One Mindanao - January 15, 2016

PIA Regional Offices

One Mindanao

Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula)P. Urro Street, San Francisco DistrictPagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038Cellphone no. 0919-9994516E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.piazampen.blogspot.comFacebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz

Northern MindanaoGraces’ Building, Antonio Luna StreetCagayan de Oro City 9000Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594Telefax no. (08822) 72-66-83Cellphone no. 0928-5204305, 0917-3084969E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: www.pia-10.blogspot.com

Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)Ground Floor Kanto Motors Bldg.,Quimpo Blvd., New MatinaDavao City 8000Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950E-mail: [email protected]

SOCCSKSARGEN RegionBautista Bldg., Zulueta St.Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506Telephone no. (083) 520-0249Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan CityTelephone no. (085) 341-5285Telefax no. (085) 341-2370Cellphone no. 0917-7188834Email: [email protected] , [email protected],phWebsite: www.piacaraga.comFacebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur, Pia Dinagat Islands Power FM - CaragaTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIACaraga

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IXALMA L. TINGCANG, PIA Region IX ELAINE O. RATUNIL, PIA Region X RUDOLPH IAN G. ALAMA, PIA Region XI DANNY E. DOGUILES, PIA Region XII FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region

COPY EDITORSFRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga RegionVENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

LAYOUT ARTISTSDOMINC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region XZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region XDAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

EDITORIAL ADVISERSSEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information AgencyEXECUTIVE EDITOR EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western &Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

MANAGING EDITOR ABNER M. CAGACluster Head, Northern & Northeastern MindanaoRegional Director - PIA Caraga Region

ASSOCIATE EDITORS NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

LGU Ipil embarks on conservation, rescue of sea turtles

Cover Story

By Alma L. Tingcang

today’s news

Implementation of RH law continues despite budget cut—DOH

14

38 National School Deworming Day slated on January 27

By: Alma L. Tingcang

Kin of former MNLF combatants receive study grants

17 20 University lauds new associate ASEAN Industrial Engineers

21 DOLE Lanao del Norte to start year with employment facilitation activities

27 Rat infestation reported in South CotabatoBy: Danilo E.Doguiles

30 SurSur tour chief hopes for best in tourism industry in 2016By Greg Tataro Jr.

SOCCSKSARGEN

CARAGA

INFOCUS

WESTERN

NORTHERN

12 17 19

28 35

NATIONAL

By: Joseph Nathan Fabrega

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

25

23 Davao provinces get P384.68M KALSADA projects

SOUTHERN

24 Old Peso bills unfit for purchase starting 2016

By: Michael Uy

40 DOST urges public to avail of services at SciTech Info Center

By: Jocelyn P. Alvarez

4 January15, 2016One Mindanao4 January 12, 2016One Mindanao

Sea turtles, one of the earth’s most ancient creatures that can be found today have been around for 110 million

years, since the time of the dinosaurs. Their color varies between yellow, greenish and black depending on the species. Unlike other turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their legs and head into their shells. 7.

5January 15, 2016 One Mindanao

LGU Ipil embarks on conservation, rescue of sea turtles By Alma L. Tingcang

5

Sea turtles, one of the earth’s most ancient creatures that can be found today have been around for 110 million

years, since the time of the dinosaurs. Their color varies between yellow, greenish and black depending on the species. Unlike other turtles, sea turtles cannot retract their legs and head into their shells. 7.

6 January15, 2016One Mindanao

They belong to the family of reptiles. Sea Turtles feed on sea grasses, which in turn stabilize the sea grass beds, a critical marine ecosystem together with mangroves and coral reefs. Sea turtles also help control the population of jelly fish and maintaining a good coral reef ecosystem as well.

According to Mr. Felix T. Badon, municipal environment and natural resources officer and head of Ipil Pride Campaign whose main objective is to maintain and develop Buluan Marine Sanctuary, three of the seven known species are found in Ipil.

“Despite its importance in the ecosystem and presence of national laws that protect

these species, fishers and the consuming public still continue to hunt these species for food and medicine,” Mr. Badon lamented.

