DSWD observes 7th National Awareness for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

By Rosanel Pague

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10 and local government units of Northern Mindanao observed Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week through several advocacy activities in Gingoog City.

Proclamation 731, series of 1996 declares the 2nd week of February as National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation also known as Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Week.

This year’s theme is: “Child Pornography Wakasan! Sa tamang paggamit ng Internet, Bata ay Gabayan (End child pornography! Guide children on the proper use of internet).”

Local government units and the social welfare and development team leaders of DSWD initiated a motorcade in Valencia City, hung streamers and did radio guestings.

The advocacy of the government puts emphasis on the importance of quality time of parents for their children and parental guidance in the use of the internet, an open environment for children to be abused and exploited by internet predators. (Rosanel Pague/RTP/PIA 10)

CSC-10 reminds state workers to file SALN before April 30

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office 10 reminded all state workers in the region to submit their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) before April 30.

CSC-10 Regional Director Lourdes Clavite-Vidal reiterated that the revised SALN form will be used for declaration of properties and other required disclosure.

The Commission has earlier issued CSC memorandum Circular No. 2, s. 2013 on the use of the revised SALN form as well as the prescribed guidelines in the filing out of the form.

The SALN, which is a declaration of assets, liabilities, and business or financial interests of a state worker, should reflect information as of December 31, 2012.

The submission is required by law under the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees.

Failure to submit SALN is punishable with suspension of one to six months for the first offense and dismissal from service for the second offense.

Vidal clarified that the submission of SALN is still lodged with the appropriate government agency mentioned under Section 8 of RA 6713 such as the Office of the President, Office of the Ombudsman and the CSC as the case may be.

The revised SALN form, guidelines in the filing out of the form, and other attachments may be downloaded from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. (APB/PIA10)

DTI MisOr destroys uncertified Christmas lights and helmets

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental Provincial Office (DTI-MisOr) destroyed on Tuesday, an estimated P79,700 worth of uncertified Christmas lights and P80,000 worth of substandard helmets confiscated last year during its Task Force Monitoring in the city.

Out of the 35 business establishments selling Christmas lights, nine committed violation and out of 23 business establishments for motorcycle helmets, three were found non-compliant.

According to DTI, these business establishments have violated the Bureau of Product Standards or RA 4109 otherwise known as the Philippine Standardization Law, and Executive Order (EO) No. 133.

The BPS is the National Standards Body of the Philippines established by Republic Act (RA) No. 4109.

It is mandated to develop, implement, and coordinate standardization activities in the Philippines. It is primarily involved in standards development, product certification, and standards implementation/promotion to raise the quality and global competitiveness of Philippine products at the same time to protect the interests of consumers and businesses.

Aside from confiscating these items, DTI also imposed penalties to identified violators. Imposed penalties amounted to P180,000 to Christmas lights retailers and P52,500 to the retailers of substandard helmets.

DTI is reiterating that all Christmas lights/lighting chains and Motorcycle Helmets should bear the appropriate ICC stickers/PS Mark as required under RA 4109, DTI DAO 02:2007, DTI:DAO 05:2008.

Further, Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certificates should be available for inspection at all times. (JMOR/PIA10)

Sci-fun Caravan goes to Lanao del Norte

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Lanao del Norte is hosting the Sci-Fun Caravan, a travelling science exhibition of 42 interactive exhibits from February 26 to March 15, 2013.

It aims to inspire students, teachers and families to get to know and better appreciate science and technology and its relevance in our daily lives.

Gov. Khalid Q. Dimaporo said in his message during the opening of the exhibit that this is the second time that they’ve invited the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology (PFST) at the Mindanao Civic Center (MCC) gymnasium in Tubod, this province. The first was way back 2006 during the administration of former Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo.

The province expects around 1,500 individuals of all ages per day to visit and experience the stimulating environment where they can increase their appreciation and understanding of science and its applications.

May M. Pagsinohin, managing director of the Sci-Fun Caravan Travelling Science Centrum (SFC-TSC) expressed her appreciation to the governor for accepting to host the Caravan, maximizing awareness of science and technology among the general public and the Filipino youth in general who will play an active role in shaping the future of the nation.

The Sci-Fun Caravan is a travelling science exhibition component of the Philippine Science Centrum, the premiere science center-museum in the country. Through “hands-on” interactive exhibits and activities, the SFC-TSC has brought a unique medium for science and technology learning to 50 cities and provinces. It has registered more than a million visitors since its first travel in 1995.

