PIA-10 News

The 4P’s is not just about money but about changing the attitudes of the Filipinos
By: Charmaine P. Tadlas

LOPEZ JAENA, Misamis Occidental, May 9 (PIA) – The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) is not just about the money but it is about changing attitudes and perceptions of the Filipinos.

This was emphasized by Rosendo Requina, Provincial Social Welfare and
Development Officer of Misamis Occidental, during a recent campaign forum
facilitated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Lopez
Jaena town, this province.

“The objective of the Program goes beyond providing subsidies to the poorest
Filipino families and that it is not just merely to provide cash grants but to change
the attitude and perceptions of the beneficiaries toward education and health care,
two vital channels to better their lives,” he said.

One of the biggest anti-poverty programs of the Philippine Government implemented through the DSWD, 4P’s provides a cash subsidy of P1,400 on a monthly basis to each qualified household beneficiary.

The cash subsidy is to be used for the educational and health needs of a qualified poor family specifically those having children aged 14 and below and those families with pregnant women.

However, in exchange for the subsidy, the beneficiaries are to comply to certain conditions set by the Program such as ensuring that their children are sent to school, with an attendance of at least 85% during the school year, regular visit to health centers, and faithful attendance to Family Development Sessions facilitated by DSWD Staff.

“What is P1,400? It is not enough to let our children finish school and have three meals a day, but it is just an augmentation for the family’s educational and health needs,” he said.

The amount’s main purpose is to open the eyes of our families that education and health is essentially important.

Thus, Requina challenged the beneficiaries of the 4P’s to faithfully fulfill their co-responsibilities of the Program, so that in the end change will truly happen in their families. (DSWD/PIA-10)


Lanao Norte Engineering District II undertakes road upgrading projects
by Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 9 (PIA)- At least three (3) road projects have been started by the Lanao del Norte Engineering District (LNED) II, Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), after the release of the General Appropriations Act (GAA), last March.

Marivel Francis L. Ong, District Engineer of LNED II said two (2) of these projects have already been completed way ahead of schedule, leaving out only one (1) which is still on-going.

She said that their dedication to finish road and infrastructure projects early stems from the idea that these will contribute greatly in the economic activities of the province.

“We know that price commodities are affected if there are unrepaired and defective roads along the province so we have to do our part,” Ong added.

These projects included the following: Road upgrading of the Tubod-Ganassi Road with a total appropriation of Php13.091 million for a contract duration of 120 days which is now 27% completed.

Rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading of damaged paved national road along Tibanga Road in Iligan City with an appropriation of Php7.2 million for a contract duration of 100 days which has been 100% completed.

Preventive maintenance along the Linamon-Zambaonga Road in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, amounting to Php4.23 million with a contract duration of 20 calendar days but was completed within a week.

Meanwhile, DPWH-LNED II Administration Officer Mocamadali P. Pundogar said the road projects accomplished within a short span of time is reflective of their reputation as the Most Outstanding Engineering District in the country in 2010
“We want the people to know that we are doing our job by implementing road projects transparently, onward with President Benigno S. Aquino’s Matuwid na Daan Policy” Pundogar expressed.

Relatedly, he said that the Tubod-Ganassi road upgrading will hopefully be accomplished on its target contract duration, depending on the weather condition. (PIA 10)


Awarding of deserving personnel highlights 64IB’s 24th founding anniversary
By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, May 9 (PIA) --- Awarding of military commendation medals to deserving military personnel for their exemplary performance and meritorious achievements highlighted the celebration of the 64th Infantry (Knights) Battalion’s 24 years of service to the nation.

Lt. Col. Dario Bucawit, the 14th Commander of the battalion, said they commemorated the founding anniversary of the unit to recognize and acknowledge the pioneering efforts and sacrifices of the unit’s officers and enlisted personnel which drove the battalion to achieve numerous accomplishments.

Bucawit also emphasized that the celebration marked not only the recognition of the historical moment of the unit but also the venue to show to the populace that the Knights troopers are disciplined soldiers and reliable protectors of the people.

