PIA-10 News (22 February 2011)

Do more than just plant trees—endeavor to grow trees, says Bukidnon Gov.
By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Anxious over nagging problems on global warming and climate change resulting to disasters, Bukidnon Governor Alex Calingasan seeks community support to plant and grow more trees.

He said the province, through the Bukidnon Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), is intensifying its information campaign on tree growing amid reports on high mortality rate of LGU-sown seedlings during tree planting activities.

“Understandably, tree planting is not enough. There should be monitoring and revisiting of the tree planting sites to check and ensure that it sprouted and that undergrowth should be visible,” Governor Calingasan explained.

He, however, considered the wilting and mortality factors of newly planted trees like poor seed quality and soil suitability.

“But problems like these can be addressed with the province’s partnership with the private sector--the Bukidnon Forests Incorporated (BFI)--which has the much needed technical expertise in growing trees,” he said.

The province has been supportive to President Benigno Aquino’s thrust to mobilize the citizenry in protecting, conserving and managing the environment. (Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy, PIA10 Bukidnon)

Lanao Sur TESDA to conduct Provincial TVET forum
By: Apipa Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is set to conduct a province-wide Technical-Vocational Educational and Training (TVET) Forum today, February 22.

The forum will be held at the Provincial/City Manpower Development Center of TESDA in Maliwanag, this city.

It will be participated in not only by the registered technical vocational institutions under TESDA but also other partners and line agencies that will be joining us in our cause to provide manpower development programs and activities for the entire province, said TESDA provincial director Tarhata S. Mapandi.

Among the line agencies identified to take part are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and the Research and Extension Office of the Mindanao State University (MSU).

The TVET Forum will encompass the scholarship programs being implemented by TESDA, and issues and concerns on the operations of the TVET in the province, Mapandi said.

Accordingly, the current labor market situation, possible demand courses and qualifications and other works that can be addressed by TESDA will be tackled during the TVET forum.

Citing the effectiveness of integrating the different programs and projects of the government, the provincial director further said that discussion on possible tie-ups with the line agencies will also be conducted. (Apipa Bagumbaran/PIA Marawi)

Cebuano News: Mga mag-uuma malipayon sa abundang abot
By Zenaida D. Jagudilla

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – Ang atong mga mag-uuma sa Bukidnon nalipay kaayo ug dako nga nakasinati ug daghang abot sa uma, gumikan sa igong ayuda o pag-apod-apod sa tubig pina-agi sa pag suporta sa National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

Ang mga nasangpit nga mag-uuma ug uban pang mga indigineous people, nagpadayon ug buhat sa ilang baligyaan sa capitol ground aron sa pagpasundayag sa ilang mga nagkalain-laing produkto.

Ang kagamhanang probinsyal pinaagi sa Provincial Tourism Officer nga si.Keenie Peralta okupado karon sa mga buluhaton sa paghatag ug mga luna nga diin mahimong maka-display sa ilang mga ngakalain-laing abot sa uma sama sa kamote, bingala, saging, mga utanon ug uban pa nga mga lagutmon gikan sa mga nagkalain-laing mga lungsod ug mga barangay nga sakop sa probinsya sa Bukidnon.(PIA10 Bukidnon)

CPOC bares peace, security initiatives for 2011
By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte —Peace and order is not just a responsibility of the city government nor the police and the military alone, but this is everybody’s concern.

This was the message of City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz read by Executive Director Rolly Cuizon of the Iligan Investment Promotions Center, in a multi-sectoral dialogue on peace and security held at the Elena Tower Inn, this city.

Cuizon, representing Mayor Cruz, presented the local government unit’s security measures which was approved during the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting held at the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) hall.

Its plans and programs contained the following: that the barangays shall be empowered to help promote peace and order in Iligan through the crafting of a Barangay Public Safety Plan; and to undergo a capability building which will start on the 2nd quarter this year.

