Fewer electric cooperatives are experiencing power outages now after the issuance of a Department Circular which aims to rationalize the power supply in the region.
The Department of Energy stresses that not all areas in Mindanao have power outages such as the areas of Cotabato, Panabo, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Davao. With the issuance of the Circular, areas not experiencing interruptions now include Malaybalay, Dipolog, Dapitan, Valencia, Camiguin, Panabo, Digos, Tagum, Mati, Cotabato, Surigao, Butuan, and Cabadbaran.
This is a result of the issuance of a stop-gap measure last month, DC 2012–03-0004, which directs electric cooperatives to nominate their needed power to supply their demands. This now results to less power outage for provinces in Mindanao and current power supply deficit of 100-160 MW from 360 MW during the previous months. However, the DOE continues to monitor its implementation to ensure strict compliance to the Circular among stakeholders.
Alongside this measure, the DOE is also evaluating other solutions such as the operation of the Iligan Diesel Power Plant (IDPP), which will be able to produce an initial power of 15-20 MW and may increase upon rehabilitation, and the improvements of the Agus and Pulangui hydropower plants. The Pulangui plant will be rehabilitated this month and DOE is already studying ways on how to mitigate its effect on the power supply. Agus Plant, meanwhile, will be rehabilitated in June.
Power situation in Mindanao is also expected to improve as electric cooperatives get provisional authorities for the bilateral power service by the Energy Regulatory Commission. To date, electric cooperatives have already contracted an aggregate total of 192 MW of which around 20 MW is still subject for ERC's issuance of provisional authority.
“We hope that electric cooperatives, power generators, and all other stakeholders will continue to cooperate to temporarily address the power situation in Mindanao and this will be a good start towards a long-term measure needed to provide a stable power supply in the region.” Secretary Almendras said.
The DOE will conduct a Stakeholders’ Meeting on 3 April 2012 (today) to address the local concerns of the people in Mindanao. The meeting will be held at Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City.
PCOO calls for volunteers to join Bayani Challenge 2012
By Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, April 5 (PIA) -- The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), through its flagship project “Pilipinas Natin (PN)” is at the forefront again, this time calling for volunteers to join Bayani Challenge 2012 which will run simultaneously in five provinces, namely Cagayan De Oro, Iligan, Dumaguete, Masbate, and Mindoro, from April 9 to 14.
With a theme “Pilipinas, Ngayon Na!” this five-day activity intends to awaken the “bayani” in every Filipino and test how far one would go in the spirit of volunteerism for community development. This project also wishes to highlight the urgency of coming together for a common cause, which is to build a better Philippines for the coming generations to enjoy.
“It is inherent in every Filipino to care and this is our chance to show the world that together, we can build a strong nation,” PCOO secretary Sonny Coloma said in a press statement, adding, “we can start by caring for our own town or city and eventually level up by helping other communities through acts of volunteerism and “bayanihan” (working together), that’s why I encourage one and all to take part in our Bayani Challenge and experience the vibrancy and passion that the Pilipinas Natin family has towards nation building.”
The event’s highlights include building of houses and schools, fun and learning activities with the kids, love for the environment and health mission. PN has also laid down other recreational activities like photography sessions, sports competition, bayanihan race, cooking demo, and concert, to serve as breather to participating volunteers.
PCOO, through its Office of Special Concerns (OSC), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, hopes to mobilize 2,000 volunteers (from the youth, government, and non-government organizations) in each province, which means a total of 10,000 volunteers across the country to create an impact on 3,640 families.
Interested participants should first form a team of 15 volunteers and register online at www.bayanichallenge2012.blogspot.com. Then, they can choose the area and activity where they would want to participate. A confirmation email will be sent containing information regarding what to bring and the detailed activity plan. (PCOO/PIA 10-LDN)
NAT results show Grade 6 pupils of public schools in Mis. Occ. Schools Division score highest in Math
By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob
OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 5 (PIA) -- The Grade 6 pupils in the public schools of the Misamis Occidental Schools Division scored highest in Mathematics compared to other subjects in the National Achievement Test (NAT) for school year 2010-2011.
This is indicated in the NAT Results for SY 2010-2011, which shows that the Grade 6 pupils in the public schools of the division got an average score of 78.04 percent in Mathematics, Schools Division Superintendent Jonathan S. Delapeňa said.
Their scores in the other subjects were as follows: Filipino, 77.62 percent, HEKASI, 77.26 percent, English, 71.41 percent and Science, 68.11 percent.
