LGUs, stakeholders to conserve environmental, sustain livelihood program

By Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Feb 15 (PIA) -- Residents of Tamparan in Munai and Tangklao in Lanao del Norte, will be the beneficiaries of the Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Livelihood Project so that people formerly engaged in illegal logging will be provided with livelihood options and at the same time help conserve the environment.

This project was conceived when the 15th Infantry Battalion, being member of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force in Lanao del Norte had confiscated a substantial number of illegally cut logs mainly coming from the municipalities of Munai and Poona Piagapo, this province.

We want to transform these two municipalities into becoming economically-developed communities that value environmental conservation, Lt. Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, commanding officer, 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) said.

Thus, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was entered into between the provincial government and the two municipalities, with the support of different service providers. The signing was made on February 12, 2013 at the Macapagal Training Center, provincial capitol, Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

As recipients, the local government units represented by Mayors Muamar S. Maquiling of Munai and Farhana R. Palawan of Poona Piagapo, this province, will allocate funds to support the convergence efforts through resource sharing arrangement, and enlist support of the private sector, business organizations and civil society organizations for the convergence program.

While the provincial government represented by Governor Khalid Q. Dimaporo, will establish Project Management Committee as the overall management and coordination of the program in the area and allocate funds for program implementation and direct the concerned local chief executives to support the convergence efforts through resource sharing arrangement.

Gov. Dimaporo lauded all stakeholders in this endeavor, supporting the provincial government in its anti-illegal logging campaign and rehabilitation of denuded forest areas.

The service providers include: Department of Environment and Natural Resources, represented by PENRO Ben-Ali B. Decampong; Lt. Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon of 15th IB, PA; Adona G. Orquillas, Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center (RDRRAC), Inc.; Regina S. Antiquisa, Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits (ECOWEB); Dr Angelito Y. Quirog, Agricultural Training Institute;, Regional Director Lealyn A. Ramos, Department of Agriculture; Ruel B. Paclipan, Department of Trade and Industry; Baicon C. Macaraya, UN-World Food Programme; Ngena M. Singel, Department of Science and Technology; Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, Department of Interior and Local Government; Nerio B. Piola, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Dr. Sukarno T. Tanggol, MSU-IIT; and PS/Supt. Gerardo M. Rosales, provincial director, Provincial Police Office.

The services offered would be to direct technical assistance, trainings, workshops and other capability enhancement requirements of the program.

Also, support investments for a market matching and other related activities to link or establish network with funding agencies and/or donor organizations and institutional market.

A series of Environmental Protection Forum were conducted in the municipalities of Munai and Poona Piagapo to inform the people of the importance of environmental protection and determine livelihood options for the people involved in illegal logging.

This project was made possible through the concerted efforts of the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, the two municipal government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations and other entities. (lvg/PIA 10-LDN)

DENR-10 garners 100% accomplishment of 2012 target

By Lina D. Calvez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb.13 (PIA)-The Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service (PAWCZMS) of DENR 10 garnered 100 percent accomplishment of its target for 2012 for its two divisions: Protected Area Wildlife Division (PAWD) and the Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD).

In her report to Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan, Regional Technical Director of PAWCZMS disclosed that the Protected Area Wildlife Division (PAWD) remains steadfast in implementing the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS).

For new areas to be included in the Nipas, public hearings with the affected communities were conducted for the Mahuganao - Malasag and Macahambus areas.

As for the protected area management, nine proclaimed protected areas under NIPAS and two initial components (Mangrove Forest Reserve under Proc. No. 2152 and Lake Lanao Watershed Reserve) are under the protection and maintenance of DENR 10.

These areas include the Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape and Mt. Balatukan Nature Park of Misamis Oriental. In the Province of Misamis Occidental, Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park and Mt. Inayawan Nature Park in Lanao del Norte and other protected areas.

PAWD also operationalized 11the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) as a result of these two protected areas were included in the ASEAN Heritage Park namely, Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Malindang National Parks.

