One Mindanao - March 25, 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

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

DOMINIC SANCHEZ, PIA Region IX RETCHIE TOLINERO, PIA Region X

ZENER DUMAGUING, PIA Region X

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

CONTENTS

SOCOTECO 1 warns of spike in power bills

DTI issues updated SRPs of basic goods

Tabak observes Philippine Army’s 118th anniversary

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Farm mechanization to boost agri production, entice younger farmers – Sec. Alcala

DOTC: Motor vehicle registration papers good for only 7 days

NYC, MinDA team up for roll out of Mindanao youth programs

SurSur offers free blood-chem, prostate exam as part of Women’s Month celeb

Use of complementary food technologies gets nod from RDC-X

DepEd-ARMM explains non-release of salaries of teachers in Marawi

Sinacaban marks women’s month, fiesta celeb

ARMM initiates one million signatures for peace campaign

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

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By: Danilo E. Doguiles

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41By: Gideon C. Corgue

By: MinDA

By: Danilo E. Doguiles

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob


By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

By: Bureau of Public Information-ARMM

Cover Story

CARAGA

WESTERN

NORTHERN

ARMM

INFOCUS

SOCCSKSARGEN

SOUTHERN

NATIONAL

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DTI to hold stakeholders’ consultation on March 25DavSur IPs enjoy Hedcor’s health care benefits

By: Jen Mendoza

By: Hedcor

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4 MARCH 25, 2015One MindanaoThe Department of Agriculture has intensified its farm mechanization initiatives and other projects to enhance

agricultural production and encourage more young people to get into farming as a profession, Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

Farm mechanization to boost agri production, entice younger farmers – Sec. AlcalaBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

5MARCH 25, 2015 One MindanaoThe Department of Agriculture has intensified its farm mechanization initiatives and other projects to enhance

agricultural production and encourage more young people to get into farming as a profession, Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

6 MARCH 25, 2015One Mindanao

“The national government through the Department of Agriculture has stepped up distribution of farm machineries and facilities and construction of farm-to-market roads to hasten the development of our farmers,” said Sec. Alcala told over 3,500 farmers from the four provinces of SOCCSKSARGEN Region when he visited South Cotabato early this month.

Secretary Alcala was here on March 3 for the turn-over of farm machineries, agricultural facilities and checks for implementation of farm-to-marker road and other projects to farmer organizations and local government units.

All these have a combined value of P955.4 million.

Besides boosting agricultural production , these aids to the agri-fishery sector are also intended to address concern over the aging farmer population in the country, although lately this has improved.

“When President Benigno Aquino III came to office, the average age of our farmers in the country was 57 years old,” he elaborated. “Last year, a survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that Filipino farmers has become much younger, with average age of 43 years.”

7MARCH 25, 2015 One Mindanao

“This only proves that the younger members of the society is already taking special interest on agriculture.”

Such interest, he expounded, could be due to the improvements in agriculture and fishery that the young people has observed and the benefits they could gain from involving in agricultural production.

“We could encourage more young people to take farming as a livelihood with provision of machineries and equipment that could help hasten production, increase yield, and improve income from farming,” he emphasized.

At the grand distribution Sec. Alcala, accompanied by Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, turned over P636 million worth of farm-to-market roads subprojects to be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as certificated for availability of funds for P151.4 million worth of farm-to-market road projects to be carried out under the Philippine Rural Development Program. Apart from the aforementioned, Sec. Alcala also distributed P50 million worth of farm machineries and equipment to farmer groups via the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program, P8.1 million


through the Agri-Pinoy Corn Program, and P6.2 million through the Agri-Pinoy High Value Crops Development Program.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan revealed farm machineries and equipment dispersed to farmer groups included: 28 floating tillers, 25 rice combine harvesters, 5 four-wheel drive tractors with backhoe, 1 four-wheel drive tractor with complete accessories, 7 corn shellers, 13 corn mills, 15 cassava granulators, 13 coffee dehullers, and 6 multi-cultivators.

Several farmer cooperatives also received state-of-art postharvest facilities such as Rice Processing Center I, Rice Processing Center II, and village-type corn-on-cob dryer.

Alcala also handed over certificates for the construction of Dukay Intake and Concreting of Main Canal in Barangay Dukay, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat (and Improvement of Irrigation Lined Canal in Barangay Glan Padidu, Glan, Sarangani.

Moreover, handed checks for Bottom-Up Budgeting projects for Palimbang and Columbio towns in in Sultan Kudarat and Payapa


at Masaganang Pamayanan projects for LGUs of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat and Maasim, Sarangani Province.

During his visit, Secretary Alcala appealed to local government units to provide assistance to their farmers by paying for the equity fund that the farmer organizations need to raise to avail of the farm machineries and postharvest facilities.