On the overall performance, however, the Grade 6 pupils in the public schools of the division, which is composed of 16 districts, excluding the cities of Ozamiz, Tangub and Oroquieta, scored an average of 74.79 percent.
On top of the list of the public schools with the highest scores in Mathematics is the Panaon District whose Grade 6 pupils scored 93.40 percent in the subject.
This was followed by Aloran with 89.98 percent, Sinacaban, 85.36 percent, Sapang Dalaga, 84.33 percent, Baliangao, 84.61 percent and Clarin South, 80.26 percent.
Again, on the overall performance for all the subjects, the Panaon District scored the highest with an average of 83.27 percent, followed by Aloran, 83.11 percent, Sinacaban, 79.91 percent, Sapanga Dalaga District, 79.42 percent, Baliangao, 79.24 percent and Clarin South, 75.83 percent.
Meanwhille, Delapeňa said the population of the Grade 6 pupils in the public schools of the division, was noted at 6,130, of whom 3,062 were males and 3,068 were females, as of July 2010.
Particularly, the Grade 6 enrolment in the public schools, during the period, was noted in the following districts:
Bonifacio, 738, Lopez Jaena, 549, Aloran, 521, Tudela, 506, Jimenez, 459, Plaridel North, 419, Sapang Dalaga, 409, Calamba, 380, Sinacaban, 380, Clarin South, 363, Baliangao, 340, Plaridel South, 297, Clarin North, 265, Don Victoriano, 234, Panaon, 203, and Concepcion, 67. (PIA-10 Mis.Occ.)
Camiguin hospitals to undergo infra and facility upgrading
By Jorie C. Valcorza
MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, April 3 (PIA) -- Local hospitals in the province will be upgraded following the release of funds according to Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo.
Romualdo said Health Secretary Enrique Ona during his visit here last Friday, to check on island’s health facilities, has assured funds for the equipment and rehabilitation of the local hospitals. Some Php2 million pesos were already allotted for equipment purchases of the Camiguin General Hospital (CGH). This excludes the CT scan machine, which they are expecting to arrive soon amounting around P20M to P30M.
Camiguin Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Gretchen L. Cabalang said this will come of great use to patients, especially for those who are into vehicular accident as they will not need to be transported anymore to the mainland.
She added that the building which will house the new equipment is already constructed and they are expecting another additional release of Php5 million for more infrastructure upgrade.
Several state of the art equipment are already available in the CGH laboratories such as X-ray, Endoscopy, Urinalysis, CBC, and a 4-D ultrasound.
Cabalang said after CT scan, CGH is looking into having a 2D echo machine, an ultrasound test used in examining the heart.
Meanwhile, the Catarman District Hospital (CDH) according to Cabalang will also receive Php5 million for the development of a psychiatric ward. (PIA 10)
Camiguin health units get 3M each for infra upgrade
By Jorie C. Valcorza
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, April 3 (PIA) –- All rural health units (RHUs) in the island-province receives Php3 million infrastructure assistance from the Department of Health (DOH) to facilitate the construction of lying in facilities.
With the presence of medical personnel and trained staff, RHUs birthing facilities are capable of providing all the needed maternal services.
“Pregnant mothers can now easily seek help in the government lying-in clinics,” Dr. Gretchen L. Cabalang, Camiguin Provincial Health Officer said.
The DOH prioritizes the upgrading of the RHUs to help reduce the maternal mortality and morbidity rates following the Millennium Development Goals.
Cabalang explained that RHU services are more of preventive when compared to hospitals.
Also included in the facility upgrade is the construction of an infectious diseases service area/room.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona had his first visit here, last Friday, to personally monitor the island’s health status, as well as check the ongoing construction of all health facilities and he was impressed to see that the provision of services in the towns still continues despite the ongoing renovations. (PIA 10)
Camiguin drivers undergo frontline service training
By Jorie C. Valcorza
MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, April 3 (PIA) -- Maintaining the island as a tourist friendly destination, the tourism office here, pulls in drivers for another round of front line service training, anticipating the increase of visitors arrival in the province this lent season and for the rest of the summer.
The activity is heavily attended by van, public utility jeepney and multicab drivers who often serve as tour guides as they ferry visitors in their island tour, hopping from one tourist spot to another.
“The two-day training aims to teaching them how to effectively deal with the visitors, locals and foreigners alike, to be able to provide excellent quality service,” Candice Naomi L. Borromeo, the provincial tourism chief explained.