Two SP Resolutions were approved authored by City Councilor Moises G. Dalisay, Jr. chairman, Committee on Police, Public Safety & Order, Good Government & Ethics, one of which is Iligan City to seek for transfer of Iligan City from the area of jurisdiction of the 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) whose headquarters is in Polacan, Pagadian City, to the 4th Infantry Division (ID,PA) in Cagayan de Oro City. The city is offering a piece of land to become the headquarters of the 4th ID.

And its request for more patrol cars, communication equipment, and increased number of police personnel which is already at the office of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo. Iligan has been promised to have an allocation of 35 new police officers.

Another SP Resolution deliberated on Jan. 17, 2011, authored by City Councilor Marlene L. Young, committee chair on Civil, Political, Human Rights and Responsibilities, which calls for the creation of Task Force Depensa Iligan, where a budget of P4.564 million will be allocated for the purchase of high lumen flashlights, assignment of 50 CAFGU(Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit) personnel, enhancement of Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) camera operation, purchase of six (6) K-9 dogs, and fuel for mobile patrols.

Additional cash incentive of P1,000.00 and supply of one (1) sack of rice per quarter has been approved for the Iligan City police force.

The local government of Iligan aims to maintain its image with peace-loving constituents, living in a peaceful place, disclosed Cuizon. (PIA10 Lanao del Norte)

Building monument of peace through MEDCAP

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — Somewhere between man’s burning convictions and man’s societal problem, civic action was born.

Some 634 villagers of Barangay Matampay, Munai, province of Lanao del Norte, were served free medical services through the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) of the army’s 15th Infantry Molave Warrior Battalion.

The activity caters Free Medical Consultation, Blood pressure Check up, Circumcision (tuli), distribution of magazines and giving of medicines and vitamins to the Matampay residents.

This display of affection was seen in the interior barangay of Munai, Lanao del Norte, where the affectations of the 2000 and 2008 all out war by government forces against lawless Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which brought the whole of its civilian populace as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now advancing its thrust through a transparent service tantamount to its mission in providing healthy environment that assist the speeding up of economic development especially to the interior municipalities of provinces directly affected by the retribution of internal conflict and politically challenge society.

With Lt.Col. Allan D. Hambala, INF (GSC) PA, commanding officer of the 15th IB, based in Barangay Bagumbayan, municipality of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, he was able to abridged leadership among its officers and men to always carry on military discipline as a way of life in gaining trust and confidence among constituents and civil audiences; gearing towards the success of civil military operations in its area of operation.

Hambala said, the event was an exercise of generosity that was not limited only to material resources but most importantly the product of initiatives forged by selfless devotion of time and effort from different volunteers, organizations of intellect and civil society.

Likewise, this was made possible through the local government unit- the municipal mayor, provincial board member and the Governor, the Provincial Health Office, and the Junior Chamber-Jaycees International, Chapter of Iligan City, 601st Brigade, the Joint Special Operations Task Force of U.S. Army and civil affairs team.

The unit strongly believes that through its advocacies in good governance through transparent services, peace in Mindanao can be attained soon.

This Muslim Community in the interior part of the province who greeted us a warm welcome are the same citizens that we can make a true partner in building the real monuments of peace in Mindanao, said Hambala. (1Lt Rey Avila, 15th IB/PIA LDN)


Women searching for relationships over the internet, also targets as drug mules

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO City, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – Even Filipina women who are searching for friendly relationships with foreigners via the internet are considered easy target of drug syndicates to serve as drug mules.

This warning came from Atty. Jose A. Fabia, Director General of the Philippine Information Agency, to answer the query of Myrna Eblacas, a broadcast reporter from the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, who asked about the modus operandi of these syndicates that victimizes Filipina women in their illegal drugs trade.

Fabia was in Cagayan de Oro City for the launching of the Anti-Drug Courier Program (ADCP) to deter, prevent and protect Filipinos from being exploited or victimized as drug mules held at Pearlmont Inn, recently.

