One Mindanao - March 28, 2014

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RDRRMC-10 confers the 2013 National Gawad KALASAG Awards to Ozamiz CDRRMC and MHARS-RTTH Rutchie Cabahug-AguhobNORTHERN MINDANAO

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2014 Vol. 3 No. 150

President Aquino hopes to go on a vacation with Prime Minister Najib Razak in Mindanao

NATIONAL

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NORTHERN MINDANAO

WESTERN MINDANAO

SOUTHERN MINDANAO

DOST Bukidnon launches SETUP

Lanao del Norte joins top PHL Rice Achiever awardees in 2013

PNP Compostela creates advisory council

Dipolog implements P103-M infra projects

Zambo. Sur civil society organizations buck rotational brownouts

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28 30

Jeanevive Abangan

Information to Empower Filipinos

10 7 12CARAGA REGION

Solon calls for a clear cut policy on Mt. Mayapay

BIR keeps best to hit 2014 tax goal in Surigao Sur

21 22

Lawig

Greg Tataro Jr

Franklin P. Gumapon

Gideon C. Corgue

PSTC-DOST

Vincent N. Labial

RDRRMC-10 confers the 2013 National Gawad KALASAG Awards to Ozamiz CDRRMC and MHARS-RTTH

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(RDRRMC), region 10, has finally conferred the 2013 National Gawad KALASAG Awards to two (2) regional winners, who made it in the National Level Search, last year.

These awardees are Ozamiz City DRRMC, Best CDRRMC, Component City Category and Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr., Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in the city, as Best Regional Training

and Teaching Hospital Category, both 2nd placers. The conferment was done by Ana C. Caňeda, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), during the 1st Quarter RDRRMC-10 and Ozamiz CDRRMC Joint Meeting held at Bethany Gardens, Ozamiz City, last March 26. Caňeda, who is the Chairperson of RDRRMC-10, said the conferment had been stalled during the last quarter of 2013 because of the September stand-off in Zamboanga City, the October earthquake in Bohol and the November typhoon in

By Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Eastern Visayas. “It was also stalled early this quarter because of Typhoons Agaton, Basyang and Caloy, which has sent our local DRRMC’s busy, but we’re actually, here now, to confer the awards with the accompanying checks amounting to P75,000, each, to these National Winners,” she said. The National Committee for Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Search cited the Ozamiz DRRMC for its outstanding performance in promoting and implementing significant DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CAA) Programs for 2012. On the other hand, MHARS-RTTH was cited for creating a Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) system and institutionalizing it to have its own organizational structure with corresponding preparedness and response units. Meanwhile, Mayor Reynaldo O. Parojinog, Sr., Chairperson of the Ozamiz CDRRMC, who received the award, together with Mark Vincent C. Israel, CDRRM Officer, thanked the members of the CDRRMC for

their efforts in bringing national recognition of the city’s DRRM and CCA programs. “But what’s important is how to improve the programs considering our increasing population. We have to always be prepared now that we have known that the typhoons have changed its usual path,” he said.

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Mindanao peace agreement could serve as model to others, says Prime Minister Najib

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the recently signed Comprehensive Agreement on the

Bangsamoro (CAB) could serve as a model to others wanting to end conflict through peaceful dialogue.

Across the Nation

In his message during a toast in Malacanang after the signing of the CAB, Prime Minister Najib said the beautiful Palace setting for the signing is fitting that 40 years of conflict has now come to an end and begins a new era that ushers progress and justice in the Bangsamoro.

“And what you have aspired for, which you could not get through violence, through conflict, you will get through peace and by working together,” Prime Minister Najib said.

“And this is a very significant signal to others as well in other parts of the world.

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We see so much conflict on a daily basis like there is no end to it and people want to win everything, they want to take all. They do not want to compromise. They do not want to seek solutions.”

The Philippine government and MILF have shown others the way that peace can be achieved by sitting together and extending hands of friendship and by developing trust and confidence.

But developing trust and confidence cannot be done overnight, he said,

noting that parties must have patience to build them block by block.

The Malaysian leader also said that his country is glad that it became part of the journey of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after it played an instrumental role in bridging the gap between both sides.

Prime Minister Najib also praised President Aquino for his personal leadership that eventually led to the signing of the final peace pact. PND


Hoping that Mindanao would finally achieve true and lasting peace, President Benigno Aquino III expressed

his willingness to take a vacation with Prime Minister Najib Razak in Mindanao.