He too expressed optimism that long lasting peace and progress in the province can be attained with the support and cooperation of its partners such as the police, local government units, businessmen, non-government organizations, civil-society organizations, and the general public.

Also, three (3) newly-promoted officers were pinned their ranks during the ceremony held at the 64IB headquarters in Barangay Pawak, Saguiaran, this province, last May 6.
Activated on May 1, 1987 under the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division (6ID), Philippine Army (PA), 64IB was awarded as the Best Infantry battalion in the whole 6ID.

It was also adjudged as the Best Infantry Battalion in the whole PA and Best Battalion in Tactical Operations in 1995, as it likewise received the Presidential Streamer Award, in the same year.

In 1997, the unit was awarded as the 6ID’s Best Battalion in Intelligence, Civil-Military Operations, Education and Training.

It was further awarded as the Best Maneuver Battalion in Intelligence, Logistics, Operations and Training in 2006 and again recognized as the 6ID’s Best Infantry Battalion in 2008.

Joining the celebration were some local officials, and Col. Daniel Lucero and Col. Leo Cresente Ferrer, Commanders of 103rd and 601st Infantry Brigades, respectively.

Truck pushing, assembling and disassembling of M16 Armalite rifles, and other fun games were also conducted during the whole-day celebration. (PIA-10)


OroChamber prepares for visit of Turkish envoy
By: Lordilie Enjambre

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 9 (PIA) – A delegation of 30 Turkish businessmen is set to arrive in the city, this week, to explore business opportunities in the area.

Spearheaded by Turkish Ambassador H.E. Hatice Pinar ISIK, the Turkish mission is keen to build mutually beneficial business relations and linkages with businessmen of the
the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Orochamber).

The delegation will be composed of companies from the steel, construction, textile, furniture, handy craft /woodcraft, lumber/timber, house ware, printing, elevator manufacturing, chemical, painting, rubber, architectural and food industries.

“We are happy that Turkey is interested to do business in our city,” President Tony Uy of reported.

Meanwhile, Rizal Dalkilic of MondeBest International and President of the Turkish-Filipino Friendship and Solidarity Association (TUFIFSA) said that other than the Business Encounter with Cagay-anon businessmen, TUFIFSA is also scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the OROCHAMBER advocating for a regular and freer exchange of business information between Cagay-anon and Turkish traders.

Another goal of the TUFIFSA-OROCHAMBER partnership is to promote collaboration toward a good working relationship between Cagay-anon and Turkish businessmen through various modes of communication and annual trade events. (Oro Chamber/PIA-10)


Lanao Norte LGU tests employees for substance abuse
By: Vincent N. Labial

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, May 9 (PIA) – More than 900 employees of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Government underwent a mandatory drug test, today, May 9, at the ground floor of the provincial capitol building as the provincial leadership intensifies its campaign against illegal drugs.

The surprise test came after the weekly flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Tubod, LDN’s capital town.

“This is a regular program of the provincial government to ensure that our ranks are clean,“ Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza explained.

Medical personnel from the Office of the Provincial Health were tasked to administer the tests for the regular, casual and job-order employees.

The test kits used can detect traces of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as “shabu” and marijuana in the urine samples of employees.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), shabu remains the top drug of choice by substance abusers, followed by marijuana and the increasingly popular drug among the rich – ecstasy.

“As part of the provincial government family, we need to identify if there are drug users in our rank and file so we can help in the rehabilitation process of these drug users,” Quibranza said.

Early detection of substance abuse is also crucial in helping them escape from this deadly drug menace, he concluded. (PIO-LDN/PIA-10)


Iligan Dad bares listing of school beneficiaries to the counter-parting program of DepEd
by: Melvin T. Anggot, Virgilio C. Garcia

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 9 (PIA) -- Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz said the local office of the Department of Education in Iligan City have a listing of public schools that will be beneficiaries of the 50-50 counterparting program.

Under the program, the city of Iligan and DepEd become partners in the construction of classrooms of different public schools in the city using the allocated Php23.1 million or the combined funding of Php46.2 million.