Part of the intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the drug courier program, the activity was initiated by the Task Force on Drug Couriers (TFDC) and was attended by all Information Center Managers (ICM) and regional heads of PIA in Mindanao.

Creation of the TFDC was based on Administrative Order No. 279, issued on February 08, 2010, and is composed of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Dept. of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as co-chairs, supported by these government agencies:

Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), Dept. of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Office of the President-Executive Secretary (OP-ES), Aviation Security Group, Philippine National Police (ASG-PNP) and PIA.

Fabia said the term “drug mules” or drug couriers refer to individuals who transport dangerous drugs in exchange for a huge amount of money from the dangerous drugs syndicates.

Among the modus operandi of the syndicates is to befriend women who reveal the status of their relationship, over the internet, as separated or wanting to find employment abroad due to poverty and the need to earn more for the sake of their families.

As the friendship develops, these syndicates would start sending money or even plane tickets for the women to go on vacation abroad to pick up the drugs, either to be brought back home to the Philippines or be delivered to some other persons, not known to the courier.

Quoting the Drug Courier Incidence (DCI) report, Fabia said the data on the drug couriers worldwide, increased remarkably from only two (2) in 1993 to almost 700, as of Dec., last year, and that most of those arrested drug mules were females. (PIA10)

Iligan Film Fest on National Arts Month

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The celebration of National Arts Month will feature for the first time a short film making competition called Lilas: the Iligan Film Festival.

This will be opened with a float parade in the city’s thoroughfare participated in by local artists, directors and producers on Feb. 21 at 3:00 p.m. This will be followed by a premier night and ribbon cutting to be held at Berds Cinema, this city.

City Councilor Michelle Sweet, Over-all Chairperson of the National Arts Month, said Iligan is the first city to do so as film festivals are usually held in Manila, the nation’s showbiz capital.

Councilor Sweet is thankful to YAPIS organization that is sponsoring this activity. (mta/vgarcia-cio)

SP members inspect CMRF project status

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte - The Sangguniang Panlungsod, this city, had its regular session recently at the Administration Building of the Central Materials Recovery and Composing Facility at Sitio Bangko, Barangay Bonbonon.

This was done to enable lawmakers to observe the actual status of the project and to check on the financial component.

City Councilor Chonilo Ruiz presented the development of the project from its concept until the accomplishments were achieved to date.

After the presentation of Ruiz, the members of the city council asked from the Project Management Office of the Iligan City Solid Waste Management Project contract of the contractor, Development Bank of the Philippines and program of works of the project.

This will enable members of the city council to closely scrutinize and to fully understand the project. (CIO)

Army takes part in education drive campaign

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division participated in the information drive launched by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) last Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 at the VACC head office in Purok 8, Poblacion, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

The activity was participated in by residents and government representatives from the town ofs Lugait, Manticao, Citagum, Laguindingan, Alubijid, El Salvador and as far as Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Municipal and barangay officials also participated in the event as well as representatives from various Government Agencies who also shared insights on topic such as illegal logging, dangerous drugs, laws and policies and criminal legal aspects.

Members of the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion gave lecture on the problem of insurgency and its effects on the community.

The Army expressed that their efforts are now directed towards the drive in fighting counter-insurgency, but this time not through the barrel of the gun but by peaceful educational awareness campaign.

This is in part with the command guidance of Major General Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division as part of the continuing effort to achieve peace and progress in the community.

“Winning peace is one of 4ID’s main goals and to achieve this, we need to teach and educate the people in the community of the real problem that has affected our society in the hope of alleviating the lives of the Filipino people,” MGen. Felix said.

Fourth ID Spokesperson Major Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Commanding Officer of the 4th Civil-Military Operations (Masaligan) Battalion, said the activity will help in educating our community on the insurgency problem and the real effects it brings into the society.