She said they always run trainings like this year after year, not only to drivers but to hotel, cottages, and restaurant operator as well.
"It's the best way to perfect their vacation here, guests must feel good and enjoy every minute of their stay here by providing extra special and hassle free service," Borromeo noted. (PIA10)
3rd province-wide barangay congress held in Lanao del Norte
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, April 4 -- More than 2,000 barangay officials from over 400 barangays of the province came to the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center (MCC), in the capital town of Tubod to participate in the 3rd Provincial Barangay Congress last March 29.
The participants came from 19 towns of Lanao del Norte and was composed of barangay captains and barangay councilors.
“This is a good venue to check on how the barangays are doing. To hear their concerns and learn of some success stories. Without strong leaders in the barangay level, we cannot successfully implement national and provincial anti-poverty programs,” Governor Khalid Dimaporo expressed.
With this year’s theme “Kabarangayan Una sa Tanan Alang sa Malahutayong Kalamboan,” barangay officers, who came from all over the province except for the municipalities of Magsaysay, Poona Piagapo, and Pantao Ragat who did not have any representatives, came to the the MCC gymnasium.
During the congress, Mary Jean Quibranza, representative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), also lectured on several barangay affairs topics like the DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2010-149 (Posting of Barangay Budget, Statement of Income and Expenditures and other Barangay Financial Transactions and Annual Procurement Plan) and DILG MC No. 2010-138 (Use of the 20% Component of the Annual Internal Allotment Shares).
Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards were also handed out to the 2011 winners.
A turn-over ceremony for two brand-new ambulances was also held at the MCC parking area. These were given to the coastal towns of Kolambugan and Baroy. (VNL/LAR/LDN)
Literacy Coordinating Council accepts nominations for nat'l literacy tilt
By Jorie C. Valcorza
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) through the Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 National Literacy Award (NLA).
Dr. Norma L. Salcedo, head of the LCC Secretariat, announced that the NLA awards this year has two categories, the “Outstanding Literacy Program Awards” for civil society organizations, non-government organization, private organizations or educational/academic institutions and the “Outstanding Local Government Unit Award” for local governments, which have developed policies, programs, and projects conducive to literacy development.
NLA aims to recognize the best practices in implementing literacy programs or projects which help alleviate poverty, provide livelihood, address welfare needs, promote freedom, make education facilities accessible, and helped build basic and functional literacy.
Nominations and selection of all regional entries will be conducted not later than April 10 to 30, and must be forwarded to the LCC secretariat on or before May 15.
The DepEd and chiefs of its Alternative Learning System are the designated members of the Regional Screening Committee.
Salcedo noted that only programs who have been running for at least three years will qualify for the literacy tilt. (JCV-PIA 10)
PNP Iligan readies for OPLAN Semana Santa
By Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, April 4 (PIA) -- Police here assures that public security measures are in place during the observance of this Holy week from April 1 to 8.
P/SSupt. Celso G. Regencia, Director of the Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) said they would provide public safety services and conduct pro-active police operations to suppress any act of lawlessness, particularly on terrorist attacks, kidnapping, and other related crimes in places where devotees will gather.
Likewise, ICPO has coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and religious sectors to develop, formulate, and maintain an effective security system to adequately prevent any acts of lawlessness during the observance of the Holy Week.
He said uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) would be deployed for visibility in the vicinity of churches, other ritual places, seaports, and bus terminals in their respective area of jurisdiction.
“We shall intensify intelligence operation to monitor the plans and activities of criminal elements and other threat groups, in close coordination with our augmenting force from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine Army,” Regencia said.
All PNP operating units shall closely coordinate with concerned religious ministers/priests for the scheduled activities at St. Michael’s Cathedral and other churches, to start on April 1, “Domingo sa Lukay” (Palm Sunday), he said.
“We have tapped all punong barangays (village chieftain) for the utilization of their civilian volunteer organizations and barangay tanods (village police) in providing security within their area," added Regencia.
ICPO will also establish public assistance centers to be manned by appropriate personnel and some force multipliers in major churches, tourist spots, and other places of convergence in their respective area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, the police traffic section, along with other traffic auxiliaries, shall take charge of traffic direction, management/enforcement, and motorist assistance along national highways and ensure smooth flow of traffic along the city’s main thoroughfares during the week.
“But most importantly, our implementation strictly adheres to the PNP operational procedures or rules of engagement and we urge people to be vigilant during this season,” said Regencia. (LVG-PIA 10)
OWWA-10 conducts skills training and establishes OFW help desk
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 3 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Region 10 conducted two livelihood skills training courses in the provinces of Camiguin and Misamis Oriental in March 2012.