Based on the list of DepEd, Php5.8 million is allocated to Iligan City East Central School, Php11.1 million for the Iligan City National High School, Php1.0 million for the Francisco Laya Memorial School, Php2.0 million for the Maria Cristina National High School, Php1.0 million for the South I-A Central School, Php1.0 million for the Puga-an Elementary School and Php1.0 million for the Bayug Elementary School.

Meanwhile, in the list of Iligan City, Php1.05 million was allocated for the Del Carmen Integrated School, Php7.5 million for the Iligan City Central School, Php1.05 million for the Sultan Mamarinta Panandigan Integrated School of Bonbonon, Php1.0 million for the Francisco Laya Memorial School in Pindugangan, an additional Php12.1 million
for the Iligan City National High School and an additional P600,000 for the Maria Cristina National High School.

Mayor Cruz said he is ready to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with DepEd for the program after the city council has given him the authority to sign the agreement. (CIO/PIA-10)


SP passes on 2nd reading Ordinance on Policy of Weekend Night Market
By: Melvin T. Anggot, Virgilio C. Garcia

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 9 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) has passed on second reading, in their regular session the other day, the ordinance laying out the policy in establishing and regulating the Weekend Night Market in Iligan City.

Kagawad Frederick Siao, who authored the ordinance, said there are changes in the revised draft ordinance in line with the recommendation of the Committee on Weekend Night Market.

This changes are the increase in space rental from P10 to P15 per square meter additional stall space in the street fronting Maria Cristina Hotel and the side of SBG Merchandising, Aguinaldo and Del Pilar Streets and the required barangay clearance for stall applicants.

Also among the changes is the inclusion of Barangay Poblacion as new member of the committee.

Kagawad Siao said the Weekend Night Market is being operated under the Executive Order of Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz to get the feel of the actual situation of the night market before the crafting of the ordinance. (CIO/PIA-10)


Oath taking of replacement of barangay dad who passed away set today, May 9
by: Melvin T. Anggot, Virgilio C. Garcia

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, May 9 (PIA) -- Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz has chosen someone to fill up the vacant position of councilman for Barangay Sta. Filomena.

This was learned from Punong Baranagy (Village Chief) Danilo Lacsi, who said Fidelita Hidalgo is scheduled to take the oath before the Mayor in the Flag Raising Program at Iligan City Hall, today, May 9.

Fidelita Hidalgo is the mother of Barangay Councilman Eric Hidalgo who passed away due to cardiac arrest, recently.

Lacsi said the copy of the resolution of Barangay Sta. Filomena endorsing Fidelita Hidalgo is already in the office of the mayor.

The resolution was passed in the session of the barangay council last May 2. (CIO/PIA-10)


Cebuano News: Presidente Aquino miagni sa labor groups, empleyado ug ahensya sa gobyerno sa pagpahigayon quarterly meetings (President Aquino urges labor groups, employers, gov’t agencies to conduct quarterly meetings)
By: Genesis Villariasa Monterde

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 9 (PIA) – Giawhag ni Presidente Aquino ang mga nagkalaing-laing grupo sa trabahante ingon man ang mga employers, ug mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga magpahigayon ug quarterly meetings aron paghisgot sa mga isyo ug problema nga giatubang sa labor sector.

Kini aron maka-gama ug mga solusyon ingon man maayong relasyon sa matag empleyado, ang Presidente miingon.

Mao kini ang panawagan ni Aquino miadtong milabay nga labor day celebration didto sa Malacañang uban sa mga stakeholders ug labor sectors.

Iyang padayag ang ka importante sa pag mugna ug mga polisiya basi sa regular nga konsultasyon sa mga sector.

“Dili ko kampante nga kada Mayo 1 lang matagaan ug pagtagad ang inyong sector, paghuman magkita napud ta sa sunod Mayo 1. Busa, akong isugyot nga pwedi ba quarterly mag-istoryahanay kitang tanan kauban ang mga employers, ug apil ang ubang mga ahensya sa gobyerno. Kinahanglan adunay consultasyon samtang kamulo nato nga pormahon ang mahimong labor policy,” ang Presidente usab mingon.