“The insurgency problem will not be solved by arms but by bringing development into the area. The Army is now geared on less combat operations and more on developmental activities such as building farm to market roads, schools and construction of water supply,” Osias said. (4ID PA)

4ID celebrates 41 years of service and commitment

Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental -- The army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond Division” recently celebrated its 41st Founding Anniversary with the theme 41 years of Service and Commitment highlighting the undying commitment of soldiers for peace and development.

The program started with a Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service mass at 7:00 a.m. which was then followed with a Wreath Laying Ceremony with Major General Victor A. Felix, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division together with Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar S. Moreno and Bukidnon Governor Alex P. Calingasan honoring the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

At 8:30 a.m. the Anniversary Programme started highlighting the presentation of awards to several civilian awardees as well enlisted personnel and officers.

Major General Victor A. Felix said the celebration this year is focused in honoring the men and women not only those in uniforms but also those who have contributed to the effort of wining peace and advocating development within the 4th ID area of responsibility.

“This signifies the sincere commitment to work hand in hand with local government agencies, non-government agencies and other stakeholders to achieve our goals. The services rendered by our soldiers since the inception of the long-running communist insurgency to protect and defend the territorial integrity of Caraga and Region X is worthy and commendable,” Felix said.

Maj. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, Spokesperson of 4th ID and Commanding Officer of 4th Civil-Military Operations (Masaligan) Battalion said that the consistent professionalism of our officers and men continuously reinforces the diamond division as the best guardian of the community, resulting in impartiality, objectivity and non-partisanship that is necessary for the government’s pursuit of common goals for the welfare of the populace. (4ID PA)

‘Hataw Iliganon’ starts
By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte—Men and women- elders, young and adult alike, were seen stretching and dancing at the city public plaza early at 6. a.m., recently , during the launching of the ‘Hataw Iliganon.’

City Councilor Marlene Young, chairman, Committee on Civil, Political, Human Rights and Responsibilities, Sangguniang Panglunsod of Iligan, said one of the rights of a person is the right to good health. This way we have come up with an activity for a physical fitness which is free, and to have fun with anybody beating the music with the hataw master in action.

This activity is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Iligan Bay and the Metro Iligan Rotary Club, with the support of Atty. Young’s colleague in the Sanggunian, City Councilor Ruderick Marzo, and the Emergency 811, the Philippine Red Cross, the women’s group and other punong barangays.

The lady councilor did the way as others did it for two hours dancing the ’hataw’ way.

I was perspiring and I felt I loss few pounds, said one of those who joined from the Iligan City Diabetic Association, Inc.

This will be done on a week-end basis, the same venue, and maybe we can hold it at the barangay level, depending on the area recommended, Young said. (Lorry V. Gabule/PIA 10 Lanao del Norte)

Tagalog News: Lokal Civil Registrars pupunta sa mga barangay upang ihatid ang libreng registration ng mga bata

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur - Pupunta sa mga barangay ang mga local civil registrars upang ihatid ang libreng registration sa mga bata.

Sa pakikipanayam ng Radyo ng Bayan, sinabi Marawi City Civil Registrar Sultan Solaiman Lala na ito ay bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng 2011 Civil Registration Month nitong kasalukuyang buwan ng Pebrero sa buong bansa.

Nguni’t sinabi ni Lala na ang paghahatid ng libreng registration para sa mga bata ay depende lamang kung ang mga alkalde sa kabayanan ay maglalaan ng pondo para dito.

Dito naman sa lungsod ng Marawi ay pinag-iisipan nila kung saang liblib at pinakapobreng barangay nila isasagawa ito, dagdag pa niya.

Ipinaliwanag ni Lala na hindi naman kaya ng gobiyerno na tustusan ang pagkakaroon ng libreng registration sa lahat ng barangay.

