US Ambassador awards HACCP certification to qualified companies in Mindanao

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 29, 2012 (PIA) – The third batch of companies assisted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) received yesterday their Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas Jr. personally handover the HACCP certification to eight companies in Mindanao, yesterday, here in Cagayan de Oro City.

The list includes Vjandep Corporation (Cagayan de Oro), Perfectly Natural Herbs (Iligan), Lucille’s Food Products (Tagum, Davao del Norte,  Renova Food Products (Davao City), Lao Integrated Farms (Davao del Sur), Magpet Agro-Industrial Cooperative (North Cotabato), San Isidro Fruits and Processors Cooperative (Davao Oriental), and the Magsilum ARC Cooperative (Baliangao, Misamis Occidental).

Two other companies currently pursuing the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 Certification were also given recognition, namely, the Philexport Contral Lab (General Santos) and the Fastlab (Cagayan de Oro).

Ambassador Thomas commended these companies for their commitment to prepare the HACCP requirements and having the foresight to take this very important step towards a more profitable enterprise.

The HACCP or ISO 17025 certification is the key requirement in export markets.

USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program helps increase rural incomes by linking farmers to markets in Mindanao. Its Targeted Commodity Expansion Project (TCEP), likewise, assists producer associations improve their competitiveness through training and information on improved production, packaging and marketing.

Fourteen (14) companies earlier assisted by tUSIAD have reported collective increase on their sales, totaling to approximately $20 million over 30 months following the HACCP certification.

Each company have invested an average of about PhP1.3 million to upgrade their facilities and equipment, in order to comply with HACCP requirements.

By September this year, USAID would have assisted a total of 31 Mindanao food companies to obtain HACCP or ISO 17025 certification.

Thomas reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to support peace and development of Mindanao.

He said this is confirmed by the US and Philippine governments long time partnership on various programs focusing in economic growth, infrastructure, education, expansion of internet access in schools, provision of basic health services, and in enhancing local government units. (PIA 10)

Rotary Walk for Peace slated on July 1

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 26 (PIA) -- The Rotarians enjoin all Christians, Muslims, and Lumads to walk as one people and show to the entire nation that the areas of Iligan and Marawi are geared toward peace and its promulgation. 

“This is a better way to start off a new Rotary Year (RY), with the theme, 'Peace through Service,' joining together the two cities for a walk for peace,” expressed District Governor George Hamoy, Rotary International, District 3870, RY 2012-2013. 

"We anchored our zone theme for this walk as 'The Tri-People of Lanao Working as One Under Peace,' showcasing unity in pursuing peace," he said. 

The walk will be at 5:00 a.m., starting at the Rizal Park city public plaza, then to the city’s thoroughfare, and back to the Rizal Park to culminate with an exercise program "Banatan sa Bukog." 

Induction of Rotary district officers will follow. 

Registration centers for the walk will be at Security Bank of Iligan, Dunkin Donuts-Quezon Avenue, and to all Rotary Club offices. (lvg/PIA 10, LDN/Rotary Club of Iligan-Ma. Cristina)

DTI holds entrepreneurship seminar to OFWs

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 26 -- A total of 20 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) attended an entrepreneurship seminar here recently in the town of Linamon, Lanao del Norte. 

Experts from the business development division (BDD) of the Department of Trade and Industry, Lanao del Norte Provincial Office, conducted the two-day activity to the participants, majority of whom are women working in the Middle East countries, Taiwan, and Malaysia. This is in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Region 10. 

These OFWs plan to have a business of their own through the OWWA financing program, Jaime B. Pa-alisbo, BDD chief said. 

The OFWs were taught the personal entrepreneurial competences and the different aspects of business planning and managing. 

Part of the activity was the conduct of a business simulation through business expenses and savings training game, where participants also experienced being businessmen by trading their products using their planning and marketing strategies. 

“The seminar prepared them to become entrepreneurs and has let them experience the business life,” said the BDD chief. (Luz G. Galda/DTI-LDN/Lorry V. Gabule/PIA 10-LDN)

3,254 households qualify for 4Ps expansion program

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, June 26 (PIA) -- A total 3,254 new set of household beneficiaries here qualified for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 

The new set is under DSWD's expanded program, covering the towns of Mambajao, Catarman, and Guinsiliban, bringing the total number of family beneficiaries to 4,895 for the whole province. 