LGU/support from various groups

The sea turtle rescue program of the local government of Ipil started in January, 2003 but propelled to a higher level during the incumbency of Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan who gave his all-out support to the cause.

7January 15, 2016 One Mindanao 7


Partner implementing agencies were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources CENRO and PENRO; 902nd Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA); Rare Inc. a non-government organization; and Xavier Agriculture Extension Service Foundation, Inc.

(XAESFI). Its objectives include the protection of critically endangered and vulnerable marine sea turtles; to increase awareness of fishers and communities on the importance of sea turtles in the marine ecosystem; behavior change of fishers from being


predators of marine turtles to marine turtle protectors.

3 out of 7 species

Out of the seven sea turtle species, 3 are found in Ipil; theGreen sea turtle, Hawksbill and Olive ridley.According to

the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Hawksbill is considered critically endangered, Green sea turtle is endangered and Olive-Ridley is tagged as vulnerable. The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) and the Philippine

10 January 15, 2016One Mindanao

Fisheries Code of 1998(RA 8550) provides for the penalty for anyone who collects, sells or kills these species with a possible imprisonment from 6 months -12 years and a fine of Php 10,000-1,000,000.

“When the Ipil Pride Campaign was implemented in 2013, one of its advocacies was the protection of marine turtles. After series of lectures, symposia, seminars and community consultations were conducted in the coastal communities, the fishers in Barangay Bangkerohan were the first to heed our call,” Badon said excitedly.

Community support

He said most of

the fisher in this barangay operate fish corrals locally known as “bungsod” and sea turtles are their regular catch. Unfortunately, these turtles end-up being butchered and sold in the market or being consumed.


But this practice dramatically changed when fishers of the said barangay slowly reported to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Office of the Municipal Mayor any captured or entangled sea turtles in their fishing nets. “To date, there are already 50 sea turtles that were rescued,

the latest was on January 1, 2016. Sizes of the rescued turtles vary from 2 kgs to 100 kgs. Most of the rescued turtles are Green Sea turtle specie. Other fishers from barangay Upper Pangi and Buluan also rescued turtles in their area,” Badon revealed.

Each rescued sea turtle’s weight and size are measured, recorded and

tagged by the PENRO-DENR. The 902nd Maritime Police Station personnel headed by PInsp. Eurem Jay Macasil assist the MENRO and DENR in releasing the sea turtles. They also help in giving information drive to fishers regarding the protection, not only of sea turtles but also

the Buluan Marine Sanctuary. To reinforce this positive behavior of fishers, incentives or tokens like t-shirts, caps, mugs and some financial support (300-500 pesos) are given to these fishers by the local government of Ipil thru the leadership of Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan. These fishers are also recognized during events and their names and pictures are featured on the LGUs Facebook page and on local cable television.

Efforts to sustain the program

Ongoing efforts to ensure the program’s sustainability include the enforcement of the Municipal Fishery Law, continuous Information, Education, Communication Campaign and the conduct of survey for the possible establishment of a Sea Turtles Sanctuary at Barangay Bangkerohan or Magdaup area. Because of its positive impact, more fishers are turning over entangled or captured sea turtles to the authorities, a relatively increased awareness of the laws and importance of sea turtles and a sense of pride of fishers and barangay officials for the positive behavior change.

One Mindanao12 January 14, 2016

QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute has developed the Rice Crop Manager, a decision-support tool that provides site-specific crop and nutrient management recommendations.

Farmers receive mobile phones to increase productivity

The crop manager recommendations come in the form of messages via mobile phones that were recently awarded to recipient-farmers. The Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute,

the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and SMART Communications, Inc. have collaborated in order to help more rice farmers increase their productivity and net income through the Rice Crop Manager



(RCM)—an information and communications technology (ICT)-based decision-support tool that provides site-specific crop and nutrient management recommendations.

The mobile phones include preloaded SIM cards for the

recipients-farmers will receive text messages on Rice Crop Manager (RCM) recommendations delivered through the DA’s Farmers’ Contact Center (FCC) operated and managed by Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). (DA)


MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) clarified on Wednesday that the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH Law) will continue despite the reduction of P 1 billion in the budget of the Family Health and Responsible Parenting for 2016.