“If the LGUs could pay the equity, the burden among the farmer associations could be lessened and they could focus on the construction of sheds where these farm machines will be parked,” he said.

Regarding this, the secretary cited Sultan Kudarat province led by Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu that has allotted funds to pay for the equity.

Farmer organizations and cooperatives are required to raise 15 percent of the total cost of a proposed farm machine as counterpart; DA pays for the 85 percent of the amount.

“These farm machineries and projects are proof that the national government is reaching out to the people and that it is concerned with uplifting their living conditions,” Sec. Alcala stressed.

Sec. Alcala is expected to return to SOCCSKSARGEN for another set of farm machineries and project distribution in May. He event may be held in Sarangani.


MANILA - President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted his administration’s economic achievements during the 4th Annual Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday.

PNoy cites PH economic gains at 4th Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum

In a speech delivered before business leaders and investors at the hotel’s Rigodon Ballroom, President Aquino said the country has had an impressive number of achievements that

have contributed to its economic progress. The President noted the country’s “all-time high of $6.2 billion in foreign direct


investments and a respectable 6.1 percent Gross Domestic Product growth” last year.

“2014 was a banner year for net Foreign Direct Investments, reaching an all-time high of $6.2 billion, 65.9 percent higher than what we received in 2013. We have likewise posted impressive growth: from 2010 to 2013, the Philippines averaged a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 6.3 percent. Compare this to the previous three-year period, under my predecessor, where growth was just at 4.3 percent. On top of this: even in spite of the lingering effects of Typhoon Haiyan and the uncertainty in the global economy, our country still posted a respectable 6.1 percent GDP growth figure last year,” he explained.

President Aquino also cited a Bloomberg report saying the Philippines is forecasted to be the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2015.

“The tremendous amount of confidence the global community has developed for the Philippines is incredibly gratifying, especially considering that, not too long ago, we were known as the ‘Sick Man of Asia.’ However, our

administration remains hard at work so that we can maximize every opportunity available to us, and I think many of you will agree with me when I say: You ain’t seen nothing yet,” he said.

He also pointed out that infrastructure is one of the sectors that have benefitted from “our drive to become more competitive”.

The budget of the Deparment of Public Works and Highways, he said, has more than tripled from P165 billion in 2010 to almost P570 billion in 2015.

“We can expect this to grow even more, as our goal is to have infrastructure spending comprise 5 percent of GDP by 2016,” he said.

The President said that under the Public-Private Partnership program, nine projects have been awarded, 16 are in the process of being bidded out, and more than 30 other projects are under various stages of development.

President Aquino further said that the government has been pursuing options to address the projected power shortfall this summer due to the threat of the


El Niño weather phenomenon and the rehabilitation of the Malampaya gas field.

“We are expediting the rehabilitation of the 300-megawatt (MW) Malaya Thermal Power Plant Unit 1 to help augment power supply in Luzon. We are also requesting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to optimize the dispatch of hydropower plants, which will generate additional energy supply during peak hours. Partnerships with the private sector have also proved useful: Under the Interruptible Load Program, as of January 2015, 252 participants have signed up to use their own generators and de-load a total of 688.67 megawatts during times when power supply is too tight,” he said.

He indicated that 48 committed incoming power projects with 4,693.8 MW of power are expected to come between now and 2018.

Out of these 48 power plants, 21 will be from renewable energy, in line with our goal of diversifying our energy mix and building a power supply that is as clean and reasonably priced as possible, he added.

Emphasizing that the country’s greatest resource is its people, President Aquino said his administration will continue to channel funds to programs that have the twin effects of creating a skilled, talented, and healthy workforce that can attract more investors, and of allowing the people to retake control of their destinies.

The President told business leaders and investors attending the forum to “take a closer look at the Philippines”, inviting them “to bet on the Filipino people and discover for yourself how it’s more fun and more profitable to do business in the Philippines”.

“Together, I am convinced that we can work to accelerate this country’s performance and propel it to even greater heights,” he concluded.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima earlier introduced President Aquino as guest speaker while Euromoney Institutional Investor Asia Chief Executive Officer Tony Shale delivered the welcome remarks. Some of the key topics to be discussed during the 4th Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum are the


“It has always been prohibited by law to use motor vehicles which have not been registered with the LTO. The only exception is the first seven (7) days, during which registration should be processed by the vehicle owner,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“We held back from implementing this rule before, because the lack of license plates was our responsibility. But now that we have been able to issue new license plates within 7 days from start of registration, we have no more reason not to implement the law,” he added.

DOTC: Motor vehicle registration papers good for only 7 days

MANILA - On April 1, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strictly enforce the “No Registration-No Travel Policy” for motor vehicles (MVs), which means that all MVs must be registered, or at least be in the 7-day registration period, by the start of next month.