Camiguin Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Ma. Agnes A. Bohol said a team of 4Ps provincial staff were also installed in the province recently to facilitate the needs of the beneficiaries as well as to monitor the implementation at a higher level of effectiveness and evaluation. 

Gilmar Yamba, 4Ps provincial link officer, disclosed that program beneficiaries in the province were able to achieve 95 percent compliance rate in education and 94 percent on health. 

The 4Ps awards five-year term cash grants to qualified families among poorest households while at the same time, encourages them to invest in education and health by requiring regular attendance of children in school or submission to government health programs. 

Each household receives P6,000 per year or P500 per month for health and nutritional expenses. 

Another P3,000 per year or P300 per month is given for every child in a 10-month period for every year, to a maximum of three children for educational expenses or a total of P1,400 per month for a family with at least three children in school. (JCV-PIA 10)

NCDA, JICA to hold forum on non-handicapping environment

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be holding a forum on non-handicapping environment (NHE) on July 4 and 5 at the Dynasty Court Hotel, here. 

The two-day forum, anchored on the theme, “Making a Path to Non-Handicapping Environment,” aims to orient and advocate NHE to local government units (LGUs) for their adoption and to introduce to them the concept of Universal Design (UD) relative to NHE. 

Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Akiie Ninomiya, executive director of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony. 

The local chief executives (LCEs) of New Lucena in Iloilo province and Opol in Misamis Oriental will also be sharing their experiences and achievements as NHE-pioneer municipalities, along with some testimonials on the impact of NHE by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the said two towns. 

Expected participants are LCEs, municipal social welfare and development officers (MSWDO) and presidents of PWD Federation of the LGUs candidate for NHE expansion, as well as, representatives from related line agencies, chairperson of the Regional Council on Disability Affairs (RCDA), representatives from people’s organizations, and other NHE stakeholders. 

These participants will also be treated to a study tour in Opol town on the morning of July 5. (APB-PIA10)

53^rd founding anniversary of Lanao del Sur kicks off with cultural events

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 27 (PIA) -- The 53rd founding anniversary of the province kicked-off yesterday with a series of shows that depicts the rich Maranao culture. 

According to Provincial Information Officer Nasser Ganda, among the cultural events that marked the start of the week-long celebration are "kataro sa lalag," "kakolintang," and "kasipa sa manggis." 

While the kataro sa lalag (oration) showcases the fascinating Maranao poetry, kakolintang (playing the kolintang), on the other hand, best features the traditional Maranao music. 

Kolintang is an ancient form of musical instrument composed of a set of gongs arranged in a row and played by striking the gongs with two wooden beaters. It is the main instrument of the kolintang ensemble, the other gongs are debakan, agong, gandingan, and babendir. 

Kasipa sa manggis is an indigenous sport where a colorfully decorated, small box-like structure is strung to a rope tied to long bamboo poles. A player would be given the chance to kick the rattan ball towards the structure, and if it falls, the player gets a prize. 

Other cultural shows scheduled until June 29 are "kambayoka," "kapangotiyapi," "kasayaw sa singkil," and "kanggarotaya." 

To add fun to the festivities, sports tournaments such as basketball, badminton, tennis, golf, volleyball, marathon, walkathon, and practical shooting were also lined-up from June 26 to July 3. 

Line agencies in the province will also be showcasing their respective programs and projects through a booth exhibit and display within the New Capitol Complex grounds from June 26 to July 3.

A dialogue between the heads of the line agencies, the provincial government, and the regional government is likewise slated on July 1, which was declared by Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. as Line Agencies Day. 

Meanwhile, the Lanao civil society, spearheaded by the Lanao del Sur Peoples’ Council, will participate in the week-long celebration through tree planting and fish dispersal in Ramain town, and a walk for Ranao on July 2, which was also proclaimed as Solidarity Day in the province. 

Local government units (LGUs) from the municipal down to the barangay level, including the two congressional district offices, will also take part through a special program on July 3, otherwise declared as LGU Day. 