Implementation of RH law continues despite budget cut—DOH

The DOH made the statement in a meeting together with Senate Committee on Finance and Department of Budget and

Management on the said budget reduction. Last January 4, 2016, the


DOH learned that in the 2016 General Appropriations Act, the budget for the line item Family Health and Responsible Parenting, was reduced from P3.2 billion to P2.2 billion. This was proposed during the bicameral conference committee by the Senate Committee on Finance, and was subsequently approved.

“The P 1 billion cut affects the procurement of family planning commodities. The remaining P2.2 billion is intended for the purchase of vaccines and micronutrients, medicines, and dental supplies. Realigning the remaining P 2.2 billion for the purchase of family planning commodities is not possible because this will mean sacrificing immunization,

filephoto: http://la.indymedia.org/


nutrition and other health programs, which already have identified beneficiaries,” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin said. “These programs are also important in meeting our country’s commitments for the Sustainable Development Goals.”

The health chief added that while it is true that the P1 billion-budget for family health and responsible parenting was cut, the DOH will continue to procure family planning commodities using the P337.5 million sourced from the 2015 budget, which was originally intended to purchase additional blood pressure apparatus for barangay health workers.

DOH is looking for other sources of funds, which may include agency savings identified and declared at the end of the year, as well as assistance from developmental partners.

Senator Loren Legarda,

Senate Finance Committee Chair, assured DOH that she will make representations with the next President of the Philippines to allow the use of DOH savings for the purchase of family planning commodities.

Republic Act 10354 or the RPRH Law was passed by Congress in 2012 and subsequently declared constitutional by the Supreme Court in 2014. Considered a landmark health legislation of the Aquino administration, this law ensures access to reproductive health information, life-saving commodities, and services to reduce maternal mortality and empower families to decide the number and spacing of their children. “The Aquino Administration through the DOH assures the full implementation of the RH Law despite these challenges. Sa tulong po ninyo, ating maaabot ang Kalusugan Pangkalahatan.” Garin said. (DOH)



Kin of former MNLF combatants receive study grants

PASIG CITY -- Over 700 students who are relatives of former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants have availed of study grants under Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program as part of the National Government’s commitment to bring socio-economic programs to conflict affected and vulnerable communities. Since 2013, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is implementing a Study Grant Program for former combatants

and their next of kin who are unable to afford college education. Among the 720 student-beneficiaries of the program is

18 One Mindanao January 15, 2016

Nurol-Huda Sarail, 20, of Brgy. Tongsina in Bongao, Tawi-tawi. Nurol-Huda Sarail is the youngest of nine children of a former MNLF combatant.

“Nung sinabi ng tatay ko na nag-text ang OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process), laking tuwa ko kasi mayroon na akong rason para mas pagbutihan yung pag-aaral ko at may posibilidad na maipagpapatuloy ko at hindi na ako mahinto sa pag-aaral. (When my father informed me that OPAPP texted, I was very glad because I now have a reason to study harder. I was happy because I wouldn’t have to delay my studies),” she said.

Sarail is presently taking up Bachelor of Science in Teaching Arabic at the Mindanao State University in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

The 1996 Final Peace Agreement between Philippine Government and the MNLF provides for the implementation of a “special socio-economic, cultural and educational program to cater to the MNLF forces not absorbed into the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Special

Regional Security Force.”

OPAPP Undersecretary Jose Lorena said the MNLF communities have expressed their deep appreciation to the National Government for its commitment to peace especially in providing educational assistance to the family members of former MNLF combatants.

“Nagpapasalamat din tayo sa gobyerno na binigay sa atin ang responsibility na makipag-usap sa ating mga kapatid. Kung gusto ng MNLF na ganito ay gusto rin namin; taga rito rin kami at saka Moro rin kami (We are also extending our gratitude to our government that we have given a chance to talk with our brothers, if MNLF want this we also desire for this. We are from here and we are also Moros),” Lorena said. (OPAPP)


Dr. Amer A Saber, a Medical Center Chief I, of the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi City was awarded with the Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Award. He received a gold-gilded medallion expertly crafted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), a presidential plaque containing the citation and signature of the President of the Philippines, and cash prize

worth P200,000 for his exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest, security and patrimony. Meanwhile, Virgilio M. Fuertes, a Senior Science Research Specialist, of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region Office No. 10, Cagayan de

Oro City was awarded with Civil Service Commission or the Pagasa Award. This award is given to an individual or group of individuals for outstanding contribution resulting from an idea or performance which directly benefit more than one department of the government. He received a gold-gilded medallion expertly crafted by the BSP,

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY– The Civil Service Commission (CSC) through its Honor Award Program (HAP) recognized two government employees in Northern Mindanao for an outstanding work performance.

