President Aquino congratulates Gilas Pilipinas for winning over South Korea in FIBA semifinals match

President Benigno S. Aquino III extended his personal congratulations to Team Gilas Pilipinas who won over rival South Korea in the semifinals of the Federacion Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) Asia Cup held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday night, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, Valte said the President also extended his best wishes and prayers for the Philippine team as it goes up against Iran for gold later tonight.

“The President extends his congratulations on the win of Gilas last night against South Korea,” Valte said.

“He wishes all the best for Gilas at gusto po din ipaalam ng Pangulong Noy na our prayers are with the team as they face off against Iran, ‘yung huli nating (kalaban), mamayang gabi. And, of course, nonetheless, sigurado na po tayong qualified tayo for the World championships in Spain in 2014,” she added.

A win by the Philippines tonight ensures Team Gilas Pilipinas a shot at taking the FIBA World Cup that will be held in Spain next year.

Malacanang announces new appointments in government

Malacanang announced on Sunday a new batch of appointments to various positions in government.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte made the announcement in a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Those appointed include: Marco Antonio Luisito V. Sardillo III as Administratior of the Intramuros Administration; Grace M. Tan as Commissioner, 5th Division of the National Labor Relations Commission; Libertad P. Garcia as Director IV (CHED), vice Enrique P. Grecia; Vicente B. Tuddao Jr. as Director III of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Rizalino Jose Rosales as Acting Director III of the Department of Education;

Valente Bajet as Acting Local Government Operations Officer VIII of the Department of Interior and Local Government; Roberto Basco as Assistant Regional Director of the Cordillera Administrative Region; Cora Asa, Maria Ines Asuncion, Maria Antonia Diaz, Reynaldo Gico, Reynaldo Manuel, Jr., Edwin Maribojoc, Dee Silva, as Acting Assistant Schools Division Superintendents of DepEd;

Raul Conde Asis as Career Executive Service Officer rank; Imelda Villar, member, Board of Psychology; Ma. Elizabeth Callanta, member, Board of Veterinary Medicine; Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, member, Board of Directors, National Power Corporation; Conrado SIllada, member, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor; and Raymundo Talento, Director IV, National Statistical Coordination Board.

Palace assures government ready for onslaught of typhoon 'Labuyo'

Malacanang said on Sunday that the government was ready for any effects the country may encounter as a result of typhoon “Labuyo” (international codename: Utor) passing through Luzon during the next 24-hours.

In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abail Valte called on local government units expected to feel the effects of the said weather disturbance to prepare the necessary calamity reaction units in order to assist any of their constituents.

“Nakahanda na po ang NDRRMC (National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council) at ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan para tumulong o magbigay ng ayuda doon sa mga area na kakailanganin,” Valte said.

“So maghanda tayong lahat para maiwasan natin ang aberya,” she added.

In its weather update as of 11am, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said typhoon Labuyo, which has maximum sustained winds at 150 kph, was located 160 kilometers Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes and is expected to be within the vicinity of Casiguran, Aurora by Monday morning.

“Alamang” from Murcielagos Bay, Misamis Occidental is still unsafe to eat – BFAR

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- All types of shellfish and “alamang”” or minute shrimps, commonly called “uyap” or “uyabang” gathered from Murcielagos Bay continues to be unsafe for human consumption.

Hence, the public is again advised “not to harvest,” “not to eat,” “not to sell” and “not to buy” shellfish or alamang from Murcielagos Bay, which is located at the boundary of Misamis Occidental in region 10 and Zamboanga del Norte, region 9, Atty. Asis G. Perez, Director of BFAR, said.

This warning is published in this year’s Shellfish Bulletin No. 18, dated July 26 of BFAR, after the latest laboratory results show that the shellfish collected in the area have been found still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit.

However, fish, squids, shrimps and crabs gathered from the area are safe to eat, provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly and their internal organs, such as, gills and intestines, are removed before cooking, Perez said.

Also unsafe to eat are the shellfish collected in the following areas: Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur, Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, coastal waters of Calbayog City, Cambatutay Bay and Irong-Irong Bay, all of Western Samar, Masinloc Bay, Zambales, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and Balite Bay, Mati, Davao Oriental.

Meanwhile, BFAR said the following coastal waters in Mindanao have been found to be free from toxic red tide, therefore, the shellfish gathered from these areas are safe to eat:

Taguines Lagoon in Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin Island and Hinatuan, Bislig and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

DTI-MOR to hold Pre-Fiesta Diskwento Caravan

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry – Misamis Oriental provincial office (DTI-MOR), will be holding another diskwento caravan dubbed Pre-Fiesta Diskwento: Presyong Panalo Para Sa Mamimiling Pilipino on August 15 to 16, Thursday to Friday, at Magsaysay Park, Divisoria, this city.