On July 4, a cultural street dancing, and a culmination program with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo as keynote speaker, will cap the week-long celebration. (APB/PIA-10)

DOH 10 calls on LGUs to intensify the anti-dengue campaign

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD), Region 10, has called on the local government units (LGUs) to intensify their anti-dengue information campaign. 

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, Regional Director of DOH-CHD 10, who sounded the call, also challenged the LGUs to activate the Bantay Dengue Brigades in their barangays in the wake of the rising number of dengue cases in the region, especially during this rainy season. 

“And whether it is rainy or not, the LGUs should not lower their guard against the disease and one way of doing it is through the 4S method or the search and destroy, apply self-protection measures, seek early consultation and say ‘no’ to indiscriminate fogging,” Bernadas said. 

Meanwhile, in Misamis Occidental where the 4S campaign against dengue has been intensified, only 45 dengue cases were noted to have been admitted to the different sentinel hospitals of the province, during the period January 1-22. 

This is actually lower by 81.40 percent compared with the 242 dengue cases during the same period in 2011, according to the Dengue Morbidity Report for the 25th Week this year by Dr. David Mendoza, Head of the Regional Epidemiology, Surveillance and Disaster Response Unit (RESDRU), DOH-CHD-10. 

The report also shows that the dengue cases of Mis. Occ.’s three cities were on the downward trend: Tangub, from 56 to four cases or down by 92.86 percent, Ozamiz, from 97 to 16 cases or down by 83.51 percent and Oroquieta City, from 21 to eight cases or down by 61.90 percent. 

Regionwide, a total of 1,424 dengue cases have been noted for the period, higher by 55.29 percent compared to 917 cases, compared to the same period in 2011. However, the number of deaths remained at two, with a case fatality rate of 0.14 percent. 

Of this number, Mis. Occ. accounted for 3.16 percent while the province of Camiguin continued to have the lowest number of three cases or 0.21 percent, Lanao del Norte, 117 cases or 8.21 percent, Bukidnon, 169 cases or 11.86 percent and highest in Misamis Oriental with 1,090 cases or 76.54 percent. 

The other cities of the region also posted these number of cases: Cagayan de Oro, the highest with 757 cases or 53.16 percent, Iligan, 78 cases or 5.47 percent and Gingoog, 37 cases or 2.59 percent; Valencia, 36 cases or 2.52 percent, Ozamiz, 16 cases or 1.12 percent, Malaybalay and El Salvador, 13 cases or 0.91 percent each, Oroquieta, eight cases o 0.56 percent, and lowest was in Tangub with only four cases or 0.28 percent. 

In terms of increase, Bukidnon registered the highest with 284.09 percent, followed by Misamis Oriental, 152.90 percent, but along with Mis. Occ., those in Camiguin went down by 80 percent, and Lanao del Norte, down by 36.76 percent. 

Of the cities, Valencia posted the highest increase of 1700 percent, while Cagayan de Oro increased by 166.55 percent, Gingoog, 146.67 percent, Malaybalay, 116.67 percent, and El Salvador, 30.00 percent, but the cases in Iligan, like those of Tangub, Ozamiz and Oroquieta, went down by 20.41 percent. 

On the other hand, 17 barangays of Cagayan de Oro City, had three or more dengue cases during the past four weeks, namely: Agusan, Balulang, Bugo, Bulua, Camaman-an, Canitoan, Carmen, Cugman, Iponan, Kauswagan, Lapasan, Lumbia, Macasandig, Nazareth, Patag, Puerto and Tablon. 

Mendoza’s report also show that the same number of barangays in the provinces also had three or more dengue cases: Lunao in Gingoog City, Lower Poblacion in Jasaan, Imelda in Villanueva and Poblacion, Casinglot and Sta. Cruz inTagoloan, all of Misamis Oriental; Sumpong in Malaybalay City, Damilag in Manolo Fortich, South Poblacion in Maramag, Poblacion and Lumbo in Valencia City, in Bukidnon; Saray, Tibanga, Tubod and Palao in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. (PIA-Mis. Occ.)