By: Michelle Love Hilario

CSC awards two outstanding public employees in NorMin


University lauds new associate ASEAN Industrial Engineers

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Xavier University garnered a 100% passing rate in the 7th Industrial Engineering Certification Examination with eight new Certified Industrial Engineers (CIEs).


The eight new CIEs are also designated as Associate ASEAN Engineers (AAEs). They are Benjamin

M. Chan III, Louis Allan O. Cuarteros, Alyssa Iris V. Jariol, Dariel S. Palasan, Rupert Marionne S. Nellas, Deme Rose

a plaque containing the citation and signature of the Chairperson of CSC, and a cash prize of P100,000. CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala stated that they honor individuals for their innovations to improve public service delivery and have proven that work setbacks can be transformed into opportunities and public servants can choose to be agents of change. Meanwhile, CSC Regional Director Adams D. Torres said that the conferment of honor awards aims to motivate or inspire government employees to imrpove the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service. HAP is a program organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) that recognizes government officials and employees who showed outstanding work performance. Three award

categories are being given under HAP: the Presidential or Lingkod Bayan Award, Outstanding Public Officials and Employees or Dangal ng Bayan Award, and Civil Service Commission or the Pagasa Award. The 2015 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees recognized 28 individuals and two groups at the awards rites held on November 9, 2015 at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacańang Palace lead by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Two of conferred recipients of Honor Award Program (HAP) are nominees from Northern Mindanao. The CSC holds the annual nationwide Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees in the bureaucracy under the HAP, which serves as the bureaucracy’s employee incentives and award system.


A. Santos, Bonn Kleiford D. Seranilla, and Bryan J. Timaan. The Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers (PIIE) through the Industrial Engineering Certification Board administered the said exam on 6 December 2015. “Congratulations to our new XU CIEs and AAEs! We thank Engineering Dean Hercules R. Cascon, Industrial Engineering Department Chair Glenn B. Paclijan and the Engineering faculty and staff for the guidance and support they have provided our students,” XU president Fr. Roberto C. Yap SJ said in his message to the academic community. Out of the 452 takers from different schools all over the country, only 336 successfully passed the exam. The national passing rate is 74.33%. According to PIIE, the

certification “helps promote a clearer public awareness and understanding of the role of the industrial engineers in society, to aid in ensuring that fellow IEs perform their services in a manner which recognizes as paramount public health and safety … and polishes one’s reputation as a qualified industrial engineer,” responding to the needs of the ASEAN Economic Community. This achievement came on the heels of the recent Nursing Licensure Examination results where XU ranked among the top performing nursing schools in the country with a 100% passing percentage and the declaration from the Commission on Higher Education, recognizing XU’s Agriculture program as a Center of Excellence, and the Chemical Engineering, Literature, and Biology programs as Centers of Development. (XU)

DOLE Lanao del Norte to start year with employment facilitation activitiesILIGAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10) Lanao del Norte (LDN) Provincial Field Office (PFO) and its Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) will start its series of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) orientation, Labor Market Information, Employment Coaching and Career Guidance to students, teachers, staff and out of school youths in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte.



