One Mindanao - July 29, 2015

EDITORIAL ADVISERS

SEC. SONNY B. COLOMAPresidential Communications Operations Office

JOSE MARI M. OQUIÑENA Director General Philippine Information Agency

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

EFREN F. ELBANBUENACluster Head, Southern, Western and Central MindanaoRegional Director, PIA Region XI

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

REGIONAL DESK EDITORS FRANKLIN P. GUMAPON, PIA Region IX

ALMA 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 EDITORS

FRYAN E. ABKILAN, PIA Caraga Region NORA C. LANUZA MOLDE, PIA Caraga Region

VENUS L. GARCIA, PIA Caraga Region

SENIOR GRAPHICS LAYOUT ARTIST

GERIE MAE G. COCO, PIA Caraga Region

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 BlizTwitter: https://twitter.com/PIAIX

SOCCSKSARGEN Region

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

Northern Mindanao

Graces’ 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 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

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]

LAYOUT ARTISTS

GIDEON C. CORGUE, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

DAISY JANE M. APIT, PIA Region XIII

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

NOEMI B. EDAGARegional Director, PIA Region IX

THELMA B. OLIVERRegional Director, PIA Region X

OLIVIA T. SUDARIARegional Director, PIA Region XII

EDITORIAL BOARD

PIA REGIONAL OFFICESOne Mindanao

More than 1,000 residents attend Air Force’s peace symposia

1FAB holds tree-planting activity

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Food corporation feeding program nourishes 5,000 kids

P3-Trillion budget for 2016 to spur broader growth

Agencies commit to hasten RE project applications in Mindanao

Active lifestyle prevents obesity, says health office

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By: Alice Tinhay

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN NORTHERN

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGENSOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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DOST introduces technology to produce energy from organic waste

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By: Lorry V. GabuleContents

By: DEDoguiles

By: Gideon Corgue

Davao media air views on PNOY’s SONA

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By: RG Alama

25 Free wi-fi access in Sultan Kudarat town pushedBy: Oliver Ross Rivera

MSU students undergo earthquake drill

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26 18AgSur farmer beneficiaries undergo parliamentary procedure training

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ARMM

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By: David M. Suyao/Hazel Hope V. Bautista

SurSur agri-office cites gains in 2015 rice industry reportBy: Greg Tataro, Jr.

MisOr town SOMA features DOLE programs 47

By: Johaniah N. Yusoph & Apipa P. Bagumbaran

4 July 29, 2015One Mindanao

Cover Story

Food corporation feeding program nourishes 5,000 kidsBy: Lorry V. Gabule

5July 29, 2015 One Mindanao

Food corporation feeding program nourishes 5,000 kids

More than 5,000 school children across ten elementary schools in Iligan City have received the nourishment assistance from

Aboitiz food subsidiary Pilmico Foods Corporation (Pilmico) through its Kutitap feeding program.

For the last two years, Kutitap was launched to address undernutrition initially among kindergarten and Grade 1 students, consequently helping increase school participation, improve cognitive learning, and reduce dropout rates among the kids. According to Engr. Florencio D. Sebandal, Vice-President for Operations, Pilmico Foods Corporation, Iligan City, this feeding program strengthens our commitment to be a partner for growth to the communities where they operate. The project also aims to help small time bakeries in the area grow their business as they will serve as the suppliers of bread snacks. In July this year, the food unit is signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) and


Aboitiz Group social development arm Aboitis Foundation at the Iligan City Schools Division Office, opening year three of the program. The new target is to reach out to 4,500 kindergarten and first and second grade students from 13 schools in the area. The beneficiary schools include: Kiwalan Elementary School, Luinab Elementary School, BagongSilang Elementary School, Acmac Elementary School, Dalipuga Central School, Kalubihon Elementary School, Sever-Sara Memorial School, Tubod Elementary School, TomasCabili National High School-Annex Sta. Elena, Victor G. Guevarra Memorial Central School, Villaverde Elementary School, Ubaldo D. Laya Memorial Central School, and DoaJosefa F. Celdran Memorial School. Pilmico will distribute healthy and nutritious bread snacks to target students three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for 38 weeks or one school year. The partner schools, meanwhile, will monitor the children’s weight and height progress, on a monthly basis

and compare findings with the established nutrition statistics from DepEd. The bread snacks include cheese bread, king roll, raisin bread, choco bread, star bread, ensaymada, and pan de coco. Pilmico is providing its customers with high quality wheat flour and related products since 1962. It also excels in swine production and animal feeds businesses. With its consistent excellence and top-notch products, the company ensures its market competitiveness through increases customer satisfaction.



PNoy: Daang Matuwid accelerates completion of long-awaited infrastructure projects

QUEZON CITY - Infrastructure projects which have long been awaited and need by the people were undertaken by the Aquino administration under its Daang Matuwid agenda without bias for political or party affiliations.


“Tapos na ang panahon ng pag-iwas sa responsibilidad. Sa Daang Matuwid, isa-isang naipatayo ang imprastrukturang matagal nang hinintay ng Pilipino......Sa pagkakaroon ng proyekto, hindi boto ang basehan, kundi dapat, pangangailangan, “ President Aquino said.