In Camiguin, 24 former household service workers joined the training on beauty culture specifically on pedicure, manicure, and haircutting at the Catarman Central School last March 15 and 16, 2012.
The partnership between OWWA and the municipality of Catarman to assist OFWs in the said municipality, through the establishment of an OFW help desk, was likewise formalized by a memorandum of agreement signed by Catarman Municipal Mayor Nestor Jacot and OWWA-10 Director Petrona Bergado.
Meanwhile, in Misamis Oriental, another training course on Animal Management and Feeds Formulation was conducted by OWWA for the 32 members of the Alubijid Overseas Workers and Beneficiaries Association (AOWBA) last March 22-23, 2012.
The AOWBA members had an opportunity to operate a feed-mixer that was left unused by the “Maria for Millennium Development Goals,” a women’s organization, which acquired it from the United Nations through the intervention of the Damayang Filipino Sa Netherlands and Job Education for Peace.
The closing ceremony was highlighted by the signing of a MOA for the establishment of a OFW help desk in the municipality with Alubijid with Mayor Alvin Giovanni Labis and OWWA Region 10 Director Petrona Bergado representing their respective agencies. (Nestor B. Flores Jr. /OWWA-10)
ARMM holds first environment summit
By Apipa P. Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 5 (PIA) -- Representatives from various sectors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have gathered in a summit to tackle issues and concerns about the environmental protection.
Members of various national government agencies, non-government organizations, peoples’ organizations, academicians, environmentalists and leaders from the five provinces of the ARMM attended the summit, anchored on the theme “Beyond Disasters: Mainstreaming Environmental Awareness and Advocacy Through Multi-Sectoral Collaboration,” held on March 31 at the Mamitua Saber Research and Technology Center of the Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus in Marawi City.
Spearheaded by the ARMM government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region, the summit was designed to enhance awareness on the current state of the autonomous region’s environment.
DENR-ARMM secretary Kahal Kedtag discussed the situation of the environment and the region's natural resources as well as the actions taken by the ARMM government and the DENR-ARMM to protect such resources.
Among the key speakers during the summit were Professor Danilo Mero from the MSU College of Forestry and Environmental Studies who discussed the importance of watershed management and biodiversity conservation while Environmental Management Bureau-10 regional director Dr. Sabdullah Abubacar presented the problems and prospects of Lake Lanao.
BGen. Loreto Rirao, executive director of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in ARMM also tackled the mainstreaming of the disaster risk reduction and management act into local development plans. (APB-PIA10)
NEDA approves P7-B DENR project for ARMM
Guv urges constituents to help protect environment
By Apipa P. Bagumbaran
MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 5 (PIA) -- The governor of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has called on his constituents to cooperate and support the region's efforts in protecting the environment. As government's support to the ARMM, the National Economic Development Authority Board has approved the P7-billion Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management project of the DENR, which includes the rehabilitation and greening of the Lake Lanao watershed.
ARMM OIC-governor Mujiv Hataman sounded the call during the recently-concluded ARMM Summit on Environmental Protection held at the Mamitua Saber Research and Technology Center of the Mindanao State University Main Campus, this city.
In his keynote message, Hataman underscored the important relationship of the environment and the people citing Lake Lanao as an example.
“Ang pag-unlad ng probinsiya o bansa ay nakabatay sa industriya na pumapasok sa kanya, pero ang industriya ay hindi mabubuhay kung walang enerhiya at isa sa mga pinanggagalingan ng enerhiya sa Mindanao ay ang Lake Lanao (The development of a province or a country is depended on the industry which invests on it, but the industry won't survive if there is no energy. One of the energy sources in Mindanao is Lake Lanao),” he stressed.
Thus, he exhorted all participants to do their share in the conservation and protection of Lake Lanao for the sake, not only of ARMM but also of entire Mindanao.
He also urged the mayors present during the environment summit to be transparent in their administration and to always practice good governance.
Hataman also announced that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has signed a memorandum of agreement with ARMM for a P49-million greening program in the region. (APB-PIA10)
Feature: Bayani Challenge 2012: "Pilipinas, Ngayon!"
By Lorry V. Gabule
ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, April 4 -- Nation building demands collective heroism. Our ability to rise above differences and work together for a common cause exemplify our shared aspirations for a better Philippines.