The series of activities will start on 19 January 2016 in St. Michaels College, 21 January 2016 in Iligan Capitol College, and 26 January 2016 in Alrose Food Corporation (Jollibee Main), Gen. Aguinaldo St., Iligan City. DOLE-10 LDN PFO head, Remegio D. Cabañog reported that the said activities will benefit some 200 students, teachers, and staff and out of school youth for this month alone. DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante said that the DOLE program on SPES aims to help poor but deserving students pursue their education by encouraging their employment during summer and or Christmas vacations for high school students while whole year round for college and tech-voc students and out of school youth for a period of 52 days. The program is for poor but deserving students, ages 15 – 25 years old and enrolled or intending to enroll in any educational institution for secondary, tertiary, vocational or technological education. On the other hand, the Labor Market Information (LMI) focuses on the operations of labor demand and supply; wages, hours of works; employer hiring practices, worker job preferences; and many other factors which shape employer - worker relationship, policies and programs of government, investment decision by employers, and job selection by workers among others. The data users can access to a

wider range of labor market-related statistical information, covering mainly the following data components: Economic Structure; Demography; Labor and Employment; Income, Wages and Salaries; Education and Manpower Development; Overseas Employment; Filipinos Overseas; Investments; DOLE Administrative Statistics; Employment Opportunities; and APEC-LMI data. Furthermore, Cabañog also advocated the Career Guidance and Employment Coaching (CGEC), which aim to guide students and jobseekers with appropriate education and career paths. He also stressed that the establishment of Networks of Guidance Counselors (NGCs), has helped the Department in boosting employment facilitation. At the same time, it is a measure to augment the limited number of Registered Guidance Counselors (RGCs) in the country in providing education, personal/motivational, and career guidance counseling to students and jobseekers. The provision of the Career Guidance and Employment Coaching and the services offered by the GCs are medium for sharing relevant labor market information (LMI), trends, and issues which will guide the clients in choosing a career.


Davao provinces get P384.68M KALSADA projectsTAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte- Provinces in the Davao Region will receive this year around P 384.68-million worth of projects under Kontreto at Ayos na LanSAn-gan, ang DAan Tungo sa Pangaka-lahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA). Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI Planning Officer Edgar Melo re-vealed earlier today during the Pakigsayod sa Kinaiyahan – Ser-bisyo Para sa Masa radio program that KALSADA is a project of the DILG and the Department of Bud-get and Management (DBM) for the provincial road development projects. Melo said that KALSADA is a cost sharing projects of the na-tional government and provincial local government units. According to the project’s data, Compostela Valley Province will receive P 85.63-million and al-locate P 36.7-million as counter-part; Davao del Norte will have P

100.96-million and P 43.27-mil-lion as counterpart; Davao Ori-ental with P 111.19-million from the national government and P 47.65-million from the provincial government; and Davao del Sur will get P 86.91-million and fund P 37.25-million. Melo emphasized that the funds will be directly released to the provincial government through the Local Government Support Fund. “The provincial government will implement the project,” he added. In its briefer, the KALSADA project with a nationwide alloca-tion of P6.5-billion will accom-plish an average per province of 61.5 km road rehabilitation, 24.6 km improvement and 12.3 km upgrading. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


Old Peso bills unfit for purchase starting 2016

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, - Old Peso bills can no longer be used for purchase of any product or services starting on January 1, 2016. Jerome Villadolid of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Davao announced yesterday dur-ing the Biz Talk at Big8 that the old banknotes series launched last 1985 can only be accepted for exchange in any bank or at their office from January 1 up to December 2016. Villadolid encouraged the public to exchange their old Peso bill to any nearest bank before it will be demonetized and lose its monetary value starting January

1, 2017. He said that anyone can ex-change old Peso bills at face value to any bank even if the person is not a depositor of the bank. He said that this is a part of the demonetiza-tion of the old bank notes or the process of remov-ing the monetary

value of a legal tender currency by the BSP. Dorothy Joy Diaz, also from BSP – Davao, stressed that the demonetization is an interna-tional activity of the issuing au-thorities of legal tender currency, which is the BSP for the Philip-pines. Diaz pointed out that the reasons for the demonetization were to protect the integrity of the currency preventing it from counterfeiting, observe the in-ternational best practice of hav-ing a new design series every 10 years, and simplify the currency. (PIA11, Michael Uy)


Koronadal City to host 3 national events in 2016 By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 15 — Days after the cel-ebration of its 76th Foundation Anniversary and 16th Hinugyaw Festival, Koronadal City is again gearing up for upcoming na-tional events to be held here.


City Administrator Cyrus Ur-bano confirmed in a radio in-terview that Koronadal City will be the venue of three national events in 2016.

