NFA assures sufficient supply of rice

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Jan 22 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) here dispelled fears that there is shortage of rice mainly due to the effects of tropical storm “Pablo” and several weather disturbances that hit some parts of Bukidnon, assuring the public that there is enough supply of rice in the province.

Victoria Real-Duray, NFA manager, said there is rice shortage especially for its immediate relief distribution operations because as of today, more than 25,000 bags of rice and 38,000 bags of palay (unhusked rice) are available in NFA warehouses.

“There are also commercial and household stocks of about 129,742 bags,” she said.

Based on the data released by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Bukidnon has a monthly rice consumption of more than 90,000 bags.

“That volume of rice reserve therefore is more than enough to meet the need of the province in a month in case of calamities,” Duray said.

Maria Socorro Mellomida, NFA public information officer, on the other hand, said the province has now more than 40 Bigasan sa Palengke (BP) outlets.

“The NFA well-milled rice is sold at P28 per kilo, while the regular milled rice at P27 per kilo in BP outlets. These accredited NFA rice outlets are spread all over the province, Mellomida assured.

At present, market retail price of special well-milled rice is P36 to P40 a kilo, while the cheapest varities range from P3 per kilogram, according to the data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.

“As a government entity, NFA will continue to be at the forefront of the country’s food security to ensure stability in the supply and prices of its staple cereals, which is in full support to President Benigno Aquino III’s rice self-sufficiency goals through the AgriPinoy Program,” Mellomida said. (RLRB-PIA10, Bukidnon)

Oro Chamber lauds councilor for endorsing 50% realty tax

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 22 -- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry here is glad that it gained an ally in Kagawad Juan Sia who understands the plight of tropical storm Sendong survivors.

“The proposed 50 percent discount on the real property taxes from 2012 up to 2014 will not only benefit member-companies but also victims of Sendong,” said Chamber President Efren Uy.

In fact, the request was more of a reminder to the city that it is empowered under the Local Government Code to grant tax exemption privileges (Chapter V, Section 192 of RA 7160) especially in cases of natural calamities, civil disturbances, general failure of crops, or adverse economic conditions such as substantial decrease in the prices of agricultural or agri-based products.

Art. 282 of the IRR also reiterated that the grant of tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs by the local sangguniang bayan/panlungsod/panlalawigan shall only extend to taxes and not to regulatory fees and shall be extended through an ordinance.

Uy further said that the proposed 50 percent RPT discount is so small if we were to consider that the banks in the area already zero-valued all properties affected by Sendong. Property owners can no longer use these properties as collateral because their value is zero.

It’s 100 percent after all and the 50 percent discount, he said, we are asking for is a fair and justifiable assistance to Sendong survivors to help them bounce back and fully recover from the disaster.

“We hope that more councilors will be able to appreciate the rationale behind such request and would rally for the approval of an ordinance to this effect soonest,” said Uy. (OCCI/PIA10)

Search for 2013 sustainable, eco-friendly schools on

By Shannon Lyn D. Alpas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 22 (PIA) -- The search is on for the 2013 Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools in the region.

The Search will be conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

In support to the regional search, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) - Region 10 (EMB-10) conducted a meeting with partners from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd) and Smart Communications Inc. on January 15.

The meeting aimed to map out strategies in choosing the best division finalists for the regional level.

The search is open to elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

It wants to encourage schools or academic institutions to be more involved in environmental issues and to develop skills and understanding among the students, faculty, and schools administrators. This will, in turn, initiate response and increase community awareness and participation on environmental concerns.

For 2013, a new Nestlé Water leadership Award has been established to recognize and promote solutions, practices, and initiatives of schools on water.

Deadline of submission of entries is on March 15. All entries should be submitted to the EMB-DENR 10. The national awarding ceremony is on November 13 in time for the National Environmental Awareness Month Celebration. (Shannon Lyn D. Alpas/DENR-10, RPAO/PIA)

DSWD warns Pantawid Pamilya families from 'Epals'

By Charmaine P. Tadlas

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 21 -- Due to reports that various politicians and groups are using Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to threaten beneficiaries and take advantage of their votes in the upcoming election, the Department of Social Welfare and Development advises the beneficiaries not to be intimidated by such threats since only the Department can delist them if they do not comply to the conditions set by the Program.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households with children aged 0-14 years old and/or pregnant mothers. It is a conditional cash transfer (CCT) program that provides cash grants to beneficiaries provided that they comply with the set of conditions required by the program.