It is in this spirit that the Bayani Challenge was born. Since 2006, volunteers from different areas have converged yearly to build communities, foster friendships, and weave hope for our country, especially for the poor.
The Bayani Challenge is a five-day test of courage, endurance, and love for country. Teams of 15 members go on an adventure and stay in one area to volunteer and interact with the locals. From disaster response (Southern Leyte 2006, Bicol 2007) to peace building initiatives (Bukidnon, Lanao 2008, Zamboanga, Sulu 2009) to protecting the environment (Palawan 2010) to transforming entire towns (Bantayan Island 2011).
The Bayani Challenge is an annual gathering of heroes, both local and foreign, for a massive show of collective action, inspiring more people to work together and build the nation.
This April 9 to 14, a targeted number of 10,000 volunteers from different parts of the country and abroad will flock to five different locations such as Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Mobo in Masbate, Amlan in Negros Oriental, and Rizal in Occidental Mindoro.
This year’s challenge is dubbed as the “Bayani Challenge 2012: Pilipinas Ngayon Na!” and sends the statement that the same spirit, vibrancy, and passion can happen simultaneously in different areas of the country, inspiring the nation to break barriers and start working together for a collective purpose.
Pilipinas Ngayon Na! is a declaration that there should be no other day to serve the country but now. It is a commitment to live, dream, and make every single day relevant to the lives of others, especially to our poor countrymen.
For five days, teams will be deployed to activities that address social issues behind poverty. They shall building houses, refurbish public schools, involve in community health, help in Paraisong Pambata (playtime with kids) and clean up and help in the greening program. After a long day of work, volunteers gather for fellowship with fun games and competitions. We cap it off each night with inspiring sessions and creative presentations.
This year’s Bayani Challenge is organized by Gawad Kalinga and Pilipinas Natin of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), in partnership with the local government units from the five provinces.
This April, get the tan of heroism and burn with the fire that will bring this nation back to greatness. With thousands of volunteers, find out why nation-building is indeed more fun in the Philippines. (PCOO/PIA 10-LDN)
4ID quenches the thirst of CdeO
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, April 4 –- The 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division distributed bottles of drinking water in Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City at one 1:00 p.m. of April 3, 2012.
A total of 140 families from barangay Indahag received drinking water enough to quench the thirst of their family members for the meantime.
The people in Indahag is still suffering from lack of water in their community since tropical storm Sendong struck, which prompted this unit to have this Lenten Season as an opportunity to help them, knowing the importance of water in our daily life.
The soldiers arrived in the place and was greeted by the people in the barangay with the word “salamat sir” then showed their empty water containers with gladness in their eyes as they glanced at the water brought in. Each family received six (6) liters of bottled water.
This maybe little and simple gesture but it has impact on them since they have been waiting for any help to reach their place aside from the weekly commitment of 4ID of water delivery every Saturday.
MGen. Victor A. Felix Commander, 4ID said we will continue our commitment and we will find ways on how can we help the people more. We can feel for the people, we know how important water is and how hard it is if this is not readily available. Rest assured that the weekly water delivery will continue until such time that water system in the barangay is fixed.
The Diamond troopers will be there even during the observance of Holy Week," Felix added.
NNC now accepting entries for veggie recipe contest
By Jorie C. Valcorza
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, April 4, 2012 (PIA) – To showcase every region’s traditional recipes, as well as, other innovative ways of preparing vegetables, the National Nutrition Council will hold a “Regional Recipe Development Contest,” as part of this year’s nutrition month celebration.
Winning entries will be compiled into a recipe book that will be printed for distribution to all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The recipe book will also be distributed to all local nutrition workers, to be utilized as an IEC material in to aid to teaching more families on ways of improving their meals.
Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Zenaida T. Tondares is enjoining all cooking enthusiasts, chefs, student chefs, school based food technology teachers and all interested individuals or groups to join the recipe challenge and submit all entries before April 18.
Entry forms and contest mechanics can be secured at the regional NNC office.
Tondares noted that all entries must use vegetables as main ingredients with no more than five (5) ingredients, excluding seasonings and condiments. It should be original, low-cost, easy to prepare, nutritious and made of indigenous ingredients.
Qualified recipe entries will be notified on/or before April 28, 2012 and the final cook off of the chosen recipes will be on May 2, here in Cagayan de Oro City.
First regional winning entry will be awarded P10,000, second and third placers will take home P8,000 and P6,000, respectively, and three others will win the P2,000 consolation prizes. (PIA 10)
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