As part of its revenue generation for the maintenance and other incidentals, a resolution was passed relative to setting up a fee for the use of structures inside the protected areas particularly for Mt. Balatukan RNP, Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape and increase of fees in different uses for Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape. Other revenues generated P533, 911.26 and deposited to the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF) by the Mt. Kitanglad, Mt.Malindang, Initao-Libertad and Mts. Timpoong-Hibok-hibok protected areas. The income comprises visitor entrance fees, SAPA, and resource use fees.

Other accomplishment of PAWD include Biodiversity Monitoring Systems (BMS) Protected Areas, Delineation of PA Boundaries, Management Effectiveness Assessment (MEA).

Under the Biodiversity Conservation Program thirty three Gratuitous Permits to various researchers were granted in Region 10.

As part of the campaign to strengthen Wildlife Traffic Monitoring, DENR 10 facilitated three Basic Wildlife Enforcement Officers Training for 2012 in response to requests of local government units (LGUs) and interested groups interested to become Wildlife Enforcement Officers. 

Other program also is the Philippine Raptor Conservation where eight documented sightings of Philippine eagles in the eight Philippine eagle monitoring sites in the region. The highlight was the retrieval of a Philippine eagle from Rogongon, Iligan City on October 25, 2012.

Meanwhile, the Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD) also urged its personnel to accomplish all its projected targets for the year 2012.

They implemented the Coastal and Marine Management Program covering five major project components under the regular targets. One Foreign Assisted Special Project is being implemented in Camiguin - the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project.

Other accomplishments include the provision of technical assistance in the development of Integrated Coastal Management Plans, conservation, restoration, rehabilitation of mangrove areas, establishment of marine sanctuaries/marine protected areas in cooperation with lgus, the strengthening of coastal law enforcement alliance with partners, wetland management, coral rehabilitation, and the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project.(LDC/GAT/DENR-RPAO10)

Pag-IBIG Fund sets multiple celebrations on Valentines Day

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 15 -- Multiple celebrations are set on Valentines Day at the Pag-IBIG Fund Malaybalay Extension Office (MEO).

Aside from sponsoring the civil mass wedding on February 14, at the Cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Bukidnon; the Pag-IBIG Fund MEO blessing is also set on the same day.

The Pag-IBIG Fund MEO recently moved to its new location at the Paz Building, Carbajal St., Malaybalay City, in the Province of Bukidnon.

The MEO operates and served 62,313 members from the Province of Bukidnon, alone, complemented with manpower of 8 personnel, headed by Division Chief, Ms. Elizabeth Amarille.

Furthermore, member borrowers applying for the Short-Term Loan (Calamity and Multi-Purpose) and Housing Loans (Retail and Developers Account) and member savers applying for their Provident Benefit Claims and may submit their documentary requirements at the aforementioned office.

Moreover, queries on the member’s savings and loans can also be verified at the MEO. Other services at the MEO include the receipt of payments for members’ savings and/or loans and check disbursements on the members’ Provident Claims and loans.

On the same day, Pag-IBIG Fund Cagayan de Oro Branch’s Department Manager Ferdinand F. Saniel signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Maramag Community Multi Purpose Cooperative’s (MACO MPC) Chairman of the Board, Calixto D.S. Daquiado.

Through the MOA Signing, at least 1,000 members of MACO are expected to register as active members of Pag-IBIG Fund.

MACO MPC began its operations since 1990. Their office is located at North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon. (Pag-IBIG Fund/RTP/PIA10)

NHTU-10 conducts advocacy forum

Mitzie S. Santiago

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 13 (PIA) -- The National Household Targeting Unit (NHTU) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 will be conducting an Advocacy Forum with the theme “Pasundayag sa Datus (Exhibit of Data)” on February 14 -15 at Pearlmont, here.

This will be participated in by the municipal/city/provincial planning and development officers from Region 10.