The President specified completed projects such as the Lullutan Bridge in Isabel which was unfinished for two decades; the Jalaur River Multi-purpose Project Iloilo that was started in the time President Aquino was born and now completed its 2nd stage under his administration; and the Balog-Balog Multi-purpose Project Phase 2 in Tarlac that was planned in 1980s but was recently approved by the National Economic Development Authority.

Aquino also cited opened projects such as the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway

or TPLEX, and the Phase 2 of Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) in CALABARZON region.

Flood control projects were also recognized such as the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase 2 which was completed in 2013, as well as high impact flood control projects in the National Capital Region and its adjacent provinces.

President Aquino said that the government targets to complete the Blumentritt Interceptor Catchment Area in 2016. Also, the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike will be awarded on December.

Governor Elias Bulut of Apayao shared how the national government has helped his province, despite PNoy placing 20th place in the Senatorial election of 2007 and fourth place during the Presidential elections.


“Nakikita talaga nila ‘yung problema ng isang lugar hindi basing on the post that they garnered. ‘Yung probinsiya namin na neglected talaga before kasi kakapiranggot po ‘yung mga naibibigay na mga pondo. Naglalakad ‘yung mga tao for about two days. So with the construction of this road ang daming mabubuksang opportunities sa mga taga-Apayao dito. Gumanda lalo ‘yung

agriculture natin. Napi-feel na nung mga tao ‘yung talagang may gobyerno pala,” Gov. Bulut shared in a video message

“Tiyak ko pong batid ng lahat: Hindi batayan kung kapartido ang pinuno sa lalawigan, o kung nanalo tayo doon; ang tanging tanong natin: May pangangailangan ba?” said the President. Meanwhile, President Aquino


acknowledged the completion of the Cadastral Survey which was started in 1913 and only achieved 46% of the project in 2009.

The project reached its 54% completion for the last five years. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Cadastral survey refers to the survey of a city, municipality or province to determine its metes and bounds or political boundaries. It also covers the identification and delineation of individual lots of all landowners and claimants and the establishment of survey control points, popularly known as “mohon”.

In addition, the government for the last five years had a total of 50 Public-Private Partnerships with 10 awarded projects; 13 are in bidding; and 27 projects are still in place. The number of PPP projects is considered to be an achievement compared to the total of three in the past administrations.

“Kada matagumpay na proyekto, magbubunsod din ng higit na kumpiyansa, na siyang magpapabilis sa pagpapatayo natin ng iba pang kinakailangang imprastruktura. Ang pagtitiis ng ating mga Boss, maiibsan, kundi man matatapos na,” President Aquino added. (PIA)


P3-Trillion budget for 2016 to spur broader growth

MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino, III through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), submitted on Tuesday the proposed P3.002-trillion 2016 National Budget to Congress, as the Administration continues to expand the national economy and sustain governance and budget reforms instituted over the last five years.


The proposed 2016 National Budget is double the budget of the past six years, from P1.541 trillion of the 2010 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to the P3.002 trillion planned for next year. This is also 15.2 percent higher than the 2015 enacted budget.

On the other hand, the GDP share of 19.5 percent in 2016 will take up a larger share of the economy as compared to 18.7 percent of the GDP in 2015 and 16.4 percent of the GDP (actual obligations) in 2010.

“The National Budget is one of our major instruments in creating truly inclusive growth. Our spending blueprint for 2016 will therefore be integral in the administration’s continuing journey on Daang Matuwid. With this budget, the National Government will try to widen its reach so that the benefits of our economic development will truly be felt by as many of our countrymen as possible,” Budget

Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.

“Our proposed spending program will also help us consolidate and sustain the reforms we’ve instituted in the past five years in the pursuit of good governance. We set our targets high, but we were able to prove that honest and effective management of public funds leads to real benefits for our people,” said Abad.

“Now we want to ensure the 2016 budget can sustain the reforms of the past years so that transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment will last beyond this administration. This means supporting legislation that would push for better public financial management. Besides that, we also need to introduce greater openness and transparency in government by championing the Freedom of Information bill,” Abad added.


Budget allocation per sector are details in the following:

Social services will have the biggest budget allocation of P1.1059 trillion, which is 36.8 percent of the proposed budget. Covering education, healthcare, housing, and social welfare and employment, this allocation received a 16.1-percent expansion from the 2015 allocation of P952.7 billion. The proposed allocation also supports the implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) K-12 program, as well as housing programs and health care projects for poor Filipinos.