After the success of the previous Diskwento Caravan here on June 14 to 15 which generated an aggregate of P318,980.93 in total sales, exceeding that of the two previous caravans in 2012, this pre-fiesta diskwento caravan is seen to top all sales since more suppliers have committed to participate.

This activity will once again give the buying public much affordable offers for their daily needs.

Led by DTI-MOR, this event promises to be a hit for both locals and visitors alike especially that the city fiesta is upcoming.

Consumers are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Not only can they expect of unique premium offers such as: buy one take one, freebie or give-away items; but also of, deep discount slashes ranging from 10-50% off on basic and prime commodities such as rice, cooking oil, bread, canned goods, processed meat, detergent bars, soaps and shampoos, school supplies, school bag, shoes and many more.

DTI-MOR assures the public, that this Pre-Fiesta Diskwento Caravan will not be the last for 2013 since another will take-off end quarter of this year. (DTI-MOR/JMOR/PIA10)

Lanao Norte kicks-off Family Planning Month

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Aug 8 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) led the kick-off parade as the province joins in celebrating Family Planning Month in August.

According to Provincial Family Planning Coordinator Annie Lim, the month-long event aims to promote proper understanding of Family Planning which includes proper care for mothers, pregnant women, infants, and the involvement of men in the process.

Activities lined-up for the month include free clinic, medical mission, and Family Planning counseling in 18 municipalities of Lanao del Norte.

This has been our activity as part of our health promotion campaign. As employees of the provincial government we made it a point to be aware of our health advocacy, through the family planning program,” said Lim.

Meanwhile, a power point presentation emphasizing the rationale of Family Planning was presented to capitol employees as a jump start of PHO’s action plan for its activities. (lvg/KHM/PIO LDN/PIA-10, LDN)

DOLE issues rules on payment of wages for Aug. 9 & 26 holidays

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 8 (PIA) – Proclamation No. 459 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III, last year, declared Aug. 26, 2013, National Heroes Day, as regular holiday, throughout the country.

Per Proclamation No. 629, the President again declared Aug. 9, 2013, Eid’l Fitr, Feast of Ramadan, a regular holiday throughout the country, to promote cultural understanding and integration and give  the entire Filipino nation the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of the occasion.

Thus, payment of the daily wages on these regular holidays will be covered by the rules enumerated in Labor Advisory No. 6, s. of 2012, signed by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapiles-Baldoz of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

These rules, DOLE Provincial Director Jose G. Robles said, are as follows: If the employee did not work, he/she shall be paid 100% of his/her salary for that day [(Daily rate + Cost of Living Allowance) x 100%].

If the employee worked, he/she shall be paid 200% or his/her regular salary for that day for the first eight hours [(Daily rate + COLA) x 200%].

If the employee worked in excess of eight (8) hours overtime work, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her hourly rate on said day [Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 200% x 130% number of hours worked].

If the employee worked during a regular holiday that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her daily rate of 200% [(Daily rate + COLA) x 200%] + [30% (Daily rate x 200%)].

If the employee worked in excess of eight hours overtime work, during a regular holiday that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional 30% of his/her hourly rate on said day (Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x 200% x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked). (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Human dev't program to be implemented in Lanao Norte

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Aug 8 (PIA) -- A five-month long training program on Human Resource (HR) Development Planning will soon be implemented in Lanao del Norte.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) will facilitate the capacity-building program funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAiD) through its implementing arm Philippines Australia Human Resource and Organization Development Facility (PAHRODF).

“We are really thankful that Lanao del Norte has been identified as one of the provinces to undergo this essential training. I believe that this (training) will make us a more efficient organization and enable us to give better public service to our constituents,” provincial administrator Joselito Quibranza said.

We are the third province to benefit from the training this year; the two other are Aklan and Davao del Norte, Quibranza added.

For Lanao del Norte, the set of activities will start this month until December.

Components of the training include Orientation to Top management and Launching, Strategic HR Planning, Strategic HR session for the Department Heads and Supervisors, Training Facilitation and Presentation Skills, Training and Coaching on managing HR Intervention, Validation of Strategic HR Plan, Training on HRD Planning, Benchmarking, Coaching and Mentoring, Presentation of Draft HRD Plan with Budgetary Requirements to Top Management, Enhancement of the Output, Integration Activity and Calibration, and Submission of Final Outputs.

Participants in the HRD training will be department heads, supervisors, and provincial council members.