PRC observes July as Blood Donor’s Month

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 27 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Iligan City Chapter, joins the country in celebrating the Blood Donor’s Month in July. 

On the occasion, PRC Iligan has called on individuals in attaining an all-out voluntary blood donation, this city, through the conduct of a Mobile Blood Donation on July 1, Sunday, at the Iligan City Public Plaza. 

This will be a whole day activity, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., said Genevieve C. Amodia, chapter administrator, PRC Iligan. 

"Along this line, we sent out letters and humbly ask the support of at least five or more possible donors from the respective offices," expressed Amodia. 

She said they inspire and emulate men and women to freely and voluntarily donate to help those in need of blood and its components. She added that they also acknowledge selfless individuals and unpaid volunteers who donate their precious blood. 

The month of July has been declared as Blood Donor’s Month under Presidential Proclamation No. 1021 issued last June 9, 1997. 

Anchored to this year’s theme, “Every Blood Donor is a Hero,” it reinforces the urgent need for more people to become life savers by volunteering to donate blood regularly. 

For more queries, donors may call the provincial Red Cross Office at telephone number 223-1065. (lvg/PIA 10-LDN)

Oroquieta’s health program benefit 1800 schoolchildren

By Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 27 (PIA) -- Around 1,800 schoolchildren from the Oroquieta City Central Elementary School (OCCES) have been benefitted by the Bantay Kahimsog sa Kabataan Program (BKKP) and the Lugaw ug Itlog ni Mayor Feeding Program (LIMFP) recently. 

A new program of the city government, the BKKP aims to teach the schoolchildren proper hygiene. 

The LIMFP, on the other hand, is a long-running program of the city government that gives out a concoction of porridge and eggs as supplement food to the schoolchildren of the OCCES. 

Both programs have been implemented through the coordination and cooperation of the city officials and some concerned individuals supported by Governor Herminia Ramiro and Congressman Jorge Almonte of the First District of the province. 

Mayor Almonte said it was Governor Ramiro and Congressman Almonte who provided for the funds in buying the health kits containing vitamins, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and face towel that were distributed to the schoolchildren under the BKKP. 

Oroquieta City Schools Division Superintendent Emmalinda Duhaylungsod thanked the city officials since both programs support the Department of Education's objectives for the health development of the schoolchildren. 

The teachers and parents of the OCCES schoolchildren also thanked the city officials for their efforts in helping them in implementing such programs for their children’s welfare. 

In the same manner, the city officials thanked the Governor and the Congressman Almonte for the success of both programs through their help. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

Creation of student crime prevention body highlights celebration of IDADAIT in Ozamiz

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 28 (PIA) -- Creation of the Student Crime Prevention Committee (SCPC) in Misamis Annex Integrated School (MAIS) highlighted the celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) in the city last June 26. 

The activity was part of the intensified information, education, and communication campaign on illegal drug abuse prevention waged by the Ozamiz City Police Station (OCPS), Police Supt. JonasT. Amparo, chief of OCPS, said. 

Anchored on the slogan “Kalusugan ay Kayamanan: Droga ay Iwasan (Health is Wealth: Avoid Illegal Drugs),” activities of the campaign were conducted relative to the celebration of the IDADAIT observed June 26 of every year. 

This is pursuant to the United Nations declaration dated December 7, 1987 and Presidential Proclamation No. 264 issued last June 1, 1988, Amparo said. 

Personnel of the police community relations/family protection and gender sensitivity/women and children protection desk section and OCPS conducted lectures on the different kinds of prohibited drugs and their effects on the user’s body to the high school and grade school students of MAIS. 

The lectures included the salient features of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2008, anti-illegal drug-abuse prevention, street crime prevention tips, anti-kidnapping tips and kiddy cops. 

Also covered by the lectures were RA 7610 or the special protection of children against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination act, RA 9208 or the Anti-Human Trafficking in Person Act of 2003, the rights of the child and anti-gambling. 