Economic services took the second largest budget allocation with P829.6 billion—27.64 percent of the proposed budget—which had increased by 17.3 percent from its 2015 allocation of 27.13 percent. Transport and communications infrastructure will get the bulk of the budget and bring expenditures to infrastructure to 5 percent of the

GDP. As such, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will receive P391.2 billion to enable the agency to complete the pavement of all national arterial and secondary roads. Lastly, Defense received P129.1 billion, which increased by 11.5 percent as compared to last year’s allocation. This allocation will fund the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in light of the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

“We’ve already laid down measures to help agencies make optimal use of their allocations so that they can focus on the prompt delivery of public services. That’s why we’re confident that the implementation of the proposed 2016 budget will not only provide inclusive development for all Filipinos, but will likewise make this growth sustainable past 2016,” Abad said. (DBM)


Agencies commit to hasten RE project applications in Mindanao

In a bid to push for cleaner and greener energy sources in Mindanao, key regional government agencies involved in the permitting process of renewable energy (RE) projects have expressed commitment to accelerate processing and updating of RE project applications in the regions.

This commitment was obtained during a recent regional rounds made by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)

to provide operational updates on the implementation of the One Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC), a web-based


portal for tracking RE applications in Mindanao. Desktop computer sets with built-in software that will allow for effective monitoring of all pending RE project applications in Mindanao were turned over to the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Regions X and XII, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regions IX, X and XII in simple ceremonies from July 14 to 23 at their respective offices.

“Through these computer units provided by the USAID B-LEADERS Project for this initial

batch of regional agencies, there would be a dedicated facility with access to the OSFMC web portal that consolidates the data of all RE applications in Mindanao,” said Romeo Montenegro, director of the investment promotions and public affairs office of MinDA. Launched in October last year, the OSFMC web portal was designed to effectively monitor and update the status as well as facilitate the speedy processing of the pending RE project applications in Mindanao. As part

of the government response to the 2012 Mindanao Power Summit recommendations, the portal was e s t a b l i s h e d through MinDA in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Agency for International D e v e l o p m e n t ( U S A I D ) ’ s B - L E A D E R S or Building Low Emission Alternatives to

Develop Economic Resilience and Sustainability Project.


“OSFMC’s web portal will help track the RE project applications though a monitoring system that includes real-time status updates for partner government agencies and project stakeholders,” explained Montenegro.

Created through the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC), the OSFMC was a mechanism established to speed up the approval of application permits for RE power projects in Mindanao. Its operations hub was opened to public in May this year and is currently housed at the MinDA office. Last year, MinDA, DOE, DENR, NCIP, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian Reform and the National Water Resources Board entered into an agreement for the implementation of the OSFMC. The MPCMC on the other hand was created in July 2012 through Executive Order 81, as a committee tasked to coordinate the efforts of the national, regional, and local governments and power industry stakeholders to improve Mindanao’s power industry. MinDA and DOE co-chair

the MPMC composed of the Energy Regulatory Commission, the National Electrification Adminstration, the National Power Corporation, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance, the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, National Transmission Corporation and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Currently, there are 290 pending RE power project applications in Mindanao with a potential combined capacity of 2,998.09 megawatts (MW). Out of the total power project applications are 242 hydropower projects with a combined potential capacity of 2,147.71 MW. Also in the pipeline are 28 solar energy projects with a combined potential capacity of 427.25 MW; 12 biomass energy power projects with a combined potential capacity of 144.65 MW; and eight geothermal energy power projects with a combined potential capacity of 278.48 MW.“Once these projects are completed and start generating power, we can expect a more diversified and balanced energy mix in Mindanao in the coming years,” Montenegro said.


table,” he said. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gave PNoy a grade at 7.5 in the scale where one is the lowest and 10 is the highest. He credited PNoy for good gov-ernance and ridding of corruption in government service. However, Duterte said the PNoy Administration remains wanting with its drive to fight criminalities. He said the president never mentioned anything especially its fight against il-legal drugs which also threatens the security of the coun-try. Duterte also questioned the presi-dent’s push for the anti-dynasty bill which limits the number of family members to be elected in public office. He said the president has for-gotten that he also benefited the absence of anti-dynasty law in the current system of government. Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed disappointment that the President still hit the previous ad-ministration in his Sona after five long years.

He said the president seemingly has not done anything significant to solve the problems of the country as he continued to blame the previous administration. Duterte said a president must be defined by his own strengths and capacity and not on the weakness of others. He however, credited the Aqui-no government for having people like Bureau of Internal Revenue Commis-

sioner Kim Henares who is run-ning after tax evad-ers. Duterte said the next presi-dent must have clear policies on issues like the econ-omy, cor-ruption in

government, unemployment, peace in Mindanao and peace and order throughout the country. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY- Jerome Cabrera, a chef in a local hotel has an am-bivalent feeling on President Aquino’s 6th state of the nation address. He said if the en-try of more tourists both foreign and do-mestic to their estab-lishments compared to previous years could be taken as a gauge, he could credit that to the effort of the gov-ernment under the

Aquino administra-tion. Cabrera observed people from other ar-eas of the country visit Davao City nowadays and has greatly helped for the promotion of the tourism industry. However, he said even with the coming in of more tourists, his take home pay is still the same. Cabrera said he could not be certain if he retains his job after

