition Claim Folders (CACFs).

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Benjamin M. Mataksil said the oath ensures that the identified farmer-beneficiaries have underwent a selection process conducted by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers as provided in Section 22 of Republic Act No. 6657 also known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. (DAR-Surigao del Sur)

By: Myra Yu

22 7-13 MAY 2016

Proper hand washing can save lives

HealthNews

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) found that 8 out of 10 children practiced handwashing before and after meals. The highest percentages of children washing their hands were in Ilocos Region, followed by Central Luzon. The Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes that academic performance of the pupils and instructional outcomes are largely determined by the quality of health of the school children. DepEd institutionalizes the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) to address the most common hygiene deficient related problems in public schools due to lack of water and functional sanitary facilities. The aim is to promote cleanliness through simple, yet cost-effective interventions like washing of hands

before and after meals. In a similar study done in Bogota, Colombia published in the American Journal of Public Health, Dr. Yehuda Neumark reported that scarcity of adequate facilities prevents children from adopting proper hygienic behavior and thwarts health promotion efforts. The renovations in public schools will provide a unique opportunity to meet the challenges of supportive environment for adoption of healthy behavior. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH), leads the celebration of Global Handwashing Day every October 15 of the year. The global advocacy day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap and clean water as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

By: Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

237-13 MAY 2016

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that a large percentage of food-borne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. The simple act of handwashing with soap and clean water among children under five years old can reduce the incidence of diarrhea by 40 percent and respiratory infection by 25 percent. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that although people around the world clean their hands with water, very few use soap to wash their hands. Washing hands with soap removes germs much more effectively.

There are steps to proper handwashing, as recommended by DOH

Wet your hands with clean water and apply soap.

Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand.

Rub both palms with fingers then rinse thoroughly with running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Lather soap; rub hands together, palm-to-palm and in between fingers.

Rub back of one hand with the palm of your other hand.

Rub fingertips of each hand in opposite palm.`

Hand washing with soap and water removes the dirt and bacteria from the hands. It prevents the transmission of disease. Proper handwashing is simple. It is a lifesaving habit. For more information on food and nutrition, write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General

Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone / Fax Nos: (02) 837-2934 or (02) 837-3164; Direct Line 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line:837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service)

24 7-13 MAY 2016

DAVAO CITY -- The Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) expects better supply situation in the Mindanao grid during the conduct of the 2016 national and local elections, according to a statement released to the media on Friday. Chaired by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), MPMC assured the public that adequate measures were put in place, in accordance with the Department

Circular No. 2016-01-001 released by the Department of Energy (DOE) which created the Power Task Force Election (PTFE) 2016 to ensure adequate and reliable electric power supply before,

Mindanao power monitoring body expects better power on Monday polls

photo: www.philstar.com

257-13 MAY 2016

MINDANAO NEWS

during, and after the May 9, 2016 elections.

In the circular, DOE which also co-chairs the MPMC, has been deputized to “primarily provide and maintain stable and continuous nationwide electric power requirements on May 2, 2016 until the termination or conclusion of the canvassing of votes and the proclamation of the winning candidates.”

“However, in the case of Mindanao, the PTFE adjusted the period to start May 6 instead of May 2 considering that hydro power plants, Mindanao’s major source of power supply are still struggling from El Niño-induced generation shortfall,” said Romeo Montenegro, head of the MPMC Technical Working Group and director of the MinDA Investment Promotions and Public Affairs Office.

He explained however that starting Friday this week Mindanao will enjoy a more steady supply of power and will experience extremely minimal or zero power interruptions.

Despite the toppling of Tower 25 in Lanao del Sur Tuesday night, Montenegro stressed there’s no reason to raise any alarm in so far as power situation is concerned as supply availability in the Mindanao grid is assured at least three days before and three days after the polls. “But we urge vigilance as toppling of transmission towers can pose power supply disruption and subsequent

service interruption,” he added. In a recent series of briefing, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that the Mindanao Grid’s available capacity or supply is expected to be 1,736 megawatts (MW) from May 8 to 10. Gross reserves of the island is also expected to be at 383 MW on May 8, around 373 MW on May 9, and 254 MW on May 10.

The increase in the available capacity will be made possible with the measures implemented by the members of the PTFE like increasing the water outflow of the Agus and Pulangi Hydropower plants and the postponement of planned maintenance shutdown of some power generators prior, during, and after the elections.