In his speech during the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacanang Thursday, President Aquino said he would imagine himself enjoying a beautiful sunset with Prime Minister Razak and other officials who played a major role in sealing a peace pact with the biggest Muslim rebel group in the Philippines.

“If our goals as a nation are fulfilled, my brothers, Al Haj Murad, Mohagher Iqbal, and myself can all look forward to that one day in the not-so-distant future, when we will all sit back and enjoy a quiet sunset in Mindanao—perhaps with the company of friends such as Prime Minister Najib Razak,”

the President said.“That day, we will look back to the 27th

of March 2014, and allow ourselves a little pride. For now, more work needs to be done, and I look forward to building a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Bangsamoro with all of you,” he added.

During a merienda cena hosted by the President in honor of the visiting Prime Minister, His Excellency Najib Razak responded to the President’s statement saying: “I was very touched in your speech when you said you hope that one day we can be in that part of the world, watching the sunset, having a dream together.”

“And I will allow you to do other things

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as well. And provided you will allow me to do what I want to do as well,” he further quipped eliciting laughter from the attendees of the ceremonial toast.

“But above all, we will sit down as brothers. And together with, of course, Mr. Murad Ibrahim and all the others who played a part in this peace process. So our tribute to all of you and may that one day

come into being,” Razak ended. Prime Minister Razak took a short visit to

the Philippines to witness the signing of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Malaysia is the third party facilitator in the peace talks and also the head of the International Monitoring Team. PND (jb)

10MARCH 2014 | www.pia.gov.ph PAGE |

Government determined to protect gains of Mindanao peace process, says President Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to protect the gains of the Mindanao peace agreement and warned those planning to derail

peace in the region that they will suffer the consequences of their actions.“May this also stand as a warning to

those who wish to derail our path to a final, lasting peace—to those who wish to sow divisiveness for self-interest, and


Government determined to protect gains of Mindanao peace process, says President Aquino

to those who continue to wield arms to pursue their own agendas: So many people have suffered for so long; so many of our stakeholders have worked so hard to arrive at this point,” the President said during his message prior to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Malacanang on Thursday.

“I will not let peace be snatched from my people again. Not now, when we have already undertaken the most difficult and most significant steps to achieve it. Those who want to test the resolve of the state will be met with a firm response based on righteousness and justice—as we demonstrated in Zamboanga City,” he added.

The Aquino administration foiled an attack by the members of the Moro National Liberation Front faction by sending a huge number of military personnel in Zamboanga last year.

Changing the status quo is daunting, he said, noting that he is determined to spearhead a long-term transformation of Mindanao rather than carrying out stop-gap solutions.

The President also thanked those who worked for the successful conclusion of the peace pact signing such as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia, the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Peace adviser Teresita Deles.

The President also thanked the members of the International Monitoring

Team—Indonesia, Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the European Union and Libya, for creating a peaceful environment conducive to the negotiations.

He also thanked the International Contact Group reiterating the country’s gratitude to Japan, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and the NGO-members of the ICG.

He expressed his gratitude to the members of the Independent Commission on Policing such as Canada, Australia, and Japan. The role played by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was also of great help, he said.

The President also mentioned the assistance of the United States through USAID; Japan through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD); Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and the European Union through their contributions to the Mindanao Trust Fund; Australia and New Zealand for the Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities (FASTRAC).

“We also thank the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and again the European Union for the assistance that you have extended to us,” he said.

“You all have the enduring gratitude of the Filipino people. We will never forget the support you have given, and continue to give us,” the President added. PND


Misamis Occidental PHO intensifies rabies awareness by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental - An intensified information dissemination campaign package have been waged by the Misamis Occidental Provincial Health Office (MOPHO) in observance of March as Rabies Awareness Month, this year.

The campaign includes the conduct of a Rabies Awareness Caravan, from March 24-28, to raise the level of awareness of Misamisnons

on rabies prevention and control program of the government. This is done by availing of dog immunization, becoming responsible

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2011/jul/18/eliminate-rabies-philippines


DOST Bukidnon launches SETUPby PSTC-DOST

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - In response to the government’s call for more focused programs to assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

pet owners and having dog-bites treated immediately, as provided for by Republic Act No. 9482, Dr. Rachel T. Micarandayo, Provincial Health Officer, said. RA 9482, “An Act Providing for the Control and Elimination of Human and Animal Rabies, Prescribing Penalties for Violation Thereof, and Appropriating Funds Therefore,” was signed into law on May 27, 2007. Once the signs and symptoms of rabies start to appear, there is no cure and the disease is almost fatal. The first signs of virus are a flu-like fever, headache, and fatigue which progresses to involve the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Without intensive care, death occurs during the first seven days of illness. Meanwhile, the caravan is participated by personnel from the Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTC) of the province, namely: Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital (MOPH), Do?a