NHTU has been doing its part in providing stakeholders updated information on the activities and accomplishments relative to identifying qualified beneficiaries of the social protection programs of the National Government as well as providing relevant data to Local Government Units, NGAs, NGOs, CSOs, for development planning and poverty alleviation advocacy. 

The consultation dialogue aims to provide better appreciation of the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) data utilization as well as its integration to their respective City/Provincial/Municipal Development Plans.

It is also expected that the participants be informed of the data generated to capture the marginalized and vulnerable members of the community.

Furthermore, the forum is expected to be a venue to generate recommendations from the MPDCs/CPDCS/PPDCs in enhancing the implementation of the NHTSPR for the second cycle of the nationwide household assessment and re-certification. (Mitzie S. Santiago/DSWD/RTP/PIA10)

AFP to continue its internal security functions despite deputation by Comelec

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to do all Internal Security Operations (ISO) or its own functions and responsibilities during the election period.

This, despite its deputation by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure a free, honest, orderly, peaceful and credible conduct of the May 13 national and local elections.

The AFP wiall provide security to polling places, polling centers, voting centers, counting centers, and such other places or buildings, including election paraphernalia, equipment and forms and supplies, that will be used by the Comelec.

It will also provide security to the personnel of the Comelec and its deputies and other persons performing election-related functions and deploy, at the least time possible, troops for election duty in coordination with the Regional Election Director (RED) and the Provincial Election Supervisors (PES) concerned.

Meanwhile, pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9570, promulgated on December 6, last year, the AFP will perform the following duties and functions:

Make available, at the least time possible, land, air and watercraft assets, communication systems and other equipment, in connection with the delivery and retrieval of election equipment, documents, supplies, forms and paraphernalia.

Look into the existence of any armed group organized to commit or which is committing or attempting to commit, acts of terrorism, or threats to intimidate or coerce any person to vote for or against a candidate, and to suppress or prevent said acts of terrorism or threats.

Assist the Comelec in implementing more effectively election laws and/or rules and regulations, particularly the laws governing prohibition against military, policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards or security guards for the candidates, the use of armored vehicles and air or watercraft, and the prohibition on bearing, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons in public places.

On the other hand, the AFP will provide security escorts to candidates, only in the absence of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agency personnel, subject to the conditions and restrictions on the Resolution imposing the gun ban.

It will also conduct a periodic assessment of the peace and order conditions in critical areas and recommend measures which may be adopted by the Comelec in the interest of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections. (RCA-PIA10, Misamis Occidental) 

Camiguin tops regional schools press conference

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Feb 15 (PIA) -- Camiguin campus journalists bagged home the top spot in the regional schools press conference held recently at the La Salle University Integrated School in Ozamiz City.

The province ranked first in the overall rating released earlier by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Major awards won for English Secondary Level were as follows: Best in collaborative publishing, best in news page, best in editorial page, best lay-out page, and news writing.

In the same category, the delegates also got second place awards in editorial writing, editorial cartooning, copy reading, and headline writing, sports writing and on infomercial, while they also took home bronze medal awards for feature writing and photo journalism.

For the Filipino Secondary Level, contenders here won first place in editorial writing and were awarded best in news script, collaborative publishing, best in news page, best in feature/literary page, best in editorial page, and best lay-out page.

It likewise took the top spot in news writing, copy reading and headline writing in the Elementary Level.

Camiguin division journalism coordinator for English, Luisito Asero said 14 campus journalists from the province will be joining the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) in Ormoc City this April.

Meanwhile, sharing the top spot, this year with Camiguin is the Ozamiz City Schools Division (OCSD) which dominated the Elementary Level category.

The conference brought together 2,528 campus journalists, including their school paper advisers and teachers. (JCV-PIA 10) 

NFA sets up technical team to ensure accessibility of rice during disasters

By Maria Socorro S. Mellomida

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Feb 15 (PIA) -- A technical team was organized by the National Food Authority (NFA), this province, to ensure readiness and accessibility of rice for distribution in relief operations during disasters.