Meanwhile, the SCPC is composed of students in MAIS whose responsibility is to act as the police officers of the school, Amparo added. (PO2 Cheryl Lyn W. Ano-os/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

CDRRMC to schoolchildren: learn the duck, cover and hold technique during earthquake drills

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 28 (PIA) -- Participants of the earthquake drill must not only learn the “duck, cover and hold technique,” but master this, to prepare for any eventuality of disasters or emergencies. 

“This is exactly why the conduct of earthquake drills in schools is done on a quarterly basis, because we want the schoolchildren to know what to do, in the event that an earthquake occur during classes,” said Mark Vincent C. Israel, officer-in charge of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC). 

He said the first earthquake drill for the elementary and secondary pupils for the school year 2012-2013 will take place this Friday, June 29. 

The drill aims to generate the highest level of awareness among the drill participants on disaster risk reduction/climate change adaptation concerns and assess the capacity level of the school to respond to such concerns. 

Particularly, the drill would want to assess the response of the drill participants the moment they hear the siren and whether they know how to practice of the duck, cover and hold technique, during the alarm phase of the drill. 

Among others, the drill also wants to come up with an assessment of the following: whether the participants evacuated during the alarm phase or if they waited for the siren to stop before evacuating; whether they followed the designated routes to the evacuation area or if they run, walked casually or walked faster than normal during the evacuation phase, and brought with them any first aid kits; and whether they conducted a headcount during the headcount phase. 

Israel said the drill also wants to find out how long did it take the drill participants to evacuate the building and reach the evacuation area, or if the evacuation area was big enough to accommodate the evacuees. 

Also to be assessed is whether the drill participants stayed at the evacuation area, moved to other places, or went back to the building without instruction, and whether there was an untoward incident observed during the drill. 

These assessments will be made as inputs for the next drills to be conducted in the future, so that the disaster risks can be reduced to prevent the loss of lives and properties during disasters, Israel added. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

DOLE calls on media to take action against child labor

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here called on members of media to take a more active step to help reduce, if not eliminate, child labor. 

Noting the crucial role of media in strengthening anti-child labor action, Rodrigo A. Deloso, head of the DOLE Misamis Oriental west office, said media can actively seek information about child labor, and make exciting and unique releases that will draw immediate action. 

He said that media organizations can provide media coverage and help in information dissemination to create a sense of urgency. They can also provide a venue for the discussion and clarification of issues and program responses to alleviate current situation of child laborers. 

To guide media in reporting about child labor, DOLE-10 bared relevant information on child labor in a media interactive forum June 26 at the DOLE Regional Office 10 WODP Training Center, this city. 

Deloso said child labor refers to any work or economic activity performed by a child that subjects him/her to any form of exploitation or is harmful to his/her health and safety or physical, mental, or psychosocial development. “It is different from child work because it deprives the children their rights to health and education and exposes them to constant long hours of work and serious hazards,” he said. 

According to him, child work is allowed but under certain conditions. The general rule is that those below 15 years old shall not be employed; however, they can be permitted to work provided they work directly under the sole responsibility of their parents or legal guardians and where only members of their family are employed; the child’s employment does not endangers his/her life, safety, health morals, or impairs his/her normal development; and the child is provided by the parent or guardian with the prescribed elementary and secondary education. 

Where the child’s participation is for public entertainment or information, Deloso said, a contract should be concluded by the parent/guardian with the express agreement of the child concerned and with the approval of the DOLE. The employers should also ensure the protection, health, safety, morals, and normal development of the child, and institute measures to prevent exploitation or discrimination. 

He added that children aged 15 to below 18 years of age are permitted to work but not in undertaking that is hazardous in nature, not more than 40 hours a week and not more than eight hours a day. They are not also allowed to work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. of the following day, while those 18 years old and above may be employed but subject to labor standards such as minimum wage and hours of work, among others. 

Deloso said all forms of slavery, sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom, and forced or compulsory labor, including recruitment of children for use in armed conflict are considered the worst forms of child labor. 

Other worst forms include the use, procuring, offerin,g or exposing of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography, or for pornographic performances; use, procuring, or offering of a child for illegal or illicit activities, including the production and trafficking of dangerous drugs and volatile substances prohibited under existing laws; and work that, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is hazardous or likely to be harmful to the health, safety, or morals of children. 