The following are some of the 42 interactive exhibits in the caravan: 3D tic tac toe, animal sounds, anti-gravity mirror, coin reflection, magnetic chain reaction, finger tingler, “touch me if you can,” pedal generator, plasma sphere, magnetic suction, steady hand game, color or words, pupil of the eye, dancing worms, frozen shadows, shadow geometry, trapezoidal window, calypso reef, subjective shapes and “your nose knows.”

Technical Supervisor Nelson Natividad of PFST said visitors will undergo briefing prior to the hands-on activity inside the MCC gym where the exhibits are placed.

Natividad said the caravan goes to Mindanao six times a year. The PFST was designated by the Department of Education (DepEd) as the lead agency of the Science for the Masses Program under its Education for All (EFA) program. Other PFST programs are the Adventures in Discovery and Sci-Fun Caravan travelling exhibits, Sci-Arts program and Teaching Science Through Interactive and Integrated Approaches, among others.

The PFST has assisted the establishment of 12 regional science centrums in key areas of the country in order to raise consciousness on science and technology on a nationwide scale. The foundation also provided inputs in the development of national programs of other agencies such as Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DepEd and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

PFST’s mission is to promote science and technology consciousness among the public as well as complement and supplement formal science education in the country. It envisions an environment that favors the development of a science culture among Filipinos for productivity and nation-building.

PFST was established in 1984 in response to the call of the government for private sector support in creating an environment of science consciousness and literacy among the populace, making the people, specifically the youth, aware of and responsive to the call of national development. (LVG/PIA10-LDN)

RDC 10 sectoral committees review budget proposals for FY 2014

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The four sectoral committees of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Region 10 convened yesterday for a budget consultation and review.

They reviewed the projects and budgets of national/regional government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the region for fiscal year (FY) 2014.

RDC 10 Co-chairperson Arsenio L. Sebastian III said the purpose of the consultation was to ensure that the proposed programs, projects and activities of the agencies, GOCCs and SUCs in the region are consistent with the Regional Development Plan and supportive to the Philippine Development Plan’s goal of inclusive growth.

Sebastian added that the consultation aims to know whether the on-going programs and projects have benefited the most deserving beneficiaries like what impact did these projects have on farmers living in mountainous areas or the marginal fishermen in fishing villages of the region.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) presented their programs and budget proposals for the Macro and Development Administration Committee while the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and National Housing Authority (NHA) presented theirs for the Social Development Committee.

The Social Development Committee also reviewed the priority programs, projects and corresponding budgets of SUCs like the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) and Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST), among others.

Other presenters were the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Economic Development Committee while the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) presented their budget proposals to the Infrastructure Development Committee.

Engineer Alan L. Olavides, chief economic development specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region, said the parameters that were considered in reviewing the programs, projects, activities and budgets were not only efficiency and effectiveness but also relevance and sustainability.

He said they also looked into the extent of which the objectives of a development intervention were consistent with the beneficiary requirements or the needs of the region or the community, as well as the probability of continued long-term benefits.

The sector committee recommendations will be presented by the respective chairpersons to the RDC 10 during its full council meeting on March 12 for confirmation and endorsement to the concerned agency’s central offices.

The budget review was in line with the RDC’s mandate as provided for in Executive Order 325 which states that RDCs shall review and endorse to the national government the annual budgets of agency regional offices, state colleges and universities and special development authorities. (APB/PIA-10)

PCGE calls for 'Mga Bagong Rizal Pag-asa ng Bayan' 2013 nominees

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine Center for Gifted Education Inc. is now open to nominations for the Search for “Mga Bagong Rizal: Pag-asa ng Bayan” Award 2013.

The PCGE decided to make the search a biennial event after successfully mounting it in 2011.

The event is a search for children and youth who exude exemplary performance in their own fields. They are gathered for activities that will boost their leadership skills and acquaint them further with the life of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

PCGE said the nominees can be from grade three to college level in a public or private school, vocational course or an out-of-school youth (OSY).

He or she should belong to the top five percent of their class; for OSYs, the top five percent of last class attended or has been recognized for their outstanding ability or excellence in one or more of the multiple intelligences confirmed through local, regional, national and international awards.

He or she should also have an existing project or is actively involved in an activity that shows concern for others; has shown commitment to school, community, regional or national goals through documented involvement in projects and activities; has shown exemplary behavior, conduct, values and interpersonal relationship skills and has shown leadership potential.

The nominee should be willing to perform the duties and obligations that come with being chosen as the “Bagong Rizal” 2013.

Meanwhile, the nominator can be any Filipino residing in the Philippines, a school, a community like a barangay, socio-civic organizations, religious groups, government and non-government agencies.