An Orientation to Top Management was scheduled on August 7 with Vice-Governor Ma. Cristina Atay, acting HRMO Eugenie Pusing, provincial board members, department heads, along with DAP team leader Ma. Constante Perfecto, in attendance. This was held at the Mindanao Civic Center Hotel Function hall, this province.

Lanao del Norte is also a beneficiary-province of Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF), a sister agency of PAHRODF operating under the auspices of AusAID. (Vincent N. Labial/lvg/VNL/PIO-LDN/PIA-10, LDN)

Ozamiz disaster council is in top 3 Best CDRRMC

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 7 (PIA) -- The Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) is among the top three national winners of the National Level Search for Gawad Kalasag Awards, “Best CDRRMC, Component City” category.

The Team of National Evaluators (TNE) is now determining which of the three: Legaspi City in Albay for Luzon, Bago City in Negros Occidental for Visayas, and Ozamiz City in Mindanao will get the first, second and third places in the said awards said Patricio S. De Quiros, leader of the evaluators.

The Regional Committee for Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) declared the Ozamiz DRRMC, Best DRRMC, Component City Category for its outstanding performance in promoting and implementing significant DRR and Climate Change Adaptation (CAA) Programs for 2011 and 2012. In 2012, it has advanced to the national level.

Meanwhile, the validation by the TNE concerned the four aspects of disaster management, namely, prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation and recovery, Mark Vincent C. Israel, CDRRM Officer, said.

Covered under mitigation and preparedness were the availability of the hazard, risk and resource maps, data base of vulnerable families, insurance of government properties and equipment and involvement of civil society/non-government organizations (CSO/NGO).

The TNE went to Kinuman Norte to conduct an ocular inspection of the Organic Fertilizer Production Project and Goat-Rising Project in the area and to Barangay Guimad to see the makeshift Guimad Elementary School, after it was recommended for closure by the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) because it was in a risky position to a landslide.

Also validated by the TNE were the tree planting/growing project using banyan and bamboo trees and revetment along Labo River to prevent soil erosion, the Early Warning System for floods in Barangay Baňadero, and the construction of box culverts of Villa Consuelo, among others. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

DA exec says there is no rice shortage in NorMin

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Regional Executive Director Lealyn A. Ramos of the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) shrugged off reports on rice shortage in the region.

In a statement, Ramos said latest price monitoring results conducted by its Agribusiness Assistance Division bared an increase P0.50/kilo for regular milled rice for the period August 1-6, 2013.

Major public markets in the city are selling well-milled rice ranging from P38-40; regular milled rice at P32-37; premium rice at P40-45 and fancy rice at P42-45.

“Stocks of different rice varieties are also visibly displayed in the market that denotes abundance in the supply of rice,” she said.

Ramos clarified that the increase of prices during the lean months should not be used as indication of rice insufficiency in the region.

National Food Authority (NFA) Regional Director Miguel C. Wycoco likewise guaranteed that there is enough supply of rice in Northern Mindanao.

As of August 5, stock inventories positioned in the different NFA bodegas in the region reached 755,686 bags of rice at 50 kilos per bag.

Both agencies, however, assured the public for continuous monitoring of supplies and prices of rice in the market and undertake necessary measures to stabilize the prices and stocks of rice in the region. (JCV/PIA-10)

P8M reef bud project starts in Camiguin

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Some 450 reef buds were installed in three sites here, after typhoon Pablo ravaged the Cantaan Giant Clam Sanctuary and shattered live coral cover in the island, last year.

Each unit is a mixture of both organic and inorganic composite artificial reef, molded in coconut husk to mimic underwater calcification.

This project was initiated to demonstrate application of successful coral reef rehabilitation technology. A technique, along with other local management intervention, devised to improve the country’s ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.

The Philippine Coral Reef Resources Assessment and Conservation Program (PhilCORE) implemented this in the province along with Boracay and Verde Island in Batangas.

It released P8-million for Camiguin through the Department of Environment and Natural Resource – Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB), while the Sangkalikasan Cooperative likewise spearheaded the actual rehabilitation activities through the fabrication and deployment of reef buds, coral asexual reproduction, and training of local beneficiaries.

Sangkalikasan Group Marine Biologist Elpidio Olaer III said site assessment and validation activities were conducted prior to the dropping of the buds to avoid adverse impact on adjacent coral reefs.

Olaer noted that it takes around 150 reef buds to cover a single hectare, with droppings gauged at an average of 10-20 units per day by use of modified bamboo rafts or balsa.