Maria D, Tan Hospital (DMDTH), Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro, Sr., Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (MHARS-RTTH), City Health Offices (CHO) of Oroquieta and Ozamiz Cities, and from the Department of Health (DOH), region 10, and Provincial and City Veterinary Offices of the province. Among the invited guests of the caravan are members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP), Sangguniang Bayan (SB) and the Committee on Health of the City/Municipal Councils, as well, as the Barangay Chairpersons in areas with human rabies cases in the local government units (LGU) included in its itinerary. The caravan schedule is as follows: Meeting of the members of the caravan team and awarenss campaign in Oroquieta City, March 24 and March 25, respectively, Plaridel and Sapang-Dalaga, March 26, Jimenez and Panaon, March 27, and Ozamiz City, March 28.


Provincial Science and Technology Director Virgilio M. Fuertes said this program enables MSMEs to address their technical problems through technology transfer and technological interventions to improve productivity all the way through better product quality, human resources development, cost reduction, waste management, and other operation related activities. “SETUP is a nationwide strategy to encourage and assist MSMEs to adopt technological innovations, improve their operations, and thus boost their productivity and competitiveness,” he said. The program covers food processing sector, agriculture, furniture, gifts, house wares, and decors. It also includes pharmaceutical and health & wellness, packaging and labeling, metals and engineering, ICT and database management. This year, nine MSMEs in

Bukidnon were provided innovation support by DOST through SETUP amounting to P11 million. The said SETUP beneficiaries as shown in DOST-Bukidnon data are MSMEs namely My Agri Fresh Farm, Artcake N’ More, EMV Enterprises- Villamayor Farm, Tagumpay Ice Cream, Celebrate Life Prints and Shirt, IA Milling, Emmanuel Milling, Acostar Rice Mill and Grain Store, and Royal Furnishing. SETUP has been helping MSMEs as it contribute in generating employment, earning foreign exchange and stimulating growth and development particularly in the rural areas. For those who want to avail of the program, please contact Provincial S&T Director Virgilio M. Fuertes, Provincial S&T Center at Research and Extension Compound, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon through email [email protected] and mobile number 09176773332.

Lanao del Norte joins top PHL Rice Achiever awardees in 2013by Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte - Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo recently accepted the 2013 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for being one of the top 12 performing provinces in the country in terms of its outstanding contributions to the rice industry.


Lanao del Norte joins top PHL Rice Achiever awardees in 2013

The awarding ceremony was held at Resorts World Hotel in Pasay City on March 15, this year. The Rice Achievers award is the Department’s way of recognizing the top performing provinces, cities, municipalities, Irrigator’s Associations (IAs), Small Water Impounding System Associations (SWISAs), and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in their continued support to national government rice sufficiency goal. “We are truly happy for this recognition. We share this award with the people of Lanao del Norte especially our rice-producing towns and with Governor Khalid Dimaporo who has been very supportive to our agriculture sector,” Provincial Agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan expressed. Other top performing provinces include Nueva Ecija, North Cotabato,

Nueva Viscaya, Isabela, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Kalinga, Mindoro Occidental, and Laguna. A total of P117 million has been earmarked as cash prizes and project grants for the proclaimed winners of the award. The top provinces receive project grants as prizes amounting to P4-million each, while the top cities and towns receive one million each. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala graced the occasion. He said that the Rice Achievers award is a way of showing gratitude to the farmers, local government units, and other stakeholders who remain committed to achieving rice sufficiency in the country.