Provincial Manager Victoria R. Duray said the technical team’s role is vital in assessing the volume of rice needed in the calamity-stricken areas.

“This is part of NFA’s crisis and disaster plan because we need to ensure the readiness and accessibility of the agency’s rice stocks in order to immediately respond to the local governments’ 'distress call' for food during disasters,” she said.

At present, NFA has inked a memorandum of agreement with Bukidnon’s five LGUs for rice loan under the Disaster Preparedness Program (DPP). This allows them to acquire rice on credit for relief operations in case of disasters.

Chaired by the NFA provincial manager, the technical team includes the Enforcement and Investigation Services officer, the designated information Officer, and warehouse supervisors involved in the release of rice for distribution to disaster-stricken areas.

Duray said the newly created technical team has been tasked to review, identify, and consolidate reports in order to increase number of LGUs that could avail of the program.

“As a government entity, NFA continues to be at the forefront in food distribution during disaster relief operations, which is in full support to the government’s food security programming and disaster risk management,” Duray said. (Maria Socorro S. Mellomida-PIO,NFA/RLRB-PIA10, Bukidnon)

AusAID funds schoolbuilding, day care centers in Kalahi-CIDSS areas of region 10

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- School children in Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Service (Kalahi-CIDSS) or KC areas of region 10 are assured of a conducive learning facility.

This after, P17.727 million have been allocated for the construction of 44 schoolbuildings/day care centers for these areas, as of February 13, this year.

Of this amount, P10.407 million or 58.71 percent was sourced from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) while P5.153 million or 29.07 percent was from the KC grant and P2.167 million or 12.22 percent, from the local government counterpart.

Construction of these projects will go on, even during the campaign period since foreign-funded projects are exempted from the public works ban, Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), region 10, said.

These buildings had to be finished before the opening of School Year 2013-2014 to accommodate the children in the KC areas for them to avail of day care services as part of their preparation for the K+12 curriculum in Basic Education, she said. 

Meanwhile, Marko Davey Reyes, KC Social Marketing Officer of DSWD-10, said of the most number of 27 school buildings will be constructed in the towns of Kapatagan, five in Magsaysay, four in Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), two in Lala and one in Sapad, all of Lanao del Norte.

Likewise, three of the projects will be constructed in the municipality of Calamba and two in Don Victoriano, both of Misamis Occidental.

In Kapatagan, the projects include a three-classroom school building for the Barangay Waterfalls Elementary School, a two-classroom school building for the Taguitic Elementary School, one-classroom school building, each for the high school and day care center in the Poblacion and Kidalos and Bel-is Elementary Schools, respectively.

Also included are one-classroom, each for the pre-schools of Soso, Malinas, Cathedral Falls, Curvada, Bag-ong Silang, Santo Tomas, Butadon, Concepcion, San Isidro, Kahayagan, Donggoan, Lapinig, Bagong Badian, Bansarvil, La Libertad, Maranding, Pulang Yuta, Tipolo, San Vicente and the Poblacion.

In SND, the projects include the construction of a two-classroom high school building in Mamagum and a day care center, each in Campo Islam, Pikalawag and Kirapan.

In Lala, the projects include a unit, each of two-classroom school buildings in Tenazas and Tunaan and a one-classroom school building for a day care center in Baning, in Sapad town.

In Misamis Occidental, the projects include a school building, each in Barangays Lampasan and Mara-mara, Don Victoriano town and a unit, each of a two-classroom school buildings in Magcamiguing ang Mamalad and a one-classroom school building in Solinog, in Calamba town. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental) 

Women's rights champion to lead ARMM’s human rights body

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb 15 (PIA) -- Human rights lawyer Laisa Masuhud Alamia has formally assumed Tuesday as chairperson of the newly-established Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after being sworn in by acting ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

Hataman said Alamia’s appointment was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on February 7.