Since early this year, DOE has been coordinating with the members of the PTFE to ensure the reliability and stability of not only the Mindanao Power Grid but also of the whole country. The task force is headed by DOE with NGCP heading the command post or operations center. Members include the National Electrification Authority (NEA), National Power Corporation (Napocor), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM), National Transmission Corporation (Transco), Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), and the power distributors and electric cooperatives. (MinDA)

26 7-13 MAY 2016

Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Mngt. CouncilRegional Selection Committee Meeting

Big Daddy’s Hotel & Restaurant, Butuan City11 May 2016

Photo Gallery

Media Fellowship Night

Kalayaan Hall, Camp Bancasi, Butuan City

6 May 2016

277-13 MAY 2016

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the smooth transition is expected because of good governance, which is the advocacy of the Aquino administration. “Dahil sa masigasig na pagtatatag ng mabuting

pamamahala o good governance, maisasalin ng Aquino administration sa hahaliling administrasyon ang isang pamahalaan na kung saan ay maayos ang mga sistema, patakaran at pamamaraan, kumpleto at hayag ang mga opisyal na datos at dokumento at laging handang maghatid ng

MANILA -- Malacanang on Sunday has assured the smooth transition from the Aquino

government to the next administration.

Aquino government ready for smooth transition to next

administration, say Palace official

28 7-13 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

mapagkalingang paglilingkod sa mga mamamayan,” explained Coloma during an interview over Radyo ng Bayan. Coloma said coordination between the outgoing and incoming administrations is important to ensure a smooth transition. “Noong palapit na ‘yung pagpalit ng administrasyon, siguro pagkatapos ito noong proklamasyon ng bagong Pangulo na idinaos sa Batasang Pambansa noong first week o lagpas lamang sa first week of June 2010 ay nagkaroon na ng mga ugnayan sa pagitan ng outgoing at incoming administration,” the Palace official recalled. “Nagkaroon din ako ng oportunidad na mapasama doon sa mga pagpupulong na ‘yon para

lang mapag-usapan ‘yung tipikal (typical) na pagpasok ng bagong administrasyon: ‘yung mga idaraos na kaganapan doon pagkatapos ng inauguration sa Luneta Grandstand, ‘yung pagdaraos ng unang pulong ng Gabinete, ‘yung pagbati sa bagong Pangulo at administrasyon ng mga mamamayan, iyon ang ilan sa mga tinalakay,” Coloma continued. “At doon naman sa mismong tanggapan natin, walang ganung pormal na proseso dahil nga hindi naman nabuo ‘yung ating tanggapan hangga’t hindi nailabas ‘yung Executive Order 4 ni Pangulong Aquino na naganap naman noong patapos na ang unang buwan,” said Coloma. “ Nagkaroon naman nang maayos na pakikipag-ugnayan sa pagitan ng outgoing at incoming administration.” (PND)

PHL named world’s 8th top medical tourism hubMANILA -- A global non-profit association for medical tourism and international patient industry has listed the Philippines as eighth place among the top medical tourism destinations in the world in 2015, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday. The Philippines placed ahead of countries such as Japan and France, according to a list compiled by the International Healthcare Research Center and the Medical Tourism

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NATIONAL NEWSAssociation (MTA). Canada emerged as the top medical tourism destination worldwide followed by UK and Israel which came second and third, respectively. MTA is non-profit association represents healthcare providers, governments, insurance companies, employers and other buyers of healthcare. According to MTA, clients of the Philippines for medical tourism come from East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan), Sri Lanka, the Pacific Islands (Guam, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Micronesia), Australia, North and South America, Europe and the United Kingdom, and the Gulf States. It also noted that Filipino expats and overseas Filipino workers likewise prefer to have their medical procedures done in the country. Currently, the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Trade and Industry – Board of Investments (DTI–BOI) have a joint program to promote Philippine medical tourism. This informal partnership resulted in a roadmap that identified five major segments in the international medical travel sector: tourists, who come for spa and other wellness services; medical tourists, who avail of low-acuity medical procedures; medical travelers, who purposely

come to specifically avail of more complex procedures; international patients, including overseas Filipino workers, expats, and retireers; and accompanying guests, either friends or immediate kin of travelers. Medical tourism in the Philippines caters to approximately 80,000 to 250,000 patients or clients annually. As of the DOT, DOH, DTI-BOI’s latest count, 62 hospitals around the country are now internationally accredited. In a 2014 study by renowned medical tourism author Ian Youngman, global health and wellness tourism market is worth USD438.6 billion and Philippine medical tourism was able to generate USD66 million and USD145 million for 2013 and 2014, respectively. DOT Director for Medical Travel and Wellness Tourism, Cynthia Lazo, said it is crucial to have a ‘One Country Package.’ “It has to be a country effort, a collective effort of every medical and wellness facility in the country, for the Philippines to be accepted in the medical and wellness market,” she said. “Our value proposition is, time and again, our 7,107 islands which a medical traveler can choose from, while availing of a clinical or wellness procedure in the country,” she added. (PNA)

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