Summer season marks launch of Visit Samal Island campaign

DAVAO CITY- With the start of the summer season, the Island Gar-den City of Samal (IGaCoS) again beckons to tourists. Now on its 4th year, Visit Samal Island 2014 (April 25 to May 3) is a marketing strategy to promote the city. A concerted effort between IGaCoS’ public and private sectors

particularly the resort o w n e r s who will be benef i t ing f r o m i n c r e a s ed t o u r i s t arrivals. F i r s t l a u n c h e d in 2011, Visit Samal I s l a n d c a m p a i g n mission is to position the

island as the tourism destination of choice in the Philippines and eventually Asia and the world. According to Jennifer Cariaga, tourism officer of IGaCoS, VSI 2014 will promise a fun-filled and exciting nine days with the goal of reviving art forms and merge them

by Rudolph Alama


with modern perspectives of island life. Cariaga also said that Visit Samal 2014 would show the various festivals of the city as the schedules of the island’s festivals will be harmonized to be incorporated in the festivals. These events include Kabasan Festival, White Nights Festival and Madyaw Hugyaw and will be held in the culmination of the festival. Cariaga said that she hopes that the island will see a hike in

visitor arrivals last year. They are projecting a 20% increase of arrivals as compared to 2013. Last year the city recorded 177,000 overnight visitors and 399,000 daytime tourists during the last year’s summer season. Located in the heart of Davao Gulf, IGaCoS made up of Samal and Talicud islands along with smaller islets is a popular vacation destination with its beaches and dive spots. (PIA/RG Alama)

PNP Compostela creates advisory councilCOMPOSTELA VALLEY- The prov-ince of Compostela Valley now has a civilian body tasked to looked into the way the police operates and how its elements carry out ex-pected duties especially while on duty. The Compostela Valley Police Provincial Office (CVPPO) organized on March 25 (Tuesday) the Provincial Advisory Council which formed part of institutionalizing the Performance Governance System (PGS) that the Philippine National Police intended to implement down to its units. During the fist PAC meeting, CVPPO Police Provincial Director

Camilo Pancratius Cascolan expected the PAC members to guide and to provide the police their suggestions and observations leading to the improvement of police operation. “We want to get the pulse of the public. We are hoping to conduct our program of PNP Patrol Plan 2030 with your guidance,” Cascolan said. The Police Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding the Rule of Law (PATROL) 2030 embodies the PGS which PNP uses as the measure of integrating transformation and enhancing its performance.

by Jeanevive Abangan


Released by CVPPO, the terms of reference (TOR) of creating the PAC cited as basis the PGS viewed as the strategic guidelines of reforms in PNP. The PGS requires the creation of a multi-sectoral governance council known in the PNP as the Provincial Advisory group on Police Transformation and Development referred to as the “Provincial Advisory Council.” Among its primary functions are to advise and assist the Comval PPO in identifying key priorities and strategic issues in accordance with the PATROL 2030; evaluate and revise the strategies for the implementation of the PGS in accordance with the CVPPO thrusts, programs, projects and activities of CVPPO; to assist and advise the CVPPO on possible ways to generate additional resources to support and sustain the its plans and programs. The PAC is also expected to carry out an active advocacy program, leading to the formation of a broad and effective multi-sectoral coalition to realize the PNP vision to become a capable,

effective and credible Police Force. Picked by CVPPO as members of the PAC were Isabelo Melendres of the Provincial Governor’s Office, Ruben Reponte of DepEd Compostela , Ma. Nilda Rigodon of the Civil Service Commission of Compostela Valley from the government sector; Samuel Merca (private businessman), Louie Zerrudo of the Philippine Red Cross, Boy Ocampo of the Chamber of Commerce, Eulogio Tumbali of Rotary Club Nabunturan. Other members are Rev. Ernsto Gestosani of the Fundamental Baptist Church, Rev. Edgardo Bonghanoy of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Bro. Marvin Begornia of Iglesia Ni Cristo and Imam Abdulabasit R. Basir from the religious sector; Sinfronio Merlas of Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School, Sr. Myrna Taganas of Assumption College Nabunturan from the academe and Jeanevive Abangan of DavComval Information Center of the Philippine Information Agency XI. (PIA XI/ jmda)


US Drug Enforcement Admin cooperates drug investigation in PH By Venus L. GarciaMANILA - The United States (US) Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) interacted and worked closely with the Philippines’ three primary law enforcement agencies, namely Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on significant investigation of drug syndicates and other illegal drug smuggling cases.


DEA has sponsored law enforcement infrastructure projects and the most recent is the establishment of Manila International Airport Drug Interdiction Task Force operation center at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

DEA, in coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), created it in response to the threat of drug traffickers using Manila airport as a transit location.

Accordingly, DEA has routinely sponsored the Philippine drug law enforcement officers to attend the U.S. International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok, Thailand for professional development and specific training.