Siya midugang pagpadayag nga ang paspas nga kausbanan sa sitwasyon sa labor pwedi mamahimong babag sa consultasyon. (PIA 10)


Cebuano News: DSWD mopakunhod sa gidaghanon sa street children sa dili pa matapos ang Disyembre ning tuiga (DSWD to reduce number of street children by December 2011)
by Ogie Salvador/Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, May 9 (PIA) – Si Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman sa Departament of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) miingon nga sila adunay gi implementar nga mga programa aron makunhoran pagdali ang gidaghanon sa mga kabataan nga naglibud-libud sa kadalanan sa Metro Manila, sa dili pa matapos ang Disyembre, ning tuiga.

Atol sa Communication News and Exchange (CNEX) Forum nga gipahigayon sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA), didto sa kaulohan, kagahapong adlawa, si Soliman miingon nga aduna na silay napulo (10) ka mga lugar sa siyudad sa Quezon, Pasay, Manila ug Caloocan diin kining klase sa mga kabataan nagdaghan.

Kini nga mga kabataan sagad makit-an nga mangayo/magpalimos ug kwarta o kaha mamaligya ug mga bulak nga sampaguita nga tinuhog, trabaho nga naghatag ka peligro kanila, ingon man sa mga motorista.

Si Soliman miingon nga ang DSWD kanunay nga nagahinog mga “rescue operation” aron makuha gikan niining mga lugar kining mga street children dayon sila ihatud sa mga rehabilitation centers o kaha i-uli didto sa ilang mga ginikanan.

Alang usab niadtong mga street families, ang DSWD naga tanyag sa “Balik Probinsiya” program, diin sila hatagan sa libre nga pamasahe balik sa ilang tagsa-tagsa nga mga probinsiya
Aron dili na sila ma-enganyo nga mobalik sa siyudad, si Soliman miingon nga ang DSWD mohatag kanila ug yuta mga may sukod usa ka libo metro kwadrado (1,000 sq. m.), lakip ang kompletong kagamitan sa pag pang-uma o kaha pag pangisda alang sa ilang pangabuhian.

Si Soliman usab mipadayag sa plano nga himoong sampaguita flower plantation ang usa (1) ka ektaryang luna dinha sa Quezon City Parks and Wildlife diin ang mga vendors mahimong mopalit sa mga bulak sa barato nga presyo.

Kini, pagahimoon lamang ubos sa kondisyon nga dili nila tugotan ang ilang mga anak sa pag baligya sa maong mga bulak diha sa kadalanan nga agianan sa daghang tawo ug mga sakyanan.
Sa miaging mga katuigan, pipila ka mga street children ang namatay o nasamdan diha sa mga nag-unang highways sa Metro Manila. (PIA-10)


Cebuano News: Malaybalay mihatag ug libre nga eye check-up alang sa senior citizens (Malaybalay gives free eye check up to senior citizens)
By Joni Ester P. Parrado

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, May 9 (PIA) – Ubay-ubay nga mga tigulang kon senior citizens ang makapahimulos sa libre nga check up sa mata sa barangay Mapayag, Magsaysay, Simaya ug Sinanglanan, ning siyudad.

Ang maong free eye check up gipahigayon sa imaging petsa 5 sa Mayo hangtud petsa May 6.

Gipahibalo sa local nga pangagamhanan sa syudad sa Malaybalay nga kini nga serbisyo libre nga gipahigayon sa diha Multi-purpose Hall sa Barangay 11.

Kini nga programa hugot nga gisuportaan sa lokal nga pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay pinaagi sa pagpanguna ni City Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri aron maalagaran ang kahimsug sa panglawas sa matag lumulupyo ning siyudad sa Malaybalay.

Alang sa dugang kasayoran mamahimo kamo modangop sa buhatan sa City health ning dakbayan o kaha tawag sa telepono numero 221-2242 ug pangitaa si Ms. Grace Lingcasan. (CIO/PIA-10)