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Under the No Registration-No Travel policy, any four (4)-wheeled motor vehicle running without a license plate may be flagged by a traffic enforcer because all MVs are required to have valid license plates. To be clear, these may be any of the nine (9) older green-and-white license plates or the new black-and-white license plates – for as long as they are valid.

Penalties for violators

The applicable penalties for a violation of this rule under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 include a P 10,000.00 fine for driving an unregistered vehicle, which is assessed against the vehicle owner, and a P 1,000.00 fine assessed against the driver.

If the driver is able to present a Certificate of Registration (CR) and an Official Receipt (OR) of the vehicle to prove that it has been registered, the driver will be fined only P 5,000.00 for failure to attach plates.

For MVs that are within the 7-day registration process, the driver must present the Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR), Sales Invoice dated within seven (7)

days prior to the apprehension, and a Certificate of Insurance Cover dated on or after the date of Sales Invoice. If such documents are presented, no penalties will be meted out.

As an additional penalty, should the date of the Sales Invoice exceed thirty-seven (37) days on the date of apprehension, the motor vehicle will be impounded by the LTO.

7-day vehicle registration period

Since the LTO implemented Administrative Order (AO) No. AVT-2014-24 in February 2014, the new one-stop registration process has eliminated unnecessary delays and cut down processing time down to seven (7) days, from the previous three to four (3-4) weeks.

“If your dealer tells you that the LTO does not have your license plates beyond the 7-day period, report this to us and tell your dealer to pick them up. You may also personally claim your license plates from the LTO regional office if you wish,” Abaya remarked. (dotc.gov.ph)


NYC, MinDA team up for roll out of Mindanao youth programsDAVAO CITY - Signalling the roll out of upcoming programs and projects for Mindanao’s youth, the National Youth Commission (NYC) officially turned over the first edition of the Mindanao Youth Agenda (MYA) to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in a ceremony held recently at the Grand Regal Hotel here in this city. The MYA is the youth component in the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework, considered as the island-region’s peace and development roadmap covering 2011 to 2030.

“Our role here is to continually push for the best interest of the youth sector and guide them to a direction that will let them discover their potentials and

determine their roles in social transformation,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, during the turnover ceremonies of NYC’s Regional Youth Advisory Council Convention.

In May 2012, NYC sealed a partnership with MinDA to take the lead in crafting youth development programs for Mindanao, leading to the creation of the MYA.


Antonino said the Mindanao 2020, calls for the participation of the youth, in their transition towards leadership roles by encouraging their involvement in socioeconomic activities that push for change within and among communities.

“We need our youth to be advocates of Mindanao’s tourism, too. They can travel, explore, and immerse themselves in initiatives that promote beautiful Mindanao,” she said.

NYC Commissioner for Mindanao Earl Saavedra said the turning over of the MYA to MinDA will ensure that all identified programs in the document will be institutionalized and implemented gradually.

He added “the MYA will serve as an all-in-one reference document for the youth development initiatives in Mindanao.”

According to Saavedra, incorporating MYA in the overall Mindanao 2020 Framework is an assurance that the young people of Mindanao are involved in the socioeconomic development process, not just as recipients, but as frontrunners for

development, and prime movers in nation building.

MinDA and NYC are set to identify priority programs and projects from the MYA document to be implemented, which are all geared towards unleashing the full potentials of the Mindanao youth.

“I commend the LGUs and agencies for the respective youth development programs that you have implemented within your own capacity. With the anticipated roll-out of MYA, we can now harmonize our efforts and initiatives for our youth,” Antonino said.

She also urged the members of the Regional Youth Advisory Council composed of representatives from Mindanao LGUs and regional line agencies to empower the most vulnerable youth sub-sectors and champion their aspirations in attempts to usher inclusive participation towards growth and development.

Carrying the discussions and recommendations from this year’s convention, NYC is set to release the second edition of MYA by the end of the year. (MinDA)


Caraga receives P13B IRA in 2014By: Malou Pizarro-Apego

BUTUAN CITY - Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Caraga regional director Norberto Vitug said Caraga region received a total of P13 billion or P13,184,764,022.00 from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) in 2014. This as he explained where the taxes collected from the region are being put to use. During the launching of this year’s tax collection campaign dubbed “Angat Pa Pinas,”


Vitug said despite that Caraga only collected a total of P4.3 billion in taxes in 2014, it received a total of P13 billion from the IRA or local government unit share in the national revenues. From this amount, Vitug said the different provinces of the region received a total of P4.2 billion share from the IRA while the cities received a total of P3.3 billion and the municipalities a total of 5.5 billion. Vitug said the tax collections are given back to the public in terms of roads, bridges and even the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).