As of August 29, 2012, there are 3,037,65 poor households enrolled as Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

To ensure beneficiaries are not taken advantage of during the upcoming elections, the DSWD launched the “Bawal Ang Epal Dito (No to attention grabbers)” national campaign that seeks to eliminate the “epal” (colloquial term referring to someone who is an attention grabber) in the implementation of the government programs, especially the Pantawid Pamilya.

Bawal ang Epal Dito aims to empower beneficiaries with the knowledge that no one has the right to de-list them from the Program, and that only the DSWD is authorized to do so if s/he will not comply with the conditions meant to improve the poor household’s economic prospects.

Health and nutrition conditions require qualified families to periodic checkups, growth monitoring, and vaccinations for children 0-5 years old; twice a year intake of de-worming pills for children 6-14 years old; pre-and post-natal care for pregnant women; and attendance of parents in family development sessions where responsible parenthood is discussed. Education conditions include day-care and school enrollment, attendance equivalent to 85% of school days for children 3-14 years old.

The Bawal ang Epal Dito campaign also aims to directly eliminate the misconception of the beneficiaries about the control of politicians over the Pantawid Pamilya. (RTP/Charmaine P. Tadlas/DSWD/PIA10)

Search for outstanding school paper adviser/campus journalist on

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The search for outstanding elementary/secondary school paper adviser and campus journalists for school year 2012-2013 will be among the activities of the Region 10 Schools Press Conference (RSPC), at the La Salle University Arts Center, here this coming Jan. 24-26.

The conduct of the RSPC to is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7079, “An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Campus Journalism,” Dr. Allan G. Farnazo, officer-in-charge of the Department of Education (DepEd), Region 10, said.

Participated by all pupils/students who are the Division SPC (DSPC) winners from the 14 provincial/city schools divisions of the region, the RSPC aims to demonstrate the understanding of the importance of journalism by expressing it through varied journalistic forms of approaches.

It provides activities that will encourage students to pursue studies/careers in journalism and enhance journalism competencies through individual or group competition.

Meanwhile, among the criteria for the Outstanding Elementary/Secondary School Paper Adviser for SY 2012-2013 is that the teacher must have been a school paper adviser for at least five years before the search.

He/she must have been in active service during SY 2011-2012, and must have an average performance rating of not less than very satisfactory (VS), for the past three school years, which will be given a weight of 10 percent.

The following weights are given to each criteria: Length of service, five percent; achievement in journalism in the last five years, 30 percent; leadership, 25 percent; extension services, 20 percent; awards, scholarships related to journalism, 5 percent; and interview, also, 5 percent.

On the other hand, among the criteria of the Search for Outstanding Elementary/ Secondary Campus Journalist for School Year (SY) 2012-1013, is that he/she must be a bona fide elementary/high school student of a public or private school in the region.

Likewise, the pupil/high school student’s academic standing will be given a weight of 20 percent, performance/achievements, awards in journalism, 40 percent, leadership to include position in the school paper, such as editor-in-chief, 20 percent, community/ extension services to include community/volunteer work, 15 percent, and interview, 5 percent. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Comelec issues guidelines on legal propaganda materials

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued the following guidelines on the lawful election propaganda in connection with the May 13 national and local elections.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the “Fair Election Act,” and as recently promulgated by Comelec in Resolution No. 9615, the lawful election propaganda includes the following:

Pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers or other written or printed materials the size which must not exceed eight and one-half inches in width and 14 inches in length.

Handwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular political party or candidate for public office and posters made of cloth, paper, cardboard or any other material, whether framed or posted, with a measurement not exceeding two feet by three feet.

Streamers not exceeding three feet by eight feet in size displayed at the site and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally, may be displayed five days before the date of the meeting or rally and must be removed within 24 hours after said meeting or rally.

Mobile units, vehicles motorcades of all types, whether engine or manpower-driven or animal drawn, with or without sound systems or loud speakers and with or without lights.

Paid advertisements in print or broadcast media subject to the requirements set forth in Section 9 of RA 9006.