Dito sa lungsod ng Marawi ang pagpaparehistro ng live birth ay nagkakahalaga ng mahigit dalawang daang piso at mahigit pa dito sa ibang lugar, paglilinaw pa niya.

Sinabi rin ni Lala na sa kasalukuyan ay bumubuti na ang ugali ng mga Maranaw kaugnay ng civil registration.

Nguni’t idinagdag niya na hanggang ngayon ay mayroon pa rin sa ating mga kababayan na pumupunta lamang sa mga tanggapan ng local civil registrars dahil kinakailangan nilang kumuha ng mga dokumento para sa kanilang passports at iba pang paggagamitang legal.

Ang tema ng 2011 Civil Registration Month ay “Quality civil registration in support of the national development goals”. (Bobby Ilupa/DXSO Radyo ng Bayan Marawi)

City exec directs efforts for Iligan to get bigger Infra share in 2012 budget

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte - Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz is exerting efforts that Iligan City will have a bigger share for infrastructure in the 2012 Budget Preparation for all regional offices under the Regional Development Council.

The RDC Chairman said it cannot be avoided that he will give preference to Iligan City in his desire that the programs and projects will benefit all places in Northern Mindanao.

In the approved Budget Preparation Calendar of the RDC for Fiscal Year 2012 on Feb. 15, budget proposals from different regional offices were submitted.

The review of all proposals will start on Feb. 22. This will be followed by sectoral consultations from Feb. 24 to March 3.

Mayor Cruz said he will personally attend to all budget consultations of RDC 10.

The budget proposals of RDC in Northern Mindanao will serve as basis in the preparation of the 2012 National Budget which will be deliberated by Congress. (CIO)

RDC presents status of projects in Northern Mindanao

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte – Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz gave an opportunity for the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to report the status of big projects of Region 10 in the 88th RDC Full Council Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The RDC Chairman wanted to know the latest updates of the Laguindingan International Airport Project and the proposed Panguil Bay Bridge that will connect Tubod, Lanao del Norte to Silangga, Tangub City.

In a report of NEDA, region 10, it was learned that 66% of work in the airport has been accomplished which included runway, passenger terminal, maintenance building, access road and others. Considered critical is the purchase and installation of navigational equipment and support facilities as this is still to be opened for bidding.

It is estimated that the project will be completed in May 2012.

Meanwhile, the feasibility study on the Panguil Bay Bridge Project is being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Hence, the RDC has passed a resolution by way of a motion by Tangub City Mayor Philip Tan urging the DPWH to fast track the feasibility study of the project. (CIO)

IDPP sale to private firm beneficial to the City – Iligan chief

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte – Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz revealed in the 88th Full Council Meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) held in Iligan that the city is not capable of operating the Iligan Diesel Power Plants 1 and 2.

The chief executive said the city does not have funds to shoulder the operational expenses of the power plant.

Mayor Cruz said the city government intends to sell the IDPPs to a private company. The mayor said the city is now negotiating with Conal Holdings, a firm that is interested to buy the plant.

The mayor explained this to RDC because the IDPP will help alleviate the power shortage in Mindanao.

It was learned that the IDPP can contribute 30 megawatts to the Mindanao Grid during power shortage. RDC anticipates the possibility that Mindanao will again experience a power shortage in the summer months. (CIO)

EEDMO collection totals P3 million for Jan. 2011

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte – Samuel Vicente, head of Collection Division of the Economic Enterprises Development and Management Office said total collection is P2.6 million for January 2011.

The collection is brokendown as follows: Pala-o Market, P710,000; Central Market, P276,000; Fishlanding or Bagsakan, P63,000; Transfer, P37,000’ Ownership, P5,000; Slaughterhouse, P126,000; public cemetery, P99,000; Comfort Rooms, P360,000; IBJT North, P553,000; and IBJT South, P353,000.