Other than the offended party or the parents/guradians and relative within the third degree, Deloso said representatives of licensed child-caring institution; social workers; three responsible citizens; or the barangay chairman where the abuse occurred or where the child resides can file complaint for violations of the anti-child labor law. (APB-PIA 10)

15 candidates vie for Miss Ozamiz City Tourism 2012

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 29 (PIA) -- At least 15 female candidates vying for the title of Miss Ozamiz City Tourism 2012 have been presented at Naomi’s Botanical Gardens, this city. 

These 15 candidates stood out from among the 51 young ladies who represented each of the city’s 51 barangays. 

The titleholder will then become the Ambassador of Goodwill and will help promote Ozamiz City in the field of tourism. 

This is in line with the celebration of the city's 64th charter anniversary. 

Activities included in the search are the swim wear and Subanen attire competitions and the grand coronation night, to be held on July 14 at Medina Gymnasium, this city. 

Aside from the Search for Miss Ozamiz City Tourism 2012, there will also be the Subayan Keg Subanen Festival 2012 to highlight the celebration, Jaime Tomada, Human Resource Management Officer of Ozamiz, said. (Pat Nano/Juvy Lungay Canumay/RCA/PIO/CIO/PIA 10-Mis. Occ.) 

DSWD allots P15.75M for KALAHI-CIDSS projects

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

PANAON, Misamis Occidental, June 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allotted P15.75 million for the Kabisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) projects in Panaon and Calamba, Misamis Occidental this year. 

Of this amount, P7.2 million goes to the town of Panaon, while P8.55 million goes to Calamba, said Araceli F. Solamillo, regional director of the DSWD-10. 

This is stipulated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed recently by Governor Herminia Ramiro together with Atty. Araceli Solamillo, Regional Director and Aldersey Dela Cruz, Asst. Regional Director of DSWD-10. 

The said MOA was also signed by Mayor Miriam Paylaga of Panaon and Mayor Luisito Villanueva Jr. of Calamba. 

Previously, the towns of Bonifacio, Lopez Jaena and Sinacaban, all of Misamis Occidental, were made beneficiaries of KALAHI-CIDSS Project under the so-called counter-parting scheme wherein the local government units have to put up an equity or counterpart for the projects. 

The towns of Panaon and Calamba may then have to provide equity of about P2 to P3 million, Solamillo said, while DSWD-10 will take charge of conducting the trainings to help capacitate the barangay folks with the needed skills to supervise the implementation of the projects. 

These will include the trainings on financial management and preparation of project proposals, canvassing, bookkeeping, accounting, etc. 

Thus, the project proposals should be submitted to DSWD-10 within eight months. Under the KALAHI-CIDSS residents vote for priority projects that are needed to be done in their area. 

Governor Ramiro thanked DSWD-10 for their efforts in bringing the KALAHI-CIDSS projects to the other areas and barangays of the province. 

She also thanked DSWD for the other programs implemented in the province that benefitted the poor and helped reduce poverty, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Self-Employment Assistance. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

ARMM officials condemn killing of peace activist

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 29 (PIA) -- Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) denounced the shooting of a peace activist last Wednesday night. 

Governor Mujiv Hataman, officer-in-charge of ARMM yesterday condemned the killing of Jesus Dillo, a peace activist turned development consultant for the regional government. 

ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly Speaker Rasol Mitmug Jr, along with Assemblywoman Rahima Datumanong-Alba of the second district of Maguindanao and Women Sectoral Representative Samira Gutoc-Tomawis echoed the condemnation. 

Involved in different foreign and locally funded development and peace advocacy programs in the region, Dillo is a great loss not only for those who are close to him, but also to those who have been with him on his journey in pushing for reforms in the regional government and its constituents, Hataman said. 

At nightfall on June 27, Dillo was shot by unidentified gunmen riding in tandem along Happy Homes Main Road here. Dillo, who also went by the name Raffy Nabre, is the Executive Director DevCon, a civil society organization, and also the founder of the local peace group Kambayabaya Foundation. 

He is one of the forefront members of the Reform ARMM Now Movement, a coalition of civil society organizations that advocates for a thorough restructuring of ARMM’s political-administrative makeup, review of national-ARMM policies, and support to the peace process. 