On the other hand, in headquarters or residences of candidates, lawful election paraphernalia may be displayed, but banners or 3' x 8' streamers are not allowed. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

DepEd intensifies advocacy for Jan. 26 early registration in Misamis Occidental

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- An intensified advocacy campaign on the January 26, 2013 Early Registration Day (ERD) for School Year (SY) 2013-2014 have been waged by the Department of Education (DepEd) in Misamis Occidental.

The campaign actually started on January 7 with the “Child/Youth Find" activities with the help of the barangay officials and other stakeholders to ensure that no child who is supposed to be in school during the incoming SY will be left out, Superintendent Jonathan S. Dela Peňa of the Misamis Occidental Schools Division said.

Focused on the theme "Makapag-aral ay Karapatan Mo, Magpalista Ngayong Enero,” (You have a right to education. Enroll this January), the campaign aims to achieve universal participation in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the Education for All (EFA) in all public elementary and secondary schools of the country.

Along with the regular pupils and students, the campaign also targets out-of-school children (OSC), out-of-school youths (OSYs), including the children and youth with disabilities (CWD/YWDs).

Pursuant to DepEd Order No. 89, s. of 2012, the ERD aims to reach out to all five-year-old and six-year-old children to ensure their enrolment for SY 2013-2014 in kindergarten and Grade 1.

Hence, Dela Peňa said all children born on October 31, 2008 or earlier will be eligible for early enrolment in Kindergarten, while those born on October 31, 2007 or earlier, with or without Kindergarten experience, will be eligible for early enrolment in Grade 1.

The early registration also guarantees enrolment of the OSC and the OSY from the disadvantaged groups for the indigenous peoples (lPs) and street children ages 5 to 13 years old in their preferred educational education delivery system either formal through the alternative delivery mode (ADM) or alternatjve learning syslem (ALS).

Another aim of the ERD is to establish census of the OSC and OSY with disabilities, ages 5 to 18 years old, to provide them with appropriate education interventions to prevent pupils and students from dropping out from school.

On the other hand, early registration enables the different levels of DepEd to prepare the Three-Year Catch-Up Plan in Basic Education from SY 2012-2013 to SY 2014-2015 to accommodate the registered learners, Dela Peňa added. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental)

Comelec sets limitations on use of broadcast election propaganda

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- All parties and bona fide candidates will have equal access to media time for their election propaganda during the campaign period subject to certain requirements and/or limitations.

This ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is contained in Resolution No. 9615 that sets the duration of air time that a candidate or party may use for their broadcast advertisements or election propaganda relative to the May 13, 2013 elections to be, as follows:

An aggregate total of 120 minutes for candidates/registered political parties for a national elective position and 60 minutes for a local elective position, for television advertising, whether appearing on national, regional or local, free or cable television.

An aggregate total of 180 minutes for candidates/registered political parties for a national elective position and 90 minutes for a local elective position, for radio advertising, whether airing on national, regional or local radio, either by purchase or donation,

In cases where two or more candidates or parties whose names, initials, images, brands, logos, insignias, color motifs, symbols, or forms of graphical representations are displayed, exhibited, used, or mentioned together in the broadcast election propaganda or advertisements, the length of time during which they appear or are being mentioned or promoted will be counted against the airtime limits allotted for the said candidates or parties.

The cost of the said advertisement will likewise be considered as their expenditures, regardless of whoever paid for the advertisements or to whom the said advertisements were donated.

Meanwhile, appearance or guesting by a candidate on any bona fide newscast/ news interview/news documentary, if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary, or on-the-spot coverage of bona fide news events, including but not limited to events sanctioned by the Comelec, political conventions, and similar activities, shall not be deemed to be broadcast election propaganda within the meaning of this provision.

To determine whether the appearance or guesting in a program is bona fide, the broadcast stations or entities must show that prior approval of the Comelec was secured and that candidates and parties were afforded equal opportunities to promote their candidacy.

Resolution 9615 also provides that a copy of the broadcast advertisement contract be furnished to the Comelec, through the Education and Information Department, within five days from contract signing. (RCA-PIA 10, Misamis Occiddental)

ARMM to review  P1.51-B  infrastructure program

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Jan 22 (PIA) -- The Regional Economic and Planning Development Board 
of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday deferred 
discussion on the region’s P1.51 billion infrastructure program for 
2013 during its first regular session this year, pending 
result of a motion to have some scheduled road projects realigned.