Dabawenyos voice reactions to PNOY’s SONA

By: Joey Sem Dalumpines


six months. “The government has not re-ally addressed the issue of con-tractualization. These develop-ments do not directly impact to the food on our table,” he said. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte gave PNoy a grade at 7.5 in the scale where one is the lowest and 10 is the highest. He credited PNoy for good governance and ridding of cor-ruption in government service. However, Duterte said the PNoy Administration remains wanting with its drive to fight criminalities. He said the president never mentioned anything especially its fight against illegal drugs which also threatens the security of the country. Duterte also questioned the president’s push for the anti-dy-nasty bill which limits the number of family members to be elected in public office. He said the president has forgotten that he also benefited the absence of anti-dynasty law in the current system of govern-ment. Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte expressed disappointment that the President still hit the previ-ous administration in his Sona

after five long years. He said the president seem-ingly has not done anything sig-nificant to solve the problems of the country as he continued to blame the previous administra-tion. Duterte said a president must be defined by his own strengths and capacity and not on the weakness of others. He however, credited the Aquino government for hav-ing people like Bureau of Inter-nal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares who is running after tax evaders. Duterte said the next presi-dent must have clear policies on issues like the economy, corrup-tion in government, unemploy-ment, peace in Mindanao and peace and order throughout the country.


Davao media air views on PNOY’s SONADAVAO CITY- Members of the Davao City media stayed glued at the television sets in their homes and offices as President Benigno Aquino III delivered his sixth and last State of the Nation Address as the country’s chief executive. For Jefrey Tupas, National Union of Journalists in the Phil-ippines (NUJP) and news editor of online news portal NewsDesk Asia and radio station Ang Bal-ita FM says that the President’s SONA raised more questions than answers. “Whatever happened to FOI (Freedom-of-Information bill)? Whatever happened to the kill-ings of journalists? Whatever happened to the the Ampatuan Massacre? Whatever happened to the culture of impunity in this country? Tupas said. Antonio Colina, news writer working for Mindanews said he had hoped that a large part of SONA would be about Mindanao since the region had been ne-glected for many years. “But he said less about us, most especially about BBL.” Colina said after watching the SONA. “I would have wanted to hear more about Mindanao,

charter change, genuine reforms and an Anti Epal Bill pushed as urgent legislation.” Says Yas Ocampo, news writer at Mind-anao Times. However he raised con-cern over the President’s use of the slang “Eh Di Wow.” Which Ocampo believes was not appro-priate during the speech. “I lost it when the president said ‘eh di wow’. As much as it could be construed as elitist where language is concerned, why would a head-of-state use that kind of language even as he makes a point of belittling his opponent’s achievements or lack thereof.” Ocampo said. For Edge Davao columnist and Reader’s Digest Asia con-tributing writer Henrylito Tacio said the President should be credited for making true of what he said during his first year of office that is fighting corruption. “He has done something good and some of his choices and decisions were bad. But in the end, it is his call. What is done cannot be undone any-more. Let’s move on and we need to be more careful in choosing the next president of the country.” Tacio said.

By: RG Alama


DAR completes Php3.6 M peace projects in S. Cotabato townBy:Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 29 – The provincial office of the Department of Agrarian Reform in South Cotabato has recently completed P3.6 million worth of peace projects.

These projects, said Felix Frias, provincial agrarian reform program officer II, were carried out in Polomolok town under the PAyapa at MAsaganang pamayaNAn (PAMA-NA) Program to benefit Agrarian Reform Ar-eas (ARA) in the Municipality of Polomolok, South Cotabato.


“Our team, along with the team from LGU Polomolok, con-ducted a joint inspection of the projects and found that 12 are already completed and are now ready for turn over to the local government unit of Polomolok,” Frias said.

These projects include con-struction of lined canals in Ba-rangays Magsaysay, Poblacion, Lapu, Upper Klinan, and Polo.

Multipurpose buildings were built in Glamang and Silway 8.

Other projects include con-struction of a potable water sys-tem and intake tank at Brgy. Cannery Site, construction of

submersible pump and rehabili-tation of school stage at Klinan 6, road concretization at Lumakil and construction of solar dryer in Brgy. Bentung.

Frias explained that PAMANA allotted Php300,000 for each of the 12 infrastructure projects.

The PAMANA Project aims to provide for Agrarian Reform Ben-eficiaries (ARBs) in conflict-af-fected areas by building projects that will reduce poverty, improve governance and empower com-munities. (KDSespeñe-DAR-So-Cot/DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


DOST introduces technology to produce energy from organic waste

KORONADAL, South Cotabato, July 29 -- Households could pro-duce energy using only organic wastes from farms, households and other sources available in their environment, an official of the Department of Science and Technology said.

By:Danilo E. Doguiles

During the 16th T’nalak Festi-val, DOST 12 and the Provincial Environment Management Of-fice (PEMO) of South Cotabato spearheaded a technology fo-rum on developing low cost biogas digester at household level using only common organ-ic wastes.

“Biogas conversion of organ-ic waste from agriculture, live-stock, industries, domestics and other human activities into ener-gy and bio fertilizer by anaerobic process has now advanced from being an environment friendly alternative to becoming the fore-most fuel in which environment, supply assurance and economy coexist harmoniously,” said Engr. David Herrerra, of DOST’s Indus-trial Technology Research and Development.