The RHRC was established last year following the enactment of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 288 otherwise known as the “ARMM Human Rights Commission Charter of 2012.” 

The acting ARMM chief said the subtleties of human rights in an area like the region can be best tackled by someone with Alamia’s competence and background.

“Her track record on human rights work in different parts of Mindanao is commendable,” he said.

Alamia is the former program manager and one of the founders of Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro (Women for Justice in the Bangsamoro), a human rights group based in Mindanao who actively engage in women issues and rights advocacy with particular reference on Islamic views.

She was also a program coordinator and board secretary of the Bangsamoro Lawyer’s Network (BLN), a member of the Mindanao Human Rights Action Center (MinHRAC).

Human rights cases in ARMM spring mainly from the on and off armed conflicts and prevalence of several armed groups in the region.

Alamia said women empowerment and gender issues will be among the RHRC’s top agenda.

She is joined in the RHRC by fellow lawyer Alikhan Abuat, who took oath on the same day as a commissioner. (ARMMCommGroup/PIA10)

Popcom unveils latest population report to NorMin stakeholders

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- The Commission on Population (Popcom) Deputy Executive Director Rosalinda Marcelino led the unveiling of the 5th Series State of the Philippine Population Report (SPPR) before its partners here in Northern Mindanao.

The SPPR was previously launched in the city on November, last year, when it played hosts to the national scale launching.

Entitled Seeking a Healthy Balance: Population, Health, and Environment Integration, the new series according to Marcelino, highlights the need of addressing interrelated issues and concerns on PHE (Population, Health, and Environment).

Marcelino said that at the face of unprecedented environmental disasters and increasing health problems, which are all connected with the growing and unmanaged population, there is a clear need to effectively advocate and realize a balance between people’s needs and the available resources not only for today’s well-being but also of the future generation. 

The Report, she said, attempts to provide a comprehensive picture of the inter-linkages of the PHE factors, how it can be addressed, and the challenges that comes ahead in pursuing integrated approaches to the issues presented.

The SPPR is a periodic publication of Popcom that talks about different population and development issues and often used as inputs for program and policy development and other related advocacy initiatives at various levels. Since 2000, there have been five issues of the report published. (JCV/PIA) 

COWD bets shine in National Math and Science Quiz

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- Eleven year old Lemuel de la Rosa of Philippine Southfield School once again proved to one and all the adage- small but terrible. He has made not just his school and Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) proud, but the city and the region as well.

Representing the Northern Mindanao -Natural Resources Management Council in the 2nd Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) National Science and Math Quiz held last February 6 at the Ruby Room of the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Quezon City, de la Rosa breezed from the elimination to the semi-final and finally to the clincher round and finished second place.

Lemuel won a silver medal, a plaque and P15, 000.00 in cash.

Six other contestants represented their respective regions in the contest. The quiz was part of the activities conducted during the 34th PAWD National Convention.

Another COWD contingent, Khalil Abejuela, was semi-finalist in the high school category. (COWD/PIA)

Electrification program benefits 3,500 families in Camiguin

By Jorie C. Valcorza

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, Feb 13 (PIA) -- A total of 80,492-kilometer additional power lines were installed here by the Camiguin Electric Cooperative (Camelco).

This expansion project, according to the co-op general manager Adrian A. Ebcas, is under the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), likewise dubbed as “Pasuga Project.”

It now covers 188 sitios (zone or division within a barangay) and energized 3,525 needy families in the island.

Ebcas said that under the Pasuga project, 30 households will be subsidized by the government in every new line opened.

He noted that most of the areas served are level 4 to 6 sitios, which means, it’s very small and cannot even consume the 30 households’ assistance allocation for every sitio.

With this, the cooperative have drafted a board resolution, realigning the extra funds to the remaining un-energized household in the old/existing lines.

Camelco Members Services Division chief, Rey C. Badilla, however, clears that those households covered by SEP remains to be a priority.

With SEP, connection fee is free and also materials and fixtures for beneficiaries.