For the loss of an active, socially involved citizen and strong supporter of the government’s reform agenda, Hatman, Mitmug, Alba, and Gutoc-Tomawis urged the authorities to conduct speedy and thorough investigation on crime. 

"The killers and the masterminds, whoever they may be, should be brought to the bar of justice," said Alba, herself a peace activist, like Dillo. (BPI-ARMM/APB, PIA-10)

US assists 10 Mindanao companies to meet global export standards

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental, June 29 (PIA) -- United States Ambassador Harry K. Thomas Jr. recognized 10 companies in Mindanao that obtained the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 certifications. 

In a press statement, this recognition came following assistance from the United States Agency for international development. 

HACCP is a system that ensures food production meets safety requirements to protect public health, whereas ISO 17025 makes sure that laboratories that test products meet certain requirements. 

The 10 companies were Vjandep Foods, Perfectly Natural Herbs Corp., Lucille’s Food Products, Renova Foods, San Isidro Cooperative, Lao Integrated Farms, Magpet Agro-Industrial Cooperative, Magsilum ARC Cooperative, Fast Laboratories, and Philexport Quality Control Laboratory. 

Present at the event were The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Secretary Luwalhati Antonino and Department of Trade and Industry Officer in-Charge Linda Boniao. 

“By meeting the stringent food quality and safety requirements for HACCP certification, you increase the prospects of entering new export markets and selling to the world’s most discriminating buyers,” Thomas said during the awarding ceremony at N Hotel. 

Since the launching of certification assistance project, USAID has successfully assisted 24 companies in obtaining HACCP and ISO 17025 certification. Total collective increase in sales of these companies is estimated at $20 million. 

“The U.S. government, through USAID, is enabling Mindanao firms and business support organizations to expand exports and create jobs and opportunities to help the region achieve broad-based and inclusive economic growth,” Steele said. (US Embassy Manila Public Affairs Section/PIA 10)

IPM-DA warns Mis. Occ. Farmers of newly discovered pests

By Pat Nano

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, June 29 (PIA) -- The Integrated Pest Management of the Department of Agriculture (IPM-DA) said it has discovered new pests here that could bring harm to farmlands in the province. 

One of these pests is called the Rice Green Bulk, which is more dangerous than the Black Bug, according to Dr. Jesus Binamira, National IPM Program Officer. 

Binamira said they have no idea, yet, where the pests come from or what produces them, but that it has already infected some areas in the provinces of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, particularly the Agusan provinces. 

Aside from the Rice Green Bulk, DA is now looking for ways how to get rid of the pests that has infected some of the fruit trees, especially lanzones. 

The lastest IPM report revealed that hectares of lanzones' plantations of Negros, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental and Zambonga provinces have been affected, Binamira said. 

The IPM is continuing investigation on the pests and how to protect the lanzones trees from being infested by the pests, he added. (PIO/PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)

64^th IB spearheads turn-over of renovated school building

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 29 (PIA) -- The 64th Infantry Battalion (64th IB) of the Philippine Army spearheaded the turn-over of the newly renovated school building that was burned down last May. 

The three-classroom building, including school chairs, were turned-over to the school administrator of Pantar Primary School in Barangay Pantar, Piagapo town here last June 26. 

The turn-over ceremony and inauguration was participated in by local officials and leaders, as well as parents and teachers aiming for the resumption of peaceful living in the said barangay. 

Lt.Col. Dario Bucawit, commanding officer of the 64th IB said the renovation and turn-over was a joint undertaking of the 64th IB and municipal government of Piagapo. 

"Helping in the renovation of the building showed our firm commitment to give the best service to the local folks in our areas of operation in support to the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) or Oplan Bayanihan," he said. 

Asnawi Bato, municipal vice-mayor, and the incumbent Association of Barangay Councils President Ambroussi Macatanong reiterated the importance of education in improving the lives of their constituents. 

They also gave assurance to the local folks that they will do their best to bring the perpetrators who burned down the building of the unlawful act to justice. (With report from 64th IB/APB, PIA-10)