DTI issues updated SRPs of basic goods

SURIGAO CITY - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) head office recently released an updated suggested retail prices (SRPs) of basic goods.

By: Rodrigo R. Matabaran

In the city, the updated SRPs are now posted in the following stores: Absolute Essential Traders, Gaisano Capital Surigao, Metro Surigao Shopping Center, Parkway Supermarket, Palma Superstore, TT & Company and UNICITY. Related to this, in a recent memorandum issued by Consumer Protection Group undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, there will be a price rollback considering a drop in raw material prices of the following products namely: Bear Brand Powdered Milk 150g, Birch Tree Full Cream Milk Powder 150g, and Alaska Powdered Milk Drink.

DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan encouraged the public to constantly be informed on consumer related information and developments. He also expressed his thanks to the concerned retail establishments for their continued support and cooperation in the government efforts to inform the consuming public on the updated SRPs. Consumers with internet access can look into the updated suggested retail prices which are available on-line at the DTI website: http://www.dti.gov.ph/dti/index.php/price-watch.


Mila Arreza, Gender and Development (GAD) focal person, announced on Monday before fellow employees during the regular flag ceremony program at the capitol lobby here that the provincial government headed by Governor Johnny Pimentel has sponsored a free blood chemistry examination which forms part of the ongoing Women’s Month celebration. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawa’t Isa, Ikaw Na!” The GAD focal person said an initial number of capitol employees have already availed of the free offer, adding assurance that further arrangement is being undertaken to put everything in place for all concerned. Cost of blood chemistry test

will be charged against GAD fund provided by the provincial government, she said. Blood chemistry refers to a laboratory test which is used to assess a wide range of conditions including the function of organs, it was learned. Arreza also added in jest that men are no longer taken for granted as they were in the past as far as Women’s Month celebration is concerned since they can already book themselves in this kind of tests and similar laboratory examinations. She particularly advised men aged 60 and above to undergo mandatory prostate examination, which is one of the free services. The provincial government here accounts for some 1,000 employees.

SurSur offers free blood-chem, prostate exam as part of Women’s Month celebBy: Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY - Capitol employees of Surigao del Sur may avail of blood chemistry and other laboratory tests, free of charge, at the Adela Serra-Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC), this city.




Rep. Leni Robredo keynotes women’s forum in Dipolog By: Mary May A. Abellon

DIPOLOG CITY – A lady lawmaker from the third district of Camarines Sur flew all the way here to speak on women’s empowerment in a recently held provincial women’s forum at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center (ZNCSC) this city.

In her message, Congresswoman Ma. Leonor “Leni” Gerona-Robredo emphasized the importance of women empowerment

and economic inde-pendence especially at homes nowadays. “When I was an active member of a non-government or


ganization (NGO) dealing with the protection of rights of women against abuse, I found out that even if women were abused by their husbands or partners they would just go back because they didn’t have their own means of living,” Rep. Robredo, a lawyer, stressed. Her NGO helped set up wom-en’s desk and translate some laws relating to women’s rights into the dialect. “We also trained women who can be paralegals and we often rescued those who were abused by their husbands and live-in partners,” she added. The provincial women’s fo-rum is part of this year’s wom-en’s month celebration with the theme, “Juana, desisyon mo ay mahalaga sa kinabukasan ng bawat isa, ikaw na!” Assistant Secretary Rolando

Cusio of the Office of the Political Adviser together with Zamboan-ga del Norte Governor Roberto Y. Uy, Vice-Governor Senen O. An-geles, Board Member Luzviminda Torrino, Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy, barangay officials, local me-dia, various women’s organiza-tions, students and teachers from public and private schools, and women employees from the pro-vincial government and the city government of Dipolog attended the said forum, which was fol-lowed by a foot parade from the ZNSC to the boulevard for a short program and ceremonial ribbon cutting of the “Saulog” booths. “Women play an important role in the society. I encouraged you to be aware of your rights and know your responsibilities in order to prevent any form of abuse,” Robredo’s short message after the parade.


Tabak observes Philippine Army’s 118th anniversary By: Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY - Static display of military capabilities, film showing, photo display, musical entertainment and distribution of information materials have highlighted the Philippine Army’s (PA) 118th founding anniversary held on March 22 at the Gaisano Capital Mall in this city.

Lt. Col. Aude Mongao, com-manding officer of the 1st Civil-Military Operations battalion said the division under the leader-ship of BGen. Gerardo Barrien-tos Jr. brought two units of ar-mored personnel carrier (APC) to the mall’s parking lot together with its capability demonstration squad. The public was also allowed to take pictures inside and out-side the APC or with the squad.