As project partners, the local government units have also waived its requirements in favor for the beneficiaries, in which, they pay only for as low as P25 to P100, instead of the P2,000 regular charge for power connection application.

To date, 16,055 out of 17,683 potential households in the province were already energized. (JCV-PIA)

Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Malindang pass Asean assessment

By Lina D. Calvez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in the province of Bukidnon and Mt. Malindang in the province of Misamis Occidental garnered good ratings in the management effectiveness study of ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) conducted by Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) last year. 

The ACB has declared 30 protected areas in the Asean region as Heritage Parks and four of those are from the Philippines, including Iglit-Baco in Region 4 and Mt. Apo National Park in Region 11. 

In her report to DENR 10 Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan, Technical Director (RTD) Belen Daba of Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services said Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Malindang got 81 percent and 80 percent, respectively, in the study conducted by ACB of Asean Heritage Parks. 

The five leading AHPs in the ACB Assessment were the following: Taman Negara Pahang, Malaysia (93.3 percent); Kinabalu, Malaysia (89.4 percent); Khao Yai National Park, Thailand (87.2 percent); Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia (84.4 percent) and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore (82.7 percent). 

Mt. Kitanglad AHP ranked no. 6 and Mt. Malindang AHP, no. 7 in the management effectiveness study. The Iglit – Baco National Park garnered 72.2 percent effectiveness score. 

The assessment of AHPs was made to identify challenges and opportunities in general faced by these parks. It was also conducted to provide an updated condition and status of AHP management in Asean member-states. 

According to the Asean Centre for Biodiversity, AHPs are “Protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the Asean region.” 

It was gathered that there were six elements used to assess the management effectiveness of the AHPs. 

These comprise context, planning, input, implementation, output and impact. Context refers to the legal status of the protected area and planning includes management plan, zonation, maps, regulation and park design. 

Input involves human resources, equipment, infrastructures, budget and resources, among others. Implementation refers to boundary demarcation, maintenance of equipments, education and awareness program, involvement of local and indigenous people, monitoring and evaluation, activities related to tourism and visitors, training and collaboration with other institutions. Indicators under output include wildlife habitat and environment service, as well as prevention of AHPs from illegal extraction of natural resources. 

Impact refers on how the AHP could provide economic benefit to local people and how the current condition was compared to the time when AHP was gazette. 

The member states of Asean are Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. (LDC/RPAO-PIA)

4P beneficiaries get P18.5M seed capital

By Oliver Badel Inodeo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- A total of P18,523,000 seed capital from the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been released to 3,435 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino beneficiaries in Lanao del Norte province recently. 

These beneficiaries come from 181 Self-Employment Assistance sa Kaunlaran Areas (SKAs) in the province organized by Project Development Officers of SLP, in coordination with Pantawid Pamilya field workers. 

Under the livelihood program, beneficiaries are allowed to get loans ranging from P5,000 to P10,00 for their livelihood projects, Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, DSWD Field Office 10 Regional Director, said. 

These loans, which are community-based that do not bear any interest and do not need any collateral, are payable in one year so that others can also borrow under the same set of arrangements, Solamillo said. 

In Kapatagan town, the 57 SKAs with 1,035 members received P5,772,000 while the 41 SKAs with 865 members in Lala were granted P4,442,000. 

The Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of the interior municipalities ofNunungan, Salvador, and Sapad received P400,000; P1,330,000, and P875,000, respectively. 

Meanwhile, Sultan Naga Dimaporo town beneficiaries with 50 SKAs have P5,704,000 for their seed capital loan. 

These beneficiaries, according to their project proposal, will be engaging in different types of livelihood projects such as handicraft making, hog fattening, cooking, buy-and-sell, among others. 

The SKA members are all Pantawid Pamilya Set 1 grantees. 

Aside from the 4P beneficiaries, qualified to borrow are those listed in the National Housing Targeting System (NHTS), Solamillo added. 