The technology, he added, helps stabilize waste primarily

to minimize pollution, maximize energy return and improve fertil-izer value of effluents, he added.

Prior to the conduct of the train-ing, the 33 participants, most of whom are recipients of commu-nal septic tank projects, toured the Lake Sebu Communal Septic Tank.

At the site, Herrera explained the principles of generating en-ergy from wastes in septic tank.

He also explained the bene-fits that could be derived from wastes as well as the health risks and problems and the damages these might bring to the commu-nity and the environment.

Rather than storing these wastes, organic wastes may instead be used to produce bio-gas, he emphasized.

Biogas, he explained further, may be used for several pur poses including cooking,


lighting, heating, running com-bustion engines, and fuel.

At the technology forum at South Cotabato’s Protech Cen-ter on July 15 focused on bio-gas designs and construction, research and development, biogas digestion/digesters, sub-strates for biogas production, pre-treatment of wastes and mixing ratio.

Meanwhile, Board Member Vi-cente de Jesus said the provin-cial government of South Co-tabato recognizes the need for a more sustainable means to re-duce and use residual wastes.

He said, production of bio-gas from organic wastes could be a profitable alternative live-lihood for South Cotabateños while complying the mandates of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.”

Apart from the technology fo-rum, DOST 12 also conducted an awareness seminar on waste recycling using the DOST-ITDI plastic densifier and bioreac-tor for focal persons involved in the material recovery facilities program of the municipalities of South Cotabato.

With these technologies the provincial government is now looking forward to establish-

ing facilities that are capable of converting wastes into ener-gy, organic fertilizers and other value-added products, de Jesus said.

He also thanked DOST for responding to the needs of the residents here, particularly in improving their socio-economic conditions.

DOST 12 Regional Director Zenaid Hadji-Raof-Laidan re-marked that this collaboration between DOST and the provin-cial government of South Cota-bato as well as other stakehold-ers is a continuous advocacy campaign to address the grow-ing solid waste problem through waste reduction and improved waste utilization.

Aside from South Cotabato, DOST has also signed a similar agreement with the municipality of Makilala in North Cotaba-to for the application of the biogas production technology at household level.

“Wastes management starts from the home by practicing proper segregation,” Director Laidan emphasized.

She promised that DOST 12 will assist LGUs on this concern by providing technical assistance though its banner program, Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading


Free wi-fi access in Sultan Kudarat town pushedBy Oliver Ross Rivera

Program (SETUP),SETUP assists micro, small and

medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become technologically compe-tent and competitive. The pro-

gram, among other components, covers technology trainings and seminars. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12 with report from DOST 12)

COTABATO CITY, Jul 29 – Free Internet connection will soon be available in public places in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura announced earlier this week the LGU’s initia-tive to put up free wi-fi hotpots in the town’s major highways.

Once implemented, Sultan Kudarat will be the first town in Maguindanao and the Autono-mous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where the public will be given free internet access.

Mastura said, the wi-fi project will surely benefit residents not only of his town but also outsid-ers passing by the national high-way.

“Everybody is in the internet, this project will help and benefit

the commuters, residents and pupils in schools near the high-way,” said Mastura

The official also said that it is important to accompany educa-tion with modern technology.

“Internet connection brings about progress to communities and people, “said Mastura.

The locally funded project will be implemented starting Septem-ber 2015. (ORVRivera-PIA12)


“ECC gave me hope,” says Richard Estrella, PWRD

After a long time of pain and dismay, Richard Estrella, can now play basketball, go to the market on his own, and fetch his children from school.

By: Olga Virginia A. Demata

Estrella, a father of two who used to work as a company driver of Amethyl Enterprises, lost


his right leg due to electrocution while he was cleaning the roof of their office. “After the accident, I thought I will be paralyzed for life,” he said. The resulting injury from his accident, which happened after he was tasked by his employer to clean the roof of the office, is considered compensable under the Employees Compensation Program (ECP) since it was an order from his employer and took place within the company premises. “I never expected that I could walk normally again,” Estrella said. The ECC Regional Extension Unit in Butuan reached out to him after finding out from the Social Security System (SSS) that Estrella qualified for a permanent partial disability (PPD) benefit under the ECP. The ECC invited him to avail of benefits under the ECC’s Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan (KaGabay). For starters, Estrella underwent 12 sessions of physical therapy treatments last March 2014 before he was given a free leg prosthesis amounting to P75,000 on November 2014. Aside from these, he will also be undergoing livelihood training

in Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. He will be taking Meat Processing Training so that he will learn to make longganisa at home and eventually sell it in nearby schools. “I am so thankful for all the services ECC has given me and my family. Now I am enjoying life at its best in spite of what happened to me,” he added. Richard Estrella, a living proof of ECC’s finest service to the Filipino people.

The ECP provides a package of benefits for public and private sector employees and their dependents in the events of work-connected contingencies such as sickness, injury, disability, or death. Its main components are prevention, compensation, and rehabilitation.