Members of the Tabak Brass Band also showcased their musical tal-ents to the charm and delight of the spectators. At the mall’s lobby, a photo gallery was displayed and a film showing featuring various pro-grams, projects and activities of the division was conducted. A mini-concert was held in the evening with the 1st Tabak Combo and 5th Infantry Bat


talion’s combo at the Plaza Luz Stage, a showdown of vocalists composed of enlisted women in military uniform. According to Mongao, the said activities had given the ci-vilians opportunity to watch and participate in “to let them feel they are genuinely welcome.” “We demonstrate our inten-tions of bringing services closer to the people consistent with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Secu-

rity Plan (IPSP) OR “Bayanhan Campaign,” Mongao said. From the activities conduct-ed, Mongao observed that the ci-vilians are getting closer to the Philippine Army as evidenced by their presence and doing inter-personal communications. Mongao also thanked the management of Gaisano Capital Mall for allowing Tabak troopers to conduct their activities here.

Meat inspectors training setCAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) 10 is set hold a 20-day basic meat inspection training course to all meat inspection personnel on April 27 to May 22.

By: Jorie C. Valcorza

It shall cover all veterinary subjects and relevant rules and regulations necessary for them to perform their functions effectively. “We aim to equip them with the essential knowledge, attitude, and skill to be able perform their inspection work, duties, and responsibilities to safeguard public and animal health,” NMIS regional technical director Dr. Arturo S. De Jesus, Jr. said.


The endorsement was requested by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the RDC-X Economic Development Committee to address malnutrition in the region. Emma Nieva, co-chair of the Economic Development Committee, said the use of complementary foods in feeding programs of local government

units (LGUs) region-wide is expected to reduce the prevalence of underweight children in the region from 5.77 percent in 2012 to 3.5 percent in 2016. She said the use of complementary foods is reported to have shown positive results in contributing to the reduction of underweight children and the improvement of knowledge on health and nutrition of mothers.

Use of complementary food technologies gets nod from RDC-X

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The use of complementary foods and adoption of the technologies used in the production of such foods were endorsed by the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) during its 104th full council meeting.

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

De Jesus stressed the need for local government units to comply with the meat inspection code, starting with the basic requirement to send all persons employed in the meat inspection work to the basic, intensive training course. Meanwhile, the Regional

Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Health (RIACEH) also expressed the need to prioritize on the meat inspection efforts at the local level, pointing on the person manning the position, to be more focused and adherent the prescribe standard.


Held in honor of St. Joseph, its patron saint, the activities were done after a parade around the town’s main thoroughfare, participated by the women groups

from the town’s 17 barangays. The activities were focused on this year’s National Women’s Month theme of: “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan

Sinacaban marks women’s month, fiesta celeb

SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental - A dance contest among the Empowered Women of Sinacaban (EWOS) provided one of the highlights of the town fiesta activities, here, last March 19.


The DOST and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) has implemented the PINOY program, a package of intervention which uses local technology of complementary foods, to lessen the impact of malnutrition among children aged 6 to 35 months. PINOY stands for Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young children. It involves a 120 feeding days of complementary foods and nutrition education using the DOST PINOY modules. Among the complementary foods formulated under the PINOY program are BigMo curls,

rice mongo instant blend, and rice mongo curls. Complementary foods are being used in select barangays in Cagayan de Oro City and Talisayan in Misamis Oriental province. The RDC-X is also enjoining private investors in the region to adopt the complementary food technologies for production and commercialization. Currently, only Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) and Xavier University are producing complementary foods in the region.


ng Bawat Isa. Ikaw Na! (Juana, Your Decision is Important for the Future of Everyone!). It was also linked to the fiesta theme of: “Gugma, Kalamboan ug Panaghi-usa sa Atong Lungsod Ipadayon Ta Uban ang Panabang ni Sr. San Jose (Let Love, Progress and Unity of our Town Continue with the Help of St. Joseph).” Meanwhile, Sinacaban started the fiesta celebrations with the opening of its Invitational Bastketball Torunament, last Feb. 13, and held the games every Friday and Saturday, thereafter, with the announcement of winners done on the fiesta day itself,” Mayor Cris Mahilac said. Part of the fiesta activities was the mass wedding, which benefitted some 30 couples who legalized their marriage free of

charge of the legal documents required, courtesy of the local government, held at the Ramiro Gym on March 16, Mahilac said. Ecumenical service with messages on the fiesta theme was held at the Quirino Park last March 17, followed by the fluvial parade to the Sinakbang Beach, after which, the 8th Sinakbang Festival and invitational Subanen Dance Competition, also took place. March 18, a live concert was held at the Quirino Park at 7:00 p.m. with artists from the national television, Lemuel Pelayo and Regine Angeles, as well as, Roel Manlangit, Grand Winner of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 of the ABS-CBN TV Network.