Here in the Philippines, DEA has organized in 2013 a 5-week training covering various courses to include basic drug investigation, human rights, firearms training, and basic first aid held at the PDEA Training Academy in Cavite. Approximately 50 law enforcement officers were in attendance.

Also, DEA has conducted twice a one week Airport Drug Investigation/Interdiction training course at Clark and Cebu to support PDEA Airport initiatives.

Aside from it, a Clandestine Drug Laboratory Investigation Course was conducted by DEA at the PDEA Headquarters and donated related safety and laboratory analysis equipment.


Fortun made the statement during the culmination of the Forest in the City Hall Exhibits and Café as part of the launching of Butuan City’s Vision 2020 where he delivered a message in gracing the affair last week. The solon emphasized that Mt. Mayapay has been a landmark that it cannot be dissociated with Butuan City. “While Mt. Mayon is to Albay, Mt. Apo to Davao and Mt. Kitanglad to

Bukidnon, Mt. Mayapay has always been associated with Butuan City. Hence, while we aim to make the city as a premiere forest city we should not forget to deal with the present state of Mt. Mayapay which has been threatened with man-made destruction and abuse,” the solon said.

It can be recalled that the young solon has filed House Bill 2900 that aims to declare Mt. Mayapay as a

Solon calls for a clear cut policy on Mt. Mayapay By Lawig

BUTUAN CITY -- Agusan del Norte First District Representative Lawrence “Law” Fortun has called for a clear cut policy on how to rehabilitate the revered Mt. Mayapay amidst its present state and continuous threat of man-made abuse and destruction.


BIR keeps best to hit 2014 tax goal in Surigao SurTANDAG CITY -- The Revenue District Office 106 (RDO 106) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Surigao del Sur has been keeping its best to hit the monthly tax goal for 2014. Contrary to what took place in 2013, Revenue District Officer (RDO) Monib Dimakuta is confident to make it this time around.

By Greg Tataro Jr

For 2014, RDO 106 has been assigned a collection goal of P745,763,000 which has been broken down into monthly goals.

But despite the success in January for getting P61,297,312.47 which exceeded the target of P52,919,000 or an excess of P8,378,312.47 or up to 15.83 percent increase, a deficit of 12.35 percent

has also been posted for the month of February.

The collection during last month only reached up to P45,216,892.21 which was supposed to be at least P51,589,000. However, Dimakuta claimed that their office still posted an excess collection of P2,006,204.68 for the two-month period combined.

protected area. The bill sought to conserve and protect the unique biodiversity resources of Mt. Mayapay, a prominent natural landmark in the Caraga Region. Fortun said in explanatory note of the bill that “at present, the ecosystem of Mt. Mayapay has been invaded, assaulted and is now highly endangered, threatening to extinction whatever few remaining endemic flora and fauna thriving in the area. Moreover, experts have expressed alarm that if nothing is done to arrest its continuous degradation, landslides that may claim thousands of lives are not remote given the fact that the mountain lies along the fault line.”

During the event, Rep. Fortun also pledged his commitment through entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help source out funds and push for legislations that will help in the attainment of Vision 2020. The MOU was jointly entered by the city government, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry ( DTI). The said vision is a convergent vision for the city aims that by, “2020, Butuan will be a model for sustainable forest-based economy in the country, thereby giving its people the highest per capita income in Mindanao.”

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph

Dominga MallongaDOST-Caraga Regional Director

for more details visit us DOST National Website: http://www.dost.gov.phDOST Caraga Website: http://caraga.dost.gov.ph


Basilan Bishop urges Bangsamoro stakeholders to uphold respect for religionBy Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Basilan Bishop Martin S. Jumoad, DD appealed to Bangsamoro stakeholders to uphold the respect for religion and other cultures in Basilan.


Dipolog implements P103-M infra projectsBy Franklin P. Gumapon

DIPOLOG CITY – The city government here has completed P103-million worth of infrastructure projects in 2013, Mayor Evelyn T. Uy reported Monday in her State of the City Address.