On February 22 - 26, about 5,000 delegates from all the regions in the country will converge here for the Na-tional Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

NSPC is considered as the country’s largest gathering and competition of student journalists from private and public schools.

This annual event is imple-mented pursuant to Repub-lic Act 7079, also known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which advocates free and responsible journalism at the school level.

NSPC 2016 is anchored on the theme”The Role of the 21st Century Campus Journalists in Upholding Good Governance, Leadership and Transparency.”

Also, in April Koronadal City will host the 2016 Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Collegiate Game.

PRISAA Meet, which Urba-no described as the “Palarong Pambansa of private schools,” is slated on April on April 2 -

9. Besides the aforementioned

events, an ecumenical national Bible conference will also be held here later this year.

In 2015, after failing a bid to host the Palarong Pambansa, Koronadal City hosted the Min-danao leg of Batang Pinoy Games

It also staged the country’s first international folklore fes-tival from August 9 to 18.

The 2015 CIOFF Festival, dubbed as “Piyesta Kolon Datal,” drew in about 400 per-formers from Slovenia, Tur-key, Indonesia, Mexico, Japan, Poland, Chinese Taipei, Russia, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

Koronadal City is the admin-istrative seat of SOCCSKSAR-GEN Region (Region 12), which also covers the cities of Gener-al Santos, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato and the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cota-bato, Sultan Kudarat and Sa-rangani. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Rat infestation reported in South Cotabato

By: Danilo E.Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 15 — Besides mitigating the effects of the dry spell, farmers in some parts of South Cota-bato are facing another problem: rat infestation.

In a recent meeting of the Task Force El Nino, Provincial Agriculturist Justina Navarre-te confirmed that over 1,000 hectares of crops in nearby Tantangan town are being in-fested by rodents.

Except the irrigated produc-tion areas in Barangays San Fe-lipe and Cabuling, most areas in the upland villages are af-fected by rodent infestation.

Even coconut growers in the area have complained of rat infestation, prompting them to wrap coconut trunks with plain galvanized iron sheets that de-ter the rodents from going up the tree.

Patches of rat infestation have also been reported in the municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi and Tampakan, the agriculture official added.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Adminis-

tration (PAGASA) the prevail-ing dry spell in South Cotaba-to and neighboring provinces could last until June. (DE-Doguiles-PIA 12)


Bayugan town farmers venture Tableya-making By Genalin P. Luis

Tsokolate (chocolate) - almost everybody love it!

Cacao plants or “kakaw” in Visayan dialect is one of the sources of tsokolate which the residents of Barangay Magkiangkang, Bayugan I, Agusan del Sur are growing. The seeds were processed to make “tableya” or tsokolate.


In 1990, the residents in the small community were already selling the raw seeds and started making tableya in 2004 upon knowing that they will gain more profit if they sell processed cacao seeds than raw. In the late 1990s, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) covered vast tracks of land in the area making many of the residents as CARP agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). This made the beneficiaries exuberant since the lands they tilled for so many years will now be owned by them. It was in 2006 that the farmer beneficiaries formed and registered their group as a cooperative named Magkiangkang Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC). Their blessings started to blossom then. Assistance and counterparts from the local government, non-government organizations and other partners also started to pour. They provided the coop members the necessary trainings, seminars and workshops including farm tools to enable them to manage with expertise their new business (Tableya production). Through the initiative of DAR and other government partners, they worked-out its license, so the products can be distributed in stores, making it

a lucrative business for the coop members. Amidst problems and difficulties, they succeeded and finally got their Foods and Drugs Administration license (formerly BFAD). This made the coop members ecstatic! The Tableya-making venture is a success. Aside from making the lives of the farmers better, the business also help generate employment in their Barangay. The coop hires high school students as tableya molders during their free time. Laborers are also hired from the coop members. It also bought cacao seeds from the farmers in adjoining barangays when there were greater demands of tableya in the market. “Indeed we are so glad that we became beneficiaries-owners of the land we tilled for so many years. It made us work harder to improve our lives,” expressed Benecio Gulay, chairman of MMPC. “Industry is the keyword. If only people use their hands to toil their land, they could always provide foods in their table. They could always give better future for their families,” Charlita Baratas, MMPC Manager beamed. At present, the products are widely distributed to the stores in Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, Tagum and Davao City.