Vicente said the collection is higher by P900,000 as compared to the collection of the same month last year which was only P1.7 million. (CIO)

Bidding for additional P384M component of Iligan-Bukidnon Road Project set on April

Iligan City, Lanao del Norte - Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said the bidding for P384 million worth of work for the Iligan-Bukidnon Road Project is scheduled to be conducted in the month of April this year.

This will include the concreting of the road and drainage in the Digkila-an and Rogongon portion which is within the jurisdiction of Iligan.

The mayor got the information during a follow–up he made of the project with the National Economic and Development Authority, region 10.

Mayor Cruz said he had begun to hold office once a week at NEDA as the new chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Northern Mindanao.

The mayor said the City of Iligan gets funding for the Iligan-Bukidnon Road from Congress through the efforts of Congressman Vicente “Varf” Belmonte, Jr. (CIO)

MSU-IIT joins DRRMC earthquake drill
By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte—Amidst rainfall, students of the College of Arts and Sciences, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), this city, took part in an earthquake and fire drill, leaving their classrooms in a two-story building, for self-keep in an open area out in danger.

Allan B. Padilla, acting civil defense deputized coordinator, this city, said this is part of the 1st Quarter 2011 Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill slated Feb. 17, 2011.

The drill showcased critical emergency response operations within the “Golden Hour” (1st 72 hours) such as fire suppression, collapsed structure search and rescue mass casualty incident management and evacuation among others.

Performing the drill were members of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ICDRRMC) composed of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center.

We have been going around to different schools, plant industries, business/commercial establishments, private and government offices, private and public hospitals, conducting lectures as part of the continuing implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) Four-Point Plan of Action for Disaster Preparedness, Padilla said. (Lorry V. Gabule/PIA LDN)

Another shallow low pressure area develops east of Northern Mindanao
by: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – The shallow low pressure area (SLPA) southwest of Gen. Santos City has dissipated due to the intrusion of the Northeast wind flow.

However, another SLPA has developed East of Northern Mindanao and was estimated at 9.5 degrees North, 127 degrees East, 160 km. of Surigao City, at 9:00am., today.

As such, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has issued Weather Advisory No. 3, final for the said disturbance and No. 1 for the newly developed SLPA, Regional Director Carmelito A. Lupo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, said.

Lupo, who is also the Chairperson of RDRRMC-10 said this weather system is expected to bring scattered to wide spread rains over the Easter section of Mindanao and the Visayas which may trigger flashfloods.

The forecast is light rains in the next 24 hrs., thus, people living near the mountain slopes and in low-lying areas of the river systems of the region have been alerted for possible flashfloods and landslides.

The observed rainfall in the past 24 hours ending at 8:00a.m. today, Feb. 19 was 0.4 mm in Barangay Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental and 0.4 mm. in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Waterways likely to be affected by this weather condition are the following: Odiongan, Balatocan, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Iponan, Manduloy, Cabulig and the other nearby rivers in the province of Misamis Oriental.

Oroquieta River and tributaries in Misamis Occidental and the Agus, Liangan, Maranding Mandulog, Dapao and Mataling Rivers in Lanao del Norte.

Lupo said fishing boats and other small sea crafts in the region are advised not to venture out into the sea, while larger sea vessels were alerted against big waves.

Thus, the public and the local DRRMC’s are reminded to take appropriate pro-active actions like evacuation, rather than rescue, to aim for “zero” casualty, the RDRRMC-10 Chairperson added. (PIA-10)

Awareness campaign on drug courier targets would-be OFW and families -- PDEA
by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – An intensified information and education campaign on the drug courier program is being waged by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Northern Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Edwin F. Layese (Ret.), Regional Director of PDEA, region 10, said targets of the campaign are the would be Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and the families of those who are already out of the country.

The term drug couriers or “drug mules” refer to individuals who transport dangerous drugs in exchange for a huge amount of money from the dangerous drugs syndicates

The modus operandi of the syndicates include the recruitment of would-be victims through job offers abroad and then luring them to accept other offers that will earn up to US$2,000 per transaction.