Nominees are required to submit a duly accomplished nomination form with picture, recommendations from three persons who know the nominee, awards, pictures, documents to support the award and a one page essay answering the question: "Why do you think you deserve to be one of the 17 Mga Bagong Rizal Awardees?"

All nominations and supporting documents should not be more than 50 pages and should be addressed and mailed to the Regional Development Council where the nominee resides. Nomination period is from January 15 to April 15.

Self-nomination will not be allowed. (JMOR/PIA10)

CAAP proposes new terminal fee for Laguindingan Airport

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO, March 5 (PIA) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area Center 9 today conducted a public hearing on the proposed terminal fee for Laguindingan Airport which will open soon in Misamis Oriental.

The proposed terminal fee or passenger service charge for the new airport is P200 for domestic travels and P700 for international travels.

Engineer Raul G. Glorioso, CAAP vice chair, said one basis of the terminal fee is for cost recovery.

In Republic Act (RA) 9497 or the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2008, CAAP is given fiscal autonomy. All revenues earned by CAAP will be used solely by the authority in its operations, maintenance and development of airports nationwide.

Glorioso said they do not receive a subsidy from the national government but they rely on their own income.

In RA 9497, CAAP is also authorized to have their own fees and charges and can only increase every three years.

After the public hearing, the board will consult with the director general to determine, fix, impose, collect or receive reasonable charges, fees, dues or assessments with respect to aviation certificates, licenses and all other authorizations or permissions authorized to be issued under RA 9497 and all services performed by the authority.

Glorioso said consultations on the terminal fee will be prioritized since the fee will be implemented once the airport is opened. CAAP also intends to strategize and study on concessions as part of the income generating factor for the airport.

He added that the terminal fee will not recover investment but only the operations of the airport.

The Laguindingan Airport Development Project is a new trunkline airport of international standards located in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Project components of the airport include civil works and buildings, air navigation system and support facilities (ANSSF), consulting services, construction of access road and right-of-way (RoW) acquisition resettlement.

The construction of civil works started last January 18, 2008 and will finish in June 30, 2013 while the construction of ANSSF is from March 2013 to May 2014. (JMOR/PIA10)

Lanao del Sur solon calls for peaceful resolution of Sabah issue

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- A congressman in Lanao del Sur has appealed to the national government to urgently coordinate with the Malaysian government to resolve the Sabah issue and exhaust all means necessary to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Sabah. 

Representative Pangalian M. Balindong of the 2nd District of Lanao del Sur in a statement said the only way to resolve the Sabah issue is through a peaceful and diplomatic approach. He added that this should be the first priority of the national government. 

He urged the Sultan of Sulu and his followers to return to Sulu and continue the struggle for Sabah through peaceful and diplomatic initiatives. 

“I humbly urge the Sultan of Sulu to command his followers to end the standoff and prevent unnecessary bloodshed and damage to regional peace,” he said. 

Balindong said the use of force will resolve nothing. 

“This act of provocation and aggression by our brothers neither advances a viable resolution regarding historic claims on Sabah nor does it push forward our collective yearning for lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said. (APB/PIA10)

Comelec allows incumbent officials to retain services of security personnel

By: Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Mar. 5 (PIA) – Incumbent members of the House of Representatives and Provincial Governors, whether or not running for

re-election, have been allowed to retain the services of their security detail from government agencies.

This provision is stipulated in Resolution No. 9608 of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) which has amended its ruling on the employment, availment or engagement of the services of security personnel or bodyguards during the election period for the May 13, 2013 elections.

The said amendment was made in order to properly implement Section 261 (q) of the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Bilang. 881), Atty. Stalin A. Baguio, Provincial Elections Supervisor of Misamis Occidental, said, during the recent meeting of the Joint Provincial Security Control Center (JPSCC) held in the City.

Pursuant to Resolution 9608, incumbent members of the House of Representatives and Provincial Governors, whether or not running- for re-election or for another elective office, shall be allowed to retain the services of the officers or members of government agencies.

This is provided that the regular securitv complement have been provided bv the officers or members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or other government law enforcement agencies for at least one (1) year at the time of the promulgation of the said Resolution.

Provided, also that, the said public officials shall be allowed to retain the services of a

maximum of two (2) currently detailed officers or members of said law enforcement government agencies.

In case where the securitv situation of said incumbent officials warrant the augmentation of additional securitv personnel, said public officials may apply for the authority to employ, avail or engage the services of additional securitv personnel or bodyguard from dulv licensed and accredited privately-owned or operated securitv, investigative, protective or intelligence agencies in accordance with the procedures in this resolution. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)