ARMM introduces new app to increase rice production

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has introduced a new application that will help increase the yield

of rice farmers in the region.

The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) app provides information that helps farmers administer water management, nutrient, pest and

weeds control depending on the seed variety and site specific conditions. The app is accessible through the internet using a smartphone,


DepEd-ARMM explains non-release of salaries of teachers in Marawi MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - An education official in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) denied the allegation that the salaries of teachers in Marawi City have been unjustly withheld.

computer and other mobile devices. DAF-ARMM has trained more than 200 local farm technicians, agri-technologists and extension officers on how to use the RCM app. They will be coaching rice farmers how to improve their yield with the help of the app. The technology was piloted in the towns of Pagalungan, Sultan Mastura, Datu Paglas, Northern Kabuntalan in Maguindanao province, and Taraka in Lanao del Sur following its launch last month. “It will address problems on crop management practices through appropriate recommendations based

on technical data provided by the RCM app,” said ARMM Agriculture Secretary Makmod Mending Jr. Around 20,000 farmers in the ARMM are expected to benefit from the program. The RCM is part of the programs of ARMM to improve the lives of rice farmers by adopting new technologies for increased productivity and income. According to Tong Abas, DAF-ARMM focal person on rice research and development, the RCM guarantees an increase of at least 1 ton per hectare in yield. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

Dr. John Magno, ARMM’s Department of Education assistant secretary for operation, said the payroll checks of the teachers have already been sent to their field office in Marawi City, ready for release pending the compliance of needed requirements. He said the region has been very prompt in releasing the salaries of teachers. Magno said the teachers who have not yet received their salaries


have been repeatedly advised to submit the corresponding daily time record. “We obliged them with the basic government requirement to submit form 48 or the daily time record (DTR) in compliance with the law,” he said. Magno said 19 teachers still have to submit their DTR. “They will receive their salaries once they comply with the law,” he said. The official said the condition is an administrative procedure and has nothing to do with legal disputes between Marawi City Schools Division Superintendent Mona Macatanong and Pharida Sansarona, the region’s designated officer-in-charge.

Macatanong had earlier alleged that DepEd-ARMM officials intentionally withheld the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the schools division of Marawi City to coerce her. Magno refuted this claim clarifying that the division office failed to submit liquidation report of its previously released MOOEs as prerequisite. “Marawi Division was not able to submit liquidation for more than a year,” Magno said, underscoring that the procedure guards against the misuse of MOOE funds. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/APB/PIA-10)

ARMM initiates one million signatures for peace campaign MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will gather at least one million signatures to enlist the support of people nationwide to the call for peace in Mindanao.

Lawyer Rasol Mitmug, the ARMM governor’s chief of staff, said the signature campaign dubbed “I Value Life, I Sign for Peace” was launched during the region’s commemoration of the Jabidah massacre on March 18 in Corregidor Island and will run for three months. He said it signifies the people’s struggle to attain a lasting peace and end the armed conflicts in Mindanao. The campaign aims to generate at least one million signatures

from individuals, organizations and institutions nationwide in support to the ongoing peace process and to underscore the call to end all wars in Mindanao. “Kailangan nating maiparating na maraming mamamayan sa buong Pilipinas, lalo na sa Mindanao, ang nagsusulong ng kapayapaan,” Mitmug said. He said the “I Sign for Peace” campaign also aims to counter the call by some sectors for a full-blown


military offensive against Moro rebels in Maguindanao following the unfortunate incident in Mamasapano. Isa Tom del Monte, Coordinating and Development Office on Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (CDO-BYA) director, is spearheading the campaign. “Gusto nating bigyan ng mukha ang nanawagan ng kapayapaan ay hindi lamang isang tao, hindi lamang dalawa, kundi milyon-milyon. Ipakita natin sa buong Pilipinas na marami tayo na nananawagan ng kapayapaan kaysa sa mga taong nananawagan ng digmaan,” said Del Monte. The “I Value Life, I Sign for Peace”

campaign is being supported by the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS), Mindanao Alliance for Peace (MAP), Anak Mindanao (AMin) Partylist, religious organizations and educational institutions in different parts of the country. (Bureau of Public Information-ARMM/PIA-10)