SurSur tour chief hopes for best in tourism industry in 2016

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Caridad Rosina Ronquillo, acting provincial tourism officer here, expressed optimism that the local tourism industry would reach new heights this 2016.

Citing lots of accomplishments for the last semester of 2015, she pointed out to fellow capitol employees in a flag ceremony program they hosted recently there would still be more wiggle rooms for opportunities. Ronquillo recited a litany of successful events the tourism

office had spearheaded and/or participated in the municipal, provincial, regional as well as national fronts.The string of affairs made mention included seminars, training, celebrations, campaigns, and the like. In one of the most significant occasions, Ronquillo claimed

By Greg Tataro Jr.


“This time around, we are very fortunate to be chosen as one of the 14 provinces in the whole country to be included in the PROMDI Project or Proud of Destination’s Identity; it is a partnership with the National Council for Culture and the Arts project promoting the culture and heritage of our province,” referring to the re-visit of the staff and crews of Living Asia Channel in the province on October 23-27, 2015. Meanwhile, Michelle Pareja, assistant provincial tour chief, said the province had posted a

significant increase in tourist arrival, citing a 2015 data of 73,509 in comparison to 2014 that was logged at 69,566 or equivalent to 5.36 percent growth. The same source pointed out that foreign tourist arrival was recorded at 500 in 2015 as compared to 469 in 2014. The Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, and Britannia Group of Islands in San Agustin remain to be the most visited tourist hubs in the province, it was learned.





DOH to parents, public: Stop false rumors, avail of free deworming on Jan. 27By Dominic I. Sanchez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) announced the conduct of a free deworming in all public schools this coming Jan. 27, but appealed to the public to stop the spread of false information regarding the drugs, which may lead to another “mass hysteria,” as what happened before in the region.


DOH Undersecretary Vicente Belizario Jr. told the media here last week that “false information caused the mass hysteria,” referring to text blasts and wrong reports that the deworming pills Albendazole that was administered to schoolchildren in Zamboanga del Norte last July were expired, which caused vomiting. As a result, parents panicked and brought their dewormed children to the hospitals.Meanwhile in Pagadian City, media reports, which later turned out to be false, surfaced saying that ten children in nearby Dumingag municipality died after receiving the pills. In an Inquirer news article, the reporter was said to have issued a public apology for the misinformation.‘Definitely no expired drugs, misinformation was malicious’“It is not true, we do not administer expired drugs, there is no such thing,” Undersecretary Belizario stressed.“It was malicious,” he added, referring to the misinformation,

and was meant to destroy a national program meant to benefit thousands of schoolchildren.”“No health worker in his or her right mind would ever give expired pills,” he emphasized.Belizario shared that this experience was unique to the region. “The program was well-received in other regions,” he said. The DOH had clarified that vomiting is one of the adverse effects of the drug, as well as headaches, stomachaches, dizziness and loose bowel movements (LBM), especially with children that already have thriving parasitic worms.Very safe, effective drugAccording to Belizario, Albendazole is a “very safe drug, proven to be safe.” It is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), and has been mass-administered in Africa for more than 10 years.Belizario said that the incidents of vomiting among children in some towns in this region may have resulted from not having


received any deworming before. “Deworming gets rid of the worms, the vomiting was caused by the worms themselves.”The DOH official appealed to the public to stop the spread of wrong information that could potentially hinder the implementation of “a very good program of the national government.”If you hear of negative reports, please verify them with the DOH,” he appealed.“Sa mga parents na natatakot magpa-deworm, mas matakot kayo sa bulate (to the parents who are afraid of the deworming, be more afraid of the worms),” Belizario explained, furthering that if worms continually thrive in the body, the children may not grow up properly. The children may be malnourished, and as a result, will perform poor in school, and will have low IQ.During the national deworming

day this Jan. 27, children aged 5-12 years old in public schools will be administered with the chewable Albendazole pill. Belizario assured that health workers will work hand-in-hand with teachers in the schools to administer the drugs, as well as monitor and immediately address any possible side effects.The DOH advises the parents that the children should be well fed prior to being dewormed to avoid stomachaches. For children who develop the said side effects, parents are advised not to worry, as this is normal. However, if the effects such as vomiting still persist after 24 hours, they should visit the nearest health center or hospital for consultation.To ensure that that the children are safe and free from worms, the DOH is conducting the deworming day twice a year, in January and July.