To ensure the success of the SLP, a five-component program that starts with a partnership-building with the community, local government units have been developed by DSWD. 

Included in the process is the social preparation involving a Participatory Livelihood Issue Analysis and Value Chain Analysis, as well as Financial Literacy and Self-Awareness for the beneficiaries. 

Capacity-building, including a Business Development Service and three to five-day trainings for the beneficiaries follow, after which the funding for the Micro Finance Institutions (MFI) comes about. 

For sustainability of the program, DSWD-10 extends technical assistance and equips the beneficiaries with a management tool which the beneficiaries themselves implement. (Oliver Badel Inodeo/DSWD/RTP/PIA10) 

PDEA, PNP confiscate more than P8-M worth of illegal drugs

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The joint operations of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Northern Mindanao has resulted to the confiscation of P8,778,280.85-worth of illegal drugs particularly shabu and marijuana in 2012. 

Regional Director Emerson L. Margate of PDEA-10 has reported that this was made possible with joined efforts of other law enforcement agencies and local government units. 

PDEA and PNP arrested 552 persons the previous year. Also, there were 517 operations conducted including that of PDEA, PNP, and joint operations while 465 of cases were filed through the two agencies. 

The prevailing market value of dangerous drugs as of 2012 according to Margate includes shabu for P7,000 to P10,000 per gram, marijuana plants from P250 to P300 per piece and as low as P10 to P20 for marijuana stick. 

The Supply Reduction Program of PDEA also allows financial investigation through the AMLC or Anti-Money Laundering Act. An example is a suspect who had nine bank accounts and had a deposit of P4.5 million while another suspect had seven bank accounts worth P8.9 million, revealed the director. 

We also do interdictions through air and sea port and bus and jeepney terminals, said director Margate. And have grey hound operation on a monthly basis and unannounced mandatory drug testing, he added. 

The agency also conducted 314 lectures with 42, 141 participants last year. 

Achievements of PDEA include dismantling of 10 drug dens; conviction and sentence to life imprisonment and arrest of a number of pushers and suspects. (JMOR/PIA10)

P8M fund to “Rebuild CDO”

By Irene Joy Dayo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) built partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines Foundation Inc. (HFHP) in a “Rebuild CDO” livelihood program dubbed "Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan." The fund worth P8,150,000 will benefit 500 HFHP home partners in Phase III of Sitio Calaanan. 

The program Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan is designed to aid the recovery of 3,355 families affected by tropical storm Sendong, last 2011. The aid will be through assistance and trainings which will equip them with knowledge and skills needed in accessing and developing livelihood opportunities. 

“We likewise hope to promote the value of cooperativism among the families to help improve their economic condition and to foster a social cohesion that will help in the emotional healing of the community,” said Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gilda E. Pico. 

The program involves training in particular skills such as hollow block production, cookery or baking, transportation business, or grocery store management, among others. It also involves assistance in cooperative building, enterprise planning and development within the Habitat community. 

The Landbank Gawad Kabuhayan is a collaboration among HFHP and its partners, namely local NGOs, universities and the church, through funding from LBP. The program will also be extended to five more relocation sites that includes Calaanan II, Indahag I, Xavier Ecoville, and Taguanao. 

Present in the signing ceremony were LBP President and CEO Gilda E. Pico, SVP-Corporate Services Sector of LBP Julio D. Climaco, LBP AVP/Relations Officer Cesar Magallanes, FVP-Mindanao Branches Group of LBP Wesly C. Magyane, HFHP Chief Operating Officer Leonilo S. Escalada, HFHP Managing Director and CEO Charlito S. Ayco, and Mayor Vicente Emano of Cagayan de Oro City. 

The mayor, in his message, expressed his heartfelt thanks to LBP and HFHP for the help extended to the city and he wished them to continue in helping those who are in need. He also mentioned that city people should take care of the resources and benefits. 