Rabies remains a threat to public health

DAVAO CITY- City As-sistant Veterinarian Dr. Ester Rayos warned the residents that ra-bies remains a threat to public health. She said that in 2014, 14 dogs posted positive of rabies, re-gionwide higher by five cases in the first quarter of 2015 when nine cases of rabies were posted regionwide. Rayos said that out of nine cases, six cases hail from Davao City while one each in Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, respectively. She said that in March 2014, four cases of rabies were monitored in Davao City. Rayos advised pa-tients bitten even by vaccinated dogs to con-sult a doctor. She said that after the bite, patients must clean the wound with

soap and running water. Rayos said the re-sult was based on the post-mortem examina-tion of dogs brought to them. She said those brought for examination to their office had bitten victims. Rayos said these bites yielded six victims in 2014 who all died be-cause of rabies. “We need to control the spread of rabies as it remains to be active in Davao Region,” she said. Rayos urged the public to advocate the responsible pet owner-ship by proper feeding and drinking of pets with the corresponding anti-rabies vaccination and to leash them all the time. She said that it is best for the dogs to stay at home. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)


DTI to hold stakeholders’ consultation on March 25DAVAO CITY– The Regional Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here will be con-vening various stakeholders to get their insights on its planned pro-grams and projects for 2015. Set on March 25, the half-day consultation will serve as an avenue for DTI-Davao Region and repre-sentatives from civil society orga-nizations (CSOs) and private sector partners to discuss on how to imple-ment, or even improve the imple-mentation, of DTI’s identified pro-grams and projects. DTI-Davao Region Officer-in-Charge Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the participating stakeholders may also share their opinions on what other interventions DTI can do for both the business sector and con-sumers. “We really conduct the CSO and Stakeholders’ Consultation annually so that we’ll know what they think of our plans for a particular year. By doing it, we can have more inputs on how to improve our interventions for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and consumers,” she said. Pursuant to the National Budget Memorandum No. 123 dated January 28, 2015, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has provid-

ed procedures to strengthen the con-duct of agency consultations at the central and regional levels to secure feedback on programs and projects of departments and corporations. This is also in accordance with the current administration’s thrust of inclusive growth, transparency, and financial accountability. “We are optimistic about getting valuable inputs from our partners from the government and the private sector,” she said. Among DTI-Davao Region’s plans for this year are the setting-up of six Negosyo Centers, establish-ment of 49 Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects, implementation of 21 Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) proj-ects, distribution of 130 Timbangan ng Bayan to 65 public markets (each public market will be given at least two weighing scales), conduct of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Roving Academy and Presyo Disk-wento Caravans, and strengthening of priority industry clusters. (DTI11/JenMendoza)


DavSur IPs enjoy Hedcor’s health care benefits

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur – Aboitiz Power subsidiary Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. and Aboitiz Founda-tion recently delivered its regular medical and dental mission to the Bagobo-Tagabawa communities in Sitio Tudaya, Sitio Pogpog, and Barangay Sibulan in Davao del Sur. In partnership with the Province of Davao del Sur, Sta. Cruz Municipal Health Office and National Commis-sion on Indigenous Peoples, the out-reach program serviced over a thou-sand Indigenous People (IP). “We are committed with what we have promised to our partners. We see it as our corporate obligation. This free medical and dental mission is one way of giving what is due to our host communities,” said Hedcor’s vice president Rolando Pacquiao. “We believe that we can do well by making good,” Pacquiao added. The services included medical and dental consultation, hemoglobin tests, vaccination, and sputum mi-croscopy. The IP beneficiaries were given free medicine and vitamins. Common illness such as fever, flu, cough, back pains and dental related ailments were given appropriate action by the specialists. Hedcor regularly conducts out-

reach programs to serve the people of the communities that host their plants. This activity is one of the many elements of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program, which focus on health, education, liveli-hood, and the environment. Other contributions that the company provides to host communi-ties are farm-to-market roads and facilities on health and education. Tribal leader Datu Gideon To-lentino said, “Our simple living be-came exciting when Hedcor came. We were able to access health care, education, livelihood assistance and more through Hedcor’s endeavor.” Hedcor, is a wholly-owned sub-sidiary of AboitizPower owning and operating 21 run-of-river hydropower plants in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Davao City and Davao del Sur with a total capacity of 170 MWs. Very soon, Hedcor will expand its portfolio in Manolo Fortich, Bukid-non. (PR/Hedcor)

NorthCot LGU rolls out 5th Summer Kids Peace CampBy: Shahana Joy E. Duerme

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato, Mar. 25—The children in the province will again be learning while having fun as the provin-cial government recently kicked off its an-nual Summer Kids Peace Camp (SKPC).

The three- day event which was started in Malinao Elementary School in Barangay Ma-linao of Banisilan was participated by over 1,000 fifth graders in the municipality.

“This summer peace camp which focuses on children as instruments of peace is one of our initiatives in contributing to the peace efforts of the government,” Governor Em-mylou Mendoza noted.

ow on its 5th year, the camp aims to fur-ther instill the value of peace among young children in the province by respecting the rights of others and by giving trust and con-fidence to each other regardless of group, religion, beliefs and ethnicity.