National School Deworming Day slated on January 27 By Alma L. Tingcang

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – The Department of Health – 9, in cooperation with the Department of Education and Department of Interior and Local Government will conduct the National School Deworming Day (NSDD) on January 27, 2015.

In a briefing and orientation held at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel on January 13, Dr. Augusto Manolo G. Alpichi, development management officer of DOH9 explained the guidelines and

mechanics in the implementation of the NSDD to health personnel and media practitioners.

Dr. Alpichi cited the vital role of the media as partners in disseminating accurate, timely


and right health information to the public to avoid misconceptions and negative issues which were encountered last year during the mass deworming in July.

Alpichi said for Zamboanga Sibugay, “we did relatively well during the July 29 deworming.” “We had an 83% accomplishment despite the negative issues and text scare that went around. So that would be a feather in the cap for the province,” the young doctor said.

“With consideration of the learnings that we had during the implementation of NSDD in 2015, and with the support of all stakeholders, we can hit the 90 percent level on January 27,” Alpichi said positively.

Dr. Ma. Agnes Z. Mabolo exhorted everyone to support the NSDD so that it will be a successful activity. “We need your support and encouragement as media partners. You are our strong arm for advocacy to the community and to the people of Sibugay,” she stressed.

Albendazole, the drug of choice will be administered 2 hours after a full or heavy meal. This will be given to children from kindergarten to Grade 1-6 pupils every six months, which means that the next round will be in July this year.

Relative to the implementation of NSDD, Dr. Rolando A. Olmoguez of the Integrated Provincial Health Office also suggested to avoid lengthy speeches before the administration of Albendazole, to ensure that they will fall within 2 hours after a full meal timetable. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay)


DOST urges public to avail of services at SciTech Info Center By Jocelyn P. Alvarez

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-9 encourages the public to visit and avail of its various Science and Technology (S&T)-based services available at the SciTech Information Center (STIC).

Thelma Diego of DOST-9 said the agency’s STIC offers free use of computers and Internet among other services. “This is the department’s effort of reaching out and empowering local communities through the use of Information and Communication Technologies for the development of our constituents,” Diego said.She informed STIC is hosting hands-on Computer Literacy Training for individuals or groups.

“The Computer Literacy Training include basic computer and Internet applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, power point presentation, emails, social media platforms, among others,”There are 10 computer units available for public use.“We have also training on online access and filing of government documents / clearances like NBI, NSO, SSS, PhilHealth, among


others; Non-Formal Education – access to Alternative Learning System (ALS), TESDA skills training, Rotary eLibrary, Values and Character Formation intended for out-of-school youths and civil society group,” Diego said .Undeniably the advent of science and technology has brought leap of development in the life of today, while it is true that our forefathers lived their lives and enjoyed well when there was no technology but technophiles argued that the emergence of S&T has made practically everything better, be it in education, banking, agriculture, marketing, transportation, employment generation and information.Take for instance in education, before the introduction of technological advancement, education was typically difficult to access and comprehend. Today, anyone can get educated even right at their fingertips without literally or physically going in a

structured building called school. Internet and Distant Learning have made this possible.Other S&T services available for the public include Technology & Livelihood Resources – materials on many business prospects and opportunities are available for aspiring or prospective entrepreneurs who want to transform their ideas into real business and profits; Philippine’s 1st Digital Science Library - Science and Technology Academic Research Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station (STARBOOKS) which contains thousands of collections of library materials such as books, journals, researches and investigatory studies, livelihood videos, among others; Print and Non-Print Materials such as books, journals and other references; and S & T Film Showing. “Any interested groups can schedule for screening of S&T films on various topic,” Diego said. (FPG/JPA/PIA9)


Documents

One Mindanao - January 15, 2016