“We, however, emphasize on the importance of safety in the workplace as prevention is always better than compensation and rehabilitation. Prevention of workplace accidents and diseases should be of utmost concern as the health and safety of our workers is our primary consideration,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis.


The training participants also enjoyed sharing of knowledge and experiences from lectures, discussions and open forum thar could impart knowledge and

assess common understanding as well as correcting misconception regarding procedures. Return demonstration was also conducted allowing the

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur - Some 43 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and four non-ARBs were lucky enough to acquire knowledge on how to effectively conduct meetings and efficiently take down the minutes of meetings by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) provincial office in Agusan del Sur thru the Program Beneficiaries Development Division.

AgSur farmer beneficiaries undergo parliamentary procedure training By: David M. Suyao/Hazel Hope V. Bautista


participants to apply their learning based on actual circumstances. Among the participants that benefitted the training were the board of directors and secretaries from the nine cooperatives in Agusan del Sur namely, Kaagap Multi-Purpose Cooperative (KAAGAPMUCO), Bong Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BARB-MPC), Sto. Tomas Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (STARBFAMCO), Tudela Damsite Tribal Development Cooperative (TUDATRIDEVCO), Agusan Plantation Incorporated Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (API-ARB-MPC), Borbon Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose

Cooperative (BARBEMUCO), Buenasuerte Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BUENASAMCO), Magaud Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (MARBCO) and Panagangan Women’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PWMPC). Presentation of workshop outputs to assess the participants’ acquired knowledge and skills were based on Cooperative Development Authority’s (CDA) guidelines by the resource speakers from the Propegemus Foundation Incorporated representatives as resource persons. The two-day training is required by the CDA from every cooperative as part of their requirement for re-registration as a cooperative.

SurSur agri-office cites gains in 2015 rice industry report By: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) here has cited 99.47 percent accomplishment in total area planted with rice for the period September 16, 2014 to March 15, 2015 or the “1st Cropping Season” despite the effect of mild El Niño. Marcos Quico, chief provincial agriculturist, attributed the success to the support—logistical or otherwise—by the provincial

officials headed by Governor Johnny Pimentel under the umbrella of Agri-Pinoy Banner Programs-Local Interventions.


Taking the cue from the overall land area targeted to be planted at 22,613 hectares, he claimed that for irrigated—12,192 out of 12,193 hectares; rainfed—9,924.70 out of 9,820 hectares; and, upland—377.20 out of 600 hectares have been planted with the staple crop, respectively, citing a total of 22,494.40 hectares. Quico has likewise presented the rice industry situation for the 2nd Cropping starting from March 16, 2015 up to September 15, 2015. So far, the OPAg chief admitted that only 28.43 percent of the targeted 12,591 hectares or

equivalent to 3,579 hectares has been planted. Target for second planting season has always been relatively low due to climatic factors, it was learned. In fact, no upland area has yet been planted with rice as of June 2015. For two cropping seasons, meaning—from September 2014-2015—the OPAg here is aiming to accomplish planting with rice 35,204 hectares with the breakdown as follows: 23,264 hectares for irrigated; 11,340 hectares for rainfed; and, 600 hectares for upland, respectively.




488 schoolchildren fed during infocar in La Libertad townBy Alfonso T. Ruda


LA LIBERTAD, Zamboanga del Norte (PIA) – A total of 488 schoolchildren have benefited from the feeding program conducted by National Food Authority (NFA) in collaboration with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) during the information caravan held here last week.

Of this number, 310 were grade 1 to grade 6 pupils of La Libertad Central School and 78 were preschoolers from the different day-care centers in the municipality. The teaching staff of La Libertad Central School expressed their gratitude to the NFA for providing the rice and ingredients used in preparing the porridge for the children. In a related development, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also distributed 736 bags of fertilizers to coconut farmers while the Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 gave out vegetable seedlings to infocar participants. The Municipal Health

Office in partnership with the 101st Infantry Brigade has also served 67 patients who came to avail themselves of free consultation and tooth extraction. Nine boys have also benefited from free circumcision conducted by a medical team from 101st Brigade. For his part, Mayor Romeo Mejias thanked the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for facilitating the conduct of said activity in his municipality, saying “through this infocar, our people have realized that we have a government that cares for them.” The infocar was a collaborative effort of the different government agencies


Department of Education, Department of Agrarian Reform, TESDA, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Nutrition Council, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippine Coconut Authority,

and Commission on Higher Education. A similar activity was also conducted in Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay last July 21.


1FAB holds tree-planting activity By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, (PIA) –The 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment, Philippine Army on Saturday conducted a tree-planting activity in the premises of San Isidro Elementary School. 1FAB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Sony M. Sales said the activity was in support of the national greening program (NGP), President Aquino’s

ambitious reforestation program that aims to plant 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of open, degraded and denuded forests nationwide.