The Basilan Bishop made the appeal as the government was about to forge the final peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in Malacañang palace yesterday. “We welcome the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. But the Bangsamoro stakeholders, especially those who will implement the agreement must remember the basic concepts of the agreement, i.e. it must be inclusive and that there is respect for religion, including the Christians,” the Bishop stressed. He said that respect for one another, respect for other faiths and diversity of peoples in this part of Mindanao should be of utmost value for the stakeholders and the implementers of the agreement. “The peace agreement is laudable. But without respect for religion, there will be no peace,” he said. He hopes that those who will lead to implement the realization of the Bangsamoro, their leaders must shun corruption, exclusivity, and divisiveness. When asked about the sentiments of Catholic Christians in Basilan, the Bishop said that based on his

conversations with the faithful, “most of them would always refer to the two previous plebiscites where Isabela City rejected to be part of such political entity.” Meanwhile, 104th Brigade Commander Col Carlito Galvez said that the military is in full alert status for the signing of the CAB, keeping watch of possible “spoilers” in the peace agreement. “We don’t discount the possibility of some sectors who would attempt to create atrocities. We have also doubled our security, not only because of the historic signing of the CAB but because the day is also full for graduation ceremonies in various public schools in Isabela City,” Col. Galvez explained. He disclosed that the MILF and its supporters from civil society groups will hold a quick peace caravan motorcade in Lamitan and Isabela cities when permitted by the local chief executives. He said that on the military side, the MILFs will only be allowed inside these cities when they are in civilian clothes and without firearms, and with the final permit from the local chief executives. Col. Galvez noted that the military fully supports the peace process and the commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s for lasting peace in Mindanao.


Dipolog implements P103-M infra projects

These infrastructure projects include roads and bridges, school buildings, drainage and irrigation systems and others with funding from the national government, the 20% economic development fund and local sources. Mayor Uy also expressed her gratitude to President Benigno Simeon S. Aquino, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Governor Roberto Y. Uy and Congressman Rosendo S. Labadlabad of the province’s second district for helping the city government realize these projects. Moreover, Mayor Uy disclosed that the city had also received some P150 million worth of infrastructure projects from Congressman Labadlabad such as P2 million for the completion of the Dipolog Sports Center in Barangay Olingan, P100 million for the Polanco-Dipolog Irrigators Association’s irrigation project, P22 million for a small irrigation project in Barangay Diwan, and P21 million for other development projects. “Aside from these, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), implemented projects in Dipolog City worth more than P137 million for construction of roads, school buildings and facilities,” the lady mayor added. The Department of Tourism (DOT), on the other hand, has allotted P50 million for the expansion of the Dipolog Boulevard. Its length now is almost two kilometers. In a related development, Mayor Uy stated that the city’s dependency on external income sources decreased by 9% last year and its locally sourced revenues now represent 42% of the total income. “Comparing with other third class cities in the country, Dipolog’s local revenue is 39% higher than the average of its counterparts,” stressed Mayor Uy. She also attributed all these achievements to good governance as espoused by President Aquino.


By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY – Members of the civil society organizations have denounced the six-hour rotational brownouts besetting Zamboanga del Sur in a protest rally held here last Saturday in front of the City commercial Center (C3).


Religious, business, transport, non-government organizations, and other sectors turned up to protest the daily brownouts and high electricity rates in the province. The protest was held in the wake of daily rotational brownouts lasting up to six hours. Business sector representative Nestor Comendador said the member-consumers are very much tired of the power outages, which have greatly affected the local businesses and all electricity consumers. Comendador said the power

outages have plagued the consumers since 2010 and it became worst on Feb. 27 this year, where rotational brownouts occurred in every two hours, three times a day - one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and another one in the evening. In a series of fora and press conferences earlier conducted by the National Grid Corporation (NGCP) and Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO-I), both declared that the shortage of power supply was the culprit of frequent brownouts in Mindanao.



Comendador, who is managing a hotel and restaurant, said the power outage has reduced the productivity and efficiency of hotel and restaurant industry, adding that they are forced to reduce the number of their workers due to poor revenues. “We have lost six hours a day but we were surprised because we were still paying huge amount for electricity. We expected a decrease in electricity consumption,” Comendador complained. Interfaith Forum for Solidarity and Peace Muslim convenor Sultan Abdulmaguid Maruhom said he is supporting the initiative of the civil society organizations saying that the protest rally is a venue to air their complaints against the rotational brownouts. “I am both hurt and angry at the rotational brownouts because it causes severe inconvenience to many consumers especially the poor,” said Maruhom said whose standby power generator was damaged due to the power outage. Maruhom expressed optimism that after this protest rally by the civil society, the Department of Energy will act swiftly on the power problem in the island. United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) Minister June Candia, who represented the religious sector, appealed for the government’s immediate intervention in restoring electricity services saying that constant electricity supply in the area is very vital.

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One Mindanao - March 28, 2014