Potential recruits are usually approached and befriended, either here in the country or in foreign cities, and that most of the arrested drug mules were females.

“We have particularly listed the graduating college students who have plans to work abroad as targets of our campaign because we find them very vulnerable to the offers of easy money by the drug syndicates,” Layese said.

For those who are already out of the country, we have specially included their families who are left behind to help warn them of the modus operandi of the drug syndicates, he said.

In fact, he said the issue on drug couriers has been on top of the list of the topics that PDEA discusses during the preventive drug education seminars and workshops, with the various government and non-government agencies (GO/NGO).

Among these GO/NGO’s that have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with PDEA to
intensify the drug education, prevention and control in the region are the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Dept. of Education (DepEd) and the Dept. of Justice (DOJ.)

Meanwhile data on the Drug Courier Incidence (DCI), worldwide, from 1993 to Sept. 2010, show that the number of drug mules increased from two (2) to 630 or 996.83%.

Of this figure, 303 or 48.09% were from the Asia and the Pacific, 84 or 13.33% were from the Middle East and Africa, 122 or 19.36% came from the Americas and 121 or 19.21% came from Europe. (PIA)

PAGASA issues gale warning No. 14
by Rutchie Cabahaug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) – Fishing boats and other small sea crafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger vessels are alerted against big waves.

This, as strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of easterly and north easterly winds are expected to affect the seaboards of Easter Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, per Gale Warning No. 14 released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Feb. 18, this year.

Cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rain showers and isolated thunderstorms will prevail over the Eastern Mindanao seaboard while the seaboard of Eastern Visayas will also have mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms.

Particularly, both seaboards have a wind force of 55-63 km/30-34 knots while their sea condition will be rough to very rough.

Hence, Regional Director Carmelito A. Lupo of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), region 10, has warned the public and the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) concerned are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures to help mitigate the effects of this weather system.

Meanwhile, emphasis should be on the pro-active actions of evacuation rather than rescue to untiringly aim for “zero” casualties, Lupo, who is also the Chairperson of the Regional DRRMC in region 10, said.

Yesterday, the National DRRMC, also issued General Flood Advisory No. 2, with a forecast that rains will be light to moderate in the next 24 hrs., warning people living near the mountain slopes and in low-lying areas of the river systems in the region of possible flashfloods and landslides.

These river systems include the Agus, Liangan, Maranding Mandulog, Dapao and Mataling Rivers in Lanao del Norte, Oroquieta River in Misamis Occidental and Odiongan, Balatocan, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Iponan, Manduloy, Cabulig Rivers in Misamis Oriental. (PIA)

More than 200 Lanao Norte students avail of SPES program

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) extended one of its flagship project to Lanao del Norte, the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).

The SPES is a joint undertaking of the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Finance.

The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment is designated as program Chairperson of SPES.

Under this program, SPES scholars can enrol in the local colleges and schools in the province after finishing the 20-day SPES program.

The objective of the SPES is to develop the intellectual capabilities of children of poor families and harness their potentials for the country, geared towards industrialization. Specifically, the program aims to help poor but deserving students pursue their education by encouraging their employment during summer and Christmas vacations and providing income to subsidize their studies.

DOLE have allocated almost P400,000 for the summer job interns assigned in various municipalities of Lanao del Norte.

For the interior town of Pantao Ragat, the Local Government Unit (LGU) received more than P100,000 benefiting 65 students. 57 students were also benefitted in the town of Munai, Bacolod have 41 students, 31 from Linamon, 44 from North Central Mindanao College and 12 individuals from Kolambugan.

Other special projects extended to Lanao del Norte were Job Fair/ Special Recruitment Activity Assisted, Registration of Rural Workers which had 73 beneficiaries, Promotion and Maintenance of Industrial Peace Employment Promotion, and Workers Welfare & Protection. (LAR-PIO)