“It is also designed to help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change that are being felt not only in our country but across the world,” Sales added. “Pinagpatuloy natin ang programa ng ating pamahalaan upang makatulong pag-mitigate ng impact ng climate change na siyang dahilan ng malaking pagkasira ng

ating inang kalikasan,” Sales explained. (We continue the program of our government to help mitigate the impact of climate change that caused great destruction to our mother Earth.) Sales said a total of 600 mahogany seedlings donated by 1st district representative Victor Yu were planted at


the back of the school by the stakeholders composed of 1st FAB and 1st Cavalry troopers, Philippine Air Force, barangay officials, teachers, Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and women’s association. Meanwhile, Mayor Marlon Valenzuela was elated with the stakeholders’ cooperation saying “it does not only foster solidarity and unity among

Filipinos but it also encourages them to show genuine concern for our environment.” “Ang mga natanim na seedlings ay napakalaking tulong ng ating bayan upang masagip nating ang ating inang kalikasan,” Valenzuela challenged. (The planted seedlings can help and save our Mother Earth.)“Bawat isa sa atin ay may


responsbilidad na ingatan at pagyamanin ang kalikasan. Kaya tayo ay magtutulungan sa pagtatanim ng mga kahoy upang hindi natin maranasan ang mga di kanais-nais na mga pangyayaring sinapit nga ating mga kababayan sa Luzon at Visayas na idinulot ng climate change,” Valenzuela stressed. (Each one of us has the responsibility to preserve and protect the environment. Thus, we will all help in planting trees so as not to experience what the people from Luzon and Visayas had gone through.) Punong barangay Gavino Lacsado expressed his profound gratitude to the leadership of 1FAB for showing concern for his barangay. This was the third time that the unit conducted such an activity in his place this year. The first was the medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP) followed

by the Brigada Eskwela, where troopers helped the teachers and parents paint the school building, repair the tables and chairs.


LGU offers med scholarship

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin – Grooming local doctors in hope to install permanent medical officers here, the local government unit of Mambajao is offering scholarship assistance to constituents eager to pursue studies and careers in the field of medicine.

by Jorie C. Valcorza

The LGU initially sets aside P400,000.00 fund for the program, with corresponding approved ordinance. Mayor Maria Luisa D. Romualdo invites interested students to take this opportunity, not only to further themselves but to be of service to the community as well.


This is hoped to address the recurring problem of finding doctors that are willing to work and stay in public health service. Meanwhile, a P1.5 million

budget was also appropriated this year from the Special Education Fund (SEF) to strengthen the public elementary and secondary schools.

Discussed during these activities were issues on national security, terrorism, insurgency and the ill-effects of illegal drugs, Lt. Col. Leo A. Fontanilla, TOG-10 Group Commander, said. Fontanilla said the symposia and dialogues were held in cooperation with 8TH ARCEN, 710TH SPOW, 300TH AISG, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), 4TH Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA), 58TH Infantry Battalion (58IB), PA, and 2Lt. Edio RJ V. Cabigun, PA, Ret., Sharlito Dinganon, a rebel returnee and Minandro J.

Aque, as guest speakers. Meanwhile, Fontanilla said the activities were held in the hinterland barangays along the boundaries of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, particularly in Tuburan, Dansolihon, Pualas, Pigsag-an, Lingating, Bayanga and Cagayan De Oro City. On the other hand, the people in these barangays were enlightened on the efforts of the government, particularly, of the PAF in campaigning for peace and security at the grass root levels of the society, Fontanilla added (TOG/PIA-10).

More than 1,000 residents attend Air Force’s peace symposiaCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- Some 1,222 barangay residents and students have attended the Peace Symposia and Dialogues conducted by the Tactical Operations Group, Northern Mindanao (TOG-10), Philippine Air Force, based in the city, last year.


Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental -- One of the highlights of the weeklong celebration of the 67th Araw ng Magsaysay of Misamis Oriental was the first State of the Municipal Address (SOMA) by Mayor Rey B. Buhisan on 1 July 2015 at the municipal covered court.

MisOr town SOMA features DOLE programs

This, after having served two years since he was elected into office for the first term. In his seven-point agenda dubbed as REAP-HIT which stands for Resource Mobilization, Education and Environment, Agriculture and Fishery, Poverty Alleviation, Health and Nutrition, Investments in Infrastructure and Tourism and Teamwork and Bureaucracy, he higlighted as part of his achievements the programs implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) region 10 (DOLE-10) through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO). On education, the Special Program for Employment of Students or SPES successfully helped 140 students-beneficiaries to earn income during the summer for their tuition fees of the following school year. It also allowed the beneficiaries to experience the workplace

environment. To address poverty alleviation, through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), five peoples’ organizations have availed the livelihood assistance amounting to PhP 1,184,000.00 to finance the rice trading and pineapple production projects. During the occasion, DOLE-10 Assistant Regional Director Albert E. Gutib and Eastern Misamis Oriental Provincial Head Errol A. Natividad, another check was turned-over amounting to PhP 429,300.00 for the milkfish production of Consuelo Kabisig Cooperative, an organized fisherfolks association in the municipality. DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante emphasized that DILEEP is the DOLE’s contribution to the government’s agenda of inclusive

by Alice Tinhay


growth through massive job generation and substantial poverty reduction and reduce the vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized workers. Likewise, through the National Skills Registry System (NSRS), jobs around the globe were made accessible for the jobseekers and the PESO has registered a total of 141 available

skills and jobseekers in the municipality. In Calendar Year 2014 to 2015, some 157 Emergency Employment or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating D i s advan t aged /D i s p l a c ed Workers or TUPAD and 43 Government Internship Program or GIP beneficiaries were given opportunities to avail.