“Ampingi kini ninyo kay kini dili para kanako, sa akong pulitika, kundi para sa inyo ug sa inyong mga anak, sa inyong kaugmaon,” the mayor said. (Take good care of the resources given, for this is not for me, for my place in politics but for you and for your children, and for your future, the mayor said.) 

He also wished and hoped for the beneficiaries’ bright future. (Irene Joy Dayo/PIA10)

Lanao del Norte hosts 23rd Girl Scout Regional Encampment

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, Feb. 12 -- The Lanao del Norte Girl Scout Council recently hosted the 23rd Girl Scout Western Mindanao Regional Encampment at the sprawling Mindanao Civic Center Sports Complex, Sagadan, Tubod on February 1 to 5. 

Close to 2,300 girl scouts attended the regional encampment, with 900 campers coming from the Lanao del Norte district. This was the most attended encampment in the region since 2009. 

Among the activities enjoyed by the participants were obstacles games, wallet accessory making, emergency preparedness, basic swimming and beauty care. 

The five-day event aims to empower the campers by discovering and enhancing their scouting skills. It also seeks to foster camaraderie and enable participants to appreciate and enjoy the out-of-door life. 

“We are very thankful to the Lanao del Norte GSP council for hosting this event and for the selfless contribution of the provincial government in making the encampment truly successful,” GSP Regional Executive Director Tita Alvarez said. 

The campers, troop leaders and other participants came from Basilan, Cotabato City, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Marawi City, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. 

“The National GSP Council is looking forward and is recommending Lanao del Norte to be the venue for the next national encampment as it has been the best venue and has the area capable of handling massive number of participants”, Alvarez added. (KHMJ/PIO-LDN/PIA10) 

MUST commemorates fourth founding anniversary

By Irene Joy Dayo

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The Mindanao University of Science and Technology (MUST) celebrated its four-day MUST Days last February 6-9. 

The event has the theme “Go forth on the fourth” in commemoration of MUST’s fourth year of universitihood. 

The celebration’s opening day started off with a parade and opening ceremonies in the university grounds. Following it was a lecture series from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) which disseminated information of university’s various researches and new Science and Technology educational trends. 

Unveiling of MUST exhibits and commercial fair that displays various ukay-ukay (used clothing) booths and food stalls also outset the opening day, together with the competition for MUST ADS in jingle and video and the MUST Short Film Festival. There were also game shows, music zone and interpretative dance drama competition. 

The following day there was a lecture series from College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) and College of Industrial and Information Technology (CIIT), the continuation of MUST exhibits and commercial fair display and the MUST short film festival, special Olympics and the MUST Next Top Model 2013. 

The third-day of merrymaking included Aero-dance marathon, continuation of MUST exhibits and commercial fair and the MUST short film festival, lecture series from the College of Policy Studies, Education and Management (CPSEM), and academic competitions like extemporaneous speech, oration, radio drama, short and sweet play and quiz bowl. 

There were also cultural competitions that include Kundiman, Sayawit, band competitions and instrument playing. Aside from those, Arts and Culture Night also happened where performances from Sanghimig Chorale, MUST Dance Troupe and Classical Ensemble were showcased. The second-to-the-last day of the celebration ended with Students Night and Mob dance competition. 

The final day kicked off with a motorcade that embarked early 6:30 a.m. at the Rodelsa Circle. It was followed in by Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at the university’s Audio Visual Room (AVR), and the launching of the Most Outstanding Alumni and MUST fun run. 

The final day of the celebration had MUST Got Talent - It’s Showtime, Gangnam dance competition, campus tour and Alumni band competition. 

An Alumni Night also built the camaraderie of the alumni. This is where former students even from the MUST’s former names gathered. They were students back in the time of Misamis Oriental Trade School (MOTS), Mindanao School of Arts and Trade (MSAT), Don Mariano Marcos Polytechnic State College (DMMMPSC), and Mindanao Polytechnic State College (MPSC). (Irene Joy Dayo/PIA10)