Governor Mendoza said that to further implement the program, the provincial gov-ernment has partnered with different gov-ernment agencies such as the Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Bu-reau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Red Cross and other sectors.

Also, the local government units of has been supporting the activity in terms of lo-gistics and other needs.


Focusing on peace as the main session, SKPC also deals with other imperative lectures for growth and development of the pupils.

In the last four years, the lec-turers and trainers of the pro-gram taught the children to un-derstand themselves and their peers and in developing their leadership, life-saving, sports skills and disaster preparedness.

“It is when children begun to understand themselves and their peers that they accord re-spect and trust to one another.

“It is also best for them to learn other equally important things that will help them be-come more responsible and pro-ductive individuals,” the gover-

nor added.She also wanted the Chris-

tian, Muslim and Indigenous Peoples youth in the province to efficiently interact in the du-ration of the camping through different activities and erase doubts and animosity among them and build strong relation-ships.

Meanwhile, the provincial gov-ernment disclosed the schedule of SKPC this year as the follow-ing:

Banisilan- March 20-22, 2015 (Malinao Elem School)Alamada- March 23-25, 2015 (Alamada Central Elementary School)Libungan- April 6-8, 2015 (Li-bungan Central Elementary


SOCOTECO 1 warns of spike in power billsBy: Danilo E. Doguiles

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Mar. 25 -- Consumers in South Cotabato and in other service areas of the South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) should expect an in-crease in their electric bills this month.

School)Pigcawayan- April 10-12, 2015 (Pigcawayan Central El-ementary School)Midsayap- April 13-15, 2015 (Midsayap Central Elementary School)Aleosan- April 16-18, 2015 (Dualing Elementary School)Pikit- April 20-22, 2015 (Pikit Central Elementary School)Carmen- April 23-25, 2015 (Carmen Central Elementary School)Kabacan- April 27-29, 2015 (Kabacan Pilot Elementary School)Matalam- April 30-May 2, 2015 (Matalam Central El-ementary School)Mlang- May 4-6, 2015 (Mlang Pilot Elementary School)Tulunan- May 7-9, 2015 (Tu-lunan Central Elementary School)Makilala- May 11-13, 2015

(Makilala Central Elementary School)Kidapawan City- May 14-16, 2015 (Kidapawan Central El-ementary School)Magpet- May 18-20, 2015 (Apostol Memorial Elemen-tary School)Pres. Roxas- May 21-23, 2015 (Pres. Roxas Elementary School)Antipas- May 25-27, 2015 (Antipas Central Elementary School)Arakan- May 28-30, 2015 (Arakan Central Elementary School)With this, around 22,000 to

23,000 grade five pupils of vari-ous public elementary schools from the 17 towns and one city are expected to converge in the summer event for children this March to May, 2015. (SJDu-erme-PIA12/JSta.Cruz-NorthCot Provincial Government)

SOCOTECO 1 General Manager Santiago Tudio advised


members that there will be a rise in the generation charge in the coming bills due to in-crease in the utilization of die-sel-powered facilities.This, he added , amounts to approximately 26 to 30 cen-tavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption. Generation charge comprise 60 to 70 percent of the total power bill.“The increase in the utiliza-tion of diesel is caused by the decrease in the capacity of generation of hydro-power plants,” Tudio explained.“As experienced in the previ-ous years, generation charges spike during the summer sea-son due to the receding water level, which in return results in low production from hydro-power plant complexes in Mind-anao.”Tudio likewise announced that at present SOCOTECO 1 has extended the use of its mod-ular generator sets to aug-ment shortage of supply.SOCOTECO 1 has rented gensets from Mapalad Power Corp. with a combined capac-ity of 12 megawatts.Without the diesel-powered modular gensets, he empha-sized, the area could have

experienced up to 3 hours of rotating brownouts daily.SOCOTECO 1 supplies electric-ity to Koronadal City, and the municipalities of Tampakan, Banga, T’boli, Lake Sebu, Sural-lah, Norala, Sto. Nino, and Tan-tangan in South Cotabato and Lutayan town in Sultan Kuda-rat.Tudio noted that they have observed increase in pow-er consumption in the service area, which he attributed to the present dry spell brought about by El Nino.For example, he elaborat-ed, the peak hours of pow-er consumption, which usu-ally wanes at 9:00 p.m. has now stretched past 10:00 p.m. which he added could be due to extended use of elec-tric fans and air-conditioning units. “We are urging our member-consumers to save power es-pecially that the country is now experiencing El Niño. Also, we are encouraging our mem-bers - the kids and youth who are about to stay at home this summer break to use electricity wisely and responsibly,” he ap-pealed. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)


Documents

One Mindanao - March 25, 2015