“Considering the funds and mobility of the team, deployment of reef buds will temporarily cover selected Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of Mambajao, after which will be replicated to other areas in the province,” he added.(JCV/PIA)

DTI to conduct info sessions on how to do business in free trade areas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 8 -- The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) in partnership with DTI Region 10 will conduct a series of information sessions on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) through its “Doing Business in Free Trade Area” (DBFTA) program on August 13 at N Hotel here, August 14 in Iligan and August 15 in Ozamiz.

The program is a massive advocacy campaign for businesses, industry groups, the academe, and other stakeholders to increase their awareness as well as foster appreciation for the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs), and how they could avail of these benefits.

Moreover, these sessions will discuss how businesses could increase trade with Philippine FTA partners.

FTA benefits include preferential tariff rates, harmonization of standards and more liberal regimes in trade, services and investment.

As of year-end 2012, the region's merchandise exports totaled $1.17 billion. These exports include fresh and processed fruits, marine products, beverages, food products, coconut products, chemicals, construction materials, electrical parts, glass manufacturers, machinery, medical supplies, minerals, oils, paper manufacturers, rubber, furniture, housewares, fashion accessories, footwear and toys.

The AEC hopes to further integrate the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) into the global economy.

Asean has its own free trade agreement (AFTA) among its member countries as well as with China (ACFTA), India (AIFTA), Korea (AKFTA), Japan (AJCEPA), and Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA). Asean is also working on the Asean Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (ARCEP) involving all six Asean partners.

The Philippines is a signatory to all six Asean FTAs plus one bilateral FTA with Japan, the Philippines Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).

Partnering with DTI in the effective and sustainable delivery of DBFTA projects in Northern Mindanao are PhilExport Region 10 and several academic institutions such as Xavier University, Capitol University, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology and De La Salle University in Ozamiz.

Resource speakers include BETP Assistant Director Jason Lao, PhilExport region 10A Executive Director Michael Joseph Ignacio and Vice-Dean of the College of Law of the De La Salle University – Manila Atty. Jocelyn Cruz.

For more information, contact Mila Lasquites of DTI -10 at phone number (08822) 729.291 or 722.278 or fax at (08822) 726.354 or email at dti.r10@gmail.com or r10@dti.gov.ph.

The BETP has been conducting DBFTA info sessions since 2010, reaching out to stakeholders in various regions in the country. (DTI–10/ JMOR/PIA)

DepEd, Tangub LGU promote folk dances

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Promotion of folk dances will be given a boost with the holding of the second Regional Folk Dance Workshop for Teachers, from Aug. 9 to 11, at the Sinanduloy Cultural Center, here.

Conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd), the three-day activity aims to upgrade knowledge, understanding, and skills of teachers in teaching the folk dance to supplement the K to 12 Program.

It also aims to revive the best works of the dance researches from the regions and pay tribute to contributions in the preservation of folk dance in the country; it also aims to promote arts education for the youth.

Also serving as the Echo Seminar Workshop on Dance for teachers and choreographers of the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS), the workshop is held in partnership with the Sinanduloy Cultural Group, in cooperation with the Northern Mindanao Physical Education and School Association.

Among the workshop participants will be the Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health teachers at all levels from public and private elementary and secondary schools in the Tangub City Schools Division.

Meanwhile, Dr. Victoria V. Gazo, school superintendent, said the discussion topics include the entry points of dances for K to 12 Curriculum and prototype assessment, fundamental dance steps and movements, Pinoy aerobics, and street dancing.

Also to be showcased during the workshop are the following folk dances, including their origins: “Panuyom" from Medina, Misamis Oriental, “Balitaw” from the Visayas, and “Alegrito" from Jaliguay, Ilo-ilo.

“Aetana” from Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, “Balse Desposorio” from Malolos, Bulacan, “Innalisan” from Nangalisan, Laoag, Ilocos Norte, “La Jota Moncadeňa” from Moncada, Tarlac and “Magkatipan” from Bulacan. (RCA/PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

MSMEs to showcase best products in Kahimunan Trade Fair 2013

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Aug. 8 (PIA) -- Over 30 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from different provinces in Northern Mindanao will showcase their best products at the Kahimunan Regional Trade Fair on August 24 to 28 at the SM City mall here.

The Kahimunan (Creations of Northern Mindanao) regional trade fair, as component activity for the city fiesta celebration, will feature products coming from Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

These products vary from processed food, gifts and housewares, fashion accessories, beverages, home style and living, and health and organic products.

The Department of Trade and Industry in Region 10 (DTI-10) will also present its Shared Service Facility (SSF) product which improves the quality and productivity of MSMEs through the provision of processing machines/equipment for the use of MSMEs.

This trade fair is a marketing event to enable MSMEs to promote and access new markets for their products.

Also, trade trainings and product development were conducted as part of the preparatory activities for the event. (DTI-10/JMOR/PIA)