The motion calls for the endorsement of a board resolution urging the 
central office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 
and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allow ARMM to 
concentrate on local road projects after it found out that most 
national roads in the region are already included in the national road 
network development plan.    



A similar request will also be endorsed to the Regional Legislative Assembly 
(RLA), the region's legislative counterpart.

The P1.51-billion 2013 infrastructure plan of the region consists mostly of road 
projects. At least 21 of the scheduled road projects in the region for 2012 had to be realigned 
by DPWH-ARMM due to double funding and to coincide with the region’s convergence plan.



The realignment plan awaits the approval of the RLA.

 ARMM OIC-Governor Mujiv Hataman said DPWH national had included most 
of the national roads found in ARMM in its annual road program, thus the double funding.


He said the region would be able to optimize the annual infrastructure fund by focusing 
on local roads.



Hataman said that it is crucial for the region to sort out its road map immediately to 
present a clear-cut data on road development gaps.



“We need to be able pinpoint exactly which roads are unpaved and in need of development,” 
he said.



DPWH-ARMM engineers are set to work with local government officials to conduct a thorough 
road mapping in the coming weeks after the RedPB board adopted a resolution urging such.


RedPB is ARMM’s highest policymaking body chaired by the regional governor and consists of the governors of ARMM’s five component provinces, mayors of its two cities, head of some of the region’s line agencies, the region’s planning office and a representative from civil society. (armmcommgroup/PIA10)

NGCP complains of trees planted under transmission lines

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte, Jan 22 -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) complained about people planting trees under the transmission lines.

Trees and vegetation that grow or are planted inside or adjacent to NGCP’s existing transmission line right-of-way (ROW) are known to cause trippings or power outages when they breach prescribed safety clearances for high-voltage power lines.

NGCP singled out Mindanao, specifically the Balo-i area, as particularly troublesome for NGCP.

“Clearing of trees and vegetation under the 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission lines emanating from NGCP’s Balo-i Substation has become difficult because of uncooperative landowners. For January 2013 alone, the Balo-i-Agus 2 138-kV line already tripped seven times because of trees deliberately planted by unscrupulous landowners beneath the lines. That’s seven times in three weeks!” said NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza.

NGCP’s Balo-i Substation and lines emanating from it are facilities crucial to the entire Mindanao grid because the bulk of the power generated from the government’s Agus Complex enters the grid through the said substation.

The Agus Complex supplies 500 MW to the Mindanao grid, representing about 60 percent of the island’s total current supply. At least 200MW consumed by South Mindanao pass through NGCP’s Balo-i Substation and the transmission lines emanating from it.

Alabanza added, “It’s not simply a question of making our work easier. The ROW violations also imply additional cost to the company because we have to clear the land of vegetation and structures before we can perform maintenance work. In cases where the ROW violations cause damage to facilities, the cost implication multiplies. There is the cost of repairs and restoration, in addition to the cost of additional manpower and man hours which could have been utilized for more inspection and maintenance activities.”

In addition to operational problems, NGCP also warned the public of the safety hazards for ROW violators. Transmission lines are open lines that carry a minimum of 69,000 volts and a maximum of 500,000 volts.

“You don’t even have to touch the lines to be electrocuted. Electricity induction may occur once the safe clearance is breached. In other words, if you get near enough, even without touching the lines, you are in danger of being electrocuted,” Alabanza explained.

“Our lines carry electricity that is more than 300 times the power of the electricity flowing in our households, which is just 220 volts. Breaching our safety clearances can be fatal,” warned Alabanza.

As a preventive measure, NGCP conducts regular safety information campaigns all over the country through print and broadcast media. They also conduct information and safety forums at the barangay level in communities traversed by their facilities to remind the public to take extra precautions when near the transmission lines. NGCP also coordinates with LGUs for help in getting word to the public about the risks and hazards of living under their lines.

“At the end of the day, ROW violations affect our power delivery service. In turn, the distribution utilities and the public at large suffer and are most affected,” said Alabanza.

Responsible trimming of trees and vegetation within the transmission line ROW is part of regular operation and maintenance procedures done by linemen.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has granted NGCP the authority to prune or cut any or all vegetation or trees that could cause trippings and outages of existing transmission lines where and when necessary.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid.

NGCP transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines and towers, substations and related assets.

NGCP’s regular maintenance activities and expansion projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of electricity delivered to customers. (NGCP/PIA10)