Guv says state of ARMM mirrors Aquino’s success in governance

The successful application of good governance in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is proof of the Aquino administration’s commitment to its “Tuwid na

Daan” objective, said Gov. Mujiv Hataman in a statement.

“We are greatly indebted to the Aquino administration for the overflowing support that apparently emanated from its trust and confidence

that we can stir positive change and ignite sustainable development in the region, Hataman said. The current ARMM administration,


according to Hataman, drew inspiration from the Aquino administration in pursuing a good governance agenda that eliminated practices of corruption and improved delivery of services to the people. No less than Aquino himself branded ARMM a failed experiment. In May, however, ARMM passed the national government’s Good Governance Conditions, a first time in the region’s history. For regional officials, the recognition reflected how effective the reforms are, as it showed the “revitalized and reformed autonomous region.” “Many doubted our agenda. Many doubted our objectives. Many doubted that we can make change possible in ARMM. But we proved them all wrong,” Hataman said. “We saw the influx of investments and today, the business sector continues to put a keen interest in us. Economic investments are at an all-time high, funding for infrastructure,

especially in connecting the island provinces to the mainland, have been approved, and renewed support for the agricultural sector has been felt by our farmers and fisherfolk across the region,” he added. Hataman also cited how investments boosted the local economy resulting in increased employment and improved income for residents. The construction of more infrastructure facilities

means better mobility for his constituents as well as improved access to goods and services. Additional support extended to ARMM farmers means more food on the table and a better life for farmers and fisherfolk. The governor underscored, however, that the joint commitment of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for peace on the island is the biggest legacy the current national leadership would leave, noting no other administration has dared to go all-out to support the Mindanao peace process. “Our dream is for the next governments to continue what we have started; to sustain the reforms we have worked so hard for, and to provide us with opportunities to chart our own path as people of the Bangsamoro,” he said. (BPI/APB/PIA-10)


Active lifestyle prevents obesity, says health office by: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Maintaining a physically active lifestyle prevents weight problems and obesity, according to health experts here.

Dr. Alinader Minalang, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said regular physical activity can help control weight and improve one’s health. He said increased physical activity is also recommended under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition which aims to address the current prevalence of obesity among children and adult. Based on the latest nutrition survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults in the country increased from 16.6 percent in 1993 to 31.1 percent in 2013. The number also went up for children, aged 11 to 19 years old, from 5.8 percent in 2003 to 8.3 percent in 2013. Among pre-school children, the prevalence has also gradually increases to 4.9 percent in 2013. According to Minalang, physical inactivity is a key contributor for the increasing prevalence of obesity and weight problems in the country. He said other contributors include shift in dietary pattern, poor breastfeeding practices, and child undernutrition particularly during the first 1000 days of life.

“Infants who experienced growth failure early in life and had rapid weight gain in childhood might be at risk of adult obesity and non-communicable diseases,” he added. IPHO Nutrition Program Coordinator Nelia Sarap said intake of fruits and vegetables, managing stress, and cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption also help control weight problems. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months prevents overweight and obesity in children too, she added. Meanwhile, IPHO is intensifying its advocacy campaign on proper nutrition through the 10 Kumainments and Pinggang Pinoy programs. Minalang said these programs will help address the increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight. The 10 Kumainments is a food-based dietary guideline that promotes proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle. The Pinggang Pinoy is a guide that uses food plate model to convey right food group proportions on a per-meal basis. (APB/PIA-10)


MSU students undergo earthquake drillMARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) spearheaded an earthquake drill at the Mindanao State University – University Training Center (MSU–UTC) on July 22, to familiarize students on the emergency procedures in times of earthquake.

The drill was conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month. More than a thousand students including faculty and staff of MSU-UTC participated in the drill. Aside from the actual demonstration, the students were also oriented on what to do during tremors and how to save themselves and others from the danger of earthquakes. Grade 7 student Nurjannah Minor said the activity was totally informative and fun. “We have learned how to save ourselves in case there is an earthquake. It was

also fun seeing our PNP and BFP personnel doing the actual demo,” she said. “Hindi po pala dapat tumakbo lang pag may lindol. Dapat gawin natin ‘yong ‘duck, cover and hold’ para sigurado na walang mahuhulog sa atin. (We should not run during earthquakes. We should do the ‘duck, cover and hold’ to avoid injuries from falling objects) We really learned a lot,” said Grade 5 student Jamimah Abbas. PDRRMO Chairperson Tatar Boriongan said they are planning to regularly hold earthquake drill every three months in both public and private schools. (Johaniah N. Yusoph & Apipa P. Bagumbaran / PIA-10)

Documents

One Mindanao - July 29, 2015